Reactive oxygen species mediate alpha-adrenergic receptor-stimulated hypertrophy in adult rat ventricular myocytes

Norepinephrine (NE) causes hypertrophic growth of cardiac myocytes via stimulation of alpha1-adrenergic receptors (alpha1-AR). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can act as signaling molecules for cell growth. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that ROS mediate alpha1-AR-stimulated hypertrophic growth in adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVM). NE increased the level of intracellular ROS as assessed by lucigenin chemiluminescence or cytochrome c reduction, and this effect was prevented by the superoxide dismutase (SOD)-mimetic MnTMPyP. NE also caused the induction of MnSOD mRNA. alpha1-AR stimulation with NE (1 microM) in the presence of propranolol (2 microM) for 48-96 h caused a hypertrophic growth phenotype characterized by a 36+/-3% increase in 3H-leucine incorporation, a 49+/-14% increase in protein accumulation, a six-fold induction of atrial natriuretic peptide mRNA, actin filament reorganization, and the induction of MnSOD mRNA. These responses were all prevented by pretreatment with the alpha1-AR-selective antagonist prazosin (100 n M) or the SOD-mimetics MnTMPyP (50 microM) and Euk-8 (100 microM). MnTMPyP had no effect on alpha1-AR-stimulated 3H-inositol phosphate turnover or the hypertrophic phenotype caused by the protein kinase C activator phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate. Thus, ROS play a critical role in mediating the hypertrophic growth response to alpha1-AR-stimulation in ARVM.

Role of alpha-1-adrenergic receptors in the regulation of corticotropin-releasing hormone mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus during stress

1. The role of alpha1-adrenergic receptors on CRH mRNA levels in the PVN was studied in control and stressed rats receiving i.c.v. injections of the alpha1-adrenergic agonist, methoxamine, or the alpha1- antagonist, prazosin. 2. Plasma ACTH increased significantly 60 min and 4 hr after a single injection of methoxamine (100 microg, i.c.v.). No desensitization of this response was observed after repeated injections every 6 hr for 24 hr. Concomitantly, POMC mRNA in the anterior pituitary increased by 25% at 4 hr after a single injection and by 96% after repeated injections. 3. CRH mRNA levels in the PVN increased by 131% after repeated injections for 24 hr, but were unchanged 4 hr after a single injection. Central alpha-adrenergic blockade with prazosin did not prevent the increases in CRH mRNA following 4 hr of acute stress, but significantly reduced the increases observed 24 hr after an i.c.v. injection of 75 microg of colchicine or after repeated i.p. hypertonic saline injections every 8 hr. 4. These studies demonstrate that while alpha1-adrenergic receptors contribute to longterm increases of CRH mRNA levels in the PVN during prolonged stress, other factors are likely to be involved in the stimulation of CRH mRNA following acute stimulation.

Cyclosporine enhances alpha1-adrenoceptor-mediated nitric oxide production in C6 glioma cells

The present study was aimed at elucidating the effect of cyclosporine on phenylephrine-evoked nitric oxide (NO) production in C6 glioma cells using direct electrochemical NO monitoring. Phenylephrine (0.1-10 microM) dose-dependently stimulated NO production (0.8-12.9 microM) and this was blocked by NO synthase inhibitor, prazosin, Ca2+-depletion and Xestospongin C (a blocker of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor), suggesting that the alpha1-adrenoceptor signaling pathway mediates NO production in C6 cells. Cyclosporine (approximately 10 microM) failed to evoke NO production but increased phenylephrine-evoked NO production by 20-120% of phenylephrine alone in a dose-dependent manner (1-5 microM). Xestospongin C, at a concentration which showed no effect on phenylephrine-induced NO production, significantly inhibited the cyclosporine-enhanced phenylephrine response. This finding suggests that cyclosporine may increase phenylephrine-induced NO production by accelerating IP3 receptor function in the alpha1-adrenoceptor signaling pathway in C6 cells. This enhanced NO production in glial cells may be operative for the occurrence of cyclosporine neurotoxicity including convulsions and encephalopathy.

Role of spinal alpha(1)-adrenergic mechanisms in the control of lower urinary tract in the rat

The role of spinal alpha(1)-adrenergic mechanisms in the control of urinary bladder function was examined in urethane (1.2 g/kg s.c.) anesthetized and decerebrate unanesthetized female Sprague-Dawley rats (250-320 g). Bladder activity was recorded via a transurethral catheter during continuous infusion (0.21 ml/min) cystometrograms or under isovolumetric conditions. All drugs were administered intrathecally at the L(6)-S(1) segmental level of spinal cord. During cystometrograms, 3 or 30 nmol of phenylephrine (alpha(1)-adrenergic agonist) did not alter bladder activity; whereas 300 nmol increased the intercontraction interval by 98% and pressure threshold for inducing micturition by 115%, but did not change bladder contraction amplitude. A large dose of phenylephrine (3000 nmol) completely blocked reflex voiding and induced overflow incontinence at a high baseline pressure (mean: 33 cmH(2)O; range: 28-42 cmH(2)O). Under isovolumetric conditions, 3-30 nmol of phenylephrine abolished bladder activity for 22-45 min; whereas smaller doses (0.003-0.3 nmol) were inactive. Doxazosin (50 nmol), an alpha(1)-adrenergic antagonist, decreased intercontraction intervals but did not change bladder contraction amplitude during cystometrograms. Under isovolumetric conditions this dose of doxazosin increased bladder contraction frequency and decreased bladder contraction amplitude. Smaller doses (5 or 25 nmol) of doxazosin did not alter bladder activity. These studies suggest that two types of spinal alpha(1)-adrenergic mechanisms are involved in reflex bladder activity: (1) inhibitory control of the frequency of voiding reflexes presumably by regulating afferent processing in the spinal cord and (2) facilitatory modulation of the descending limb of the micturition reflex pathway.

Effect of temperature on responses of dog isolated lingual and mesenteric arteries to vasoactive substances

1. The effects of temperature on submaximal vasoconstriction to an intraluminal administration of noradrenaline (NA), phenylephrine, tyramine and KCl were investigated in canine isolated and perfused lingual and mesenteric arteries, using the cannula-inserting method. 2. In lingual arteries, cooling (from 37 to 27 degrees C) caused significant depression of vasoconstriction to the four vasoactive substances used. Rewarming (to 37 degrees C) induced a significant augmentation of constriction by NA, phenylephrine and KCl, but not tyramine. 3. In mesenteric arteries, cooling depressed tyramine- and KCl-induced constrictions, but had no effect on NA- and phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction. Only in the case of KCl-induced constrictions did rewarming induce a potentiation of the vasoconstrictor response. 4. We conclude that: (i) cooling induces a depression of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and rewarming may induce a potentiation of Ca2+ channels in both arteries; (ii) alpha1-adrenoceptor-operated Ca2+ channels are depressed by cooling in lingual arteries but not in mesenteric arteries; and (iii) cooling may induce an attenuation of the re-uptake function in sympathetic nerve terminals in both arteries and this attenuation may be not rapidly restored by acute rewarming.

Periarterial electrical nerve stimulation-induced adrenergic vasoconstriction inhibited by adrenergic alpha1B-receptor blockade but not by alpha1A-blockade

The periarterial electrical nerve stimulation at a frequency of 4 Hz (30-s trains of pulses) induced a double-peaked vasoconstriction in the canine splenic artery. The treatment with chloroethylclonidine (CEC, 60 microM) markedly inhibited the second-peaked constriction, whereas it produced an insignificant effect on the first-peaked response. The vasoconstriction to noradrenaline (NA, 1 nmol) was not significantly influenced by 60 microM CEC. On the other hand, WB 4101 (1 microM) consistently abolished the vascular response induced by NA (1 nmol), but rather potentiated the double-peaked constriction. The results indicate that neuronal NA may junctionally exert its vasoconstrictor effect via an activation of postjunctional alpha1B-receptors, whereas exogenous NA may extrajunctionally activate alpha1A-receptors for its vascular action in the canine splenic artery.

Pharmacological characteristics of inhibitory action of the selective alpha1-antagonist JTH-601 on the positive inotropic effect mediated by alpha1-adrenoceptors in isolated rabbit papillary muscle

Influence of JTH-601 [N-(3-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2,4,5-trimethylbenzyl)-N-methyl-2-(4-hydroxy-2-isopropyl-5-methylphenoxy)ethylamine hemifumarate], a selective alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist, on alpha1-mediated positive inotropic effect (PIE) was studied in isolated rabbit papillary muscle (1 Hz at 37 degrees C). JTH-601 (0.1-10 microM) shifted the concentration-response curve (CRC) for PIE of phenylephrine mediated by alpha1-adrenoceptor (with timolol at 1 microM) to the right and downward. In the presence of 100 nM WB 4101, an alpha1A antagonist, the shift to the right disappeared and JTH-601 (1-3 microM) shifted CRC for phenylephrine downward. The antagonistic action of JTH-601 was unchanged by 100 nM (+)-niguldipine, another alpha1A antagonist. Following pretreatment with 10 microM chloroethylclonidine, an alpha1B antagonist, the shift of CRC for phenylephrine to the right disappeared and JTH-601 (3-10 microM) shifted CRC downward. Antagonistic action of JTH-601 (3 microM) was unaltered by 100 nM BMY 7378, an alpha1D antagonist. JTH-601 (10 microM) had no effect on beta-mediated PIE of isoproterenol. These results indicate that JTH-601 exerts an inhibitory action on alpha1-mediated PIE through antagonism of alpha1A- and/or alpha1B-adrenoceptors in rabbit ventricular myocardium. As an alpha1 antagonist, JTH-601 is much less potent in rabbit ventricular muscle than in smooth muscle.

Synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of novel N-substituted 1-amino-3-[1-methyl(phenyl)-1H-indazol-4-yloxy]-propan-2-ols interesting as potential antiarrhythmic, local anaesthetic and analgesic agents

A series of indazoloxypropanolamines 7 and 8, pindolol isosteres, were synthesized to extend the structure activity relationship (SAR) which was observed in an earlier series of related derivatives. Compounds 7, characterized by methyl substitution on the N-1 indazole nucleus, generally exhibited significant antiarrhythmic, local anaesthetic and analgesic activities. The preliminary radioligand binding assay highlighted, in compounds 7, an interesting beta 1-affinity which can be well correlated to their antiarrhyhtmic activity. Analogues 8 characterized by a phenyl group on the N-1 indazole nucleus, were generally less active as antiarrhyhtmic agents but generally interesting as local anaesthetics. Due to the importance of the indazole moiety as a carrier of antiphlogistic activity, the two classes of derivatives 7 and 8 were evaluated for their NSAID behaviour. Once again, compounds 7 resulted having more interesting analgesic and antipyretic effects than analogues 8.

Involvement of adrenergic and cholinergic systems in nicotine-induced anxiogenesis in mice

In the present study, the effect of alpha-adrenoceptor agents on response to nicotine in an anxiety model (elevated plus-maze) in mice was investigated. Administered nicotine reduced indices of anti-anxiety behaviour (percent open-arm time (%open-arm time) and percent open-arm entries (%open-arm entry)) and increased indices of anxiety behaviour (protected stretched attention posture and percent of protected head dipping (%protected dipping)), indicating that nicotine elicits an anxiogenic response. This response to the drug was obtained 7 min but not 30 min after drug injection and with doses of 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg. Nicotinic receptor antagonists mecamylamine (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) and hexamethonium (5 and 10 mg/kg) reduced the response induced by nicotine (0.25 mg/kg). Mecamylamine (1 mg/kg; decreased %open-arm entry and increased protected stretched attention posture) and hexamethonium (10 mg/kg; decreased %open-arm time) showed an anxiogenic-like profile. A muscarinic receptor antagonist, atropine (2.5 and 5 mg/kg), did not alter the nicotine response but elicited an anxiogenic effect by itself. The alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg), but not the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine (4 and 6 mg/kg), reversed the nicotine effect. Single administration of phenylephrine (6 mg/kg) increased %open-arm time, while prazosin did not alter the anxiety behaviour. The alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine (0.001 and 0.01 mg/kg), induced complete immobility when administered in combination with nicotine. However, an alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine (0.5 and 1 mg/kg), appeared to reverse the nicotine response, but did not show interaction with nicotine's effect. Clonidine did not elicit any effect, but yohimbine (1 mg/kg) increased %open-arm entry and %open-arm time by itself. It can be concluded that certain doses of nicotine (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg) 7 min after their injection induce an anxiogenic effect through nicotinic mechanism(s), and that involvement of alpha(1)- but not alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in the response to nicotine seems likely.

Functional uroselectivity

Alpha1-adrenoceptors mediating sympathetic tone to smooth muscle cells are located within the prostatic tissue, bladder base and in the proximal urethra, but are also widely distributed within a large number of tissues, especially the vascular beds and the central nervous system. Compounds clinically used in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia must therefore exhibit functional uroselectivity. This means that they should preferentially act on the lower urinary tract rather than the vasculature or central nervous system. Few clinically used alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists show selectivity for the alpha1a/A-adrenoceptor subtype, whereas most of them have similar affinities for the three cloned subtypes (alpha1a-, alpha1b- and alpha1d-adrenoceptors). Recent data from in vitro studies assessing pharmacological uroselectivity and from in vivo models evaluating functional uroselectivity challenged the relevance of the affinity or the selectivity for a known alpha1-adrenoceptor subtype in predicting functional uroselectivity. They suggest instead that another subtype, like the alpha1L-adrenoceptor, might be functionally involved. In conclusion, the actual state of knowledge on alpha1-adrenoceptor subtype distribution and function, does not support a role of pharmacological uroselectivity in predicting functional uroselectivity. Furthermore, functional uroselectivity can be achieved in the absence of selectivity for the alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes described so far.

New substituted 1-(2,3-dihydrobenzo[1, 4]dioxin-2-ylmethyl)piperidin-4-yl derivatives with alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist activity

The emergence of a novel theory concerning the role of noradrenaline in the progression and the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases has provided a new impetus toward the discovery of novel compounds acting at alpha(2)-adrenoceptors. A series of substituted 1-(2, 3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]dioxin-2-ylmethyl)piperidin-4-yl derivatives bearing an amide, urea, or imidazolidinone moiety was studied. Some members of this series of compounds proved to be potent alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonists with good selectivity versus alpha(1)-adrenergic and D(2)-dopamine receptors. Particular emphasis is given to compound 33g which displays potent alpha(2)-adrenoceptor binding affinity in vitro and central effects in vivo following oral administration.

Influence of T-type Ca2+ (mibefradil) and Cl- (indanyloxyacetic acid 94) channel antagonists on alpha1-adrenoceptor mediated contractions in rat aorta

The effects of the T-type and L-type Ca2+ channel antagonists, mibefradil and nifedipine, respectively, and those of a Cl- channel antagonist, indanyloxyacetic acid 94, on mechanical responses elicited by selective activation of alpha1-adrenoceptors using cirazoline were examined in rat isolated aortic rings. The presence of mibefradil (300 nM), indanyloxyacetic acid, 94 (30 microM) and nifedipine (300 nM) alone inhibited mechanical responses elicited by cirazoline. The concentration-response curves to cirazoline were displaced to the right with significant increases in the EC50 and significant depressions of the maximal responses in the presence of the individual agents mibefradil, indanyloxyacetic acid 94, or nifedipine. A combination of mibefradil and indanyloxyacetic acid 94 further inhibited the mechanical activity produced by cirazoline. The further reduction in the maximal response to cirazoline, in the presence of mibefradil and nifedipine, was insignificant when compared with the effects of nifedipine alone. In addition, maximal mechanical responses produced by cirazoline were not significantly affected by a combination of nifedipine and indanyloxyacetic acid 94 when compared with either nifedipine alone or mibefradil and indanyloxyacetic acid 94 combined. Our current findings indicate that mibefradil, indanyloxyacetic acid 94, and nifedipine can inhibit cirazoline-induced contractions to a varying degree. Moreover, based on our present data it would be reasonable to suggest that the contribution of T-type versus L-type Ca2+ channels to contractile responses obtained with cirazoline are approximately 21% and 35%, respectively, of the Emax. It would appear that L-type Ca2+ channels play a greater role in processes that are involved in excitation-contraction coupling subsequent to stimulation of alpha1-adrenoceptors. In addition, Cl- channels also appear to be involved in the process of contraction following alpha1-adrenoceptor activation.

Differential recruitment of alpha 1- and beta-adrenoceptors in inotropic control of atrial child myocardium by endogenous noradrenaline

Noradrenaline release, graded by frequency variation of field stimulation (0.1-2 Hz), in atrial myocardial specimens (n=45) from children (n=21) with congenital heart defects, was used to examine the inotropic responses of graded, receptor-selective, endogenous stimulation. Muscle trabeculae subjected to autonomic blockage by timolol, prazosin and atropine showed a slight positive force-frequency relationship (staircase phenomenon). Blockage by atropine/prazosin (i.e. beta-adrenoceptor stimulation) or atropine/timolol (i.e. alpha1-adrenoceptor stimulation) both resulted in positive inotropic effects. A group of specimens opposed by atropine and primarily subjected to frequency variation, secondly was returned to 1 Hz. Stabilization was followed by sequential reversal by beta-blocker (timolol), alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation by exogenous noradrenaline, reversal by alpha 1-blocker (prazosin), and finally supramaximal beta-adrenoceptor stimulation (isoprenaline). The maximal levels of inotropic responses mediated by exogenous alpha 1- and beta-adrenoceptor stimulation was estimated. Analysis of the contraction-relaxation cycles revealed that alpha1- and beta-adrenoceptors were recruited differentially. The alpha1-adrenoceptor mediated, endogenous inotropic effect at 1 Hz was close to the level obtained by exogenous noradrenaline stimulation. In contrast, less than 70% of the beta-adrenoceptor mediated, exogenous inotropic effect was expressed by endogenous noradrenaline at the same stimulating frequency, thus indicating that the alpha1-adrenoceptors may be located closer to the adrenergic nerve terminals than the beta-adrenoceptors. There may be a heterogeneous relationship within the same heart as to the relative distance between the nerve terminals and the adrenoceptors. Spatial localization of adrenergic receptors relative to adrenergic nerve terminals adds another aspect to adrenergic regulation. The alpha1-adrenoceptor pathway may play an important role, especially in low-intensity sympathetic inotropic myocardial control, whereas the beta-adrenoceptor pathway adds important effects to the high-intensity sympathetic regulation. Sympathetic activity may thus tonically stimulate the alpha1-adrenoceptor pathway, without necessarily stimulating the beta-adrenoceptor pathway to the same extent.

Interaction between AT1 and alpha1-adrenergic receptors in cardiomyopathic hamsters

BACKGROUND

Cross talk between angiotensin AT1 and alpha1-adrenergic receptors has been reported previously and points to the existence of physiologic regulation between the renin-angiotensin system and the sympathetic nervous system at the receptor level. This regulation may play an important role in the control of blood pressure and may be modified in different cardiovascular pathologies. Nevertheless, neither the physiologic actions nor the clinical relevance of the interaction between these 2 receptors has yet been established. To reveal these aspects in relation to heart failure, the interaction between vascular AT1 and alpha1-adrenergic receptors was evaluated in the Syrian cardiomyopathic hamster model.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The vascular response of each individual receptor to vasoactive agonist was assessed in the presence and absence of antagonists of the other receptor using aortic rings from 11-month-old Syrian cardiomyopathic hamsters. Age-matched golden hamsters were used as controls. In control hamsters, concentration-response curves for the norepinephrine (NE)-induced contraction were significantly displaced to the left after 100 mmol/L losartan incubation. The maximal tension achieved (Emax) values increased by 26+/-4.3% after incubation (P < .05). Similar results were obtained when 20 micromol/L enalapril was used to block angiotensin II (Ang II) synthesis. NE concentration-response curves were also displaced to the left and Emax increased by 27%+/-8.0% (P < .05). The concentrations that induce 50% of the maximal contraction (EC50) were 22.2+/-0.2 nmol/L for untreated and 27.1+/-2.0 nmol/L for losartan-treated aortic rings (n = 8, P > .05). However, EC50 values were significantly reduced in aortic rings treated with enalapril (7.51+/-0.16 nmol/L, n = 8, P < .05). Blockade of alpha1 receptor with 10 micromol/L prazosin increased the response to Ang II by 32% (n = 6, P < .05). In contrast, when these experiments were repeated in aortic rings from cardiomyopathic animals, no interaction between the 2 receptors was observed. NE concentration-response curves, Emax (9.6%+/-2.8% increase after enalapril. and 5.8%+/-6.5% increase after losartan, P > .05) and EC50 values (14.7+/-0.7 nmol/L without treatment, 17.5+/-1.5 nmol/L with enalapril and 11.1+/-0.8 with losartan, n = 8, P > .05) were similar. Furthermore, in cardiomyopathic animals, prazosin did not modify the vascular response to Ang II.

CONCLUSIONS

An interaction exists between vascular AT1 and alpha1-adrenergic receptors in control hamsters but not in cardiomyopathic animals. This interaction seems to be bidirectional and counterregulatory. The lack of this regulation may promote a state of enhanced vascular wall activity, which could contribute to the increased vasoconstriction and total peripheral resistance characteristic of heart failure.

Stimulatory effect of caffeic acid on alpha1A-adrenoceptors to increase glucose uptake into cultured C2C12 cells

In an attempt to understand the antihyperglycemic action of caffeic acid, the myoblast C2C12 cells were employed to investigate the glucose uptake in the present study. Caffeic acid enhanced the uptake of radioactive glucose into C2C12 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Similar effect of phenylephrine on the uptake of radioactive glucose was also observed in C2C12 cells. Prazosin attenuated the action of caffeic acid in a way parallel to the blockade of phenylephrine. Effect of caffeic acid on alpha1-adrenoceptors was further supported by the displacement of [3H]prazosin binding in C2C12 cells. Moreover, the glucose uptake-increasing action of phenylephrine in C2C12 cells was inhibited by the antagonists of alpha1A-adrenoceptors, both tamsulosin and WB 4101, but not by the antagonist of alpha1B-adrenoceptors, chlorethylclonidine (CEC). The presence of alpha1A-adrenoceptors in C2C12 cells can thus be considered. Similar inhibition of the action of caffeic acid was also obtained in C2C12 cells co-incubating these antagonists. An activation of alpha1A-adrenoceptors seems responsible for the action of caffeic acid in C2C12 cells. In the presence of U73312, the specific inhibitor of phospholipase C, caffeic acid-stimulated uptake of radioactive glucose into C2C12 cells was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner and it was not affected by U73343, the negative control of U73312. Moreover, chelerythrine and GF 109203X diminished the action of caffeic acid at concentrations sufficient to inhibit protein kinase C. Therefore, the obtained data suggest that an activation of alpha1A-adrenoceptors in C2C12 cells by caffeic acid may increase the glucose uptake via phospholipase C-protein kinase C pathway.

Participation of alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenoceptors of the lateral hypothalamic area in water intake, and renal sodium, potassium and urinary volume excretion induced by central administration of angiotensin II

The circumventricular structures and the lateral hypothalamus (LH) have been shown to be important for the central action of angiotensin II (ANGII) on water and electrolyte regulation. Several anatomical findings have demonstrated neural connection between circumventricular structures and the LH. The present experiments were conducted to investigate the role of the alpha-adrenergic antagonists and agonistic injected into the LH on the water intake, sodium and potassium excretion elicited by injections of ANGII into the lateral ventricle (LV). The water intake was measured every 30 min over a period of 120 min. The sodium, potassium and urinary volume were measured over a period of 120 min in water-loaded rats. The injection of ANGII into the LV increased the water intake, which was reduced by previous injection of clonidine (an alpha-2-adrenergic agonist) into the LH. The injection of yohimbine (an alpha-2-adrenergic antagonist) and prazosin (an alpha-1-adrenergic antagonist) into the LH, which was done before injecting ANGII into the LV, also reduced the water intake induced by ANGII. The injection of ANGII into the LV reduced the sodium, potassium and urinary volume. Previous treatment with clonidine attenuated the action of ANGII in reducing the sodium, potassium and urinary volume, whereas previous treatment with yohimbine attenuated the effects of ANGII but with less intensity than that caused by clonidine. Previous treatment with prazosin increased the inhibitory effects of ANGII in those parameters. The injection of yohimbine and prazosin, which was done before the injection of clonidine, attenuated the effect of clonidine on the ANGII mechanism. The results of this study led us to postulate that when alpha-2-adrenergic receptors are blocked, the clonidine may act on the imidazoline receptors to produce its effects on the ANGII mechanism. We may also conclude that the LH is involved with circumventricular structures, which present excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms. Such mechanisms are responsible for regulating the renal excretion of sodium, potassium and water.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of dihydropyrimidinone C-5 amides as potent and selective alpha(1A) receptor antagonists for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

alpha(1) Adrenergic receptors mediate both vascular and lower urinary tract tone, and alpha(1) receptor antagonists such as terazosin (1b) are used to treat both hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Recently, three different subtypes of this receptor have been identified, with the alpha(1A) receptor being most prevalent in lower urinary tract tissue. This paper explores 4-aryldihydropyrimidinones attached to an aminopropyl-4-arylpiperidine via a C-5 amide as selective alpha(1A) receptor subtype antagonists. In receptor binding assays, these types of compounds generally display K(i) values for the alpha(1a) receptor subtype <1 nM while being greater than 100-fold selective versus the alpha(1b) and alpha(1d) receptor subtypes. Many of these compounds were also evaluated in vivo and found to be more potent than terazosin in both a rat model of prostate tone and a dog model of intra-urethral pressure without significantly affecting blood pressure. While many of the compounds tested displayed poor pharmacokinetics, compound 48 was found to have adequate bioavailability (>20%) and half-life (>6 h) in both rats and dogs. Due to its selectivity for the alpha(1a) over the alpha(1b) and alpha(1d) receptors as well as its favorable pharmacokinetic profile, 48 has the potential to relieve the symptoms of BPH without eliciting effects on the cardiovascular system.

Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases is required for alpha1-adrenergic agonist-induced cell scattering in transfected HepG2 cells

Activation of alpha1B-adrenergic receptors ((alpha1B)AR) by phenylephrine (PE) induces scattering of HepG2 cells stably transfected with the (alpha1B)AR (TFG2 cells). Scattering was also observed after stimulation of TFG2 cells with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) but not with hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor, epidermal growth factor, or insulin. PMA but not phenylephrine rapidly activated PKCalpha in TFG2 cells, and the highly selective PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide (GFX) completely abolished PMA-induced but not PE-induced scattering. PE rapidly activated p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), p38 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and AP1 (c-fos/c-jun). Selective blockade of p42/44 MAPK activity by PD98059 or by transfection of a MEK1 dominant negative adenovirus significantly inhibited the PE-induced scattering of TFG2 cells. Selective inhibition of p38 MAPK by SB203850 or SB202190 also blocked PE-induced scattering, whereas treatment of TFG2 cells with the PI3 kinase inhibitors LY294002 or wortmannin did not inhibit PE-induced scattering. Blocking JNK activation with a dominant negative mutant of JNK or blocking AP1 activation with a dominant negative mutant of c-jun (TAM67) significantly inhibited PE-induced cell scattering. These data indicate that PE-induced scattering of TFG2 cells is mediated by complex mechanisms, including activation of p42/44 MAPK, p38 MAPK, and JNK. Cell spreading has been reported to play important roles in wound repair, tumor invasion, and metastasis. Therefore, catecholamines acting via the (alpha1)AR may modulate these physiological and pathological processes.

Norepinephrine modulates single hypothalamic arcuate neurons via alpha(1)and beta adrenergic receptors

The effects of norepinephrine (NE) on the electrophysiological activities of single hypothalamic arcuate neurons were studied using extracellular recording of 385 neurons from 169 brain slices in rats. The results showed that: (1) of 236 neurons selected randomly and tested with NE application, 137 (58.0%) were excited, 67 (28.4%) were inhibited, and 32 (13.6%) failed to respond; (2) substitution of low Ca(2+)-high Mg(2+) artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) for normal ACSF abolished the NE-induced inhibitory effect but failed to abolish the excitatory effect; (3) both the NE-induced excitatory and inhibitory effects were antagonized partly by phentolamine, prazosin, and propranolol but not by yohimbine; (4) naloxone and glibenclamide, a blocker of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive (K(ATP)) channels, blocked the NE-induced inhibitory effect; and (5) neurons that were inhibited by NE were also inhibited by morphine and cromakalim, an agonist of K(ATP) channels, and moreover, the morphine-induced inhibitory effect could be blocked by glibenclamide, while the cromakalim-induced inhibitory effect was not blocked by naloxone. These results imply that: (a) NE excites arcuate neurons through a mechanism that is insensitive to lowering the extracellular Ca(2+) suggesting a direct postsynaptic response through alpha(1)- and beta-adrenergic receptors, while NE inhibits cells through at least an inhibitory interneuron in arcuate and so is dependent on a Ca(2+)-sensitive presynaptic release mechanism; and (b) the inhibitory interneuron may be opioidergic, being excited first through alpha(1)- and beta-adrenergic receptors, after which the released opioids inhibit the neurons being recorded with an involvement of activation of K(ATP) channels. This possibility needs to be substantiated in much more detail.

Single-cell recombinant pharmacology: bovine alpha(1a)-adrenoceptors in rat-1 fibroblasts release intracellular ca(2+), display subtype-characteristic agonism and antagonism, and exhibit an antagonist-reversible inverse concentration-response phase

Phe-activated Ca(2+) signals recorded from single rat-1 fibroblasts stably expressing the bovine alpha(1a)-adrenoceptor (AR) were characterized and used to analyze functional agonist-antagonist interactions. The response to Phe was initiated by the mobilization of stored Ca(2+) and subsequently sustained by receptor-regulated Ca(2+) influx. The selective alpha(1A)-AR agonist (R)-A-61603 was 141-fold more potent as an agonist than Phe. This potency ratio was consistent with the pharmacology of the native alpha(1A)-ARs. Functional responses evoked by concentrations of Phe of more than 0. 3 microM displayed fade, which could be explained by agonist-dependent depletion of Ca(2+) stores. The antagonists tested did not conform to the predictions of the Schild equation for competitive antagonism as expected from the nonequilibrium nature of the response. The antagonist potency series WB4101 > or = prazosin >> BMY7378, however, was consistent with alpha(1A)-ARs. Antagonism exhibited by WB4101 and prazosin was compatible with a model in which antagonists dissociate so slowly from the receptor that this is a major factor in their inhibition of the transient agonist-mediated response, leading to the appearance of insurmountable antagonism. A consequence of this phenomenon was that an inverse concentration-response relationship at high agonist concentrations was abolished by low concentrations of antagonists. Overall, the results indicate that quantitative pharmacology can be studied successfully in single cells even though equilibrium could not be achieved in the agonist-antagonist-response relationship in this particular cell phenotype. The study also showed a form of fade that could be readily explained.

Selectivity of oxymetazoline for urethral pressure vs blood pressure in the anaesthetized female rabbit

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to test alpha-adrenergic reference agonists for tissue selectivity in the urethra and to pharmacologically characterize the functional alpha-adrenoceptor type of the female rabbit urethra in vivo.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The effect of alpha-adrenergic agonists and antagonists on the urethral pressure was compared with that on blood pressure and heart rate measured simultaneously in the anaesthetized female rabbit.

RESULTS

Oxymetazoline, NS-49, phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine enhanced the urethral pressure in a dose-dependent manner. Phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine also enhanced the blood pressure with significantly lower ED50 (dose that gives half of the maximal enhancing effect) values than for the urethral pressure. This was in contrast to oxymetazoline and NS-49. The ED50 values for oxymetazoline on urethral pressure, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 0.00067, 0.0030 and 0.0020 mg/kg, respectively. The ED50 values for NS-49 on urethral pressure, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 0.019, 0.21 and 0.18 mg/kg, respectively. Clonidine and UK 14,304 had no effect on urethral or blood pressure. The oxymetazoline-evoked increase in urethral pressure was inhibited by WB-4101 with an ID50 (dose that gives half of the inhibitory effect) significantly lower than that for rauwolscine.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that in the female rabbit in vivo activation of alpha1-adrenoceptors increased the urethral pressure. Phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine, in contrast to oxymetazoline and NS-49, selectively enhanced blood pressure as compared with urethral pressure. Provided that the present results also have validity in humans, it would seem possible to develop urethra-selective drugs for treatment of stress incontinence with few or no cardiovascular side-effects.

Multiple agents potentiate alpha1-adrenoceptor-induced conduction depression in canine cardiac purkinje fibers

BACKGROUND

Halothane more so than isoflurane potentiates an alpha1-adrenoceptor (alpha1-AR)-mediated action of epinephrine that abnormally slows conduction in Purkinje fibers and may facilitate reentrant arrhythmias. This adverse drug interaction was further evaluated by examining conduction responses to epinephrine in combination with thiopental and propofol, which "sensitize" or reduce the dose of epinephrine required to induce arrhythmias in the heart, and with etomidate, which does not, and responses to epinephrine with verapamil, lidocaine, and l-palmitoyl carnitine, a potential ischemic metabolite.

METHODS

Action potentials and conduction times were measured in vitro using two microelectrodes in groups of canine Purkinje fibers stimulated at 150 pulses/min. Conduction was evaluated each minute after exposure to 5 microm epinephrine (or phenylephrine) alone or with the test drugs. Changes in the rate of phase 0 depolarization (Vmax) and the electrotonic spread of intracellular current were measured during exposure to epinephrine with octanol to evaluate the role of inhibition of active and passive (intercellular coupling) membrane properties in the transient depression of conduction velocity.

RESULTS

Lidocaine (20 microm) and octanol (0.2 mm) potentiated alpha1-AR-induced conduction depression like halothane (0.4 mm), with maximum depression at 3-5 min of agonist exposure, no decrease of Vmax, and little accentuation at a rapid (250 vs. 150 pulses/min) stimulation rate. Thiopental (95 microm), propofol (50 microm), and verapamil (2 microm) similarly potentiated epinephrine responses, whereas etomidate (10 microm) did not. Between groups, the decrease of velocity induced by epinephrine in the presence of (10 microm) l-palmitoyl carnitine (-18%) was significantly greater than that resulting from epinephrine alone (-6%; 0.05 </= P </= 0.10). Current injection experiments were consistent with marked transient inhibition of cell-to-cell coupling correlating with alpha1-AR conduction depression in fibers exposed to octanol.

CONCLUSIONS

Anesthetic "sensitization" to the arrhythmogenic effects of catecholamines may be a special case of a more general phenomenon by which not only some anesthetics and antiarrhythmic drugs but also possible ischemic fatty acid metabolites potentiate conduction depression due to acute alpha1-AR-mediated cell-to-cell uncoupling.

Cloning of rabbit alpha(1b)-adrenoceptor and pharmacological comparison of alpha(1a)-, alpha(1b)- and alpha(1d)-adrenoceptors in rabbit

We have isolated a cDNA clone of the rabbit alpha(1b)-adrenoceptor which has an open reading frame of 1557 nucleotides encoding a protein of 518 amino acids. The sequence shows higher identity to those of hamster, human, and rat alpha(1b)-adrenoceptors than to those of rabbit alpha(1a)- and alpha(1d)-adrenoceptors. The pharmacological binding properties of this clone expressed in Cos-7 cells showed a characteristic profile as alpha(1b)-adrenoceptor; high affinity for prazosin (pK(i)=10.3), relatively high affinity for tamsulosin (9.5) and low affinity for (-)-(R)-1-(3-hydroxypropyl)-5-[2-[[2-[2-(2,2, 2-trifluoroethoxy)phenoxy]ethyl]amino]propyl]indoline-7-carboxamid e (KMD3213) (8.5), 2-(2,6-dimethoxy-phenoxyethyl)-aminomethyl-1, 4-benzodioxane hydrochloride (WB4101) (8.7), and 8-[2-[4-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-L-piperazinyl]-8-azaspiro[4,5]decane-7, 9-dione dihydrochloride (BMY7378) (7.3). We have compared the levels of mRNA expression of three alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtypes in rabbit tissues using the competitive reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) assay. In most rabbit tissues except heart, alpha(1a)-adrenoceptor mRNA was expressed 10 folds more than the other two subtypes. However, binding experiments with [3H]prazosin and [3H]KMD3213 in rabbit tissues revealed a poor relationship between binding density and mRNA level. Especially, alpha(1b) binding sites were exclusively predominant in spleen, whereas the alpha(1b) subtype was minor at the mRNA level. These results indicate a high identity of structural and pharmacological profiles of three distinct alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtypes between rabbit and other species, but there are species differences in their distribution.