Oestrogen receptor alpha in pulmonary hypertension

Wright, A. F., Ewart, M.-A., Mair, K., Nilsen, M., Dempsie, Y., Loughlin, L. and MacLean, M. R. (2015) Oestrogen receptor alpha in pulmonary hypertension. Cardiovascular Research, 106(2), pp. 206-216. (doi: 10.1093/cvr/cvv106) (PMID:25765937) (PMCID:PMC4615797)

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Abstract

Aims Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) occurs more frequently in women with mutations in bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 (BMPR2) and dysfunctional BMPR2 signalling underpinning heritable PAH. We have previously shown that serotonin can uncover a pulmonary hypertensive phenotype in BMPR2+/− mice and that oestrogen can increase serotinergic signalling in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs). Hence, here we wished to characterize the expression of oestrogen receptors (ERs) in male and female human pulmonary arteries and have examined the influence of oestrogen and serotonin on BMPR2 and ERα expression.

Methods and results: By immunohistochemistry, we showed that ERα, ERβ, and G-protein-coupled receptors are expressed in human pulmonary arteries localizing mainly to the smooth muscle layer which also expresses the serotonin transporter (SERT). Protein expression of ERα protein was higher in female PAH patient hPASMCs compared with male and serotonin also increased the expression of ERα. 17β-estradiol induced proliferation of hPASMCs via ERα activation and this engaged mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt signalling. Female mice over-expressing SERT (SERT+ mice) develop PH and the ERα antagonist MPP attenuated the development of PH in normoxic and hypoxic female SERT+ mice. The therapeutic effects of MPP were accompanied by increased expression of BMPR2 in mouse lung.

Conclusion: ERα is highly expressed in female hPASMCs from PAH patients and mediates oestrogen-induced proliferation of hPASMCs via mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt signalling. Serotonin can increase ERα expression in hPASMCs and antagonism of ERα reverses serotonin-dependent PH in the mouse and increases BMPR2 expression.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:MacLean, Professor Margaret and Loughlin, Mrs Lynn and Nilsen, Mrs Margaret and Ewart, Dr Marie-Ann and Mair, Dr Kirsty
Authors: Wright, A. F., Ewart, M.-A., Mair, K., Nilsen, M., Dempsie, Y., Loughlin, L., and MacLean, M. R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
Journal Name:Cardiovascular Research
Journal Abbr.:Cardiovasc Res
Publisher:Oxford University Press
ISSN:0008-6363
ISSN (Online):1755-3245
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2015 The Authors
First Published:First published in Cardiovascular Research 106(2):206-216
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
573731Gender and the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension: regulation of genes from mouse to manMargaret MacLeanBritish Heart Foundation (BHF)RG/11/7/28916RI CARDIOVASCULAR & MEDICAL SCIENCES
573733Gender and the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension: regulation of genes from mouse to manMargaret MacLeanBritish Heart Foundation (BHF)RG/11/7/28916RI CARDIOVASCULAR & MEDICAL SCIENCES