Synthetic human adrenomedullin and ADM15-52 have potent short-lasting vasodilator activity in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat

Responses to synthetic human adrenomedullin, a novel hypotensive peptide localized in several organ systems, including the lung, and the carboxy terminal 15-52 amino acid fragment of adrenomedullin (ADM15-52) were investigated in the pulmonary vascular bed of the intact-chest cat. Under constant flow conditions when baseline tone in the pulmonary vascular bed was raised to a high steady level, injections of adrenomedullin and ADM15-52 into the perfused lobar artery in doses of 0.1-1 nmol, caused significant dose-related decreases in lobar arterial pressure. Since left atrial pressure was unchanged, the decreases in lobar arterial pressure reflect decreases in pulmonary lobar vascular resistance. Adrenomedullin and ADM15-52 exhibited similar vasodilator activity and were approximately 3-fold more potent than bradykinin in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat. Pulmonary vasodilator responses to adrenomedullin and ADM15-52 were rapid in onset and lasted for 150-200 sec, depending on the dose of the peptide injected. The present results demonstrate that synthetic human adrenomedullin and ADM15-52 possess potent, short-lasting vasodilator activity in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat and suggest that amino acids 15-52 in the peptide are important for the expression of vasodilator activity in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat.

Heparin treatment enhances the recovery of neoendothelial acetylcholine-induced vascular relaxation after balloon catheter injury in the rabbit aorta

BACKGROUND

After catheter injury, the neoendothelium that grows is abnormal in morphology and in acetylcholine-induced generation of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). Heparin has been shown to have stimulatory effects on vascular endothelial growth in vitro. Its effect in vivo on neoendothelial cell morphology and metabolism after injury has not been described. We investigated the effect of heparin treatment on the neoendothelium formed after injury.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Four groups of New Zealand White rabbits were studied. Group 1 rabbits underwent catheter denudation and were killed 4 weeks after injury without receiving treatment (NO Tx, n = 8). Groups 2 and 3 underwent similar aortic injury, received 2 weeks of treatment with either heparin (n = 7) or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH, n = 5), and were killed at 4 weeks. Group 4 underwent sham operation (SHAM, n = 8). EDRF generation was determined by the relaxation of precontracted aortic rings in an organ bath in response to acetylcholine. The heparin-treated group exhibited a significant improvement in acetylcholine-induced relaxation (27%) versus both LMWH-treated (14%, P = .035) and untreated groups (11%, P = .004), although relaxation was only 50% of that observed in the uninjured control vessels (52%, P = .001). The neoendothelium formed in the heparin-treated group exhibited a more normal histological appearance and was aligned with the direction of blood flow as compared with that observed in the untreated or LMWH-treated groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that in vivo heparin administration enhanced the recovery of EDRF generation and augmented normalization of the morphologic appearance of the neoendothelium.

Analysis of responses to pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide-38 in the feline hindquarters vascular bed

Responses to pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP)-38 were investigated and compared with responses to PACAP-27 and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in the hindquarters vascular bed of the cat under constant flow conditions. Injections of PACAP-38 into the hindquarters perfusion circuit caused dose-related, biphasic changes characterized by initial decreases followed by increases in both hindquarters perfusion and systemic arterial pressure. In relative terms, PACAP-38 was less potent then PACAP-27 and VIP in dilating the hindquarters vascular bed, with the order of related potency being VIP > PACAP-27 > PACAP-38 when the doses required to decrease hindquarters perfusion pressure by 25 mm Hg were compared. When comparing the relative vasoconstrictor activity of PACAP-38 to that of PACAP-27 and norepinephrine, PACAP-38 was approximately 3-fold less potent than PACAP-27 and 10-fold less potent than norepinephrine. The vasoconstrictor component of the response to PACAP-38 and, as shown previously, for PACAP-27 was blocked by phentolamine in a dose that significantly reduced pressor responses to norepinephrine in the hindquarters vascular bed. The present data show that PACAP-38 has significant vasodilator and vasoconstrictor activity in the hindquarters vascular bed of the cat, and that the 27 amino acid form of the peptide has greater depressor and pressor activity than PACAP-38.

Comparison of responses to pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptides 38 and 27 in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat

Responses to pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP)-38 were investigated and compared with responses to PACAP-27 and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in the pulmonary vascular bed of the intact-chest cat under constant flow conditions. Under low resting tone baseline conditions, injections of PACAP-38 had little or no effect on lobar arterial pressure; however, when tone in the pulmonary vascular bed was raised to a high steady level (35-40 mm Hg) with U46619, intralobar injections of PACAP-38 caused dose-related decreases in lobar arterial pressure without altering left atrial pressure. The peptide induced biphasic changes in systemic arterial pressure. PACAP-38 was more potent than VIP in decreasing lobar arterial pressure, and both peptides were significantly less potent than PACAP-27 in dilating the pulmonary vascular bed. The present data show that PACAP-38 has significant vasodilator activity in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat, and that the 27 amino acid form of the peptide is approximately 3-fold more potent than PACAP-38.

Renal responses to intra-arterial administration of nitric oxide donor in dogs

Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis by intra-arterial administration of nitro-L-arginine (NLA) leads to attenuation of the slope of the relation between renal arterial pressure (RAP) and sodium excretion without an alteration in renal autoregulatory efficiency. In the present study, we examined whether only the presence of nitric oxide or, alternatively, changes in nitric oxide production during changes in RAP are required for pressure natriuresis to occur. Anesthetized sodium-replete dogs (n = 8) were treated with NLA (50 micrograms.kg-1 x min-1) to inhibit endogenous nitric oxide formation, and S-nitroso-n-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) was infused intra-arterially at a constant rate (2 micrograms.kg-1 x min-1) to replenish intrarenal nitric oxide levels. Renal responses to reductions in RAP within the autoregulatory range were assessed before and during NLA infusion followed by SNAP+NLA infusion. As reported previously, NLA infusion alone increased renal vascular resistance and decreased renal blood flow, urine flow, sodium excretion, and fractional excretion of sodium, with no change in glomerular filtration rate. Autoregulatory efficiency remained intact, whereas the pressure-induced natriuretic responses were attenuated. During SNAP+NLA infusion, renal blood flow increased from 2.8 +/- 0.3 to 3.5 +/- 0.3 mL.min-1 x g-1 (P < .001), without significant changes in glomerular filtration rate (0.75 +/- 0.07 to 0.81 +/- 0.05 mL.min-1 x g-1); the autoregulatory efficiency of renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate remained intact. SNAP increased urine flow (4.8 +/- 1.8 to 10.0 +/- 2.5 microL.min-1 x g-1), sodium excretion (0.63 +/- 0.26 to 1.70 +/- 0.37 mumol.min-1 x g-1), and fractional excretion of sodium (0.55 +/- 0.20% to 1.38 +/- 0.27%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Angiopeptin enhances acetylcholine-induced relaxation and inhibits intimal hyperplasia after vascular injury

The effects of the somatostatin analogue, angiopeptin (BIM-23014), on neoendothelial function, as evidenced by formation of prostaglandin (PG) I2 and by acetylcholine-induced relaxation (formation of endothelial-derived relaxing factor), were investigated in the rabbit aorta. A balloon catheter injury of the thoracic and abdominal aorta was induced in New Zealand White rabbits. Animals treated with angiopeptin for 2 or 4 wk were compared with untreated rabbits at 2 or 4 wk after the induction of injury, as well as to sham-operated controls. When the rabbits were killed, vascular rings were assessed for arachidonic acid-stimulated PGI2 formation, acetylcholine-induced relaxation, and the degree of intimal hyperplasia. Vascular rings from animals treated with angiopeptin exhibited enhanced acetylcholine-induced relaxation; however, angiopeptin treatment had no effect on arachidonic acid-stimulated PGI2 formation. Intimal hyperplasia in treated animals was reduced by 36%. Treatment with another somatostatin analogue, BIM-23030, did not enhance relaxation or inhibit intimal hyperplasia. These data suggest that treatment with angiopeptin may inhibit intimal hyperplasia in part by its beneficial effect on neoendothelial function.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide: a neuropeptide with potent inotropic and coronary vasodilatory effects in neonatal pig hearts

Cardiac effects of the neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) have not previously been reported. We investigated the influence of PACAP, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (68% homology with PACAP) and the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol on contractile function and coronary vascular tone in isolated piglet hearts (1 to 5 d of age). Paced (180 beats/min) isovolumically beating hearts underwent retrograde aortic perfusion at constant coronary flow (approximately 3 mL.min-1.g-1) with an erythrocyte-enriched (hematocrit 15 to 20%) solution (37 degrees C). Agonists were injected into the aortic root of hearts, and the positive (+) and negative (-) changes in maximum rate of change of systolic pressure with respect to time (dP/dtmax) and in coronary perfusion pressure (that reflected alterations in vascular tone) were measured. PACAP (n = 8, 0.1 and 0.5 nmol) increased (+) dP/dtmax from 944 +/- 59 to 1519 +/- 206 mm Hg/s and from 867 +/- 40 to 2010 +/- 226 mm Hg/s (p < 0.05); increased (-) dP/dtmax from 1114 +/- 41 to 1439 +/- 95 mm Hg and from 999 +/- 37 to 1668 +/- 145 mm Hg/s (p < 0.05); and decreased perfusion pressure from 61.4 +/- 3.1 to 48.9 +/- 2.3 mm Hg and from 60.5 +/- 2.4 to 43.9 +/- 2.3 mm Hg (p < 0.05), respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Analysis of responses to serotonin in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat

Pulmonary vascular responses to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) were investigated in the intact-chest cat under constant-flow conditions. Injections of 5-HT into the perfused lobar artery in doses of 1-30 micrograms caused dose-related increases in lobar arterial pressure and, at doses of 3-30 micrograms, decreases in systemic arterial pressure. Left atrial pressure was not changed, and responses to 5-HT were not altered by a thromboxane receptor blocking agent. Responses to 5-HT were blocked by ketanserin in doses that did not alter responses to agonists that increase pulmonary vascular resistance by various mechanisms. The ketanserin-induced blockade was not surmountable and at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg iv persisted for > 4 h. Prazosin and yohimbine, selective alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists, were without effect on the pressor response to 5-HT, and ketanserin did not reduce responses to norepinephrine or the alpha 1-agonists, phenylephrine and methoxamine. 5-HT and the thromboxane mimic, U-46619, produced large increases in pulmonary vascular resistance; however, U-46619 was 300 times more potent than 5-HT. 5-HT increased lobar arterial pressure when the lung was perfused with dextran, and increases in lobar arterial pressure in response to 5-HT were not diminished when lobar ventilation was interrupted but were enhanced by N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and to a small extent by meclofenamate. The present data suggest that increases in pulmonary vascular resistance in the cat in response to 5-HT are due to activation of an S2 receptor in undefined "resistance vessel elements." These data suggest that pulmonary vasoconstrictor responses to 5-HT may be modulated to a small extent by release of a vasodilator prostaglandin and endothelium-derived nitric oxide but are not dependent on activation of thromboxane receptors, changes in bronchomotor tone, and interaction with alpha 1-receptors or with formed elements in blood.

L-arginine inhibits balloon catheter-induced intimal hyperplasia

Intimal hyperplasia that results from therapeutic revascularization is an important etiologic factor in the failure of these procedures (i.e., restenosis). Drugs which donate nitric oxide have been shown to inhibit the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro. We tested the hypothesis that administration of L-arginine (0.5 g/kg/day), the precursor of nitric oxide, would inhibit development of intimal hyperplasia following balloon catheter-induced injury. L-arginine administration from 2 days prior to and 2 weeks following catheter-induced injury to the rabbit thoracic aorta attenuated the development of intimal hyperplasia by 39% as compared with untreated controls. This effect was due to decreased intimal area. The effect of L-arginine was inhibited by co-administration of an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (0.5 g/kg/day). These data demonstrate that L-arginine attenuates intimal hyperplasia and suggest that the mechanism for this effect is the conversion of L-arginine to nitric oxide.

Inhibitory effects of Hoe 140 on vasodilator responses to bradykinin in the mesenteric vascular bed of the cat

The effect of Hoe 140, a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, on vasodilator responses to bradykinin was investigated in the mesenteric vascular bed of the cat under constant flow conditions. Injections of bradykinin into the mesenteric vascular bed induced dose-related decreases in perfusion pressure which were reduced significantly following administration of Hoe 140 (D-Arg-[Hyp3,Thi5,D-Tic7,Oic8]bradykinin) (100 micrograms/kg i.v.). The inhibitory effects of Hoe 140 were longer than 3 h in duration and vasodilator response to acetylcholine and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine and vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine, angiotensin II, and the thromboxane mimic, U46619 (9,11-dideoxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-epoxymethano-prostaglandin F2 alpha) were unchanged by the B2 receptor antagonist. Hoe 140 had little effect on baseline systemic arterial and mesenteric arterial perfusion pressures. These results suggest that Hoe 140 is a potent, highly selective, long-acting bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist with little agonistic activity in the mesenteric vascular bed of the cat.

Selective and complete blockade of acetylcholine-induced relaxation in rabbit aortic rings by N omega-nitro-L-arginine but not by glybenclamide

This study addressed the possibility that acetylcholine-induced relaxation in the rabbit aorta is mediated by dual mechanisms: one N omega-nitro-L-arginine (NLA)-sensitive, the other glybenclamide-sensitive. Acetylcholine, nitroglycerin and BRL38227 (lemakalim), an activator of glybenclamide-sensitive potassium channels, were added to an organ bath containing rabbit aortic rings in a cumulative manner in the absence or presence of NLA and/or glybenclamide. NLA inhibited acetylcholine-induced relaxation and potentiated the relaxant response to nitroglycerin. BRL38227 caused a dose-dependent relaxation in rabbit aortic rings, and 30 microM glybenclamide produced essentially complete inhibition of this relaxation. Glybenclamide alone produced no inhibition of acetylcholine-induced relaxation. These results indicate that glybenclamide-sensitive potassium channels in the rabbit aorta play no role in mediating the relaxant response to acetylcholine, while NLA can produce a selective and essentially complete blockade of the relaxant response to acetylcholine in the rabbit aorta.

Influence of Zaprinast on vascular tone and vasodilator responses in the cat pulmonary vascular bed

The influence of Zaprinast (M&B 22948), a guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor, was investigated in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat under conditions of controlled blood flow and constant left atrial pressure. Under baseline conditions, injections of Zaprinast into the perfused lobar artery produced small decreases in lobar arterial pressure without altering systemic arterial or left atrial pressure. When tone was increased with U-46619, Zaprinast caused larger dose-dependent decreases in lobar arterial pressure without altering left atrial pressure. The decreases in lobar arterial pressure were reduced significantly by treatment with the nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or the guanylate cyclase inhibitor methylene blue. Under elevated tone conditions, efferent vagal stimulation and intralobar injections of acetylcholine, substance P, NO solution, and the S-nitrosothiols [S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) and S-nitroso-L-cysteine (CysNO)] decreased lobar arterial pressure in a frequency-dependent and dose-related manner. After treatment with Zaprinast, the decreases in lobar arterial pressure in response to efferent vagal stimulation, the endothelium-dependent vasodilators, and the nitrovasodilators were not changed, whereas the duration of the vasodilator responses as measured by the half times was increased significantly. Vasodilator responses to adenosine, albuterol, and pinacidil were not altered by Zaprinast. These data suggest that cGMP hydrolysis in the lung is rapid and that endothelium-derived NO is important in stimulating basal cGMP production and in regulating vascular tone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Differential responses to angiotensin-(1-7) in the feline mesenteric and hindquarters vascular beds

Regional vascular responses to angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7), a heptapeptide derivative of Ang II were investigated in the feline hindquarters and mesenteric vascular beds under conditions of controlled flow. In the mesenteric vascular bed, injections of Ang-(1-7) in doses of 1, 3 and 10 micrograms produced dose-dependent decreases in mesenteric perfusion pressure whereas at doses of 30 and 100 micrograms, increases were observed. In contrast, in the hindquarters circulation, low doses produced increases while high doses produced decreases in perfusion pressure. In both vascular beds the degree of vasoconstriction was weak, being less than 1% of that elicited by Ang II. The vasoconstrictor effect of Ang-(1-7) in both the mesenteric and hindquarters vascular bed was blocked by DuP 753 (1 mg/kg i.v.), an Ang receptor subtype 1 (AT1) antagonist. The vasodilator responses in both vascular beds were partially blocked by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (100 mg/kg i.v.) but were unaffected by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, meclofenamate (2.5 mg/kg i.v.). The present results show that in the peripheral vascular bed of the cat, Ang-(1-7) causes vasodilation or modest vasoconstriction, depending on the dose and the regional vascular bed studied. The present data also suggest that the vasodilator effect of the peptide may be mediated in part by the release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor and the vasoconstrictor effect by activation of the AT1 receptor subtype.

Analysis of the inhibitory effects of DuP 753 and EXP 3174 on responses to angiotensin II in the feline hindquarters vascular bed

The effects of DuP 753 and EXP 3174, nonpeptide angiotensin II type 1 antagonists, on responses to angiotensin II were investigated in the hindquarters vascular bed of the cat. Under constant flow conditions, injections of angiotensin II into the hindquarters perfusion circuit elicited dose-dependent increases in perfusion pressure. Responses to the peptide were stable with respect to time, did not exhibit tachyphylaxis, and 2-n-butyl-4-chloro-5-hydroxymethyl-1-[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biph eny l-4-yl]methyl]methyl]imidazole (DuP 753) in doses of 1 and 2.5 mg/kg decreased vasoconstrictor responses to angiotensin II in a competitive manner, with a longer duration of action at the higher dose. DuP 753 had no significant effect on vasoconstrictor responses to vasopressin, norepinephrine, neuropeptide Y or 11 alpha,6 alpha-epoxymethano-9 alpha,11 alpha-dideoxy-prostaglandin F2 alpha, on biphasic responses to endothelin-1, or on vasodilator responses to acetylcholine. 2-n-Butyl-4-chloro-1-[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]im idazole-5-carboxylic acid (EXP 3174) also decreased responses to angiotensin II without altering responses to norepinephrine, vasopressin, U46619 or endothelin-1. The inhibitory effect of EXP 3174 was surmountable; however, large doses of angiotensin II were required, and the blockade was long in duration. The effects of DuP 753 and EXP 3174 on responses to angiotensin II and angiotensin III were similar, and when EXP 3174 was administered in doses of 0.1 and 0.05 mg/kg i.v., the blockade was overcome and the dose-response curves for angiotensin II were shifted to the right in a parallel manner.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Analysis of responses to substance P in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat

Responses to substance P were investigated in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat with controlled pulmonary blood flow and constant left atrial pressure. Under baseline conditions, intralobar injections of substance P caused small, inconsistent reductions in lobar arterial pressure (AP) and significant reductions in mean systemic AP without affecting left atrial pressure. Decreases in lobar AP were significant and dose related when lobar vascular resistance was increased with U-46619, a thromboxane A2 mimetic. When compared with other vasodilator agents, the order of potency was substance P approximately bradykinin > pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) > acetylcholine (in nmol). Pulmonary vasodilator responses to substance P were unchanged by administration of atropine, glibenclamide, or sodium meclofenamate or when airflow to the left lower lung lobe was interrupted by bronchial occlusion. The NO synthesis inhibitor, N omega-nitro-L-argininemethyl ester (L-NAME), and the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, methylene blue (MB), selectively inhibited pulmonary vasodilator responses to substance P and to acetylcholine. MB or L-NAME had no significant effect on pulmonary vasodilator responses to albuterol, lemakalim, or PACAP, whereas MB inhibited and L-NAME enhanced vasodilator responses to NO and sodium nitroprusside. The present investigation demonstrates that, when tone is increased experimentally, substance P has potent pulmonary vasodilator activity, and responses are not dependent on changes in bronchomotor tone, on the activation of muscarinic receptors or ATP-sensitive K+ channels, or on the release of a dilator prostaglandin but do involve, at least in part, endothelium-derived NO release and soluble guanylate cyclase activation.

Penile erections induced by vasoactive intestinal peptide and sodium nitroprusside

The use of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and the reference combination of papaverine, prostaglandin E1, and phentolamine was studied in 22 adult cats. The maximal erectile response (intracavernous pressure, penile length, and rigidity) was produced by intracavernous injection of a combination of 1.65 mg papaverine, 0.5 micrograms PGE1, and 25 micrograms phentolamine. This combination was considered as "control" in order to compare the effect of other agents. VIP and SNP increased the intracavernous pressure and caused erection in a dose-dependent manner with a maximal response obtained with 5 micrograms VIP or 10 micrograms SNP. The duration of peak erection and the total duration of drug effect were significantly shorter with VIP and SNP than with the reference combination (P < 0.01). Epinephrine (30 micrograms) reversed the effects of SNP and significantly shortened the duration of peak action and total effect (P < 0.05). This study supports the use of an in vivo feline model for the evaluation of vasoactive agents and demonstrates that the intracavernous injection of either VIP or SNP can induce penile erection in the adult cat.

Differential effects of nitric oxide synthesis inhibitors on vascular resistance and responses to acetylcholine in cats

The effects of dose and the duration of treatment with N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) and N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on vascular resistance and the vasodilator response to acetylcholine (ACh) were investigated in the hindquarters vascular bed of the cat under constant flow conditions. L-NNA and L-NAME increase perfusion pressure and reduce vasodilator responses to ACh in the hindquarters vascular bed; however, the dose and time of exposure required to produce these effects are different. When L-NNA (2.5-5 mg/min) was infused into the hindquarters vascular bed, the increase in perfusion pressure was observed 10 min after onset of the infusion, at which time responses to ACh were not changed. The time of exposure for 50% of the maximal change in hindquarters perfusion pressure was significantly less than the time of exposure for 50% of the maximal decrease in the vasodilator response to ACh during infusion of L-NNA. A similar pattern was observed after the intravenous administration of 3-300 mg/kg L-NAME, while 1 mg/kg L-NAME produced a large but submaximal pressor response and lesser decreases in responses to ACh. The arginine analogues did not completely inhibit the vasodilator response to ACh in the hindquarters vascular bed, with a 30-fold increase in dose producing no additional blockade; however, L-NNA completely inhibited the relaxant response to ACh in the isolated aorta of the cat.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Analysis of systemic and pulmonary vascular responses to PACAP and VIP: role of adrenal catecholamines

Systemic and pulmonary vascular responses to pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a novel peptide with 68% sequence homology to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), were investigated in the anesthetized cat. Intravenous injections of PACAP in doses of 0.1-3.0 nmol/kg produced decreases in arterial pressure (AP) at low doses and biphasic changes (decreases followed by increases) at higher doses, which were accompanied by increases in central venous pressure (CVP) and cardiac output (CO), and decreases and biphasic changes in systemic vascular resistance (SVR). In contrast, VIP in doses of 0.1-3.0 nmol/kg produced only dose-dependent decreases in AP and SVR and produced little change in CVP and CO. PACAP produced increased pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), left atrial pressure (LAP), and increases in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). PACAP increased heart rate (HR) and right ventricular contractile force (RVCF), while VIP had no effect. Increases in AP and SVR in response to PACAP were changed to decreases following the administration of phentolamine or after adrenalectomy. Under constant flow conditions, PACAP and VIP produced dose-dependent decreases in lobar arterial pressure when tone was elevated, with PACAP being threefold more potent than VIP. Meclofenamate and nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) had no effect on pulmonary responses to the peptides. PACAP produced dose-dependent biphasic changes in hindquarters perfusion pressure, whereas VIP produced only decreases that were unchanged by indomethacin, L-NAME, and glibenclamide. Phentolamine and adrenalectomy eliminated the hindquarters pressor response to PACAP and D-Phe2-VIP, a VIP antagonist, reduced responses to VIP but not to PACAP. These data suggest that responses to PACAP and VIP are mediated by distinct receptors and that pressor responses to PACAP are due to the release of catecholamines from the adrenal gland.

Analysis of responses to big endothelin in the hindquarters vascular bed of the cat

OBJECTIVE

To investigate vascular responses to the endothelin-1 (ET-1) precursor, human big endothelin 1-38 (big ET), in the peripheral vascular bed of the cat.

DESIGN

These studies were designed to investigate the hypothesis that bit ET is converted to an active peptide with properties similar to ET-1.

SETTING

Hindquarters vascular bed of the cat under conditions of controlled bloodflow; changes in perfusion pressure reflect changes in vascular resistance.

ANIMALS

Fifty-four adult mongrel cats.

INTERVENTIONS

Big ET, ET-1, the peptidases chymotrypsin, pepsin and cathepsin-D, and the metalloprotease inhibitor phosphoramidon.

MAIN RESULTS

Intra-arterial injections of big ET induced a slow-developing and sustained increase in hindquarters perfusion pressure which could be blocked by phosphoramidon. ET-1 (0.3 nmol), administered as a slow infusion over a 10-min period, produced a slowly developing increase in hindquarters perfusion pressure in a manner similar to that observed in response to injection of big ET. A bolus injection of ET-1 produced a biphasic response characterized by a transient decrease in pressure followed by an increase which was significantly greater in magnitude and more rapid in onset than the pressor response to big ET (0.3 nmol). After incubation of big ET with chymotrypsin, pepsin and cathepsin-D (each 5% weight/weight) for 30 mins at 37 degrees C, injection of activated big ET produced a biphasic response characteristic of the response to ET-1 with an initial transient decrease in pressure followed by a secondary increase in hindquarters perfusion pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Big ET produces a phosphoramidon-sensitive pressor response which is similar to that produced by an infusion of ET-1. These data suggest that chymotrypsin, pepsin and cathepsin-D can convert big ET to an active peptide which elicits a biphasic response similar to that produced by ET-1.

Methylene blue inhibits neurogenic cholinergic vasodilator responses in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat

The effects of methylene blue, an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase, on pulmonary vasodilator responses to efferent vagal stimulation were investigated in the intact-chest cat under conditions of controlled blood flow and constant left atrial pressure. In animals pretreated with reserpine or phenoxybenzamine, under elevated tone conditions, efferent vagal stimulation at frequencies of 2-16 Hz caused stimulus-frequency-dependent decreases in lobar arterial pressure and pulmonary lobar vascular resistance. The vasodilator response to vagal stimulation was reproducible, blocked by atropine, and reduced by methylene blue. Intralobar infusion of methylene blue increased lobar arterial pressure without significantly altering systemic arterial or left atrial pressure. Methylene blue had no significant effect on vasodilator responses to isoproterenol, albuterol, atriopeptin III, lemakalim, adenosine, ATP, and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-27 but significantly decreased vasodilator responses to acetylcholine, nitric oxide (NO), sodium nitroprusside, and the S-nitrosothiol, S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine. The effects of methylene blue on responses to vagal stimulation were reversible and were similar with the addition of a NO synthase inhibitor. The present data suggest that vasodilator responses to cholinergic nerve stimulation involve an increase in the production of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate in the pulmonary vascular bed. These results provide additional evidence to support the hypothesis that neurogenically released acetylcholine induces endothelium-dependent, muscarinic, guanylate cyclase-mediated vasodilation.

Inhibitory effects of DuP 753 and EXP3174 on responses to angiotensin II in pulmonary vascular bed of the cat

The effects of the non-peptide antagonist DuP 753 and its metabolite EXP3174 on responses to angiotensin II were investigated in the pulmonary vascular bed of the intact-chest cat. Under conditions of controlled blood flow and constant left atrial pressure, injections of angiotensin II into the perfused lobar artery caused dose-related increases in lobar arterial pressure. Responses to angiotensin II were reproducible and were not changed by meclofenamate or prazosin, indicating that prostaglandin or norepinephrine release does not mediate or modulate pulmonary vascular responses to the peptide. DuP 753 (1-5 mg/kg iv) decreased responses to angiotensin II in a competitive manner, and the duration of the blockade was related to dose of the antagonist. DuP 753 had no significant effect on responses to U-46619, norepinephrine, serotonin, endothelin-1, vasopressin, or BAY K 8644. EXP3174 also decreased responses to angiotensin II without altering responses to agents that act by a variety of mechanisms. The inhibitory effect of EXP3174 (1 mg/kg iv) was not overcome by angiotensin II in the range of doses studied, and the shift to the right of the dose-response curve was nonparallel, suggesting that the blockade was noncompetitive. The blockade was long in duration, and, when the dose of EXP3174 was decreased to 0.1 mg/kg iv, the blockade was surmounted and the shift to the right of the dose-response relationship was parallel. DuP 753 and EXP3174 had little effect on mean baseline pressures in the cat.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylcholine-induced coronary vasoconstriction and negative inotropy in the neonatal pig heart

We investigated the influence of exogenously administered acetylcholine, nitric oxide, ADP, ATP, bradykinin, and substance P on coronary vascular tone in isolated, neonatal pig hearts (less than or equal to 4 d). Paced (180 bpm), isovolumically beating hearts underwent retrograde aortic perfusion, with an erythrocyte-enriched solution (hematocrit 0.15-0.20) at constant coronary flow (approximately 2.5 mL/min/g) corresponding to a perfusion pressure of approximately 60 mm Hg. Agonists were injected into the aortic root, and the peak change in coronary perfusion pressure from baseline and left ventricular pressure development were assessed. Nitric oxide (3 microL), ADP (30 nmol), ATP (30 nmol), bradykinin (125 ng), and substance P (50 ng) decreased the perfusion pressure (vasodilation) by 16.9 +/- 1.2, 25.3 +/- 4.4, 18.3 +/- 1.2, 18.9 +/- 1.4, and 7.1 +/- 1.6 mm Hg, respectively. Acetylcholine (0.5 and 1.0 nmol) produced a modest decrease in perfusion pressure (vasodilatation) of 4.2 +/- 0.8 and 3.8 +/- 0.5 mm Hg, respectively, whereas acetylcholine (5, 20, and 100 nmol) increased the perfusion pressure (vasoconstriction) by 16.7 +/- 2.7, 48.2 +/- 8.2, and 85.3 +/- 15.1 mm Hg, respectively. Acetylcholine also decreased left ventricular peak systolic pressure from 108.7 +/- 5.0 to 69.2 +/- 4.6, 56.3 +/- 6.1, and 48.2 +/- 6.4 mm Hg, for the 5, 20, and 100 nmol doses, respectively. Responses to acetylcholine were abolished by atropine (50 nmol). In a separate group of hearts, indomethacin (10(-6) M) reduced the peak change in perfusion pressure for the 5, 20, and 100 nmol doses of acetylcholine by 87%, 66%, and 48%, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Analysis of pulmonary and systemic vascular responses to platelet-activating factor in the cat

Pulmonary and systemic vascular responses to platelet-activating factor (PAF) were investigated in the anesthetized cat. Intravenous injections of PAF decreased arterial pressure, increased pulmonary arterial pressure, and caused small but significant decreases in right and left atrial pressures. A transient increase in cardiac output was followed by a secondary decrease, and heart rate was increased. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was increased, systemic vascular resistance (SVR) was reduced, and changes in PVR and SVR in response to PAF were blocked by the novel PAF receptor antagonist, BN 50730. Under constant-flow conditions PAF dilated the hindlimb vascular bed in a dose-related manner, whereas in the pulmonary lobar vascular bed, PAF caused dose-related increases in perfusion pressure. Hindlimb and lobar vascular responses to PAF were blocked by BN 50730 in a selective manner, whereas cyclooxygenase inhibitors had no effect on responses to the phospholipid mediator. Hindlimb vasodilator responses to PAF were reduced by N omega-nitro-L-arginine in a dose that blocked the response to acetylcholine but did not decrease responses to prostaglandin E1 or nitroprusside. Increases in lobar arterial pressure in response to PAF were not altered by treatment with a thromboxane receptor antagonist, when the lung was perfused with a low-molecular-weight dextran solution, or when ventilation to the lobe was interrupted. These data suggest that the release of cyclooxygenase products, activation of thromboxane A2 receptors, cellular aggregation, release of leukocyte or platelet mediators, or changes in bronchomotor tone do not contribute to the pulmonary vasoconstrictor response to PAF and that the hindlimb vasodilator response to the phospholipid mediator is dependent in part on the release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor.

Daltroban blocks thromboxane responses in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat

The influence of daltroban (BM13.505; SK&F 96148), a thromboxane (Tx) A2-receptor-blocking agent, on responses to the TxA2 mimics U-46619 and U-44069 was investigated in the pulmonary vascular bed of the intact-chest cat under constant-flow conditions. Daltroban (5 mg/kg iv) had no significant effect on mean baseline vascular pressures but significantly decreased responses to the TxA2 mimics without altering responses to prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha or PGD2 or the PGD2 metabolite 9 alpha, 11 beta-PGF2. Dose-response curves for U-46619 and U-44069 were shifted to the right in a parallel manner, and daltroban had no significant effect on responses to norepinephrine, serotonin, angiotensin II, BAY K 8644, endothelin-(ET) 1, ET-2, or platelet-activating factor (PAF). After administration of daltroban, responses to U-46619 returned to 50% of control in 90 min and responses to the PG and TxA2 precursor arachidonic acid were decreased significantly. These results suggest that daltroban selectively antagonizes TxA2-receptor-mediated responses in a competitive and reversible manner. These data provide support for the hypothesis that discrete TxA2 receptors unrelated to receptors stimulated by PGF2 alpha, PGD2, or 9 alpha, 11 beta-PGF2 are present in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat. The present data suggest that pulmonary vasoconstrictor responses to PAF and ET peptides are not dependent on activation of TxA2 receptors in the cat.

Comparison of responses to sarafotoxins 6a and 6c in pulmonary and systemic vascular beds

Cardiovascular and pulmonary responses to sarafotoxin (S) 6a and S6c were investigated in the anesthetized cat. Intravenous injections of the peptides in doses of 0.1-1.0 nmol/kg caused decreases or biphasic changes in arterial pressure (AP) and increases in central venous pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), and cardiac output (CO). Secondary decreases in CO were observed in response to higher doses, and biphasic changes in systemic (SVR) and pulmonary (PVR) vascular resistances were observed. Under constant-flow conditions, the peptides only increased pulmonary lobar arterial perfusion pressure and lobar vascular resistance. AP responses to S6a, S6c, endothelin (ET)-1, ET-2, vasoactive intestinal contractor (VIC), and Lys7-ET-1 were similar, whereas AP responses to S6b and ET-3 were similar. S6a, S6b, S6c, ET-1, ET-2, ET-3, VIC, Lys7-ET-1, and big ET-1 increased PAP. S6a and S6c increased distal aortic and superior mesenteric arterial (SMA) blood flow and caused biphasic changes at the highest doses. Under constant-flow conditions, S6a and S6c produced dose-dependent biphasic changes in hindquarters perfusion pressure. Changes in SVR and PVR in response to the peptide were not affected by hexamethonium, glyburide, or meclofenamate, indicating that responses are independent of autonomic reflexes, activation of ATP-regulated K+ channels, or release of cyclooxygenase products. In contrast, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester decreased hindquarters vasodilator response to S6a and S6c. The present data show that S6a and S6c produce both vasodilation and vasoconstriction in the systemic vascular bed and increase lobar vascular resistance and that hindquarters vasodilator responses are mediated, in part, by the release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor.

Blockade of thromboxane/endoperoxide receptor-mediated responses in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat by sulotroban

The effects of sulotroban (BM13.177; SK & F 95587), a thromboxane (TX) A2/endoperoxide (PGH2) receptor blocking agent on responses to the TXA2/PGH2 mimics, U46619 and U44069, were investigated in the pulmonary vascular bed of the intact-chest cat under constant flow conditions. Injections of U46619 and U44069 directly into the perfused lobar artery caused dose-related increases in lobar arterial pressure without altering left atrial pressure. Following administration of sulotroban in a dose of 5 mg/kg i.v., dose-response curves for U46619 and U44069 were shifted to the right in a parallel manner. The duration of the blocking effect of sulotroban was investigated, and responses to U46619 returned to approximately 50% of control in 120 min and were not significantly different from control 240 min after administration of the receptor antagonist. Sulotroban was without significant effect on responses to prostaglandin (PG) D2 or F2 alpha or serotonin, histamine, norepinephrine, angiotensin II or BAY K8644, an agent which enhances calcium entry. Sulotroban was without effect on responses to endothelin (ET)-1, sarafotoxin (S) 6a or S6c and platelet-activating factor (PAF). Sulotroban did not alter baseline vascular pressures in the cat and responses to the PG and TXA2/PGH2 precursor, arachidonic acid, were reduced. The present data show that sulotroban selectively blocks TXA2/PGH2 receptor-mediated responses in a competitive and reversible manner in the pulmonary vascular bed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of thromboxane receptor blocking effects of SQ 29548 in the feline pulmonary vascular bed

The effects of SQ 29548, a thromboxane (Tx) A2 receptor blocking agent, on responses to the TxA2 mimic U46619 were investigated in the pulmonary vascular bed of the intact-chest cat under constant-flow conditions. The administration of SQ 29548 in doses of 0.25-1 mg/kg iv reduced vasoconstrictor responses to U-46619; however, responses to prostaglandins (PG) F2 alpha and D2 and to serotonin were also decreased. After administration of SQ 29548 in doses of 0.05-0.1 mg/kg iv, responses to U-46619 and U-44069 were reduced significantly, and the dose-response curves for these TxA2 mimics were shifted to the right in a parallel manner at a time when responses to PGF2 alpha and PGD2 were not altered. The low doses of the TxA2 receptor blocking agent significantly reduced responses to the PG and TxA2 precursor arachidonic acid but were without significant effect on vasoconstrictor responses to serotonin; histamine; norepinephrine; angiotensin II; the major PGD2 metabolite 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2; BAY K 8644, an agent that enhances calcium entry; and endothelin-1. The present data show that at low doses SQ 29548 selectively blocks TxA2 receptor-mediated responses in a competitive and reversible manner in the pulmonary vascular bed. These data suggest that responses to arachidonic acid are mediated in large part by the formation of TxA2 and provide evidence in support of the hypothesis that a discrete TxA2 receptor unrelated to PGF2 alpha or PGD2 receptors is present in undefined resistance vessel elements in the feline pulmonary vascular bed.

Actions of SQ 29,548 on contractile responses and arachidonic acid metabolism of intrapulmonary arteries, in vitro

This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of SQ 29,548, a thromboxane (TX) A2 receptor antagonist, on contractile responses and arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism of bovine intrapulmonary arterial (IPA) rings. The contractile responses to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), histamine, phenylephrine, and potassium chloride (KC1) were not significantly altered by 10(-8) M SQ 29,548 in either endothelium-intact or denuded IPA. The concentration of SQ 29,548 was chosen as it reduced the response to 10(-7) M U46619, a TXA2 mimetic, by 50%. AA metabolism by IPA produced more PGI2 whereas that by intrapulmonary vein (IPV) produced more PGE2. SQ 29,548 in concentrations of 10(-8) to 10(-5) M did not affect the activity of PGI2 synthase or GSH-dependent PGE2 isomerase in IPA or IPV microsomal fractions. No microsomal TXA2 synthase activity was detectable. SQ 29,548 had no effect on PGH synthase activity of IPA or IPV. The data indicate the presence of a TXA2-mediated contractile response in the IPA which is endothelium-independent and is selectively antagonized by SQ 29,548. The data further indicate that the contractile responses of IPA to 5-HT, histamine, phenylephrine, and KCl do not have a TXA2-mediated component. It is suggested that SQ 29,548 is a pharmacological probe to determine the role of TXA2 n pathophysiologic states in the pulmonary vascular bed and may be a therapeutic agent to treat pulmonary hypertensive disorders in which TXA2 is involved.

Differential effects of PACAP and VIP on the pulmonary and hindquarters vascular beds of the cat

Responses to pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a novel peptide derived from ovine hypothalamus with 68% sequence homology with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), were investigated in the pulmonary and hindquarters vascular beds of the anesthetized cat under conditions of controlled blood flow. Injection of the peptide into the perfused lung lobe under elevated tone conditions produced dose-dependent decreases in lobar arterial pressure that were accompanied by biphasic changes in systemic arterial pressure characterized by an initial decrease followed by a secondary increase in pressure. When compared with other vasodilator agents in the pulmonary vascular bed, the relative order of potency was isoproterenol greater than PACAP greater than acetylcholine greater than calcitonin gene-related peptide greater than VIP. In the hindquarters vascular bed, intra-arterial injections of PACAP produced biphasic changes in hindquarters perfusion pressure characterized by initial decreases followed by secondary increases, which were accompanied by biphasic changes in systemic arterial pressure. In terms of relative vasodilator activity in the hindlimb, the order of relative potency was isoproterenol greater than acetylcholine greater than calcitonin gene-related peptide greater than VIP greater than PACAP. PACAP was the only agent that caused a secondary vasoconstrictor response in the hindlimb and produced biphasic changes in systemic arterial pressure. D-Phe2-VIP, a VIP receptor antagonist, blocked the hindquarters vasodilation in response to VIP but had no effect on responses to PACAP. The present investigation shows that PACAP produces pulmonary vasodilation, as well as dilation, and vasoconstriction in the systemic (hindlimb) vascular bed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pulmonary vasodilator response to vagal stimulation is blocked by N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester in the cat

The effect of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of endothelium-derived relaxing factor production, on the vasodilator response to efferent vagal stimulation was investigated in the pulmonary vascular bed of the intact-chest cat under conditions of controlled blood flow and constant left atrial pressure. When pulmonary vascular tone was increased with U46619, efferent vagal stimulation decreased lobar arterial pressure in a stimulus-frequency-dependent manner. The decreases in lobar arterial pressure were enhanced by pretreatment with reserpine, were blocked by atropine, and were not altered by propranolol, indicating that the neurogenic vasodilator response was cholinergic in nature. The decreases in lobar arterial pressure in response to vagal stimulation and to exogenously administered acetylcholine were reduced after administration of L-NAME (100 mg/kg i.v.). Although L-NAME decreased pulmonary vasodilator responses to vagal stimulation and to acetylcholine, responses to adenosine, nicorandil, lemakalim, isoproterenol, prostaglandin E1, sodium nitroprusside, and 8-bromo-cGMP, agents that act by a variety of mechanisms, were not decreased. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that efferent vagal stimulation releases acetylcholine, which dilates the pulmonary vascular bed by stimulating the production of nitric oxide or a labile nitroso compound from L-arginine.

Analysis of responses to sarafotoxin 6a and sarafotoxin 6c in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat

Pulmonary vascular responses to sarafotoxins 6a and 6c (S6a and S6c) were investigated in the intact-chest cat under constant flow conditions. Injections of S6a and S6c into the perfused lobar artery caused dose-related increases in lobar arterial pressure, increased left atrial pressure, and produced biphasic changes in systemic arterial (aortic) pressure. When left atrial pressure was maintained constant, injections of S6a, S6c, and endothelin 1 (ET-1) caused dose-related increases in lobar arterial pressure. The increases in lobar arterial pressure in response to S6a and S6c were not altered by treatment with a cyclooxygenase inhibitor or a thromboxane receptor blocking agent. Increases in lobar arterial pressure in response to S6a and S6c were not altered when airflow to the left lower lung lobe was interrupted by bronchial occlusion, and pressor responses were not diminished when the left lower lobe was perfused with low-molecular-weight dextran. Under conditions of controlled blood flow and constant left atrial pressure, S6a, S6b, S6c, and ET-1 had similar pressor activity, whereas the thromboxane A2 mimic, U-46619, had far greater activity when compared on a nanomolar basis. The present studies demonstrate that S6a and S6c have significant vasoconstrictor activity in the feline pulmonary vascular bed. These data suggest that pulmonary vasoconstrictor responses to the endothelin peptides are not dependent on release of cyclooxygenase products and the activation of thromboxane A2 receptors, alterations in bronchomotor tone, or interaction with formed elements in blood.

Influence of SQ 30741 on thromboxane receptor-mediated responses in the feline pulmonary vascular bed

The effects of SQ 30741, a thromboxane A2 (TxA2) receptor blocking agent, on responses to the TxA2 mimic, U-46619, were investigated in the pulmonary vascular bed of the intact-chest cat under constant-flow conditions. The administration of SQ 30741 in doses of 1-2 mg/kg iv markedly reduced vasoconstrictor responses to U-46619 without altering responses to prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha or PGD2 and serotonin. SQ 30741 had no significant effect on mean vascular pressures in the cat, and the dose-response curve for U-46619 was shifted to the right in a parallel manner with a similar apparent maximal response. In addition to not altering responses to PGF2 alpha, PGD2 alpha, or serotonin, SQ 30741 (2 mg/kg iv) was without significant effect on pulmonary vasoconstrictor responses to the PGD2 metabolite 9 alpha, 11 beta-PGF2, norepinephrine, angiotensin II, BAY K 8644, endothelin 1, or endothelin 2. Although responses to vasoconstrictor agents, which act through a variety of mechanisms, were not altered, responses to the PG and TxA2 precursor, arachidonic acid, were reduced significantly. The duration of the TxA2 receptor blockade was approximately 30 and 75 min at the 1- and 2-mg/kg iv doses of the antagonist, respectively. The present data show that SQ 30741 selectively blocks TxA2 receptor-mediated responses in a competitive and reversible manner in the pulmonary vascular bed. These data suggest that responses to arachidonic acid are due in large part to the formation of TxA2 and that discrete TxA2 receptors unrelated to receptors activated by PGD2 or PGF2 alpha are most likely located in resistance vessel elements in the feline pulmonary vascular bed.

N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester selectively inhibits pulmonary vasodilator responses to acetylcholine and bradykinin

The effects of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) production, on vascular tone and responses were investigated in the pulmonary vascular bed of the intact-chest cat under conditions of controlled blood flow and constant left atrial pressure. When pulmonary vascular tone was elevated with U-46619, intralobar injections of acetylcholine, bradykinin, sodium nitroprusside, isoproterenol, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), lemakalim, and 8-bromo-guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-bromo-cGMP) dilated the pulmonary vascular bed. Intravenous administration of L-NAME elevated lobar arterial and systemic arterial pressures without altering left atrial pressure. When U-46619 was infused after L-NAME to raise lobar arterial pressure to levels similar to those attained during the control period, vasodilator responses to acetylcholine and bradykinin were reduced significantly, whereas responses to PGE1, lemakalim, and 8-bromo-cGMP were not altered, and responses to nitroprusside were increased. There was a small effect on the response to the highest dose of isoproterenol, and pressor responses to BAY K 8644 and angiotensin II were not altered. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that EDRF production may involve the formation of nitric oxide or a nitroso compound from L-arginine and that EDRF production may have a role in the regulation of tone and in the mediation of responses to acetylcholine and bradykinin in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat.

Influence of SQ 29,548 on vasoconstrictor responses in the hindquarters vascular bed of the cat

The effects of SQ 29,548, a thromboxane (TX) receptor blocking agent, on vasoconstrictor responses were investigated under conditions of controlled blood flow in the hindquarters vascular bed of the cat. Intravenous injection of SQ 29,548 at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg had no significant effect on systemic arterial pressure but caused a significant reduction in hindquarters perfusion pressure. Injection of the TXA2 mimics, U44069 and U46619, into the perfusion circuit caused dose-dependent increases in hindquarters perfusion pressure with U46619 being approximately 3 times more potent than U44069. Following the administration of SQ 29,548, pressor responses to both U44069 and U46619 were reduced significantly, and the dose-response curves for both TXA2 mimics were shifted to the right in a parallel fashion. SQ 29,548 had no significant effect on the dose-dependent increases in hindquarters perfusion pressure in response to angiotensin II or BAY K8644, a nifedipine analog which promotes calcium entry. The TXA2 receptor blocking agent had no significant effect on increases in hindquarters perfusion pressure in response to angiotensin II or BAY K8644, a nifedipine analog which promotes calcium entry. The TXA2 receptor blocking agent had no significant effect on increases in hindquarters perfusion pressure in response to sympathetic nerve stimulation or injections of norepinephrine and tyramine. These findings suggest that SQ 29,548 blocks responses to the TXA2 mimics in a competitive manner, and that this inhibitory effect is selective.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Influence of lemakalim on the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat

Pulmonary vascular responses to the K+ATP channel opener, lemakalim, were investigated in the intact-chest cat under constant flow conditions. When tone in the pulmonary vascular bed was elevated, intralobar injections of lemakalim caused dose-related decreases in lobar arterial pressure without changing left atrial pressure. Lemakalim was approximately 3-fold more potent than cromakalim in dilating the pulmonary vascular bed, and pulmonary vasodilator responses to these K+ATP channel openers were blocked by the K+ATP channel blocking agent, glybenclamide. Glybenclamide had no significant effect on pulmonary vasodilator responses to acetylcholine or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) but decreased responses to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). These data show that lemakalim has potent pulmonary vasodilator activity and suggest that responses are due to activation of a glybenclamide-sensitive K+ATP channel.

Pulmonary vasodilator responses to RP 52891 are mediated by activation of a glibenclamide-sensitive K+ATP channel

Pulmonary vasodilator responses to the K+ATP channel opener, RP 52891, were investigated in the intact-chest cat under constant flow conditions. When pulmonary vascular tone was increased with U46619, intralobar injections of RP 52891 caused dose-related decreases in lobar arterial and systemic arterial pressures without altering left atrial pressure. RP 52891 was more potent than pinacidil but less potent than cromakalim in dilating the pulmonary vascular bed. Pulmonary vasodilator responses to RP 52891, cromakalim and pinacidil, but not to acetylcholine, nitroprusside or isoproterenol, were blocked by glibenclamide. These data demonstrate that RP 52891 has potent pulmonary vasodilator activity in the cat and suggest that responses are due to opening of a glibenclamide-sensitive K+ATP channel.

Adenosine and ATP produce vasoconstriction in the feline pulmonary vascular bed by different mechanisms

It has been reported recently that adenosine and ATP produce dose- and tone-dependent responses in the feline pulmonary vascular (PV) bed. The present study was undertaken to investigate the mechanisms mediating vasoconstrictor (VC) responses to adenosine and ATP in the intact-chest, spontaneously breathing cat under conditions of controlled blood flow and constant left atrial pressure. The order of potency of adenosine receptor agonists to produce VC in the PV bed was the selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist R-phenylisopropyladenosine greater than the mixed A1, A2 receptor agonist, adenosine greater than the selective adenosine A2 receptor agonist, 2-phenylaminoadenosine. The dose-related increase in lobar arterial pressure in response to adenosine was blocked by an adenosine (P1) receptor antagonist, BWA1433U, the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, meclofenamate, and the thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, SQ29548. The order of potency of ATP analogs to produce VC in the PV bed was alpha,beta-methylene ATP (alpha,beta-meATP) much greater than beta,tau-methylene ATP greater than ATP. BWA1433U inhibited VC responses to ATP without affecting responses to its degradation-resistant analogs beta,tau-methylene ATP and alpha,beta-meATP. In the presence of BWA1433U and a continuous intralobar infusion of the selective 5'-nucleotidase inhibitor, alpha,beta-methyleneadenosine-5'-diphosphate, ATP VC responses are significantly enhanced compared to those after BWA1433U. alpha,beta-Methyleneadenosine-5'-diphosphate had no effect on the VC response to U44069 after BWA1433U. Meclofenamate significantly inhibited the vasoconstrictor responses to ATP but not to alpha,beta-meATP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Analysis of responses to endothelins 1, 2, and 3 and sarafotoxin 6b in airways of the cat

Airway responses to endothelin (ET) 1, ET-2, ET-3, and sarafotoxin 6b (S6b) were investigated in paralyzed, anesthetized, mechanically ventilated cats. Intravenous injections of ET-1 (0.1-1 nmol/kg) increased transpulmonary pressure (Ptp) and lung resistance (RL) and decreased dynamic compliance (Cdyn) in a dose-related manner. Airway responses to ET-1 were decreased significantly by sodium meclofenamate, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, and by SKF 96148, a thromboxane receptor blocking agent. In terms of relative bronchoconstrictor activity, the thromboxane mimic, U-46619, was threefold more potent than ET-1 on a molar basis in increasing Ptp. ET-1 and ET-3 had similar bronchoconstrictor activity, and these peptides were less potent than ET-2 and S6b. Bronchoconstrictor responses to ET-2, ET-3, and S6b were also decreased significantly by meclofenamate and by thromboxane receptor blocking agents. The ET-1 precursor ET-1-(1-38) (big ET-1) caused a significant slowly developing increase in Ptp, RL, and aortic pressure (PAO) and a decrease in Cdyn, whereas a monocyclic ET-1 analogue and ET-1-(16-21) hexapeptide fragment had little or no activity in the airways. The present data indicate that ET-1, ET-2, ET-3, and S6b have significant bronchoconstrictor activity in the cat and that responses are dependent in part on the release of arachidonic acid and the formation of thromboxane A2. These data also suggest that big ET-1 is converted into a mature peptide in the cat and that ET-1-(16-21) hexapeptide fragment and a monocyclic ET-1 analogue have little if any bronchoconstrictor activity in the anesthetized cat.

Influence of SK&F 96148 on thromboxane-mediated responses in the airways of the cat

The effects of SK&F 96148, a thromboxane receptor blocking agent, on bronchoconstrictor responses were investigated in paralyzed, anesthetized, mechanically ventilated cats. I.v. injections of the thromboxane A2 (TXA2) mimics, U-46619 and U-44069, produced dose-related increases in transpulmonary pressure and lung resistance (RL) and decreases in dynamic compliance (Cdyn). After administration of SK&F 96148, 5 mg/kg i.v., bronchoconstrictor responses to U-46619 and U-44069 were reduced markedly, whereas airway responses to prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha, serotonin, PGD2, or the PGD2 metabolite, 9 alpha, 11 beta-PGF2, were not altered. The duration of action of SK&F 96148 was greater than 2 h, and the TXA2 receptor blockade was overcome when 10-fold larger doses of the TXA2 mimics were administered. Bronchoconstrictor responses to arachidonic acid, platelet-activating factor (PAF), endothelin-1, and E. coli endotoxin were blocked by SK&F 96148. The present data suggest that SK&F 96148 has selective thromboxane receptor blocking activity in the airways of the cat, and that bronchoconstrictor responses to endothelin-1, arachidonic acid, PAF, and E. coli endotoxin are mediated in part by the formation of TXA2.

Analysis of pulmonary and systemic vascular responses to cromakalim, an activator of K+ATP channels

Cardiovascular and pulmonary responses to cromakalim, a member of a novel class of antihypertensive agents that open ATP-sensitive K+ (K+ATP) channels, were investigated in the anesthetized cat. Intravenous injections of cromakalim in doses of 30-300 micrograms/kg decreased arterial pressure (AP), pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), and increased cardiac output (CO), while producing small changes in right and left atrial pressures. Pulmonary and systemic vascular resistances were decreased and vasodilator responses to cromakalim were blocked by glybenclamide, a K+ATP channel-blocking agent. The low dose of cromakalim caused a reflex increase in heart rate (HR) and right ventricular contractile force (RVCF), whereas the high dose decreased HR and RVCF. Under constant-flow conditions the K+ATP channel opener caused dose-dependent decreases in hindquarters perfusion pressure, and when tone was elevated in the pulmonary vascular bed, dose-dependent decreases in pulmonary lobar arterial perfusion pressure. Hindquarters and pulmonary lobar vasodilator responses to cromakalim were inhibited in a specific manner by glybenclamide. The present data show that cromakalim has significant vasodilator activity in both the systemic and pulmonary vascular beds and suggest that responses to this agent result from activation of glybenclamide-sensitive K+ATP channels. These data show that cromakalim can cause substantial decreases in systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance in a dose that has little effect on RVCF.

N omega-nitro-L-arginine selectively inhibits vasodilator responses to acetylcholine and bradykinin in cats

The effects of N omega-nitro-L-arginine (nitroarginine), an inhibitor of endothelium-dependent relaxing factor (EDRF) production, on vascular tone and responses to vasodilator and vasoconstrictor agents were investigated in the hindquarters vascular bed of the cat. Under constant flow conditions, infusion of nitroarginine into the hindquarters vascular bed caused a significant increase in systemic arterial and hindquarters perfusion pressures. During infusion of nitroarginine, hindquarters vasodilator responses to acetylcholine and bradykinin were reduced significantly whereas vasodilator responses to isoproterenol, PGE1, nitroprusside, and 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate were not altered. Infusion of nitroarginine significantly enhanced vasoconstrictor responses to the thromboxane receptor agonist U 46619 and to phenylephrine. The results of these studies are consistent with the hypotheses that EDRF production may involve the formation of nitric oxide or a nitroso compound from L-arginine, and that EDRF production may play a role in the regulation of vascular tone and in the mediation of responses to the endothelium-dependent vasodilators, acetylcholine and bradykinin, in resistance vessels in the hindquarters. These data support the concept that EDRF is very likely an endogenous nitrovasodilator derived from L-arginine in the hindquarters vascular bed of the cat.

Influence of vasoactive intestinal contractor on the feline pulmonary vascular bed

Pulmonary vascular responses to vasoactive intestinal contractor (VIC) (endothelin-B) were investigated in the feline pulmonary vascular bed under constant and natural flow conditions. Injection of VIC, 0.3 nmol/kg i.v., increased pulmonary arterial and left atrial pressures and cardiac output and caused a biphasic change in pulmonary vascular resistance. VIC and endothelin-1 (ET-1) caused a similar pattern of response and under constant flow conditions, VIC increased lobar arterial pressure in a dose-related manner and was similar in potency and duration of action to ET-1. The thromboxane mimic, U46619, was far more potent than VIC, and a monocyclic ET-analog had no activity in the pulmonary vascular bed. The present data show that VIC has significant vasoconstrictor activity in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat.

Comparative responses to endothelin-2 and sarafotoxin 6b in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat

Pulmonary vascular responses to endothelin-2 and sarafotoxin 6b were investigated in the feline pulmonary vascular bed under natural flow and constant flow conditions. Injections of endothelin-2 and sarafotoxin 6b in a dose of 0.3 nmol/kg iv increased pulmonary arterial and left atrial pressures and cardiac output, and caused a biphasic change in calculated pulmonary vascular resistance. Endothelin-2 caused a biphasic change in systemic arterial pressure, while sarafotoxin 6b only decreased arterial pressure. Under constant flow conditions in the intact-chest cat, injections of endothelin-2 and sarafotoxin 6b in doses of 0.1-1 nmol into the perfused lobar artery increased lobar arterial pressure in a dose-related manner but were less potent than the thromboxane A2 mimic, U46619. An ET analog with only the Cys1-Cys15 disulfide bond and an amidated carboxy terminus had no significant activity in the pulmonary vascular bed. The present data show that endothelin-2 and sarafotoxin 6b have significant vasoconstrictor activity in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat.

Methylene blue prevents hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in cats

The influence of methylene blue, an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase, on responses to ventilatory and precapillary hypoxia was investigated in the intact-chest cat under conditions of controlled blood flow and constant left atrial pressure. Because methylene blue increased vascular tone, responses to hypoxia were compared when lobar arterial pressure was raised to similar levels with U 46619 and with methylene blue. When lobar arterial pressure was raised with U 46619, ventilation with 7.5% O2 increased lobar arterial pressure significantly. Infusion of methylene blue in concentrations that raised lobar arterial pressure to a value similar to that attained with U 46619 prevented the pressor response to hypoxia, and a significant depressor response was unmasked. The depressor response to hypoxia in the methylene blue-treated animal was not altered by meclofenamate but was blocked by propranolol. A reduction in lobar arterial perfusate PO2 induces an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance in the cat, and this response was prevented by methylene blue. During methylene blue infusion, the vasodilator response to acetylcholine was reduced, whereas the response to isoproterenol was not altered. Although the response to hypoxia was prevented, the pressor response to prostaglandin F2 alpha was not changed. The response to ventilatory hypoxia was enhanced by propranolol or ICI 118551, suggesting that the response is modulated by circulating catecholamines that are probably of adrenal origin. The effects of methylene blue on vascular tone and responses to hypoxia and acetylcholine were reversible, and responses returned to control value after the infusion was terminated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effects of alcoholism and smoking on platelet eicosanoid production in vitro

Ethanol induces changes in eicosanoid synthesis in blood platelets and brain tissue. Cigarette smoking also causes alterations in eicosanoid formation. This preliminary report examined in vitro platelet sonicate eicosanoid production using 14C-arachidonic acid (14C-AA) and in separate experiments, 14C-PGH2, as substrates. Radiometric thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used to identify the products formed. Eicosanoid product formation in platelet sonicates collected from 28 abstinent male alcoholics were compared to those from 11 male control subjects. All but one of the alcoholics were chronic smokers and all control subjects were non-smokers. All smokers abstained from smoking for 12 h prior to the blood collection to control for any acute effects of cigarette smoke on eicosanoid production. Significant reductions in platelet sonicate production of PGD2 and PGE2 in vitro were observed in alcoholic smokers when 14C-PGH2, but not 14C-AA, was the substrate. These reductions were predicted equally well by two variables, smoking and alcoholism, using several statistical models. This is the first investigation that controlled for the acute effects of smoking and accounted for the potential effects of cigarette smoking on platelet eicosanoid production in alcoholics. Because cigarette smoking is prevalent among alcoholics, future studies on the role of eicosanoids in alcoholism should control for smoking.

Hemodynamic responses to sarafotoxin 6 peptides

Hemodynamic responses to sarafotoxin (SFTX6) peptides and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were compared in the anesthetized cat. SFTX6a and ET-1 at a dose of 0.3 nmol/kg i.v. produced a biphasic change in arterial pressure characterized by an initial decrease followed by a secondary increase in pressure. In contrast, similar doses of SFTX6b and SFTX6c produced mainly decreases in arterial pressure. Each peptide produced increases in central venous pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, left atrial pressure, and cardiac output. Secondary decreases in cardiac output could be observed in response to SFTX6a and ET-1. SFTX6a and ET-1 produced biphasic changes, whereas SFTX6b and SFTX6c produced only decreases in systemic vascular resistance. In contrast, each peptide produced biphasic changes in pulmonary vascular resistance. The initial fall in pulmonary vascular resistance may be passively related to an increase in pulmonary blood flow because it occurs at a time when cardiac output is increased and no initial fall in pulmonary arterial pressure is observed. The present data show that the SFTX6 peptides can produce different patterns of responses in the systemic vascular bed of the cat, whereas responses in the pulmonary vascular bed are similar.

Pulmonary vascular and airway responses to endothelin-1 are mediated by different mechanisms in the cat

The role of cyclooxygenase product formation and thromboxane A2 receptor activation in the response to endothelin-1 (ET-1) was investigated and compared in the airways and in the pulmonary vascular bed of the intact-chest cat. Intravenous injections of ET-1, 0.3 nmol/kg, increased lung resistance and decreased dynamic compliance. Bronchoconstrictor responses to ET-1 were decreased significantly by a cyclooxygenase inhibitor and by a thromboxane receptor blocking agent. In the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat under constant flow conditions, ET-1 increased lobar arterial pressure in a dose-related manner, and pulmonary vasconstrictor responses to the peptide were not altered by a cyclooxygenase inhibitor or thromboxane receptor blocking agent. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor blocked responses to the prostaglandin precursor, arachidonic acid; and the thromboxane receptor blocking agent reduced responses to the thromboxane mimic, U-46619. The present data suggest that bronchoconstrictor responses to ET-1 are dependent on the release of arachidonic acid, the formation of prostaglandins, and activation of thromboxane A2 receptors whereas pulmonary vasoconstrictor responses to the peptide are mediated by a different mechanism.

Influence of SK&F 95587 and BN 50730 on bronchoconstrictor responses in the cat

The effects of SK&F 95587 (4[2-(benzenesulfonamido)-ethyl] phenoxyacetic acid), a thromboxane (TX) receptor blocking agent, on bronchoconstrictor responses were investigated in paralyzed, anesthetized, mechanically ventilated cats. Intravenous injections of the TXA2 receptor mimics, U-46619 [(15S)-hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta5Z,13E-dienoic acid] and U-44069 (9,11-dideoxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-epoxymethano PGF2 alpha), produced dose-related increases in transpulmonary pressure and lung resistance and decreases in dynamic compliance. After administration of SK&F 95587, 5 mg/kg i.v., bronchoconstrictor responses to U-46619 and U-44069 were reduced markedly, whereas airway responses to prostaglandin (PG)F2 alpha, serotonin, PGD2 or the PGD2 metabolite, 11 beta-PGF2 alpha, were not altered. The duration of action of SK&F 95587 was greater than 3 hr, and the blockade was overcome when 10-fold larger doses of the TXA2 mimics were administered. Bronchoconstrictor responses to platelet-activating factor (PAF) were blocked by SK&F 95587 and by the novel PAF receptor antagonist, BN 50730. BN 50730 also blocked the fall in systemic arterial pressure in response to PAF. However, BN 50730 did not influence airway responses to U-46619, PGF2 alpha, PGD2 or serotonin and had no effect on baseline bronchomotor tone or arterial pressure. The PAF receptor antagonism with BN 50730 was overcome when 10-fold larger doses of PAF were administered and the dose-response curves for changes in lung resistance and dynamic compliance were shifted to the right in a parallel manner. The present data suggest that SK&F 95587 has selective TX receptor blocking activity, and that BN 50730 has selective PAF receptor blocking properties in the airways of the cat. The present data also provide support for the hypothesis that bronchoconstrictor responses to PAF are mediated by specific receptors, which are coupled to a phospholipase and, when activated, result in the release of TXA2 and contraction of airway smooth muscle.

Cardiovascular responses to vasoactive intestinal contractor, a novel endothelin-like peptide

Cardiovascular and pulmonary responses to vasoactive intestinal contractor (VIC), an endothelin (ET)-like peptide from the murine gastrointestinal tract, were investigated in the cat. VIC (0.1-1.0 nmol/kg iv) decreased or elicited biphasic changes in arterial pressure (AP) and increased central venous pressure, cardiac output, pulmonary arterial pressure, and left atrial pressure. VIC produced biphasic changes in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). VIC increased heart rate (HR) and, at the 1 nmol/kg dose, a secondary decrease was observed. Hexamethonium blocked the changes in HR in response to VIC, whereas the ganglionic blocker, meclofenamate, or glybenclamide had no effect on changes in AP, SVR, and PVR elicited by the peptide. VIC caused small changes in right ventricular contractile force and increased distal aortic and carotid artery blood flow at all doses, with secondary decreases at the higher doses. VIC decreased superior mesenteric artery flow and decreased renal blood flow at the 1 nmol/kg dose. The changes in AP in response to VIC, ET-1, and ET-2 were similar, whereas those elicited by ET-3 and sarafotoxin 6b were similar. The present data show that VIC can produce both vasodilation and vasoconstriction in the systemic vascular bed and biphasic changes in PVR in the cat. These data show that VIC can produce complex cardiovascular responses similar to those elicited by the ET peptides and that these responses are largely independent of autonomic reflexes, release of cyclooxygenase products, and activation of ATP-regulated potassium channels. We conclude that VIC may act as an ET-like peptide.

Analysis of pulmonary vascular responses in cats to sympathetic nerve stimulation under elevated tone conditions. Evidence that neuronally released norepinephrine acts on alpha 1-, alpha 2-, and beta 2-adrenoceptors

The influence of an increase in vascular tone on responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation and the receptors mediating these responses were investigated in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat. Under conditions of controlled blood flow and constant left atrial pressure, stimulation of the sympathetic nerves to the lung elicited a biphasic response characterized by an initial increase in lobar arterial pressure followed closely by a decrease. The response to nerve stimulation was reproducible with respect to time and was not altered when a delay coil was added to the perfusion circuit, indicating that the response was directly mediated. The increase in pressure was reduced by prazosin and by yohimbine, whereas the decrease in pressure was blocked by propranolol or ICI 118551. These data suggest that the pressor component of the response is mediated by alpha 1- and postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors, whereas the depressor response is mediated by beta 2-receptors. The pressor response was enhanced by propranolol or ICI 118551, whereas the depressor response was enhanced by prazosin or yohimbine, suggesting that the response to nerve stimulation represents the net effect of the actions of neuronally released norepinephrine on alpha- and beta-receptors. The pressor response to nerve stimulation was enhanced when tone was elevated with a prostaglandin endoperoxide analogue and when beta-receptors were blocked. The effects of an increase in tone and a passive increase in pressure on responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation were different.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)