Molecular determinants of the profibrogenic effects of endothelin-1 in pancreatic stellate cells.

aimTo gain molecular insights into the expression and functions of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in pancreatic stellate cells (PSC).

methodsPSCs were isolated from rat pancreas tissue, cultured, and stimulated with ET-1 or other extracellular mediators. Cell proliferation was assessed by measuring the incorporation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine into DNA and cell migration was studied in a transwell chamber assay. Gene expression at the level of mRNA was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Expression and phosphorylation of proteins were monitored by immunoblotting, applying an infrared imaging technology. ET-1 levels in cell culture supernatants were determined by an enzyme immunometric assay. To study DNA binding of individual transcription factors, electrophoretic mobility shift assays were performed.

resultsAmong several mediators tested, transforming growth factor-beta1 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha displayed the strongest stimulatory effects on ET-1 secretion. The cytokines induced binding of Smad3 and NF-kappaB, respectively, to oligonucleotides derived from the ET-1 promoter, implicating both transcription factors in the induction of ET-1 gene expression. In accordance with previous studies, ET-1 was found to stimulate migration but not proliferation of PSC. Stimulation of ET-1 receptors led to the activation of two distinct mitogen-activated protein kinases, p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)1/2, as well as the transcription factor activator protein-1. At the mRNA level, enhanced expression of the PSC activation marker, alpha-smooth muscle actin and two proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6, was observed.

conclusionThis study provides novel lines of evidence for profibrogenic and proinflammatory actions of ET-1 in the pancreas, encouraging further studies with ET-1 inhibitors in chronic pancreatitis.