Inhibitors of phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase: effects on brain catecholamine content and blood pressure in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats

Inhibitors [2-cyclooctyl-2-hydroxyethylamine (CONH), 1 aminomethylcycloundecanol (CUNH), 7,8-dichloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (SKF64139), 2,3-dichloro-alpha-methylbenzylamine (DCMB), 8,9-dichloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-2-benzazepine(LY134046)] of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) were found to reduce blood pressure in deoxycorticosterone-salt (DOCA-salt) hypertensive rats. CONH, CUNH and DCMB, but not SKF64139 and LY134046, also lowered blood pressure in normotensive control rats. All of the PNMT inhibitors tested lowered hypothalamic epinephrine (Epi) content in both DOCA-salt hypertensive and normotensive rats. DCMB, SKF64139 and LY134046 also lowered brainstem Epi in both animal groups. From these data a good correlation could not be made between the blood pressure lowering effects of PNMT inhibitors and their effects on hypothalamic Epi content as had been observed in other animal models of hypertension (e.g. spontaneously hypertensive rats).

A norepinephrine-cyclic AMP link in the hypothalamic pathways which mediate fever induced by endotoxin and prostaglandin E2 in the rat

The changes in rectal temperature, metabolic rate, cutaneous temperatures and respiratory evaporative heat loss produced by an injection of a bacterial endotoxin piromen (4-40 ng in 1 microliter) into the anterior hypothalamus were assessed in conscious rats in both sexes from a wide range of body mass and at various ambient temperatures (TaS). Intrahypothalamic injection of piromen increased metabolism and decreased cutaneous temperatures which led to fever in rats at Ta 8-30 degrees C. The monophasic fever was not significantly correlated with either body mass, sex difference of the Ta at which the experiments are carried out. Furthermore, daily intrahypothalamic injections of piromen produced no pyrogenic tolerance. Intrahypothalamic injections of either prostaglandin E2, norepinephrine, aminophylline or dibutyryl cyclic AMP also produced increased metabolism and decreased cutaneous temperature which led to fever at Ta 8-30 degrees C. In addition, the fever induced by intrahypothalamic injections of piromen, prostaglandin E2 or nor-epinephrine was greatly antagonized by pretreatment with intrahypothalamic injections of alpha or beta adrenergic antagonist. However, the fever induced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP or aminophylline was not affected by pretreatment with adrenergic receptor blockade. The data indicate that a norepinephrine- cyclic AMP link occurs in the hypothalamic pathways which mediate the piromen-induced or the prostaglandin E2-induced fever in rats.

Hypothalamic and striatal dopamine receptor activation inhibits heat production in the rat

Direct injection of dopaminergic agonist apomorphine into the lateral cerebral ventricle, the preoptic anterior hypothalamus, the caudate-putamen complex, or the globus pallidus caused hypothermia, decreased metabolism and cutaneous vasoconstriction at ambient temperature (Ta) 8 and 22 degrees C, and hyperthermia and cutaneous vasoconstriction in the rat at Ta 30 degrees C. On the other hand, local injection of dopaminergic antagonists such as haloperidol and pimozide into the preoptic anterior hypothalamus and the striatal nuclei caused hyperthermia, increased metabolism and cutaneous vasoconstriction at Ta 8, 22, and 30 degrees C. However, there was no change in respiratory evaporative heat loss in response to administration of either dopaminergic agonist or antagonists in the rat at all Ta studied. The data indicate that hypothalamic and striatal dopaminergic receptor activation inhibits metabolic heat production in rats. In addition, intrahypothalamic injection of 5-hydroxytryptamine caused hypothermia, decreased metabolism and cutaneous vasodilatation in the rat at Ta 8 and 22 degrees C, whereas at Ta 30 degrees C caused an insignificant change in the thermoregulatory responses. Furthermore, the thermal responses induced by intrahypothalamic injection of apomorphine were not altered by depletion of hypothalamic 5-hydroxytryptamine. These observations do not support the contention that there is a dopamineserotonin link in the hypothalamic pathways that mediate heat loss mechanisms in the rat.

Blockade of nicotinic receptors in brain with d-tubocurarine induces decreased metabolism, cutaneous vasodilation and hypothermia in rats

Direct administration of d-tubocurarine into the lateral cerebral ventricle of conscious rats produced decreased metabolism, cutaneous vasodilatation and hypothermia at ambient temperatures of 8--22 degrees C. Also, pretreatment with d-tubocurarine antagonized the arecoline-induced hypothermia.

Effects of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate on thermoregulation in both rats and rabbits

The effects of intraventricular administration of dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (db cyclic AMP) on the thermoregulatory responses of unanesthetized rats and rabbits to different ambient temperatures (Ta) were assessed. Administration of db cyclic AMP (10-60 mM) produced dose-dependent hypothermia in both rats and rabbits at Ta 2-22 degrees C. The hypothermia in response to db cyclic AMP was due to decreased metabolic heat production and cutaneous vasodilatation. There was no change in respiratory evaporative heat loss. In contrast, in the heat (30-32 degrees C), db cyclic AMP administration produced dose-dependent hyperthermia in these animals. The hyperthermia was due to increased metabolism (due to muscular shivering) and decreased heat losses. The reduction in heat losses was shown by a decrease in both cutaneous circulation and respiratory evaporative heat loss. The data demonstrate that the thermoregulatory responses induced by central administration of db cyclic AMP are Ta-dependent.

Activation of striatal dopamine receptors induces pain inhibition in rats

In the rat, elevating dopamine content in corpus striatum with electrical stimulation of substantia nigra or direct administration of apomorphine (50-200 micrograms) into the lateral cerebral ventricle or apomorphine (2-10 microgram) into the caudate-putamen complex decreased pain sensitivity (as shown by an increase in the latency to hind-paw lick in the hot plate test). Furthermore, the decreased pain sensitivity after the central administration of apomorphine was antagonized by pretreatment with haloperidol (a dopamine antagonist). On the other hand, lowering dopamine content in corpus striatum with electrolytic destruction of substantia nigra and 6-hydroxydopamine lesions to the substantia nigra, as well as direct injection of haloperidol into the lateral cerebral ventricle or caudate-putamen complex increased pain sensitivity. The data indicate that activation of striatal dopamine receptors in rat brain induces pain inhibition.

Serotoninergic mechanisms of the hypothermia induced by clerodenron fragrans (Ventenaceae) in the rat

The effects of the Chinese herb Chou-Mou-Li, clerodenron fragrans (Ventenaceae) on metabolic, respiratory and vasomotor activities as well as body temperature were assessed in conscious rats at three different ambient temperatures (Ta) of 8, 22 and 30 degrees C. Intraperitoneal administration of Chou-Mou-li produced dose-dependent hypothermia in rats at both 8 and 22 degrees C Ta- At 8 degrees C Ta the hypothermia in response to Chou-Mou-Li was due to decreased metabolism, while at 22 degrees C Ta the hypothermia was due to both decreased metabolism and cutaneous vasodilatation. There was no change in respiratory evaporative heat loss. Furthermore, the hypothermia induced by Chou-Mou-Li was greatly antagonized by pretreatment of animals with p-chlorophenylalanine (a selective depletor of brain serotonin), but not by either atropine sulfate (a selective blocker of cholinergic receptors), regitine (a selective blocker of alpha-adrenergic receptors) or DL-propranolol (a selective blocker of beta-adrenergic receptors). However, at 30 degrees C Ta, systemic administration of Chou-Mou-Li produced no change in rectal temperature or other thermoregulatory responses. On the other hand, direct administration of serotonin into the lateral cerebral ventricle of conscious rats also produced dose-dependent hypothermia at 8 and 22 degrees C Ta. Again, the hypothermia in response to serotonin was due to decreased metabolism at 8 degrees C Ta and was due to both decreased metabolism and cutaneous vasodilatation at 22 degrees C Ta. At 30 degrees C Ta administration of serotonin also produced no change in thermoregulatory functions. The data indicate that Chou-Mou-Li produces hypothermia by increasing sensible heat loss and decreasing metabolic heat production, probably via the release of endogenous serotonin within brain.

Effects of needle stimulation of acupuncture loci Nei-Kuan (EH-6), Tsu-San-Li (St-36), San-Yin-Chiao (Sp-6) and Chu-Chih (LI-11) on cutaneous temperature and pain threshold in normal adults

The effects of stimulation of acupuncture loci Nei-Kuan (EH-6), Tsu-San-Li (St-36), San-Yin-Chiao (Sp-6) and Chu-Chih (LI-11) on cutaneous circulation and/or pain threshold were assessed in eight normal adults. Stimulation of acupuncture locus San-Yin-Chiao (located in the right leg) produced vasoconstriction in the right leg skin temperature (Tright leg) and in the left leg skin temperature (Tleft leg). There was no change in either right arm skin temperature (Tright arm), left arm skin temperature (Tleft arm), metabolic rate, or respiratory evaporative heat loss. Stimulation of Nei-Kuan (located in the right arm) produced vasoconstriction only in both Tright arm and Tleft arm without changes in Tright leg or Tleft leg. Stimulation of acupuncture locus Tsu-San-Li (located in the left leg) produced vasoconstriction in both Tleft leg and Tright leg without changes in either Tright arm or Tleft arm. Stimulation of acupuncture locus Chu-Chih (located in the left arm) produced vasodilatation in both Tleft arm and Tright arm without changes in either Tright leg or Tleft leg. On the other hand, stimulation of acupuncture locus San-Yin-Chiao (right side) produced analgesia only in the right foot sole, while stimulation of acupuncture locus Chu-Chih (left side) produced analgesia only in the left hand palm. Thus, the data indicate that each acupuncture locus may have its own topographical representation with special reference to both cutaneous circulation and pain threshold in normal adults.

Needle stimulation of acupuncture loci Chu-Chih (LI-11) and Ho-Ku (LI-4) induces hypothermia effects and analgesia in normal adults

The effects of acupuncture stimulation on the Chu-Chih (LI-11) and Ho-Ku (LI-4) loci on both thermoregulatory function and analgesic activity were assessed in normal adults. Stimulation of Chu-Chih and Ho-Ku each produced both hypothermia and analgesia. The hypothermia was brought about by decreased metabolic heat production and cutaneous vasodilatation (as estimated by an increase in cutaneous temperature). The analgesic effect was shown by an increase in the latency to palm lift in the hot plate test. Thus, the data indicate that stimulation of acupuncture loci Chu-Chih and Ho-Ku is an ideal treatment for both the fever and painful syndromes.

Effects of thyrotrophic-releasing hormone (TRH) on thermoregulation in the rat

At ambient temperatures (Ta) of both 8 and 22 degrees C, intraventricular administration of TRH (10-80 microgram) produced a dose-dependent hypothermia in rats. The hypothermia was due to both decreased metabolic heat production and cutaneous vasodilatation. In contrast, at 30 degrees C Ta, TRH increased metabolic heat production (due to behavioral excitation) and led to hyperthermia.

Intracerebroventricular injection of sympathomimetic drugs inhibits both heat production and heat loss mechanisms in the rat

The effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of sympathomimetic drugs on thermoregulatory functions in conscious rats maintained at low (8 decrees C), moderate (22 degrees C), and high (30 degrees C) ambient temperatures were assessed. Norepinephrine, tyramine, and ephedrine each produced hypothermia at ambient temperature (Ta) 8 degrees C and hyperthermia at Ta 22 and 30 degrees C. At Ta 8 degrees, the hypothermia in response to norepinephrine, tyramine, and ephedrine was due to decreased metabolic rate (M) whereas at Ta 22 degrees C the hyperthermia was due to cutaneous vasoconstriction. AT Ta 22 degrees C, the hyperthermia in response to norepinephrine and tyramine was due to cutaneous vasoconstriction whereas the hyperthermia in response to ephedrine was brought about by increased M (due to behavioral excitation). Intracerebroventricular injection of epinephrine produced hypothermia followed by hyperthermia at Ta 8 and 22 degrees C. The hypothermia was due to decreased M whereas the hyperthermia was due to cutaneous vasoconstriction and increased M. AT Ta 30 degrees C, epinephrine led to a reduction in cutaneous temperature and hyperthermia. Furthermore, i.c.v. administration of phenylephrine produced a decreased M and hypothermia Ta 8 degrees C and an increased M (due to behavioral excitation) and hyperthermia at Ta 30 degrees C. At Ta 22 degrees C, phenylephrine produced hyperthermia (due to cutaneous vasoconstriction and increased M) preceded by hypothermia (due to decreased M). Moreover, the temperature effects induced by norepinephrine were antagonized by pretreatment with the adrenoceptor antagonist phentolamine. In general, the data indicate that activation of central adrenoceptors with sympathomimetic drugs inhibits both heat production and heat loss mechanisms in the rat.

Effects of intracerebroventricular injection of d-amphetamine on metabolic, respiratory, and vasomotor activities and body temperatures in the rat

Systemic and central administration of d-amphetamine both produced dose-dependent hypothermia in the rat at ambient temperature (Ta) 8 degrees C. The hypothermia was brought about solely by a decrease in metabolic heat production. However, at both Ta 22 and 30 degrees C, d-amphetamine produced hyperthermia accompanied by behavioral excitation. The hyperthermia was due to cutaneous vasoconstriction and increased metabolic heat production (due to behavioral excitation) at Ta 22 degrees C, whereas at Ta 30 degrees C the hyperthermia was due to cutaneous vasoconstriction, decreased respiratory evaporative heat loss, and increased metabolism (due to behavioral excitation). Furthermore, both the thermal and the behavioral responses induced by d-amphetamine were antagonized by pretreatment with intracerebroventricular administration of 6-hydroxydopamine (a depletor of central catecholaminergic nerve fibers). The data indicate that, by eliminating the interference of behavioral responses induced, d-amphetamine leads to an alteration in body temperature of rats by decreasing both metabolic heat production and sensible heat loss, probably via the activation of central catecholaminergic receptors.

Angiotensin II inhibits both heat production and heat loss mechanisms in the rat

The effects of intracerebroventricular injections of angiotensin II on thermoregulatory responses of conscious rats to ambient temperatures (Ta) of 8, 22, and 30 degrees C were assessed. Administration of angiotensin II produced dose-dependent hypothermia in rats at both Ta 8 and 22 degrees C. The hypothermia in response to angiotensin II was due to decreased metabolic heat production. In addition, angiotensin II produced cutaneous vasoconstriction at Ta 8-22 degrees C. However, at Ta 30 degrees C angiotensin II produced no change in rectal temperature or other thermoregulatory responses. Furthermore, the hypothermia induced by angiotension II was antagonized by pretreatment with 6-hydroxytryptamine (a selective catecholamine neurotoxin) and propranolol (a selective beta-adrenergic antagonist) but not either 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine (a selective serotonin neurotoxin), atropine (a cholinergic antagonist), or phentolamine (a selective alpha-adrenergic antagonist). The data indicate that angiotension II inhibits both heat production and heat loss mechanisms which lead to an alteration in body temperature, probably via the activation of central adrenergic receptors.

Intraventricular administration of isoproterenol inhibits both heat production and heat loss mechanisms in rats

At an ambient temperature (Ta) of 8 degrees C, intraventricular administration of isoproterenol inhibited metabolic heat production and led to hypothermia in rats. In contrast, at a Ta of 22 degrees C and of 30 degrees C, isoproterenol decreased cutaneous circulation and led to hyperthermia. The data indicate that isoproterenol inhibits both heat production and heat loss mechanisms in rats.

The catecholamine mechanisms of prostaglandin E1-induced hypothermia in rats

Intraperitoneal administration of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) produced a hypothermia in rats at room temperatue (22 degrees C). The hypothermia in response to PGE1 was due to cutaneous vasodilatation and decreased metabolic heat production. Depletion of brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (with 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine and p-chlorophenylalanine) did not alter the PGE1-induced hypothermia. However, depletion of bran catecholamines (with 6-hydroxydopamine) and blockade of central catecholaminergic receptors (with phentolamine and propranolol) both greatly reduced the PGE1-induced hypothermia. The data indicate that PGE1 lowers body temperature in rats by acting on the central catecholaminergic systems.

Transplacental infection with Japanese encephalitis virus

During a widespread epidemic of Japanese encephalitis, five pregnant women affected by the illness were observed. The diagnosis of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection was established on the basis of clinical presentation, rising titers of hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody, and the presence of specific IgM antibodies. Two women aborted, two were delivered of apparently normal children, and the fate of one case is not known. From brain, liver, and placental tissues of one of the aborted fetuses, JEV was isolated. This appears to be the first report of human transplacental infection with JEV.