Neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in blood pressure regulation in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

Studies of the roles played by neurotransmitters in the development of hypertension in the spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rat are complicated by the presence of genetic differences between SHR and normotensive control rats, which are not related to differences in blood pressure. One approach that may be used in an attempt to overcome this difficulty is to study the manner in which neurotransmitter and metabolite levels change with age, and to relate these changes to alterations in blood pressure with ageing. Noradrenaline (NA) levels in the brainstem and spinal cord of SHR and Wistar Kyoto rats fell with age, while 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (DHPG) levels (a neuronal metabolite of noradrenaline) remained constant. Similar changes were seen when NA and DHPG levels were measured in the discrete brainstem A1, A2, and C2 region, and when adrenaline, NA, and DHPG levels were examined in the C1 region. Differences in age-related changes of neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels were also found in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus and the locus coeruleus, and of beta-endorphin in the anterior hypothalamic nucleus, the paragigantocellular nucleus of the brainstem, and the locus coeruleus. These changes may indicate either a progressive increase in the activity of neurons in the sympathoexcitatory C1 region or a progressive reduction in the activity of vasodepressor A1, A2, and C2 regions with ageing, or both. However, changes in catecholamines and metabolites with age were similar in both strains and therefore cannot readily explain the more rapid rise in blood pressure with ageing in SHR rats.

Strain differences in central nervous system neurotensin content between normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats

Regional brain concentrations of neurotensin (NT) were measured in age-matched normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats. The relative distribution of NT was similar in the two strains with the hypothalamus having the highest concentration (55-75 pmol/g) and the cerebellum the lowest (3-6 pmol/g). In comparison to the WKY rats, the SH rats had significantly lower NT levels in the hypothalamus (-17%), medulla oblongata-pons (-18%), pituitary (-52%) and spinal cord (-44%). In view of the putative role of NT as a neurotransmitter and its cardiovascular effects following central and peripheral administration, the reduced levels of this peptide may be of importance in the higher blood pressure of the SH rat.

The current status of monoamine oxidase and its inhibitors

The enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) plays an important role in the inactivation of both dietary amines and also of neurotransmitter amines. A study of the properties of irreversible inhibitors of this enzyme suggests that the enzyme exists in two broad types--MAO-A and MAO-B. Although irreversible inhibitors of MAO were once widely used as antidepressant agents, they fell from favour because of adverse reactions after the ingestion of amine-containing foodstuffs ("the cheese reaction"). However, these inhibitors (phenelzine and tranylcypromine) are probably best for the treatment of atypical depression providing the patient is aware of dietary reactions. A new series of reversible, MAO-A selective inhibitors are being developed which do not exhibit serious dietary interactions. These reversible inhibitors show promise as rapidly acting antidepressant agents. An atypical irreversible MAO-B selective inhibitor, selegiline (deprenyl) does not exhibit an adverse reaction on the ingestion of amine-containing foods. This drug has been used as an adjuvant in the treatment of Parkinson's disease since it allows the dose of L-dopa to be reduced by approximately 25%. More important, selegiline may slow the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons that is characteristic of Parkinson's disease.

Rapid eye movement sleep and the associated cardiovascular changes during and after continuous 10-day infusion of clonidine in normotensive rats: comparison with lofexidine and S3341

The centrally acting alpha-adrenoceptor agonists clonidine, lofexidine, and S3341 vary in their selectivity for the alpha 2-adrenoceptor subtype (S3341 greater than clonidine greater than lofexidine). The aim of this study was to examine the frequency and duration of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep episodes, and the cardiovascular changes associated with these episodes, during and after the continuous (10-day) infusion of saline (0.9% wt/vol), clonidine (10 micrograms/kg/h), lofexidine (10 micrograms/kg/h), or S3341 (50 or 100 micrograms/kg/h) in unrestrained, chronically instrumented rats. During a typical 24-h period, the saline infusion animals (n = 4) had 46 +/- 3 REM sleep episodes of 2.4 +/- 0.1 min duration. The majority of these episodes were associated with relatively minor phasic and tonic changes in arterial blood pressure and heart rate. During infusion, the three drugs markedly reduced the cardiovascular and behavioural signs of REM sleep. On cessation of the clonidine and lofexidine infusions, rebound increases (i.e., to values greater than controls) in the frequency and duration of REM sleep episodes were observed. These episodes were associated with markedly exaggerated fluctuations in arterial blood pressure and heart rate. The REM sleep rebound and associated cardiovascular responses were greater during the post-lofexidine infusion phase. A relatively minor rebound increase in total REM sleep time was observed after cessation of the 100-micrograms/kg/h, but not the 50-micrograms/kg/h, infusion rate of S3341. The cardiovascular responses during the REM sleep episodes were mildly exaggerated after cessation of the higher infusion rate of S3341.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Angiotensin II receptors and angiotensin converting enzyme in the medulla oblongata

Quantitative in vitro autoradiography was used to map angiotensin II (ANG II) receptors and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in sections from rat, rabbit, sheep, and human medulla oblongata and to follow changes in receptor and ACE density after disruption of vagal projections by nodose ganglionectomy in the rat. ANG II receptors and ACE are both concentrated in the nucleus of the solitary tract and dorsal motor nucleus of vagus of the rat, rabbit, sheep, and human. An ANG II receptor-containing band connecting the nucleus of the solitary tract with the dorsolateral medulla was seen in rabbit and human tissue, providing evidence for association of ANG II receptors with vagal afferent fibers. ANG II receptors were found to be concentrated in the rostral and caudal ventrolateral medulla, which corresponded to the region of C1 and A1 catecholamine-containing cell groups in the rabbit. This localization was also evident in rat and human tissue. In all four species, a prominent, ANG II receptor-rich band in the intermediate reticular nucleus was found to connect the ventrolateral medulla and the dorsal vagal complex. In humans and sheep, this band contains puncta that overlie cell bodies. One week after nodose ganglionectomy in the rat, the density of ANG II receptors in the ipsilateral dorsal vagal complex fell markedly. This fall was most prominent in the rostral dorsal motor nucleus of vagus (to 46% of control density) and in the nucleus of the solitary tract (to 56% of control). ACE levels and calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor density were unchanged in both nuclei after ganglionectomy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Microcomputer analysis techniques for evaluation of benzodiazepine effects on rat electrocorticogram

Quantitative analysis of drug effects on the EEG is usually performed on a minicomputer using an EEG signal that has been recorded on a high frequency FM tape recorder and edited to remove artefact. However, this equipment is expensive and so the present study evaluated a much cheaper system, an 'on-line' microcomputer and 3 programs for data reduction. Using this system to assess diazepam effects on the rat electrocorticogram, it was concluded that period amplitude analysis may be preferable to the Fast Fourier Transform or Hjorth analysis.

The pharmacokinetics of captopril and captopril disulfide conjugates in uraemic patients on maintenance dialysis: comparison with patients with normal renal function

We have measured the plasma concentrations of captopril and total disulfide conjugates of captopril after a 50 mg oral dose in 6 uraemic patients on maintenance dialysis and in 8 hypertensive subjects with normal renal function. The mean peak plasma concentration of captopril was 2.5 times higher (0.447 micrograms X ml-1 vs 0.181 micrograms X ml-1) and the concentrations of the disulfides 4 times higher (3.62 micrograms X ml-1 vs 0.924 micrograms X ml-1) in the uraemic patients. Moreover captopril disulfide conjugates in the uraemic subjects reached peak concentrations at 8 h after the dose and subsequently felt. The apparent plasma half-time was 46 +/- 19 h. Only 15% of these conjugates were removed by dialysis. This marked accumulation of captopril conjugates was associated with a sustained fall in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. In uraemic patients the mean maximum reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 37 +/- 7 mmHg and 24 +/- 9 mmHg respectively, occurring 6 h after the dose, compared with 8 +/- 7 and 8 +/- 1 mmHg respectively at 30 min in normal renal function patients. These results are consistent with the results of animal experiments, which show that captopril disulfides can be converted back to free captopril and can contribute to the antihypertensive effect of the drug. They provide a reationale for reducing the dose and frequency of administration of captopril in patients with significant renal impairment.

Regional brain concentrations of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats

The regional brain and spinal cord concentrations of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide immunoreactivity (VIP) were measured in age-matched normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats. The relative order of distribution of VIP in the WKY strain was cortex (44 pmol/g) greater than hippocampus = striatum greater than midbrain = hypothalamus greater than medulla oblongata/pons = lumbar spinal cord (SC) greater than cervical SC greater than thoracic SC (2.5 pmol/g) whereas in the SH strain this order was cortex (35 pmol/g) greater than striatum = midbrain greater than hippocampus = hypothalamus greater than medulla oblongata/pons = lumbar SC greater than cervical SC greater than thoracic SC (1 pmol/g). The VIP concentrations of the thalamus, cerebellum and pituitary were at the level of assay sensitivity (0.5 pmol/g) in both strains. In comparison to the WKY, the SH rats had significantly lower VIP levels in the hippocampus (-42%) and cervical (-46%) and thoracic (-56%) spinal cord but significantly higher levels in the midbrain (+64%).

Modification of the circadian body temperature rhythm of the spontaneously hypertensive rat during and following cessation of continuous clonidine infusion

The effects of continuous clonidine infusion (10 micrograms/kg/h for 10 days) and the cessation of this infusion on the circadian body temperature rhythm of the spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rat were examined. This circadian rhythm was blunted significantly during the infusion of clonidine. The fall in body temperature which normally occurs at the onset of each light phase was attenuated during the clonidine infusion, and as such, these rats displayed a relative hyperthermia over the light but not the dark phases. On cessation of infusion (24:00 h), a distinct hyperthermia occurred within the immediate dark phase and the subsequent light phase. The results demonstrate that the circadian control of body temperature is disturbed both during and after continuous clonidine infusion.

Differences between central and peripheral rat alpha-adrenoceptors revealed using binuclear ligands

We have used two homologous series of binuclear ligands, diacridines and diquinolines, and the radioligand receptor assay to compare the topology of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors in rat cerebral cortex and kidney membranes. While the chain length-dependence of affinity of the diacridines, as well as that of the diquinolines, for the alpha 1-adrenoceptors of these central and peripheral tissues are similar, we find marked differences in affinity profiles for interaction with central and peripheral alpha 2-adrenoceptors. In the context of our previously proposed model for the binding of diacridines and diquinolines to alpha-adrenoceptors the results suggest that the surface features of central and peripheral alpha 2-adrenoceptors differ in the area surrounding the noradrenaline binding site. This difference may prove to be of therapeutic relevance.

Age-related changes in neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity (NPY-ir) in the cortex and spinal cord of spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats

The concentrations of neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity (NPY-ir) were measured in the cortex and cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal cord of 8-, 18- and 31-week-old normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). This peptide was measured using a highly sensitive and specific radio-immunoassay (RIA) developed in our laboratory. The concentrations of NPY-ir in the cortex, cervical and thoracic spinal cord were significantly different between the two strains, with the levels being consistently lower in the SHR strain independent of age. While there was no obvious change in the levels of NPY-ir in the cortex with increasing age, there was a general trend for the levels to fall in all three spinal cord regions. The rate of decrease of NPY-ir in the thoracic spinal cord appeared greater in the SHR compared with the WKY rats. These biochemical differences observed in the cortex and thoracic spinal cord of SHR and WKY rats may be related to the behavioural and blood pressure differences observed in these strains.

Comparison of neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity in hypothalamic and brainstem nuclei of young and mature spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats

The concentration of neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity (NPY-ir) was measured in 8 hypothalamic and 5 brainstem nuclei of 6- and 14-week-old spontaneously hypertensive (SH) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Strain differences were observed in 3 hypothalamic nuclei and age-dependent changes occurred in 3 hypothalamic and 2 brainstem nuclei. In both the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus and locus coeruleus the observed change in NPY-ir with age in SH rats was significantly different to the change observed in the WKY. These strain- and age-related differences in NPY-ir may be of relevance in the development of hypertension in the SH rat.

Theophylline pharmacokinetics in patients from a geriatric hospital: influence of cigarette smoking

The influence of cigarette smoking on plasma theophylline elimination half-life was examined in a group of elderly in-patients, to determine whether the modifying effect of cigarette smoking is also present in this age-group. The plasma theophylline half-life was determined in five non-smokers and seven smokers aged 66-88 years after administration of 320 mg of theophylline syrup. A wide range of plasma theophylline half-lives was observed in each group. However, there was a significant difference (P less than 0.05) between the mean plasma theophylline half-life in smokers (5.41 h, SEM 0.69 h) and non-smokers (10.40 h, SEM 1.90 h). It was concluded that, although plasma theophylline half-life tends to be longer in this age-group, the modifying influence of cigarette smoking on plasma theophylline half-life can be demonstrated in the elderly, as well as in young adults.

Radioimmunoassay for the quantitation of lisinopril and enalaprilat

A sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) capable of measuring either lisinopril (1-[N2-[(S)-1-carboxy-3-phenylpropyl]-L-lysyl] -L-proline) or enalaprilat (1-[N-[(S)-1-carboxy-3-phenylpropyl]-L-alanyl] -L-proline), the active metabolite of enalapril has been developed. A suitable antiserum was raised against an immunogen prepared from conjugation of lisinopril, the lysyl analogue of enalapril, with succinoylated keyhole limpet hemocyanin. A novel radiotracer was also prepared for use in the assay by acylation of the epsilon amine group on the lysyl side chain of lisinopril with N-succinimidyl [2,3-3H]propionate. The antiserum was used at a final dilution of 1:44,500 and the sensitivity of the assay for enalaprilat was estimated at 2 pmol/mL plasma sample and 0.4 pmol/mL for lisinopril. Enalapril, the ethyl ester of enalaprilat, exhibited little cross-reactivity (0.005%), and several other compounds (captopril, proline, lysine, tyrosine, hippuric acid, and tryptophan) were found not to crossreact. In rabbits given a 2.03 mumol/kg iv dose of enalapril, plasma concentrations of enalaprilat were determined by the RIA technique and compared with an estimation of the enalaprilat concentrations derived from the extent of inhibition of plasma angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). The plasma levels estimated by ACE inhibition were less than those obtained by the RIA in the first 45 min but were always greater in the samples taken after this time. Both assay methods showed that the conversion of enalapril to enalaprilat was rapid, and also indicated that there was initial rapid clearance of enalaprilat from the plasma.

The effects of intracerebroventricular administration of compound 48/80 on behaviour and regional brain amine concentrations in the rat

The intracerebroventricular injection of the mast cell degranulator, compound 48/80 (C48/80, 10 micrograms/kg), produced a marked behavioural syndrome in rats which included head and body shakes, paw tremor, excessive grooming, unusual posture and gait, mild diarrhoea, piloerection, extreme agitation and irritability to touch, sedation and catatonia. Fifteen minutes after C48/80, the histamine concentrations were decreased significantly in all brain regions examined, i.e. the cortex, cerebellum, midbrain, medulla oblongata-pons (MO-P) and hypothalamus. The noradrenaline (NA) concentrations were decreased in the cerebellum, hypothalamus and MO-P, whereas the dopamine (DA) content was decreased in the MO-P only. The concentrations of serotonin were not affected. As such, the behaviours following the acute degranulation of brain mast cells by C48/80 may result predominantly from the release of histamine and possibly NA and DA.

Distribution of neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity in the rat basal ganglia: effects of excitotoxin lesions to caudate-putamen

The distribution of neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity (NPY-LI) within the rat basal ganglia was studied using microdissection with a sensitive radioimmunoassay, and excitotoxin lesions were made in an attempt to characterise the neurones containing NPY in this brain area. Immunoreactivity was unevenly distributed in the basal ganglia of control rats, with concentrations in the caudate-putamen (CP) and nucleus accumbens being appreciably higher than those found in the globus pallidus and substantia nigra (SN). Within the CP, immunoreactivity was concentrated in caudal and extreme rostral aspects. N-Methyl-D-aspartate lesions of the rostral CP significantly reduced immunoreactivity in this area, whilst levels in other regions of the basal ganglia were unaffected. Neurones containing NPY-LI are likely to be intrinsic to the CP and do not appear to project to the globus pallidus or SN.

Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase: histochemical localization in rat kidney and lack of effect of dietary potassium or sodium loading on enzyme distribution

Utilizing a mono-specific antiserum produced in rabbits to hog kidney aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), the enzyme was localized in rat kidney by immunoperoxidase staining. AADC was located predominantly in the proximal convoluted tubules; there was also weak staining in the distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts. An increase in dietary potassium or sodium intake produced no change in density or distribution of AADC staining in kidney. An assay of AADC enzyme activity showed no difference in cortex or medulla with chronic potassium loading. A change in distribution or activity of renal AADC does not explain the postulated dopaminergic modulation of renal function that occurs with potassium or sodium loading.

Differences in regional brain concentrations of neuropeptide Y in spontaneously hypertensive (SH) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats

Regional brain concentrations of neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity (NPY) were measured in age-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats using a sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay developed within our laboratory. In 5 of the 9 brain regions examined the SH rats had significantly lower NPY levels compared to the WKY strain. The largest differences occurred within the cortex (-43%), and cervical (-30%) and thoracic spinal cord (-30%), whilst smaller differences were observed in the midbrain (-11%) and medulla oblongata-pons (-18%). The concentrations of NPY in the hypothalamus and hippocampus did not vary between the strains. The SH rats contained significantly greater (+18%) NPY levels in the striatum compared to the WKY rats.

Body temperature during and following 10-day subcutaneous infusion of clonidine in the rat

Body temperature in the rat was measured during and after cessation of the continuous subcutaneous infusion of clonidine (10 micrograms/kg per hr) for 10 days. The body temperature of control animals displayed a distinct circadian rhythm. On each day the mean body temperature over the dark phase (2000-0800 hr) was consistently higher (0.6-0.9 degrees C) than the following light phase. The infusion of clonidine was essentially devoid of initial effects on body temperature. However, during the light phases of day 2 onwards the mean body temperature of the animals treated with clonidine was consistently higher (0.4-0.6 degrees C) than that of controls. No such differences were observed during the dark phases. It appeared that the infusion of clonidine limited the fall in body temperature which normally occurred at the onset of the light phases and this resulted in the treated rats displaying a relative hyperthermia. On cessation of the infusion of clonidine (at 2400 hr on day 11) a distinct hyperthermia was observed within 2 hr and was sustained for the remainder of the dark phase and subsequent light phase. This post-infusion hyperthermia was more pronounced than that observed during the period of infusion of clonidine. These results demonstrate that the circadian control of body temperature is disturbed both during and after continuous infusion of clonidine.

Effect of probenecid on the disposition of captopril and captopril dimer in the rat

The urinary excretion of captopril has been studied in a bladder-cannulated rat model and compared with that obtained after co-administration with probenecid. Probenecid reduced significantly the urinary excretion of captopril from 41% to 21% of the administered dose over a 3-hr period and significantly lowered urine flow rates. In addition, the effect of probenecid on plasma levels of captopril and total captopril (captopril plus disulfides) after oral administration of the disulfide prodrug captopril dimer (10 mg/kg) has been studied in a conscious rat preparation. Co-administration of probenecid (20 mg/kg) given either orally or intravenously increased both the plasma levels of captopril and total captopril (captopril plus captopril disulfides) over a 4-hr period. A prolonged significant inhibition of plasma ACE after co-administration of probenecid and captopril dimer suggests that probenecid may be useful to prolong the action of captopril or the prodrug captopril dimer.