Oxyhemoglobin-induced cytotoxicity and arachidonic acid release in cultured bovine endothelial cells.

An impairment of endothelial function is associated with vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Oxyhemoglobin is considered to be a critical trigger in the pathogenesis of vasospasm. The present studies examined the direct effects of oxyhemoglobin on cultured endothelial cells from bovine carotid artery.Confluent endothelial cells were treated with oxyhemoglobin, and the following were studied: 1) cell morphology, 2) cell density, and 3) the release of radiolabel from [3H]arachidonic acid-treated cells.Endothelial cells exposed to oxyhemoglobin exhibited detachment vacuoles, and cell density was significantly decreased in time- and dose-dependent manners. Superoxide dismutase, a free radical scavenger, provided partial protection against the cytotoxic effects of oxyhemoglobin. The release of radiolabel from [3H]arachidonic acid-treated cells was increased by oxyhemoglobin in time- and dose-dependent manners. Treatment with an inhibitor of phospholipase A2 or a calcium chelator inhibited the effects of oxyhemoglobin on arachidonic acid release and cellular viability.Oxyhemoglobin exerts a direct cytotoxic effect on cultured endothelial cells, and this effect is associated with increased release from [3H]arachidonic acid-labeled cells. Phospholipase A2 and free radicals appear to participate in the pathogenesis of endothelial cell damage. Oxyhemoglobin-induced compromise of endothelial cells may contribute to cerebrovascular pathology.