Neurotransmitter noradrenaline downregulate cytoskeletal protein expression of VSMCs

ObjectiveThis study investigates the effects of noradrenaline (NA) on cytoskeletal protein expression of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).MethodsVSMCs were isolated from rat aortic tissue and cultured. The cultured VSMCs were divided into 4 experimental groups: (1) control group, (2) NA treatment group, (3) starvation group, and (4) NA treatment + starvation group. The expression of cytoskeletal protein (smooth muscle α-actin, β-tubulin and desmin) was evaluated by (i) Coomassie blue staining, (ii) immunofluorescent staining, and (iii) RT-PCR and Western Blot.ResultsNA treatment significantly downregulated the expression of SM α-actin, β-tubulin and desmin (P < 0.05). The serum starvation did not affect the expression of cytoskeletal protein (SM α-actin, β-tubulin and desmin), but when the cells were treated with the combination of NA and serum starvation, the expression of SM α-actin, β-tubulin and desmin were down-regulated than those of the serum starvation group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThese results suggested that NA might play a key role in regulating the cytoskeletal protein expression of VSMCs.