Some pharmacodynamic properties of cellulose sulphate, a kininogen-depleting agent in the rat

Pharmacological investigation of oedema induced by venom from the wasp Polistes fuscatus

Subplantar injection of Polistes fuscatus venom induced dose-dependent rat hindpaw oedema. The oedema was significant in the first hour and reached maximum size in the fifth hour after injection of the venom (20-600 micrograms/paw). Low doses of the venom (20-80 micrograms/paw) produced oedema which disappeared within 48 hr after injection, while at doses of 300-600 micrograms/paw, oedema was present in excess of 48 hr. Pharmacological studies suggested that P. fuscatus venom-induced oedema probably has a mechanism which is multimediated. Pretreatment of rats with a combination of cyproheptadine (5 mg/kg)-captopril (2 mg/kg)-dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) inhibited the formation of oedema (maximal swelling) produced by the venom (300 micrograms/paw) by about 79% and improved the time to recovery. Paw swellings caused by 20 and 40 micrograms/paw venom were completely eliminated by the same doses of this drug combination. The kinins, autacoids (histamine and serotonin) and lipogenase derivatives are probably involved in the venom-induced oedema.

Edema-inducing activity of a lethal protein with phospholipase A1 activity isolated from the black-bellied hornet (Vespa basalis) venom

The lethal protein of the hornet (Vespa basalis) venom is a phospholipase A1 toxin (mol. wt approximately 32,000) with a potent hemolytic activity. Subplantar injection of the toxin caused a dose-dependent swelling in the rat hind paw. Its potency was higher than those of phospholipases A2 and cardiotoxin from cobra venoms. Hind-paw edema induced by the toxin was inhibited by antiserotonin drugs (cyproheptadine and methysergide), indomethacin and betamethasone. Antihistamine (chlorpheniramine) showed a relatively weak inhibition. Intradermal injection of the toxin into back skin of the rat also induced local edema which was inhibited by chlorpheniramine and methysergide. Rats pretreated with multiple doses of compound 48/80 showed a moderate decrease in the histamine and serotonin content of rat skin, and a slight decrease in paw edema induced by the toxin, while a single dose of reserpine markedly diminished the toxin-induced edema in association with depletion of serotonin in rat skin. The edema-inhibitory action of amine-depleting agents appeared to correlate with their potencies to deplete serotonin in the skin. It is suggested that serotonin, prostaglandin E2, and to a lesser extent of histamine are involved in producing the local effect of the toxin. However, serotonin released by the toxin appears to be the major factor mediating the toxin-induced edema in the rat.

The kinin released from high molecular weight-kininogen is responsible for inflammatory exudation in rats: detection of kinin-free-kininogen in the exudate by immunoblot analysis

Kinin release and its involvement in inflammatory exudation were assessed by immuno-blot analysis of the kinin-precursor protein, high molecular weight kininogen (HK). HK consists of heavy (H) chain, bradykinin and light (L) chain. After bradykinin was released by plasma kallikrein, HK remains two-chain-kinin-free form;, i.e., H-chain and L-chain link each other through a disulfide bond. By Western blot analysis using antibody recognizing the light chain of HK, a band of 110-kD mass, which corresponds to intact HK, was detected in plasma after SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions, while a 46-kD band, corresponding to the light chain of HK, but no 110-kD band, was found in the exudate of rats with carrageenin-induced pleurisy at 3 hr as well as at 16 h. This result indicates that in the exudate most all of the HK molecules had released kinin to form kinin-free-HK, whereas the HK in the plasma remained intact. On the contrary, low molecular weight kininogen (LK) in the exudate was mostly in its intact form. These results indicate that plasma kallikrein could be activated in the exudate to release kinin from HK, as it reacts exclusively with HK and not with LK, and they are also mostly consistent with the features of the kinin release from the exudate and the plasma. That is, no kinin was detected in the exudate when the latter was incubated with plasma kallikrein, whereas salivary kallikrein did release kinin, indicating that kinin had already been released from HK, but not from LK in the exudate. Immunoblot analysis of HK in the pleural exudate also demonstrated no kinin involvement in phorbol myristate acetate- or zymosan-induced pleurisy, since no light chain band, but an intact HK band, was found in the exudates from these pleurisies.

Inhibition of rat paw oedema and pleurisy by the extract from Mandevilla velutina

This study reports the oral anti-inflammatory profile of the crude extract (CE) of Mandevilla velutina, a plant which has been previously demonstrated to selectively antagonize bradykinin response of the isolated tissues on rat paw oedema and pleurisy caused by different phlogistic agents. The CE (50 to 200 mg/kg), given 60 min before, inhibited in a dose-dependent manner bradykinin (BK) and cellulose sulphate-induced paw oedema, maximal inhibition of 59% and 65%, respectively. In the same range dose the CE also significantly antagonized pleural exudate and cell infiltration caused by these substances, maximal inhibition of 34% and 46%, respectively. In addition, the CE (100 and 200 mg/kg) also inhibited paw oedema induced by serotonin, PAF-acether and zymosan, maximal inhibition of 55%, 38% and 46%, respectively, but enhanced histamine oedema. However, the CE revealed only partial or no inhibition in pleural exudate caused by these agents. The CE (100 and 200 mg/kg) also inhibited in a dose and time-dependent manner carrageenan-induced paw oedema with a maximal inhibition of 44%, but only partially affected carrageenan-induced pleural exudate. The CE also partially inhibited dextran oedema, but even at a higher dose (400 mg/kg) it failed to interfere with Bothrops Jaracaca-induced paw oedema. The CE inhibited BK and to a lesser extent cellulose sulphate-induced cell migration, but failed to interfere with the differential leukocyte migration in the pleural cavity. These findings provide evidence that the CE from M. velutina, besides antagonizing kinin action, exhibit an oral anti-oedematogenic activity against a variety of phologistic agents, but it was more effective in inhibiting those models where kinins are more involved.

Comparative effects of two potentiating peptides (KPP and BPP9a) on kinin-induced rat paw edema

We have previously shown that KPP, a kinin potentiating peptide generated by tryptic digestion of human plasma proteins potentiated kinin effects on isolated smooth muscle preparations like guinea-pig ileum with high potency and specificity. We also obtained evidence suggesting that, unlike other potentiating peptides, KPP exerts its effect by a mechanism different from the inhibition of kinin metabolism by angiotensin converting enzyme, neutral endopeptidase and kininase I. Here we show the potentiating effect of KPP and of BPP9a, a potentiator derived from snake venom, towards the rat paw edema induced by bradykinin (BK). Our results show that: a) KPP is 25-fold more active than BPP9a in potentiating rat paw edema elicited by BK: b) like BPP9a, KPP is specific in potentiating kinin-induced edema, being ineffective in potentiating edema induced by histamine or serotonin; and c) DesArg9-BK (DABK) elicits a small edematogenic response which can be potentiated by both KPP and BPP9a.

Local edema induced by the black-bellied hornet (Vespa basalis) venom and its components

The black-bellied hornet, Vespa basalis, is one of the most dangerous species of wasp in Taiwan. The hornet venom possesses a potent edema-inducing activity in addition to its lethal cardiovascular effect. Rat hind-paw edema induced by the venom was inhibited significantly by antiserotonin compounds (cyproheptadine and methysergide) but not by antihistaminics (chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine), betamethasone, cromolyn, indomethacin plus nordihydroguaiaretic acid, cellulose sulfate, aprotinin or captopril. However, chlorpheniramine or betamethasone, when given in combination with cyproheptadine, showed a significant further inhibition of the venom-induced edema. Pretreating the rat with compound 48/80 reduced the edematous response to the venom. Four venom components, i.e. the lethal protein, mastoparan B, fraction 3 (containing protease) and fraction 15 (containing serotonin) were involved in the edematous effect of the venom. Paw edema induced by the crude venom and its protein components (lethal protein, mastoparan B and fraction 3) was similar in their responses to antiserotonin compounds and antihistamine (inhibited by cyproheptadine and methysergide but not by chlorpheniramine), while that induced by fraction 15 was inhibited by both. It is postulated that upon hornet stings, fraction 15 is acting as an exogenous serotonin, while the protein components, especially the lethal protein, are responsible for the release of endogenous autacoids in which serotonin plays the most important role in inducing local edema.

Roles of mast cells and PMN leukocytes in cardiotoxin-induced rat paw edema

Cardiotoxin, isolated from the venom of Naja naja atra, was found to cause rat hind-paw edema in a dose-dependent manner. This edematous response was significantly suppressed by pretreatment with diphenhydramine, methysergide or compound 48/80, which reduced the tissue histamine content. Polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte infiltration appeared within 1 h and had accumulated markedly in the rat paw 3-6 h after subplantar injection of cardiotoxin. Methotrexate pretreatment significantly reduced not only the peripheral leukocyte count but also cardiotoxin-induced paw edema. Captopril, a kininase inhibitor, potentiated the edematous response caused by a low dose of cardiotoxin. The initial phase, occurring within 3 h, of paw edema induced by cardiotoxin was suppressed by trasylol, [Thi5,8,D-Phe7]bradykinin, or by cellulose sulfate pretreatment which greatly reduced plasma kininogen levels. Both mast cells and PMN leukocytes possess kinin-forming activities, but with different properties. The kinin-forming activity of mast cells but not of PMN leukocytes was inhibited by trasylol. In isolated mast cells, cardiotoxin caused a dose-dependent release of histamine, beta-glucuronidase, lactate dehydrogenase and kinin-forming activity. These observations suggest that mast cells and PMN leukocytes are involved in cardiotoxin-induced paw edema, and that inflammatory mediators such as histamine, serotonin and kinins were supplied directly or indirectly by mast cells, at least in the initial phase.

On the anti-inflammatory effect of sendai virus inoculation

Sendai virus given intravenously into CFLP mice produced dose-related suppression of the acute inflammation produced by carrageenan and 5-HT. The inhibition correlated with interferon levels in the blood, suggesting that interferon may account for the virus-induced anti-inflammatory effect.

Evidence for antithrombin III involvement in the anticoagulant activity of cellulose sulphate

1 Cellulose sulphate, like heparin, prolonged the clotting time in partial thromboplastin time (PTT) assays, inhibited the amidolytic activity of thrombin, was without effect on amidolysis catalysed by activated coagulation factor X(Xa), and potentiated the inhibition of both thrombin and Xa by antithrombin III (AT). 2 The anticoagulant activity of cellulose sulphate in PTT assays was, like that of heparin and heparin sulphate, but unlike that of dermatan sulphate, reduced by prior incubation of plasma with antiserum specific for AT. 3 These results, which suggest that the anticoagulant activity of cellulose sulphate is at least partially mediated through AT, are discussed in terms of the structural features of polysaccharides required for AT activation.

The role of kallikrein in leukocyte migration inhibition

Previous studies from this department have established the presence of leukocyte migration inhibition activity in acute nonimmune inflammatory rat pleural exudates, induced by different irritants, which involved coagulation phenomenon. In the present investigation we present evidence for a role of kallikrein in the leukocyte migration inhibition phenomenon exhibited by acute pleural exudate in rates depleted of kininogens by intravenous injection of cellulose sulfate.

Changes in plasma kininogen levels induced by cellulose sulphate during pregnancy in the rat

1 Cellulose sulphate (1 mg/kg) produced a 30-40% depletion of plasma kininogen in rats.2 The time course of repletion of kininogen in the plasma was compared in rats in the oestrous and dioestrous stages of the cycle and in 22 day pregnant animals. A partial repletion occurred, 3 h after the cellulose sulphate injection, which was followed by a secondary fall in plasma kininogen. Plasma kininogen values were back to control levels 10 h after the treatment in all groups.3 Treatment of rats from days 19-22 of pregnancy with cellulose sulphate resulted in 40% depletion of plasma kininogen and in prolongation of pre-parturition behaviour.4 It is suggested that the increase which normally occurs in plasma kininogen levels towards the end of pregnancy in the rat may play a role in the process of parturition.

Promotion of growth of tumour cells in acutely inflamed tissues

Acute inflammatory reactions were induced in rats by the intravenous injection of cellulose sulphate (CS) or an extract of normal rat lung homogenate (LH), or by intraperitoneal injections of Compound 48/80. These treatments greatly increased survival and clonogenic growth in the lungs of rats of intravenously injected allogeneic W-256 and Y-P388 tumour cells. Increase in the dose of intravenously injected CS caused a logarithmic increase in colony forming efficiency (CFE) of tumour cells in the lungs. CFE was not stimulated by the intravenous injection of rats with pharmacological mediators of inflammation (histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, bradykinin and prostaglandins PGE(1) and PGF(2α)) which are released from tissues by agents which induce inflammation. Stimulation of CFE by CS occurred in adrenalectomized rats but was inhibited by treatment of rats with an anti-inflammatory steroid, dexamethasone. CFE was stimulated by CS in tumour immunized rats; the inflammatory state did not prevent the expression of immunity but "rescued" a proportion (approximately 20%) of the injected tumour cells from immunodestruction in the lungs. A higher proportion of tumours grew in the paws of rats when a small number of W-256 cells were injected interdigitally into the acute inflammatory swellings produced by the local injection of paws with LH or CS.CS is a "synthetic heparin" which causes marked prolongation of blood clotting time and also increases fibrinolytic activity of the blood. Anticoagulant treatment of rats with heparin did not affect CFE. Thus, there was no direct correlation between blood clotting time and CFE of blood borne tumour cells in the rat.The mechanisms which may be responsible for the nonspecific growth promoting effects of inflammatory reactions induced by various types of tissue injury on tumour induction and growth are discussed.

Formation of a factor increasing vascular permeability during electrical stimulation of the saphenous nerve in rats

1 Increased vascular permeability following electric antidromic stimulation of the rat saphenous nerve was observed in the skin area supplied by the nerve, confirming previous results by other authors.2 The phenomenon was not affected by pretreatment of the rats with diphenhydramine, burimamide or their combination; atropine, methysergide, methysergide plus diphenhydramine, carboxypeptidase B, acetylsalicylic acid, indomethacin or methiazinic acid. It was partially reduced by previous injection of cellulose-sulphate, a kininogen-depleting agent.3 Perfusates from the subcutaneous tissue of the paw area supplied by the saphenous nerve contained permeability increasing activity as shown by intradermal tests in other rats. This activity was present in perfusates collected during nerve stimulation but not in those collected before stimulation. It was not destroyed by heating to 100 degrees C, or by alpha-chymotrypsin or trypsin.4 Bradykinin-like activity may appear later in the perfusates, depending on the intensity of the stimuli.5 It is concluded that following electrical antidromic stimulation of the saphenous nerve a permeability increasing factor is released, possibly from nerves. It is dialysable and can be distinguished from acetylcholine, histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, plasma kinins, substance P, prostaglandins and high molecular weight proteins. The increased vascular permeability induced by this factor leads to plasma exudation and activation of the kinin system.

Lowering of kininogen in rat blood by adrenaline and its inhibition by sympatholytic agents, heparin and aspirin

1 (-)-Adrenaline lowered the kininogen content and transitorily elevated the fibrinolytic activity of plasma following intravenous injection into the rat. Its effect on kininogen increased when administered by intravenous infusion.2 Although less effective, (-)-noradrenaline had a similar action to adrenaline; (+/-)-isoprenaline was inactive and failed to inhibit the effect of adrenaline.3 The effect of adrenaline on kininogen could be reproduced in vitro by incubation of whole blood, but not cell-free plasma, with the catecholamine for 5 min at 37 degrees C.4 Propranolol or phenoxybenzamine, as well as heparin or acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), blocked the reduction of rat blood kininogen by adrenaline in vivo and in vitro.

Fibrinolytic activity evoked in the plasma of the normal and adrenalectomized rat by cellulose sulphate

1. Cellulose sulphate, a kinin-releasing agent, produced fibrinolytic activity in plasma when administered intravenously to the rat but not when added to fresh rat plasma in vitro. The in vivo effect was maximal within 1 min and disappeared within 10-20 minutes. It was retained in plasma taken 1 min after the injection and kept at room temperature for 30 minutes.2. A decrease of anti-fibrinolytic potency measured against urokinase-activated bovine plasmin, was shown to occur in plasma of rats given cellulose sulphate.3. Activated rat plasma lysed heat-denatured fibrin: it probably contains free plasmin as well as plasminogen activator.4. Adrenalectomized rats did not exhibit fibrinolytic activity nor statistically significant benzoyl-arginine ethyl ester-esterase activation in plasma after cellulose sulphate treatment.5. Adrenalectomized rats had significantly increased levels of plasma kininogen, but were normally sensitive to the kininogen-depleting action of cellulose sulphate.6. The increased plasma kininogen of adrenalectomized rats seems to be a consequence of the impairment of the plasminogen activating mechanism.

Role of the adrenal gland in the leucocytosis caused by bradykinin or cellulose sulphate in the rat

Intravenous injections of bradykinin, cellulose sulphate (a kinin-releasing agent) or adrenaline cause rapid leucocytosis in the rat. The effect of the two former drugs is abolished by adrenalectomy, that of the latter is unaffected by this treatment. Bradykinin and agents capable of releasing it in plasma, may induce leucocytosis via adrenaline released from the adrenal gland.

In vivo effects of cellulose sulphate on plasma kininogen, complement and inflammation

1. The in vivo action of cellulose sulphate was studied in an attempt to clarify the role of complement and kinin formation in inflammation.2. Inflammatory oedema was produced in the rat paw by heat (45.5 degrees C), and on the ear by xylene. The oedema was assessed by comparing the ratio of fresh wet weight to dry weight of corresponding injured and non-injured parts.3. Following cellulose sulphate (6.5 mg/kg i.v.), plasma kininogen concentrations were promptly reduced by 90% or more. The reduction in complement titres was statistically significant and ranged from 17 to 65%. No toxic effects were observed. The oedema caused by heat or xylene was not reduced in these rats.4. Cellulose sulphate (80 mg/kg i.p.) given over 3 days depleted plasma kininogen by about 90%, but reduced complement titres only slightly. These rats gained less weight and their condition was poor. Blood clotting was impaired and widespread haemorrhages were found. Heat and xylene produced significantly less oedema than in control rats. This diminished response is attributed to toxic side effects of cellulose sulphate, rather than depleted plasma kininogen and reduced plasma complement.5. The results suggest that the inflammatory reactions to thermal and chemical injury can fully develop when plasma kininogen and complement are lowered.

Effect of cellulose sulphate on serum complement

Cellulose sulphate 50-600 mug/ml reduces complement titres in human serum. This effect is, in contrast to the clot-promoting and plasma kinin forming action of cellulose sulphate, not mediated by clotting factor XII.

Some pharmacodynamic properties of carrageenin in the rat

1. Carrageenin oedema is suppressed by pre-treating the rats with cellulose sulphate, a kininogen depleting agent. This inhibition is closely related to the dose of cellulose sulphate and to the time course of kininogen depletion.2. Oedema induced by egg white or by dextran, in which the mediators are histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine, is quite unaffected by cellulose sulphate treatment.3. Carrageenin injected intravenously lowers the arterial blood pressure of rats. This hypotensive effect is unaffected by histamine antagonists and is abolished by protease inhibitors and thus seems to be due to kinin release from plasma substrates.4. Like cellulose sulphate, carrageenin enhances the esterolytic activity of the blood from treated rats when incubated with benzoyl-arginine ethyl ester.5. The ability of carrageenin to activate the kinin-forming system could account for both its inflammatory and hypotensive effects.