Photoactivatable substrates show diverse phenotypes of leader cells in collective migration when moving along different extracellular matrix proteins.

In cancer metastasis, collectively migrating clusters are discriminated into leader and follower cells that move through extracellular matrices (ECMs) with different characteristics. The impact of changes in ECM protein types on leader cells and migrating clusters is unknown. To address this, we investigated the response of leader cells and migrating clusters upon moving from one ECM protein to another using a photoactivatable substrate bearing photocleavable PEG (PCP), whose surface changes from protein-repellent to protein-adhesive in response to light.

Decreased serum osmolality promotes ductus arteriosus constriction.

Aims: At birth, dynamic changes occur in serum components and haemodynamics, such as closure of the ductus arteriosus (DA). A previous study demonstrated that, in full-term human neonates, serum osmolality decreased transiently after birth, but recovered over the next few days. However, the significance of this transient decrease in osmolality has never been addressed.

Thromboxane A(2) receptor stimulation promotes closure of the rat ductus arteriosus through enhancing neointima formation.

Ductus arteriosus (DA) closure follows constriction and remodeling of the entire vessel wall. Patent ductus arteriosus occurs when the DA does not close after birth, and this condition is currently treated using cyclooxygenase inhibitors. However, the efficacy of cyclooxygenase inhibitors is often limited.

Prostaglandin E2 inhibits elastogenesis in the ductus arteriosus via EP4 signaling.

Background: Elastic fiber formation begins in mid-gestation and increases dramatically during the last trimester in the great arteries, providing elasticity and thus preventing vascular wall structure collapse. However, the ductus arteriosus (DA), a fetal bypass artery between the aorta and pulmonary artery, exhibits lower levels of elastic fiber formation, which promotes vascular collapse and subsequent closure of the DA after birth. The molecular mechanisms for this inhibited elastogenesis in the DA, which is necessary for the establishment of adult circulation, remain largely unknown.

Low-dose thromboxane A2 receptor stimulation promotes closure of the rat ductus arteriosus with minimal adverse effects.

Background: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common life-threatening complication among premature infants. Although cyclooxygenase inhibitors are frequently used to treat PDA, as they inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandin E(2), the most potent vasodilator in the ductus arteriosus (DA), their efficacy is often limited. As thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) induces vascular contraction via the TXA(2) receptor (TP), we hypothesized that TP stimulation would promote DA closure.

Differential regulation of vascular tone and remodeling via stimulation of type 2 and type 6 adenylyl cyclases in the ductus arteriosus.

Rationale: Prostaglandin (PG)E(2), which increases intracellular cAMP via activation of adenylyl cyclases (ACs), induces vasodilation and hyaluronan-mediated intimal thickening (IT) in the ductus arteriosus (DA) during late gestation. After birth, however, differential regulation of vasodilation and IT is preferable for treatment of patients with patent DA and DA-dependent congenital cardiac malformations.

Objective: Our objectives were to examine whether AC isoforms play differential roles in DA vasodilation and IT.