Inhibitory effect of chlorophyllin on PhIP-induced mammary carcinogenesis in female F344 rats

Chlorophyll and chlorophyllin, a water-soluble salt of chlorophyll, have been reported to inhibit carcinogen-DNA binding and exert antimutagenic activity for some carcinogenic heterocyclic amines and aflatoxins. In the present experiment, the possible inhibitory effects of chlorophyllin on 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b] pyridine (PhIP) carcinogenicity were investigated. Female F344 rats were administered both PhIP, 0.02% in the diet, and chlorophyllin, 1%, in the diet (group 1), or either PhIP (group 2) or chlorophyllin (group 3) alone for 54 weeks. The incidence of mammary adenocarcinomas induced by PhIP was reduced by chlorophyllin co-administration from 40% (8/20 rats) to 15% (3/20). While the difference was not statistically significant, the multiplicity of adenocarcinomas was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by chlorophyllin co-administration from 0.50 per animal to 0.15. On the other hand, incidence of colon adenomas was slightly, but not significantly, increased from 10% to 20%. Neither mammary nor colon adenocarcinomas were observed in group 3. Thus, chlorophyllin reduced PhIP mammary carcinogenesis, suggesting that chlorophyllin is an effective chemopreventor when ingested simultaneously with the carcinogen.

Effects of atipamezole and yohimbine on medetomidine-induced central nervous system depression and cardiorespiratory changes in lambs

We compared the ability of 2 alpha 2-adrenergic receptor antagonists, atipamezole and yohimbine, to reverse medetomidine-induced CNS depression and cardiorespiratory changes in lambs. Twenty lambs (7.8 +/- 2.6 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 treatment groups (n = 5). Each lamb was given medetomidine (30 micrograms/kg of body weight, i.v.), followed in 15 minutes by i.v. administration of atipamezole (30 or 60 micrograms/kg), yohimbine (1 mg/kg), or 0.9% NaCl (saline) solution. Medetomidine caused lateral recumbency in 1 to 2 minutes in all treated lambs. Medetomidine significantly (P < 0.05) decreased heart rate at 5 and 10 minutes after its administration. Heart rate remained above 120 beats/min, and severe bradycardia (< or = 70 beats/min) and other arrhythmias did not occur throughout the study. Medetomidine also induced tachypnea in all treated lambs. The tachypnea was abolished by atipamezole and yohimbine, but not by saline solution administration. The medetomidine-induced tachypnea did not significantly affect arterial pH and PaCO2. Arterial oxygen tension was within acceptable range (PaO2 = 71 to 62 mm of Hg), but was lower than expected. Administration of atipamezole, yohimbine, or saline solution did not change PaO2 significantly. Lambs treated with 30 or 60 micrograms of atipamezole/kg were able to walk unassisted in 2.4 +/- 0.4 and 2.3 +/- 0.7 minutes, respectively, whereas yohimbine- and saline-treated lambs did not walk unassisted until 15.6 +/- 2.7 and 73.0 +/- 6.8 minutes later, respectively. Results of this study indicated that medetomidine is a potent CNS depressant in lambs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Structure-activity relationships of anthraquinones as inhibitors of 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase and mutagenicity of 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline

The antimutagenicity of 17 natural and synthetic anthraquinones was determined using Salmonella typhimurium TA98 against 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) in the presence of Aroclor 1254-induced rat hepatic S9. In general, the relationship between the chemical structures of anthraquinones and their antimutagenicity was found to contain one or more of the following features: (i) C9 carbonyl group, (ii) hydroxyl group at C1 and C4, (iii) C2 ethyl group, and (iv) C3 methyl group. The inhibitory effect of anthraquinones on 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECD) of Aroclor, 1254-induced hepatic microsomes was also examined. In addition, we studied the effect of anthraquinones on the metabolism of IQ by Aroclor 1254-induced microsomes using high-performance liquid chromatography. The antimutagenicity correlated with the inhibition of cytochrome P-450IA2-linked ECD activity in hepatic microsomes, and with the inhibition of N-hydroxy-IQ formation of IQ metabolism by hepatic microsomes. Moreover, we also examined the antimutagenicity of anthraquinones against synthetic N-hydroxy-IQ. Quinizarin and anthraflavic acid were shown to have more effect on the direct mutagenicity of N-hydroxy-IQ than that of the anthraquinones tested. This might explain why both anthraquinones showed higher antimutagenicity; although they inhibited ECD less. These results suggest that there exist at least two mechanisms of action in modifying roles of anthraquinones on the mutagenicity of IQ: (i) mediation through interaction with microsomal activating enzymes to inhibit the major active metabolite of N-hydroxy-IQ formation and (ii) direct interaction with the proximate metabolite of IQ, N-hydroxy-IQ, to block its attack on DNA.

Reversal of medetomidine sedation in sheep by atipamezole and yohimbine

The antagonistic effect of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists atipamezole and yohimbine on medetomidine-induced sedation was studied in male Awassi sheep. The animals were sedated with an im injection of 40 micrograms medetomidine/kg bw. After recumbency, the sheep were injected iv with either 5 ml physiological saline solution (control), 0.2 mg atipamezole/kg or 0.2 mg yohimbine/kg. The saline-treated animals remained sedated and recumbent for 61.3 +/- 3.0 (mean +/- SE) min. Atipamezole or yohimbine significantly reduced the recumbency period to 2.8 +/- 0.9 or 4.3 +/- 0.9 min, respectively. Atipamezole or yohimbine significantly increased the medetomidine-induced reductions in the heart rate, respiratory rate and ruminal contractions. Rectal temperature was neither affected by medetomidine nor by the subsequent administrations of antagonists. These data suggest the usefulness of atipamezole or yohimbine in antagonizing the sedative effects of medetomidine in sheep.

Pyridoxine supplementation protects mice from suppression of contact hypersensitivity induced by 2-acetyl-4-tetrahydroxybutylimidazole (THI), ultraviolet B radiation (280-320 nm), or cis-urocanic acid

Evidence exists implicating the epidermal ultraviolet B (UVB) photoproduct cis-urocanic acid as an immunogenic mediator of the systemic suppression of T cell-mediated immunity by UVB exposure. Cis-urocanic acid appears to act via histamine receptor pathways, and histamine receptor antagonists and other imidazole ring compounds may modify its immune suppressing action. A component of the food coloring substance ammonia caramel, 2-acetyl-4-tetrahydroxybutylimidazole (THI), which is known to cause lymphopenia in rats, appears to suppress immunity by a similar pathway when the contact hypersensitivity reaction has been the immune function assay in mice. The induction of lymphopenia in rats by THI is inhibited by the vitamin pyridoxine. This study demonstrates that the suppression of contact hypersensitivity in mice by UVB radiation, cis-urocanic acid, or THI is strongly inhibited by supplemental pyridoxine, fed at 30 mg/kg diet, in comparison with the normal diet, which supplies 7 mg pyridoxine/kg diet. These results suggest that pyridoxine competes with cis-urocanic acid and THI for the same binding site or receptor, which we postulate to be a histamine-like T lymphocyte receptor, and that a role may exist for the control of photoimmunosuppression by this vitamin.

Cardiopulmonary effects of medetomidine, medetomidine-midazolam and medetomidine-midazolam-atipamezole in dogs

Cardiopulmonary effects of medetomidine (20 micrograms/kg)-midazolam (0.3 mg) (Me-Mi) were compared with those of medetomidine alone (80 micrograms/kg) (Me80) in dogs. The intramuscular administration of this combination caused bradycardia and transient mild pressor response. Heart rate decreased soon after the administration and remained significantly below the baseline value with average values of 50-70 beats/min. Blood pressure increased to its maximum within 5 to 10 min then decreased gradually. Cardiac index decreased corresponding the decrease in heart rate. However these changes were less profound than those of Me80 indicating significantly higher values in cardiac index and lower values in systemic vascular resistance. Effects on the respiratory function were slight. The reduction of the dose of medetomidine to one-fourth in Me-Mi was effective to reduce the adverse effect of medetomidine, especially in peripheral vasoconstriction. Atipamezole effectively reversed cardiopulmonary effects induced by medetomidine-midazolam. Heart rate and cardiac index increased and systemic vascular resistance decreased significantly after administration of atipamezole. The possible use of an antagonist as a reversal agent might enhance the value and availability of medtomidine-midazolam as a chemical restraint agent in dogs.

Screening of tea clones for inhibition of PhIP mutagenicity

Standard black and green tea extracts have been known to inhibit mutagenicity caused by PhIP, in the Salmonella typhimurium TA98 assay containing S9 fraction from the liver of rats induced with alpha-naphthoflavone and phenobarbital. Breeding and selection programs for high yielding tea clones have successfully increased yields in many tea producing areas. Six clonal teas and three seedling teas were obtained from a tea producing area in Southern Africa. Standard black and green teas were used as controls. Dose-dependent inhibition of the bacterial mutagenicity elicited by two concentrations of PhIP was found in the extracts of all the teas tested. This indicates that the clonal teas have not lost their anti-mutagenic properties. Small differences were found amongst the clonal teas in their ability to inhibit mutagenicity. This indicates that it may be possible to enhance this trait in future breeding and selection programs.

Sedative effect of medetomidine and its reversal by atipamezole in house musk shrews (Suncus murinus)

This study was undertaken to evaluate the sedative effect of medetomidine, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, and the counteractive effect of atipamezole, an antagonist to medetomidine, in house musk shrews (Suncus murinus). Two hundred, 300, 400, or 600 micrograms/kg of medetomidine was intraperitoneal injected into 89 house musk shrews. A sedative effect was produced in one to two minutes after injection. The dose-dependent prolongation of the sedative duration and the dose-dependent appearance of a hypothermic effect were demonstrated. With 200 micrograms/kg of medetomidine, the sedative effect obtained was not adequate in some of the animals. With 300 micrograms/kg and above, a stable sedative state was induced in all the animals. The duration of sedation in the house musk shrews was much longer (p < 0.01) in males than in females. This suggested the higher susceptibility of male house musk shrews to this drug. The sedative effect and hypothermia obtained with 400 micrograms/kg of medetomidine were completely counteracted by more than 2.0 mg/kg of atipamezole. With 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg of atipamezole, only a partial antagonistic action was produced. Transient vomiting appeared in 4.5% of the house musk shrews at approximately one minute after injection of medetomidine. This side-effect had occurred before the sedative effect was obtained, and was not serious enough to be a problem. None of the 89 house musk shrews died in this experiment. The above results show that the combination of medetomidine and atipamezole is a highly effective and safe anesthetic treatment which permits easy handling of house musk shrews.

The central effects of moxonidine on intraocular pressure and its antagonism by L-659, 066 and L-657, 743 in the rabbit

1) The imidazoline, moxonidine (MOX), injected icvt into the anterior lateral ventricle of NZW rabbits induced ocular hypotension (> 7.0 mmHg) that persisted for two hrs. 2) L-659, 066 injected i.v. or icvt inhibited MOX-induced ocular hypotension, significantly. 3) L-657, 743, injected icvt at 100-fold lower concentration than icvt L-659, 066, significantly inhibited MOX-induced ocular hypotension. 4) Alpha-2-adrenoceptors, located in the CNS, play a role in MOX-induced ocular hypotension, as evidenced by the ability of the relatively selective alpha-2 antagonists, L-659, 066 and L-657, 743 to inhibit icvt MOX-induced ocular hypotension.

Antagonistic effects of antipamezole on medetomidine-midazolam induced sedation in dogs

Antagonistic effect of atipamezole (80 micrograms/kg) on medetomidine (20 micrograms/kg)-midazolam (0.3 mg/kg) induced sedation was evaluated in dogs. Atipamezole effectively reversed sedation and significantly shortened arousal time and total recovery time without apparent side effects. Atipamezole also effectively reversed changes in heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature produced by medetomidine-midazolam. The possible use of atipamezole as a reversal agent might enhance the value and availability of medetomidine-midazolam for a chemical restraint agent in dogs.

Clobenpropit (VUF-9153), a new histamine H3 receptor antagonist, inhibits electrically induced convulsions in mice

The effect of clobenpropit (VUF-9153), a new histamine H3 receptor antagonist, on electrically induced convulsions was studied in mice. Clobenpropit significantly and dose dependently decreased the duration of each convulsive phase. Its anticonvulsant effects were prevented by pretreatment with (R)-alpha-methylhistamine and imetit (VUF-8325), histamine H3 receptor agonists. These findings suggest that the effect of clobenpropit on electrically induced convulsions is due to an increase in endogenous histamine release in the brain, which is consistent with biochemical results that clobenpropit increased brain histidine decarboxylase activity dose dependently. The anticonvulsive effect of clobenpropit was antagonized by mepyramine, a histamine H1 receptor antagonist, but not by zolantidine, a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, indicating that histamine released by the anticonvulsant effect of clobenpropit interacts with histamine H1 receptors of postsynaptic neurons. The present findings of the effect of clobenpropit on electrically induced convulsions are fully consistent with those of thioperamide as described previously (Yokoyama et al., 1993, Eur. J. Pharmacol. 234, 129), supporting the hypothesis that the central histaminergic neuron system is involved in the inhibition of seizures.

Effects of medetomidine-midazolam on plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in laboratory pigs

Effects of medetomidine (40 micrograms/kg)-midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) on plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were evaluated in laboratory pigs. Intramuscular injection of medetomidine-midazolam induced a gradual hyperglycemic response associated with hypoinsulinemia which was much smaller than that by 80 micrograms/kg of medetomidine alone and was almost within a physiological fluctuation. These mild responses induced by medetomidine-midazolam were antagonized by use of an alpha 2-adrenoreceptor antagonist atipamezole (160 micrograms/kg), therefore those changes were thought to be mainly attributed to the effect of medetomidine on alpha 2-adrenoreceptors. A combination of medetomidine at a low dose and midazolam reduces undesirable effects, while providing more profound sedation than medetomidine alone in laboratory pigs.

Dissociation of the alpha 2-adrenergic antinociception from sedation following microinjection of medetomidine into the locus coeruleus in rats

It is well established that alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists have sedative and antinociceptive properties. In the current behavioral study we tried to find out if the alpha 2-adrenergic sedative and antinociceptive effects can be dissociated. We tested the hypothesis that alpha 2-adrenergic sedation is mediated by the locus coeruleus (LC) and antinociception by spinal alpha 2-adrenoceptors. Also, we addressed the possibility that intracerebral injection of an alpha 2-agonist might produce its antinociceptive effect by an action directly at the spinal cord. Medetomidine, an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, or atipamezole, an alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist, were microinjected bilaterally into the LC through chronic cannulae in unanesthetized Han-Wistar rats. The effect on locomotor activity (/vigilance), tail-flick and hot-plate response, and on formalin-induced pain behavior was determined. Medetomidine microinjected into the LC (1-10 micrograms/cannula) produced dose-dependently hypolocomotion (/sedation), increase of response latencies in the hot-plate and the tail-flick tests, and a decrease in the formalin-induced pain behavior. Hypolocomotion (/sedation) was obtained at a lower medetomidine dose (1 microgram/cannula) than antinociception (3-10 micrograms/cannula). The lowest medetomidine dose used (1 microgram/cannula), which induced significant hypolocomotion (/sedation), produced either no antinociception (hot-plate and tail-flick tests) or even a slight hyperalgesia (formalin test). The hypolocomotion (/sedation) but not antinociception (tail-flick test) induced by systemic administration of medetomidine (100 micrograms/kg s.c.) could be reversed by atipamezole (10 micrograms/cannula) microinjected into the LC. Only a high systemic dose of atipamezole (1 mg/kg s.c.) reversed the antinociceptive effects of medetomidine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Sedation of wild boar (Sus scrofa) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) with medetomidine and the influence on some haematological and serum biochemical variables

Medetomidine, an alpha-2 agonist, was tested for the sedation of wild boar (Sus scrofa) (n = 6) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) (n = 7). The effectivity of this drug and the dose required for handling, blood sampling, and minor surgery were established for both species. In addition the effect of medetomidine sedation on haematological and serum biochemical variables was studied. All animals used were clinically normal females aged approximately 1.5 years. The minimal dose required to sedate a wild boar was 80 micrograms/kg (i.m.). The induction time was 35-50 min, and the sedation time was between 40 and 55 min; however, the sedation was insufficient. The minimal dose required for red deer was 80 micrograms/kg (i.m.). Blood sampling and minor surgery could be carried out without any problem. The induction time was 21-29 min and the sedation time was between 120 and 210 min. The alpha-2 antagonist atipamezole (300 micrograms/kg) was effective in reversing sedation, with recovery occurring between 3 and 9 min. Medetomidine sedation influenced the blood composition of wild boar. Haemoglobin and packed cell volume decreased by about 20% (P < 0.002), total serum protein content decreased slightly (P = 0.011), and the glucose concentration nearly doubled (P = 0.002).

Effects of imidazolines on noradrenaline release in rat isolated kidney

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether or not activation of imidazoline receptors modulates noradrenaline release in the rat isolated kidney. Kidneys were pre-exposed to 3H-noradrenaline and the renal nerves were stimulated with 6 pulses at 100 Hz. The stimulation induced (S-I) outflow of radioactivity was taken as an index of endogenous noradrenaline release. The imidazoline derivatives clonidine (1-1000 nmol/l) and moxonidine (10-1000 nmol/l) inhibited S-I outflow of radioactivity with an EC50 of 6.8 nmol/l and 62.5 nmol/l and a maximum of 88% and 97%, respectively. The concentration response curves for clonidine and moxonidine were shifted to the right by the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist rauwolscine (0.1 mumol/l) in a parallel manner with identical pKB's of 8.52 and 8.46, respectively. Furthermore, the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist (-)-alpha-methylnoradrenaline (0.1-30 nmol/l), which has no affinity for imidazoline binding sites, inhibited S-I outflow of radioactivity with and EC50 of 2.4 nmol/l and a maximum of 94%. Rauwolscine (0.1 mumol/l) again shifted the concentration response curve for this alpha-adrenoceptor agonist to the right with a pKB of 8.40. Moreover, the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist 2-[2-(2-methoxy-1,4- benzo-dioxanyl)]imidazoline HCl (RX821002, 0.01 mumol/l) shifted the concentration response curves for clonidine and moxonidine to the right with pKB's of 9.46 and 9.18, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Vasoinhibitory action of KT2-734, an antihypertensive agent, in isolated rat aorta

In rat aorta, KT2-734 inhibited contractile responses to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and KCl. KT2-734 inhibited the relaxing effect of verapamil, but not nifedipine. Similarly, verapamil, but not nifedipine, inhibited the vasorelaxing effect of KT2-734. KT2-734 relaxation was inhibited by endothelium removal but not by atropine and propranolol. Methylene blue, a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, and NG-monomethyl arginine also inhibited the relaxation both in the presence and absence of endothelium. In the absence of endothelium, KT2-734 potentiated the relaxation induced by L-arginine, nitroglycerin and isoproterenol. In addition, M & B 22,948, a cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and theophylline inhibited and potentiated, respectively, KT2-734-induced relaxation. However, methylene blue inhibited the potentiation of isoproterenol relaxation by KT2-734 and that of KT2-734-relaxation by theophylline. KT2-734 caused increases in the level of cGMP without significantly affecting the cAMP level. These results suggest that KT2-734 may cause endothelium-independent relaxation mainly due to inhibition of cGMP-phosphodiesterase.

Angiotensin II AT2 receptor stimulation extends the upper limit of cerebral blood flow autoregulation: agonist effects of CGP 42112 and PD 123319

The effects of the angiotensin II AT2 receptor ligands CGP 42112 and PD 123319, the AT1 antagonist losartan, and the nonselective angiotensin II antagonist Sar1,Ile8-angiotensin II on the upper limit of CBF autoregulation were studied in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats. Blood pressure was increased by intravenous phenylephrine infusion, while CBF was measured continuously from the parietal cortex by laser-Doppler flowmetry. Intravenous infusions of CGP 42112 (0.1 and 1 mg kg-1 min-1) and PD 123319 (0.36 and 1 mg kg-1 min-1) shifted the upper limit of CBF autoregulation toward higher blood pressures without affecting baseline CBF. Sar1,Ile8-angiotensin II (4 micrograms kg-1 min-1) had no effect on baseline CBF or CBF autoregulation but antagonized the effect of CGP 42112 and PD 123319. Losartan (10 mg/kg i.v. bolus) reduced baseline blood pressure and CBF and shifted the autoregulation curve toward higher blood pressures. Sar1,Ile8-angiotensin II blocked the effect of losartan on baseline CBF but not on CBF autoregulation. These results suggest that both CGP 42112 and PD 123319 exert their effects on CBF autoregulation through stimulation of angiotensin II AT2 receptors. The mechanism by which losartan affects CBF remains unclear.

Potential role of imidazoline (I1) receptors in modulating aqueous humor dynamics

1) Moxonidine (MOX), injected icvt into the anterior lateral ventricle of NZW rabbits, induced bilateral, ocular hypotension (> 7.0 mmHg) that persisted for two hrs. 2) Oxymetazoline (OXY), injected icvt into the anterior lateral ventricle of NZW rabbits, induced bilateral ocular hypotension (> 7.0 mmHg) that peaked at two hrs. 3) Unilateral topical application of OXY induced maximal, bilateral ocular hypotension (> 12 mmHg), at 3 hrs, in both the contralateral and ipsilateral eyes, that persisted more than 12 hrs. 4) The putative imidazoline (I1) antagonist, efaroxan, injected icvt into the anterior lateral ventricle, inhibited significantly the ocular hypotension produced by icvt MOX, icvt OXY, and unilateral topical OXY. 5) Imidazoline (I1) receptors, located in the CNS, play a role in MOX- and OXY-induced ocular hypotension, as suggested by the ability of the putative imidazoline (I1) receptor antagonist efaroxan, to inhibit icvt MOX-, icvt OXY- and topical OXY-induced ocular hypotension.

Selective inhibition by E4080, a novel bradycardic agent, of positive chronotropic responses to norepinephrine in isolated dog hearts

E4080, a novel bradycardic agent acts on various ionic currents including the hyperpolarization-activated inward current (I(f)), L-type Ca2+ current (ICa) and ATP-sensitive K+ (K+ATP) current in mammalian heart and vascular tissues. We thus investigated the chronotropic and inotropic effects of E4080 and its interaction with the positive cardiac responses to norepinephrine, 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine (IBMX) and Bay k 8644 in the isolated, blood-perfused dog right atria and left ventricles. E4080 (0.01-1 mumol) decreased the sinus rate and atrial and ventricular contractile forces in a dose-related manner. Glibenclamide (3 mumol) partly blocked the decrease in atrial force but not the decreases in sinus rate and ventricular force induced by E4080. Atropine (10 nmol) did not affect the negative cardiac responses to E4080. E4080 (0.01-1 mumol) inhibited the positive chronotropic responses to norepinephrine and IBMX dose dependently, but did not inhibit the positive inotropic ones in isolated atria. E4080 affected neither positive chronotropic nor inotropic responses to Bay k 8644. These results suggest that (1) the activation of K+ATP channels by E4080 is partly related to the decrease in atrial force but not the decreases in sinus rate and ventricular force, and (2) the selective inhibition of E4080 of the cyclic AMP-dependent positive chronotropic responses but not inotropic ones is probably due to the inhibition of I(f) rather than other properties, e.g., activation of K+ATP channels and inhibition of ICa in the dog heart.

Beta adrenoceptor blockade in rabbit inhibits the renin-releasing effect of AT1 receptor antagonist losartan

The objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms of the renin secretion response to the angiotensin II (AII) receptor type 1 (AT1) antagonist losartan (DuP 753) in anesthetized rabbits. All receptor blockade with losartan (4 mg/kg bolus and 2 mg/kg/hr i.v.) decreased blood pressure (BP) and increased plasma renin activity (PRA) and heart rate (HR) significantly, whereas the beta-1 adrenoceptor antagonist atenolol (0.02 mg/kg/min i.v.) caused significant reductions in these parameters. Atenolol blocked HR and PRA responses but not the effect of losartan on BP. Cyclooxygenase inhibition with indomethacin (5 mg/kg bolus and 40 micrograms/kg/min i.v.) did not result in significant effects, and the coadministration of indomethacin and losartan resulted in a greater PRA effect than with losartan alone. These results preclude the involvement of prostaglandins, such as PGE2 and PGI2, in the renin response to losartan. The PRA response to atenolol alone suggests that renin release in anesthetized rabbits is under tonic control by beta adrenergic receptors. Furthermore, the discrepancy in the PRA responses to equipotent hypotensive doses of hydralazine and losartan indicates that beta adrenoceptor activation in the kidney, probably the result of blockade of AII-mediated inhibition of renin secretion, contributes to the renin-releasing effect of the AT1 receptor antagonist losartan.

Angiotensin II and non-angiotensin II displaceable binding sites for [3H]losartan in the rat liver

By virtue of the more than 1000-fold selectivity of losartan (DuP 753) for the AT1 angiotensin II (AII) receptor subtype compared with the AT2 subtype, [3H]losartan may be a useful radioligand for studies of the AT1 receptor subtype. Comparison of Bmax values in the liver obtained from saturation isotherms using [3H]losartan (Bmax = 194 pmol/g tissue) and [125I]sarcosine1,isoleucine8 angiotensin II (Bmax = 20 pmol/g tissue) indicated that the AII receptor concentration was approximately 10% that of the [3H]losartan binding sites. In addition, AII at concentrations as high as 10 microM displaced less than one-third of specific [3H]losartan binding in the liver and less than 80% in the whole adrenal. The presence of non-AII displaceable [3H]losartan binding in the liver did not appear to result from metabolism of the radioligand since HPLC analysis of free and bound 3H revealed that greater than 90% of the 3H eluted at the same time as the parent [3H]losartan. This suggests that [3H]losartan binds with high affinity to a site(s) other than angiotensin II receptors in the rat liver.

Chemical capture of free-ranging cattle: immobilization with xylazine or medetomidine, and reversal with atipamezole

Twenty-nine free-ranging Norwegian cattle were captured with xylazine (n = 20) or medetomidine (n = 9) using a tranquilizing gun, and the time from darting to recumbency (induction time) was recorded. Twenty-eight animals were given atipamezole IV 15-100 min after darting, and the effects of the antagonist were evaluated. Blood samples (n = 19) for haematology and serum chemistry were collected within 10 min after immobilization was induced. Xylazine (0.55 +/- 0.18 mg/kg; mean +/- SD; n = 18) or medetomidine-HCl (0.039 +/- 0.10 mg/kg; n = 8) induced complete immobilization after a single darting with sternal or lateral recumbency, the induction times being 9.6 +/- 3.8 and 12.0 +/- 6.8 min, respectively. No difference in the clinical effects of the two drugs was observed. Rapid reversal was achieved with 0.057 +/- 0.017 and 0.077 +/- 0.019 mg/kg of atipamezole-HCl in xylazine- and medetomidine-treated animals, respectively. All the animals stood within 2 min after IV administration of the antagonist. Seven animals showed signs of excitement shortly after reversal, but these side-effects were of brief duration. Heavy resedation with relapse into recumbency was seen 3-4 h after reversal in two cows captured with xylazine, while moderate resedation was observed in two medetomidine-treated animals 2 h after reversal. Except for the plasma glucose concentration, which was elevated in both xylazine- and medetomidine-treated animals, the mean values of the haematological and plasma chemical parameters were within the reference ranges established for Norwegian cattle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antagonism of the stimulatory effects of efaroxan and glibenclamide in rat pancreatic islets by the imidazoline, RX801080

1. The imidazoline alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, efaroxan, stimulates insulin secretion from rat isolated islets and antagonizes the ability of diazoxide to inhibit glucose-induced insulin secretion. These effects result from closure of ATP-sensitive potassium channels although the mechanisms involved have not been elucidated. 2. In the present work, we have examined the effects of a close structural analogue of efaroxan, RX801080, in rat isolated islets of Langerhans. RX801080 was found to be ineffective as a stimulator of insulin secretion and did not prevent the inhibition of insulin secretion mediated by diazoxide. 3. RX801080 acted as an antagonist of the actions of several imidazolines (efaroxan, phentolamine and midaglizole) in rat islets. It dose-dependently inhibited the ability of efaroxan to antagonize the effects of diazoxide in islets and also completely inhibited the direct stimulation of insulin secretion mediated by efaroxan. 4. RX801080 also antagonized the effects of the non-imidazoline, ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker, glibenclamide, in rat islets. It inhibited both the capacity of glibenclamide to stimulate insulin secretion and the ability of glibenclamide to overcome the inhibitory effects of diazoxide in rat islets. 5. Antagonism of glibenclamide responses by RX801080 was not due to inhibition of binding of the sulphonylurea to its receptor on the pancreatic beta-cell. 6. The results suggest that imidazoline compounds and sulphonylureas interact with distinct binding sites on islet cells, but that these sites can interact functionally to control islet cell ATP-sensitive potassium channel activity and insulin secretion.