Abstract

We investigated the effects of new vasopeptides inhibitor BMS189921 on PI3-kinase (PI-K) protein expression in rat male and female vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

VSMCs were prepared from male and female rats and treated for 15 and 30 min, with 5,10,20 and 100 μM of BMS189921 (Bristol-Mayer Squibb Company). PI3-K protein expression was measured by immunoblot analysis.

BMS induced PI3-K protein expression at all doses and either times in female VSMCS. The maximum effect of BMS in female VSMCs on PI3-kinase protein expression was detected at a dose of 5 μM, 15 min after treatment. This increase was 10.2 - fold compared to control values.

In contrast exposure of male VSMCs to BMS for 15 min and 30 min did not significantly increase PI3-kinase protein expression.

These results indicate that vasopeptide inhibition by BMS189921, in VSMCs activate the PI3-kinase signaling pathway. As PI3-Kinase activation promotes nitric oxide production, this pathway may mediate vasorelaxation of BMS 189921 in female VSMCs.

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