Pharmacological differentiation of presynaptic inhibitory alpha-adrenoceptors and opiate receptors in the cat nictitating membrane

α2-Adrenoceptors in the treatment of major neuropsychiatric disorders

Presynaptic autoreceptors mediate a retrograde transfer of information by a negative feedback mechanism mediated by the transmitter of the neuron, and fulfill an autoregulatory function in neurotransmission in the peripheral and central nervous system (CNS). Starting with norepinephrine (NE), it was later reported that an autoreceptor-mediated negative feedback mechanism exists for other neurotransmitters, including dopamine (DA), serotonin, acetylcholine, histamine, GABA, and glutamate. This feedback mechanism regulates calcium-dependent transmitter release and synthesis through terminal presynaptic autoreceptors, while the firing rate of the neuron is regulated through somatodendritic autoreceptors.

Therapeutic use of release-modifying drugs

Presynaptic inhibitory or facilitatory autoreceptors are targets for the endogenous neurotransmitter of the respective neuron, and also for exogenous agonists, partial agonists and antagonists which can produce pharmacological actions through changes in transmitter release. In addition, presynaptic inhibitory or facilitatory heteroreceptors can also be acted upon by exogenous agonists, partial agonists or antagonists to induce changes in transmitter release with useful therapeutic effects. This article summarizes drugs that are known or likely to produce their therapeutic effects through presynaptic modulation of neurotransmitter release. Included are drugs acting on alpha and beta adrenoceptors, dopamine receptors, angiotensin, opioid, cannabinoid, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Also discussed are changes in presynaptic receptor mechanisms produced by drugs that inhibit transmitter re-uptake.

Opioid peptide response to spinal cord stimulation in chronic critical limb ischemia

Twelve patients with chronic critical limb ischemia in whom a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system had been implanted for at least one year had increased microvascular flow and achieved healing of trophic acral lesions. After switching off the system, the clinical improvement persisted for 10 days and the neurohormonal pattern showed high plasma values of beta-endorphin and Met-enkephalin, normal dynorphin B, endothelin-1 and catecholamines, and low nitric oxide. Met-enkephalin levels were further increased (P < 0.01) immediately after switching on the electrical stimulation again. The persistence of high plasma opioid levels after switching off the spinal cord stimulation explains the absence of subjective complaints and suggests an involvement of opioids in the regulation and improvement of the microcirculation.

Peptide washout and permeability from glyceryl monooleate buccal delivery systems

Simultaneous evaluation of the permeation and washout of a peptide from the mucoadhesive liquid crystalline phases of glyceryl monooleate (GMO) has been investigated using a donor compartment flow-through diffusion cell. [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE) was incorporated into the cubic and lamellar liquid crystalline phases of GMO and applied to excised porcine buccal mucosa mounted in the donor compartment flow-through cell. Phosphate-buffered saline pH 7.4 (PBS) was pumped across the upper surface of the liquid crystalline phases to mimic salivary flow. The steady-state fluxes of DADLE and GMO from the cubic phase were significantly greater than that from the lamellar phase (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference between the amounts of DADLE and GMO washed out from the lamellar and cubic phases (P > 0.05). The donor compartment flow-through diffusion cell was found to be a useful tool to evaluate the impact of salivary washout on mucoadhesive oral mucosal delivery systems.

beta-Endorphin modulation of pressor response to hyperventilation in hypertensive patients

After hyperventilation, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) significantly decreased in 14 hypertensive patients (group 1), did not change in 9 (group 2) and increased in 8 (group 3). Basal BP, norepinephrine and dynorphin B levels were higher in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3. The decrease in BP after hyperventilation was associated with a decrease in plasma norepinephrine, Met-enkephalin and dynorphin B and an increase in beta-endorphin. Naloxone abolished the hyperventilation-induced BP and norepinephrine decreases. Our findings indicate that hyperventilation may select hypertensive patients with different sympatho-adrenergic activity and that the increase in beta-endorphin reduces BP response to hyperventilation in patients with high sympatho-adrenergic tone.

Opioid peptides attenuate blood pressure increase in acute respiratory failure

Plasma opioid peptides, norepinephrine, atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and blood pressure (BP) were assessed in 24 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with acute respiratory failure. Hypoxemic-hypercapnic patients had high BP, beta-endorphin, Met-enkephalin and dynorphin B, whereas hypoxemic-normocapnic and hypoxemic-hypocapnic patients showed normal BP, high beta-endorphin, and normal Met-enkephalin and dynorphin B. Norepinephrine and ANF were high in all patients, particularly in hypoxemic-hypercapnic patients. Infusion with the opioid antagonist naloxone hydrochloride significantly increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) in hypoxemic-hypercapnic (182.0 +/- 3.2 versus 205.1 +/- 3.0 mmHg; P < 0.01), hypoxemic-normocapnic (149.3 +/- 1.8 versus 169.1 +/- 2.2 mmHg; P < 0.01) and hypoxemic-hypocapnic (147.3 +/- 1.3 versus 166.8 +/- 2.2 mmHg; P < 0.01) patients, norepinephrine in hypoxemic-hypercapnic patients (3583.2 +/- 371.8 versus 5371.3 +/- 260.0 fmol/ml; P < 0.01), and reduced ANF in hypoxemic-normocapnic (18.3 +/- 0.8 versus 11.9 +/- 1.0 fmol/ml; P < 0.05) and hypoxemic-hypocapnic (18.1 +/- 1.2 versus 12.1 +/- 2.1 fmol/ml; P < 0.05) patients. These results indicate that the endogenous opioid system attenuates SBP responses in acute respiratory failure by affecting norepinephrine or ANF release.

Opioid peptide modulation of circulatory response to hyperventilation in humans

After hyperventilation, systolic blood pressure (SBP) significantly decreased in 10 subjects (group 1), did not change in eight (group 2) and increased in 15 (group 3). Diastolic blood pressure and heart rate increased in all groups. The decrease in SBP was associated with a decrease in plasma catecholamines and increase in beta-endorphin, whereas the increase in SBP was accompanied by an increase in catecholamine and Met-enkephalin levels. Naloxone abolished the hyperventilation-induced SBP and catecholamine decrease only in group 1. These findings show an activation of the endogenous opioid system after hyperventilation and the role of beta-endorphin in reducing SBP in response to the test.

In vitro peptide release from liquid crystalline buccal delivery systems

Swelling and [D-Ala(2), D-Leu(5)]enkephalin (DADLE) release from the lamellar and cubic liquid crystalline phases of glyceryl monooleate (GMO) were studied using two in vitro methods, a total immersion method and a Franz cell method. The swelling of the lamellar phase and glyceryl monooleate (0% w/w water content) and DADLE release from the liquid crystalline phases were temperature dependent. The swelling ratio was greater at 20 degrees C than 37 degrees C while DADLE release increased at 37 degrees C compared to 20 degrees C for both the lamellar and cubic phases. The water uptake increased dramatically with decreasing initial water content of the liquid crystalline phases. However, DADLE release increased with increasing initial water content, which corresponded to increased viscosity. The swelling and DADLE release profiles obtained using a Franz cell method with a moist nylon membrane to mimic buccal drug release conditions were slower than the total immersion method. These results show that the swelling and DADLE release strongly depended on temperature, the initial water content of the liquid crystalline matrix and the methodology employed for determining the swelling and DADLE release.

Opioid peptide modulation of circulatory and endocrine response to mental stress in humans

Healthy subjects were classified according to their percent increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) after mental arithmetic test (MAT) as low (delta SBP 9.3-15.1%, n = 15) and high (delta SBP 35.1-45.4%, n = 15) responders. During MAT, low responders showed significantly (p < 0.01) increased plasma levels of beta-endorphin, cortisol, catecholamines, and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and decreased levels of endothelin-1, whereas high responders showed increased (p < 0.01) levels of Metenkephalin, dynorphin B, and catecholamines. Pretreatment with naloxone hydrochloride enhanced (p < 0.01) SBP, heart rate, noradrenaline, cortisol, and endothelin-1 levels, and reduced (p < 0.01) ANF in low responders in response to MAT, whereas it decreased (p < 0.01) hemodynamic parameters, noradrenaline, and endothelin-1 in high responders. The individual differences in hemodynamic and endocrine responses to MAT may depend on a different activation of the endogenous opioid system.

Functional morphology of the nictitating membrane in the domestic cat

Morphological differences between the corneal and palpebral surfaces of the nictitating membrane of the domestic cat were examined using histology, histochemistry and the scanning electron microscope. Both surfaces are covered by one or two layers of epithelial cells. The epithelium contains numerous goblet cells, particularly on the palpebral side. These cells revealed binding sites for six lectins as well as positive PAS reactivity, and alcianophilia at both pH 2.5 and pH 3.5. Numerous lymph follicles located on the corneal side make the epithelium look like lymphoepithelial tissue. Accumulations of lymphatic tissue may also be found on the palpebral side. Scanning electron micrographs showed microvilli on the epithelial surfaces. The function of the cat nictitating membrane is discussed on the basis of our findings and those of other authors. Movements of the nictitating membrane alternate between active and passive phases of gliding. The membrane as a whole effectively protects the nasal portion of the bulb from dust, dehydration and pathogens.

Relationship of Met-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity to vagal afferents and motor dendrites in the nucleus of the solitary tract: a light and electron microscopic dual labeling study

Methionine (Met5)-enkephalin has been implicated in autonomic functions involving vagal reflexes within the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). We examined the light and electron microscopic relationships between neurons containing methionine (Met5)-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity (MELI) and vagal afferents and motor dendrites in the rat NTS. A polyclonal antibody raised against Met5-enkephalin and showing maximal cross-reactivity with this peptide was localized by immunoautoradiography. In the same sections, vagal afferents and motor neurons were identified by histochemical detection of anterogradely and retrogradely transported horseradish peroxidase (HRP). By light microscopy, the MELI was detected in perikarya distributed principally in the dorsomedial, intermediate and parasolitary subdivisions of the NTS. These subnuclei as well as medial and commissural divisions of the NTS also showed: (1) aggregates of silver grains thought to overlie terminals containing MELI, and (2) anterogradely transported HRP in varicose processes. Electron microscopic analysis of the dorsomedial NTS at the level of the area postrema established that MELI was detectable in perikarya, dendrites, and axon terminals. Most of the MELI was associated with large dense core vesicles (dcvs). These opioid terminals formed primarily symmetric synapses on proximal and asymmetric synapses on distal dendrites. Analysis of the dendritic targets of terminals containing MELI revealed that 13/222 were in synaptic contact with dendrites also containing MELI. The remainder of the terminals containing MELI either lacked recognized junctions or formed synapses with unlabeled dendrites. In comparison to the terminals containing MELI in the same series of sections, anterogradely labeled vagal terminals extensively formed asymmetric junctions with distal dendrites and spines. Of the observed anterogradely labeled terminals 6/84 formed synapses with dendrites containing MELI and 3/84 with dendrites containing retrogradely transported HRP. The remainder of the junctions were with dendrites lacking detectable immunoautoradiographic or HRP-labeling. The majority of the recognized synapses on labeled dendrites were at more proximal sites possibly reflecting more limited detection of both MELI and retrogradely transported HRP in smaller dendrites. However, the presence of even a few junctions at proximal sites on dendrites where synaptic transmission is known to be more effective suggests a potentially strong modulation of both opioid and vagal motor neurons by visceral afferents in the NTS. In addition to forming synapses on dendrites, both vagal afferents and terminals containing MELI showed frequent synaptic associations with unlabeled terminals, but not with each other. This finding suggests that the previously demonstrated opiate binding sites on vagal afferents is most likely attributed to other endogenous opiates.

Enkephalinergic inhibition in parasympathetic ganglia of the urinary bladder of the cat

1. Repetitive stimulation (10-20 Hz, 0.5-5 s duration) of the preganglionic nerves to ganglia on the surface of the urinary bladder of the cat produced a prolonged inhibition (duration, 30-65 s) of the postganglionic action potentials, elicited by low-frequency stimulation (0.25-1 Hz) of another preganglionic nerve to the same ganglion. 2. Intra-arterial administration of naloxone, an opiate antagonist (20-50 micrograms/kg), reduced the magnitude and duration of this heterosynaptic inhibition and also blocked the depression of ganglionic transmission elicited by the intra-arterial administration of leucine-enkephalin (0.1-10 micrograms/kg). 3. Naloxone did not alter adrenergic inhibition elicited by repetitive stimulation of the hypogastric nerve or exogenous noradrenaline. Naloxone did not alter the postganglionic firing elicited by single stimuli or trains of low-frequency (1-3 Hz) stimuli to the preganglionic nerves. 4. Heterosynaptic inhibition was not altered by the administration of antagonists for alpha-adrenergic (dihydroergotamine, prazosin, yohimbine), muscarinic (atropine), purinergic (theophylline) or GABAergic (picrotoxin) receptors. 5. A delta-selective opiate receptor agonist, DSLET (D-Ser2-leucine-enkephalin-Thr), inhibited parasympathetic ganglionic transmission in low doses (mean threshold dose, 0.02 microgram/kg, I.A.), whereas a mu-opiate receptor agonist, morphine sulphate, produced only a small depression in larger doses (mean threshold dose, 100 micrograms/kg, I.A.). Ethylketocyclazocine, which has an affinity for kappa-receptors did not alter transmission in relatively large doses (1 mg/kg, I.A.). 6. These findings coupled with previous immunocytochemical demonstrations of leucine-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity in preganglionic nerve terminals in bladder ganglia suggest that opioid peptides released endogenously from preganglionic nerves are involved in delta-receptor-mediated inhibitory mechanisms at cholinergic synapses in bladder ganglia.

Modulation of peripheral sympathetic nerve transmission

The past 15 years have been witness to a remarkable growth in knowledge regarding the modulation of "sympathetic traffic" to neuroeffector organs, including vascular tissue. The release of norepinephrine from peripheral sympathetic neurons is now known to be under both negative and positive feedback control. Norepinephrine, when released from peripheral neurons, acts on presynaptic alpha 2-receptors to inhibit further neurotransmission. Vascular postsynaptic alpha 2-receptors, sensitive to circulating catecholamines, subserve vasoconstriction. The antihypertensive agents clonidine, guanabenz and guanfacin likely reduce blood pressure by acting centrally on alpha 2 postsynaptic neurons to limit sympathetic transmission to blood vessels. Clonidine can produce venoconstriction and thereby improve orthostatic hypotension by activating venous alpha 2-receptors. Additional presynaptic dopaminergic receptors (DA2), muscarinic receptors (acetylcholine), opioid receptors, prostaglandin receptors, adenosine receptors (A1) and histamine (H2) receptors are present on sympathetic nerve membranes and, when engaged with the appropriate ligand, can limit the exocytotic process. Gamma-aminobutyric acid and serotonin demonstrate similar roles in reducing sympathetic nerve activity. In contrast to these inhibitory presynaptic mechanisms, facilitation of norepinephrine release appears to occur by way of neuronal angiotensin II receptor activation and perhaps through stimulation of sympathetic nerve membrane beta 2-receptors. An appreciation of these inhibitory and facilitator mechanisms is useful in the treatment of a variety of clinical conditions, including hypertension, heart failure, orthostatic hypotension, septic shock and a number of common withdrawal syndromes.

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

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

Effects of the opioid peptides [Met5]enkephalin-Arg6-Phe7 and [Met5]enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8 on cholinergic neurotransmission in the rabbit isolated atria

1. The effect of the opioid peptides [Met5]enkephalin-Arg6-Phe7 (MEAP) and [Met5]enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8 (MEAGL) were compared with those of [Leu5]enkephalin and [D-Ala2,Met5]enkephalinamide (DAME) on cholinergic neurotransmission in the rabbit isolated atria. 2. Rabbit isolated atria had a resting rate of 190 beats/min. In the presence of the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (0.3 mumol/l), atria responded to electrical field stimulation with a cholinergically mediated negative chronotropic response. The opioid peptides had no effect on the resting rate, but inhibited the negative chronotropic response to field stimulation. The IC50 values for inhibiting the cholinergic responses were 1.4 mumol/l for [Leu5]enkephalin (LE), 1.4 mumol/l for MEAP, 1.3 mumol/l for MEAGL and 0.2 mumol/l for DAME. Responses of a similar magnitude to exogenous acetylcholine were unaffected. 3. Thus, MEAP, MEAGL and LE had similar potencies but DAME was about seven times more potent in inhibiting cholinergic neurotransmission in the rabbit isolated atria. The site of inhibition appears to be prejunctional.

Evidence for the coexistence and co-release of [Met]enkephalin and noradrenaline from sympathetic nerves of the bovine vas deferens

The localization and neurosecretion of methionine-enkephalin was studied in sympathetic nerves of the bovine vas deferens. Immunostaining showed methionine-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity in a network of varicose nerve fibres in the smooth muscle layers of the vas deferens. When vas deferens homogenates were subjected to differential and sucrose density gradient centrifugation, methionine-enkephalin was found to parallel the distribution of noradrenaline in the more dense region of the gradient, where "heavy" or large dense-cored vesicles are present. Electron microscopic immunochemistry confirmed this finding and showed methionine-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity in large dense-cored vesicles. The release of methionine-enkephalin upon electrical stimulation was studied in superfusion experiments. The methionine-enkephalin secretion was shown to be Ca2+-dependent and was inhibited by adding the adrenergic neuron blocking drug guanethidine to the superfusion medium. We conclude that in the bovine vas deferens methionine-enkephalin is only present in large dense-cored vesicles of adrenergic neurons and that the peptide is released from these vesicles together with noradrenaline by a Ca2+-dependent mechanism.

The role of endogenous opioids in congestive heart failure: effects of nalmefene on systemic and regional hemodynamics in dogs

We studied the role of endogenous opiates and their interrelationships with the sympathetic nervous system in an experimental preparation of right-sided congestive heart failure (CHF) produced by surgical tricuspid avulsion and progressive pulmonary arterial constriction. Three groups of dogs with CHF and one group of sham-operated dogs were studied. One group of dogs with CHF was given normal saline as pretreatment, while the other two groups were pretreated with either propranolol alone (beta-blockade) or propranolol plus prazosin (alpha- plus beta-blockade). CHF was characterized by weight gain, ascites, elevated right atrial pressure, tachycardia, and reduced cardiac output. Compared with sham-operated animals, animals with CHF exhibited significantly higher baseline levels of plasma beta-endorphin and cortisol. Furthermore, only the animals with CHF responded to the opiate receptor-antagonist nalmefene with significant increases in plasma beta-endorphin, cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone. Administration of nalmefene increased aortic blood pressure, cardiac output, left ventricular dP/dt and dP/dt/P, and blood flow to the myocardium, skeletal muscle, and kidneys in dogs with CHF, but had no appreciable effects in sham-operated dogs. beta-Receptor blockade abolished the increase in cardiac output, left ventricular performance, and blood flow produced by nalmefene, but had no effect on the pressor response to nalmefene. The increase in mean aortic pressure in the beta-blockade group was accompanied by an increase in skeletal muscle vascular resistance. Addition of prazosin in the alpha- plus beta-blockade group abolished the increases in mean aortic pressure and skeletal muscle vascular resistance, suggesting that the changes after propranolol probably resulted from unmasking of alpha-receptor-mediated vasoconstriction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inhibition of alpha 1-adrenergic responsiveness in intact cells by a new, irreversible receptor antagonist

A novel alpha 1-adrenoreceptor antagonist, 1-(4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-quinazolinyl)-4-(2-bicyclo [2.2.2] octa-2,5-dienylcarbonyl) piperazine, was synthesized and shown to potently block alpha 1-adrenoceptor-induced Ca2+ mobilization in intact rat parotid acinar cells. Irreversible inhibition was complete in less than 5 min. This alkylating prazosin derivative blocked Ca2+ release (IC50 approximately 5 X 10(-10)M) and [3H]-prazosin membrane binding (IC50 approximately 3 X 10(-10)M) in a concentration dependent fashion and increased the EC50 of epinephrine for Ca2+ efflux by approximately 35 fold. The agent however had no effect on muscarinic receptor-induced Ca2+ mobilization, or beta-adrenoreceptor-induced protein secretion, from cells. These findings suggest that this irreversible alpha 1-adrenoreceptor antagonist will be a valuable tool in probing alpha 1-adrenoreceptor function and metabolism in intact cells.

Effects of morphine on noradrenaline release from cerebral and peripheral vascular smooth muscle

Morphine reduced the [3H]noradrenaline uptake in cat cerebral and femoral arteries and induced a dose-dependent tritium release from these vessels prelabelled with this amine, which was diminished in Ca2+-free medium. The opioid decreased the radioactivity release induced by electrical field stimulation as well as its potentiation by tetraethylammonium. These effects were unaffected by naloxone. These results indicate: the reduction by morphine of tritium release from both kinds of vessels is through a mechanism unrelated to opiate receptors, and the noradrenaline release elicited by morphine could be due in part to inhibition of its reuptake.

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

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

Morphine decreases 3H-norepinephrine release and increases endogenous norepinephrine levels in the isolated cat superior cervical ganglion

The isolated cat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) was labeled in vitro with either 3H-norepinephrine (3H-NE) or 3H-choline and stimulated through its preganglionic trunk. The release of 3H-NE and 3H-acetylcholine (3H-ACh) elicited by the stimulation was measured under control conditions and in the presence of drugs. The incubation during 30 min with 10 microM morphine lead to a 70% decrease in the amount of 3H-NE released in response to the preganglionic stimulation (10 Hz, 80 V, during 5 min). No further decrease in 3H-NE release was produced by a 10 times higher concentration of morphine. The reduction in 3H-NE release caused by morphine was coincident with a 60% increase in the endogenous content of NE. Both effects of morphine were entirely prevented by an antagonist of opioid receptors, 1.0 microM naltrexone. The opioid antagonist did not modify by itself either the stimulation-induced release of 3H-NE or the endogenous content of NE. The basal efflux of 3H-NE was not altered by morphine. In ganglia labeled with 3H-choline, morphine (10 and 100 microM) did not modify either the basal efflux of 3H-ACh or the release of 3H-ACh evoked by stimulation of the preganglionic trunk (5 Hz, 40 V, during 5 min). These observations suggest that in the cat SCG morphine has a direct action on the dendrites of the postganglionic neuron which store and release NE. The effects of morphine in vitro on 3H-NE release and on the tissue levels of NE may be mediated through the interaction with dendritic opioid receptors.

Effect of [D-Ala2,Met5]enkephalinamide and [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin on cholinergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission in isolated atria

In rabbit isolated atria, [D-Ala2,Met5]enkephalinamide and [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (0.1-3 microM) inhibited responses to cholinergic nerve stimulation in a concentration-dependent manner without affecting responses to exogenous acetylcholine. The inhibitory effect was blocked by the opiate receptor antagonist naloxone (1 microM). In rabbit atria in which the transmitter acetylcholine stores had been radioactively labelled by preincubating the tissue in [3H]choline, tetrodotoxin (100 ng/ml) significantly (P less than 0.001) blocked the stimulation-induced (2 Hz for 3 min) release of radioactivity. Both [D-Ala2,Met5]enkephalinamide and [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (0.3 and 1 microM) significantly decreased stimulation-induced radioactivity release and their effects were blocked by naloxone (1 microM). In rat isolated atria, [D-Ala2,Met5]enkephalinamide and [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (0.3-3 microM) inhibited responses to cholinergic nerve stimulation without affecting responses to exogenous acetylcholine. The inhibitory effect was blocked by naloxone (1 microM). In guinea-pig isolated atria, responses to cholinergic nerve stimulation were unaffected by the enkephalin analogues. In rabbit, rat and guinea-pig isolated atria, responses to noradrenergic nerve stimulation and exogenous noradrenaline were unaffected by the enkephalin analogues.

Effects of (D-Met2,Pro5)-enkephalinamide and naloxone on pial vessels in cats

To elucidate the fundamental actions of endogenous opioids and naloxone on the cerebral circulation, the effects of (D-Met2,Pro5)-enkephalinamide and naloxone on pial vessels were investigated in cats. Pial arteries (165.7 +/- 24.9 microns) were found to dilate after the intravenous administration of 1 mg/kg of (D-Met2,Pro5)-enkephalinamide, and a definite dilatation of 7.1-7.6% persisted for 15 min. Pial veins (100.6 +/- 20.2 microns) also dilated but to a lesser degree. The MABP (118.7 +/- 10.5 mm Hg) decreased by 20 mm Hg immediately after the injection, but gradually returned to the initial value 15 min later. The observed cerebral vasodilatation may be attributable to sympathetic inhibition mediated either by the presynaptic opiate receptors of the cerebral vessels or by the opiate receptors in the brainstem. After the intravenous administration of 1 mg/kg of naloxone, pial arteries (122.0 +/- 17.2 microns) showed a slight but significant dilatation of 2.3-5.3%. There were no significant changes in pial veins (87.0 +/- 12.4 microns). MABP (130.4 +/- 12.3 mm Hg) was slightly increased after the injection. Although the mechanism involved was unclear, the cerebral vasodilatation occurring after the administration of naloxone may contribute to its ameliorating effect on the neurological symptoms following cerebral ischemia.

Interaction of alpha adrenergic antagonists with calmodulin

Several alpha-adrenergic antagonists inhibited the activation of calmodulin-stimulated phosphodiesterase at concentrations that had little or no effect on basal phosphodiesterase activity. The most potent of these compounds were phenoxybenzamine and dibenamine (IC50 values of about 1 microM); the amino acid ergot alkaloids ergocryptine, ergocristine, ergotamine and their dihydrogenated derivatives were less potent calmodulin-inhibitors (IC50 values of 35-80 microM). The amino ergot alkaloids ergonovine and methysergide were essentially devoid of inhibitory activity. A variety of other alpha 1-antagonists (phentolamine, tolazoline and prazosin), an alpha 2-antagonist (yohimbine), alpha-agonists (norepinephrine, phenylephrine and clonidine), beta-adrenergic antagonists (propranolol and practolol) and the beta-adrenergic agonist methoxyphenamine displayed little or no anti-calmodulin activity (IC50 values greater than 300 microM). Similarly, the alkylating agents chlorambucil and mechlorethamine also failed to inhibit calmodulin activity. Phenoxybenzamine and dibenamine inhibited calmodulin activity irreversibly, whereas the inhibition caused by other alpha adrenergic blocking agents was reversible. Phenoxybenzamine inhibited calmodulin activity by binding directly to it. This binding was calcium-dependent and irreversible. The irreversible binding and inhibition of calmodulin activity by phenoxybenzamine (or dibenamine) may serve as a useful tool for studying the sites at which drugs bind to calmodulin and may also be useful for studying the distribution and turnover of calmodulin.

Inhibition of the cardiac response to sympathetic nerve stimulation by opioid peptides and its potentiation by morphine and methadone

[D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (1-10 microM) and [Met5]enkephalin-Arg-Phe (1-10 microM) produced concentration-dependent inhibition of the cardiac response to field stimulation of the adrenergic nerve terminals in preparations pretreated with peptidase inhibitors (captopril 10 microM, bestatin 10 microM, thiorphan 0.3 microM and L-leucyl-L-leucine 2 mM). The inhibitory response to the opioid agonists was evident in preparations superfused with solutions containing 1.8 mM calcium, but not in those containing 3.6 mM calcium. Moreover the inhibition was antagonized by naloxone 10 microM. [D-Ala2,Met5]enkephalinamide (1-3 microM) and beta-endorphin (1-3 microM) did not significantly affect the sympathetic response. The cardiac response to sympathetic stimulation was not inhibited but, on the contrary, was potentiated by morphine (3-10 microM) and methadone (3-10 microM). It is suggested that the depressant effect of the opioid peptides was due to stimulation of presynaptic inhibitory opiate receptors on adrenergic nerve terminals of the heart, and that the potentiation of the sympathetic response by morphine and methadone was probably attributable to an unspecific inhibitory effect on the neuronal uptake of noradrenaline.

The influence of the inter-dose time interval on the cardiovascular response to methionine-enkephalin in the conscious dog

Intravenous injection of methionine-enkephalin (10 micrograms/kg) into the conscious dog increased both heart rate and mean systemic arterial pressure. Progressive shortening of the inter-dose time interval from 5 min to 1 min and then to 30 sec did not alter the response, as the maximal mean systemic arterial pressure elevation was maintained and the maximal heart rate response increased slightly. In contrast to the results after discrete bolus dosing, continuous infusion of methionine-enkephalin at a constant rate of 10 micrograms/kg/min produced an initial elevation in heart rate and mean arterial pressure, but these parameters then began to return toward pretreatment levels despite continuous infusion at the same rate, indicating receptor desensitization. This desensitization pattern is most compatible with receptors of the nicotinic-cholinergic type. These data indicate the importance of dosing techniques in assessing cardiovascular responses to systemically administered enkephalins.

Parasympathetic ganglia: naloxone antagonizes inhibition by leucine-enkephalin and GABA

Synaptic transmission in parasympathetic ganglia of the cat urinary bladder was depressed by low doses (0.1-10 micrograms i.a.) of Leu- or Met-enkephalin but only by larger doses (10 micrograms-1 mg i.a.) of morphine. Naloxone blocked the depressant effects of the opiates as well as the depression produced by GABA, but did not block the depressant effects of norepinephrine. Intracellular recording revealed that Leu-enkephalin reduced EPSP-amplitude and lowered the probability of synaptically evoked firing without altering postsynaptic membrane potential or resistance. These findings suggest that enkephalinergic inhibition in bladder ganglia is mediated at least in part by a presynaptic site of action on delta opiate receptors.

Alpha 2-adrenoceptors inhibit the cholera-toxin-induced intestinal fluid accumulation

The effects of adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists on the cholera-toxin-induced intestinal fluid accumulation and the mucosal levels of cAMP were investigated in vivo. Cholera toxin produced a marked fluid accumulation. Adrenaline inhibited the effect of the toxin in a dose-dependent manner. An alpha 2-adrenoceptor blocking agent yohimbine antagonized the effect of adrenaline. The alpha 1-adrenoceptor blocking agents prazosin and phenoxybenzamine failed to antagonize the effect of adrenaline. A high dose of a beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent pindolol did not antagonize the effect of adrenaline. Yohimbine or pindolol alone did not produce any effects on the toxin-induced fluid accumulation. However, prazosin and phenoxybenzamine per se inhibited the toxin-induced fluid accumulation. An alpha 2-selective agonist clonidine was slightly more potent than adrenaline, and was about 100-fold more potent than the alpha 1-selective agonist methoxamine in inhibiting the cholera-toxin-induced intestinal secretion. Clonidine, adrenaline and methoxamine failed to reduce the mucosal levels of cAMP, while these alpha-adrenoceptor agonists inhibited the toxin-induced fluid accumulation in the same preparations. These results suggest that the stimulation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors inhibit the cholera-toxin-induced intestinal secretion without reducing the whole mucosal levels of cAMP.