Antagonism of clonidine injected intracerebroventricularly in different models of salt intake

Clonidine, an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, injected into the brain inhibits salt intake of animals treated by the diuretic model of sodium depletion. In th present study, we address the question of whether central injection of clonidine also inhibits salt intake in animals deprived of water or in the need-free state. Saline or clonidine (30 nmol) was injected into the anterior third ventricle of 24-h sodium-depleted (furosemide + removal of ambient sodium), of 24-h water-deprived and of normovolemic (need-free state) adult male rats. Clonidine injected intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) inhibited the 1.5% NaCl intake for 1209 min by 50 to 90% in every model tested. Therefore, different models of salt intake are inhibited by i.c.v. injection of clonidine. Idazoxan, an alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist, injected i.c.v. at a dose of 160 nmol, inhibited the effect of clonidine only in the furosemide + removal of ambient sodium model of salt intake. This indicates that the antagonism of this effect by idazoxan is dependent on the body fluid/sodium status of the animal.

Characterization of the sympathetic nerve responses to amphetamine: role of central alpha 2-adrenergic receptors

Although amphetamine has profound cardiovascular actions, the role of the sympathetic nervous system in these responses is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to characterize the sympathetic nerve responses to amphetamine and to determine whether these neural responses involve an action of amphetamine in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). In sinoaortically denervated (SAD) and sham-SAD rats, amphetamine dose-dependently increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), while decreasing (-87 +/- 5%, max) renal sympathetic nerve discharge (SND) for 57 +/- 5 min. Comparison of the SND responses in SAD and sham-SAD rats revealed a small but significant contribution of the baroreceptor reflex to the sympathoinhibitory response. In separate studies, the bilateral microinjection of amphetamine into RVLM decreased HR, MAP, and SND. The magnitude and duration of the decrease in SND elicited by amphetamine were significantly attenuated by the prior intravenous (i.v.) administration of idazoxan (alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist). The prior bilateral microinjection of idazoxan or piperoxan into RVLM significantly attenuated the duration of the sympathoinhibitory responses elicited by i.v. amphetamine. Idazoxan and piperoxan also tended to decrease the magnitude of the SND response; however, this reduction was significant at only the highest doses. The MAP and HR responses were unaffected by idazoxan treatment. The microinjection of terazosin (alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist) or propranolol (beta-adrenergic antagonist) into RVLM did not alter the HR, MAP, or SND responses to i.v. amphetamine. We conclude that i.v. amphetamine decreases SND in anesthetized rats, in large part, by a mechanism involving the activation of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in RVLM.

Synergistic behavioral interaction between ethanol and clonidine in rats: role of alpha-2 adrenoceptors

Activation of central alpha-2 adrenoceptor leads to a sleep-like state. The present study investigated the effect of ethanol on the loss of the righting reflex (LORR) and hypotension evoked by clonidine in Sprague-Dawley rats. Clonidine at 30 micrograms/kg had no effect on righting reflex, but a higher dose (60 micrograms/kg) elicited variable LORR that averaged 6.5 +/- 4.1 min. Similarly, 0.5 g/kg of ethanol elicited little effect (0.17 +/- 0.17 min), but a higher dose (1 g/kg) produced 2.5 +/- 1.1 min of LORR. Ethanol (0.5 g/kg), combined with the lower dose of clonidine, still had little effect on LORR, but when combined with the higher dose of clonidine the LORR (34.8 +/- 6.5 min) became significantly (P < .01) greater than the sum of the individual effects. Similarly, rats that received a combination of the higher dose (1 g/kg) of ethanol and lower dose (30 micrograms/kg) of clonidine exhibited significantly (P < .01) greater LORR (18.6 +/- 2.5 min) than the sum of individual effects. These findings suggest a synergistic interaction that is dose-related. The alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine (1 mg/kg), or a mixed antagonist of imidazoline and alpha-2 adrenoceptors, idazoxan (60 micrograms/kg), counteracted the synergistic interaction between ethanol and clonidine on LORR; yohimbine was more effective than idazoxan, but the difference was not significant. Ethanol counteracted the hypotensive effect of clonidine and significantly (P < .05) increased blood pressure to levels higher than preclonidine and corresponding control values. Therefore, the synergistic interaction on LORR cannot be accounted for by an enhanced hypotensive response to clonidine. Furthermore, idazoxan counteracted the hypotensive response to clonidine more effectively than did yohimbine. Taken together, the findings suggest: 1) ethanol differentially influences the sedative (synergistic interaction) and hypotensive (antagonistic interaction) effects of clonidine; 2) the synergistic behavioral interaction is dose-related and involves, at least in part, central alpha-2 adrenoceptors; and 3) the hypotensive effect of clonidine is primarily mediated via imidazoline receptors.

Inhibition of centrally induced ventricular arrhythmias by rilmenidine and idazoxan in rabbits

In a model of ventricular arrhythmias of central origin, we investigated the effects of rilmenidine, an oxazoline with antihypertensive properties, and idazoxan, an imidazoline that is an antagonist of the hypotensive effects of rilmenidine. Bicuculline, a GABAA receptor antagonist, was administered intracisternally (i.c.) to produce arrhythmias in pentobarbitone anaesthetised rabbits; 10 micrograms/kg bicuculline i.c. induced polymorphic ventricular ectopic beats and ventricular tachycardia while blood pressure increased by about 50-60% and sinusal heart rate decreased by about 20%. Rilmenidine, either administered intravenously (0.01, 0.1, 1 mg/kg i.v.) or i.c. (3, 10, 30 micrograms/kg) dose-dependently prevented the occurrence of bicuculline-induced arrhythmias while, because of a lower base-line, the blood pressure values reached were less as compared to controls. Idazoxan administered i.v. (3, 10 mg/kg) had a similar action. Idazoxan i.c. (15 micrograms/kg) had no significant antiarrhythmic effect but antagonized in part the haemodynamic and antiarrhythmic effects of rilmenidine (1 mg/kg i.v.; 30 micrograms/kg i.c.). It is suggested that the antiarrhythmic effects observed with rilmenidine are mainly mediated by blunting the bicuculline-induced increase in the sympathetic nervous output to the heart and the vascular beds. These effects of rilmenidine are likely to originate both from the central and peripheral nervous system. The antiarrhythmic effects of idazoxan i.v. might be related to a blocking action on alpha 2-adrenoceptors at the level of the coronary arteries and other vascular beds.

Blockade of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla attenuates the sympathoinhibitory response to cocaine

The purpose of this study was to determine whether neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla play a role in the sympathoinhibitory response elicited by i.v. administration of cocaine and, if so, to identify the type(s) of receptors involved. Adrenergic antagonists were microinjected bilaterally into the rostral ventrolateral medulla in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats in an attempt to block the decrease in sympathetic nerve discharge (SND) elicited by cocaine (1 mg/kg i.v.). After the bilateral microinjection of saline, cocaine elicited a -56 +/- 5% (mean +/- S.E.) decrease in SND lasting 36 +/- 3 min. Cocaine also increased arterial pressure (21 +/- 3 mm Hg). Prior microinjection of the alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist idazoxan (0.3, 3 or 10 nmol) did not alter the magnitude of the sympathoinhibitory response to cocaine; however, the duration of the response was significantly reduced by all 3 doses (range 21 +/- 3 to 11 +/- 2 min). Similarly, microinjection of the alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist piperoxan (10 nmol) decreased the duration (from 45 +/- 8 to 23 +/- 4 min), but not the magnitude of the sympathoinhibitory response. Microinjection of either the alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist terazosin (0.24 nmol) or the beta adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol (2 nmol) did not attenuate the decrease in SND elicited by cocaine. The cocaine-mediated pressor response was not affected by any of the antagonist treatments. These data show that the decrease in SND elicited by cocaine is mediated centrally and involves, at least in part, the activation of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla.

Spinal 5-HT-receptors and tonic modulation of transmission through a withdrawal reflex pathway in the decerebrated rabbit

1. In decerebrated, non-spinalized rabbits, intrathecal administration of either of the selective 5-HT1A-receptor antagonists (S)WAY-100135 or WAY-100635 resulted in dose-dependent enhancement of the reflex responses of gastrocnemius motoneurones evoked by electrical stimulation of all myelinated afferents of the sural nerve. The approximate ED50 for WAY-100635 was 0.9 nmol and that for (S)WAY-100135 13 nmol. Intrathecal doses of the antagonists which caused maximal facilitation of reflexes in non-spinalized rabbits had no effect in spinalized preparations. 2. In non-spinalized animals, intravenous administration of (S)WAY-100135 was significantly less effective in enhancing reflexes than when it was given by the intrathecal route. 3. When given intrathecally, the selective 5-HT 2A/2C-receptor antagonist, ICI 170,809, produced a bellshaped dose-effect curve, augmenting reflexes at low doses (< or = 44 nmol), but reducing them at higher doses (982 nmol). Idazoxan, the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, was less effective in enhancing reflex responses when given intrathecally after ICI 170,809 compared to when it was given alone. Intravenous ICI 170,809 resulted only in enhancement of reflexes and the facilitatory effects of subsequent intrathecal administration of idazoxan were not compromised. 4. The selective 5-HT3-receptor blocker ondansetron faciliated gastrocnemius medialis reflex responses in a dose-related manner when given by either intrathecal or intravenous routes. This drug was slightly more potent when given i.v. and it did not alter the efficacy of subsequent intrathecal administration of idazoxan. 5. None of the antagonists had any consistent effects on arterial blood pressure or heart rate. 6. These data are consistent with the idea that, in the decrebrated rabbit, 5-HT released from descending axons has multiple roles in controlling transmission through the sural-gastrocnemius medialis reflex pathway. Thus, it appears 5-HT tonically inhibits transmission between sural nerve afferents and gastrocnemius motoneurones by an action at spinal 5-HT1A-receptors. Spinal 5-HT2A/2C-receptors may mediate a weak inhibition of transmission in the spinal cord, but more convincing evidence was obtained for their involvement in descending facilitatory tone. Further, some of the facilitatory consequences of spinal alpha 2-adrenoceptor blockade may be mediated through 5-HT2 type receptors. Spinal 5-HT3 receptors do not appear to have a major role in tonic modulation of the sural-gastrocnemius medialis reflex.

The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan is an agonist at 5-HT1A autoreceptors modulating serotonin synthesis in the rat brain in vivo

The in vivo effects of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor idazoxan, rauwolscine and phentolamine on alpha 2-auto/heteroreceptors and 5-HT1A autoreceptors modulating the synthesis of dopa/noradrenaline and 5-HTP/serotonin were assessed in rats, using the accumulation of dopa and 5-HTP after decarboxylase inhibition as a measure of the rate of tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylation. The acute administration of idazoxan (0.1-40 mg/kg) induced a pronounced dose-dependent increase in the synthesis of dopa in the cerebral cortex (22-86%) and hippocampus (8-80%), as a consequence of the powerful blockade of alpha 2-autoreceptors. However, idazoxan did not increase the synthesis of 5-HTP in these brain regions, as it would have been expected by the concurrent blockade of alpha 2-heteroreceptors on serotonergic terminals. Instead, idazoxan decreased the synthesis of 5-HTP in the cerebral cortex (13-33%) and hippocampus (25-48%), suggesting that these inhibitory effects were mediated through activation of 5-HT1A autoreceptors. Similar results were obtained for rauwolscine. Pre-treatment of rats with the selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100135 (10 mg/kg) fully antagonized the inhibitory effects of idazoxan (10 mg/kg) on 5-HTP synthesis, but it did not prevent the stimulatory effects of idazoxan on dopa synthesis. The results indicate that idazoxan is a potent and specific agonist at 5-HT1A autoreceptors modulating brain serotonin synthesis in vivo.

Elevation of cytosolic calcium by imidazolines in mouse islets of Langerhans: implications for stimulus-response coupling of insulin release

1. Microfluorimetry techniques with fura-2 were used to characterize the effects of efaroxan (200 microM), phenotolamine (200-500 microM) and idazoxan (200-500 microM) on the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in mouse isolated islets of Langerhans. 2. The imidazoline receptor agonists efaroxan and phentolamine consistently elevated cytosolic Ca2+ by mechanisms that were dependent upon Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane; there was no rise in [Ca2+]i when Ca2+ was removed from outside of the islets and diazoxide (100-250 microM) attenuated the responses. 3. Modulation of cytosolic [Ca2+]i by efaroxan and phentolamine was augmented by glucose (5-10 mM) which both potentiated the magnitude of the response and reduced the onset time of imidazoline-induced rises in [Ca2+]i. 4. Efaroxan- and phentolamine-evoked increases in [Ca2+]i were unaffected by overnight pretreatment of islets with the imidazolines. Idazoxan failed to increase [Ca2+]i under any experimental condition tested. 5. The putative endogenous ligand of imidazoline receptors, agmatine (1 microM-1 mM), blocked KATP channels in isolated patches of beta-cell membrane, but effects upon [Ca2+]i could not be further investigated since agmatine disrupts fura-2 fluorescence. 6. In conclusion, the present study shows that imidazolines will evoke rises in [Ca2+]i in intact islets, and this provides an explanation to account for the previously described effects of imidazolines on KATP channels, the cell membrane potential and insulin secretion in pancreatic beta-cells.

Imidazoline compounds stimulate insulin release by inhibition of K(ATP) channels and interaction with the exocytotic machinery

A novel imidazoline compound, RX871024, was used to investigate the mechanisms by which imidazoline derivatives promote insulin secretion in rat pancreatic beta-cells and HIT T15 cells. RX871024 stimulated insulin release from rat pancreatic beta-cells and HIT T15 cells in a glucose-dependent way. This effect was not related to alpha2-adrenergic, I1-, and I2-imidazoline receptors. RX871024 promoted insulin release by at least two modes of action. One included an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), subsequent to blocking of ATP-dependent K+ channels, membrane depolarization, and activation of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. The other, a more distal effect of imidazoline, affected the exocytotic machinery and was unrelated to changes in membrane potential and [Ca2+]i. The mechanism of RX871024-induced insulin release was dependent on protein kinases A and C. The sensitizing effect of a low dose of RX871024 on glucose-induced insulin secretion suggests that imidazoline compounds of this kind may constitute the basis for development of a new class of oral hypoglycemic agents.

Naloxone reverses the inhibitory effect of gamma-hydroxybutyrate on central DA release in vivo in awake animals: a microdialysis study

gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a 4-carbon anesthetic that acts primarily by inhibiting presynaptic dopamine (DA) release in vivo. A number of studies have reported a reversal of many of the central effects of GHB by the allegedly pure opiate antagonist naloxone (NX) but its mechanism of action is unclear. In vivo microdialysis performed in the present preliminary study disclosed a significant inhibitory effect of GHB (500 mg/kg) on striatal DA release which was completely reversed by a low dose of NX (0.8 mg/kg). The results indicate that NX likely inhibits many of the central effects produced by GHB primarily through its reversal of the GHB induced inhibition of central DA release.

Effects of clonidine on a C-fibre reflex in the rat

A C-fibre reflex elicited by electrical stimulation within the territory of the sural nerve, was recorded from the ipsilateral biceps femoris muscle in anaesthetized rats. The temporal evolution of the response was studied using a constant stimulus intensity (3 x threshold) and recruitment curves were built by varying stimulus intensity from 0 to 7 x threshold. The intravenous administration of 0.02-0.2 mg/kg clonidine resulted in a dose-dependent depression of the C-fibre reflex. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan completely prevented this depressive effect of clonidine. The effects of clonidine on the C-fibre reflex elicited by a wide range of stimulus intensities were investigated using recruitment curves: following 0.16 mg/kg clonidine, a dramatic shift of the recruitment curve to the right was seen with both an increase in the threshold and a decrease in the slope. Clonidine also produced a dose-dependent increase in blood pressure, but this was not correlated with the depression of the nociceptive reflex.

Clonidine, but not morphine, delays the development of thermal hyperesthesia induced by sciatic nerve constriction injury in the rat

BACKGROUND

It has been shown that the spinal facilitation induced by the injury discharge evoked by a nerve constriction injury is crucial in the development of thermal hyperesthesia. Both opioids and alpha 2 agonists have been reported to prevent the development of spinal facilitation evoked by the small afferent input to the spinal cord. Moreover, it has been reported that the thermal hyperesthesia induced by a nerve constriction injury is sympathetically maintained and that spinally administered alpha 2 agonists can modulate the sympathetic outflow from the spinal cord. The current study investigated the effect of spinally administered morphine and clonidine, an alpha 2 agonist, on the development of thermal hyperesthesia induced by nerve constriction injury in the rat.

METHODS

A model of thermal hyperesthesia induced by a constriction injury created by making four loose ligatures around the rat sciatic nerve was used to examine the development of thermal hyperesthesia. Morphine, clonidine, and idazoxan were administered intrathecally or intraperitoneally 20 min before (pretreatment study) or 20 min after (posttreatment study) the nerve injury.

RESULTS

Pretreatment, but not posttreatment, with intrathecal clonidine significantly delayed the development of thermal hyperesthesia in a dose-dependent manner, and this delay in onset produced by clonidine was 3 days after the nerve injury. This effect of clonidine's was completely antagonized by the coadministration of idazoxan with clonidine. Intrathecal morphine had no effect on the development of thermal hyperesthesia in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal alpha 2 receptors, but not opioid receptors, may play an important role in the development of thermal hyperesthesia induced by a nerve constriction injury. This suggested that the activation of spinal alpha 2 receptor may reduce the sympathetic outflow and this reduction of sympathetic outflow may be the key mechanism that delays the development of thermal hyperesthesia.

Are imidazoline receptors involved in sympathetic neurotransmission in rat vas deferens?

1. An involvement of imidazoline receptors in the modulation of neurotransmitter release was investigated in the prostatic portion of the rat vas deferens stimulated transmurally at 0.2 Hz or by single pulses. 2. Idaxozan and yohimbine induced a concentration-dependent potentiation of the contractile response to 0.2-Hz transmural stimulation in the epididymal and prostatic portion of the vas. 3. After reserpine treatment, idazoxan, but not yohimbine, still potentiated the contractile response, suggesting a possible involvement of imidazoline receptors. 4. Clonidine and rilmenidine, agonists with different affinities to alpha 2-adrenoceptors and imidazoline receptors, inhibited with the same potency the contractile responses to a single pulse transmural stimulation. 5. Yohimbine (a selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist) antagonized the inhibitory concentration effect curve to rilmenidine in a competitive manner. pA2 values for idaxozan (an antagonist to alpha 2-adrenoceptors and imidazoline receptors) were not different when noradrenaline or rilmenidine were used as agonists. Phenoxybenzamine blocked the effect of both agonists. 6. Thus, the potency relationship of agonists, as well as the effect of the antagonists, did not favor the hypothesis that imidazoline receptors are involved in the idazoxan-potentiating effect in the rat vas deferens.

Changes in noradrenergic sensitivity to tumor necrosis factor-alpha in brains of rats administered clonidine

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) and the imidazoline clonidine modulate norepinephrine (NE) release from noradrenergic nerve terminals in the central nervous system. The present study demonstrates an intrinsic association between presynaptic alpha 2-adrenergic receptor sensitivity and TNF alpha responsiveness in governing this NE release. Superfusion and electrical field stimulation were applied to a series of rat hippocampal brain slices in order to study the regulation of [3H]-NE release. The alpha 2-adrenergic agonist clonidine and the cytokine TNF alpha concentration-dependently inhibit [3H]-NE release; whereas, the alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist idazoxan potentiates [3H]-NE release. The fractional release of [3H]-NE during field stimulation of control hippocampal slices was decreased by the addition of TNF alpha in a concentration-dependent manner, an effect which was potentiated by the alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist idazoxan; whereas, TNF alpha attenuated the concentration-dependent potentiating effect of idazoxan. Furthermore, constitutive TNF alpha, demonstrated to be present in several brain areas, was significantly decreased following administration of the alpha 2-adrenergic agonist clonidine (0.6 mg/kg, i.p., twice daily) to rats for either 1 or 14 days, without a change in TNF alpha mRNA accumulation. We next investigated whether the presynaptic sensitivity to TNF alpha was changed after clonidine administration to rats. TNF alpha enhanced, rather than inhibited, [3H]-NE release after 1 day of clonidine administration, while a suppressed sensitivity to TNF alpha was observed in the hippocampus after 14 days of clonidine administration. In addition, in the presence of idazoxan, TNF alpha potentiation of [3H]-NE release after 1 day clonidine administration was reversed to a decreased inhibition as compared to control slices exposed to idazoxan. Therefore, the temporary reversal in the presynaptic TNF alpha response after 1 day of clonidine administration illustrates a mechanism of action for its persistent antihypertensive effect, its transient sedative and antihyperpathic effects, and its acute ability to promote antidepressants. These results demonstrate a novel role for an immune mediator in the central nervous system, and demonstrates that presynaptic TNF alpha responsiveness is intimately associated with adrenergic receptor sensitivity.

The alpha 2 adrenoreceptor agonist clonidine suppresses seizures, whereas the alpha 2 adrenoreceptor antagonist idazoxan promotes seizures: pontine microinfusion studies of amygdala-kindled kittens

This is the first report showing that microinfusion of alpha 2 adrenoreceptor agonists and antagonists into the vicinity of the locus ceruleus (LC) have contrasting effects on evoked amygdala-kindled seizure susceptibility. Microinfusion (1 microliter) of the alpha 2 agonist clonidine (CLON) and of the alpha 2 antagonist idazoxan (IDA) were made over 1 min through cannulae in the LC ipsilateral to the kindled amygdala in 6 kittens. Order of administered drugs (CLON vs. IDA) and dosages (n = 3 each) were partly counterbalanced. Focal and convulsive seizure thresholds were evaluated 10-12 min post-infusion and compared to thresholds obtained during two, interspersed control conditions (vehicle control = 1 microliter microinfusion of sterile saline; sham control = needle insertion only). CLON significantly elevated focal and generalized seizure thresholds, whereas IDA significantly reduced seizure thresholds when compared to controls. Magnitude of effects was dose-dependent. These findings confirm that norepinephrine (NE) is a potent antiepileptic agent. Results also suggest that pontine microinfusions could eventually provide an alternative treatment option for medically refractory limbic epilepsy.

The effect of alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers on aggressive behavior in mice: implications for the actions of adrenoceptor agents

The effects of three alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers (idazoxan, yohimbine and CH-38083) on isolation-induced aggressive behavior was studied in male mice. The three drugs produced different behavioral profiles. Idazoxan reduced aggressiveness dose-dependently by decreasing the duration of offensive/aggressive interactions and increasing the duration of defensive behaviors. The other two drugs produced only parts of the dual action of idazoxan: yohimbine affected mainly defensive behaviors, while CH-38083 affected only the time spent with fighting. Saline injections per se also influenced behavior and, in contrast to alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers, induced an increase in aggressiveness. These results are different from those previously obtained in rats, which show bell-shaped dose-response curves in response to alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers (small doses increased, while large doses decreased aggression). It is postulated that the strong behavioral reaction of mice to the injection per se may mask the aggression-heightening effects of small doses of alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers in this species. A theory is also presented regarding the complexity of adrenoceptor interactions when both pre-, and postsynaptic alpha 2 adrenoceptors are blocked.

Analysis of the action of idazoxan calls into question the reliability of the rat isolated small mesenteric artery assay as a predictor for alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated pressor activity

We have studied the effects of idazoxan in rat aorta and small mesenteric artery. In the aorta, idazoxan behaved as a partial agonist (pKA = 6.30). Prazosin produced rightward shift (pA2 = 9.88) and steepening of the idazoxan curve. In contrast, idazoxan had no effect of basal tension in the mesenteric artery, but shifted the noradrenaline curve to the right in a parallel manner (pA2 = 6.12). The selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist, indanidine, also behaved as a partial agonist in the aorta and produced no significant contractions of the small mesenteric artery. Since idazoxan and indanidine have been reported to raise blood pressure in the pithed rat via an action at vascular alpha 1-adrenoceptors, these results call into question the reliability of the small mesenteric artery assay as a predictor for alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated pressor activity in vivo.

Pharmacological modulation of immunoreactive imidazoline receptor proteins in rat brain: relationship with non-adrenoceptor [3H]-idazoxan binding sites

1. The densities of various imidazoline receptor proteins (with apparent molecular masses of approximately 29/30-45- and 66-kDa) were quantitated by immunoblotting in the rat cerebral cortex after various drug treatments. The modulation of these imidazoline receptor proteins was then compared with the changes in the density of non-adrenoceptor [3H]-idazoxan binding sites (I2-sites) induced by the same drug treatments. 2. Chronic treatment (7 days) with the I2-selective imidazol(in)e drugs idazoxan (10 mg kg-1), cirazoline (1 mg kg-1) and LSL 60101 (10 mg kg-1) differentially increased the immunoreactivity of imidazoline receptor proteins. The levels of the 29/30-kDa protein were increased by idazoxan and LSL 60101 (23%), the levels of the 45-kDa protein only by cirazoline (44%) and those of the 66-kDa protein only by idazoxan (50%). These drug treatments also increased the density of I2-sites (32-42%). 3. Chronic treatment (7 days) with efaroxan (10 mg kg-1), RX821002 (10 mg kg-1) and yohimbine (10 mg kg-1), which possess very low affinity for I2-imidazoline receptors, did not alter either the immunoreactivity of imidazoline receptor proteins or the density of I2-sites. 4. Chronic treatment (7 days) with the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors clorgyline (10 mg kg-1) and phenelzine (10 mg kg-1) decreased the immunoreactivity of the 29/30-kDa (17-24%), 45-kDa (19%) and 66-kDa (23-31%) imidazoline receptor proteins. The alkylating agent N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1, 2-dihydroquinoline (1.6 mg kg-1, 6 h) also decreased the levels of the three imidazoline receptor proteins (20-47%). These drug treatments consistently decreased the density of I2-sites (31-57%). 5. Significant correlations were found when the mean percentage changes in immunoreactivity of imidazoline receptor proteins were related to the mean percentage changes in the density of I2-sites after the various drug treatments (r = 0.92 for the 29/30-kDa protein, r = 0.69 for the 45-kDa protein and r = 0.75 for the 66-kDa protein). 6. In the rat cerebral cortex the I2-imidazoline receptor labelled by [3H]-idazoxan is heterogeneous in nature and the related imidazoline receptor proteins (29/30-, 45- and 66-kDa) detected by immunoblotting contribute differentially to the modulation of I2-sites after drug treatment.

Antinociceptive effects of oral clonidine and S12813-4 in acute colon inflammation in rats

Acute colonic inflammation was induced by perendoscopic injection of 50 microleters of dilute formalin (5%) in the depth of the colonic wall (c.w.) in rats. Compared to saline injection, the procedure was followed by nociceptive behaviors from which visceral nociception was quantified. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine 2-[2,6-dichlorophenylamine]-2-imidazole hydrochloride (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg), administered orally 15 min after c.w. injection of formalin significantly reduced the nociceptive responses at the high dose only. However, when administered 30 min prior to nociceptive stimulation, the compound exhibited an antinociceptive effect at the three doses. A novel analgesic, the compound "S12813-4' 3-[2-(4-phenylpiperazine-1-yl)-ethyl]-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-oxazolo[b] pyridine, chlorydrate (10, 30 and 90 mg/kg), given orally displayed antinociceptive effects whatever the administration schedule, before or after c.w. injection of formalin. The antinociceptive effect of S12813-4 (30 mg/kg given orally) was prevented by subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of yohimbine or idazoxan (1 mg/kg). We conclude that visceral nociception elicited by formalin-induced colonic inflammation is attenuated by clonidine and S12813-4. The pharmacological profiles of the two compounds and the inhibition of the antinociceptive effect of S12813-4 by yohimbine and idazoxan suggest that noradrenergic mechanisms are involved in the transmission and/or modulation of the nociceptive influx arising from the inflamed colon.

Relative importance of central imidazoline receptors for the antihypertensive effects of moxonidine and rilmenidine

OBJECTIVE

To determine the involvement of central imidazoline receptors in the cardiovascular actions of the antihypertensive agents moxonidine, rilmenidine and clonidine administered systemically.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We determined the relative potency of these drugs with respect to their effects on mean arterial pressure and heart rate by performing cumulative intravenous dose-response relationship studies in six conscious rabbits. In another eight rabbits with implanted fourth-ventricular catheters, we investigated the central effects of three cumulative doses of an l1-imidazoline/ alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, efaroxan, and of an alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, 2-methoxyidazoxan (2-Ml), on the hypotension and bradycardia elicited by a single intravenous dose of the above agents. The doses of antagonists were matched for an equal reversal of the hypotension induced by fourth-ventricular alpha-methyldopa (an alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist) and hence for similar alpha 2-adrenoceptor blockade.

RESULTS

Moxonidine and rilmenidine were sevenfold and eightfold less potent, respectively, than was clonidine in eliciting hypotension. By comparison, moxonidine and clonidine were more potent than was rilmenidine in producing bradycardia. Efaroxan and 2-Ml reversed the hypotension and bradycardia induced by a single dose of all three agents dose-dependently. However, efaroxan was more effective than was 2-Ml at reversing the effects of rilmenidine and moxonidine. Complete reversal of their hypotensive effect was observed with the highest dose of efaroxan but the highest dose of 2-Ml reversed approximately 50% of that effect. In contrast, the two antagonists were equally effective at reversing the responses to clonidine.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the hypotension and bradycardia induced by intravenous administration of moxonidine and rilmenidine were mediated mainly by actions on central imidazoline receptors whereas clonidine appears to act predominantly on central alpha 2-adrenoceptors.

An I2 imidazoline ligand, RS 45041, potentiates hyperalgesia in acute arthritis

Descending inhibition is increased after the induction of inflammation of the knee. The present study investigated whether this effect is mediated through alpha 2-adrenoceptors and/or I2 imidazoline receptors in the rat. An alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, RX 821002, a selective I2 imidazoline ligand, RS 45041, and idazoxan, which has affinity for both these receptor types, were administered. After the induction of acute arthritis by intra-articular injection of kaolin and carrageenan, the agents binding to I2 imidazoline receptors further reduced the paw withdrawal latency to radiant heat beyond that induced by acute arthritis, i.e. these drugs were pronociceptive, potentiating hyperalgesia. These results suggest that I2 imidazoline receptors have an important role to play in modulation of hyperalgesia during acute inflammation. Development of I2 imidazoline drugs may prove useful in the treatment of hyperalgesia.

alpha 2A/D-Adrenoceptor subtype predominates also in the neonatal rat spinal cord

alpha 2-Adrenoceptors are remarkably regulated by developmental factors. In this study alpha 2-adrenoceptor subtypes have been characterised in neonatal and adult rat spinal cords. In saturation experiments, a 5% proportion of [3H]rauwolscine binding has a high affinity component, representing the alpha 2C-subtype in both tissues. Competition studies with [3H]RX821002 indicate that in both tissues the alpha 2A/D subtype is expressed similarly.

Antinociceptive effects of neuropeptide Y and related peptides in mice

This study compares the antinociceptive and orexigenic activities of NPY and analogs after intracerebroventricular administration in mice. NPY had an antinociceptive action in the mouse writhing test which was not affected by prior treatment with naltrexone, yohimbine, idazoxan or reserpine. A detailed examination revealed that NPY (0.023-0.7 nmol), PYY (0.007-0.07 nmol), NPY2-36 (0.023-0.23 nmol) and the Y1 agonist [Leu31, Pro34]-NPY (0.07-0.7 nmol) all produced a dose-dependent and complete suppression of acetic acid-induced writhing. In contrast, the Y2 agonist, NPY13-36, had little or no antinociceptive effect. As shown by their ED50 values, the relative potency of the peptides was PYY > NPY2-36 > or = NPY > [Leu31, Pro34]-NPY > > NPY13-36, suggesting that a Y1 rather than a Y2 or Y3 receptor subtype was implicated in the antinociceptive action. Thereafter, all peptides were assessed for their effects on food intake. With respect to dose and peptide specificity, the hyperphagic effects of NPY and related peptides paralleled those on nociception, suggesting a common receptor mechanism. However, a purported NPY antagonist, [D-Trp32]-NPY, attenuated NPY's effect on feeding yet this same peptide elicited a dose-dependent inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing, suggesting some molecular distinction between antinociception and stimulation of food intake.

Determination on functional basis of presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptor subtypes in guinea-pig duodenum

The effects of several alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists were examined on the cholinergic twitch contractions evoked by electrical field stimulation of guinea-pig duodenum. Oxymetazoline, xylazine, noradrenaline, alpha-methyl-noradrenaline or medetomidine (0.01-30 microM) were nearly equieffective in inhibiting duodenal twitch responses. The effects of xylazine were competitively counteracted by antagonists tested (0.03-10 microM) with the following order of potency: RX 821002 = idazoxan > rauwolscine = yohimbine = BRL 44408 >> prazosin = ARC 239 = BRL 41992. According to the current classification, it is suggested that alpha 2-heteroadrenoceptors involved in the modulation of duodenal cholinergic neurotransmission belong to the alpha ZD subtype.

Functional regulation by dopamine receptors of serotonin release from the rat hippocampus: in vivo microdialysis study

The functional regulation by dopamine (DA) receptors of serotonin (5-HT) release from the rat hippocampus was investigated by use of in vivo microdialysis. Dialysate 5-HT levels were reduced by co-perfusion of 10 microM tetrodotoxin (TTX) and were elicited by K+ (60 and 120 mM) stimulation in a concentration-dependent manner. Local perfusion (10 microM) and peripheral administration (20 mg/kg, i.p.) of fluoxetine produced increases in 5-HT levels. These results indicate that the spontaneous 5-HT levels in the rat hippocampus can be used as indices of neuronal origin from the serotonergic nerve terminals. The nonselective dopamine (DA) receptor agonist apomorphine (1, 10 and 100 microM), when perfused through the probe over a period of 40 min, increased 5-HT release in a concentration-dependent manner. Apomorphine-induced (100 microM) increases in 5-HT release was abolished by pretreatment with the selective D2 receptor antagonist, S(-)-sulpiride (1 and 10 microM), but not prevented by pretreatment with the selective D1 receptor antagonist, R(+)-SCH-23390 (R(+)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2, 3, 4, 5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine) (1 microM). S(-)-Sulpiride and R(+)-SCH-23390 by themselves did not alter the spontaneous 5-HT levels. The 5-HT release was elevated by perfusion of the selective DA reuptake inhibitor GBR 12909 (1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl) methoxy]ethyl]-4-[3-phenyl-propyl]piperazine) (1, 10 and 100 microM), indicating the possibility of not only exogenous but also endogenous DA-mediated facilitatory effects on 5-HT release in vivo. The 5-HT release was also elevated by perfused (+/-)-PPHT ((+/-)-2-(N-phenylethyl-N-propyl)-amino-5-hydroxytetralin) (1, 10 and 100 microM), the selective D2 receptor agonist, in a concentration-dependent manner. On the other hand, (+/-)-PPHT (100 microM) failed to increase 5-HT release in catecholamine (CA)-lesioned rats pretreated with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)(200 micrograms/rat, i.c.v.). The (+/-)-PPHT-induced (100 microM) increase in 5-HT release was prevented not only by pretreatment with 10 microM S(-)-sulpiride but also by pretreatment with the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan (10 microM). These findings suggest that the functional regulation of 5-HT release via D2 receptors exists in the rat hippocampus. Furthermore our results indicate that the facilitatory effect of 5-HT release via D2 receptors may be mediated indirectly by noradrenergic neurons, but not mediated directly through D2 receptors located on serotonergic nerve terminals.