Postjunctional alpha-adrenoceptors in the isolated saphenous vein of the rabbit. Characterization and influence of angiotensin

Alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist effect of (+/-)-dobutamine in rat isolated gastric artery preparation

(+/-)-Dobutamine at concentrations < or =10(-5) M did not evoke contractions of rat gastric artery segments. However, when the tissues were contracted with methoxamine, (+/-)-dobutamine evoked concentration-dependent relaxation. The relaxant responses were not significantly affected by propranolol. In the same preparation, propranolol competitively antagonized isoprenaline-induced relaxation with a -log K(B) value of 7.90+/-0.26. (+/-)-Dobutamine did not relax arterial ring segments precontracted with vasopressin (10(-7) M). (+/-)-Dobutamine antagonized noradrenaline-induced contractions of the gastric artery segments. The pA2 value was 6.93+/-0.20, and the slope of the Schild regression line was 1.22+/-0.14. This value (slope) was not significantly different from 1, indicating competitive antagonism. Pretreatment of gastric artery segments with dobutamine before phenoxybenzamine (PBZ) protected against inactivation of alpha1-adrenoceptors by PBZ. The dose ratio of prazosin (3x10(-9) M) and (+/-)-dobutamine (10(-5) M) in combination was close to the expected sum of their individual dose ratios minus 1, indicating interaction with a common site. It was therefore concluded that (+/-)-dobutamine evoked relaxation of rat gastric artery segments by an action not involving beta-adrenoceptor activation but by blocking alpha1-adrenoceptors.

Lysophosphatidylcholine potentiates vascular contractile responses by enhancing vasoconstrictor-induced increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ in rat aorta

We investigated the effects of palmitoyl-L-alpha-lysophosphatidylcholine on the contractile responses of the endothelium-denuded rat aorta to high K+, noradrenaline, UK14,304 (5-bromo-6-[2-imidazolin-2-ylamino]-quinoxaline) (a selective alpha2 adrenoceptor agonist) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Lysophosphatidylcholine at concentrations from 10(-6) M to 10(-4) M did not contract aortic strips. However, lysophosphatidylcholine strongly potentiated the UK14,304-induced contraction. High K+ - and PMA-induced contractions were also potentiated. In contrast, the noradrenaline-induced contraction was only slightly potentiated by 10(-5) M lysophosphatidylcholine. In fura PE-3-loaded aortic strips, lysophosphatidylcholine (10(-5) M) markedly augmented the increase in both cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and contractile tension induced by UK14,304, high K+ and PMA. Nicardipine (10(-7) M) and 10(-6) M Ro-31-8220 (¿1-[3-(amidinothio)propyl-1H-indoyl-3-yl]-3-(1-methyl-1H-++ +indoyl-3-yl)-maleimide-methane sulfate) strongly inhibited the increase in [Ca2+]i and contractile tension induced by UK14,304 and in the presence of these inhibitors, the enhancing effects of lysophosphatidylcholine were attenuated. However, the enhancing effect on high K+ -induced contraction was not affected by Ro-31-8220. These results suggest that lysophosphatidylcholine may cause an augmentation of the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by UK14,304 which response is depend on protein kinase C activation and in this way potentiate contractile responses in the rat aorta. Protein kinase C independent mechanisms may also be involved in the enhancing effect of lysophosphatidylcholine on smooth muscle contraction.

Alpha2-adrenoceptor-mediated contractions of the porcine isolated ear artery: evidence for a cyclic AMP-dependent and a cyclic AMP-independent mechanism

1. The aim of this study was to determine the conditions under which the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist UK14304 produces vasoconstriction in the porcine isolated ear artery. 2. UK14304 (0.3 microM) produced a small contraction of porcine isolated ear arteries which was 7.8+/-3.3% of the response to 60 mM KCl. Similar sized contractions were obtained after precontraction with either 30 nM angiotensin II, or 0.1 microM U46619 (8.2+/-1.8% and 10.2+/-2.6% of 60 mM KCl response, respectively). However, an enhanced alpha2-adrenoceptor response was uncovered if the tissue was precontracted with U46619, and relaxed back to baseline with 1-2 microM forskolin before the addition of UK14304 (46.9+/-9.6% of 60 mM KCl response). 3. The enhanced responses to UK14304 in the presence of U46619 and forskolin were not inhibited by the alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (0.1 microM), but were inhibited by the alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist rauwolscine (1 microM), indicating that the enhanced responses were mediated via postjunctional alpha2-adrenoceptors. 4. In the presence of 0.1 microM U46619 and 1 mM isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), 1 microM forskolin produced an increase in [3H]-cyclic AMP levels in porcine isolated ear arteries. Addition of 0.3 microM UK14304 prevented this increase. 5. The enhanced UK14304 response was dependent upon the agent used to relax the tissue. After relaxation of ear arteries precontracted with 10 nM U46619 and relaxed with forskolin the UK14304 response was 46.9+/-9.6% of the 60 mM KCl response, and after relaxation with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) the response was 24.8+3.3%. However, after relaxation of the tissue with levcromakalim the UK14304 response was only 8.2+/-1.7%, which was not different from the control response in the same tissues (12.2+/-5.6%). An enhanced contraction was also obtained after relaxation of the tissue with the cyclic AMP analogue dibutyryl cyclic AMP (23.2+/-1.3%) indicating that at least part of the enhanced response to UK14304 is independent of the ability of the agonist to inhibit cyclic AMP production. 6. Relaxation of U46619 contracted ear arteries with SNP could be inhibited by the NO-sensitive guanylyl-cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) indicating that production of cyclic GMP is necessary for the relaxant effect of SNP. However, ODQ had no effect on the relaxation of tissue by forskolin, suggesting that this compound does not act via production of cyclic GMP. Biochemical studies showed that while forskolin increases the levels of cyclic AMP in the tissues, SNP had no effect on the levels of this cyclic nucleotide. 7. In conclusion, enhanced contractions to the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist UK14304 can be uncovered in porcine isolated ear arteries by precontracting the tissue with U46619, followed by relaxation back to baseline with forskolin, SNP or dibutyryl cyclic AMP before addition of UK14304. There was a greater contractile response to UK14304 after relaxation with forskolin than with SNP or dibutyryl cyclic AMP, suggesting that cyclic AMP-dependent and- independent mechanisms are involved in the enhancement of the UK14304 response.

Norepinephrine-induced contraction of isolated rabbit bronchial artery: role of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor activation

The contractile effect of norepinephrine (NE) on isolated rabbit bronchial artery rings (150-300 microns in diameter) and the role of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors (AR) on smooth muscle and endothelium were studied. In intact arteries, NE increased tension in a dose-dependent manner, and the sensitivity for NE was further increased in the absence of endothelium. In intact but not in endothelium-denuded arteries, the response to NE was increased in the presence of both indomethacin (Indo; cyclooxygenase inhibitor) and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME; nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor], indicating that two endothelium-derived factors, NO and a prostanoid, modulate the NE-induced contraction. The alpha 1-AR antagonist prazosin shifted the NE dose-response curve to the right, and phenylephrine (alpha 1-AR agonist) induced a dose-dependent contraction that was potentiated by L-NAME or removal of the endothelium. The sensitivity to NE was increased slightly by the alpha 2-AR antagonists yohimbine and idazoxan, and this effect was abolished by Indo or removal of the endothelium. Similarly, contractions induced by UK-14304 (alpha 2-AR agonist) were potentiated by Indo or removal of the endothelium. These results suggest that NE-induced contraction is mediated through activation of alpha 1- and alpha 2-ARs on both smooth muscle and endothelium. Activation of the alpha 1- and alpha 2-ARs on the smooth muscle causes contraction, whereas activation of the endothelial alpha 1- and alpha 2-ARs induces relaxation through release of NO (alpha 1-ARs) and a prostanoid (alpha 2-ARs).

Characterization of alpha-adrenoceptor subtype(s) mediating vasoconstriction in the perfused rabbit ovarian vascular bed

1. alpha 1-Adrenoceptor agonists, noradrenaline, phenylephrine, methoxamine, oxymetazoline and SDZ NVI 085 but not alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists, UK 14304, tizanidine or clonidine evoked dose-dependent vasoconstriction of the isolated perfused rabbit ovarian vascular bed. The rank order of agonist potency was noradenaline > oxymetazoline > phenylephrine > SDZ NVI 085 > methoxamine. 2. Prazosin (10(-8) M - 10(-5) M) displaced agonist dose-response curves to the right. The pA2/pKB values ranged between 7.27 and 7.66 against noradrenaline, phenylephrine, methoxamine and SDZ NVI 085 and were not significantly different from each other. Prazosin was however significantly less potent against oxymetazoline (pA2 6.38). Yohimbine (10(-6) M - 10(-5) M) was not very effective against any of the agonists. 3. WB 4101 (10(-8) M - 10(-5) M) displaced agonist dose-response curves to the right. The pA2/ pKB values ranged between 7.08 and 7.93 against noradrenaline, phenylephrine, methoxamine and SDZ NVI 085. WB 4101 was significantly less potent against oxymetazoline (pKB 6.85). 4. SZL-49 (5 x 10(-6) M) but not chloroethylclonidine (3 x 10(-5) M) significantly reduced vasoconstrictor responses to all the agonists. 5. Electrical field stimulation of the ovarian bed produced frequency-dependent vasoconstrictor effects which were abolished by 6-OHDA. The responses were also antagonized in a concentration-dependent by prazosin (10(-7) M - 10(-5) M) and WB 4101 (3 x 10(-8) M - 3 x 10(-7) M). Yohimbine reduced the response to electrical stimulation by 20% at 10(-5) M. The vasoconstrictor effect was also inhibited by SZL-49 but not by chloroethylclonidine. 6. These results would suggest that the vasoconstrictor responses of the ovarian vascular bed to adrenergic agonists and to electrical stimulation are mediated via the alpha 1A-adrenoceptor subtype.

Mechanisms of signal transduction during alpha 2-adrenergic receptor-mediated contraction of vascular smooth muscle

Little is known about the signaling pathways involved in alpha 2-adrenergic receptor-mediated contraction of vascular smooth muscle. In the present study, we measured intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, and myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity during stimulation with the relatively selective alpha 2-agonist UK 14304. These effects were compared and contrasted with corresponding changes during depolarization by elevation of the [K+] in the bathing medium. These studies were performed using spiral strips of the rabbit saphenous vein, a tissue with a relatively high density of postsynaptic alpha 2-receptors. UK 14304 (10(-5) M) caused parallel changes in [Ca2+]i, MLC phosphorylation, and force consisting of an initial phasic, followed by a sustained steady-state response. The steady-state increase in [Ca2+]i, MLC phosphorylation, and force caused by UK 14304 in the presence of 2.5 mM extracellular Ca2+ were indistinguishable from those during 51 mM K+ depolarization. However, when extracellular Ca2+ was removed in the presence of UK 14304, [Ca2+]i and MLC phosphorylation fell to resting levels, but force remained significantly elevated above basal levels. UK 14304 caused no change in the steady-state [Ca2+]i-MLC phosphorylation relation. Thus, the [Ca2+]i sensitization of force was not caused by a sensitization of MLC phosphorylation. These results indicate that in a 2.5-mM Ca2+ bathing medium, the dominant mechanism by which alpha 2-adrenergic receptor stimulation causes an increase in vascular tone is through a relatively large increase in [Ca2+]i and MLC phosphorylation. However, in Ca(2+)-free bathing medium, a second mechanism is unmasked which appears to involve an increased Ca2+ sensitivity and is independent of myosin phosphorylation.

Vascular responsiveness of rabbit common carotid, renal and femoral arteries to alpha-adrenoceptor agonists

The stainless steel cannula inserting method was used to observe vascular effects of alpha-adrenoceptor agonists, phenylephrine (PE), methoxamine (ME), clonidine (CL) and xylazine (XY), on the isolated, perfused rabbit common carotid, renal and femoral arteries. PE and ME induced a dose-dependent vasoconstriction that was readily suppressed by treatment with bunazosin, an alpha 1-adrenoceptor blocker. CL induced a constriction only in common carotid arteries, and this was readily suppressed by bunazosin. In preparations preconstricted by phenylephrine, CL and XY dose-dependently induced vasodilations in the 3 types of arteries, and these vasodilations were not modified by a potent alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, midaglizole. In preparations preconstricted by prostaglandin F2 alpha, CL and and XY did not produce any significant vasodilation, but CL induced a vasoconstriction in common carotid arteries that was completely blocked by bunazosin. Thus, it is concluded that: 1) alpha 1-adrenoceptors are functionally predominant in rabbit peripheral arteries, 2) the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist-induced vasodilation may be due to an antagonistic action towards alpha 1-mediated constrictions, and 3) clonidine has alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulating properties in rabbit common carotid artery but not in renal and femoral arteries.

Effects of yohimbine and idazoxan on motor behaviors in male rats

Yohimbine, an alpha 2 adrenergic antagonist, facilitates copulatory behaviors in male rats. This facilitation may reflect nonspecific activation of behavior rather than a more selective activation of copulatory behaviors. The present experiments assessed the effects of yohimbine on locomotor behaviors at a dose (2.0 mg/kg) known to facilitate sexual behaviors. Experiment 1 used a computer pattern-recognition system to classify motor behaviors into specific acts and act groups. Male albino rats were tested in three conspecific conditions: estrous female, anestrous female, or no conspecific. Yohimbine decreased locomotor activity in all three conspecific conditions. Experiment 2 examined the effects of yohimbine (2.0 mg/kg) and amphetamine (1.0 mg/kg) on locomotor behavior in a photocell-equipped activity measurement system. Amphetamine increased and yohimbine decreased locomotor activity. Experiment 3 used the computer pattern-recognition system to compare the effects of yohimbine and idazoxan, another alpha 2 adrenergic antagonist, on motor behaviors. Yohimbine and idazoxan both decreased activity but produced different patterns of behavioral change. The facilitatory effects of yohimbine on copulatory behaviors at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg are apparently not mediated by nonspecific activation of behavior.

Contraction-mediating alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the mouse vas deferens

The question of the existence of postjunctional, contraction-mediating alpha 2-adrenoceptors, in addition to the known alpha 1-adrenoceptors, was studied in the mouse isolated vas deferens. Both the alpha 1-selective agonist phenylephrine and the alpha 2-selective agonist 5-bromo-6-(2-imidazolin-2-ylamino)-quinoxaline (UK 14,304) caused contraction of the vas deferens. In the presence of the alpha 1-selective antagonist prazosin (added in order to prevent an alpha 1 component in the effect of high concentrations of UK 14,304), the alpha 2-selective antagonist yohimbine and idazoxan shifted the concentration-response curve of UK 14,304 to the right in a manner compatible with competitive antagonism and with dissociation constants KB indicating the involvement of alpha 2-adrenoceptors. The maximal contraction elicited by UK 14,304 (in the presence of prazosin) was much lower than the maximal contraction elicited by phenylephrine. The effect of UK 14,304 was not changed by the P2-purinoceptor agonist alpha,beta-methylene-ATP and was reduced by neuropeptide Y, but was markedly enhanced by relatively low concentrations of phenylephrine. When the sympathetic fibres of the vas deferens were stimulated by trains of ten widely spaced (0.5 Hz) electric pulses, the tissue responded with ten separate twitches in which purinergic and adrenergic components were isolated by prazosin and suramin, respectively. Prazosin reduced the first adrenergic twitch in these trains at concentrations close to its KB value at alpha 1-adrenoceptors, whereas yohimbine and idazoxan reduced the first adrenergic twitch at concentrations far lower than their KB values at alpha 1-adrenoceptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A comparison of the effects of angiotensin II and Bay K 8644 on responses to noradrenaline mediated via postjunctional alpha 1-and alpha 2-adrenoceptors in rabbit isolated blood vessels

1. The effects of angiotensin II (AII) and Bay K 8644 on responses to noradrenaline (NA) mediated via postjunctional alpha 1- and/or alpha 2-adrenoceptors have been compared in three isolated venous preparations from the rabbit, the lateral saphenous vein, the left renal vein and the ear vein. 2. A similar action of AII and Bay K 8644 was observed only in the lateral saphenous vein; each potentiated responses to NA after isolation of a homogeneous population of postjunctional alpha 2- adrenoceptors. However, even in this preparation the mechanism of action for these agents was not identical. The sensitivity of KCl-induced contraction to changes in extracellular calcium ions (reflecting activation of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels) was enhanced by Bay K 8644 but reduced by AII. 3. All produced a selective facilitation of responses mediated via postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors. In the lateral saphenous vein it reduced the effectiveness of prazosin and facilitated responses after isolation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors with phenoxybenzamine and rauwolscine. It directly enhanced responses to NA in the ear vein, where only alpha 2-adrenoceptors are involved. In contrast, AII did not influence responses mediated via postjunctional alpha 1-adrenoceptors in the left renal vein (even after the receptor reserve had been removed with phenoxybenzamine) nor the 'rauwolscine-resistant' component of responses to NA in the saphenous vein. 4. Bay K 8644 enhanced contractile responses to NA mediated both via alpha 2-adrenoceptors, in the lateral saphenous vein, and via alpha 1-adrenoceptors in the left renal vein. Thus, unlike angiotensin II, no preferential effect was apparent. 5. Bay K 8644 was inactive against responses to NA in the rabbit isolated ear vein. Since the sustained component of responses to NA in this preparation is dependent upon the influx of extracellular Ca2 , these observations suggest that the influx of Ca2+ stimulated by NA is mediated via receptor-operated (1,4-dihydropyridine-resistant) Ca2 + channels.

The effects of nifedipine on alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated contractions in several isolated blood vessels from the rabbit

1. The effects of the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, nifedipine, on noradrenaline-induced contractile responses have been examined in several isolated blood vessels from the rabbit, with particular emphasis on responses mediated via postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors. 2. In the isolated renal vein, ear vein, distal saphenous artery, saphenous vein and plantaris vein, 0.1 microM and 1 microM nifedipine reduced responses elicited by 54 mM KCl by more than 70%. The remaining responses were abolished by alpha-adrenoceptor blockade, suggesting the involvement of noradrenaline released from neurones activating a dihydropyridine-resistant mechanism. 3. In the renal vein (alpha 1-), ear vein (predominantly alpha 2-), distal saphenous artery (alpha 1- greater than alpha 2-), saphenous vein and plantaris vein (alpha 2- greater than alpha 1-), 0.01 microM and 0.1 microM nifedipine produced concentration-related reductions in the maximum response to noradrenaline. However, 1 microM nifedipine was no more effective than 0.1 microM nifedipine and the reduction in the maximum varied from 10-25% of the control response. Thus, a sizeable component of the alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated response in all blood vessels is resistant to dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers and this appears to be unrelated to the alpha-adrenoceptor subtype involved. 4. Following irreversible inactivation of alpha 1-adrenoceptors and isolation of functional alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the saphenous vein, plantaris vein and distal saphenous artery (the latter requiring the presence of angiotensin II), the effect of nifedipine on responses to noradrenaline was increased. However, a component of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor response in each preparation was present even after the concentration of nifedipine was increased to 1 microM. 5. In the saphenous vein, a preparation in which it has been demonstrated previously that alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated responses are highly dependent upon the presence of extracellular calcium ions, partial depolarization with 20mM KCl failed to increase the inhibitory effect of 0.1 microM nifedipine. This suggests the involvement of dihydropyridine-resistant Ca2+ channels. The possible relationship between these dihydropyridine-resistant Ca2+ channels, alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes and 'receptor-operated' Ca2 + channels is discussed.

Postjunctional alpha-adrenoceptors in the rabbit isolated distal saphenous artery: indirect sensitivity to prazosin of responses to noradrenaline mediated via postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors

1. Under normal experimental conditions, the rabbit isolated distal saphenous artery appears to contain a homogeneous population of postjunctional alpha 1-adrenoceptors. Prazosin competitively antagonized responses to noradrenaline (NA) with a pA2 value of 8.6, while a relatively high concentration of rauwolscine (1 microM), produced only a 2 fold rightward displacement of the NA cumulative concentration-response curve (CCRC). 2. Despite the fact that angiotensin II (AII) was without effect on responses to NA or phenylephrine in this preparation, this peptide made responses to NA less susceptible to the antagonistic action of prazosin. This was particularly evident on the lower portion of the CCRC for NA. These results suggest that in the presence of AII, NA produces contractile responses by an action mediated through a prazosin-resistant adrenoceptor. 3. An attempt was made to isolate a homogeneous population of postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors by use of a receptor protection procedure involving the combination of rauwolscine and phenoxybenzamine. After the protection protocol no responses were observed to the alpha-adrenoceptor agonists NA, phenylephrine or UK-14304. In the presence of angiotensin II however, concentration-dependent contractions were observed to each of these agonists. Under these conditions the rank order of potency, UK-14304 greater than NA greater than phenylephrine, is consistent with that of an effect mediated through postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors. 4. The responses to NA, after the protection protocol, in the presence of AII, were susceptible to the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, rauwolscine (1 microM), but resistant to the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (0.1 microM). Furthermore, the combination of rauwolscine (1 microM) and prazosin (0.1 I microM) was no more effective in blocking responses to NA than was rauwolscine (1 microM) alone. These results are consistent with the presence of a homogeneous population of postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors. 5. Inducing a small degree of tone with a low concentration of the selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine, markedly increased the threshold sensitivity to the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist UK- 14304, in a manner analogous to that seen with All. 6. The results in the present study indicate that responses mediated via postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the rabbit isolated distal saphenous artery are dependent upon a degree of vascular smooth muscle stimulation by some other receptor system. It is hypothesized that under normal experimental conditions, this function is fulfilled by stimulation of alpha l-adrenoceptors, while after alpha 1-adrenoceptor blockade the necessary positive influence can be provided by stimulation of All receptors. The implications for such an interaction between postjunctional alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes in demonstrating prazosin-resistant, rauwolscine- or yohimbine-sensitive responses in isolated blood vessels is discussed.

An examination of the sources of calcium for contractions mediated by postjunctional alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors in several blood vessels isolated from the rabbit

1. The roles of intracellular and extracellular-derived Ca2+ in alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated contractions to noradrenaline (NA) have been investigated in several isolated blood vessels from the rabbit by examining responses in the presence of a modified Krebs-Henseleit saline with 2.5 mM Ca2+ and a Ca2(+)-buffered saline with 0.1 microM free Ca2+. 2. NA was tested in preparations of the abdominal aorta, distal saphenous artery, renal vein, lateral saphenous vein, plantaris vein and ear vein exposed to a Ca2(+)-buffered saline with 0.1 microM [Ca2+]. A concentration of NA which was maximally effective in modified Krebs-Henseleit saline, produced an initial transient contraction (ITC) followed by a relaxation towards baseline. This is evidence that alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated responses in all these blood vessels depend upon calcium from both sources. 3. The ITC was particularly pronounced in the arteries and was associated more closely with the alpha 1-receptor subtype. In the abdominal aorta, distal saphenous artery and renal vein the ITC can almost exclusively be attributed to an alpha 1-adrenoceptor (prazosin-sensitive, rauwolscine-resistant). In the ear vein, and to a lesser extent the plantaris vein, the ITC was mediated in part by an alpha 2-adrenoceptor (prazosin-resistant, rauwolscine-sensitive). 4. alpha 2-Adrenoceptors in the lateral saphenous vein largely account for the response to NA in modified Krebs-Henseleit saline, but alpha 1-adrenoceptors mediate the ITC in Ca2(+)-buffered saline. After selective inactivation of alpha 1-adrenoceptors with a combination of phenoxybenzamine and rauwolscine, responses to NA in modified Krebs-Henseleit saline are slow in onset and there is no ITC in Ca2(+)-buffered saline. 5. The possible significance of the coupling of postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors to dual sources of Ca2 + is discussed in relation to the interaction between alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes and the ease of demonstrating functional alpha 2-adrenoceptors in isolated blood vessels.

Responses to noradrenaline in human subcutaneous resistance arteries are mediated by both alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors

1. In vitro experiments in a microvascular myograph were designed to characterize postjunctional alpha-adrenoceptors of human subcutaneous resistance arteries (normalised internal diameter 143-313 microns). 2. Both the alpha 1-selective agonist phenylephrine in the presence of 0.3 microM yohimbine and the alpha 2-selective agonist B-HT 933 in the presence of 0.3 microM prazosin elicited prominent and concentration-dependent contractions. The maximum response to phenylephrine and B-HT 933 was not different from the response to high K physiological salt solution (125 mM K+), and the pD2 values (-log EC50) were 5.90 and 6.11, respectively. 3. In the presence of the alpha 2-selective antagonist yohimbine (0.3 microM), the alpha 1-selective antagonist prazosin competitively antagonised the responses to phenylephrine; the pA2 of prazosin for the receptor which mediated the response to phenylephrine was 8.41. 4. Blockade of either alpha 2-adrenoceptors with 0.1 microM yohimbine or alpha 1-adrenoceptors with 0.1 microM prazosin caused shifts to the right of the noradrenaline concentration-response curves and the shifts in pD2 were 0.69 and 0.61, respectively. The combination of the two antagonists at the above-mentioned concentrations caused a marked, parallel shift to the right of the noradrenaline concentration-response curve, the shift of the pD2 was 2.68. 5. These results suggest that activation of both alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors produces contractions in human subcutaneous resistance arteries, and that responses to noradrenaline in these vessels are mediated by both alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes.

Effects of basal and acetylcholine-induced release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor on contraction to alpha-adrenoceptor agonists in a rabbit artery and corresponding veins

1. The effects of an endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine) and an endothelium-independent (sodium nitroprusside) relaxant against noradrenaline-induced contractions were compared in three isolated superficial blood vessels of the rabbit, the lateral saphenous vein, plantaris vein and distal saphenous artery. Both produced concentration-related relaxations of all three vessels and were more effective against submaximal than maximal contractions to noradrenaline. Transient contractions to high concentration of acetylcholine occurred only in endothelium-intact preparations of saphenous vein and were inhibited by flurbiprofen. 2. In endothelium-denuded preparations sodium nitroprusside was 3 times more effective than in endothelium-intact preparations, while acetylcholine (less than 3 microM) was inactive. Sensitivity was similar for each relaxant: lateral saphenous vein greater than or equal to plantaris vein greater than distal saphenous artery. The similar profile of sodium nitroprusside and acetylcholine suggests that differences in susceptibility to endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) are caused by inter-vessel variations in the excitation-coupling process for noradrenaline. 3. Haemoglobin inhibited acetylcholine-induced relaxations in the endothelium-intact preparation of the lateral saphenous vein and distal saphenous artery, which suggests a similar EDRF in each preparation and the likelihood that this is a single substance, presumably nitric oxide. 4. The influence of basal, spontaneously released EDRF on alpha-adrenoceptor function was tested either by mechanical disruption of the endothelium or by adding haemoglobin to endothelium-intact segments. Endothelial disruption slightly reduced contractions to noradrenaline (NA) in distal saphenous artery but increased response size of lateral saphenous and plantaris veins, in the latter also increasing sensitivity to NA: haemoglobin mimicked endothelial disruption. Thus, basal release of EDRF like acetylcholine and nitroprusside was more effective in the veins than in the corresponding artery. 5. In lateral saphenous vein responses to phenylephrine were enhanced by endothelial disruption, but without change in sensitivity: responses to UK-14304, B-HT 920 and cirazoline, which had a relatively slow speed of onset of contraction were not affected. There was no correlation between enhancement and alpha-adrenoceptor sub-type although the agonists which were enhanced all activate alpha 1-adrenoceptors. Competitive antagonists failed to reveal an alpha-adrenoceptor subtype enhanced by endothelial disruption. However, effects of phenoxybenzamine suggest that alpha 1-adrenoceptors are necessary for the influence of basal EDRF.

Alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists enhance vasoconstrictor responses to alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonists in the rat tail artery by increasing the influx of Ca2+

1. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists TL99 (2-(N N-dimethyl)amino-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene) and UK14304 (5-bromo-6-[2-imidazoline-2-yl-aminol]-quinoxaline), in concentrations that are less than 1% of those producing vasoconstriction, enhance vasoconstrictor responses to noradrenaline and phenylephrine in isolated perfused preparations of the rat tail artery. 2. The enhancing effect was abolished when Ca2+ was absent and by the calcium channel blocking drug diltiazem. 3. alpha 2-Adrenoceptor agonists had no effect on the component of the responses to noradrenaline and phenylephrine that is attributable to mobilization of intracellular Ca2+, but enhanced the component attributable to influx of extracellular Ca2+. 4. These results suggest that the enhancing effect of alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists on responses of the rat tail artery to alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonists involves an increase in Ca2+-influx into smooth muscle cells through Ca2+ channels that are opened when alpha 2-adrenoceptors are activated.

Comparative effects of the alpha-adrenoceptor agonists noradrenaline, phenylephrine and clonidine in the human saphenous vein in vivo and in vitro

The alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated contractile effects of noradrenaline (alpha 1 + alpha 2), phenylephrine (alpha 1) and clonidine (alpha 2) on human saphenous veins were investigated in vivo and in vitro. By infusion (0.3 ml min-1) of the drugs (increasing concentrations in the infused solution) into distended (40 mmHg) saphenous veins in six healthy subjects, local vasoconstriction was induced, measured by a photo-electric device. The drugs induced dose-dependent contractions in all subjects, and dose-response curves were constructed. These were compared with concentration-response curves based on in-vitro results. Macroscopically normal saphenous veins, taken at saphenousectomies, were used, and the preparations were contracted isometrically in organ baths by the agonists. From the curves obtained in vivo and in vitro, the relative potencies of phenylephrine and clonidine (in relation to noradrenaline) were calculated and compared. The relative potencies of phenylephrine in vivo (76%) and in vitro (82%) did not differ significantly. However, the relative potency of clonidine was significantly (P less than 0.05) lower in vivo (90%) than in vitro (99%). Thus, it is concluded that there are differences between the results obtained in vivo and in vitro, stressing the importance of comparative in vivo-in vitro studies.

Evidence for prazosin-resistant, rauwolscine-sensitive alpha-adrenoceptors mediating contractions in the isolated vascular bed of the rat tail

1. The postjunctional alpha-adrenoceptors mediating contractions in the isolated vascular bed of the perfused rat tail have been investigated, in the presence and absence of an increase in perfusion pressure by arginine vasopressin (AVP). 2. In the absence of AVP, bolus doses of noradrenaline (NA) and phenylephrine produced pressor responses of similar time course, while UK-14,304 was practically inactive. Responses to noradrenaline were inhibited more by 0.05 microM prazosin than by 1 microM rauwolscine, suggesting the presence of alpha1-adrenoceptors. 3. Following a sustained elevation in perfusion pressure by AVP, both UK-14,304 and NA (the latter in the presence of 0.05 microM prazosin to inhibit alpha 1-adrenoceptors) elicited dose-dependent pressor responses. The maximum response to UK-14,304 under these conditions was approximately 30% of the maximum response to NA in the absence of prazosin and AVP. Responses to phenylephrine were not affected by the AVP-induced increase in vascular tone. 4. In the presence of AVP, pressor responses to UK-14,304 were resistant to 0.05 microM prazosin and susceptible to antagonism by 1 microM rauwolscine (-log Kb 7.65 +/- 0.15). Similarly, responses to NA in the presence of 0.05 microM prazosin and AVP were inhibited by 1 microM rauwolscine. This represents the first demonstration of prazosin-resistant, rauwolscine-sensitive alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated responses in the vasculature of the rat tail. 5. These results suggest that in isolated vascular preparations, functional populations of postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors may be 'uncovered' by the presence of AVP.

Presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors affecting terminal synaptic transmission by the nervi cardiaci accelerantes in the rat

1. Changes in heart rate were monitored in response to supramaximal electrical stimulation of the spinal sympathetic cardiac nerves in the pithed rat. 2. Submaximal positive chronotropic responses of the heart to stimulation (0.1-1.0 Hz) were inhibited after intravenous injection of the alpha 2-adrenoreceptor agonists B-HT 920 and xylazine, but not after the alpha 1-adrenoreceptor agonist methoxamine. 3. The alpha 2-adrenoreceptor antagonist yohimbine or idazoxan but not the alpha 1-adrenoreceptor antagonist prazosin, given intravenously, reduced the inhibitory effect of B-HT 920 on positive chronotropic responses to cardiac sympathetic nerve stimulation. Neither yohimbine, idazoxan nor prazosin had any effect on positive chronotropic responses to nerve stimulation. 4. Desmethylimipramine (DMI) potentiated the increased heart rate during continuous stimulation of the cardiac nerves at 0.2 Hz. Responses to stimulation, at this frequency, were unaffected by yohimbine, either in the absence or presence of the neuronal uptake inhibitor, DMI. 5. Intravenous infusion of the angiotensin antagonist saralasin or injection of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor captopril had no significant effect, either on positive chronotropic responses to stimulation or on the inhibitory effects of B-HT 920. Positive chronotropic responses to stimulation were also unaffected by yohimbine in the presence of captopril, indomethacin, or indomethacin plus captopril. 6. Although presynaptic effects of alpha 2-agonists and their antagonists on cardiac nerve function were demonstrated, no evidence was obtained that prejunctional alpha 2-adrenoreceptors modulate transmission during continuous supramaximal firing at constant frequency.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Expression of functional postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors in rabbit isolated distal saphenous artery--a permissive role for angiotensin II?

In the rabbit isolated distal saphenous artery, the population of postjunctional adrenoceptors is of the alpha 1 variety under normal in vitro experimental conditions, based on the potency order of selective agonists and on the effects of the antagonists prazosin and rauwolscine against responses to UK-14304. Angiotensin II (A II, 0.05 microM) however, without affecting resting baseline tension, markedly enhanced responses to UK-14304, particularly at low concentrations. This previously unseen component of the response to UK-14304 was resistant to prazosin (0.1 microM) but susceptible to rauwolscine (1 microM). A II would therefore appear to have a permissive role for the expression of a quiescent population of postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the rabbit distal saphenous artery.

Alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists induce vasoconstriction of the normotensive rat caudal artery in vitro by stimulation of a heterogeneous population of alpha-1 adrenoceptors

Although alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists rapidly induce arterial vasoconstriction in vivo, such responses have proven difficult to obtain in vitro. We have investigated the vasoconstrictor effects of various alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists in the perfused superfused caudal artery of the normotensive rat. Intrinsic activities were; methoxamine; 1, phenylephrine; 0.94, noradrenaline; 0.93, guanfacine; 0.88, clonidine; 0.47, UK 14,304 [5-bromo-6-(2-imidazoline-2-ylamino)-quinoxaline tartrate]: 0.10, azepexole; 0. Antagonism by the selective alpha-1 agent, prazosin of the vasoconstrictor responses provoked by methoxamine, guanfacine or clonidine, showed a high affinity with--log KB values in the range of 8.5 to 9.4. There were no significant differences between the KB values obtained with the three agonists. Antagonism by the selective alpha-2 antagonist, yohimbine showed a low affinity with KB values between 6.7 to 7.6 for the three agonists. The calcium entry blocker, nicardipine, antagonized responses to clonidine at nanomolar concentrations and those to phenylephrine at micromolar concentrations. We conclude that vasoconstrictor responses in this isolated tail artery preparation are primarily mediated via an alpha adrenoceptor which can be classified, on the basis of the results with specific antagonists, as being of the alpha-1 type. The results obtained with nicardipine suggest that the population of alpha adrenoceptors is not, however, homogeneous.

Angiotensin II amplification of alpha-adrenergic vasoconstriction: role of receptor reserve

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is known to enhance the vasoconstrictor response to norepinephrine (NE). In the present study, this interaction was investigated using isolated rabbit femoral artery rings mounted in tissue baths for the measurement of isometric contraction. Exposure to 3 x 10(-10) M Ang II caused a contraction that was less than 5% of the maximal response to NE. In the presence of Ang II, the NE dose-response curve shifted to the left twofold and the maximal response was not changed. The calcium channel antagonist nifedipine, 1 x 10(-7) M, caused a modest inhibition of the response to NE in either the presence or absence of Ang II. In contrast, nifedipine abolished the leftward shift of the NE dose-response curve caused by Ang II. Femoral arteries were pretreated with benextramine to cause partial alpha-adrenoceptor inactivation. The maximal contractile response to NE in these tissues was between 20% and 40% of that in control vessels, indicating that alpha-adrenoceptor reserve had been eliminated. In benextramine-pretreated vessels, the presence of 3 x 10(-10) M Ang II caused a modest leftward shift of the NE dose-response curve but increased the maximal responses to all NE concentrations by 200% to 800%. Nifedipine caused a modest inhibition of the response to NE in the absence of Ang II. In contrast, the enhanced response to NE in the presence of Ang II was nearly abolished. These results support our conclusions that 1) Ang II enhances the vasoconstrictor response to alpha-adrenergic stimulation, 2) the magnitude of enhancement is greater under conditions of reduced alpha-receptor reserve, and 3) calcium channel activation plays a major role in the amplified response.

Pharmacological analysis of postjunctional alpha-adrenoceptors mediating contractions to (-)-noradrenaline in the rabbit isolated lateral saphenous vein can be explained by interacting responses to simultaneous activation of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors

1. The pharmacological characteristics of the alpha-adrenoceptor population in the rabbit isolated saphenous vein has been examined with (-)-noradrenaline (NA), as principal agonist, and a number of antagonists with selectivity for either alpha 1- or alpha 2-adrenoceptors. 2. The rank order of potency of various agonists is consistent with a population of alpha 2-adrenoceptors; UK-14304 greater than (-)-noradrenaline = (-)-adrenaline greater than B-HT 920 = cirazoline greater than phenylephrine greater than amidephrine, but the rank order of pA2 values for the antagonists against (-)-noradrenaline: BDF-6143 greater than rauwolscine = prazosin greater than CH-38083 = YM-12617 greater than Wy-26703 = phentolamine greater than corynanthine, is indicative of a mixed population of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors or, alternatively, a new subtype with characteristics of both the alpha 1- and alpha 2-subtypes. 3. Further evidence for two discrete populations of alpha-adrenoceptors is provided by, (a) the potent but non-competitive effect of prazosin against (-)-noradrenaline, (b) the presence of a component of the contractions elicited by NA and phenylephrine which is resistant to the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists rauwolscine and CH-38083: these responses were inhibited by the selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists prazosin and YM-12617, but not by the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist BDF-6143 and, (c) the relative potency of the yohimbine diastereoisomers rauwolscine and corynanthine against NA, phenylephrine and UK-14304. 4. In spite of the overwhelming evidence for a population of postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors, prazosin was similarly effective against all agonists and failed to discriminate between those with putative selectivity for alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors. This suggests an interaction of the effects of agonists at the two alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes. 5. An attempt has been made to reconcile a number of paradoxical observations with regard to the identification of postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors in vitro, and it is suggested that in many of the isolated blood vessels presently available for examination both subtypes reside on the same smooth muscle cell. The pharmacological consequences of multiple subtypes of receptors mediating the same response is considered.

An examination of the postjunctional alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes for (-)-noradrenaline in several isolated blood vessels from the rabbit

1. Postjunctional alpha-adrenoceptors in several isolated blood vessels from the rabbit have been characterized on the basis of the relative potency of the agonists noradrenaline (NA, non-selective), phenylephrine (alpha 1-selective) and UK-14304 (alpha 2-selective), and the potency of antagonists rauwolscine (alpha 2-selective) and corynanthine (alpha 1-selective) against contractions elicited by NA. In addition, the potency of prazosin against NA was also assessed in the venous preparations. 2. The thoracic aorta, ear artery and left renal vein appear to possess alpha 1-adrenoceptors since the agonist potency order was NA greater than phenylephrine greater than UK-14304, while corynanthine was 3-10 fold more potent than rauwolscine. 3. The ear vein appears to possess alpha 2-adrenoceptors. The rank order of agonist potency was UK-14304 greater than NA much greater than phenylephrine and all three agonists elicited responses of similar magnitude. Furthermore, rauwolscine was 30 fold more potent than corynanthine while prazosin failed to produce a concentration-dependent inhibition. 4. The saphenous vein and the plantaris vein appear to possess a mixture of both subtypes since the rank order of agonist potency was UK-14304 greater than NA much greater than phenylephrine, while responses elicited by UK-14304 were smaller than those to the other agonists. However, although rauwolscine was 20 to 100 fold more potent than corynanthine in both preparations, suggestive of predominantly alpha 2-adrenoceptors, prazosin was either potent (saphenous vein) or relatively inactive (plantaris vein). 5. The characteristics of postjunctional alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors on isolated blood vessels from the rabbit are discussed in relation to the value of both the agonists, particularly NA, and the antagonists used in this study.

An attempt at selective protection from phenoxybenzamine of postjunctional alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes mediating contractions to noradrenaline in the rabbit isolated saphenous vein

1. An attempt has been made, with the irreversible alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist phenoxybenzamine, to find the conditions under which postjunctional alpha 1-adrenoceptors in the rabbit isolated saphenous vein can be inactivated, such that postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors can be studied in isolation. 2. Following exposure to various concentrations of phenoxybenzamine, no evidence was found for a selective inactivation of the postjunctional population of alpha 1-adrenoceptors: the "rauwolscine-resistant' (alpha 1-) and the "rauwolscine-sensitive' (alpha 2-) responses to (--)-noradrenaline were similarly affected. 3. However, in "receptor protection' experiments following exposure to a combination of phenoxybenzamine and the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist rauwolscine, the remaining response to (--)-noradrenaline appeared to be mediated by a single population of postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors: the response was insensitive to prazosin and rauwolscine was more potent than corynanthine. 4. Partial isolation of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor population was attempted by pre-exposure of the preparation to a combination of phenoxybenzamine and a selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, i.e. prazosin or YM-12617. Following receptor protection, the inhibition produced by "selective' concentrations of either of these alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists were not significantly different from that observed in control preparations (no phenoxybenzamine). However, the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists rauwolscine and CH-38083 were still able to inhibit part of the remaining responses to NA. This is interpreted as indicating that, in addition to protecting the putative postjunctional alpha 1-adrenoceptors, these procedures fail to produce complete inactivation of postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors. 5. It is concluded that, although phenoxybenzamine appeared to be non-selective for the two populations of postjunctional alpha-adrenoceptors in the rabbit isolated saphenous vein, inclusion of a "selective' concentration of a competitive antagonist during the inactivation period results in differing degrees of functional protection of each subtype. Pharmacological isolation was possible for alpha 2-adrenoceptors but not convincingly for alpha 1-adrenoceptors.

Evidence that the population of postjunctional-adrenoceptors mediating contraction of smooth muscle in the rabbit isolated ear vein is predominantly alpha 2

1. Noradrenaline (NA), phenylephrine and UK-14304 elicited concentration-dependent contractions of the rabbit isolated ear vein of similar maximal magnitude. The rank order of potency, UK-14304 greater than noradrenaline greater than phenylephrine, is consistent with that of an effect mediated through an alpha 2-subtype. 2. The potent and highly selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists prazosin and YM-12617, at concentrations as high as 1 microM, produced less than a 4 fold rightward displacement of the NA concentration-response curve. 3. The selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists rauwolscine, Wy-26703 and CH-38083 antagonized responses to noradrenaline in a competitive manner. For all three antagonists, the pA2 values were consistent with an effect at alpha 2-adrenoceptors. However, 0.1 microM YM-12617 increased the potency of rauwolscine 2 fold indicating the presence of a small population of postjunctional alpha 1-adrenoceptors. 4. The relative antagonist potency of the yohimbine diastereoisomers rauwolscine and corynanthine against noradrenaline (rauwolscine 30 fold greater than corynanthine) is also consistent with an effect at alpha 2-adrenoceptors. 5. Contractions elicited by noradrenaline in the rabbit isolated ear vein appear to be mediated predominantly by postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors.

New alpha 1-adrenergic receptor antagonists for the treatment of hypertension: role of vascular alpha receptors in the control of peripheral resistance

The pharmacology, clinical efficacy and safety of new alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonists for the treatment of hypertension was reviewed (Table XIV). Although all these agents block alpha 1 receptors, some of them have additional effects on histamine, serotonin, dopamine, and alpha 2 receptors. These other actions account for the differences in the side effect profiles observed, i.e., increased incidence of central nervous system side effects found with indoramin, ketanserin, and urapidil, as well as for some additional beneficial effects of ketanserin (i.e., antiplatelet aggregation activity). The magnitude of BP reduction observed with antagonists of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors is modest. In most studies, the degree of BP reduction is comparable to that of prazosin, but less than that achieved with thiazide diuretics, beta-receptor antagonists, or methyldopa. Studies on the comparative efficacy and safety of new alpha 1 antagonists with converting enzyme inhibitors or calcium-channel blockers are not available. In general, alpha 1 antagonists produce greater reductions in standing than in supine BP, an effect due to the venodilatory action of these drugs. New alpha 1 antagonists appear to have equal efficacy in black and white hypertensive individuals. Their comparative efficacy and safety in young vs elderly hypertensive individuals requires further investigation. No information about the possible development of tolerance during treatment with new alpha 1 blockers was encountered. The effects of alpha 1 antagonists on HR are variable and depend on how long after the oral dose the measurements were obtained. In most studies, no significant HR changes are noticed for readings obtained 24 hours post dose; whereas tachycardia has been observed at the time of peak hypotension. Since alpha 1 antagonist-induced tachycardia is most likely of reflex nature, i.e., mediated to an increase in sympathetic activity, the increased HR may be associated with increases in myocardial contractility and in myocardial oxygen consumption. Consequently, a 24-hour HR monitoring during treatment with alpha 1 antagonists should be required for evaluation of new agents. The hemodynamic, humoral, and hormonal effects of the newer alpha 1-receptor antagonists are comparable to those of prazosin. The most consistent finding is a reduction in total peripheral resistance associated with either no change or with only small increases in cardiac index. These agents have been shown either not to change or to increase renal blood flow.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors in blood vessels of human nasal mucosa

Human nasal mucosa has various types of blood vessels and is a good tissue for demonstrating receptors for many vasoactive substances, including alpha-adrenoceptors. In contrast to the large contractile response induced by alpha 1-agonists, our studies have shown that alpha 2-agonists produce a small maximal contraction. This alpha 2-induced response was easily blocked by alpha 1-antagonists, indicating that it is evoked, at least partially, by the stimulation of alpha 1-adrenoceptors. Noradrenaline (NA)-induced contractions could not be abolished by either alpha 1- or alpha 2-antagonists alone, but were almost completely blocked by the combination of both antagonists. This suggests the presence of postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors. The low-maximal responsiveness to alpha 2-agonists and calcium independency of NA-induced contractions were distinct from our former results obtained on canine nasal specimens.

Difference in the potency of alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists between the pithed rabbit and rat

The subtypes of alpha-adrenoceptors which mediate pressor responses to sympathomimetic agonists or to nerve stimulation in pithed rabbits have been classified according to the effects of 'selective' antagonists and a comparison has been made, for the alpha 2-subtype, with corresponding responses in the rat. In the rabbit the dose-response curve for phenylephrine was shifted to the right in parallel by prazosin (1 mg kg-1) and was unaffected by rauwolscine (1 mg kg-1). The dose-response curve for noradrenaline was shifted to the right by prazosin (1 mg kg-1) and was shifted to a smaller extent by rauwolscine (1 mg kg-1) or imiloxan (10 mg kg-1). After rauwolscine, prazosin produced a rightward shift larger than when given alone. After prazosin, rauwolscine produced a rightward shift larger than when given alone. The responses to pressor nerve stimulation at low frequencies (less than 1 Hz) could be reduced by prazosin, rauwolscine or imiloxan but those at a higher frequency could be reduced only by prazosin. These results indicate that the responses to noradrenaline or to nerve stimulation are mediated by both alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors. Low doses or frequencies have a proportionately greater component which is alpha 2. Responses to noradrenaline after prazosin (1 mg kg-1), were sufficiently sensitive to rauwolscine to be considered as predominantly alpha 2. A comparison was therefore made of such responses in the rat and rabbit. They were produced by a lower dose per unit body weight in the rat whereas this was less marked for the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist guanabenz. In the rabbit they were more susceptible to blockade by rauwolscine but were less sensitive to Wy 26703 than in the rat. This demonstrates that the alpha 2-adrenoceptors mediating pressor responses in vivo, like those in other tissues in vitro, are different in rat and rabbit, with regard to antagonists.

Characterization of post-junctional alpha-adrenoceptors in the rat isolated perfused femoral artery

A comparison was made of contractile responses to alpha-adrenoceptor agonists in the rat aorta and in the rat isolated perfused femoral artery. Dose-response curves were constructed to noradrenaline (alpha 1/alpha 2), methoxamine (alpha 1-selective) and B-HT 920 (alpha 2-selective). Methoxamine behaved as a full agonist in both tissues as compared with noradrenaline, while B-HT 920 was only a partial agonist in the aorta and produced small responses in the femoral artery preparation which were not dose-dependent. pA2 or -log KB values were calculated for prazosin and idazoxan against noradrenaline and methoxamine. Similar -log KB values for prazosin against both agonists were obtained in both tissues, while idazoxan was approximately ten times more potent in the femoral artery preparation than in the aorta. These results suggest that the aorta contains a single population of alpha 1-adrenoceptors, while the perfused femoral artery preparation contains predominantly alpha 1-adrenoceptors but also a small population of alpha 2-adrenoceptors.

Nifedipine vasodilates human forearm arteries and dorsal hand veins constricted by specific alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation

1. The local dilative effect of the calcium entry blocker nifedipine on forearm arteries and dorsal hand veins has been studied in 27 healthy male volunteers. 2. Nifedipine induced an increase of blood flow by 1190% (P less than 0.001) in the forearm. 3. The construction of the hand veins induced by stimulation of either postsynaptic alpha 1- or alpha 2-adrenoceptors was reduced (P less than 0.001) by nifedipine. 4. The calcium entry blocker nifedipine is a potent dilator of human forearm arteries as well as of dorsal hand veins.

Pharmacological characterization of the postsynaptic alpha-adrenoceptors in isolated canine mesenteric arteries and veins

This investigation was undertaken to characterize the postsynaptic alpha-adrenoceptors in isolated canine mesenteric arterial and venous preparations. Contractile responses to cumulative additions of phenylephrine (selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist), UK-14,304 (selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist), noradrenaline (non-selective alpha-adrenoceptor agonist), and dopamine (non-selective alpha-adrenoceptor agonist) were measured in the presence and absence of rauwolscine, a selective alpha 2-antagonist, and terazosin, a selective alpha 1-antagonist. Phenylephrine was a more potent agonist in the mesenteric artery than in the mesenteric vein; UK-14,304 exhibited the opposite profile of activity. Terazosin was a more potent antagonist than rauwolscine against each of the agonists, except dopamine, in the mesenteric artery but rauwolscine was more potent than terazosin in the vein. Terazosin and rauwolscine were equipotent in inhibiting the contractile responses to dopamine in the artery while rauwolscine was more potent than terazosin in the vein. The pA2 values measured in both vessels failed, however, to demonstrate a high selectivity for either alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist. These results suggest that the alpha-adrenoceptors in the canine mesenteric artery and vein exhibit pharmacological characteristic typical of both alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor subtypes.

Prejunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors modulate stimulation-evoked norepinephrine release in rabbit lateral saphenous vein

Segments of rabbit lateral saphenous vein prelabelled with [3H]noradrenaline were perfused and superfused with physiological salt solution. Tritium overflow evoked by transmural nerve stimulation (3 Hz for 2 min) was abolished by tetrodotoxin (1 microM). The selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist UK 14,304 inhibited stimulation-evoked 3H-overflow in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 71 nM. In contrast, the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist B-HT 933 had no effect on 3H-overflow in concentrations up to 10 microM. The selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists idazoxan and SKF 86466, as well as the non-selective alpha-antagonist phentolamine, facilitated the nerve stimulation evoked 3H-overflow, with an order of potency of idazoxan greater than or equal to phentolamine greater than SK&F 86466. Prazosin (100 nM) had little effect on 3H-overflow. These findings suggest that stimulation-evoked neurotransmitter release is modulated via prejunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors.

Interactions of MEN 935 (adimolol), a long acting beta- and alpha-adrenolytic antihypertensive agent, with postsynaptic alpha-adrenoceptors in different isolated blood vessels--influence of angiotensin II

MEN 935 [1-(3-[3-(1-naphthoxy)-2-hydroxypropyl) amino)-3,3-dimethylpropyl)-2-benzimidazolinone-hydrochloride monohydrate, adimolol] is a long acting antihypertensive agent with beta- and alpha-adrenolytic properties. Preliminary experiments in pithed rats had led to the suggestion that the alpha-adrenolytic activity was of the alpha 2-subtype. The alpha-adrenolytic properties of MEN 935 were now tested in isolated vascular preparations of rat aorta, rabbit vena ischiadica and rabbit vena cava inferior against the selective alpha 1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine (PE) and the selective alpha 2-adrenergic agonist B-HT 920 [2-amino-6-allyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-thiazolo-(4,5-d)azepine]. The experiments were performed in absence and in presence of 5 X 10(-9) mol/l angiotensin II (A II). MEN 935 antagonized contractions to phenylephrine as well as those to B-HT 920 in each vessel. A twofold shift to the right of the concentration-response curves to both agonists was obtained with concentrations between 1.9 X 10(-8) and 1.4 X 10(-5) mol/l, depending on the vessel under investigation. A II modulated the adrenolytic properties of MEN 935 in each vessel. However, irrespective of the presence or absence of A II, no pharmacologically relevant difference between antagonism against PE or B-HT 920 could be seen. In isolated vessels, MEN 935 exerts a nonselective alpha-adrenergic antagonism. In receptor binding studies in rat cerebellar cortex, MEN 935 showed a Ki of 5.2 X 10(-7) mol/l at alpha 1-adrenoceptors and a Ki of 1.3 X 10(-5) mol/l at alpha 2-adrenoceptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evidence for and against heterogeneity of alpha 1-adrenoceptors

Recent experimental evidence has suggested that the alpha 1 adrenoceptor may need to be further subdivided. It can no longer be stated categorically that alpha 1-adrenoceptors are present only at postjunctional sites, in view of several reports of alpha 1-mediated modulation of adrenergic and cholinergic neurotransmission. Furthermore, comparison of the pharmacologic characteristics of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor in different species and/or tissues can show clear differences in sensitivity to selective agonists and antagonists, and differences in the degree of dependence on extracellular calcium. However, in other cases, alpha 1-adrenoceptors at diverse sites have been found to have identical characteristics. Furthermore, the subcategories identified by the various selective agents do not fall into the same discrete groups, in contrast to division of alpha-adrenoceptors into alpha 1 and alpha 2-adrenoceptors. Therefore, at this time it seems premature to subdivide the alpha 1-adrenoceptor further.

Antagonism of alpha-adrenoceptor agonist-induced antinociception in the rat

The present study investigated the effects of WB4101, a selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor blocking agent, and idazoxan, a selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor blocking agent, on antinociception and sedation in the rat mediated by adrenoceptors. Selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonists, e.g. ST587 and methoxamine induced antinociception but only elicited slight sedation; their antinociceptive effects were antagonized by WB4101 but not by idazoxan. In contrast, the marked sedative and antinociceptive effects induced by the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, UK 14,304, were attenuated by idazoxan, but were little affected by WB4101. The mixed alpha 1/alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists, clonidine and ICI 106,270, had differing profiles with respect to their antagonist interactions; the antinociceptive and sedative effects induced by clonidine were antagonized by idazoxan, whereas the antinociceptive effects of ICI 106,270 were antagonized by WB4101. The slight sedative effects induced by ICI 106,270 were not attenuated by either WB4101 or idazoxan; therefore, these studies give no insight into the mechanism of action for sedation induced by ICI 106,270. These data suggest that antinociception may be mediated by either alpha 1 or alpha 2-adrenoceptors; whereas sedation is predominantly alpha 2-adrenoceptor mediated.

Effects of alpha-adrenoceptor subtype-selective antagonists on the human saphenous vein in vivo

The effects of the alpha-adrenoceptor subtype-selective antagonists prazosin (alpha 1) and yohimbine (alpha 2) on the saphenous vein of six healthy male subjects were investigated in vivo. The drugs were infused locally into the congested (40 mmHg), long saphenous vein constricted by simultaneous local infusion of noradrenaline (NA). Prazosin 10(-9) M (concentration in the infusion solution, infusion rate 0.3 ml min-1) did not reduce the NA-induced venoconstriction, but at a concentration of 10(-8) M there was a significant reduction; in two subjects no response to NA could be elicited in the presence of 10(-8) M prazosin. Prazosin 10(-7) M caused no further reduction of the NA effect compared to that produced by 10(-8) M in three of the subjects, whereas in one, prazosin 10(-9), 10(-8) and 10(-7) M caused a dose-dependent blockade. Yohimbine, 10(-9), 10(-8) and 10(-7) M caused a dose-dependent reduction of the NA-induced venoconstriction in all subjects. The results suggest that the human saphenous vein is endowed with functionally important populations of both alpha 2- and alpha 1-adrenoceptors.

Relative contribution of different vascular beds to the pressor effects of alpha-adrenoreceptor agonists and vasopressin in pithed rats: radioactive microsphere determination

The relative fractional distribution of 51Cr-labelled microspheres was evaluated in pithed rats during equieffective vascoconstrictor responses evoked by infusions of the alpha-adrenoreceptor agonists methoxamine (alpha 1-selective), UK-14,304 (alpha 2-selective) or vasopressin. The proportion of injected radioactive microspheres trapped in each tissue during a sustained pressor response relative to saline treated controls is considered a reflection of the degree of local vascoconstriction in the tissue analysed. All three agonists (methoxamine, UK-14,304 and vasopressin) decreased the number of microspheres trapped in the mesentery and tail. Only methoxamine reduced the blood flow to the kidney and spleen. UK-14,304 did not modify the number of microspheres in the sample of skeletal muscle, however, both vasopressin and methoxamine reduced the blood flow to this tissue. Vasopressin increased the counts in the lungs and particularly in the liver but decreased the number of spheres trapped in the stomach and skin. In contrast to the alpha-adrenoreceptor agonists, vasopressin did not increase the number of microspheres trapped in the heart. Since a reduction in the number of microspheres trapped in the tissue reflects a decrease in blood flow, to that organ it is reasonable to conclude that alpha 1-adrenoreceptor stimulation increases kidney, spleen, mesentery, caudal and skeletal muscle vascular resistance, whereas alpha 2-adrenoreceptors appear to preferentially vasoconstrict the mesenteric and the caudal vascular beds.

Comparison of activity of alpha-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists in dog and rabbit saphenous vein

The alpha adrenoceptors present on the saphenous vein of the dog and rabbit were characterised in vitro using the selective alpha 1 antagonist prazosin and the alpha 2 antagonists rauwolscine and yohimbine. In the dog saphenous vein, prazosin and rauwolscine competitively antagonised contractile responses to phenylephrine and UK-14,304 respectively. Noradrenaline was competitively blocked by prazosin only. In contrast, phenylephrine and methoxamine-induced responses in the rabbit saphenous vein were insensitive to prazosin and corynanthine. Rauwolscine competitively blocked responses to UK-14,304, noradrenaline and phenylephrine and pA2 values were similar against each agonist. Noradrenaline and UK-14,304 were equipotent agonists on the rabbit saphenous vein while in the dog vein noradrenaline has a lower potency than UK-14,304. These results suggest that the dog saphenous vein has a mixed population of alpha adrenoceptors, while the alpha adrenoceptors on the rabbit vein are homogeneous, with characteristics of the alpha 2 subtype.

Investigations into the nature of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in rat tail arteries

In rat isolated perfused tail arteries, dose-response curves were established for the vasopressor effects of phenylephrine (alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist), clonidine (alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist), clonidine in the presence of 10(-7) mol/l prazosin (alpha 2-agonist), and BHT-920 (alpha 2-agonist). The ED50 values were: phenylephrine 1.85 X 10(-10) mol; clonidine 6.3 X 10(-10) mol; clonidine + prazosin 3.2 X 10(-6) mol; BHT-920 6.1 X 10(-6) mol. The arterial reactivity to BHT-920 was stable only after 4-5 h of perfusion. Responses to BHT-920 were not antagonized by yohimbine (alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist) but were antagonized by low concentrations of prazosin (alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist). These data constitute conflicting evidence regarding the existence of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in rat tail arteries. The data are consistent with the proposal that there are two recognition sites on alpha 1-adrenoceptors; phenylephrine and BHT-920 may stimulate different sites on alpha 1-adrenoceptors.