Changes in plasma catecholamine and neuropeptide Y levels after sympathetic activation in dogs

Changes in vascular alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor responsiveness by selegiline treatment

Pharmacoepidemiological studies have reported an excess of mortality with selegiline, a MAO B inhibitor used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The mechanism of this putative adverse effect remains unknown but an interaction with the sympathetic nervous system was suggested. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of selegiline (10 mg/daily, orally during one week) on vascular alpha1- and alpha2-adrenoceptor responsiveness in conscious unrestrained dogs. Selegiline significantly increased resting values of both systolic and diastolic blood pressures and noradrenaline plasma levels (HPLC) without changing heart rate. Moreover, spectral analysis of systolic blood pressure (Fast Fourier Transformation) showed that selegiline increased the relative energy of a low frequency band without modifying the total spectrum. ED 50 calculated from dose-pressor response curves with phenylephrine (after beta-blockade by propranolol), an index of alpha1-adrenoceptor response or with noradrenaline (after alpha1- and beta blockade by prazosin plus propranolol), an index of alpha2-adrenoceptor response, were significantly higher after selegiline. Selegiline failed to modify the number of platelet alpha2-adrenoceptors measured by [(3)H] RX 821002 binding. Yohimbine-induced increase in noradrenaline release was significantly more marked after selegiline. These results support the evidence that selegiline induces a vascular alpha1- and alpha2-adrenoceptor-hyposensitivity that can be explained by the increase in noradrenaline release elicited by the drug.

The neuropeptides, VIP and NPY, that are present in the thyroid nerves are not released into the thyroid vein

In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the neuropeptides, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY), which are present in the thyroid nerves, act as physiological neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of thyroid hormone secretion and thyroid blood flow. Specifically, we examined whether these neuropeptides can be released into thyroid blood vessels by electrical stimulation of the major thyroid nerves or whether their expression is altered by changes in iodine intake. Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. The cervical sympathetic trunk or the superior laryngeal nerve was stimulated by bipolar electrodes in anesthetized rats. During nerve stimulation, blood samples were withdrawn from the thyroid vein. Thyroid blood flow was monitored by laser Doppler blood flowmetry. Sympathetic stimulation caused a marked decrease in thyroid blood flow, which was associated with a significant increase in release of norepinephrine. However, these effects were not accompanied by any change in NPY release into the thyroid vein. Stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve was not associated with changes in thyroid blood flow or VIP release into the thyroid vein. In a separate experiment, rats were fed a diet containing low-, high-, or normal iodine concentrations. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels in thyroid venous plasma were significantly reduced in rats fed a low-iodine diet but not in a separate group of rats fed a high iodine diet. However, these treatments had no effect on VIP or NPY concentrations in thyroid venous plasma or in thyroid ganglia. Thus, our results indicate that VIP and NPY, which are present in the thyroid nerves, may not be directly involved in the regulation of thyroid function.

Effect of losartan on afferent nerve stimulation

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of losartan, a non-peptide angiotensin II subtype 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist, on both the pressor responses elicited by stimulation of afferent vagal nociceptive fibres and the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system (evaluated by plasma levels of noradrenaline and its co-neurotransmitter neuropeptide Y) in dogs. Electrical stimulation of the afferent fibres of the vagus (1, 5, 10 and 20 Hz) elicited a frequency-dependent increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Plasma noradrenaline levels only increased after stimulation at frequencies of 10 and 20 Hz. Plasma neuropeptide Y levels did not change. Losartan (10 mg/kg i.v.) induced both a decrease in resting blood pressure and an increase in basal plasma levels of noradrenaline and neuropeptide Y. Losartan failed to modify the magnitude of the electrically-evoked pressor and positive chronotropic responses. The angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonist elicited a fall in plasma noradrenaline values after a 1 Hz stimulation and abolished the increase in plasma noradrenaline levels induced by the 10 (but not 20) Hz stimulation. The data suggest that angiotensin AT1 receptors are not directly involved in acute pressor responses induced by stimulation of afferent vagal fibres. Moreover, the results show that, besides its sympatho-inhibitory effect, losartan can exert a sympatho-excitatory action as shown by the increase in the plasma levels of both noradrenaline and its coneurotransmitter, neuropeptide Y.

Catecholaminergic involvement in the control of aggression: hormones, the peripheral sympathetic, and central noradrenergic systems

Noradrenaline is involved in many different functions, which all are known to affect behaviour profoundly. In the present review we argue that noradrenaline affects aggression on three different levels: the hormonal level, the sympathetic autonomous nervous system, and the central nervous system (CNS), in different, but functionally synergistic ways. Part of these effects may arise in indirect ways that are by no means specific to aggressive behaviour, however, they are functionally relevant to it. Other effects may affect brain mechanisms specifically involved in aggression. Hormonal catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) appear to be involved in metabolic preparations for the prospective fight; the sympathetic system ensures appropriate cardiovascular reaction, while the CNS noradrenergic system prepares the animal for the prospective fight. Indirect CNS effects include: the shift of attention towards socially relevant stimuli; the enhancement of olfaction (a major source of information in rodents); the decrease in pain sensitivity; and the enhancement of memory (an aggressive encounter is very relevant for the future of the animal). Concerning more aggression-specific effects one may notice that a slight activation of the central noradrenergic system stimulates aggression, while a strong activation decreases fight readiness. This biphasic effect may allow the animal to engage or to avoid the conflict, depending on the strength of social challenge. A hypothesis is presented regarding the relevance of different adrenoceptors in controlling aggression. It appears that neurons bearing postsynaptic alpha2-adrenoceptors are responsible for the start and maintenance of aggression, while a situation-dependent fine-tuning is realised through neurons equipped with beta-adrenoceptors. The latter phenomenon may be dependent on a noradrenaline-induced corticosterone secretion. It appears that by activating very different mechanisms the systems working with adrenaline and/or noradrenaline prepare the animal in a very complex way to answer the demands imposed by, and to endure the effects caused by, fights. It is a challenge for future research to elucidate how precisely these mechanisms interact to contribute to functionally relevant and adaptive aggressive behaviour.

Effects of yohimbine, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, on experimental neurogenic orthostatic hypotension

Yohimbine has been proposed for the treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension; however, no controlled trial has been performed in experimental models of orthostatic hypotension or in patients with autonomic failure. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of yohimbine (0.05 mg/kg, intravenously [i.v.]) and placebo (saline) in a new model of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension obtained by sinoaortic denervation (SAD) in chloralose-anaesthetized dogs. Blood pressure, heart rate, noradrenaline plasma levels and systolic blood pressure and heart rate short-term variabilities (calculated on low frequency [40-50 MHz] and high frequency [390-490 MHz] bands) were measured in supine position and after a 10 min 80 degrees head-up tilting. The drugs were administered in a double-blind cross-over randomized fashion. The head-up tilting performed in normal animals increased diastolic blood pressure (+12 +/- 4 mmHg), heart rate (+39 +/- 12 beats per minute [bpm]), the low frequency band of systolic blood pressure and noradrenaline plasma level, without changing systolic blood pressure or heart rate variability. In SAD dogs, a marked fall in systolic (-80 +/- 11 mmHg) and diastolic (-43 +/- 4 mmHg) blood pressures was observed within 1 min after placebo, without modification in heart rate, systolic blood pressure and heart rate short-term variabilities and noradrenaline plasma levels. In SAD dogs, yohimbine (0.05 mg/kg, i.v.) delayed the blood pressure fall elicited by head-up tilting, but failed to modify its magnitude. These results show that, in the model of orthostatic hypotension obtained by SAD, yohimbine, at an alpha 2-adrenoceptor selective dose (0.05 mg/kg), delays the fall in blood pressure elicited by head-up tilting. The effect of yohimbine can be explained by an increase in sympathetic tone.

The effect of alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers on aggressive behavior in mice: implications for the actions of adrenoceptor agents

The effects of three alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers (idazoxan, yohimbine and CH-38083) on isolation-induced aggressive behavior was studied in male mice. The three drugs produced different behavioral profiles. Idazoxan reduced aggressiveness dose-dependently by decreasing the duration of offensive/aggressive interactions and increasing the duration of defensive behaviors. The other two drugs produced only parts of the dual action of idazoxan: yohimbine affected mainly defensive behaviors, while CH-38083 affected only the time spent with fighting. Saline injections per se also influenced behavior and, in contrast to alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers, induced an increase in aggressiveness. These results are different from those previously obtained in rats, which show bell-shaped dose-response curves in response to alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers (small doses increased, while large doses decreased aggression). It is postulated that the strong behavioral reaction of mice to the injection per se may mask the aggression-heightening effects of small doses of alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers in this species. A theory is also presented regarding the complexity of adrenoceptor interactions when both pre-, and postsynaptic alpha 2 adrenoceptors are blocked.

Which drug for which orthostatic hypotension?

This review focuses on the actual limits of the clinical pharmacology of drugs used for the treatment of orthostatic hypotension. The evidences for heterogeneity of the pathophysiological mechanisms of primary orthostatic hypotension and autonomic failure are discussed. The available data on the efficacy of some drugs used in orthostatic hypotension are also discussed.

Spectral analysis of blood pressure and heart rate, catecholamine and neuropeptide Y plasma levels in a new model of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension in dog

The aim of the study was to compare changes in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) variability, catecholamine and neuropeptide Y (NPY) plasma levels induced by passive head-up tilt in normal and sino-aortic denervated (SAD) chloralose-anaesthetized dogs. In controls, 80 degrees head-up tilt test failed to change BP and increased HR. Plasma noradrenaline and NPY levels (but not adrenaline) significantly rose. In SAD dogs, head-up tilt test induced a marked and reproducible decrease in BP without any change in HR or noradrenaline and NPY plasma levels. In SAD dogs, spectral analysis in supine position was characterized by reduced variability in the high frequency (HF) band of the HR spectrum without changes in low frequency (LF) bands of both HR and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Head-up tilt test increased the LF component of SBP variability and decreased the HF component of HR variability in controls but failed to modify HR and BP variabilities in SAD dogs. In conclusion, sino-aortic denervation in dogs elicits a reproducible postural fall in BP with impaired adaptation of sympathetic nervous system activity. This model may be of value in evaluating the pharmacological effects of drugs for the management of orthostatic hypotension.

Do alpha-2 adrenoceptors modify coping strategies in rats?

Previous research has shown that resident rats treated with alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers display a modified aggressive response towards intruding animals. In the present study we report data on the behavioral changes induced by alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers in intruder animals. In experiments 1 and 2 intruders smaller in body weight than the residents were treated with 0.0, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg CH-38083 and idazoxan, respectively; in experiment 3 weight matched intruders were injected with 1 mg/kg CH-38083 or idazoxan. The treatment of smaller intruders did not change the behavior of residents. In contrast, weight-matched intruders injected with alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers elicited increased aggression in residents. Social behaviors, exploration and offensive aggression showed insignificant variation in intruders. Defensive behaviors, in contrast, showed major changes: in experiments 1 and 2 a dose-dependent decrease in immobility and a dose-dependent increase in defensive upright was noticed. In experiment 3, high scores of defensive upright were apparent, precluding detection of drug-induced changes. However, when the last 5 min of the encounter were analysed separately, results similar to the first two experiments were observed. Significant negative correlations were found between immobility and defensive upright scores. The results suggest that alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers induce a shift from a passive (immobility) towards a more active (defensive upright) coping style. These and previous data show that alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers, other than yohimbine, seem to exert a behavior-activating effect in rats.

Central cardiovascular effects of acetylcholine in the conscious dog

1. The effects of central cholinomimetic drugs on cardiovascular and vasoactive hormonal responses (blood pressure, heart rate, catecholamines, vasopressin, atrial natriuretic factor, neuropeptide Y plasma levels and plasma renin activity) were investigated in conscious Beagle dogs. For this purpose a catheter was chronically implanted into each dog's cisterna magna to allow repeated central injections in the awake animals. 2. Intracisternal acetylcholine (20 micrograms kg-1) significantly increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These changes were accompanied by an initial short term tachycardia followed by a long lasting bradycardia. Intracisternal acetylcholine also increased noradrenaline, adrenaline and vasopressin plasma levels, decreased plasma renin activity but did not modify plasma levels of neuropeptide Y and atrial natriuretic factor. 3. The effects of acetylcholine were completely abolished by pretreatment with intracisternal injection of the muscarinic antagonist, atropine (5 micrograms kg-1) but not by the intracisternal injection of the nicotinic antagonist, mecamylamine (25 micrograms kg-1). 4. The present results demonstrate that there are qualitative and quantitative differences between the central cardiovascular effects of acetylcholine in conscious dogs compared to what we previously reported, using a comparable protocol, in anaesthetized dogs. Under both conditions, we observed a central cholinergically mediated increase in blood pressure secondary to an increase in sympathetic tone and vasopressin release but these responses were shorter (less than 10 min) in the conscious dogs than in anaesthetized dogs (more than 10 min). Moreover, we detected in the response to the central cholinergic stimulation in the conscious dogs a significant increase in plasma adrenaline levels and biphasic changes in heart rate which were not described previously in the anaesthetized dog.

Effect of baroreceptor activation and systemic hypotension on plasma endothelin 1 and neuropeptide Y

To determine whether endothelin (ET-1) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) release are controlled by the carotid sinus (CS) baroreceptor or local endothelial mechanisms, we isolated and pump perfused the CS in eight chloralose-anesthetized dogs and controlled systemic arterial pressure (SAP) with an elevated reservoir connected to both femoral arteries. This allowed the SAP to be kept constant while CS pressure was varied from 55.8 +/- 2.0 (low CS) to 192 +/- 1.9 (high CS) mmHg (1 mmHg = 133.3 Pa) or CS pressure to be kept constant while SAP was lowered to 53.9 +/- 1.8 mmHg (low SAP). There was no significant change in ET-1 when CS pressure was varied (control, 2.08 +/- 0.50; low CS, 2.18 +/- 0.51; high CS, 2.11 +/- 0.38 pg/mL), but ET-1 was significantly higher during low SAP (2.93 +/- 0.49 pg/mL, p < 0.05). This increase was not observed with vagi and CS intact in six dogs or with vagi intact and CS constant in four dogs. In contrast, plasma NPY was significantly higher in the low CS condition (619.13 +/- 66.87 pg/mL) versus high CS condition (528.88 +/- 45.19 pg/mL, p < 0.05) and did not change during hypotension. In conclusion, NPY, but not ET-1, is affected by CS baroreceptor manipulation, and plasma ET-1 increases in response to hemorrhagic hypotension when modulating reflexes are abolished.

Catecholamine stimulation and the response to behavioral challenge in Wistar rats

Male Wistar rats were injected with CH-38083, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor blocker, after which they were challenged by a size-matched Wistar or Long-Evans opponent. In residents facing low-aggression opponents, the alpha 2-adrenoceptor blockade significantly reduced aggressiveness, whereas in those facing highly aggressive opponents the treatment significantly increased aggression scores compared to saline-treated controls, irrespective of the strain of the intruder. When the animals were treated with CH-38083, the frequency of biting attacks correlated significantly with the aggressiveness of the opponent in residents fighting with Wistar and Long-Evans rats. Similar correlations were not found in control (saline-injected) rats. The results suggest that the catecholaminergic activation caused by the alpha 2 receptor antagonist elicits a more efficient adaptation to the behavioral actions of the opponent. Plasma corticosterone levels were not influenced by the treatment, but this variable seemed to be correlated with the defensive behavior performed by the intruder.

Evidence for activation of both adrenergic and cholinergic nervous pathways by yohimbine, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist

Adrenoceptors are involved in the control of the activity of the autonomic nervous system and especially the sympathetic nervous system. Activation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors decreases sympathetic tone whereas their blockade has an opposite effect. However, previous investigations have shown that yohimbine (a potent alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist) increases salivary secretion through activation of cholinergic pathways. The aim of the present experiment was to investigate the involvement of both the sympathetic and the parasympathetic system in several pharmacological effects of yohimbine. For this purpose, salivary secretion and various endocrino-metabolic parameters (noradrenaline and insulin secretions, lipomobilization) were evaluated in conscious fasting dogs before and after blockade of either the sympathetic (with the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist agent nadolol) or the parasympathetic (with the anticholinergic agent atropine) systems. Yohimbine alone (0.4 mg.kg-1, i.v.) increased within 5-15 minutes, plasma noradrenaline (600%), insulin levels (300%), free-fatty acids (79%) and salivary secretion (143%). Atropine (0.2 mg.kg-1, i.v.) suppressed yohimbine-induced salivary secretion (90%) but did not significantly modify the yohimbine induced changes in noradrenaline (312%), insulin (277%) and free-fatty acids (102%) plasma levels. Administration of nadolol (1 mg.kg-1, i.v.) did not change the magnitude of the increase in both noradrenaline plasma levels (550%) and salivary secretion (300%) induced by yohimbine. However, nadolol totally blunted the increase in insulin (15%) and free-fatty acids (4%) plasma levels. These results show that yohimbine-induced increase in salivary secretion is a cholinergic effect whereas the increase in insulin and free fatty acids can be explained by an increase in sympathetic tone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evidence against differential release of noradrenaline, neuropeptide Y, and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase from adrenergic nerves in the isolated perfused sheep spleen

The subcellular storage and release of noradrenaline (NA), dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (D beta H), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) was studied in the isolated perfused sheep spleen. Subcellular distribution studies showed a bimodal distribution for NA which was well reflected by D beta H and indicated the occurrence of two types of NA storage vesicles. The most dense, presumably large dense-cored vesicles (LDV), contain both membrane-bound and soluble D beta H; the less dense presumably corresponds to small dense-cored vesicles (SDV) and at least does not contain soluble D beta H. The distribution of NPY is extended but shows a peak only at the position of LDV, indicating that LDV contain NPY. Continuous electrical stimulation of the splenic nerve at 2 Hz, 5 Hz, 10 Hz, and 20 Hz or at 20 hz with bursts induced the release of NA, NPY, and D beta H. The ratio among these components was constant. The fractional release of D beta H and NA was comparable at all frequencies used; that of NPY was 10-20 times lower, suggesting the occurrence of a large nonreleasable NPY pool. The present data argue against a high frequency stimulation or intermittent stimulation-induced preferential release of NPY from adrenergic neurons and question the concept of frequency-dependent chemical coding of sympathetic transmission in general. The simplest interpretation of our data is that NA and NPY are released at all frequencies from a single pool. The present finding might signify that only large dense-cored vesicles are involved in the sympathetic stimulation-evoked secretion of catecholamines from adrenergic nerve terminals of the isolated sheep spleen.

Alpha 2-adrenoceptor blockade, pituitary-adrenal hormones, and agonistic interactions in rats

The effects of adrenergic activation on aggressiveness and the aggression induced endocrine changes were tested in rats. Alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers were used for enhancing activation of the adrenergic system, and changes in aggressiveness were tested in resident-intruder contests. Three experiments were conducted. In experiment 1, saline injected rats responded to the presence of an opponent by aggression and the increase in plasma ACTH and corticosterone. Intraperitoneal administration of 1 mg/kg CH-38083 (an alpha 2 adrenoceptor antagonist) produced a several fold increase in clinch fighting and mutual upright scores, and also further enhanced the plasma ACTH and corticosterone response. In experiment 2, the effect of three doses (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg) of three different alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers CH-38083, idazoxan and yohimbine were tested. All the substances increased aggression at 0.5 and 1 mg/kg; at 2 mg/kg the effect of idazoxan and yohimbine disappeared, while with CH-38083 an additional increase was obtained. In yohimbine treated animals the enhancement of aggression was reduced already at 1 mg/kg. In experiment 3, indomethacin, a potent inhibitor of the catecholamine-induced ACTH release completely abolished the effects of the alpha 2 adrenoceptor antagonist CH-38083: the intensity of agonistic interactions, as well as ACTH and corticosterone plasma concentrations, returned to control levels. The possible role of catecholamines and the stress hormones in the activation of aggression is discussed.

Effects of clonidine, dihydralazine and splanchnic nerve stimulation on the release of neuropeptide Y, MET-enkephalin and catecholamines from dog adrenal medulla

Various neuropeptides are costored together with catecholamines in the adrenal medulla. The concurrent release (evaluated by adrenal vein plasma levels) of these neuropeptides [neuropeptide Y (NPY), met-enkephaline (ME)] and catecholamines [adrenaline (A) and noradrenaline (NA)] from the adrenal gland was examined in chloralose-anesthetized dogs after intravenous administration of clonidine (10 micrograms/kg) and dihydralazine (1 mg/kg). These results were compared to those obtained after the stimulation of the right splanchnic nerve at 1, 5 and 10 Hz frequencies. The increment in the release of catecholamines and neuropeptides was evaluated for dihydralazine and splanchnic nerve stimulation. Dihydralazine (at its maximal effect) induced a significant preferential increase in catecholamines (expressed as mean (SEM): NA: 17.3 (5.4) fold, A: 13.1 (2.6) fold) and ME (16.0 (7.1) fold) versus basal values. However, the significant increase in NPY-LI was only 2.0 (0.4) times the baseline. Splanchnic nerve stimulation induced a frequency-dependent increase in catecholamines and neuropeptides. When the stimulation frequency was increased from 1 Hz to 5 Hz, NA and A levels increased 17.9 (4.3) and 14.0 (2.2) fold, respectively and ME levels 14.1 (3.0) fold. By contrast, NPY-LI was increased only 2.3 (0.3) fold under the same conditions. Increasing the stimulation frequency from 5 Hz to 10 Hz resulted in similar elevations of NA, ME, and NPY-LI adrenal plasma levels (about 4 times) whereas A only increased twice. Clonidine decreased catecholamine and ME adrenal plasma levels (the maximal percent decrease when compared with control values was about 75%) whereas NPY adrenal plasma levels remained unchanged.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Actions of agonists of metabotropic glutamate receptors on synaptic transmission and transmitter release in the olfactory cortex

1. The effects of agonists of on the evoked N-wave complex in slices of mouse have been studied: most experiments were carried out using slices perfused with Mg(2+)-free solution to which 10 microM of either 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione or 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione was applied. 2. Following agonist washout, a slowly developing, long lasting potentiation of the complex occurred which was confined to the mediated component of the potential. The relative agonist potencies were 1S,3R-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (1S,3R-ACPD, 5-250 microM) = quisqualate (5-50 microM) > 1RS,3RS-cis-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (ACPD, 25-1000 microM) > L-glutamate (0.25-2.5 mM); NMDA, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate (AMPA) and L-aspartate were inactive. 3. Potentiation of the NMDA receptor-mediated component by 1S,3R-ACPD (0.1 mM) was non-competitively antagonised by S-(+)- but not R-(-)-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionate (AP3, 0.125 mM), equally by D-(-) and L-(+)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate (0.25 mM) and also by the protein kinase C inhibitors sphingosine, (25 microM), sangivamycin (25 microM) and 5-(isoquinolinylsulphonyl)-3-methylpiperazine (50 microM). 4. In a series of input-output experiments, 1S,3R-ACPD (0.1 mM) reversibly reduced the latency to peak of the NMDA receptor-mediated component at submaximal stimulus intensities, an effect blocked by S-(+)-AP3 (0.125 mM). On agonist washout, there was an increase in the area of the receptor-mediated component over all stimulus intensities, an effect blocked by the inhibitors of protein kinase C and by S-(+)-AP3 (0.125mM). 4-beta-Phorbol-12,13-diacetate (2.5 muM) also potentiated the component, an action inhibited by protein kinase C inhibitors but not by S-(+)-AP3. IS,3R-ACPD (0.1mM) had no significant effect on postsynaptic responses evoked by NMDA, AMPA and kainate, but significantly reversed a partial antagonism of NMDA responses produced by 7-chlorokynurenate (2.5 muM). The K+evoked release of glycine was selectively and significantly increased in the presence 0.1mM 1S,3R-ACPD(antagonized by 0.125 mM S-(+)-AP#) whereas following agonist washout, release of glycine fell to control levels but there was a significant increase in release of aspartate(antagonized by 25 muM sangivamycin and 0.125 muM S-(+)-AP3). It is concluded that mediate (i) a reduction in the latency of the mediated component of potentials by a mechanism that is independent of protein kinase C but which may depend on increased glycine release release and (ii) a long lasting increase in the total area of the potential by increasing transmitter (possibly aspartate) release by a mechanism that is protein kinase C-dependent.

The effect of yohimbine on sympathetic responsiveness in essential hypertension

We have studied the sympathetic response to blockade of presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors in essential hypertension by measuring plasma concentrations of noradrenaline after a single oral dose of yohimbine, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist. Mean baseline plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline concentrations were similar in the hypertensive and normotensive groups. Yohimbine (0.2 mg x kg-1 orally) caused a lesser increase in the plasma concentrations of noradrenaline in hypertensive patients (+67%) than in normotensive subjects (+178%) and a pressor response in hypertensive (but not in normotensive) patients. These results are consistent with an alteration in the balance of alpha-adrenoceptors (for example presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptor desensitization and post-synaptic alpha 1-adrenoceptor hyper-responsiveness) which would help to develop and/or maintain arterial hypertension.

Is neuropeptide Y co-released with catecholamines in experimental arterial hypertension following sinoaortic denervation?

The release of catecholamines and their coneurotransmitter neuropeptide Y (NPY) was investigated in conscious dogs with neurogenic arterial hypertension elicited by sinoaortic denervation. One month after denervation, an elevation of catecholamine levels (measured by HPLC) without elevation of NPY-like immunoreactivity (NPY-LI) levels in plasma (evaluated by RIA) has been found. This dissociation could be explained by 1) a transient release of NPY during the first weeks after surgery, 2) a depletion of neuronal NPY due to the permanent sympathetic stimulation, or 3) an insufficient increase in sympathetic tone. To test these hypotheses, we investigated the time courses of catecholamine and NPY-LI levels in arterial plasma during the first five weeks after sinoaortic denervation and responses to yohimbine (an alpha 2 antagonist which enhances transmitter release). Resting NPY-LI levels in plasma remained normal during the first five weeks after sinoaortic denervation. In normal dogs, a high dose of yohimbine (0.5 mg/kg i.v.) elevated both catecholamine (6-fold) and NPY-LI levels (1.5-fold), whereas a lower dose (0.05 mg/kg i.v.) induced a two fold elevation of catecholamine levels without changing NPY-LI concentrations. In sinoaortically denervated dogs, yohimbine elicited elevation of both catecholamines and NPY-LI whatever the dose used. Thus, neurogenic arterial hypertension in dogs seems to involve catecholamines but not NPY. Moreover, the present work suggests that a high level of sympathetic stimulation is required for a co-release of catecholamines and NPY.

Release of neuropeptide Y and noradrenaline during afferent nerve stimulation

The present study was carried out to investigate the possibility that noradrenaline (NA) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) are co-released after afferent vagal or saphenous stimulation (1, 5, 10 and 20 Hz) in chloralose-anaesthetized dogs. Electrical stimulation of the vagus elicited an increase in plasma NA levels for the 5, 10 and 20 (but not 1) Hz frequencies. Blood pressure only increased after a 20-Hz stimulation. In contrast, no change in plasma NPY levels was observed whatever the frequency of stimulation. Electrical stimulation of the saphenous nerve failed to change plasma NA and NPY levels. The present data suggest that (1) the release of NA varies according to the frequency of stimulation of nociceptive fibres, (2) NPY release does not seem to be involved in the pressor effect elicited by the stimulation of nociceptive-sensitive fibres, and (3) NPY and NA release are not necessarily linked.