Cell membrane mediated (-)-epicatechin effects on upstream endothelial cell signaling: evidence for a surface receptor.

ABSTRACT: The consumption of cacao-derived products, particularly in the form of dark chocolate is known to provide beneficial cardiovascular effects in normal individuals and in those with vascular dysfunction (reduced nitric oxide [NO] bioavailability and/or synthesis). Upstream mechanisms by which flavonoids exert these effects are poorly understood and may involve the participation of cell membrane receptors. We previously demonstrated that the flavanol (-)-epicatechin (EPI) stimulates NO production via Ca(+2)-independent eNOS activation/phosphorylation. We wished to investigate the plausible participation of a cell surface receptor using a novel cell-membrane impermeable EPI-Dextran conjugate (EPI-Dx). Under Ca(2+)-free conditions, human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) were treated fo

SUBMITTER: Moreno-Ulloa A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4157920 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature