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Mechanisms of Vascular Endothelial Cell Plasma Membrane Activation Following Acute Exposure to Trauma Factors
Cleary, Jade
Cleary, Jade
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Abstract
Histone proteins, normally associated with chromatin structure, are released into the bloodstream following traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Increased circulating histone concentrations in TBI patients are correlated with endothelial cell changes, neuroinflammation, and worse clinical outcomes. The mechanisms of histone-induced endothelial damage are not well understood, which limits the development of neuroprotective treatments. Here, we tested the hypothesis that histones cause calcium-dependent alterations in the endothelial cell membrane. Live cell video microscopy was used to track a fluorescent membrane dye during exposure of endothelial cells to extracellular histones. Histone exposure induced signs of retraction, membrane thickening, and blebbing that peaked approximately 40 minutes. Notably, membrane changes only became apparent approximately 20 minutes after histone exposure, later than the calcium oscillations produced by histones, which begin within 1-2 minutes. These changes were exacerbated in the absence of extracellular calcium and were completely blocked in the presence of the non-specific cation channel blocker Gadolinium (Gd3+). These studies provide novel evidence that native cation channels or newly inserted pores may participate in the production of histone-induced endothelial membrane permeability. Identification of these membrane-altering mechanisms may provide targets to prevent cerebrovascular inflammation after trauma, which could help improve brain injury outcomes.
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2023-01-01