6533b85efe1ef96bd12c069f

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Superoxide Flux in Endothelial Cells via the Chloride Channel-3 Mediates Intracellular Signaling

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description

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in both cell signaling and pathology. A major source of ROS in endothelial cells is NADPH oxidase, which generates superoxide (O2.−) on the extracellular side of the plasma membrane but can result in intracellular signaling. To study possible transmembrane flux of O2.−, pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells were preloaded with the O2.−-sensitive fluorophore hydroethidine (HE). Application of an extracellular bolus of O2.−resulted in rapid and concentration-dependent transient HE oxidation that was followed by a progressive and nonreversible increase in nuclear HE fluorescence. These fluorescence changes were inhibited by superoxide dismutase (SOD), the anion channel blocker DIDS, and selective silencing of the chloride channel-3 (ClC-3) by treatment with siRNA. Extracellular O2.−triggered Ca2+release in turn triggered mitochondrial membrane potential alterations that were followed by mitochondrial O2.−production and cellular apoptosis. These “signaling” effects of O2.−were prevented by DIDS treatment, by depletion of intracellular Ca2+stores with thapsigargin and by chelation of intracellular Ca2+. This study demonstrates that O2.−flux across the endothelial cell plasma membrane occurs through ClC-3 channels and induces intracellular Ca2+release, which activates mitochondrial O2.−generation.