Cytosolic [Ca2+] measurements in endothelium of rabbit cardiac valves using imaging fluorescence microscopy

RIS ID

106148

Publication Details

Laskey, R. E., Adams, D. J. & Van Breemen, C. (1994). Cytosolic [Ca2+] measurements in endothelium of rabbit cardiac valves using imaging fluorescence microscopy. American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 266 (5), H2130-H2135.

Abstract

Cytosolic Ca2+ plays a critical role in the secretion of endothelium- derived factors. A new preparation that allows fluorescence imaging of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+](i)) in endothelial cells of rabbit cardiac valves is described. Electron micrographs of the valves revealed no underlying smooth muscle cells that might influence endothelial cell responses or contribute to [Ca2+](i) signaling. The valve leaflets, which were <100 μm in diameter, were visualized using a specially designed chamber and a long working distance fluorescence objective. The semilunar valves (pulmonary and aortic) responded to endothelium-dependent vasodilators, including acetylcholine, with an increase in [Ca2+](i). Synchronized [Ca2+](i) transients were observed in the endothelial monolayer in response to agonist stimulation in K+-free solutions. The ability to monitor changes in [Ca2+](i) in a native endothelial monolayer provides a more realistic assessment of stimulus-response coupling within individual cells and communication between cells of native endothelium. In addition, this preparation affords an opportunity for comparative studies of endothelium-related pathophysiologies, which can be induced experimentally in animal models.

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