Increases in endothelial cyclic AMP levels amplify agonist-induced formation of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF)

The interaction between intracellular cyclic AMP and agonist-induced endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) (NO) formation was investigated in pig aortic endothelial cells. Three potent stimulators of adenylate cyclase, namely forskolin, adenosine and isoprenaline, amplified bradykinin- and ATP-induced biosynthesis and release of EDRF. None of the substances by itself affected basal EDRF formation. The effects of forskolin, adenosine and isoprenaline corresponded to an enhanced agonist-induced rise in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), were mimicked by the membrane-permeable cyclic AMP analogue dibutyryl cyclic AMP and were antagonized by the protein kinase inhibitor N-[2-(methylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulphonamide dihydrochloride (H-8). Our data suggest that cyclic AMP-dependent phosphorylation modulates Ca(2+)-signalling and thus the function of endothelial cells. This mechanism may be of particular physiological importance, since it allows a joint regulation of endothelial functions by tissues factors such as bradykinin, which directly affects [Ca2+]i and agonists which affect intracellular cyclic AMP levels.