Altered prostanoid metabolism contributes to impaired angiogenesis in persistent pulmonary hypertension in a fetal lamb model

BACKGROUND: Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is associated with decreased lung angiogenesis and impaired pulmonary vasodilatation at birth. Prostanoids are important modulators of vascular tone and angiogenesis. We hypothesized that altered levels of prostacyclin (PGI(2)), a potent vasodilator, and thromboxane A(2)(TXA(2)), a vasoconstrictor, contribute to impaired angiogenesis of pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC) in PPHN. METHODS: PAEC were isolated from fetal lambs with PPHN induced by prenatal ductus arteriosus constriction or from sham operated controls. Expression and activity of PGI(2) synthase (PGIS) and TXA(2) synthase (TXAS), expression of cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 (COX-1 and COX-2), and the role of PGIS/TXAS alterations in angiogenesis were investigated in PAEC from PPHN and control lambs. RESULTS: PGIS protein and activity were decreased and PGIS protein tyrosine nitration was increased in PPHN PAEC. In contrast, TXAS protein and its stimulated activity were increased in PPHN PAEC. COX-1 and COX-2 proteins were decreased in PPHN PAEC. Addition of PGI(2) improved in vitro tube formation by PPHN PAEC, whereas indomethacin decreased tube formation by control PAEC. PGIS knockdown decreased the in vitro angiogenesis in control PAEC, whereas TXAS knockdown increased the in vitro angiogenesis in PPHN PAEC. CONCLUSION: Reciprocal alterations in PGI(2) and TXA(2) may contribute to impaired angiogenesis in PPHN.