Helium alters the cytoskeleton and decreases permeability in endothelial cells cultured in vitro through a pathway involving Caveolin-1.

Caveolins are involved in anaesthetic-induced cardioprotection. Actin filaments are located in close connection to Caveolins in the plasma membrane. We hypothesised that helium might affect the cytoskeleton and induce secretion of Caveolin. HCAEC, HUVEC and Cav-1 siRNA transfected HUVEC were exposed for 20 minutes to either helium (5% CO2, 25% O2, 70% He) or control gas (5% CO2, 25% O2, 70% N2). Cells and supernatants were collected for infrared Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining, nanoparticle tracking analysis and permeability measurements. Helium treatment increased the cortical localisation of F-actin fibers in HUVEC. After 6 hours, helium decreased cellular Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) levels and increased Cav-1 levels in the supernatant. Cell permeability was decreased 6 and 12 hours after helium treatment, and increased levels of Vascular Endothelial - Cadherin (VE-Cadherin) and Connexin 43 (Cx43) were observed. Transfection with Cav-1 siRNA abolished the effects of helium treatment on VE-Cadherin, Cx43 levels and permeability. Supernatant obtained after helium treatment reduced cellular permeability in remote HUVEC, indicating that increased levels of Cav-1 are responsible for the observed alterations. These findings suggest that Cav-1 is secreted after helium exposure in vitro, altering the cytoskeleton and increasing VE-Cadherin and Cx43 expression resulting in decreased permeability in HUVEC.