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Cheng Y, Chu Y, Su X, Zhang K, Zhang Y, Wang Z, Xiao W, Zhao L, Chen X. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling to study the anti-dysmenorrhea effect of Guizhi Fuling capsule on primary dysmenorrhea rats. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 48:141-151. [PMID: 30195872 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2018.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) is one of the most common gynaecological disorders among women, which seriously affects women's life quality due to its high incidence rate. Guizhi Fuling capsule (GZFLC), a well-known traditional Chinese medical prescription, has been widely used to treat gynecological blood stasis syndromes such as PDM. However, its mechanisms of action and combination were still unknown. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to develop a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model to assess time-concentration-effect relationships for anti-dysmenorrhea effect of GZFLC and provide better understanding for mechanisms of action and combination of GZFLC. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS The PDM rats model was induced by oxytocin exposure following estradiol benzoate pretreatment. Gallic acid (GA), amygdalin (AMY), albiflorin (ALB), prunasin (PA) and cinnamic acid (CA) were evaluated as bioactive ingredients for investigating PK processes. GA, AMY, ALB and PA exhibited appropriate PK parameters and were selected as the PK markers to map the anti-dysmenorrhea effect of GZFLC. A PK-PD model was established on the basis of GA, AMY, ALB and PA plasma concentrations vs. the values of two ratios (PGE2/PGF2α and 6-Keto-PGF1α/TXB2), by a two-compartment PK model with a simple Emax model to explain the time delay between the drug plasma concentrations of PK markers and the anti-dysmenorrhea effect. RESULTS The PDM rat model has been successfully established. Compared with the normal treated group, the bioactive ingredients in PDM treated group exhibited significant changing trends of PK behaviors, such as better absorption and distribution, slower elimination and delays in reaching the maximum concentration (Tmax). The analysis of PK-PD parameters indicated that the active metabolites and prototypes of bioactive ingredients in GZFLC were inclined to regulate the activity of prostacyclin synthetase and thromboxane synthetase to control the production of TXA2 and PGI2 so as to treat PDM. As the main effective medicinal materials for the treatment of PDM in GZFLC prescription Persicae Semen, Moutan Cortex and Paeonia lactiflora Pall, Persicae Semen played the most important role, while the role of Paeonia lactiflora Pall was the weakest. CONCLUSION The PK-PD model results provided scientific basis for clarifying compatibility mechanisms of GZFLC prescription and a better understanding for biosynthetic mechanisms of four prostaglandins (PGE2, PGF2α, 6-Keto-PGF1α and TXB2) in the treatment of PDM by GZFLC. Investigations on the relationship between the effects and the bioactive ingredients are of benefit to explore the mechanisms of action and combination for traditional Chinese medical prescriptions (TCP) and facilitate the development of future clinical applications of TCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yezhe Cheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yanjie Chu
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xitong Su
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Kexia Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zhenzhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of New-tech For Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutic Process, Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 58 Haichang Road, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222001, PR China
| | - Wei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of New-tech For Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutic Process, Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 58 Haichang Road, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222001, PR China
| | - Longshan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
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Lipina C, Hundal HS. The endocannabinoid system: 'NO' longer anonymous in the control of nitrergic signalling? J Mol Cell Biol 2017; 9:91-103. [PMID: 28130308 PMCID: PMC5439392 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjx008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a key cellular signalling system that has been implicated in the regulation of diverse cellular functions. Importantly, growing evidence suggests that the biological actions of the ECS may, in part, be mediated through its ability to regulate the production and/or release of nitric oxide, a ubiquitous bioactive molecule, which functions as a versatile signalling intermediate. Herein, we review and discuss evidence pertaining to ECS-mediated regulation of nitric oxide production, as well as the involvement of reactive nitrogen species in regulating ECS-induced signal transduction by highlighting emerging work supporting nitrergic modulation of ECS function. Importantly, the studies outlined reveal that interactions between the ECS and nitrergic signalling systems can be both stimulatory and inhibitory in nature, depending on cellular context. Moreover, such crosstalk may act to maintain proper cell function, whereas abnormalities in either system can undermine cellular homoeostasis and contribute to various pathologies associated with their dysregulation. Consequently, future studies targeting these signalling systems may provide new insights into the potential role of the ECS–nitric oxide signalling axis in disease development and/or lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of nitrosative stress-related neurological, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Lipina
- Division of Cell Signalling and Immunology, Sir James Black Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DundeeDD1 5EH, UK
| | - Harinder S Hundal
- Division of Cell Signalling and Immunology, Sir James Black Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DundeeDD1 5EH, UK
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YANG L, CHAI CZ, YUE XY, YAN Y, KOU JP, CAO ZY, YU BY. Ge-Gen Decoction attenuates oxytocin-induced uterine contraction and writhing response: potential application in primary dysmenorrhea therapy. Chin J Nat Med 2016; 14:124-132. [DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(16)60005-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Abstract
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common gynecological disorder. Hitherto, animal models
which recapitulate clinical features of PD have not been fully established. We aimed to
examine whether a pain model in mice could mimic the clinic features of PD. After
pretreated with estradiol benzoate (1 mg/kg/day) intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 3
consecutive days, non-pregnant female Imprinting Control Region mice (6–8 weeks old) was
injected with 0.4 U of oxytocin to induce the stretching or writhing response which was
recorded for a time period of 30 min. During the writhing period, the uterine artery blood
flow alterations were examined by Doppler ultrasound detection. After writhing test, the
uterine morphological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining
histopathology. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to measure the
levels of prostaglandins F2α/prostaglandins E2
(PGF2α/PGE2) and TXB2 (a metabolite of
TXA2)/6-keto-PGF1α (a metabolite of PGI2) in the
uterine tissue homogenates and plasma, respectively. Western blot analyses were performed
to determine the expressions of oxytocin receptor (OTR), beta2-adrenergic receptor
(beta2-AR), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in uterine, which are responsible for the uterine
contraction. The writhing response only occurred in the estrogen pretreated female mice.
The area of uterine myometrium significantly decreased along with the increased thickness
in the oxytocin-induced estrogen pretreated mice model. The uterine artery blood flow
velocity dropped, while the pulsatility index and resistance index slightly increased
after the injection of oxytocin. The PGF2α/PGE2 level significantly
increased and the plasma TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α level significantly
enhanced. Compared with the control group, the uterine histopathology demonstrated
moderate to severe edema of endometrium lamina propria. In consistent with the uterine
morphological changes, a significant reduction of beta2-AR and a significant increase of
OTR and COX-2 in the uterine tissue were observed. The writhing response was caused by the
abnormal contraction of uterus. The uterine spasm and ischemia changes of oxytocin-induced
estrogen pretreated female mice model were similar to the pathology of human PD. We
reported an in vivo mice model, which can be used to study PD and for
clinical therapeutic evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yang
- Department of Complex Prescription of TCM, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R.China
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Kong L, Wei Q, Fedail JS, Shi F, Nagaoka K, Watanabe G. Effects of thyroid hormones on the antioxidative status in the uterus of young adult rats. J Reprod Dev 2015; 61:219-27. [PMID: 25797533 PMCID: PMC4495068 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2014-129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid hormones and oxidative stress play significant roles in the normal functioning of the female reproductive system. Nitric oxide (NO), a free radical synthesized by nitric oxide synthases (NOS), participates in the regulation of thyroid function and is also a good biomarker for assessment of the oxidative stress status. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate effects of thyroid hormones on uterine antioxidative status in young adult rats. Thirty immature female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, hypothyroid (hypo-T) and hyperthyroid (hyper-T). The results showed the body weights decreased significantly in both the hypo-T and hyper-T groups and that uterine weights were decreased significantly in the hypo-T group. The serum concentrations of total triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), as well as estradiol (E2), were significantly decreased in the hypo-T group, but increased in the hyper-T group. The progesterone
(P4) concentrations in the hypo- and hyperthyroid rats markedly decreased. Immunohistochemistry results provided evidence that thyroid hormone nuclear receptor α/β (TRα/β) and three NOS isoforms were located in different cell types of rat uteri. The NO content and total NOS and inducible NOS (iNOS) activities were markedly diminished in the hypo-T group but increased in the hyper-T group. Moreover, the activities of both glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) exhibited significant decreases and increases in the hypo-T and hyper-T groups, respectively. The malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in both the hypo-T and hyper-T groups showed a significant increase. Total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity in the hypo- and hyper-T rats markedly decreased. In conclusion, these results indicated that thyroid hormones have an important influence on the modulation of uterine antioxidative status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfa Kong
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
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Maiellaro M, Correa-Costa M, Vitoretti LB, Gimenes Júnior JA, Câmara NOS, Tavares-de-Lima W, Farsky SHP, Lino-dos-Santos-Franco A. Exposure to low doses of formaldehyde during pregnancy suppresses the development of allergic lung inflammation in offspring. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2014; 278:266-74. [PMID: 24844129 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Formaldehyde (FA) is an environmental and occupational pollutant, and its toxic effects on the immune system have been shown. Nevertheless, no data are available regarding the programming mechanisms after FA exposure and its repercussions for the immune systems of offspring. In this study, our objective was to investigate the effects of low-dose exposure of FA on pregnant rats and its repercussion for the development of allergic lung inflammation in offspring. Pregnant Wistar rats were assigned in 3 groups: P (rats exposed to FA (0.75 ppm, 1 h/day, 5 days/week, for 21 days)), C (rats exposed to vehicle of FA (distillated water)) and B (rats non-manipulated). After 30 days of age, the offspring was sensitised with ovalbumin (OVA)-alum and challenged with aerosolized OVA (1%, 15 min, 3 days). After 24 h the OVA challenge the parameters were evaluated. Our data showed that low-dose exposure to FA during pregnancy induced low birth weight and suppressed the development of allergic lung inflammation and tracheal hyperresponsiveness in offspring by mechanisms mediated by reduced anaphylactic antibodies synthesis, IL-6 and TNF-alpha secretion. Elevated levels of IL-10 were found. Any systemic alteration was detected in the exposed pregnant rats, although oxidative stress in the uterine environment was evident at the moment of the delivery based on elevated COX-1 expression and reduced cNOS and SOD-2 in the uterus. Therefore, we show the putative programming mechanisms induced by FA on the immune system for the first time and the mechanisms involved may be related to oxidative stress in the foetal microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marília Maiellaro
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Matheus Correa-Costa
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luana Beatriz Vitoretti
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Wothan Tavares-de-Lima
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra Helena Poliselli Farsky
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriana Lino-dos-Santos-Franco
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Li Y, Zhou X, Wei QW, Huang RH, Shi FX. Cell-specific expression and immunolocalization of nitric oxide synthase isoforms and soluble guanylyl cyclase α and β subunits in postnatal porcine uteri. Acta Histochem 2014; 116:466-73. [PMID: 24238988 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the cellular expression and immunolocalization of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms and soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) subunits in postnatal porcine uteri. Immunohistochemical experiments showed that three isoforms of NOS were mainly localized in the uterine luminal and glandular epithelium and myometrium, and the intensity of immunostaining for iNOS and eNOS was increased gradually with temporal development of the postnatal uterus. In addition, sGC subunits, sGCα1 and β, were present in the uterine luminal and glandular epithelium, myometrium and stromal cells. The uterine NOS activity data showed that the total NOS and iNOS activities were significantly increased at postnatal days 21 and 35. Although constitutive NOS activity was increased at postnatal day 21, it decreased subsequently at postnatal day 35. Immunoblot analysis revealed that iNOS protein expression was significantly increased at postnatal days 21 and 35. Furthermore, sGCα1 protein expression was not significantly changed throughout days 7 to 35. Collectively, our findings suggest that NO/cGMP signaling is involved in the process of postnatal porcine uterine development.
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Diverse roles of prostaglandins in blastocyst implantation. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:968141. [PMID: 24616654 PMCID: PMC3925584 DOI: 10.1155/2014/968141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandins (PGs), derivatives of arachidonic acid, play an indispensable role in embryo implantation. PGs have been reported to participate in the increase in vascular permeability, stromal decidualization, blastocyst growth and development, leukocyte recruitment, embryo transport, trophoblast invasion, and extracellular matrix remodeling during implantation. Deranged PGs syntheses and actions will result in implantation failure. This review summarizes up-to-date literatures on the role of PGs in blastocyst implantation which could provide a broad perspective to guide further research in this field.
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Formaldehyde inhalation reduces respiratory mechanics in a rat model with allergic lung inflammation by altering the nitric oxide/cyclooxygenase-derived products relationship. Food Chem Toxicol 2013; 59:731-8. [PMID: 23871789 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Revised: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Bronchial hyperresponsiveness is a hallmark of asthma and many factors modulate bronchoconstriction episodes. A potential correlation of formaldehyde (FA) inhalation and asthma has been observed; however, the exact role of FA remains controversial. We investigated the effects of FA inhalation on Ovalbumin (OVA) sensitisation using a parameter of respiratory mechanics. The involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclooxygenase-derived products were also evaluated. The rats were submitted, or not, to FA inhalation (1%, 90 min/day, 3 days) and were OVA-sensitised and challenged 14 days later. Our data showed that previous FA exposure in allergic rats reduced bronchial responsiveness, respiratory resistance (Rrs) and elastance (Ers) to methacholine. FA exposure in allergic rats also increased the iNOS gene expression and reduced COX-1. L-NAME treatment exacerbated the bronchial hyporesponsiveness and did not modify the Ers and Rrs, while Indomethacin partially reversed all of the parameters studied. The L-NAME and Indomethacin treatments reduced leukotriene B₄ levels while they increased thromboxane B₂ and prostaglandin E₂. In conclusion, FA exposure prior to OVA sensitisation reduces the respiratory mechanics and the interaction of NO and PGE₂ may be representing a compensatory mechanism in order to protect the lung from bronchoconstriction effects.
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Beltrame JS, Sordelli MS, Cella M, Perez Martinez S, Franchi AM, Ribeiro ML. Lysophosphatidic acid increases the production of pivotal mediators of decidualization and vascularization in the rat uterus. Placenta 2013; 34:751-6. [PMID: 23790320 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Revised: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The decidual reaction and the formation of new vessels in the uterus are two crucial processes during embryo implantation. Previously, we observed that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) increases cyclooxygenase-2 derived - prostaglandin E2 production during implantation in the rat uterus and that it augments the expression of decidualization (IGFBP-1) and vascularization (IL-10) markers. Both cyclooxygenase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) are known enzymes involved in these processes. Thus, we became interested in studying which factors contribute to LPA receptor-specific role during the decidual and the vascular reaction at implantation. METHODS We adopted a pharmacological approach in vitro incubating the uterus from rats on day 5 of gestation (day of implantation) with LPA, DGPP (a highly selective antagonist of LPA3, an LPA receptor) and cyclooxygenase and NOS selective and non-selective inhibitors. We determined NOS activity, prostaglandin E2 production and IGFBP-1 and IL-10 expression to evaluate decidualization and vascularization. RESULTS We observed that LPA augmented the activity of the inducible NOS isoform through LPA1/LPA3. Inducible NOS activity participated in the induction of cyclooxygenase-2/prostaglandin E2 increase stimulated by LPA. Also, cyclooxygenase-2 derived prostaglandins mediated LPA-stimulatory action on NOS activity. Both cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible NOS mediated LPA effect on IGFBP-1 and IL-10 expression. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the participation of LPA/LPA3 in the production of crucial molecules involved in vascularization and decidualization, two main processes that prepare the uterine milieu for embryo invasion during implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Beltrame
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Farmacología de la Reproducción, CEFYBO CONICET - UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Cyclooxygenase-2 prostaglandins mediate anandamide-inhibitory action on nitric oxide synthase activity in the receptive rat uterus. Eur J Pharmacol 2012; 685:174-9. [PMID: 22554772 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2012.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Revised: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Anandamide, an endocannabinoid, prostaglandins derived from cyclooxygenase-2 and nitric oxide synthesized by nitric oxide synthase (NOS), are relevant mediators of embryo implantation. We adopted a pharmacological approach to investigate if anandamide modulated NOS activity in the receptive rat uterus and if prostaglandins mediated this effect. As we were interested in studying the changes that occur at the maternal side of the fetal-maternal interface, we worked with uteri obtained from pseudopregnant rats. Females were sacrificed on day 5 of pseudopregnancy, the day in which implantation would occur, and the uterus was obtained. Anandamide (2 ng/kg, i.p.) inhibited NOS activity (P<0.001) and increased the levels of prostaglandin E(2) (P<0.001) and prostaglandin F(2α) (P<0.01). These effects were mediated via cannabinoid receptor type 2, as the pre-treatment with SR144528 (10 mg/kg, i.p.), a selective cannabinoid receptor type 2 antagonist, completely reverted anandamide effect on NOS activity and prostaglandin levels. The pre-treatment with a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin 2.5mg/kg, i.p.) or with selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (meloxicam 4 mg/kg, celecoxib 3mg/kg, i.p.) reverted anandamide inhibition on NOS, suggesting that prostaglandins are derived from cyclooxygenase-2 mediated anandamide effect. Thus, anandamide levels seemed to modulate NOS activity, fundamental for implantation, via cannabinoid receptor type 2 receptors, in the receptive uterus. This modulation depends on the production of cyclooxygenase-2 derivatives. These data establish cannabinoid receptors and cyclooxygenase enzymes as an interesting target for the treatment of implantation deficiencies.
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Cella M, Farina MG, Dominguez Rubio AP, Di Girolamo G, Ribeiro ML, Franchi AM. Dual effect of nitric oxide on uterine prostaglandin synthesis in a murine model of preterm labour. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 161:844-55. [PMID: 20860663 PMCID: PMC2992899 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00911.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2009] [Revised: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Maternal infections are one of the main causes of adverse developmental outcomes including embryonic resorption and preterm labour. In this study a mouse model of inflammation-associated preterm delivery was developed, and used to study the relationship between nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins (PGs). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The murine model of preterm labour was achieved by assaying different doses of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Once established, it was used to analyse uterine levels of prostaglandins E(2) and F(2α) (by radioimmunoassay), cyclooxygenases (COX) and NOS proteins (by Western blot) and NO synthase (NOS) activity. Effects of inhibitors of COX and NOS on LPS-induced preterm labour were also studied. In vitro assays with a nitric oxide donor (SNAP) were performed to analyse the modulation of prostaglandin production by NO. KEY RESULTS Lipopolysaccharide increased uterine NO and PG synthesis and induced preterm delivery. Co-administration of meloxicam, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, or aminoguanidine, an inducible NOS inhibitor, prevented LPS-induced preterm delivery and blocked the increase in PGs and NO. Notably, the levels of NO were found to determine its effect on PG synthesis; low concentrations of NO reduced PG synthesis whereas high concentrations augmented them. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS An infection-associated model of preterm labour showed that preterm delivery can be prevented by decreasing PG or NO production. NO was found to have a dual effect on PG synthesis depending on its concentration. These data contribute to the understanding of the interaction between NO and PGs in pregnancy and parturition, and could help to improve neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cella
- Laboratory of Physiopathology of Pregnancy and Labor, Center for Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (National Research Council - School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Cella M, Leguizamón GF, Sordelli MS, Cervini M, Guadagnoli T, Ribeiro ML, Franchi AM, Farina MG. Dual effect of anandamide on rat placenta nitric oxide synthesis. Placenta 2008; 29:699-707. [PMID: 18561998 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2008] [Revised: 05/05/2008] [Accepted: 05/07/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Anandamide (AEA) has been reported to have pleiotropic effects on reproduction, but the mechanism by which it exerts these effects is unclear. The aim of this study is to characterize rat placental endocannabinoid system and to analyze the possible functional role of AEA in the regulation of NO levels in rat placenta during pregnancy. We found that cannabinoids receptors (CB1 and CB2), FAAH and TRPV1 were expressed in chorio-allantoic placenta. NOS activity peaked at day 13 and decreased with progression of pregnancy. Both exogenous and endogenous AEA significantly decreased NOS activity. Although pre-incubation with AM251 (CB1 antagonist) or AM630 (CB2 antagonist) had no effect, co-incubation with both antagonists induced NOS activity. Furthermore, pre-incubation with exogenous AEA and both antagonists resulted in the induction of placental NOS activity and this effect was reverted with capsazepine (selective TRPV1 antagonist). Additionally, the enhanced NO synthesis caused by capsaicin was abrogated by co-treatment with capsazepine, illustrating that NOS activity could be modulated by TRPV1. Finally, the inhibition of TRPV1 receptor by capsazepine caused a significant fall in NOS activity. These data support the concept that AEA modulates NO levels by two independent pathways: (1) diminishing the NOS activity via CBs; and (2) stimulating NO synthesis via TRPV1. We hypothesized that AEA have an important implication in the normal function of placental tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cella
- Laboratory of Physiopathology of Pregnancy and Labor - CEFYBO, School of Medicine, (National Research Council - University of Buenos Aires), Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Roca V, Larocca L, Calafat M, Aisemberg J, Meiss R, Franchi AM, Leirós CP. Reduced nitric oxide synthase and cyclo-oxygenase activity in the uterus of non-obese diabetic mice. Reproduction 2007; 132:931-8. [PMID: 17127753 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.01050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A functional interaction between progesterone, Th2 cytokines and a suitable balance between nitric oxide and prostaglandins in the uterus is considered to have a major role in the success of embryo implantation and pregnancy. Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice offer a suitable model to study the modulatory role of Th1 cytokines on uterus signalling and function, since at the prediabetic stage they develop a spontaneous Th1 autoimmune response against exocrine glands similar to Sjögren's syndrome. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a vasoactive neuro- and immunopeptide that promotes Th2 profiles and contributes to the smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the activities of nitric oxide synthase and cyclo-oxygenase and the effect of VIP in the uterus of NOD mice with an emerging Th1 cytokine response. We present evidence of a reduced basal and VIP-stimulated activity of both enzymes in the uterus of NOD mice compared with normal BALB/c mice in proestrus. An altered functional interaction between both enzymes is also present in NOD mice at the time when increased levels of serum interleukin (IL)-12 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha but not interferon (IFN)-gamma or IL-10 were detected. We conclude that signalling alterations in uteri of NOD mice are simultaneous to the onset of a systemic Th1 cytokine response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Roca
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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