In this study, we explored the complex interactions between platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and their effect on the excessive proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells leading to obstructed arteries in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We report lower expression of glutamate receptor NMDA-type subunit 2B (GluN2B), a subunit composing NMDARs expected to affect cell survival/proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), in PAH patient lungs. PASMC exposure to PDGF-BB stimulated immediate increased levels of phosphorylated Src family kinases (SFKs) together with increased phosphorylated GluN2B (its active form) and cell surface relocalization, suggesting a cross talk between PDGFR-recruited SFKs and NMDAR. Selective inhibition of PDGFR-β or SFKs with imatinib or A-419259, respectively, on one hand, or with specific small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) on the other hand, aborted PDGF-induced phosphorylation of GluN2B, thus validating the pathway. Selective inhibition of GluN2B using Rö25-6981 and silencing with specific siRNA, in the presence of PDGF-BB, significantly increased both migration and proliferation of PASMCs, thus strengthening the functional importance of the pathway. Together, these results indicate that GluN2B-type NMDAR activation may confer to PASMCs antiproliferative and antimigratory properties. The decreased levels of GluN2B observed in PAH pulmonary arteries could mediate the excessive proliferation of PASMCs, thus contributing to medial hyperplasia and PAH development.
Keywords: -methyl--aspartate receptor; Src family kinases; platelet-derived growth factor; pulmonary arterial hypertension; pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell.