Low density lipoprotein induces upregulation of vasoconstrictive endothelin type B receptor expression

Vasoconstrictive endothelin type B (ET(B)) receptors promote vasospasm and ischemic cerebro- and cardiovascular diseases. The present study was designed to examine if low density lipoprotein (LDL) induces upregulation of vasoconstrictive ET(B) receptor expression and if extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathways are involved in this process. Rat mesenteric artery segments were organ cultured in the presence and absence of LDL with or without inhibitors for MAPK kinase 1 and 2 (MEK1/2), p38 and transcription. The upregulation of vasoconstrictive ET(B) receptor expression was studied using a sensitive myograph, real-time PCR and Western blot. LDL (11, 22 and 44 mg protein/L) concentration-dependently induced upregulation of vasoconstrictive ETB receptor expression with increase in the receptor-mediated vasoconstriction, elevated levels of the ET(B) receptor mRNA and protein expressions, and activation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK. Blockage of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signal pathways using MEK1/2 inhibitors (PD98059 and U0126) or p38 inhibitors (SB203580 and SB239063) significantly abolished the LDL-induced upregulation of vasoconstrictive ET(B) receptor expression. Actinomycin D (general transcriptional inhibitor) almost completely inhibited the LDL effects. In conclusion, LDL induces upregulation of vasoconstrictive ET(B) receptor expression through activation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signal pathway-dependent transcriptional mechanisms.