Essential role for nitric oxide in neurogenic inflammation in rat cutaneous microcirculation. Evidence for an endothelium-independent mechanism

Association of Raynaud's phenomenon with a polymorphism in the NOS1 gene

Background

Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) describes the phenomenon of recurrent vasospasm of digital arteries, associated with skin colour changes: pallor, cyanosis and erythema. Twin studies have indicated a genetic predisposition for RP; however, the precise aetiology of RP remains unknown. It is thought that genetic variation in temperature-responsive or vasospastic genes might underlie RP so performed a candidate gene study in a large, population based sample. We assessed the association between RP and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TRPA1, TRPM8, CALCA, CALCB and NOS1 genes.

Methods

Analysis included a total of 4276 individuals from the TwinsUK database. RP status had been determined using validated, self-administered questionnaires and was diagnosed in 640 individuals (17.6%). 66 tag SNPs across the candidate genes were tested for association with RP status using a linear regression model, accounting for covariates. Adjustment was made for multiple testing. RegulomeDB and GTEx databases were used to assess possible functional effects of the polymorphisms.

Results

Nominally significant associations between RP and four SNPs in NOS1 and one in CALCB were identified. After permutation testing, rs527590 SNP in NOS1 passed the significance threshold. RegulomeDB scores indicated an unlikely functional effect of this variant, while the survey of the GTEx database found the SNP and several variants in linkage disequilibrium to be cis-eQTLs in skin.

Conclusion

Results indicate that RP is associated with variation in gene NOS1. This finding may be related to the observation that the significant SNP in NOS1 is known to exhibit functional influence on the gene expression.

TRPA1 activation leads to neurogenic vasodilatation: involvement of reactive oxygen nitrogen species in addition to CGRP and NO

Background and Purpose

Transient receptor potential ankyrin‐1 (TRPA1) activation is known to mediate neurogenic vasodilatation. We investigated the mechanisms involved in TRPA1‐mediated peripheral vasodilatation in vivo using the TRPA1 agonist cinnamaldehyde.

Experimental Approach

Changes in vascular ear blood flow were measured in anaesthetized mice using laser Doppler flowmetry.

Key Results

Topical application of cinnamaldehyde to the mouse ear caused a significant increase in blood flow in the skin of anaesthetized wild‐type (WT) mice but not in TRPA1 knockout (KO) mice. Cinnamaldehyde‐induced vasodilatation was inhibited by the pharmacological blockade of the potent microvascular vasodilator neuropeptide CGRP and neuronal NOS‐derived NO pathways. Cinnamaldehyde‐mediated vasodilatation was significantly reduced by treatment with reactive oxygen nitrogen species (RONS) scavenger such as catalase and the SOD mimetic TEMPOL, supporting a role of RONS in the downstream vasodilator TRPA1‐mediated response. Co‐treatment with a non‐selective NOS inhibitor L‐NAME and antioxidant apocynin further inhibited the TRPA1‐mediated vasodilatation. Cinnamaldehyde treatment induced the generation of peroxynitrite that was blocked by the peroxynitrite scavenger FeTPPS and shown to be dependent on TRPA1, as reflected by an increase in protein tyrosine nitration in the skin of WT, but not in TRPA1 KO mice.

Conclusion and Implications

This study provides in vivo evidence that TRPA1‐induced vasodilatation mediated by cinnamaldehyde requires neuronal NOS‐derived NO, in addition to the traditional neuropeptide component. A novel role of peroxynitrite is revealed, which is generated downstream of TRPA1 activation by cinnamaldehyde. This mechanistic pathway underlying TRPA1‐mediated vasodilatation may be important in understanding the role of TRPA1 in pathophysiological situations.

Acute cardiopulmonary toxicity of inhaled aldehydes: role of TRPA1

Inhalation of high-level volatile aldehydes, as present in smoke from wildfires and in tobacco smoke, is associated with both acute and chronic cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) protein forms a cation channel (irritant receptor) that mediates tobacco smoke-induced airway and lung injury, yet the role of TRPA1 in the cardiovascular toxicity of aldehyde exposure is unclear. Physiologically, airway-located TRPA1 activation triggers an irritant response (e.g., coughing and "respiratory braking") that alters the rate and depth of breathing to reduce exposure. Acrolein (2-propenal), a volatile, unsaturated aldehyde, activates TRPA1. Acrolein was used as a chemical weapon in World War I and is present at high levels in wildfires and tobacco smoke. Acrolein is thought to contribute to pulmonary and cardiovascular injury caused by tobacco smoke exposure, although the role of TRPA1 in cardiovascular toxicity is unclear. This minireview addresses this gap in our knowledge by exploring literature and recent data indicating a connection between TRPA1 and cardiovascular as well as pulmonary injury due to inhaled aldehydes.

Involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor and nitric oxide in cardiovascular responses to dynamic exercise in rats

Dynamic exercise evokes sustained cardiovascular responses, which are characterized by arterial pressure and heart rate increases. Although it is well accepted that there is central nervous system mediation of cardiovascular adjustments during exercise, information on the role of neural pathways and signaling mechanisms is limited. It has been reported that glutamate, by acting on NMDA receptors, evokes the release of nitric oxide through activation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the brain. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that NMDA receptors and nNOS are involved in cardiovascular responses evoked by an acute bout of exercise on a rodent treadmill. Moreover, we investigated possible central sites mediating control of responses to exercise through the NMDA receptor-nitric oxide pathway. Intraperitoneal administration of the selective NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) reduced both the arterial pressure and heart rate increase evoked by dynamic exercise. Intraperitoneal treatment with the preferential nNOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole reduced exercise-evoked tachycardiac response without affecting the pressor response. Moreover, treadmill running increased NO formation in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), bed nucleus of the stria teminalis (BNST) and periaqueductal gray (PAG), and this effect was inhibited by systemic pretreatment with MK-801. Our findings demonstrate that NMDA receptors and nNOS mediate the tachycardiac response to dynamic exercise, possibly through an NMDA receptor-NO signaling mechanism. However, NMDA receptors, but not nNOS, mediate the exercise-evoked pressor response. The present results also provide evidence that MPFC, BNST and PAG may modulate physiological adjustments during dynamic exercise through NMDA receptor-NO signaling.

Involvement of capsaicin-sensitive afferent nerves in the proteinase-activated receptor 2-mediated vasodilatation in the rat dura mater

Neurogenic inflammation of the dura mater encephali has been suggested to contribute to the mechanisms of meningeal nociception and blood flow regulation. Recent findings demonstrated that the rat dura mater is innervated by trigeminal capsaicin-sensitive peptidergic nociceptive afferent nerves which mediate meningeal vascular responses through activation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptor. The present work explored the functional significance of the capsaicin-sensitive subpopulation of dural afferent nerves via their contribution to the meningeal vascular responses evoked through activation of the proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2). The vascular responses of the dura mater were studied by laser Doppler flowmetry in a rat open cranial window preparation. Topical applications of trypsin, a PAR-2-activator, or Ser-Leu-Ile-Gly-Arg-Leu-amide (SLIGRL-NH(2)), a selective PAR-2 agonist peptide, resulted in dose-dependent increases in meningeal blood flow. The SLIGRL-NH(2)-induced vasodilatation was significantly reduced following capsaicin-sensitive afferent nerve defunctionalization by prior systemic capsaicin treatment and by pretreatment of the dura mater with the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist CGRP(8-37). Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) an unspecific inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) production, but not 1-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl) imidazole (TRIM), a neuronal NO synthase inhibitor, also inhibited the vasodilator response to SLIGRL-NH(2). The vasodilator responses elicited by very low concentrations of capsaicin (10 nM) were significantly enhanced by prior application of SLIGRL-NH(2). The present findings demonstrate that activation of the PAR-2 localized on capsaicin-sensitive trigeminal nociceptive afferent nerves induces vasodilatation in the dural vascular bed by mechanisms involving NO and CGRP release. The results indicate that the PAR-2-mediated activation and sensitization of meningeal capsaicin-sensitive C-fiber nociceptors may be significantly implicated in the pathophysiology of headaches.

Role of nitric oxide in the regulation of activity of proteinase inhibitors alpha(1)-antitrypsin and alpha(2)-macroglobulin by capsaicin-sensitive nerves

Regulation of activity of serine proteinase inhibitor a1-antitrypsin and nonspecific proteinase inhibitor alpha(2)-macroglobulin in the blood by nitric oxide was studied in intact rats and animals with damage to capsaicin-sensitive nerves. Nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME produced a dose-dependent increase in alpha(1)-antitrypsin activity in intact animals. Neuronal NO synthase inhibitor 7-nitroindazole increased alpha(2)-macroglobulin activity. Deafferentation with capsaicin was followed by a decrease in alpha(1)-antitrypsin activity. Both inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase increased activity of alpha(1)-antitrypsin in capsaicin-receiving rats. Nitric oxide precursor L-arginine had a normalizing effect on reduced activity of alpha(1)-antitrypsin after capsaicin deafferentation. Our results suggest that nitric oxide has a modulatory effect on activity of proteinase inhibitors and is involved in the effector influence of capsaicin-sensitive nerves on alpha(1)-antitrypsin activity.

Expression of nitric oxide synthase isoforms and nitric oxide production in acute pancreatitis and associated lung injury

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The role of nitric oxide (NO) has been increasingly implicated in the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis (AP). Studies have shown increased NO production in AP although not all are agreeable on whether NO is beneficial or detrimental in AP. This study aims to profile NO production and NO synthase (NOS) expression in the pancreas and lungs in the progression of AP in mice to gain insights to the role played by different NOS isoforms.

METHODS

AP was induced in mice by hourly administration of cerulein. NO production was determined by measuring the total nitrite and nitrate (NOx) content while NOS expression was measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

Pancreatic NO production increased sharply and was sustained throughout AP. iNOS expression was greatly increased while eNOS was downregulated at the later stages. In the lungs, there was an unexpected early increase in the constitutive NOS expression; however iNOS was also significantly overexpressed at the later time point along with a significant increase in NO. Acinar cells were found to overproduce NO in response to cerulein hyperstimulation with iNOS again being the major contributor.

CONCLUSION

These data show that NO production and NOS expression are differentially regulated temporally and in magnitude in the pancreas and lungs in response to cerulein hyperstimulation which suggests differing roles for each NOS isoform. and IAP.

Acute vibration reduces Aβ nerve fiber sensitivity and alters gene expression in the ventral tail nerves of rats

Long-term occupational exposure to hand-arm vibration can result in a permanent reduction in tactile sensitivity in exposed fingers and hands. Little is known about how vibration causes this reduction in sensitivity, and currently no testing procedures have been developed to monitor changes in sensory perception during ongoing exposures. We used a rat-tail model of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) to determine whether changes in sensory nerve function could be detected after acute exposure to vibration. Nerve function was assessed using the current perception threshold (CPT) method. We also determined whether changes in nerve function were associated with changes in gene transcription. Our results demonstrate that the CPT method can be used to assess sensory nerve function repeatedly in rats and can detect transient decreases in the sensitivity of Abeta nerve fibers caused by acute exposure to vibration. This decrease in Abeta fiber sensitivity was associated with a reduction in expression of nitric oxide synthase-1, and a modest increase in calcitonin gene-related peptide transcript levels in tail nerves 24 h after vibration exposure. These transient changes in sensory perception and transcript levels induced by acute vibration exposure may be indicators of more prolonged changes in peripheral nerve physiology.

Modulation of the inflammatory response to histamine by terbutaline and sodium nitroprusside in guinea-pig skin

We measured the microvascular response (vasodilatation and plasma exudation) to skin prick provocations with histamine, terbutaline, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and the combinations of terbutaline and histamine as well as SNP and histamine in guinea-pig skin. The response was measured by external detection of beta radiation from transferrin labelled with (113m)In. Histamine induced a moderate microvascular response. Terbutaline alone induced a smaller response, probably reflecting vasodilatation. When added to histamine, terbutaline significantly reduced the microvascular response to histamine. The response to histamine, SNP and the combination of histamine and SNP were all similar. We conclude that the anti-inflammatory effect of terbutaline can be readily measured with this technique. We found no indication of a pro-inflammatory effect of SNP when combined with histamine. Rather, the lack of additive effect may suggest an anti-inflammatory effect of SNP on the response to histamine.

The role of endothelial nitric oxide in the Substance P induced vasodilation in bovine dental pulp

Vasodilation, an important response in neurogenic inflammation, involves release of Substance P (SP) from the sensory nerve endings. It is now well known that SP causes edema formation and vascular relaxation in nondental tissues, however, the SP vasodilatory mechanism in the dental pulp is not completely understood. Endothelium-dependent relaxation is mediated by nitric oxide (NO) release with consecutive intracellular cyclic-GMP elevation in many vascular preparations. Recently, it has been shown in different vascular systems that SP-induced vasodilation is mediated by cyclic-GMP production through different pathways involving endothelial NO or direct endothelial-independent pathways. In the present study, the role of endothelial NO in SP induced vasodilation in the dental pulp was investigated to better understand the inflammatory mechanisms. Freshly extracted bovine dental pulp was used to measure NO production. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), L-NAME and SP were utilized to induce and to inhibit NO production in endothelial cells. Released NO byproducts were measured with chemiluminescence assay technique. The present data demonstrate that SP induces NO production by activating NOsynthase (NOS) in endothelial cells. The NOS inhibitor L-NAME blocks NO production completely. In conclusion, in the bovine dental pulp, SP-induced vascular relaxation can be mediated by inducing NOS, and subsequently NO production in endothelial cells.

Sensory nitrergic meningeal vasodilatation and non-nitrergic plasma extravasation in anaesthesized rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of nitric oxide (NO) of sensory neural origin in neurogenic inflammatory response in the trigeminovascular system. Antidromic vasodilatation and plasma extravasation in response to electrical stimulation (15 V, 5 Hz, 0.5 ms, 100 impulses) of the trigeminal ganglion were investigated in the dura mater and nasal mucosa/upper eyelid by laser Doppler flowmetry and [(125)I]-labelled bovine serum albumin, respectively. Electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion of rats elicited a reproducible ipsilateral enhancement of both meningeal and nasal mucosal blood flow. N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA; 4, 8, and 16 mg/kg, i.v.), a nonselective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), inhibited antidromic vasodilatation both in the dura mater (15.86+/-2.05%, 22.82+/-2.51%, and 36.28+/-4.37%) and nasal mucosa (35.46+/-8.57%, 58.72+/-9.2%, and 89.99+/-8.94%) in a dose-dependent manner. Specific inhibitors of neuronal NOS, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI; 20 mg/kg, i.v.) and 3-bromo-7-nitroindazole (3Br-7NI; 10 mg/kg, i.v.) were administered to assess the possible role of NO released from the trigeminal sensory fibres. The meningeal vasodilatation was inhibited by both 3Br-7NI and 7-NI (63.36+/-7.7% and 49+/-6.5%, respectively). The nasal hyperaemic response was also reduced by 3Br-7NI (78.26+/-8.7%). Plasma extravasation in the dura mater and upper eyelid evoked by electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion (25 V, 5 Hz, 0,5 ms, 5 min), expressed as extravasation ratios (ERs) of the stimulated vs. nonstimulated sides, was 1.80+/-0.8 and 4.63+/-1.24, respectively. This neurogenic oedema formation was not inhibited by neither L-NNA nor 3Br-7NI. It is concluded that neural nitrergic mechanisms are involved in the meningeal vasodilatation evoked by electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion.

Vascular Actions of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Adrenomedullin

This review summarizes the receptor-mediated vascular activities of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and the structurally related peptide adrenomedullin (AM). CGRP is a 37-amino acid neuropeptide, primarily released from sensory nerves, whilst AM is produced by stimulated vascular cells, and amylin is secreted from the pancreas. They share vasodilator activity, albeit to varying extents depending on species and tissue. In particular, CGRP has potent activity in the cerebral circulation, which is possibly relevant to the pathology of migraine, whilst vascular sources of AM contribute to dysfunction in cardiovascular disease. Both peptides exhibit potent activity in microvascular beds. All three peptides can act on a family of CGRP receptors that consist of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CL) linked to one of three receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) that are essential for functional activity. The association of CL with RAMP1 produces a CGRP receptor, with RAMP2 an AM receptor and with RAMP3 a CGRP/AM receptor. Evidence for the selective activity of the first nonpeptide CGRP antagonist BIBN4096BS for the CGRP receptor is presented. The cardiovascular activity of these peptides in a range of species and in human clinical conditions is detailed, and potential therapeutic applications based on use of antagonists and gene targeting of agonists are discussed.

NEUROPEPTIDES AND NEUROGENIC MECHANISMS IN ORAL AND PERIODONTAL INFLAMMATION

It is generally accepted that the nervous system contributes to the pathophysiology of peripheral inflammation, and a neurogenic component has been implicated in many inflammatory diseases, including periodontitis. Neurogenic inflammation should be regarded as a protective mechanism, which forms the first line of defense and protects tissue integrity. However, severe or prolonged noxious stimulation may result in the inflammatory response mediating injury rather than facilitating repair. This review focuses on the accumulating evidence suggesting that neuropeptides have a pivotal role in the complex cascade of chemical activity associated with periodontal inflammation. An overview of neuropeptide synthesis and release introduces the role of neuropeptides and their interactions with other inflammatory factors, which ultimately lead to neurogenic inflammation. The biological effects of the neuropeptides substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) are summarized, and evidence for their involvement in the localized inflammatory lesions which characterize periodontitis is presented. In this context, the role of CGRP in bone metabolism is described in more detail. Recent research highlighting the role of the nervous system in suppressing pain and inflammation is also discussed.

Nitric oxide, inflammation and acute burn injury

Nitric oxide (NOz.rad;) is a diatomic mediator liberated on oxidation of L-arginine by the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) family of enzymes. It has complex and wide ranging functions in vivo and has been implicated in the development of the profound inflammatory response that occurs as a result of cutaneous burn injury. In addition, dysregulation of NOS activity has been associated with multiple organ failure in human burn patients and may therefore represent a novel therapeutic target in such circumstances. This review focuses on the role of NOz.rad; in inflammation, with particular emphasis on the acute post-burn inflammatory response. Specific areas of discussion include the maintenance of microvascular haemostasis, leukocyte recruitment and remote organ dysfunction following thermal injury.

Nitric oxide, human diseases and the herbal products that affect the nitric oxide signalling pathway

1. Nitric oxide (NO) is formed enzymatically from l-arginine in the presence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Nitric oxide is generated constitutively in endothelial cells via sheer stress and blood-borne substances. Nitric oxide is also generated constitutively in neuronal cells and serves as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerve endings. Furthermore, NO can also be formed via enzyme induction in many tissues in the presence of cytokines. 2. The ubiquitous presence of NO in the living body suggests that NO plays an important role in the maintenance of health. Being a free radical with vasodilatory properties, NO exerts dual effects on tissues and cells in various biological systems. At low concentrations, NO can dilate the blood vessels and improve the circulation, but at high concentrations it can cause circulatory shock and induce cell death. Thus, diseases can arise in the presence of the extreme ends of the physiological concentrations of NO. 3. The NO signalling pathway has, in recent years, become a target for new drug development. The high level of flavonoids, catechins, tannins and other polyphenolic compounds present in vegetables, fruits, soy, tea and even red wine (from grapes) is believed to contribute to their beneficial health effects. Some of these compounds induce NO formation from the endothelial cells to improve circulation and some suppress the induction of inducible NOS in inflammation and infection. 4. Many botanical medicinal herbs and drugs derived from these herbs have been shown to have effects on the NO signalling pathway. For example, the saponins from ginseng, ginsenosides, have been shown to relax blood vessels (probably contributing to the antifatigue and blood pressure-lowering effects of ginseng) and corpus cavernosum (thus, for the treatment of men suffering from erectile dysfunction; however, the legendary aphrodisiac effect of ginseng may be an overstatement). Many plant extracts or purified drugs derived from Chinese medicinal herbs with proposed actions on NO pathways are also reviewed.

Endogenous nitric oxide does not modulate mesenteric mast cell degranulation in rats

The inhibitory effects of endogenous nitric oxide could explain the decreased mesenteric mast cell degranulation after anaphylaxis in genetically hypertensive rats (SHR). SHR and normotensive rats (NT) were sensitized to ovalbumin and challenged 14 days later. Degranulation of mast cells was assessed in duodenum, mesentery and skin by increased microvascular permeability using extravasation of Evans blue dye (20mg/kg, i.v.), and in the mesentery also by light microscopy after staining with toluidine blue. Pretreatment with an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis, L-NAME (30 mg/kg, i.v.) did not change dye extravasation after immunological challenge or after compound 48/80 in mesentery of either SHR or NT. PCA was also defective in SHR. Pretreatment with L-NAME did not affect either the defective PCA in SHR or the normal PCA reaction in NT. Our results show that inhibition by endogenous nitric oxide is not the cause of the defective mast cell degranulation in the SHR nor did it modulate degranulation of mesenteric or skin mast cells in NT.

The pharmacology of nitric oxide in the peripheral nervous system of blood vessels

Unanticipated, novel hypothesis on nitric oxide (NO) radical, an inorganic, labile, gaseous molecule, as a neurotransmitter first appeared in late 1989 and into the early 1990s, and solid evidences supporting this idea have been accumulated during the last decade of the 20th century. The discovery of nitrergic innervation of vascular smooth muscle has led to a new understanding of the neurogenic control of vascular function. Physiological roles of the nitrergic nerve in vascular smooth muscle include the dominant vasodilator control of cerebral and ocular arteries, the reciprocal regulation with the adrenergic vasoconstrictor nerve in other arteries and veins, and in the initiation and maintenance of penile erection in association with smooth muscle relaxation of the corpus cavernosum. The discovery of autonomic efferent nerves in which NO plays key roles as a neurotransmitter in blood vessels, the physiological roles of this nerve in the control of smooth muscle tone of the artery, vein, and corpus cavernosum, and pharmacological and pathological implications of neurogenic NO have been reviewed. This nerve is a postganglionic parasympathetic nerve. Mechanical responses to stimulation of the nerve, mainly mediated by NO, clearly differ from those to cholinergic nerve stimulation. The naming "nitrergic or nitroxidergic" is therefore proposed to avoid confusion of the term "cholinergic nerve", from which acetylcholine is released as a major neurotransmitter. By establishing functional roles of nitrergic, cholinergic, adrenergic, and other autonomic efferent nerves in the regulation of vascular tone and the interactions of these nerves in vivo, especially in humans, progress in the understanding of cardiovascular dysfunctions and the development of pharmacotherapeutic strategies would be expected in the future.

Endothelial nitric oxide modulates perivascular sensory neurotransmission in the rat isolated mesenteric arterial bed

1. A possible role of nitric oxide (NO) as a modulator of capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurotransmission in blood vessels was investigated in the rat isolated mesenteric arterial bed. 2. Electrical field stimulation (EFS) of methoxamine-preconstricted mesenteric beds elicited frequency-dependent vasorelaxation mediated by capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves. N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 and 300 microM) and 7-nitroindazole (7-NI, 100 microM), inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), augmented sensory neurogenic vasorelaxation. D-NAME (300 microM), 6-aminoindazole (100 microM) and N(omega)-propyl-L-arginine (50 nM), a selective inhibitor of neuronal NOS, were without effect. The effect of 10 microM L-NAME was reversed by L-arginine (1 mM), the substrate for NOS. 3. L-NAME (300 microM) and 7-NI (100 microM) had no significant effect on vasorelaxations to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), the principal motor neurotransmitter of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves in rat mesenteric arteries, or to capsaicin, indicating a prejunctional action. The inhibitors of NOS had no effect on vasorelaxation to forskolin, but augmented vasorelaxation to sodium nitroprusside (SNP). 4. Removal of the endothelium augmented sensory neurogenic vasorelaxation, but did not affect vasorelaxation to CGRP, indicating a prejunctional action of endothelial NO. 5. In the absence of endothelium, L-NAME (300 microM) inhibited, and 7-NI (100 microM) caused no further augmentation of sensory neurotransmission. 6. SNP (100 nM), a nitric oxide donor, attenuated sensory neurogenic relaxations to EFS. 7. In rat isolated thoracic aortic rings, L-NAME (100 microM) and 7-NI (100 microM) attenuated concentration-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine. 8. These data show that NO modulates sensory neurotransmission evoked by EFS of the rat isolated mesenteric arterial bed, and that when NO synthesis is blocked sensory neurogenic relaxation is augmented. The source of NO is the vascular endothelium.

Expression and distribution of calcitonin receptor-like receptor in human hairy skin

Calcitonin gene-related peptide and adrenomedullin exert potent effects in skin but their cellular targets are unknown. This study aimed to identify the cellular location of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) which is pharmacologically identical to CGRP receptor-1, a putative molecular target of CGRP and adrenomedullin. RT-PCR analysis of human hairy skin revealed the presence of CRLR mRNA and immunohistochemical analysis, employing a previously characterized polyclonal antibody raised to CRLR, provided novel evidence of the cellular distribution of CRLR. Extensive and specific CRLR-immunostaining was detected in arteriolar smooth muscle and venular endothelium and is consistent with CGRP's putative role in neurogenic inflammation. Novel targets for CGRP and/or adrenomedullin were identified, including capillary endothelium, hair follicles and sweat glands.

Nitric oxide synthase in spinal cord central sensitization following intradermal injection of capsaicin

Nitric oxide (NO) is believed to be an important messenger molecule in signal transduction pathways that enhance nociceptive transmission in the central nervous system (CNS). The role of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) I and II, which synthesize NO, in central sensitization induced by an intradermal capsaicin injection was investigated. To elucidate whether changes in NOS I and NOS II activities caused by capsaicin injection contribute to behavioral changes, responses to von Frey filaments with two different innocuous bending forces applied on the rat foot were tested. The allodynic responses induced by capsaicin injection in the foot were partially reversed by the administration of either the selective NOS I inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole (7-NINA), or the selective NOS II inhibitor, 2-amino-5,6-dihydro-6-methyl-4H-1,3-thiazine (AMT). To confirm changes at the level of single nociceptive neurons, extracellular recordings were made from rat dorsal horn neurons. The electrophysiological results showed that increased responses to noxious and innocuous stimuli caused by capsaicin injection were blocked by either 7-NINA or AMT delivered through a microdialysis fiber inserted through the dorsal horn. Finally, the expression of both NOS I and NOS II in the spinal cord as demonstrated by Western blots was increased by 20 min following intradermal capsaicin injection in the rat foot. These results suggest that both NOS I and NOS II are upregulated following intradermal capsaicin injection and that both cause NO release that contributes to the secondary hyperalgesia and allodynia following this noxious chemical stimulus.

Peripheral nitric oxide in carrageenan-induced inflammation

Recent studies have suggested that nitric oxide (NO) peripherally produced by different nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms contributes to edema formation and development of hyperalgesia. The present study was designed to examine the effects of NOS isoforms on NO release in carrageenan-induced inflammation at various time points. A microdialysis probe was implanted subcutaneously into the glabrous skin of hindpaws of Sprague-Dawley rats under pentobarbital anesthesia. After sample collection to obtain the basal level of the total amount of nitrite and nitrate (NO2-/NO3-), modified Ringer solution, a non-selective NOS inhibitor, NG monomethyl-L-arginine acetate (L-NMMA), or an iNOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine hemisulfate (AG) was perfused through the microdialysis probe. 2 mg of carrageenan was injected into the plantar surface of the probe-implanted hindpaw. Carrageenan was also injected in rats that had undergone sciatic nerve sectioning. Carrageenan significantly increased the dialysate concentrations of NO2-/NO3- for more than 8 h. L-NMMA suppressed the carrageenan-induced increase in NO2-/NO3- concentration. Although AG did not suppress the increase in NO2-/NO3- for the first 2 h after carrageenan injection, significant suppression of the increase in NO2-/NO3- was observed from 2.5 h after carrageenan injection. In the rats in which the sciatic nerves had been denervated, the increases in concentrations of NO2-/NO3- were completely suppressed up to 3 h and partially suppressed 4.5-8 h after carrageenan injection. The results of the current study show that carrageenan induces peripheral release of NO, the production of which is mediated by nNOS in the early phase and by both nNOS and iNOS in the late phase of carrageenan-induced inflammation.

Mechanisms of the cutaneous vasodilator response to local external pressure application in rats: involvement of CGRP, neurokinins, prostaglandins and NO

1. Local pressure-induced vasodilation (PIV) is a neural vasodilator response to non-nociceptive externally applied pressure in the skin, previously described in humans. We first determined whether PIV exists in rats and depends on capsaicin-sensitive fibres as it does in humans. We then examined the mediators involved in the efferent pathway of PIV. 2. Cutaneous blood flow was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry during 11.1 Pa s(-1) increases in local applied pressure in anaesthetized rats. The involvement of capsaicin-sensitive fibres in PIV was tested in rats treated neonatally with capsaicin. To antagonize CGRP, neurokinin-1, -2, or -3 receptors, different groups of rats were treated with CGRP(8 - 37), SR140333, SR48968 or SR142801, respectively. Prostaglandins involvement was tested with indomethacin treatment. To inhibit nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity or specific neuronal NOS, rats were treated with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine or 7-nitroindazole, respectively. 3. PIV was found in rats, as in humans. PIV was abolished by neonatal treatment with capsaicin and by administration of CGRP(8 - 37) but remained unchanged with SR140333, SR48968 and SR142801 treatments. Prostaglandin inhibition resulted in a significant decrease in PIV. Inhibition of NOS abolished PIV, whereas inhibition of neuronal NOS caused a diminution of PIV. 4. These data suggest that PIV depends on capsaicin-sensitive fibres in rats, as in humans. It appears that CGRP plays a major role in the PIV, whereas neurokinins have no role. Furthermore, PIV involves a contribution from prostaglandins and depends on endothelial NO, whereas neuronal NO has a smaller role.

Role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in hypoxia-induced anapyrexia in rats

Anapyrexia (a regulated decrease in body temperature) is a response to hypoxia that occurs in organisms ranging from protozoans to mammals, but very little is known about the mechanisms involved. Recently, it has been shown that the NO pathway plays a major role in hypoxia-induced anapyrexia. However, very little is known about which of the three different nitric oxide synthase isoforms (neuronal, endothelial, or inducible) is involved. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) plays a role in hypoxia-induced anapyrexia. Body core temperature (T(c)) of awake, unrestrained rats was measured continuously using biotelemetry. Rats were submitted to hypoxia, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI; a selective nNOS inhibitor) injection, or both treatments together. Control animals received vehicle injections of the same volume. We observed a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in T(c) of approximately 2.8 degrees C after hypoxia (7% inspired O(2)), whereas intraperitoneal injection of 7-NI at 25 mg/kg caused no significant change in T(c). 7-NI at 30 mg/kg elicited a reduction in T(c) and was abandoned in further experiments. When the two treatments were combined (25 mg/kg of 7-NI and 7% inspired O(2)), we observed a significant attenuation of hypoxia-induced anapyrexia. The data indicate that nNOS plays a role in hypoxia-induced anapyrexia.

Reduced inflammation in genetically hypertensive rat airways is associated with reduced tachykinin NK(1) receptor numbers

The airways of the genetically hypertensive rat (GH) are hyperinnervated by substance P-containing sensory nerves and exhibit reduced inflammatory responsiveness to substance P and to capsaicin. The present study measured tracheal inflammation to resiniferatoxin (1.0 microgram/kg i.v.), a capsaicin analogue, which lacks the hypotensive action of capsaicin itself, alone or after the neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor 1-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)imidazole (TRIM) (50 mg/kg i.p.). The inflammatory response to resiniferatoxin alone was 50% lower in untreated GH than in control rats, a similar strain difference to that seen previously with capsaicin. Pre-treatment with TRIM had no effect on inflammation in either strain. Binding kinetics of the tachykinin NK(1) receptor antagonist [3H](S)-1-(2-[3-(3, 4-dichlorophenyl)-1-(3-isopropoxyphenylacetyl)piperidin-3-yl]ethyl)-4- phenyl-l-azoniabicyclo[2,2,2,]octane chloride ([3H]SR140333)(0.125-16.0 nM) showed 50% reduction of B(max) in GH versus control tracheae (74+/-13 cf.165+/-26 fmol/mg protein). Our results indicate that the reduced neurogenic inflammatory responsiveness in GH rats can be attributed entirely to reduced tachykinin NK(1) receptor numbers.

Effects of a neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor on lipopolysaccharide-induced fever

It has been demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) has a thermoregulatory action, but very little is known about the mechanisms involved. In the present study we determined the effect of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibition on thermoregulation. We used 7-nitroindazole (7-NI, 1, 10 and 30 mg/kg body weight), a selective nNOS inhibitor, injected intraperitoneally into normothermic Wistar rats (200-250 g) and rats with fever induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (100 microg/kg body weight) administration. It has been demonstrated that the effects of 30 mg/kg of 7-NI given intraperitoneally may inhibit 60% of nNOS activity in rats. In all experiments the colonic temperature of awake unrestrained rats was measured over a period of 5 h at 15-min intervals after intraperitoneal injection of 7-NI. We observed that the injection of 30 mg/kg of 7-NI induced a 1.5 degrees C drop in body temperature, which was statistically significant 1 h after injection (P<0.02). The coinjection of LPS and 7-NI was followed by a significant (P<0.02) hypothermia about 0.5 degrees C below baseline. These findings show that an nNOS isoform is required for thermoregulation and participates in the production of fever in rats.

Histamine response and local cooling in the human skin: involvement of H1- and H2-receptors

AIMS

Histamine may contribute locally to cutaneous blood flow control under normal and pathologic conditions. The objective of this study was to observe the influence of skin temperature on histamine vasodilation, and the roles of H1-and H2-receptors using novel noninvasive methods.

METHODS

Eleven healthy subjects received, double-blind, single doses of the H1-receptor antagonist cetirizine (10 mg), cetirizine (10 mg) plus the H2-receptor antagonist cimetidine (400 mg), or placebo on separate occasions. Histamine was dosed cumulatively by iontophoresis to the forearm skin at 34 degrees C and 14 degrees C. Laser-Doppler flux (LDF) was measured at the same sites using customised probeholder/iontophoretic chambers with Peltier cooling elements. Finger mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured and cutaneous vascular conductance calculated as LDF/MAP.

RESULTS

Histamine vasodilation was reduced in cold skin. Cetirizine shifted the histamine dose-response at both temperatures: statistically significantly at 14 degrees C only. Combined H1- and H2-receptor antagonism shifted the response significantly at both temperatures.

CONCLUSIONS

H1- and H2-receptors mediate histamine-induced skin vasodilation. The sensitivity of these receptors, particularly the H1- receptor, is attenuated at low skin temperature. Whether the reduced effect in cold skin represents specific receptor or postreceptor desensitization, or nonspecific attenuation of cutaneous vasodilation remains to be elucidated.

Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase as a potential therapeutic target

Nitric oxide (NO) regulates numerous physiological processes, including neurotransmission, smooth muscle contractility, platelet reactivity, and the cytotoxic activity of immune cells. Because of the ubiquitous nature of NO, inappropriate release of this mediator has been linked to the pathogenesis of a number of disease states. This provides the rationale for the design of therapies that modulate NO concentrations selectively. A well-characterized family of compounds are the inhibitors of NO synthase, the enzyme responsible for the generation of NO; such agents are potentially beneficial in the treatment of conditions associated with an overproduction of NO, including septic shock, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammation. This article provides an overview of NO synthase inhibitors, focusing on agents that prevent binding of substrate L-arginine.

Decreased vascular permeability response to substance P in airways of genetically hypertensive rats

1. The inbred genetically hypertensive strain (GH) of the Otago Wistar rat possesses more sensory neurons containing the neuropeptide substance P (SP) than does its genetically related control normotensive strain. 2. As SP contributes to airway inflammation by increasing microvascular permeability, we assessed the extravasation of Evans Blue dye in trachea and main bronchus of anaesthetized GH and control rats, in the presence of endogenous (capsaicin-liberated) or exogenous SP. 3. Following intravenous administration of either capsaicin (75 microg kg(-1)) or SP (3.3 nmol kg(-1)), extravasation of Evans Blue in airways from GH rats was only about 60% of that in airways of control rats. This difference was not gender-specific and responses to capsaicin were abolished by pretreatment with a selective NK1 receptor antagonist SR 140333 (360 nmol kg(-1)). 4. By contrast, the extravasation of dye caused by intravenous 5-hydroxytryptamine (0.5 micromol kg(-1)) was similar in magnitude in both GH and control strains. 5. Falls in systemic arterial blood pressure in response to exogenous SP (0.1-3 nmol kg(-1)) or acetylcholine (0.2-2 nmol kg(-1)) were also very similar between strains, but those in response to capsaicin (75 microg kg(-1)) in the GH rats were about double those in control rats. The hypotensive response to SP was abolished by SR 140333, but that to capsaicin was unaffected. 6. Our results indicate that the increased peripheral innervation density by SP-nerves in GH rats is accompanied by reduced inflammatory responses to SP. This does not involve decreased vasodilator potency of SP and is therefore probably related to altered endothelial responsiveness.

Multiple nitric oxide sources in neurogenic plasma extravasation in rat hindpaw skin

The contribution of nitric oxide (NO) to capsaicin-evoked plasma extravasation was studied in rat hindpaw skin. Two inhibitors of NO synthase were used: 7-nitroindazole, with a selectivity for nerve-derived NO, and the L-arginine derivative, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG), which is a non-selective inhibitor. Plasma extravasation was induced by intraplantar injection of 5 microg/50 microl capsaicin and measured by the Evans blue leakage technique. Both acute and chronic administration of 7-nitroindazole significantly reduced capsaicin-evoked plasma extravasation in rat hind-paw skin, whereas L-NOARG enhanced it. This enhancement was abolished non-stereospecifically by either L- or D-arginine. Our results suggest that NO production from different sources yields a complex action in maintaining the endothelial integrity in neurogenic plasma extravasation.

A comparison of the effects of L-NAME, 7-NI and L-NIL on carrageenan-induced hindpaw oedema and NOS activity

1. Intraplantar injection of carrageenan (150 microl, 1-3% w/v) in the rat resulted in a dose-related increase in hindpaw weight (oedema) characterized by a rapid 'early' phase (up to 2.5 h) response followed by a more sustained 'late' phase (2-6 h) response. No change in weight of either the contralateral (i.e. noninjected) hindpaw or hindpaws injected with saline was observed. 2. Six hours after intraplantar injection of carrageenan (1-3% w/v) hindpaw constitutive (i.e. calcium-dependent) nitric oxide synthase (cNOS) activity (determined ex vivo as the conversion of radiolabelled L-arginine to radiolabelled citrulline) was increased (e.g. 2% w/v; 0.64+/-0.08 pmol citrulline mg(-1) protein 15 min(-1) c.f. 0.08+/-0.04 pmol citrulline mg(-1) protein 15 min(-1) in saline-injected, control animals, n=4, P<0.05). Carrageenan injection also resulted in the appearance in hindpaw homogenates of inducible (i.e. calcium-independent) nitric oxide synthase (iNOS, e.g. 2% w/v; 0.67+/-0.14 pmol citrulline mg(-1) protein 15 min(-1), n=4). Hindpaw cyclic GMP concentration was also significantly increased 6 h after intraplantar injection of carrageenan (e.g. 2% w/v; 379.6+/-26.8 fmol mg(-1) protein c.f. 261.8+/-42.2 fmol mg(-1) protein, in saline-injected, control animals, n=4, P<0.05). 3. Pretreatment (5-25 mg kg(-1), i.p., 30 min before carrageenan, 2% w/v) of animals with L-N(G) nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; isoform nonselective inhibitor of NOS) or 7-nitro indazole (7-NI; inhibitor of neuronal NOS, nNOS) caused dose-related inhibition of both the early (2 h) and late (6 h) phase hindpaw oedema, associated with reduced hindpaw iNOS and cNOS activity and cyclic GMP concentration in animals killed at 6 h. Administration of 7-NI (5-25 mg kg(-1), i.p.) to animals 2.5 h after intraplantar carrageenan (2% w/v) injection (i.e. at the end of the early phase oedema response) produced dose-related inhibition of the late phase response. 4. Pretreatment (5-25 mg kg(-1), i.p., 30 min before carrageenan, 2% w/v) of animals with L-N6-iminoethyllysine (L-NIL, selective inhibitor of iNOS) (5-25 mg kg(-1)) failed to affect the early phase hindpaw oedema response but did produce a dose-related inhibition of the late phase oedema. L-NIL pretreatment also inhibited the carrageenan-induced increase in both hindpaw iNOS and cNOS activity as well as the rise in hindpaw cyclic GMP concentration. 5. The present experiments demonstrate an anti-inflammatory effect of 7-NI as evidenced by inhibition of carrageenan-induced hindpaw oedema in the rat. Inhibition of nNOS (early phase) and iNOS (late phase) at the site of inflammation most probably accounts for the anti-inflammatory activity observed. These data suggest a role for nitric oxide synthesized by the nNOS isoform (most probably within sensory nerves) in this model of inflammation.

CGRP and nitric oxide of neuronal origin and their involvement in neurogenic vasodilatation in rat skin microvasculature

1. Sensory nerves are important for the initiation of neurogenic inflammation and tissue repair. Both calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and nitric oxide (NO) have been implicated in neurogenic vasodilatation and inflammatory responses. 2. A blister model in the rat hind footpad was used as a site to induce neurogenic vasodilatation in response to antidromic electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve. Blood flux was monitored with a laser Doppler flow monitor. 3. The quantitative contributions of CGRP and NO to vasodilatation were examined by use of the CGRP receptor antagonist CGRP8-37 and NO synthase inhibitors 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), 3-bromo 7-NI and N(G)-nitro L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). The potential modulatory role of endothelin was examined by use of the ET(A) receptor antagonist BQ-123. 4. CGRP8-37 (10 microM) was perfused over the blister base before nerve stimulation and continuously throughout the post-stimulation period, resulting in a significant reduction (41%) in the blood flux vascular response. 5. Pretreatment with the specific neuronal NO synthase inhibitors, 7-NI and 3-bromo 7-NI (10 mg kg(-1), i.v.), and of the non-specific L-NAME (100 microM), resulted in significant inhibition of the blood flux response (36%, 72% and 57% decrease, respectively). In contrast, 7-NI treatment in young rats pretreated with capsaicin had no further effect on the vascular response, suggesting that the source of NO is the sensory nerves. 6. BQ-123 (10 microM) significantly enhanced the stimulation-induced blood flux response (61% increase). When 7-NI was co-administered with either CGRP8-37 or BQ-123, the drug actions were additive, suggesting that there was no interaction between NO and CGRP or endothelin. 7. These data suggest that both NO and CGRP participate in neurogenic vasodilatation in rat skin microvasculature and that this response is modulated by endogenous endothelin.

Sensory neuropeptides: their role in inflammation and wound healing

Vasoactive neuropeptides including substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are localised in sensory nerves which innervate blood vessels. These are the major vasoactive neuropeptides released from sensory nerve endings and both have been suggested to have roles in inflammatory and cardiovascular disease. The neuropeptides have potent effects on microvascular tone and permeability, which are seen soon after release from perivascular nerves. There is also evidence that neuropeptides can affect various activities of inflammatory cells and that sensory nerves play a role in the recovery of the healthy microcirculation during wound healing phases. This review concentrates on evidence that the neuropeptides substance P, acting via tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors, and CGRP, acting via CGRP1 receptors, play a pro-inflammatory role in disease and a beneficial role in wound healing. In addition, results from clinical trials of recently developed neuropeptide antagonists are discussed.

7-Nitroindazole inhibits pial arteriolar vasodilation in a rat model of pneumococcal meningitis

This study investigates how the neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) pathways contribute to the cerebrovascular changes in the early phase of experimental pneumococcal meningitis in rats. Using a closed cranial window preparation, the diameters of pial arterioles were measured during 4 hours after intracisternal injection of heat-killed pneumococci and compared with controls (n = 6). Injection of pneumococci (n = 7) caused a significant increase in pial arteriolar diameter (157 +/- 22% after 4 hours; P < 0.05, compared with 104 +/- 11% in controls), intracranial pressure, CSF white blood cell counts, and brain water content. Treatment with the neuronal NOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (50 mg/kg given intraperitoneally, n = 5) prevented pneumococci-induced vasodilation (107 +/- 20% at 4 hours), whereas S-methylisothiourea (SMT; 0.1 mg/kg given intraperitoneally, n = 5), which predominantly inhibits the inducible NOS, did not influence pneumococci-induced vasodilation (154 +/- 38% at 4 hours). S-methylisothiourea at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg (n = 5), attenuated the vasodilation (124 +/- 18% at 4 hours). However, the increase in mean arterial blood pressure after SMT at 1.0 mg/kg, but not at 0.1 mg/kg, suggests that the higher dose of SMT influenced the constitutive NOS activity, causing inhibition of the pneumococci-induced vasodilation. Neither SMT (at both doses) nor 7-nitroindazole influenced the increase in brain water content, intracranial pressure, and CSF white blood cell counts in pneumococci-challenged rats. Our study suggests that pial arteriolar vasodilation in the early phase of experimental pneumococcal meningitis is mediated by the neuronal NOS pathway.

Role of nitric oxide in the dilator actions of capsaicin-sensitive nerves in the rabbit coronary circulation

Perivascular sensory nerves release calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P, the dilator actions of which can be regulated by nitric oxide (NO). This study investigated the role of NO in the vasodilation caused by sensory nerve stimulation, by capsaicin, or exogenous CGRP and substance P in the isolated perfused coronary circulation of the rabbit. Coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) was raised in order to observe vasodilator responses, using the thromboxane mimetic, U46619. Capsaicin (3 x 10(-6) moles), alpha CGRP (3 x 10(-11) moles) and substance P (3 x 10(-12) moles) caused comparable reductions in CCP. At these concentrations, responses to capsaicin and CGRP were inhibited by the antagonist CGRP(8-37) but unaffected by the neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, CP 96,345. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, NG nitro L-arginine methyl ester inhibited the effects of substance P and capsaicin but not CGRP. These results suggest that CGRP release following capsaicin-induced sensory nerve activation is modulated by NO.

Persistence of effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors: comparisons on blood flow and plasma exudation in guinea pig skin

Plasma protein extravasation has been measured in guinea pig skin using 125I-albumin and blood flow using 133Xenon (133Xe) clearance. The nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (l-NMMA) and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOArg) and the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine, inhibited bradykinin induced plasma protein extravasation when co-injected with the peptide. The inhibitory effects of L-NAME and L-NOArg lasted for up to 8 and 4 h, respectively, whereas phenylephrine and L-NMMA had no persistent inhibitory effects. When co-injected with 133Xe, L-NAME, L-NMMA, L-NOArg and phenylephrine, but not D-NAME, produced significant reductions in skin blood flow. When injected prior to 133Xe, L-NAME and L-NOArg, but not phenylephrine or L-NMMA, significantly reduced flow. The effect of L-NAME on flow was not significant at 8 h. Thus, although the inhibitory effects of the NO synthase inhibitors on mediator induced plasma protein extravasation show correlations with their effects on blood flow, the persistent effect of L-NAME on exudation appears to extend beyond its effect on flow.

Rapid nitric oxide- and prostaglandin-dependent release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) triggered by endotoxin in rat mesenteric arterial bed

1. Our objective was to determine whether endotoxin (ETX) could directly trigger the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from perivascular sensory nerves in the isolated mesenteric arterial bed (MAB) of the rat and to determine whether nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins (PGs) are involved. 2. ETX caused time- and concentration-dependent release of CGRP, and as much as a 17 fold increase in CGRP levels in the perfusate at 10-15 min after the administration of ETX (50 micrograms ml-1). 3. CGRP-like immunoreactivity in the perfusate was shown to co-elute with synthetic rat CGRP by reverse-phase h.p.l.c. 4. Pretreatment of MAB with capsaicin or ruthenium red inhibited ETX-induced CGRP release by 90% and 71%, respectively. ETX-evoked CGRP release was decreased by 84% during Ca2(+)-free perfusion. 5. The release of CGRP evoked by ETX was enhanced by L-arginine by 43% and inhibited by N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG) and methylene blue by 37% and 38%, respectively. L-Arginine reversed the effect of L-NOARG. 6. Indomethacin and ibuprofen also inhibited the ETX-induced CGRP release by 34% and 44%, respectively. No additive inhibition could be found when L-NOARG and indomethacin were concomitantly incubated. 7. The data suggest that ETX triggers the release of CGRP from capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves innervating blood vessels. The ETX-induced CGRP release is dependent on extracellular Ca2+ influx and involves a ruthenium red-sensitive mechanism. Both NO and PGs appear to be involved in the ETX-induced release of CGRP in the rat mesenteric arterial bed.

Selective pharmacological inhibition of distinct nitric oxide synthase isoforms

Nitric oxide (NO) is produced in physiological and pathophysiological conditions by three distinct isoforms of NO synthase (NOS): endothelial NOS (ecNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), and brain NOS (bNOS). Selective inhibition of iNOS may be beneficial in various forms of shock and inflammation, whereas inhibition of bNOS may protect against neuroinjury. This article surveys the enzymatic mechanism of NO production, lists the strategies and pharmacological tools for selective inhibition of distinct NOS isoforms, and considers the side-effects of the various approaches. Selective inhibition of NOS isoforms is achieved by: (a) targeting the differential co-factor (calmodulin or tetrahydrobiopterin) requirement of various NOS isoforms, and NOS; (b) targeting the differential substrate requirements of cells expressing various isoforms of NOS (L-arginine uptake blockers or arginase); (c) the use of pharmacological agents that are selectively taken up by cells expressing various isoforms of NOS (7-nitroindazole); or (d) developing pharmacological NOS inhibitors with isoform specificity. The amino acid-based NOS inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine, shows a preference for ecNOS and bNOS over iNOS, whereas L-N6-(1-iminoethyl)lysine is selective for iNOS over bNOS. Certain non-amino acid-based small molecules, such as aminoguanidine and certain S-alkylated isothioureas, also express selectivity towards iNOS and have anti-inflammatory and anti-shock properties. 7-nitroindazole, a bNOS-selective inhibitor, protects in central nervous system injury. Clearly, there are a number of distinct approaches that are worthy of further research efforts in order to achieve even more selective targeting of various NOS isoforms

Involvement of endogenous nitric oxide in the mechanism of bradykinin-induced peripheral hyperalgesia

1. When NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 0.1-10 nmol) or NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 10 nmol-1 mumol) was intradermally administered with bradykinin (BK, 3 nmol) into the instep of rat hind-paws, a dose-related suppression of BK-induced hyperalgesia, assessed by the paw-pressure test, was produced. 2. L-Arginine (1 mumol) but not D-arginine (1 mumol) reversed the suppressive effects of L-NAME (10 nmol) and L-NMMA (1 mumol) on BK-induced hyperalgesia. 3. Concomitant intradermal administration of BK (3 nmol) with haemoglobin (1 nmol) significantly suppressed BK-induced hyperalgesia in the paw-pressure test. The BK-induced hyperalgesia was abolished by concomitant intradermal administration of either a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, methylene blue (10 nmol), or LY83583 (1 nmol). In addition, KT5823 (1 nmol) or Rp-8-bromoguanosine-3':5'-cyclic monophosphothioate (Rp-8-Br-cGMPS; 1 nmol), an inhibitor of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase, also significantly suppressed BK-induced hyperalgesia. 4. The carrageenin-induced hyperalgesia was significantly attenuated by L-NAME in a dose-dependent manner. 5. L-Arginine (1 mumol), sodium nitroprusside (1 mumol), dibutyryl cyclic GMP (1 mumol) or 8-bromo cyclic GMP (1 mumol) all failed to produce any significant relieving effect on the nociceptive threshold of rodent hind-paws. Concomitant administrations of each agent with a sub-threshold dose (0.1 nmol) of BK induced significant hyperalgesia. 6. Rp-adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphothioate (Rp-cAMPS; 1 nmol), an inhibitor of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, significantly suppressed BK-induced mechanical hyperalgesia. Concomitant administration of forskolin (1 nmol) with 8-bromo cyclic GMP (100 nmol) induced significant hyperalgesia. 7. In the superfusion experiment of a blister base on the instep of rodent hind-paws, intradermally administered BK (3 nmol) significantly increased the outflow of both cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP from the blister base. Concomitant administrations of L-NAME (10 nmol) with BK significantly reduced the BK-induced outflow of cyclic GMP without affecting the cyclic AMP content. 8. These results suggest that the NO-cyclic GMP pathway is involved in the mechanism of BK-induced hyperalgesia, and an activation of both cyclic GMP-and cyclic AMP-second messenger system plays an important role in the production of peripherally induced mechanical hyperalgesia.

Mediation by prostaglandins of the nitric oxide-induced neurogenic vasodilatation in rat skin

1. Intraplantar administration of the nitric oxide (NO) donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), induces hyperaemia in the rat paw skin, which is in part due to release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from afferent nerve fibres. The present study examined whether prostaglandins or other inflammatory mediators participate in the neurogenic vasodilatation caused by SNP. Blood flow in the plantar hindpaw skin of urethane-anaesthetized rats was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry. 2. The hyperaemic responses to intraplantar administration of the NO donors SNP (150 pmol) and 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1, 15 nmol) were attenuated by 45% and 61%, respectively, after injection of the CGRP antagonist, CGRP8-37 (50 nmol kg-1, i.v.) which did not significantly change baseline blood flow. 3. The NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 15 mg kg-1, i.v.), the bradykinin antagonist Hoc-140 (100 nmol kg-1, i.v.) and the histamine antagonists, pyrilamine (2 mg kg-1, i.v.) plus cimetidine (10 mg kg-1, i.p.) were without effect on baseline blood flow and the vasodilatation caused by SNP. 4. The cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors, indomethacin (10 mg kg-1, i.p.) and flurbiprofen (5 mg kg-1, i.p.) depressed the SNP-induced hyperaemia by 65% and 42%, respectively, without altering baseline blood flow. The ability of CGRP8-37 to inhibit the vasodilator response to SNP was lost in indomethacin-treated rats. 5. Intraplantar administration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2, 15 pmol) evoked cutaneous vasodilatation which was attenuated by 66% after administration of CGRP8-37 but remained unaltered by indomethacin or L-NAME. 6. These data indicate that the neurogenic hyperaemia which in rat skin is induced by intraplantar administration of NO donors involves the formation of prostaglandins which in turn cause release of the vasodilator peptide, CGRP, from perivascular afferent nerve fibres.