Transforming growth factor-β regulates endothelin-1 signaling in the newborn mouse lung during hypoxia exposure

Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2012 May 1;302(9):L857-65. doi: 10.1152/ajplung.00258.2011. Epub 2012 Jan 27.

Abstract

We have previously shown that inhibition of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling attenuates hypoxia-induced inhibition of alveolar development and abnormal pulmonary vascular remodeling in the newborn mice and that endothelin-A receptor (ETAR) antagonists prevent and reverse the vascular remodeling. The current study tested the hypothesis that inhibition of TGF-β signaling attenuates endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression and thereby reduces effects of hypoxia on the newborn lung. C57BL/6 mice were exposed from birth to 2 wk of age to either air or hypoxia (12% O(2)) while being given either BQ610 (ETAR antagonist), BQ788 (ETBR antagonist), 1D11 (TGF-β neutralizing antibody), or vehicle. Lung function and development and TGF-β and ET-1 synthesis were assessed. Hypoxia inhibited alveolar development, decreased lung compliance, and increased lung resistance. These effects were associated with increased TGF-β synthesis and signaling and increased ET-1 synthesis. BQ610 (but not BQ788) improved lung function, without altering alveolar development or increased TGF-β signaling in hypoxia-exposed animals. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling reduced ET-1 in vivo, which was confirmed in vitro in mouse pulmonary endothelial, fibroblast, and epithelial cells. ETAR blockade improves function but not development of the hypoxic newborn lung. Reduction of ET-1 via inhibition of TGF-β signaling indicates that TGF-β is upstream of ET-1 during hypoxia-induced signaling in the newborn lung.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Endothelin A Receptor Antagonists
  • Endothelin B Receptor Antagonists
  • Endothelin-1 / genetics
  • Endothelin-1 / metabolism
  • Endothelin-1 / physiology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / cytology
  • Gene Expression
  • Hypoxia / metabolism*
  • Lung / growth & development
  • Lung / metabolism
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung / physiopathology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Oligopeptides / pharmacology
  • Piperidines / pharmacology
  • Receptor, Endothelin A / metabolism
  • Receptor, Endothelin B / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology*

Substances

  • Endothelin A Receptor Antagonists
  • Endothelin B Receptor Antagonists
  • Endothelin-1
  • Oligopeptides
  • Piperidines
  • Receptor, Endothelin A
  • Receptor, Endothelin B
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • BQ 610
  • BQ 788