α2-Adrenergic receptors increase cell migration and decrease F-actin labeling in rat aortic smooth muscle cells

Abstract

Vascular wound healing and such pathologies as atherosclerosis and restenosis are characterized by migration and proliferation of the smooth muscle cells of the media after denudation of the intima. To explore possible roles that α2-adrenergic receptors (α2-ARs) might have in these cellular responses, we characterized the α2-ARs present in explant-derived cultures of rat aortic smooth muscle (RASM) cells. The results of immunofluorescence microscopy and reverse transcription followed by the polymerase chain reaction indicated that all three α2-AR subtypes (α2A, α2B, and α2C) were initially present. Mitogen-activated protein kinase activity in the RASM cells was stimulated fivefold over basal by the α2-selective agonist dexmedetomidine (Dex) and was blocked by coincubation with the α2-selective antagonist rauwolscine (RW) or by preincubation of the cells with the Gi/Go-protein inhibitor pertussis toxin. α2-AR activation by Dex did not promote cell proliferation, as measured by the incorporation of [3H]thymidine. However, Dex significantly increased RASM cell migration, and antagonist blocked this effect. Incubation of RASM cells with Dex also produced a marked decrease in F-actin labeling, which again was prevented by coincubation with RW. The evidence clearly reveals the presence of functional α2-ARs in RASM cells. The involvement of α2-AR activation with cytoskeletal changes and cell migration is novel and indicates a potential role of these receptors in vascular wound healing and pathogenesis.