Prevention of reactive oxygen-induced endothelial cell injury by blocking its process.

Endothelial cell (EC) injury induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) was investigated and effects of Ca(2+) channel blockers, agents which elevate intracellular cAMP levels (cAMP), and protein kinase inhibitors on H(2)O(2)-induced EC injury were analyzed using human umbilical vein EC cultures. Exposure to H(2)O(2) increased intracellular Ca(2+) levels and decreased cAMP. Ca(2+) channel blockers, cAMP-elevating agents, and protein kinase inhibitors significantly inhibited H(2)O(2)-induced EC injury. Data suggest that H(2)O(2)-induced EC injury is mediated by extracellular Ca(2+) influx, intracellular cAMP efflux, and intracellular signaling, each of which is blocked by Ca(2+) channel blockers, cAMP-elevating agents, or protein kinase inhibitors. It is suggested that ischemia/reperfusion injury induced by ROS may be prevented by Ca(2+) channel blockers, cAMP-elevating agents, and protein kinase inhibitors.