[Effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha on proliferation and intracellular free calcium concentration in endothelium of human umbilical vein endothelial cells].

OBJECTIVE

To Observe the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on cell proliferation and Intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in endothelium of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and investigate the pathogenesis of pregnancy induced hypertension syndrome (PIH).

METHODS

Confluent monolayer of HUVEC was directly incubated with TNF-alpha at following final concentrations: 500, 1,000, 2,000 U/ml for 24 hours. The percentages of different cellcycles and [Ca2+]i were measured by flow cytometry and fluorospectrophotmetry.

RESULTS

Incubated with TNF-alpha, the endothelial cells were elongated and transformed into fibroblast-like cells. Border of nucleus was sharp, clarity, and cells were in regular shape. But there were abnormal granules in cytoplasma and some cells detached at the concentrotion of 2,000 U/ml of TNF-alpha. Stimulated by TNF-alpha, the percentage of cellcycles from phase G0 + G1 to S and G2 + M decreased significantly and it was dose-dependent [Ca2+]i increased significantly and dose-dependent as well.

CONCLUSION

TNF-alpha may injure endothelium directly and inhibit its proliferation and repair through the changes of [Ca2+]i level. It may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PIH.