TAS-301 Blocks Receptor-Operated Calcium Influx and Inhibits Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation Induced by Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a recently synthesized durg, TAS-301 [3-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)methylene-2-indolinone], on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and the intracellular signal transduction pathways involved in VSMC proliferation. In an in vitro assay, TAS-301 inhibited the proliferation of rat VSMCs stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, basic fibroblast growth factor, or 2% fetal bovine serum in a concentration-dependent manner. TAS-301 dosedependently inhibited the PDGF-induced Ca²⁺ influx; the concentration for the inhibition of Ca²⁺ influx was nearly identical to that for inhibition of VSMC proliferation. The Ca²⁺ influx induced by PDGF was also attenuated by NiCl₂ but not by nifedipine, suggesting that PDGF-induced Ca²⁺ influx would be mediated by some non-voltage-dependent mechanisms. Furthermore, TAS-301 inhibited PDGF-induced activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-mediated induction of activator protein 1 (AP-1) in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings indicate that TAS-301 inhibited the proliferation of VSMCs by blocking voltage-independent Ca²⁺ influx and downstream signals such as the Ca²⁺/PKC signaling pathway, leading to AP-1 induction.