Ventricular histamine concentrations and arrhythmias during acute myocardial ischaemia in rats

The relation between ventricular histamine concentrations and the occurrence of early ventricular arrhythmias during acute myocardial ischaemia was investigated in pentobarbitone-anaesthetized rats. There was significant decrease in the left, but not the right, ventricular histamine level at 5 min following acute left coronary artery ligation. Pretreatment with rhodanine caused remarkable reduction in ventricular histamine concentrations as well as significantly lower incidence and slower onset of ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation resulting from acute myocardial ischaemia. On the contrary, aminoguanidine pretreatment did not significantly alter ventricular histamine levels nor did it influence the occurrence of early ventricular arrhythmias induced by coronary artery ligation. The responses of blood pressure and heart rate to acute coronary artery ligation were not noticeably affected by rhodanine or aminoguanidine pretreatment. These findings support the hypothesis that histamine release from cardiac tissues may contribute to the genesis of early ventricular arrhythmias, but not to the changes in blood pressure and heart rate, during acute myocardial ischaemia.

Effects of morphine on cardiovascular responses to acute myocardial ischaemia in rats

The effects of acute coronary artery ligation on cardiac rhythm and haemodynamics were studied in rats receiving either acute or chronic morphine-treatment. In chronic opiate-treated animals, increasing concentrations of morphine sulphate were administered in drinking water over a 3 week period, and the development of morphine tolerance and dependence was verified by decreased analgesic responses to morphine in the tail-immersion test and the occurrence of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal syndromes, respectively. Acute coronary artery ligation induced a decrease in blood pressure, a slight increase in heart rate, and ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation in anaesthetized rats. The changes in blood pressure and heart rate following acute coronary artery ligation were not significantly altered by acute or chronic morphine administration. The incidence and the time of onset of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation were found to be significantly reduced and prolonged, respectively, in chronically morphine-treated rats, but were not significantly affected by acute morphine administration in naïve animals. These findings suggest that chronic morphine treatment lessens the occurrence of early ventricular arrhythmias caused by acute myocardial ischaemia in rats. The mechanism of this effect is unclear.

Effects of Sophora flavescens Ait. on haemodynamics and ventricular fibrillation threshold in anaesthetized dogs

The effects of an ethanol extract of the plant Sophora flavescens Ait. on haemodynamics and ventricular fibrillation threshold were studied in pentobarbitone-anaesthetized dogs. It was found that intravenous injection of the extract, 120 mg/kg, caused transient but significant depression in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, left ventricular pressure and dLVP/dtmax, as well as elevation of ventricular fibrillation threshold. These preliminary findings suggest that the ethanol extract of Sophora flavescens Ait. possesses pharmacological activities resembling those of antiarrhythmic agents, but the mechanisms of action are unclear.

Effects of acute and chronic morphine administration on glucose tolerance in mice

The effects of acute and chronic morphine treatment on glucose tolerance were investigated in mice. In acute experiments, a single dose of morphine (20 mg/kg i.p.) increased the serum and muscle glucose level. After glucose loading (1.5 g/kg), the rate of increase and the peak of serum glucose concentration were significantly lowered in morphine-treated mice, while the availability and the half-life of glucose were similar to those of controls. In morphine-dependent mice, the fasting serum and muscle glucose levels were similar to those of control but the liver glucose was significantly greater. After glucose loading the rate of increase in serum glucose level was faster and the availability of glucose was 10% greater than that in naive mice. Again, there was no difference in the half-life of serum glucose between naive and morphine-dependent mice.

Effects of hypoxaemia and hyperoxaemia on some cardiovascular responses of rats to adrenaline

Systemic blood pressure and pulse rate responses to intravenously administered adrenaline during hypoxaemia or hyperoxaemia were studied in urethane-anaesthetized rats. Hypoxaemia or hyperoxaemia was induced by ventilating the animals with 15% O2/85% N2 or with 100% O2, respectively. Hypoxaemia significantly decreased the diastolic blood pressure and elevated the pulse rate; the reflex falls in pulse rate in response to adrenaline were significantly reduced. Hyperoxaemia, on the other hand, did not cause remarkable changes in blood pressure or pulse rate, but significantly depressed diastolic blood pressure to adrenaline. It is suggested that the compensatory cardiovascular reflexes may be impaired by hypoxaemia, and that hyperoxaemia reduces vasoconstrictor response to catecholamine possibly by lessening or enhancing the sensitivities of the vascular alpha 1- or beta 2-adrenoceptors, respectively.

Production of physical dependence in rats by drinking a morphine solution

The plasma concentrations of morphine and glucose, the body weight, and the severity of the naloxone-precipitated withdrawal syndrome were studied in female rats in which morphine dependence was induced by administration of the opiate, with or without sucrose, in their drinking water. It was found that sucrose encouraged the animals to consume more morphine and that the initial plasma concentrations of the opiate, as well as the rate of development of physical dependence, were higher than the group not given sucrose. Plasma glucose concentrations, maximum plasma morphine levels and the maximum severity of the naloxone-precipitated withdrawal syndrome were, however, not significantly different between the two groups. The findings suggest that both regimens of administering the opiate in drinking fluid are effective in inducing morphine dependence in rats; the addition of sucrose tends to speed up the development of physical dependence, probably by increasing intake of the opiate through consuming more sucrose solution.

Cardiovascular effects of ranitidine and cimetidine during acute myocardial ischaemia in anaesthetized dogs

The effects of ranitidine and cimetidine on ventricular fibrillation threshold and haemodynamics were studied in pentobarbitone-anaesthetized dogs subjected to acute coronary artery ligation. These drugs did not significantly change the ventricular fibrillation threshold nor haemodynamics before coronary artery ligation, except for remarkable haemodynamic depression by ranitidine 1 mg/kg. Ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery reduced the ventricular fibrillation threshold, decreased systemic and left ventricular pressures and myocardial contractility, and slightly increased heart rate. Pretreatment with ranitidine 0.25 or 1 mg/kg, or with cimetidine 2 mg/kg, significantly abolished the reductions in ventricular fibrillation threshold, but did not noticeably alter the haemodynamic changes. These findings further support the hypothesis that histamine release may contribute to the increased ventricular vulnerability resulting from acute myocardial ischaemia. However, the role of histamine in the haemodynamic responses to coronary artery ligation remains obscure.

Gastric acid secretory responses to cholinergic and histaminergic stimulation in chronic morphine-treated rats

The effects of chronic morphine administration on cholinergic and histaminergic activities were evaluated in rats by observing their gastric acid secretory responses to secretagogues. The responses of in-vivo perfused stomachs to 2-deoxy-D-glucose or pentagastrin, and of the isolated gastric mucosa to histamine or bethanechol, were not significantly different between naive and chronic morphine-treated animals. It is suggested that the chronic morphine-treated rats exhibit normal cholinergic and histaminergic activities as well as receptor sensitivities to acetylcholine and histamine.

Effects of morphine, hypoxaemia and hypercapnia on the rat stomach

The effects of morphine, hypoxaemia or hypercapnia on gastric acid secretion, gastric mucus synthesis and the gastric mucosa were studied in conscious rats with pyloric occlusion. Hypoxaemia and hypercapnia were induced by morphine 32 mg/kg given i.p., or each condition was produced separately by adjusting the composition of respired air in the chamber where the animals were kept during the experimental period. Hypoxia significantly enhanced gastric mucus synthesis whereas hypercapnia significantly reduced gastric acid secretion. These effects were significantly alleviated by atropine pretreatment. Morphine-treated rats exhibited decreased gastric acid secretion, increased gastric mucus synthesis and a higher mean ulcer index but only the reduced gastric acid output was significantly prevented by atropine. It is suggested that the effect of morphine on gastric acid secretion may result from its respiratory depressant action and consequent acute stress production. However, the mechanisms by which morphine can increase mucus synthesis and produce ulceration remain obscure.

Cardiovascular responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation in morphine-treated rats

The effects of morphine on the responses of blood pressure and pulse rate to stimulation of sympathetic nerves or to intravenous administration of noradrenaline were studied in female rats which had been treated with either an increasing concentration of morphine sulphate in their drinking fluid (5% sucrose solution), or an acute intraperitoneal injection of morphine. Sympathetic nerve excitation was effected by electrical stimulation of the thoracic segments of the spinal cord in pithed rats. Both sympathetic nerve stimulation and noradrenaline produced dose-dependent changes in blood pressure and pulse rate in naive rats and in the sucrose-drinking controls. Animals which had been chronically treated with morphine in their drinking fluid for 21 days showed significantly less intense responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation. However, these decreased responses were not observed in rats given acute treatment with morphine. Chronic treatment with morphine did not significantly influence the changes in blood pressure or pulse rate induced by noradrenaline. These findings suggest that chronic treatment with morphine lessens the cardiovascular responses to stimulation of peripheral sympathetic nerves in rats. The mechanism is not clear, but it seems unlikely to be due to changes in the sensitivity, or perhaps the number, of adrenoceptors.

Morphine enhances gastric mucus synthesis in rats

The effect of morphine on gastric mucus synthesis was studied in conscious rats, using the method of staining mucus with alcian blue then destaining it with magnesium chloride. It was found that morphine significantly enhanced gastric mucus synthesis, as did fentanyl, a non-histamine-liberating opioid. The effects of the opioids on mucus synthesis were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with naloxone 8 mg/kg or cimetidine 100 mg/kg. Cimetidine itself significantly suppressed gastric mucus production in saline-treated rats. These findings suggest that the increased gastric mucus synthesis caused by morphine is due to activation of opiate receptors and not to histamine release. It appears that cimetidine may counteract rather than block the receptor effects of the opioids by a direct action on the mucus-secreting glands.

Effects of ranitidine and cimetidine on experimentally induced ventricular arrhythmias in anaesthetized rats

The effects of two histamine H2-receptor antagonists, ranitidine and cimetidine, on ventricular arrhythmias induced by acute coronary artery ligation and by aconitine infusion were studied in pentobarbitone-anaesthetized rats. The changes in arterial blood pressure and heart rate were also observed. It was found that both drugs significantly reduced the incidence, and prolonged the time of onset, of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation following acute coronary artery ligation; however, they did not significantly alter the incidence or time of onset of ventricular dysrhythmias caused by aconitine infusion. These findings further support the hypothesis that histamine release may contribute to the genesis of early ventricular arrhythmias resulting from acute myocardial ischaemia. Since the decreased blood pressure induced by coronary artery ligation was not significantly prevented by pretreatment with either histamine H2-receptor blocker, this suggests that histamine may not be responsible for the blood pressure changes during acute myocardial ischaemia.

Rapid induction of dependence to morphine in rats

The rate of development of dependence to morphine was studied in female rats which were given increasing concentrations of morphine sulphate in their drinking fluid (5% sucrose solution). The occurrence of physical dependence was determined by the naloxone-precipitated withdrawal syndrome at various times during the 3-week experimental period. It was found that a significant degree of the withdrawal syndrome precipitated by naloxone was evident at 24 hr after starting administration of morphine; the syndrome reached its greatest intensity after the rats had received the opiate for 7 days. This study shows that dependence on morphine can be induced in rats by administration of the opiate in drinking fluid for a period shorter than 7 days.

Mechanisms of captopril-induced potentiation of the depressor responses to arachidonic acid in rats

The mechanisms underlying potentiation by captopril of the depressor responses to arachidonic acid were studied in chloralose-anaesthetized rats. Captopril, in a dose (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.) which inhibited the pressor responses to angiotensin I (0.03-1 microgram/kg, i.v.), enhanced the depressor responses to bradykinin (3-300 micrograms/kg, i.v.) and potentiated the hypotensive action of arachidonic acid (3 mg/kg, intravenously). This phenomenon was observed not only when captopril and arachidonic acid were administered intravenously, but also when these compounds were injected directly into the aortic arch. The enhancement of arachidonic acid-induced hypotension by captopril was not significantly affected by pretreatment with a low dose of aprotinin (3 mg/kg, i.v.), but was abolished by bilateral nephrectomy or by pretreatment with a higher dose of aprotinin (6 mg/kg, i.v.). It is suggested that captopril augments the depressor responses to arachidonic acid by inhibiting angiotensin converting enzyme. This results in accumulation of bradykinin which in turn increases release of vasodilator prostaglandins, originating most probably, from the kidneys. The possibility that blockade of angiotensin II formation by captopril may leave the vasodilator action of prostaglandin unopposed cannot be excluded.

Effects of carbenoxolone sodium on gastric and duodenal mucus synthesis in mice

Using the method of staining mucus with Alcian blue and destaining it with magnesium chloride, it was found that intragastric administration of carbenoxolone in mice did not significantly affect duodenal mucus synthesis at doses which remarkably increased gastric mucus synthesis. However, in vitro study showed that carbenoxolone significantly stimulated both gastric and duodenal mucus synthesis. It is suggested that carbenoxolone may also effectively increase mucus synthesis and probably accelerate ulcer healing in the duodenum if sufficient amounts can escape gastric absorption and reach this region.

The antiarrhythmic effects of Sophora flavescens Ait. in rats and mice

The effects of an ethanol extract of the plant Sophora flavescens Ait. on cardiac arrhythmias induced by coronary artery ligation in rats, and by aconitine infusion in mice, were studied. Pretreatment with intravenous injection of the extract, 120 mg/kg, significantly reduced the incidence and delayed the onset of ventricular tachycardia in rats subjected to ligation of the left coronary artery. The time of onset of both initial cardiac arrhythmias and persistent ventricular tachycardia induced by aconitine infusion in mice was also significantly prolonged. These preliminary findings suggest that the ethanol extract of Sophora flavescens Ait. possesses antiarrhythmic activity.

Sulphasalazine and experimental stress ulcers

The effects of sulphasalazine on gastric ulceration induced by restraint at 4 degrees C (stress) for 2 h were studied in rats. Doses of 63 or 125 mg/kg s.c., which had no effect on stomach wall prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels, prevented stress ulceration but not the lesions produced by indomethacin. Stress significantly increased gastric glandular mucosal PGE2 levels. Indomethacin pretreatment (20 mg/kg, p.o.) markedly reduced PGE2 levels in the same region of the stomachs, and worsened stress-induced lesion formation. Pretreatment with sulphasalazine of animals given indomethacin and then subjected to stress did not appear to affect the indomethacin component of indomethacin-stress ulceration. Oral administration of PGE2 200 micrograms/kg significantly elevated gastric PGE2 levels, but had no effect on stress ulceration. It appears that neither the antiulcer activity of sulphasalazine nor stress-induced ulceration is associated with gastric tissue PGE2 increase or decrease, respectively. The protective mechanism may result from the ability of sulphasalazine to inhibit lipoxygenase activity.

A study on the aetiology of reserpine ulceration and the antiulcer action of solcoseryl in rat stomach

The aetiology of reserpine-induced gastric ulcer formation and the antiulcer effects of solcoseryl were studied in rats. Intraperitoneal injection of reserpine produced severe ulceration, as well as mast cell and histamine depletion, in the gastric glandular mucosa. Mepyramine and cimetidine markedly antagonized the gastric lesions, but did not influence the reduced mast cell count; atropine pretreatment significantly inhibited both parameters. Intramuscular injection of solcoseryl lessened ulcer severity and prevented the decreased mast cell counts and histamine levels in reserpine-treated rats. However, the same dose of solcoseryl injected intraperitoneally was ineffective. Solcoseryl, irrespective of the route of administration, did not influence the gastric secretory activities of reserpine. It is concluded that reserpine ulceration is both cholinergic- and histamine-mediated, and that the antiulcer effects of solcoseryl appear to be due to prevention of histamine depletion in the gastric mucosa.

Human milk-derived growth factor prevents duodenal ulcer formation

Human milk was fractionated to obtain a partially purified growth factor preparation. The growth factor in this fraction, designated as human milk growth factor III, exhibits chromatographic and biological characteristics similar to epidermal growth factor-urogastrone. Pretreatment of mice with human milk growth factor III significantly reduces the incidence, number, total length, and severity score of cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers.

The influence of morphine on acid secretion by the isolated rat gastric mucosa

The influence of morphine on acid secretion by the isolated gastric mucosa was studied in adult rats. A wide range of morphine concentrations (1 X 10(-4) to 1.6 X 10(-3) M) was found to have no effect on basal acid output, or on acid secretion maximally stimulated by bethanechol or histamine. It is suggested that the opiate receptors in the rat gastric mucosa, if there are any, are not involved in modulating acid secretion.

Gastric secretion and mucosal lesions in morphine-dependent rats

The gastric mucosa and basal gastric secretion of morphine-dependent rats with pyloric occlusion were examined. Morphine tolerance and dependence were induced by administering increasing concentrations of morphine sulphate in the drinking water for 3 weeks, and were confirmed by a decreased analgesic response to morphine in the tail-immersion test and by occurrence of a naloxone-precipitated withdrawal syndrome, respectively. It was found that although the basal gastric secretion of morphine-dependent rats was not significantly different from that of naive animals, the former group showed a significantly higher gastric glandular mucosal ulcer index. Intraperitoneal injection of naloxone induced significant withdrawal effects but did not produce significant changes in gastric secretion or in ulcer index.

Effects of hypoventilation on the cardiovascular responses of rats to adrenaline and acetylcholine

Blood pressure and pulse rate in response to administered adrenaline and acetylcholine during hypoventilation were studied in urethane-anaesthetized rats. Hypoventilation was induced by decreasing the stroke volume of artificial ventilation from 1 ml/100 g to 0.3 ml/100 g. There was a significant rise in pulse rate accompanied by minimal changes in blood pressure during hypoventilation. The blood pressure and pulse rate in response to adrenaline were significantly reduced. The depressant effect of acetylcholine on pulse rate was intensified, but that on blood pressure was not significantly affected. These findings suggest that the compensatory cardiovascular reflexes may be impaired during hypoventilation.

Potentiation of depressor responses to arachidonic acid by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in the rat

In chloralose anaesthetized rats, intravenous administration of captopril, SQ 20881, SA 446 or MK 421 (0.5 mg/kg) potentiated the depressor responses to arachidonic acid 3 mg/kg given intravenously. Same doses of the above angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors caused an approximately 100-fold decrease in sensitivity to the pressor effects of angiotensin I, with a concomitant similar increase in sensitivity to the depressor effects of bradykinin. Depressor responses to arachidonic acid, both before and after administering the converting enzyme inhibitors, were abolished by intravenous indomethacin (5 mg/kg). These results suggest that increased synthesis of prostaglandins in the circulation may contribute to the hypotensive effect of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, a group of newly developed antihypertensive agents.

Effects of SK&F 93479 on experimentally induced ventricular arrhythmias in dogs, rats and mice

The effects of SK&F 93479, a potent histamine H2-receptor antagonist, on ventricular arrhythmias induced by coronary artery ligation in dogs and rats, and by aconitine infusion in mice were investigated. It was found that SK&F 93479 in large doses, significantly prevented the occurrence of spontaneous ventricular fibrillation and the changes in ventricular fibrillation threshold following coronary artery ligation in dogs. In rats subjected to ligation of the main left coronary artery, it significantly reduced the incidence of ventricular fibrillation, and significantly prolonged the time of onset of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. On the contrary, SK&F 93479 did not significantly alter the incidence or the time of onset of cardiac dysrhythmias caused by aconitine infusion in mice. These findings suggest that SK&F 93479 lacks non-specific antiarrhythmic activity and that its protective effects against coronary artery ligation may be mediated by its histamine H2-receptor antagonizing action. They also support the hypothesis that histamine may contribute to the genesis of ventricular arrhythmias resulting from acute myocardial ischaemia.

Protection by SK&F 93479 against the haemodynamic effects of coronary artery ligation in dogs

The effects of SK&F 93479, a potent histamine H2-receptor antagonist, on the changes in haemodynamics induced by coronary artery ligation were investigated in anaesthetized dogs. Intravenous bolus injection of SK&F 93479 1 mg/kg followed by 1 mg/kg/h infusion caused transient decreases in systemic blood pressure, left ventricular pressure, and dLVP/dtmax, but did not significantly alter heart rate. Coronary artery ligation produced haemodynamic depression, and this was significantly prevented by pretreatment of the animals with SK&F 93479. These findings suggest that histamine may contribute to the haemodynamic changes arising from acute myocardial ischaemia.

Decreased acid secretion and gastric lesion production by morphine in rats

The effects of graded doses of morphine on gastric secretion were studied in conscious rats with pyloric occlusion. It was found that, at doses which significantly prolonged the reaction time in the tail-immersion test, morphine significantly decreased both the volume and total acid output of gastric secretion. It was also observed that morphine produced gastric mucosal lesions in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with naloxone 4 mg/kg significantly alleviated the gastric effects of morphine 32 mg/kg. It is suggested that the depressant effects of morphine on gastric secretion and the ulcerogenicity of the narcotic result from its stimulant activity on opiate receptors.

Morphine preference in rats previously morphine dependent

Morphine preference and tendency to relapse to morphine tolerance and dependence were studied in rats which were previously made morphine dependent. Tolerance to, and physical dependence on, morphine were initially produced by administration of increasing concentrations of morphine sulphate in 5% sucrose solution for 3 weeks. A test for drinking preference was performed 4 days after the rats had been successfully detoxified and showed no significant signs of morphine dependence. It was found that, while control animals drank only negligible amounts of morphine solution, previously morphine-dependent rats consumed significantly larger volumes of morphine solution and had recurrence of morphine tolerance and dependence. The present findings show that chronic administration of morphine in drinking fluid produces tolerance and physical dependence as well as addiction in rats; the latter definition is exemplified by these animals having a high tendency to relapse after successful drug withdrawal.

Effects of naloxone on serum corticosterone and gastric lesions in stressed rats

In rats subjected to restraint and exposure to cold, naloxone did not significantly influence the increased serum concentrations of corticosterone or the incidence of stress ulceration, but it significantly reduced the severity of gastric lesions. These findings suggest that endogenous opioids released during stress may contribute to the pathogenesis of stress ulceration. They also support the theory that the adrenocorticosteroids are unimportant aetiological factors in stress ulcer formation.

Antagonism of pentobarbitone-induced respiratory depression by naloxone in rats

The effects of naloxone, pentobarbitone, or their combination, on arterial blood gases were studied in urethane-anaesthetised rats. Naloxone itself did not significantly alter the blood gases. Pentobarbitone significantly decreased PO2 and elevated PCO2, and these effects were prevented by pretreatment with naloxone. Arterial blood pH was unaffected by any of the drugs. The findings suggest that naloxone lacks a specific analeptic effect, but can antagonise respiratory depression induced by pentobarbitone.

The lack of effect of histamine on spontaneous activity in the isolated human myometrium

The effects of histamine on the spontaneous activity of the isolated human myometrium were studied. Both the frequency and force of contractions of the muscle strips were not significantly altered by histamine. The presence of either a histamine H1- or H2-receptor antagonist in the organ bath did not significantly change the responses of the uterine muscle to histamine. These findings suggest that histamine has negligible effects on the human myometrium, possibly due to the absence, or paucity, of histamine receptors.

The production of ventricular arrhythmias in the guinea-pigs isolated heart using hypoxic perfusion fluids containing adrenaline

1. The effects of hypoxia, adrenaline perfusion, and their combination on cardiac rhythm were studied in the isolated perfused heart of the guinea-pig. 2. Hypoxia or adrenaline perfusion (5.5 mumol/l) produced a low incidence of ventricular arrhythmias (26% and 33%, respectively); however, the changes were not statistically significant. 3. A combination of hypoxia and adrenaline perfusion produced ventricular arrhythmias in each of twenty-three preparations: there were frequent ventricular premature contractions in eighteen preparations, and ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation in five preparations. The mean times of onset of these arrhythmias after hypoxia were 33.3 min (s.e.m. = 5.2) and 57.6 min (s.e.m. = 4.7), respectively. 4. The responsiveness of the frequent ventricular premature contractions to the antiarrhythmic effects of quinidine and lignocaine was tested in twelve preparations. Both drugs produced dose-dependent reductions in the percentage of ventricular ectopic beats. 5. These results suggest that a combination of hypoxia and adrenaline perfusion is a simple but reliable method of inducing ventricular arrhythmias in the isolated heart of the guinea-pig, and this provides a model that may be useful for the experimental evaluation of antiarrhythmic drugs.

Some observations on the gastric effects of phentolamine in rats

The effects of graded doses of phentolamine on gastric secretion, gastric emptying rate, gastric mucosal mucus content and gastric mucosal lesion incidence were studied in conscious rats 2 h after intramuscular administration. In pylorus-occluded rats, phentolamine (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg) produced dose-dependent decreases in the gastric secretory volume and total acid output. Similar doses of the drug also produced dose-dependent decreases in the gastric emptying rate in animals without pylorus occlusion (intact rats), but did not affect the gastric mucosal mucus content. The incidence of gastric mucosal lesions in pylorus-occluded or intact animals rose with increasing doses. The findings are discussed in the light of the possibility that phentolamine, in the dose range examined, possesses a sympathomimetic action which would underlie the gastric lesions observed.

Effects of zinc sulphate pretreatment on gastric acid secretion and lesion formation in rats infused intravenously with graded doses of methacholine

The effects of intraperitoneal pretreatment with zinc sulphate (22, 44 or 88 mg/kg) were studied on gastric acid secretion and lesion formation induced by methacholine (125, 250 or 500 microgram/kg/h) infused intravenously in rats with stomachs perfused in situ. Graded infusions of methacholine produced dose-dependent increases in gastric acid secretion and lesion incidence in saline-pretreated control rats. These effects were progressively reduced by increasing pretreatment doses of zinc sulphate. The relationship between these findings and the action of zinc on gastric mast cells is discussed.

The effect of zinc on anaphylaxis in vivo in the guinea-pig

The protective effects of pretreatment with zinc sulphate aerosols against bronchoconstriction induced by egg albumen or histamine aerosols were assessed in sensitized or non-sensitized guinea-pigs respectively. Pretreatment with an adequate concentration of zinc sulphate aerosol significantly prolonged the time of onset of bronchoconstriction in sensitized guinea-pigs challenged with egg albumen, but did not appreciably alter the onset time of histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in non-sensitized animals. These findings suggest that zinc aerosols may be of prophylactic value against bronchoconstriction of allergic origin.

The hemostatic effects of orally administered Yunnan Bai Yao in rats and rabbits

The effects of orally administered Yunnan Bai Yao were studied on the bleeding time in rats and the blood clotting time in rabbits. Significant decreases were seen in both the bleeding and clotting times, observed over a 4 h period following administration. These effects were seen as early as 1/2 h and were still present at 4 h. Graded doses of Yunnan Bai Yao produced dose-related decreases in blood clotting times in the rabbits. The findings suggest that some active principle, able to affect the hemostatic mechanism, is absorbed after oral administration of the herbal preparation.

Effects of zinc chloride on gastric secretion and ulcer formation in pylorus-occluded rats

The effects of 10-day pretreatment with i.p. injections of zinc chloride, 16 mg/kg, on gastric secretion and on gastric ulceration induced by stress or by acid accumulation were examined in pylorus-occluded rats. Zinc chloride pretreatment significantly reduced the volume of gastric secretion and the total acid output as well as the incidence of gastric ulcers induced either by stress or by acid accumulation. The findings support the idea zinc compounds may be useful in the treatment of gastric ulcers.

A study of the actions of histamine on the isolated rat heart

1. The effects of histamine on cardiac force, heart rate and coronary perfusion pressure were studied in the isolated rat heart, using the Langendorff perfused heart preparation. 2. Single injections of histamine induced dose-dependent decreases in contractile amplitude, heart rate and coronary perfusion pressure. 3. Perfusions of metiamide (above 1 x 10(-4) m) had a depressant effect on contractile force and heart rate, whereas diphenhydramine (4 x 10(-6) m) reduced only the heart rate. Both agents caused a fall in coronary perfusion pressure. 4. The negative inotropic and chronotropic effects of histamine on the isolated rat heart were not significantly influenced by either metiamide of diphenhydramine, or a combination of these drugs. However, the fall in coronary perfusion pressure induced by injections of histamine was significantly antagonized by metiamide or diphenhydramine. 5. These results suggest that the effects of histamine on the isolated rat heart may not be due entirely to stimulation of H1- or H2-receptors on the cardiac muscle cells. Evidence is presented for the existence of histamine H1- and H2-receptors in the coronary vessels.

Intragastric NaHCO3 perfusion and vagal-induced ulcer formation in the rat stomach

The effects of electrical vagal stimulation on gastric acid output and ulcer formation were studied in rats intragastrically perfused with saline or NaHCO3 solutions. Vagal stimulation produced a 100% incidence of glandular lesions and a significant increase in total acid output in saline-perfused stomachs. Antacid perfusion failed to prevent ulcer formation despite complete neutralization of the increased acid output. It is considered that vagal-induced gastric glandular lesions are not acid dependent.

Acute gastric ulcer formation in response to electrical vagal stimulation in rats

Intermittent electrical stimulation of the left cervical vagus increased intragastric pressure and induced a 100% incidence of haemorrhagic ulcers in the glandular mucosa of rat stomachs. Atropine pretreatment of sub-diaphragmatic vagotomy prevented these effects. The findings substantiate the idea that stress-induced glandular ulcers result from vagal-mediated increased gastric contractions.

The haemostatic effects of the Chinese herbal drug Yunnan Bai Yao: a pilot study

The effects of Yunnan Bai Yao on the bleeding time in rats and the blood clotting time in rabbits and man were studied. The medicinal preparation markedly shortened both the bleeding and clotting times; the decreases were significantly more intense than those inconsistently produced by starch or by starch with calcium. These preliminary findings suggest that the action of Yunnan Bai Yao appears not to be due to its pH (5.2) or to vasoconstriction, but other factors such as its calcium content or the physical effect of its particle size cannot yet be excluded.

The effects of metiamide on gastric secretion and stress ulceration in rats

The effects of metiamide, a histamine H2 blocker, on gastric secretion and ulcer formation in stressed pylorus-occluded rats were investigated. Metiamide, like atropine, significantly reduced the volume of gastric secretion and total acid output in unrestrained pylorus-occluded rats. Both drugs produced greater decreases in the volumes of gastric secretion in stressed rats than in their corresponding unrestrained groups. Stress itself reduced both parameters. Metiamide, like atropine, significantly reduced the incidence of gastric stress ulcers. When given together these two drugs did not provide greater protection. The results obtained with metiamide indicate that histamine plays a role in basal gastric secretion and in the pathogenesis of stress ulcers. As no correlation between gastric acid secretion and ulcer formation was demonstrated in this study, it is suggested that H2 receptors may also be involved in gastric motility. However, the possibility that metiamide could exert its ulcer-protecting effects through other mechanisms cannot yet be excluded.

Effects of stress and of autonomic blockers on gastric mucosal microcirculation in rats

Changes in gastric mucosal microcirculation in rats were studied by using the method of intra-aortic injection of India ink, followed by microdissection of the mucosa. Acute stress, induced by restraint and exposure to cold for 2 hr, caused marked and significant vasodilatation in the gastric mucosa. This vasodilatation was prevented by pretreatment with atropine or chlorpromazine, but not by alpha- or theta-adrenoceptor blocking agents. Phentolamine caused significant vasoconstriction in the gastric mucosa of non-stressed rats, but when animals were stressed phentolamine induced a greater vasodilatation than was obtained with stress alone. These observations provide added support for the hypothesis that stress induces vagal overactivity, probably of central origin. The resulting strong contractions of the gastric wall, and compression of the intramural vessels, are probably responsible for degeneration of the mucosal cells leading to the formation of stress-induced ulcers in the rat.