The role of presynaptic receptors in the cardiovascular actions of N,N-di-n-propyldopamine in the cat and dog

Interaction between alpha2-autoreceptors and receptors mediating the effects of angiotensin II and bradykinin in the heart of newborn rats

The interaction between alpha2-autoreceptors and receptors for angiotensin II and bradykinin was studied in the heart of newborn rats. The tissues were labelled with [3H]noradrenaline and then superfused with cocaine-containing medium and stimulated electrically. Angiotensin II (10-300 nM) and bradykinin (3-100 nM) enhanced the evoked overflow of tritium, the maximum increase reaching 63.2% and 87.1%, respectively. Blockade of alpha2-adrenoceptors by 100 nM yohimbine reduced, and that by 1 microM abolished, the effect of both angiotensin II and bradykinin. On the contrary, chelerythrine and staurosporine--blockers of protein kinase C--as well as forskolin, an activator of adenylyl cyclase and a blocker of phosphodiesterase, markedly enhanced the facilitatory effect of angiotensin II and bradykinin. We conclude that: (1) alpha2-autoreceptors are present in the heart of newborn rats which interact with prejunctional receptors for angiotensin II and bradykinin also present in the rat heart at that age; (2) the facilitatory influence of chelerythrine and staurosporine on the one hand and that of forskolin on the other hand suggests a link between protein kinase C and cyclicAMP pathways.

Interactions between the presynaptic alpha2-autoreceptor and presynaptic inhibitory heteroreceptors on noradrenergic neurones

The noradrenergic neurones of the autonomic nervous system (postganglionic sympathetic neurones) and of the central nervous system are endowed with presynaptic receptors by which noradrenaline release is inhibited by noradrenaline itself (via the alpha2-autoreceptor) and by other transmitters and mediators (via heteroreceptors). Frequently, but not consistently, inhibitory interactions exist between auto- and heteroreceptors. This holds true for the following heteroreceptors: adenosine A1, cannabinoid CB1, dopamine D2/D3, histamine H3, 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) 5-HT(1B), imidazoline, muscarine M2, delta opioid, kappa opioid, mu opioid, orphan opioid (ORL1), prostaglandin EP3, and somatostatin SRIF1. Such interactions (which have also been obtained in human tissue) may, if not considered, prevent the identification of a putative heteroreceptor or the quantitative estimation of the effect mediated by this receptor, and they may explain drug interactions in humans in vivo; many ligands at the alpha2-autoreceptor and at the heteroreceptors may be simultaneously used for therapeutic reasons (e.g., carbachol, clonidine, dopamine, sumatriptan, mianserin, and misoprostol) or abused (e.g., heroin, LSD, and delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in hashish or marijuana).

Receptors involved in the positive inotropic action induced by dopamine on the ventricle of a 7-day-old chick embryo heart

Earlier experiments only revealed involvement of sympathetic pre-synaptic dopaminergic receptors in dopamine induced inotropism in myocardium. We therefore used electrically stimulated (1 Hz) isolated 7-day-old chick embryo heart ventricles, thought to be devoid of functional sympathetic nerves, to re-investigate post-synaptic receptors involvement and particularly that of dopaminergic receptors in the positive inotropic effect of dopamine. The results showed that noradrenaline, isoprenaline and dopamine produced a positive inotropic effect with a similar efficacy and with an order of potency as follows: Isoprenaline = Noradrenaline > Dopamine. Tyramine induced no significant modification of the "initial tension" indicating that functional sympathetic innervation and/or releasable endogenous catecholamines were not demonstrable in the 7-day-old chick embryo heart ventricle. Propranolol (1 microM) competitively antagonized the positive inotropic response to isoprenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine, meanwhile phentolamine (3 microM) failed to significantly modify the effects of both noradrenaline and dopamine, indicating that these catecholamines induced their positive inotropic effects via stimulation of beta-adrenoceptors; involvement of alpha-adrenergic receptors stimulation was not demonstrable in these effects. Moreover, haloperidol (2 microM) antagonized the positive inotropic response to dopamine but had not any significant effect on the response to isoprenaline. The combined application of both propranolol and haloperidol antagonized the positive inotropic response to dopamine to a greater extent than when these two antagonists were given alone. Consequently, post-synaptic dopaminergic receptors were also involved in the positive inotropic effect of dopamine. Furthermore, in preparations in which sodium channels were inactivated by high potassium physiological salt solution, high concentrations of dopamine (0.1 mM to 1 mM) induced a slow developing electrical and positive inotropic responses which were also inhibited by propranolol and haloperidol, but not by phentolamine. These latter results indicated that like beta-adrenergic stimulation, the slow inward calcium current activated by stimulation of adenylate cyclase, was at least in part involved in the positive inotropic response to dopamine. In conclusion, dopamine induced its positive inotropism via stimulation of post-synaptic beta-adrenergic and dopaminergic receptors. The contribution of dopaminergic receptors in this positive inotropic effect might be of the DA-2 receptors since haloperidol used had been reported to be more DA-2 than DA-1 antagonist. These DA-2 receptors subtypes would mediate activation of adenylate cyclase.

Mutual interactions of the presynaptic histamine H3 and prostaglandin EP3 receptors on the noradrenergic terminals in the mouse brain

We studied whether interactions between the presynaptic histamine H3 and prostaglandin EP3 receptors on the noradrenergic neurons of the mouse brain cortex occur. Cerebral cortex slices from the mouse (and, in few experiments, from the rat) were preincubated with [3H]noradrenaline and then superfused with a physiological salt solution. Tritium overflow was evoked electrically, either at 0.3 or 3 Hz (2 min) (standard stimulation protocol) or at 100 Hz (eight pulses) (stimulation protocol under which almost no activation of the presynaptic alpha2-adrenoceptors by endogenous noradrenaline occurs). In another set of experiments, Ca2+ ions were introduced into Ca2+-free K+-rich medium containing tetrodotoxin to evoke tritium overflow. The electrically-evoked tritium overflow (0.3 Hz) was inhibited by histamine or the H3 receptor agonist imetit, acting via H3 receptors. and by prostaglandin E2 or the EP3 receptor agonist sulprostone, acting via EP3 receptors. When histamine or imetit was given first (at concentrations causing the maximum effect at H3 receptors), the effect of prostaglandin E2 on the evoked tritium overflow was attenuated by 5-10%. When prostaglandin E2 or sulprostone was given first (at concentrations causing the maximum effect at EP3 receptors), the effect of histamine or imetit on the evoked overflow was attenuated by almost 50%. The previous administration of prostaglandin E2 also blunted the effect of histamine on the evoked tritium overflow evoked at 3 Hz; the degree of attenuation was identical when the current strength was 25 mA or was increased to 100 or 200 mA in order to partially compensate for the inhibitory effect of prostaglandin E2 on the evoked overflow. In addition, prostaglandin E2 attenuated the effect of histamine when tritium overflow was evoked (i) by 100 Hz, eight pulses or (ii) by Ca2+ ions or (iii) when rat (instead of mouse) brain cortex slices were used. An interaction of prostaglandin E2 or sulprostone with the H3 receptor recognition site could be excluded since both prostanoids did not affect the specific binding of the H3 agonist radioligand [3H]N(alpha)-methylhistamine to rat brain cortex membranes. In conclusion, mutual interactions occur between the presynaptic H3 and EP3 receptors involved in the inhibition of noradrenaline release in the mouse brain cortex. Pre-activation of the H3 receptor slightly attenuates the EP3 receptor-mediated effect whereas pre-activation of the EP3 receptor more markedly attenuates the H3 receptor-mediated effect. The interactions may occur between the receptors themselves or at a step behind the receptors (e.g., at the level of G proteins). The physiological significance of these interactions may be to limit the total extent of inhibition of noradrenaline release in a scenario under which both receptors are activated simultaneously.

Long-term administration of 1,3-dipropyl-8-sulphophenylxanthine (DPSPX) alters alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated effects at the pre- but not at the postjunctional level

The present investigation was undertaken to see whether a long-term inhibition of adenosine receptors--leading to hypertension--interferes with alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated modulation of noradrenaline release. Rat tail arteries were removed from normal and from hypertensive animals obtained by chronic treatment with intraperitoneally infused DPSPX (1,3-dipropyl-8-sulphophenylxanthine) or orally administered L-NAME (NG-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester). To study prejunctional effects, the influence of UK-14,304 (5-bromo-6(imidazoline-2-ylamino)-quinoxaline) and yohimbine on the overflow of tritium evoked by electrical stimulation (100 V; 1 Hz; 2 ms; 5 min) from tissues preloaded with 3H-noradrenaline was analysed. To study postjunctional effects, concentration-response curves to UK-14,304 were determined. In DPSPX-treated rats there was an enhancement of the prejunctional effects of UK-14,304: its Ec30% was reduced from 381 (250; 579) to 85 (73; 99) nmol.l-1 (n = 5; P < 0.05) and its maximal effect--expressed as percent reduction of tritium overflow-increased from 45 +/- 5% to 61 +/- 5% (n = 6; P < 0.05). In L-NAME-treated rats there was no change in either of these two parameters. At the postjunctional level, there was no change in the sensitivity to UK-14,304 in tissues from either DPSPX- or L-NAME-treated rats. Yohimbine (10-1000 nmol.l-1) caused a concentration-dependent increase of tritium overflow evoked by electrical stimulation in both control and hypertensive animals (either DPSPX- or L-NAME-treated).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Studies on the interaction between presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors and adenosine A1 receptors located on noradrenergic nerve terminals

The aim of the present study was to obtain a more detailed understanding of the interaction between presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors and A1 adenosine receptors mediating inhibition of noradrenaline release in the central nervous system. Slices of rabbit hippocampus, prelabelled with [3H]noradrenaline, were superfused in the presence of the re-uptake inhibitor (+)-oxaprotiline and electrically stimulated during superfusion. During stimulation with 36 pulses at 3 Hz the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine induced a five-fold increase of noradrenaline release indicating a pronounced autoinhibition of approximately 80%. In these experiments the inhibition of release caused by R-PIA, a preferential A1 agonist, as well as its facilitation caused by DPCPX, a selective A1 antagonist, were smaller in comparison to the effects of these compounds on release virtually free of autoinhibition (i.e. by stimulating the tissue with 4 pulses at 100 Hz (POP-stimulation) or with 36 pulses at 3 Hz in presence of yohimbine). Clonidine, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, was used to impose a distinct alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated inhibition of release elicited by POP-stimulation. Only, however, in the presence of 30 nmol/l clonidine, causing maximum inhibition of approximately 80% of 3H-overflow, but not in the presence of 6 nmol/l clonidine, causing approximately 50% inhibition, a significant diminution of the inhibitory effect of R-PIA was seen. Similarly, the alpha 2-adrenoceptor mechanism was affected only by 10 mumols/l R-PIA causing maximum inhibition of approximately 80%, but remained unchanged in the presence of 30 nmol/l R-PIA diminishing release by 50%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mutual interaction between presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors and 5-HT1B receptors on the sympathetic nerve terminals of the rat inferior vena cava

Segments of the rat vena cava preincubated with [3H]noradrenaline and superfused with [3H]noradrenaline-free solution containing desipramine and corticosterone were stimulated electrically (standard parameters: 150 mA, 0.3 ms, 0.66 Hz; duration 6 min). In some experiments the stimulation parameters were modified in order to obtain similar absolute release values despite the presence of an alpha-adrenoceptor agonist or antagonist or of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). In a first set of experiments, the vascular segments were first exposed to an alpha-adrenoceptor ligand, which was kept present throughout the remainder of superfusion, and then to 5-HT. The release-inhibiting effect of 5-HT was attenuated by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists clonidine and B-HT 920 whereas it was enhanced by the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists phentolamine and idazoxan. The alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin did not change the 5-HT-induced inhibition of noradrenaline (NA) release. In a second set of experiments, 5-HT was administered first and kept present in the superfusion fluid for the remainder of the experiment. In the presence of 5-HT, the overflow-inhibiting effects of B-HT 920 and clonidine and the overflow-enhancing effect of idazoxan were reduced. The results demonstrate that activation of one kind of receptor decreased the inhibition of noradrenaline release produced by activation of the other. These effects were not the consequence of the change of release per se induced by the interacting drugs, since they also occurred when the release was adjusted to similar levels by modification of the stimulation parameters.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

SK&F 89124, a potent and selective agonist at prejunctional dopamine receptors

SK&F 89124 (4-[2-(N,N-di-n-propylamino)ethyl]-7-hydroxy-2(3H) indolone) can be considered as a derivative of N,N-di-n-propyldopamine (DPDA) in which the meta-hydroxyl is replaced by a cyclic amide function. SK&F 89124 is at least one order of magnitude more potent than DPDA as an agonist at peripheral inhibitory prejunctional dopamine receptors (DA2 receptors) in the isolated perfused rabbit ear artery. A potent agonist action of SK&F 89124 at the DA2 receptor can also be demonstrated by inhibition of radioactive overflow from prelabelled canine coronary artery or saphenous vein, and in the anesthetized dog as an inhibition of the tachycardia induced by cardioaccelerator nerve stimulation or the increase in hind-limb perfusion pressure induced by stimulation of the lumbar sympathetic chain. SK&F 89124 is a potent inhibitor of the binding of [3H]spiroperidol to D2 receptors in bovine pituitary homogenates. High concentrations of SK&F 89124 do not activate the adenylate cyclase D1 receptor in rat caudate homogenates, nor produce activation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors or H2-histamine receptors in the guinea pig atrium. Although some alpha 1-adrenoceptor mediated vasoconstriction is produced in the rabbit ear artery and rabbit aorta, the concentrations required are several orders of magnitude higher than those active at the DA2 receptor. From these data it is evident that this structural modification can increase both the potency and selectivity of DPDA as a DA2 receptor agonist. The potency and selectivity of SK&F 89124 make this agent a useful tool for determination of the functional role of the DA2 receptor.

Presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptor, opioid kappa-receptor and adenosine A1-receptor interactions on noradrenaline release in rabbit brain cortex

The interaction of presynaptic, release-inhibiting alpha 2-adrenoceptors, opioid kappa-receptors and adenosine A1-receptors was studied in slices of the occipito-parietal cortex of the rabbit. The slices were preincubated with 3H-noradrenaline and then superfused and stimulated electrically twice for 2 min each (S1, S2). The stimulation-evoked overflow of tritium was taken to reflect action potential-evoked release of noradrenaline. One of two release-modulating compounds to be examined for interaction was kept in the medium throughout superfusion, the other one was added before S2. In many experiments, the stimulation parameters were adjusted (frequency 0.5-7 Hz; voltage drop 2-5 V/cm) in order to obtain similar reference release (S1) values despite the presence of the first release-modulating compound. The selective kappa-receptor agonist ethylketocyclazocine (EK) attenuated markedly the release-inhibiting effects of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor-selective agonists clonidine and alpha-methylnoradrenaline as well as the release-facilitating effect of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor-selective antagonist yohimbine. The attenuation occurred both when the parameters of electrical stimulation were kept constant and when they were adjusted to obtain similar S1 release values. The selective A1-receptor agonist R-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA) also attenuated the effects of clonidine and yohimbine. Conversely, clonidine attenuated and yohimbine enhanced the release-inhibiting effect of PIA. Yohimbine also enhanced the release-facilitating effect of the adenosine receptor antagonist 8-phenyltheophylline. Again, these changes occurred both at constant stimulation parameters and when stimulation parameters were adjusted.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mutual interaction between presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors and opioid kappa-receptors at the noradrenergic axons of rabbit brain cortex

The interaction between presynaptic, release-inhibiting alpha 2-adrenoceptors and opioid receptors was studied in slices of the parieto-occipital cortex of rabbits. The slices were preincubated with 3H-noradrenaline and then superfused with 3H-noradrenaline-free medium and stimulated electrically (3 or 7 Hz, 2 or 5 V/cm voltage drop between the electrodes). Clonidine and ethylketocyclazocine (EK) depressed, whereas yohimbine increased the electrically evoked overflow of tritium. When clonidine was administered first and retained in the medium for the rest of the experiment, the overflow-inhibiting effect of EK was reduced. When yohimbine was administered first and kept for the rest of the experiment, the effect of EK was enhanced. When, finally, EK was administered first and clonidine as the second drug, the overflow-inhibiting effect of clonidine was attenuated. The changes in the effect of EK (by clonidine or yohimbine) and clonidine (by EK) were not due to the changes in release per se produced by the drugs that were given first. Naloxone shifted the concentration-response curve of EK to the right; the dissociation constant of the naloxone-receptor complex, calculated from the shift, was 13 nmol/l. It is concluded that there is an interaction between presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors and opioid kappa-receptors, either at the level of the receptors themselves or of the post-receptor reaction chains. Activation of one kind of receptor blunts the inhibition of release produced by activation of the other kind of receptor.

Interaction between presynaptic facilitatory angiotensin II receptors and inhibitory muscarinic cholinoceptors on 3H-noradrenaline release in the rabbit heart

The existence of a functional interaction between presynaptic receptors modulating the release of noradrenaline was studied in the rabbit heart. Isolated right atria were prelabelled with 3H-noradrenaline and the overflow of tritium was induced by field stimulation (2 Hz, 0.1 ms duration, supramaximal voltage for a total of 180 pulses). In atria superfused with Krebs' solution containing 10 mumol/l cocaine and 30 mumol/l corticosterone, angiotensin II (10 nmol/l) increased the stimulation-evoked overflow of 3H-transmitter by 2.8-fold. The addition of atropine (0.3 mumol/l) to the perfusion medium, either in the presence or in the absence of uptake inhibitors, further enhanced the facilitatory effect of angiotensin II (3H-transmitter release increased by 3.5-fold). Exposure to 1 mumol/l carbachol decreased by 65% the stimulation-evoked release of 3H-transmitter while the facilitatory effect of angiotensin II determined in the presence of the muscarinic cholinoceptor agonist was enhanced (3H-transmitter release increased by 6.6-fold). Conversely, during sustained activation of presynaptic angiotensin receptors producing a 2.5-fold increase in the release of 3H-transmitter, the inhibitory effect of carbachol remained unchanged. These results suggest a functional interaction between presynaptic inhibitory muscarinic cholinoceptors and the presynaptic facilitatory angiotensin receptor which modulate the release of noradrenaline from cardiac noradrenergic nerves.

Inhibitory effects of apomorphine and pergolide on neurogenic vasoconstriction in the hindquarters of the rat

The effects of locally administered apomorphine and pergolide were studied in the isolated autoperfused hindquarters of the rat, in an attempt to assess the possible role of presynaptic dopamine receptors at that level in the hypotensive effect of these dopamine agonists. Local infusion of apomorphine (1 micrograms . kg-1 . min-1 for 5 min) or pergolide (1 micrograms . kg-1 . min-1 for 5 min) [into the hindquarters] did not alter perfusion pressure per se, but reduced the pressor response to electrical stimulation of the lumbar sympathetic chains for the whole frequency range used during a cumulative frequency-response curve (0.25-16 Hz, 1 ms, supramaximal voltage). Apomorphine and pergolide reduced the pressor response elicited by 4 Hz electrical stimulation (applied until maximum response was reached) to 54.8 +/- 7.1% and 53.9 +/- 1.7% respectively, but they did not modify similar increases of perfusion pressure produced by locally administered noradrenaline. The inhibition by apomorphine and pergolide of the 4 Hz stimulation-evoked pressor response was completely antagonized by local administration of the dopamine antagonist haloperidol (1 microgram . kg-1), but was not influenced by the alpha 2-antagonist rauwolscine (100 micrograms . kg-1). This dose of rauwolscine antagonized the inhibitory effect of the alpha 2-agonist UK-14,304, which was not influenced by haloperidol. Local administration of rauwolscine increased the pressor response to stimulation at 4 Hz by 37.4-46.2%. In contrast, local administration of haloperidol did not influence the 4 Hz stimulation-evoked pressor response.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A comparison of the stimulatory effects of metoclopramide and cinitapride in the guinea-pig isolated ileum

The pharmacological effects of a new benzamide derivative cinitapride, have been compared to those of metoclopramide in guinea-pig isolated ileum and longitudinal smooth muscle-myenteric plexus preparations treated with propranolol (3 microM). Cinitapride (EC50 = 0.74 microM) was 6 times more potent than metoclopramide (EC50 = 4.69 microM) in enhancing the twitch response of co-axially stimulated preparations and 11 times more potent in eliciting contractions in non-stimulated tissues, their respective EC50 values being 0.58 microM and 6.52 microM. These contractile effects of cinitapride and metoclopramide amounted to approximately 25% of the maximum response of the tissues to acetylcholine (1 microM). Neither cinitapride nor metoclopramide, in concentrations up to 10 microM, significantly affected concentration-response curves to exogenous acetylcholine or 5-hydroxytryptamine but both drugs elicited a concentration-dependent potentiation of the ileum responses to a fixed concentration (10 microM) of the ganglion stimulant dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP). Analysis of the twitch-enhancing and contractile effects of cinitapride using a variety of drugs suggested that a common, prejunctional locus of action upon the cell bodies or axons of postganglionic, parasympathetic neurones of the myenteric plexus is involved in both of these responses. In hexamethonium (100 microM) and methysergide (0.1 microM)-treated longitudinal smooth muscle preparations desensitization or blockade of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors using high concentrations of the same agonist (30 microM) or quipazine (10 microM) or the putative antagonists cocaine (30 microM) or tubocurarine (10 microM) produced small inhibitions (congruent to 20%) of the contractile responses to metoclopramide and cinitapride but did not affect twitch responses to these drugs. It is concluded that cinitapride is a more potent stimulant of guinea-pig intestinal smooth muscle than metoclopramide in vitro although the mechanism of action of both drugs appears to be similar and involves a prejunctional enhancement of acetylcholine release from intramural cholinergic neurones. Attempts to implicate a prejunctional facilitatory 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor in the mediation of the stimulant effects of these drugs were not conclusive and additional studies are required to fully explore this possibility.

Alteration in ocular function induced by phenylethylamine analogs of dopamine

Dopamine (DA) and three methylated analogs (N-methyldopamine, NMDA; N, N- dimethyldopamine , DMDA ;N,N-di-n- propyldopamine , DPDA) were examined for effects on intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil diameter (PD) in normal rabbits, sympathectomized (SX) rabbits and rabbits with transected extraocular muscles ( EOMX ) following topical administration. In normal rabbits, the predominant effect of DA, NMDA and DMDA was transient, unilateral ocular hypertension with minimal effects on PD. In contrast, DPDA produced bilateral ocular hypotension in normal rabbits. DA and NMDA did not produced ocular hypertension in EOMX rabbits indicative of an involvement of extraocular muscles in normal rabbits. In SX rabbits, NMDA produced mydriasis and exaggerated ocular hypertension followed by significant ocular hypotension; the ocular hypotensive phase was antagonized by timolol pretreatment. The ocular hypotensive activity of DPDA seen in normal rabbits was absent in SX rabbits suggestive of a neuronal site of action for DPDA. DPDA inhibited contraction of the cat nictitating membrane elicited by stimulation of pre- and postganglionic sympathetic nerves. This effect was antagonized by a dopamine (DA2) antagonist metoclopramide, indicative of a prejunctional site of action. NMDA and DA suppressed ocular hypertension induced by water loading. Only NMDA depressed the IOP recovery rate in response to infusion of hypertonic saline indicating suppression of aqueous humor formation. These results suggest that DA, NMDA and DMDA produce an initial ocular hypertension by contracting extraocular muscles. Timolol antagonized the ocular hypotensive effect of NMDA in SX rabbits indicating that this response is, in part, a function of beta-adrenoceptor stimulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inhibitory dopamine receptors on sympathetic neurons innervating the cardiovascular system of the pithed rat. Characterization and role in relation to presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors

Additional experimental evidence was obtained for an inhibitory function of prejunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors and/or dopamine receptors located on noradrenergic neurons innervating the heart and resistance vessels of the pithed normotensive rat. Mixed alpha 2-adrenoceptor/dopamine receptor agonists, differing in selectivity towards either receptor type, i.e. N,N-di-n-propyldopamine (DPDA), 2-N, N-di-n-propylamino-6, 7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalene (DP-6,7-ADTN), B-HT 920 and B-HT 933 (azepexole) were used. In pithed normotensive rats, DPDA (30 and 100 micrograms/kg/min) dose-dependently inhibited the electrical stimulation-induced increase in diastolic pressure, but did not significantly affect the stimulation-evoked increase in heart rate. The inhibition exerted by DPDA was blocked by haloperidol and sulpiride (0.3 mg/kg of each), but not by yohimbine (1 mg/kg), indicating the involvement of dopamine receptors. In this respect, sulpiride and haloperidol were found approximately equipotent. DP-6,7-ADTN (10 and 30 micrograms/kg/min) impaired both tachycardic and vasoconstrictor responses in a dose-dependent manner. Sulpiride (0.3 mg/kg) only partially restored the DP-6,7-ADTN-depressed stimulation-evoked increase in diastolic pressure, whereas yohimbine (1 mg/kg) alone was without effect. The combination of both antagonists completely prevented the inhibition caused by DP-6,7-ADTN. On the other hand, yohimbine (1 mg/kg), but not sulpiride (0.3 mg/kg), selectively antagonized the DP-6,7-ADTN-induced inhibition of stimulation-evoked tachycardia. B-HT 920 (1, 3 and 10 micrograms/kg/min) very effectively reduced the increase in diastolic pressure and heart rate caused by electrical stimulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alpha 1/alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist selectivity of mono- and dihydroxy-2-N,N-DI-n-propylaminotetralins

The pressor activities and the identity of the postjunctional alpha-adrenoceptors involved were determined for a series of congeneric mono- and dihydroxy-substituted 2-N,N-di-n-propylaminotetralins and N,N-di-n-propyldopamine (DPDA) following i.v. administration to pithed normotensive rats. The affinity for alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor-like binding sites was obtained from radioligand displacement studies. The 5- and 7-OH substituted tetralins as well as DPDA were reasonably potent and about equieffective pressor agents. The 6-OH congener had almost no vasoconstrictor effects whereas the 8-OH positional isomer occupied an intermediate position. The 5,6- and 6,7-di-OH analogs very effectively raised the diastolic pressure of pithed rats. On account of the inhibition exerted by prazosin (0.1 mg/kg) and yohimbine (1 mg/kg) the 5- and 7-OH isomers as well as DPDA can be classified as mixed alpha 1/alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists, the alpha 1-adrenoceptor-stimulating potency being more pronounced especially for the 5-OH congener. In addition, a significant contribution of serotonin receptors to the pressor responses to the 8-OH compound was detected. Similarly, alpha 2-adrenoceptors were mainly responsible for the vasoconstriction caused by the 6,7-di-OH isomer, whereas the 5,6-di-OH congener very selectively stimulated this alpha 2-type receptor in the lower dose range and alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation predominated at higher doses of this agonist. The 6,7-di-OH compound failed to activate vascular postjunctional beta 2-adrenoceptors. The results indicate that the alpha 1/alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist selectivity depends on the position(s) and the number of hydroxy groups present as well as on the alkyl substitution at the amino function. 2-N,N-Di-n-propylamino-6,7-dihydroxytetralin may be a more suitable alpha 2-adrenoceptor selective agonist than M-7.

Effects of dopamine and apomorphine on the response of rabbit isolated atria to sympathetic nerve stimulation

In isolated rabbit atria, dopamine (10(-6) M to 3 X 10(-6) M), in the presence of cocaine and atropine, inhibits the chronotropic responses to electrical stimulation of the sympathetic nerves without influencing the responses to isoprenaline. The inhibitory effect of dopamine is antagonized by cis-flupenthixol in a concentration (2.5 X 10(-6) M) that does not antagonize the inhibitory effect of clonidine. Phentolamine, in a concentration (10(-5) M) that antagonizes clonidine, does not influence the inhibitory effect of dopamine. Apomorphine (10(-6) M) also produces an inhibition of the nerve stimulation-induced chronotropic responses that can be prevented by cis-flupenthixol. These data suggest that prejunctional dopamine receptors are present in rabbit atria.

Dopamine receptors in human basilar arteries

After phenoxybenzamine (10(-5) M), pretreatment, and in the presence of propranolol (10(-6) M) and indomethacin (2.8 X 10(-6) M), dopamine caused a marked concentration-dependent relaxation of isolated strips of human basilar artery contracted with PGF2 alpha. This effect was mimicked by apomorphine, 6,7-ADTN and SK&F 38393, but N,N-diethyl dopamine, N,N-di-n-propyl-dopamine and 5,6-ADTN caused only slight relaxation. (+)-Butaclamol, cis-alpha-flupenthixol, fluphenazine and haloperidol competitively antagonised the relaxant effects of dopamine, but sulpiride was ineffective in concentrations as high as 1.3 X 10(-4) M. These findings show that the dopamine receptors in the human basilar artery closely resemble those in the smooth muscle of the rabbit isolated mesenteric and splenic arteries, and the dog renal and mesenteric arteries in vivo, but differ from those located presynaptically on sympathetic nerve terminals.

Vasodilator effects of dopaminomimetics in the perfused rat kidney

The renal vascular effects of dopaminomimetics were studied in the isolated perfused rat kidney after pretreatment with 10(-5) M phenoxybenzamine and 10(-5) M sotalol and after contraction of the vascular bed with prostaglandin F2 alpha (10(-7) to 3 x 10(-6) M). Under these conditions, our criterion for vascular dopaminomimetic activity was renal vasodilation, competitively inhibited by d-butaclamol (10(-8) M) but not by 1-butaclamol (3 x 10(-8) M). Dopamine is active at micromolar concentrations (ED50 = 2.53 +/- 0.34 x 10(-6) M). The N-alkylated analogues of dopamine preserve this activity if the alkyl group is a methyl group (epinine) or two n-propyl groups (di-n-propyl-dopamine). The catechol nucleus appears essential for renal vascular dopaminomimetic activity (SK&F 38393, active; p-tyramine, di-n-propyl-m-tyramine and RU 24926, inactive). Bromocriptine reproduces renal dopaminergic vasodilation with an ED50 of 1.3 +/- 0.14 x 10(-6) M. The study of structure-activity relationships of dopaminomimetics relates the vascular dopamine receptor, associated with renal vasodilation, to the dopamine receptor, associated with stimulation of dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase.

Peripheral dopamine receptors, potential targets for a new class of antihypertensive agents. Part II: Sites and mechanisms of action of dopamine receptor agonists

Relatively selective dopamine receptor agonists, like bromocriptine, lergotrile, pergolide and N,N-di-n-propyl-dopamine, lower arterial pressure in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats and in several anesthetized animal preparations. This effect has been attributed to stimulation of dopamine receptors since it can be specifically antagonized by several dopamine receptor blocking agents (domperidone, haloperidol, pimozide, sulpiride). The two main mechanisms which can theoretically intervene in the antihypertensive effects of dopamine agonists are direct smooth muscle relaxation mediated by stimulation of post junctional DA1-dopamine receptors and the reduction of the neural release of norepinephrine resulting from activation of of DA2-dopamine receptors on ganglionic bodies or sympathetic nerve terminals. Other accessory mechanisms of undoubted interest might be a natriuretic effect or a decrease of aldosterone release. On the basis of the presently available pharmacological results in experimental animals, it is not unreasonable to advance the hypothesis that agonists of DA1- and DA2-dopamine receptors produce cardiovascular changes most compatible with an antihypertensive activity being due to a fall in peripheral resistance. However, before any of these compounds can become of therapeutic interest further research in this field is necessary to explore whether it is possible to minimize or even entirely avoid certain unwanted effects (vomiting, nausea, endocrinological alterations) that appear to be intimately associated particularly with those agents stimulating the DA2-dopamine receptors subtype. A more thorough pharmacological characterization of human dopamine receptors would be useful to provide an insight into whether novel chemical approaches can solve some of these problems. Finally, the ideal profits of future dopamine receptor agonists aimed at the treatment of elevated arterial pressure is discussed.

Peripheral dopamine receptors, potential targets for a new class of antihypertensive agents. Part I: Subclassification and functional description

The dopamine receptors of the peripheral cardiovascular system are not a pharmacologically uniform population. A number of studies indicate that they belong to at least two distinct subtypes for which it is proposed to adopt the name DA1- and DA2-dopamine receptors in an attempt to follow the nomenclature presently in fashion for several vascular receptors. Typical DA1-dopamine receptors are those occurring postjunctionally in the renal and mesenteric arterial beds where their stimulation mediates direct smooth muscle relaxation. Typical DA2-dopamine receptors are those present on postganglionic sympathetic neurons (axonal varicosities and perhaps ganglionic cell bodies) where their excitation leads, under appropriate physiological conditions, to a reduction of the neural release of norepinephrine. The latter effect can manifest itself by a passive fall in vascular resistance and heart rate. Other populations of dopamine receptors not yet well characterized pharmacologically but of theoretical interest as additional potential target sites for cardiovascular drugs might be present on nephrons and in the adrenal cortex. Their stimulation can mediate a natriuretic effect and a reduction of aldosterone release, respectively. The pharmacological evidence favoring the subclassification of cardiovascular dopamine receptors into two distinct subtypes is reviewed. Furthermore, the main agonists and antagonists of these receptors and the complexity of their pharmacological profile are mentioned. Part II of this minireview will be dedicated to the description of the sites and mechanisms of the antihypertensive action of dopamine receptor agonists.

Presynaptic dopamine receptors mediate the inhibitory action of dopamine agonists on stimulation-evoked pressor responses in the rat

The effects of the dopamine agonists TL-99, M-7 (N, N-dimethyl analogues of aminotetralins) and N, N-dinpropyldopamine (NNPD) on stimulation-evoked pressor responses and tachycardia in pithed Sprague-Dawley rats were investigated when pressor responses to the compounds per se had subsided. Various antagonists were used to characterise the effects of the dopamine agonists. 2 M-7 (3 micrograms/kg i.v.), and NNPD (1 mg/kg i.v.), but not TL-99 (1-30 micrograms/kg i.v.), inhibited pressor responses evoked by low frequency electrical stimulation of the spinal cord in the pithed rat. 3 M-7 (3 micrograms/kg i.v.), but neither NNPD (1 mg/kg i.v.) nor TL-99 (1-30 micrograms/kg), inhibited tachycardia evoked by low frequency electrical stimulation of the spinal cord in the pithed rat. 4 The inhibition of stimulation-evoked pressor responses by M-7 and NNPD was prevented by pimozide, metoclopramide and sulpiride but not by yohimibine, atropine, cimetidine or propranolol. 5 The inhibition of stimulation-evoked tachycardia by M-7 was prevented by yohimbine (and to a certain extent by sulpiride) but not pimozide, metoclopramide, atropine or cimetidine. 6 Pressor responses elicited by TL-99, M-7 and NNPD were selective antagonised by yohimbine, but not by prazosin, indicating that these responses were mediated by stimulation of vascular postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors. 7 This study demonstrates that, in the rat, presynaptic dopamine receptors exist on sympathetic pre- or postganglionic nerve endings to blood vessels, but not on sympathetic pre- or postganglionic nerve endings to the heart, where inhibition by M-7 of stimulation-evoked tachycardia is mediated by stimulation of presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors.

Cardiovascular dopamine receptors: physiological, pharmacological and therapeutic implications

Dopamine receptor activation can lead to pronounced changes in cardiovascular function. The myriad of effects produced by dopamine receptor agonists results from the activation of dopamine receptors located at different anatomical sites in the cardiovascular system. Further basic research is required to better characterize these dopamine receptors so as to allow the development of more specific dopamine receptor agonists. Endogenous dopamine may be involved in the physiological control of fluid and electrolyte balance and continuing research efforts in this area should provide for a better understanding of the role of cardiovascular dopamine receptors in the maintenance of overall circulatory homeostasis. Cardiovascular dopamine receptor stimulation represents an important and promising approach for the development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, congestive heart failure and acute renal failure.

Dopamine decreases mesenteric blood flow in the anaesthetised dog through the stimulation of postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors

The decrease in mesenteric blood flow produced by dopamine administered intra-arterially in the anaesthetised dog was investigated by means of drugs selective for alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors. The selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (0.3-100 microgram) given by intra-arterial injection (i.a.) into the superior mesenteric artery of the anaesthetized dog produced a decrease in mesenteric blood flow which was preferentially blocked by the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (30-300 microgram/kg i.v.). On the other hand, i.a. injections of the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist M7 (1-100 microgram) or of dopamine (1-300 microgram) produced a decrease in mesenteric blood flow which was blocked by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine (100-300 microgram/kg i.v.) but was not significantly reduced by prazosin (300 microgram/kg i.v.). These results demonstrate that the mesenteric vascular bed of the dog contains both alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors located postsynaptically and mediating vasoconstriction. The decrease in mesenteric blood flow produced by i.a. injections of dopamine is mediated predominantly via postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors.

Vascular dopamine receptors: Demonstration and characterization by in vitro studies

Substantial evidence has accumulated that in certain vascular beds dopamine produces its relaxant effect through stimulation of specific dopamine receptors. The goal of this review is to describe several in vitro models (perfused mesenteric vessels of the dog; renal, mesenteric, splenic, coronary and cerebral arterial strips of rabbits, dogs and cats; perfused kidney of the rat) recently developed to demonstrate such specific relaxations induced by dopamine and dopaminomimetics. On these models studies on structure-activity relationship for activation of the dopamine receptor resulted in the following order of potency for agonists: SK&F 38393 (partial agonist) greater than epinine greater than A-6, 7-DTN greater than or equal to dopamine greater than N, N-di-n-propyl-dopamine (partial agonist) greater than apomorphine (partial agonist). The dopamine receptor antagonists (+)-butaclamol, cis-alpha-flupenthixol, metoclopramide, droperidol and bulbocapnine were found to competitively antagonize dopamine induced relaxation. In addition, in two isolated organ systems (rabbit mesenteric artery, rat perfused kidney) stereospecificity of the vascular dopamine receptor was demonstrated with the isomers of butaclamol. With the development of several in vitro models demonstrating a specific antagonism against dopamine induced relaxation an important requirement for definition of a specific dopamine receptor if fulfilled according to classical pharmacological criteria. Thus, there can be do doubt on the existence of post-synaptic dopamine receptors mediating vasodilation in certain vascular tissues.

Evaluation of peripheral dopamine receptor and alpha-adrenoceptor blocking activity of sulpiride

The effect of sulpiride, a dopamine receptor antagonist, on peripheral alpha-adrenoceptors and dopamine receptors was determined. Positive chronotropic responses to cardioaccelerator nerve stimulation in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs were potentiated by 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg but not by 0.5 mg/kg intravenous sulpiride. This effect persisted after neuronal uptake blockade with desipramine, but was prevented by alpha 2-adrenoceptor blockade with yohimbine. Positive chronotropic effects of intravenous norepinephrine were unchanged by sulpiride, suggesting that sympathetic nerve function was facilitated via a presynaptic mechanism. Since yohimbine prevented the facilitatory action of sulpiride, an analysis of the ability of sulpiride to antagonize alpha-adrenoceptors was made. The reduction in stimulus-induced tachycardia caused by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist tramazoline was significantly antagonized by sulpiride. Furthermore, while sulpiride did not antagonize the pressor effect of the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine, it significantly attenuated the increases in blood pressure produced by tramazoline. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor blocking action of sulpiride lasted for approximately 15 min at 1.0 mg/kg adn for 90 min at 2.0 mg/kg. In additional experiments, it was determined that the dopamine receptor-mediated bradycardic and hypotensive effects of N,N-di-n-propyldopamine were antagonized for at least 2 h by 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg sulpiride. These studies establish that peripheral neuronal and vascular dopamine receptors may be antagonized by sulpiride without affecting alpha-adrenergic mechanisms. However, at doses of 1.0 mg/kg and higher, sulpiride facilitates sympathetic nerve function via a preferential antagonism of alpha 2-adrenoceptors.

Stereoselectivity of presynaptic autoreceptors modulating dopamine release

The effects of the (R)- and (S)-enantiomers of sulpiride and butaclamol were studied on the spontaneous and field stimulation-evoked release of total radioactivity from slices of rabbit caudate nucleus prelabelled with [3H]dopamine. (S)-Sulpiride in concentrations ranging from 0.01--1 microM enhanced the electrically evoked release of [3H]dopamine while (R)-sulpiride was 10 times less potent than (S)-sulpiride. Exposure to (S)-butaclamol (0.01--1 microM) but not to (R)-butaclamol (0.1--10 microM) enhanced the field-stimulated release of [3H]dopamine. The facilitatory effects of (S)- and (R)-sulpiride and (S)-butaclamol on the stimulated release of the labelled neurotransmitter were observed under conditions in which these drugs did not modify the spontaneous outflow of radioactivity. Only the active enantiomers of sulpiride and butaclamol antagonized the inhibition by apomorphine (1 microM) of the stimulated release of [3H]dopamine. Our results indicate that the presynaptic inhibitory dopamine autoreceptors modulating the stimulation-evoked release of [3H]dopamine in the caudate nucleus are, like the classical postsynaptic dopamine receptors, chemically stereoselective.