Evaluation of the serotonin receptor blockers ketanserin and methiothepin on the pulmonary hypertensive responses of broilers to intravenously infused serotonin

Methiothepin mesylate causes apoptosis of human prostate cancer cells by mediating oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction

Prostate cancer is difficult to treat if it metastasizes to other organs. The development of prostate cancer independent of androgen is closely related to the action of neuroendocrine products. Serotonin promotes cell growth in various cancers, and antagonists for serotonin receptors are known to inhibit proliferation and induce cell death in various carcinomas. However, little is known about how antagonists for serotonin receptor function in prostate cancer. We verified apoptotic cell death in prostate cancer cell lines after treatment with methiothepin mesylate (MET), an antagonist for serotonin receptor 5-HT₁. MET induced hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ overload. Moreover, MET induced changes in the expression of proteins associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, and mitochondrial membrane potential. MET also promoted phosphorylation of JNK, which induced cell death mediated by oxidant production, as evidenced by the JNK inhibitor and oxidant scavenger. Finally, MET has the potential to prevent metastasis by inhibiting the migration of prostate cancer cells. Thus, we show that MET is a potentially novel anticancer agent that can suppress the development of prostate cancer caused by neuroendocrine differentiation.

Ketanserin, a serotonin 2A receptor antagonist, alleviates ischemia-related biliary fibrosis following donation after cardiac death liver transplantation in rats

Biliary fibrosis is a major complication after donation after cardiac death (DCD) liver transplantation. In this process, the roles of serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] and the 5-HT2A receptor subtype are still unknown. In this study, we analyzed markers of portal fibroblast (PF)/myofibroblast (MF) transdifferentiation such as transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), phosphorylated smad2/3, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and collagen III in a primary culture system of PFs after the administration of 5-HT or 5-HT plus ketanserin (a selective 5-HT2A receptor antagonist). A rat DCD transplant model was established with 30 minutes of warm ischemia and 4 hours of cold ischemia during organ procurement. Recipients were intraperitoneally injected with ketanserin (1 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) or normal saline. Grafts without in situ warm ischemia instead of minimal cold storage (30 minutes) served as controls. The serum biochemistry, the liver contents of 5-HT and hydroxyproline (HYP), and the expression of fibrosis-related genes (including TGF-β1, matrix metalloproteinase 2, procollagen α1, and α-SMA messenger RNA) were determined. The extent of biliary fibrosis was also assessed histopathologically. The results indicated that ketanserin inhibited 5-HT-activated TGF-β1-smad2/3 signaling in vitro and thereby depressed the MF conversion of PFs. Rats receiving DCD livers showed increased liver contents of 5-HT and HYP, impaired biliary function, up-regulation of fibrosis-related genes, and aggravated biliary fibrosis. However, these phenomena were alleviated by treatment with ketanserin. We concluded that the profibrotic activity of 5-HT occurred through the activation of TGF-β1 signaling and the 5-HT2A receptor. Thus, these data suggest that the 5-HT2A receptor may be a potential therapeutic target for ischemia-related biliary fibrosis after DCD liver transplantation.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (ascites syndrome) in broilers: a review

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) syndrome in broilers (also known as ascites syndrome and pulmonary hypertension syndrome) can be attributed to imbalances between cardiac output and the anatomical capacity of the pulmonary vasculature to accommodate ever-increasing rates of blood flow, as well as to an inappropriately elevated tone (degree of constriction) maintained by the pulmonary arterioles. Comparisons of PAH-susceptible and PAH-resistant broilers do not consistently reveal differences in cardiac output, but PAH-susceptible broilers consistently have higher pulmonary arterial pressures and pulmonary vascular resistances compared with PAH-resistant broilers. Efforts clarify the causes of excessive pulmonary vascular resistance have focused on evaluating the roles of chemical mediators of vasoconstriction and vasodilation, as well as on pathological (structural) changes occurring within the pulmonary arterioles (e.g., vascular remodeling and pathology) during the pathogenesis of PAH. The objectives of this review are to (1) summarize the pathophysiological progression initiated by the onset of pulmonary hypertension and culminating in terminal ascites; (2) review recent information regarding the factors contributing to excessively elevated resistance to blood flow through the lungs; (3) assess the role of the immune system during the pathogenesis of PAH; and (4) present new insights into the genetic basis of PAH. The cumulative evidence attributes the elevated pulmonary vascular resistance in PAH-susceptible broilers to an anatomically inadequate pulmonary vascular capacity, to excessive vascular tone reflecting the dominance of pulmonary vasoconstrictors over vasodilators, and to vascular pathology elicited by excessive hemodynamic stress. Emerging evidence also demonstrates that the pathogenesis of PAH includes characteristics of an inflammatory/autoimmune disease involving multifactorial genetic, environmental, and immune system components. Pulmonary arterial hypertension susceptibility appears to be multigenic and may be manifested in aberrant stress sensitivity, function, and regulation of pulmonary vascular tissue components, as well as aberrant activities of innate and adaptive immune system components. Major genetic influences and high heritabilities for PAH susceptibility have been demonstrated by numerous investigators. Selection pressures rigorously focused to challenge the pulmonary vascular capacity readily expose the genetic basis for spontaneous PAH in broilers. Chromosomal mapping continues to identify regions associated with ascites susceptibility, and candidate genes have been identified. Ongoing immunological and genomic investigations are likely to continue generating important new knowledge regarding the fundamental biological bases for the PAH/ascites syndrome.

Intrapulmonary arteries respond to serotonin and adenosine triphosphate in broiler chickens susceptible to idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

This study examined factors contributing to increased vascular resistance and plexiform lesion formation in broiler chickens susceptible to idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). A diet supplemented with excess tryptophan (high-Trp diet), the precursor for serotonin, was used to accelerate the development of IPAH. Broilers fed the high-Trp diet had higher pulmonary arterial pressures than broilers fed the control diet, and plexiform lesion incidences tended to be higher (P = 0.11) in the high-Trp group than in the control group at 30 d of age. The intrapulmonary arteries were assessed for vasoconstriction in response to serotonin and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and for activities of key metabolic enzymes for serotonin and ATP. The pulmonary artery (defined as the first major branch of the pulmonary artery inside the lung) and the primary pulmonary arterial rami (defined as the second major branch of the pulmonary artery inside the lung) both exhibited vasoconstriction in response to serotonin and ATP. This is the first study to demonstrate purinergic-mediated vasoconstriction in intrapulmonary arteries from broilers. Arteriole responsiveness did not differ between broilers fed the control diet or the high-Trp diet. Therefore, the high-Trp diet enhanced the development of IPAH but did not affect the artery's sensitivity to serotonin or ATP. Monoamine oxidase activity, responsible for the breakdown of serotonin, was severely impaired in pulmonary arteries from broilers in the high-Trp group. Accordingly, serotonin may persist longer and elicit an amplified response in broilers fed the high-Trp diet.

Characterization of 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contraction and acetylcholine-induced relaxation in isolated chicken basilar artery

The aim of the present study was to clarify the responsiveness of the chicken basilar artery to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and acetylcholine (ACh) and to characterize the related receptor subtypes in vitro. Basilar arteries were obtained from freshly slaughtered broiler chickens. The 5-HT induced concentration-dependent contraction of the arteries. The concentration-response curves for 5-HT were shifted 30-fold to the right by methiothepin (a 5-HT(1) and 5-HT(2) receptor antagonist) and 3-fold to the right by ketanserin (a 5-HT(2) receptor antagonist). In the presence of ketanserin, the concentration-response curve for 5-HT was shifted 10-fold to the right by methiothepin. The pA(2) value for methiothepin was 8.26. The ACh induced concentration-dependent relaxation under conditions of precontraction by 5-HT. The concentration-response curve for ACh was shifted to the right by atropine [a nonselective muscarinic (M) receptor antagonist] and hexahydro-sila-difenidol hydrochloride, a p-fluoroanalog (pFHHSiD, an M(3) receptor antagonist), but not by pirenzepine (an M(1) receptor antagonist) or methoctramine (an M(2) receptor antagonist). The pA(2) value for pFHHSiD was 7.55. Nω-Nitro-l-arginine (a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) inhibited ACh-induced relaxation by approximately 50%. These results suggest that 5-HT induces contraction via activation of 5-HT(1) and 5-HT(2) receptors and that ACh induces relaxation via activation of the M(3) receptor. The 5-HT(1) receptor might play a dominant role in 5-HT-induced contraction. One of the factors involved in ACh-induced relaxation is probably nitric oxide released from endothelial cells.

Plexiform lesions in the lungs of domestic fowl selected for susceptibility to pulmonary arterial hypertension: incidence and histology

Plexiform lesions develop in the pulmonary arteries of humans suffering from idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Plexogenic arteriopathy rarely develops in existing animal models of IPAH. In this study, plexiform lesions developed in the lungs of rapidly growing meat-type chickens (broiler chickens) that had been genetically selected for susceptibility to IPAH. Plexiform lesions developed spontaneously in: 42% of females and 40% of males; 35% of right lungs, and 45% of left lungs; and, at 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 52 weeks of age the plexiform lesion incidences averaged 52%, 50%, 51%, 40%, 36%, and 22%, respectively. Plexiform lesions formed distal to branch points in muscular interparabronchial pulmonary arteries exhibiting intimal proliferation. Perivascular mononuclear cell infiltrates consistently surrounded the affected arteries. Proliferating intimal cells fully or partially occluded the arterial lumen adjacent to plexiform lesions. Broilers reared in clean stainless steel cages exhibited a 50% lesion incidence that did not differ from the 64% incidence in flock mates grown on dusty floor litter. Microparticles (30 μm diameter) were injected to determine if physical occlusion and focal inflammation within distal pulmonary arteries might initiate plexiform lesion development. Three months postinjection no plexiform lesions were observed in the vicinity of persisting microparticles. Broiler chickens selected for innate susceptibility to IPAH represent a new animal model for investigating the mechanisms responsible for spontaneous plexogenic arteriopathy.

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: an avian model for plexogenic arteriopathy and serotonergic vasoconstriction

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a disease of unknown cause that is characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance attributable to vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling of small pulmonary arteries. Vascular remodeling includes hypertrophy and hyperplasia of smooth muscle (medial hypertrophy) accompanied in up to 80% of the cases by the formation of occlusive plexiform lesions (plexogenic arteriopathy). Patients tend to be unresponsive to vasodilator therapy and have a poor prognosis for survival when plexogenic arteriopathy progressively obstructs their pulmonary arteries. Research is needed to understand and treat plexogenic arteriopathy, but advances have been hindered by the absence of spontaneously developing lesions in existing laboratory animal models. Young domestic fowl bred for meat production (broiler chickens, broilers) spontaneously develop IPAH accompanied by semi-occlusive endothelial proliferation that progresses into fully developed plexiform lesions. Plexiform lesions develop in both female and male broilers, and lesion incidences (lung sections with lesions/lung sections examined) averaged approximately 40% in 8 to 52 week old birds. Plexiform lesions formed distal to branch points in muscular interparabronchial pulmonary arteries, and were associated with perivascular mononuclear cell infiltrates. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a potent vasoconstrictor and mitogen known to stimulate vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cell proliferation. Serotonin has been directly linked to the pathogenesis of IPAH in humans, including IPAH linked to serotonergic anorexigens that trigger the formation of plexiform lesions indistinguishable from those observed in primary IPAH triggered by other causes. Serotonin also plays a major role in the susceptibility of broilers to IPAH. This avian model of spontaneous IPAH constitutes a new animal model for biomedical research focused on the pathogenesis of IPAH and plexogenic arteriopathy.

Differential expression of vasoactive mediators in microparticle-challenged lungs of chickens that differ in susceptibility to pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS; ascites) in fast growing meat-type chickens (broilers) is characterized by the onset of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) leading to right-sided congestive heart failure and terminal ascites. Intravenous microparticle (MP) injection is a tool used by poultry geneticists to screen for the broilers that are resistant (RES) or susceptible (SUS) to IPAH in a breeding population. MPs occlude pulmonary arterioles and initiate focal inflammation, causing local tissues and responding leukocytes to release vasoactive mediators such as serotonin (5-HT), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and nitric oxide (NO). RT-PCR was used to examine the differences between RES and SUS broilers in terms of gene expression of ET-1, ET receptor types A and B (ET(A) and ET(B)), the serotonin transporter (SERT), serotonin receptors (5-HT(1A), 5-HT(2A), 5-HT(1B), 5-HT(2B)), endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), and inducible NOS (iNOS) in the lungs of these broilers before (0 h) and after (2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h) MP injection. In SUS broilers MP injection elicited higher (P < 0.05) pulmonary expression of 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(2B), and ET-1, which promote vasoconstriction and proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMC). In RES broilers the MP injection elicited higher expression of eNOS, iNOS, and ET(B), which promote vasodilation and inhibit PASMC proliferation. These observations support the hypothesis that the resistance of broiler chickens to IPAH may be due to the higher expression of vasoactive mediators that favor enhanced vasodilation and attenuated vasoconstriction during MP injection challenges to the pulmonary vasculature.

Broiler pulmonary hypertensive responses during lipopolysaccharide-induced tolerance and cyclooxygenase inhibition

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) triggers pulmonary hypertension (PH) characterized by an increase in pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) that reaches a peak value within 20 to 25 min and then gradually subsides within 60 min. As the PAP subsides PH cannot be reinitiated, signifying the onset of a period of tolerance (refractoriness) to repeated LPS exposure. The present study was conducted to determine the duration of this tolerance, and to evaluate key mediators thought to contribute to LPS-mediated PH in broilers. Tolerance was shown to persist for 4 to 5 d after the initial exposure to LPS. In tolerant broilers supramaximal i.v. injections of LPS did not reinitiate PH, nor was a significant modulatory role for nitric oxide demonstrated. The pulmonary vasculature of tolerant broilers remains responsive to the thromboxane A(2) (TxA(2)) mimetic U44069, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin), and constitutive nitric oxide. Meclofenamate successfully blocked the conversion of arachidonic acid to vasoconstrictive eicosanoids such as TxA(2); nevertheless, meclofenamate failed to inhibit PH in response to LPS. Therefore, TxA(2) does not appear to be the primary vasoconstrictor involved in the PH response to LPS and neither does 5-HT. Broilers emerging from tolerance 5 d after the initial exposure to LPS exhibited interindividual variation in their PH responsiveness to a second LPS injection, ranging from zero response (individuals that remain fully tolerant) to large increases in PAP (post-tolerant individuals). Tolerance might be an important compensatory or protective mechanism for broilers whose pulmonary vascular capacity is marginally adequate under optimal conditions, and whose respiratory systems are chronically challenged with LPS in commercial production facilities. The key vasoconstrictors responsible for the PH elicited by LPS remain to be determined.

Analysis of plasma serotonin levels and hemodynamic responses following chronic serotonin infusion in broilers challenged with bacterial lipopolysaccharide and microparticles

There has been extensive interest in the role of serotonin (5-hydoxytryptamine, 5-HT) in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension because episodes of pulmonary arterial hypertension in humans have been linked to serotoninergic appetite-suppressant drugs. In this study, we investigated the role of serotonin in the development of pulmonary hypertension induced by intravenously injecting bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) and cellulose microparticles. In experiment 1, we used a 5-HT ELISA kit for the in vitro quantitative determination of 5-HT in plasma during the development of pulmonary hypertension induced by injecting LPS and cellulose microparticles i.v. in broilers. In experiment 2, broilers were either chronically infused with 5-HT via surgically implanted osmotic pumps or received sham surgery as a control. After a period of 10 d, the pulmonary arterial pressure was recorded during challenge with injected LPS or microparticles. Microparticles elicited 5-HT plasma levels more than 2-fold greater than those elicited by LPS from 15 to 45 min postinjection. This indicates that 5-HT is an important mediator in the pulmonary hypertensive response of broilers to microparticles, but may not play a prominent role in the pulmonary hypertensive response to LPS. Furthermore, chronic 5-HT infusion via osmotic pumps caused an increase in the duration of the pulmonary hypertensive response of broilers to microparticles, indicating that the infused 5-HT was sequestered by circulating thrombocytes and then released upon microparticle-mediated thrombocyte activation. Serotonin appears to play a less prominent role in the pulmonary hypertensive response of broilers to LPS, indicating that other mediators within the innate response to inflammatory stimuli may also be involved. These results are consistent with our hypothesis that pulmonary arterial hypertension ensues when vasoconstrictors such as 5-HT overwhelm the dilatory affects of vasodilators such as nitric oxide, thereby effectively reducing the pulmonary vascular capacity of pulmonary arterial hypertension-susceptible broilers.

Vasomotor effects of noradrenaline, acetylcholine, histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and bradykinin on snake (Trimeresurus flavoviridis) basilar arteries

We investigated the responsiveness of basilar arterial rings isolated from snakes to noradrenaline (NA), acetylcholine (ACh), histamine (His), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), mammalian bradykinin (BK) and rattlesnake BK. We also examined whether endothelial cells were involved in the responsiveness to ACh, BK, rattlesnake BK and in their resting vascular tone. NA and 5-HT induced concentration-dependent contractions. The cumulative concentration response curves of NA and 5-HT were shifted to the right in parallel by phentolamine (an alpha antagonist) and methiothepin (a 5-HT(1) and 5-HT(2) antagonist), respectively. However, ketanserin (a 5-HT(2) antagonist) had no effect on the cumulative concentration response curve of 5-HT. His, ACh, BK and rattlesnake BK had no effect on resting vascular tone; however, rattlesnake BK and sodium nitroprusside relaxed arteries precontracted by 5-HT. The rattlesnake BK-induced relaxations were almost abolished by L-nitro arginine (L-NA, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor). L-NA and indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor) had no effect on resting vascular tone or on precontracted arteries. These results suggest that alpha and 5-HT(1) receptor subtypes might be important in arterial contraction. Endothelial cells might play an important role in the responsiveness of snake basilar arteries to rattlesnake BK, but they might not be involved in the responsiveness to ACh, BK and in resting vascular tone.

An inadequate pulmonary vascular capacity and susceptibility to pulmonary arterial hypertension in broilers

Broilers are susceptible to pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS; ascites syndrome) when their pulmonary vascular capacity is anatomically or functionally inadequate to accommodate the requisite cardiac output without an excessive elevation in pulmonary arterial pressure. The consequences of an inadequate pulmonary vascular capacity have been demonstrated experimentally and include elevated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) attributable to noncompliant, fully engorged vascular channels; sustained pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); systemic hypoxemia and hypercapnia; specific right ventricular hypertrophy, and right atrioventricular valve failure (regurgitation), leading to central venous hypertension and hepatic cirrhosis. Pulmonary vascular capacity is broadly defined to encompass anatomical constraints related to the compliance and effective volume of blood vessels, as well as functional limitations related to the tone (degree of constriction) maintained by the primary resistance vessels (arterioles) within the lungs. Surgical occlusion of 1 pulmonary artery halves the anatomical pulmonary vascular capacity, doubles the PVR, triggers PAH, eliminates PHS-susceptible broilers, and reveals PHS-resistant survivors whose lungs are innately capable of handling sustained increases in pulmonary arterial pressure and cardiac output. We currently are using i.v. microparticle injections to increase the PVR and trigger PAH sufficient in magnitude to eliminate PHS-susceptible individuals while allowing PHS-resistant individuals to survive as progenitors of robust broiler lines. The microparticles obstruct pulmonary arterioles and cause local tissues and responding leukocytes to release vasoactive substances, including the vasodilator NO and the highly effective vasoconstrictors thromboxane A(2) and serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)]. Nitric oxide is the principal vasodilator responsible for modulating (attenuating) the PAH response and ensuing mortality triggered by i.v. microparticle injections, whereas microparticle-induced increases in PVR can be attributed principally to 5-HT. Our observations support the hypothesis that susceptibility to PHS is a consequence of anatomically inadequate pulmonary vascular capacity combined with the functional predominance of the vasoconstrictor 5-HT over the vasodilator NO. The contribution of TxA(2) remains to be determined. Selecting broiler lines for resistance to PHS depends upon improving both anatomical and functional components of pulmonary vascular capacity.

Evaluation of the serotonin receptor blocker methiothepin in broilers injected intravenously with lipopolysaccharide and microparticles

There has been considerable interest in the role of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension due to episodes of primary pulmonary hypertension in humans linked to serotoninergic appetite-suppressant drugs. In this study, we investigated the effect of 5-HT on the development of pulmonary hypertension induced by injecting bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS; endotoxin) and cellulose microparticles intravenously, using the nonselective 5-HT(1/2)receptor, antagonist methiothepin. In Experiment 1, broilers selected for ascites susceptibility or resistance under conditions of hypobaric hypoxia were treated with methiothepin or saline, followed by injection of LPS, while recording pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP). In Experiment 2 ascites-susceptible broilers were treated with methiothepin or saline, followed by injection of cellulose microparticles, while recording PAP. In Experiment 3, an i.v. microparticle injection dose shown to cause 50% mortality was injected into ascites-susceptible and ascites-resistant broilers after methiothepin or saline treatment. Injecting methiothepin reduced PAP below baseline values in ascites-susceptible and ascites-resistant broilers, suggesting a role for 5-HT in maintaining the basal tone of the pulmonary vasculature in broilers. Injecting microparticles into the wing vein had no affect on the PAP in the broilers treated with methiothepin, suggesting that 5-HT is an important mediator in the pulmonary hypertensive response of broilers to microparticles. Furthermore, injecting an 50% lethal dose of microparticles into ascites-susceptible and ascites-resistant broilers pretreated with methiothepin resulted in reduced mortality. Serotonin appears to play a less prominent role in the pulmonary hypertensive response of broilers to intravenously injected LPS, indicating that other mediators within the innate response to inflammatory stimuli may also be involved. These results are consistent with our hypothesis that pulmonary hypertension syndrome ensues when vasoconstrictors, such as 5-HT, overwhelm the dilatory effects of vasodilators, such as NO, thereby effectively reducing the pulmonary vascular capacity of pulmonary hypertension syndrome-susceptible broilers.