Calcium Channels and Nifedipine Inhibition of Serotonin-Induced [3H]Thymidine Incorporation in Cultured Cerebral Smooth Muscle Cells

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Abstract
Cultures of smooth muscle cells were prepared from the basilar artery of adult guinea pigs. Passaged cultures (10–30 passages) that expressed serotonin receptors were studied using [3H]thymidine incorporation. When tested in quiescent medium, serotonin potently stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation (EC50 of 31 n M) by as much as 400% at 24 h. The number of cells was not significantly increased at 24 or 48 h. At concentrations of 10−8–10−5 M 5-HT, [3H]thymidine uptake was reduced 40–50% by the dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel blocker, nifedipine (1 μ M). To demonstrate a possible mechanism for the sensitivity to nifedipine, Ca2+ currents were measured using the whole cell patch clamp technique. The cells expressed dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type Ca2+ channels, but not other subtypes of Ca2+ channels, as indicated by the kinetic and voltage-dependent characteristics of the current and by the stimulatory effect of Bay K 8644. The magnitude of the Ca2+ currents was related exponentially to the membrane surface area, measured as cell capacitance. These data support the association of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels with mitogenesis in vascular smooth muscle, and suggest an alternate mechanism of action for the beneficial effect of dihydropyridines in prophylaxis of cerebral vasospasm.

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