Olcegepant blocks neurogenic and non-neurogenic CGRPergic vasodepressor responses and facilitates noradrenergic vasopressor responses in pithed rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Olcegepant (BIBN4096BS) is a selective non-peptide CGRP receptor antagonist with acute antimigraine properties. Since systemic vascular tone is modulated by perivascular (primary sensory CGRPergic and sympathetic) nerves, this randomized study investigated in pithed rats the effect of acute i.v. treatment with olcegepant on the neurogenic and non-neurogenic: (i) CGRPergic vasodepressor responses; and (ii) noradrenergic vasopressor responses. The pithed rat is an experimental model predictive of systemic (cardio) vascular side effects.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Seventy-five male Wistar rats (divided into 15 groups, n = 5 each) were pithed, artificially ventilated and prepared for: (i) spinal stimulation (T₉ -T₁₂ ; 0.56-5.6 Hz) of the sensory CGRPergic vasodepressor outflow or i.v. bolus injections (0.1-1 μg·kg^-1 ) of α-CGRP, substance P or acetylcholine, which induced frequency-dependent or dose-dependent vasodepressor responses; or (ii) spinal stimulation (T₇ -T₉ ; 0.03-3 Hz) of the sympathetic vasopressor outflow or i.v. bolus injections (0.03-3 μg·kg^-1 ) of noradrenaline, which produced frequency-dependent or dose-dependent vasopressor responses.

KEY RESULTS

Olcegepant (1000 and 3000 μg·kg^-1 , i.v.) dose-dependently blocked the vasodepressor responses to sensory nerve stimulation or i.v. α-CGRP, without affecting those to substance P or acetylcholine. Whereas it potentiated the vasopressor responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation or i.v. noradrenaline.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Olcegepant (i.v.) selectively blocked the neurogenic and non-neurogenic CGRPergic vasodepressor responses. This blockade by olcegepant potentiated the neurogenic and non-neurogenic noradrenergic vasopressor responses in pithed rats, an effect that might result in an increased vascular resistance and, consequently, in a prohypertensive action.

Development of an experimental model to study trigeminal nerve-mediated vasodilation on the human forehead

BACKGROUND

During migraine, trigeminal sensory nerve terminals release calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), inducing nociception and vasodilation. Applied on the skin, capsaicin activates the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel and releases CGRP from sensory nerve terminals, thus increasing dermal blood flow (DBF). Using capsaicin application and electrical stimulation of the forehead skin, a trigeminal nerve-innervated dermatome, we aimed to develop a model to measure trigeminal nerve-mediated vasodilation in humans.

METHODS

Using laser Doppler imaging, forehead DBF responses to application of capsaicin (0.06 mg/ml and 6.0 mg/ml) and saline, with and without iontophoresis, were studied in healthy subjects. The within-subject coefficient of variation (WCV) of repeated DBF measurements was calculated to assess reproducibility.

RESULTS

Maximal DBF responses to 6.0 mg/ml capsaicin with and without iontophoresis did not differ (Emax 459 ± 32 and 424 ± 32 arbitrary units (a.u.), WCV 6 ± 4%). In contrast, DBF responses to 0.06 mg/ml capsaicin were significantly larger with than without iontophoresis (Emax 307 ± 60 versus 187 ± 21 a.u., WCV 21 ± 13%). Saline with iontophoresis significantly increased DBF (Emax: 245 ± 26 a.u, WCV 11 ± 8%), while saline application without iontophoresis did not affect DBF.

CONCLUSION

Topical application of capsaicin and electrical stimulation induce reproducible forehead DBF increases and therefore are suitable to study trigeminal nerve-mediated vasodilation in humans.

The role of dopamine D2, but not D3 or D4, receptor subtypes, in quinpirole-induced inhibition of the cardioaccelerator sympathetic outflow in pithed rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Quinpirole (a dopamine D2-like receptor agonist) inhibits the cardioaccelerator sympathetic outflow in pithed rats by sympathoinhibitory D2-like receptors. The present study was designed to identify pharmacologically the specific D2-like receptor subtypes (i.e. D2 , D3 and D4) involved in this sympathoinhibition by quinpirole.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

One hundred fourteen male Wistar rats were pithed, artificially ventilated with room air and prepared for either preganglionic spinal (C7-T1) stimulation of the cardioaccelerator sympathetic outflow (n = 102) or i.v. bolus injections of exogenous noradrenaline (n = 12). This approach resulted in frequency-dependent and dose-dependent tachycardic responses, respectively, as previously reported by our group.

KEY RESULTS

I.v. continuous infusions of quinpirole (0.1-10 μg kg(-1)  min(-1)), but not of saline (0.02 mL min(-1)), dose-dependently inhibited the sympathetically induced tachycardic responses. Moreover, the cardiac sympathoinhibition induced by 3 μg kg(-1)  min(-1) quinpirole (which failed to affect the tachycardic responses to i.v. noradrenaline) was: (i) unchanged after i.v. injections of the antagonists SB-277011-A (D3 ; 100-300 μg kg(-1)) or L-745,870 (D4 ; 30-100 μg kg(-1)); and (ii) markedly blocked and abolished by, respectively, 100 and 300 μg kg(-1) of the D2 preferring receptor subtype antagonist L-741,626. These doses of antagonists, which did not affect per se the sympathetically induced tachycardic responses, were high enough to completely block their respective receptors.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The cardiac sympathoinhibition induced by 3 μg kg(-1)  min(-1) quinpirole involves the dopamine D2 receptor subtype, with no evidence for the involvement of the D3 or D4 subtypes. This provides new evidence for understanding the modulation of the cardioaccelerator sympathetic outflow.

Effects of ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists on rat dural artery diameter in an intravital microscopy model

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

During migraine, trigeminal nerves may release calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), inducing cranial vasodilatation and central nociception; hence, trigeminal inhibition or blockade of craniovascular CGRP receptors may prevent this vasodilatation and abort migraine headache. Several preclinical studies have shown that glutamate receptor antagonists affect the pathophysiology of migraine. This study investigated whether antagonists of NMDA (ketamine and MK801), AMPA (GYKI52466) and kainate (LY466195) glutamate receptors affected dural vasodilatation induced by alpha-CGRP, capsaicin and periarterial electrical stimulation in rats, using intravital microscopy.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anaesthetized and the overlying bone was thinned to visualize the dural artery. Then, vasodilator responses to exogenous (i.v. alpha-CGRP) and endogenous (released by i.v. capsaicin and periarterial electrical stimulation) CGRP were elicited in the absence or presence of the above antagonists.

KEY RESULTS

alpha-CGRP, capsaicin and periarterial electrical stimulation increased dural artery diameter. Ketamine and MK801 inhibited the vasodilator responses to capsaicin and electrical stimulation, while only ketamine attenuated those to alpha-CGRP. In contrast, GYKI52466 only attenuated the vasodilatation to exogenous alpha-CGRP, while LY466195 did not affect the vasodilator responses to endogenous or exogenous CGRP.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Although GYKI52466 has not been tested clinically, our data suggest that it would not inhibit migraine via vascular mechanisms. Similarly, the antimigraine efficacy of LY466195 seems unrelated to vascular CGRP-mediated pathways and/or receptors. In contrast, the cranial vascular effects of ketamine and MK801 may represent a therapeutic mechanism, although the same mechanism might contribute, peripherally, to cardiovascular side effects.

The role of peripheral 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT1D, 5-HT1E and 5-HT1F serotonergic receptors in the reduction of nociception in rats

This study assessed the possible antinociceptive role of peripheral 5-HT(1) receptor subtypes in the rat formalin test. Rats were injected into the dorsum of the hind paw with 50 microl of diluted formalin (1%). Nociceptive behavior was quantified as the number of flinches of the injected paw. Reduction of flinching was considered as antinociception. Ipsilateral, but not contralateral, peripheral administration of the 5-HT(1) receptor agonists R(+)-UH-301 (5-HT(1A); 0.1-3 microg/paw), CGS-12066A (5-HT(1B); 0.01-0.3 microg/paw), GR46611 (5-HT(1B/1D); 0.3-10 microg/paw), BRL54443 (5-HT(1E/1F); 3-300 microg/paw) or LY344864 (5-HT(1F); 3-300 microg/paw) significantly reduced formalin-induced flinching. The corresponding vehicle was devoid of any effect by itself. The local antinociceptive effect of R(+)-UH-301 (0.3 microg/paw) was significantly reduced by WAY-100635 (30-100 microg/paw; a 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist). Moreover, the antagonists GR55562 (30-100 microg/paw; 5-HT(1B/D)) or SB224289 (30-100 microg/paw; 5-HT(1B)) dose-dependently reduced the antinociceptive effect of CGS-12066A (0.3 microg/paw) whereas GR55562 (30-100 microg/paw) or BRL15572 (30-100 microg/paw, 5-HT(1D)) reduced the antinociceptive effect of GR46611 (0.3 microg/paw). Interestingly, the effects of BRL54443 and LY344864 (300 microg/paw each) were partially reduced by methiothepin, but not by the highest doses of WAY-100635, SB224289 or BRL15572. The above antagonists did not produce any effect by themselves. These results suggest that peripheral activation of the 5-HT(1A,) 5-HT(1B), 5-HT(1D), 5-HT(1F) and, probably, 5-HT(1E) receptor subtypes leads to antinociception in the rat formalin test. Thus, the use of selective 5-HT(1) receptor agonists could be a therapeutic strategy to reduce inflammatory pain.

Pharmacological profile of the clonidine-induced inhibition of vasodepressor sensory outflow in pithed rats: correlation with alpha(2A/2C)-adrenoceptors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Resistance blood vessels are innervated by sympathetic and primary sensory nerves, which modulate vascular tone through the release of noradrenaline and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), respectively. Moreover, electrical stimulation of the perivascular sensory outflow in pithed rats results in vasodepressor responses which are mainly mediated by CGRP release. The present study has investigated the role of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in the inhibition of these vasodepressor responses.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

144 pithed male Wistar rats were pretreated with hexamethonium (2 mg kg(-1) min(-1)) followed by i.v. continuous infusions of either methoxamine (15 and 30 microg kg(-1) min(-1)) or clonidine (3, 10 and 30 microg kg(-1) min(-1)). Under these conditions, electrical stimulation (0.56-5.6 Hz; 50 V and 2 ms) of the spinal cord (T(9)-T(12)) resulted in frequency-dependent decreases in diastolic blood pressure.

KEY RESULTS

The infusion of clonidine (10 microg kg(-1) min(-1)), as compared to those of methoxamine (15 or 30 microg kg(-1) min(-1)), inhibited the vasodepressor responses to electrical stimulation without affecting those to i.v. bolus injections of alpha-CGRP (0.1-1 microg kg(-1)). This inhibition by clonidine was: (i) antagonized by 300 microg kg(-1) rauwolscine (alpha(2A/2B/2C)), 300 and 1000 microg kg(-1) BRL44408 (alpha(2A)), or 10 and 30 microg kg(-1) MK912 (alpha(2C)); and (ii) unaffected by 1 ml kg(-1) saline, 100 microg kg(-1) BRL44408, 3000 and 10,000 microg kg(-1) imiloxan (alpha(2B)) or 3 microg kg(-1) MK912.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The inhibition produced by 10 microg kg(-1) min(-1) clonidine on the vasodepressor (perivascular) sensory outflow in rats may be mainly mediated by prejunctional alpha(2A)/alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors.

Characterization of the postjunctional alpha 2C-adrenoceptor mediating vasoconstriction to UK14304 in porcine pulmonary veins

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In terms of postjunctional alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in the pulmonary circulation, no evidence is available with regard to the receptor subtypes mediating vasoconstriction. Therefore, we characterized the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtypes mediating contraction in isolated porcine pulmonary veins.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction was studied using a tissue bath protocol. mRNA profile and relative quantification of alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtypes were determined in porcine pulmonary veins using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR.

KEY RESULTS

In porcine pulmonary veins, noradrenaline, phenylephrine (alpha(1)-adrenoceptor agonist), UK14304 and clonidine (alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonists) caused concentration-dependent contractions. The rank order of agonist potency was: NA approximately UK14304 approximately clonidine > phenylephrine. UK14304 responses were antagonised by MK912 (noncompetitive antagonist parameter pD'(2): 10.1), rauwolscine (pK(B): 9.5), yohimbine (pK(B): 9.1), WB4101 (pK(B): 8.7), ARC239 (pK(B): 7.5), prazosin (pK(B): 7.1) and BRL44408 (pK(B): 7.0). Antagonist potencies fitted best with radioligand binding data (pK(i)) at the human recombinant alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor (r(2)=0.96, P=0.0001). Correlation with alpha(2B)-adrenoceptors was lower (r(2)=0.74, P>0.01) and no correlation was obtained with alpha(2A)-adrenoceptors. Moreover, RT-PCR studies in porcine pulmonary veins showed mRNA signals for alpha(2A)- and alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors, but not for alpha(2B)-adrenoceptors, whilst real-time PCR studies indicated a prominent expression of alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor mRNA.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Postjunctional alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors mediated contraction in porcine pulmonary veins. alpha(1)-Adrenoceptors also seem to be present in this tissue. Since alpha(2)-adrenoceptor responsiveness is increased when pulmonary vascular tone is elevated, alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor antagonists may be beneficial in diseases such as pulmonary hypertension or congestive heart failure.

Experimental migraine models and their relevance in migraine therapy

Although the understanding of migraine pathophysiology is incomplete, it is now well accepted that this neurovascular syndrome is mainly due to a cranial vasodilation with activation of the trigeminal system. Several experimental migraine models, based on vascular and neuronal involvement, have been developed. Obviously, the migraine models do not entail all facets of this clinically heterogeneous disorder, but their contribution at several levels (molecular, in vitro, in vivo) has been crucial in the development of novel antimigraine drugs and in the understanding of migraine pathophysiology. One important vascular in vivo model, based on an assumption that migraine headache involves cranial vasodilation, determines porcine arteriovenous anastomotic blood flow. Other models utilize electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion/nerve to study neurogenic dural inflammation, while the superior sagittal sinus stimulation model takes into account the transmission of trigeminal nociceptive input in the brainstem. More recently, the introduction of integrated models, namely electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion or systemic administration of capsaicin, allows studying the activation of the trigeminal system and its effect on the cranial vasculature. Studies using in vitro models have contributed enormously during the preclinical stage to characterizing the receptors in cranial blood vessels and to studying the effects of several putative antimigraine agents. The aforementioned migraine models have advantages as well as some limitations. The present review is devoted to discussing various migraine models and their relevance to antimigraine therapy.

Donitriptan, but not sumatriptan, inhibits capsaicin-induced canine external carotid vasodilatation via 5-HT1B rather than 5-HT1D receptors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been suggested that during a migraine attack capsaicin-sensitive trigeminal sensory nerves release calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), resulting in cranial vasodilatation and central nociception; hence, trigeminal inhibition may prevent this vasodilatation and abort migraine headache. This study investigated the effects of the agonists sumatriptan (5-HT(1B/1D) water-soluble), donitriptan (5-HT(1B/1D) lipid-soluble), PNU-142633 (5-HT(1D) water-soluble) and PNU-109291 (5-HT(1D) lipid-soluble) on vasodilator responses to capsaicin, alpha-CGRP and acetylcholine in dog external carotid artery.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

59 vagosympathectomized dogs were anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbitone. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded with a pressure transducer, connected to a cannula inserted into a femoral artery. A precalibrated flow probe was placed around the common carotid artery, with ligation of the internal carotid and occipital branches, and connected to an ultrasonic flowmeter. The thyroid artery was cannulated for infusion of agonists.

KEY RESULTS

Intracarotid infusions of capsaicin, alpha-CGRP and acetylcholine dose-dependently increased blood flow through the carotid artery. These responses remained unaffected after intravenous (i.v.) infusions of sumatriptan, PNU-142633, PNU-109291 or physiological saline; in contrast, donitriptan significantly attenuated the vasodilator responses to capsaicin, but not those to alpha-CGRP or acetylcholine. Only sumatriptan and donitriptan dose-dependently decreased the carotid blood flow. Interestingly, i.v. administration of the antagonist, SB224289 (5-HT(1B)), but not of BRL15572 (5-HT(1D)), abolished the inhibition by donitriptan.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our results suggest that the inhibition produced by donitriptan of capsaicin-induced external carotid vasodilatation is mainly mediated by 5-HT(1B), rather than 5-HT(1D), receptors, probably by a central mechanism.

Lack of effect of the adenosine A1 receptor agonist, GR79236, on capsaicin-induced CGRP release in anaesthetized pigs

Migraine is a common neurological disorder that is associated with an increase in plasma calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels. CGRP, a potent vasodilator released from the activated trigeminal sensory nerves, dilates intracranial blood vessels and transmits vascular nociception. Hence, inhibition of trigeminal CGRP release may prevent neurotransmission and, thereby, ameliorate migraine headache. Therefore, the present study in anaesthetized pigs investigates the effects of a selective adenosine A(1) receptor agonist, GR79236 (3, 10 and 30 microg/kg, i.v.) on capsaicin-induced carotid haemodynamic changes and on plasma CGRP release. Intracarotid (i.c.) infusion of capsaicin (10 microg/kg/min, i.c.) increased the total carotid blood flow and conductance as well as carotid pulsations, but decreased the difference between arterial and jugular venous oxygen saturations. These responses to capsaicin were dose-dependently attenuated by GR79236. However, the increases in the plasma CGRP concentrations by capsaicin remained essentially unmodified after GR79236 treatment. The above results suggest that GR79236 may have an antimigraine potential due to its postjunctional effects (carotid vasoconstriction) rather than to prejunctional inhibition of trigeminal CGRP release.

Assessment of anti-migraine potential of a novel alpha-adrenoceptor agonist S19014: effects on porcine carotid and regional haemodynamics and human coronary artery

Taking into account the drawbacks associated with the use of triptans, attempts are being made to explore other avenues for the treatment of migraine. Recently, it has been shown that both alpha1- and alpha2-adrenoceptors mediate the constriction of porcine carotid arteriovenous anastomoses, which has effectively served as an experimental model predictive of anti-migraine activity. The present study investigated the effects of a novel alpha-adrenoceptor agonist S19014 (spiro[(1,3-diazacyclopent-1-ene)-5 : 2'-(4',5'-dimethylindane)] fumarate) on carotid and systemic haemodynamics in anaesthetized pigs, and on human isolated coronary arteries. Increasing doses of S19014 (1-30 micro g/kg, i.v.) produced a dose-dependent initial short-lasting vasopressor response and a decrease of total carotid blood flow and conductance. The carotid blood flow and conductance changes were exclusively due to constriction of carotid arteriovenous anastomoses (capillary blood flow increased) and were accompanied by an increase in arterio-jugular venous oxygen saturation difference. Whereas prazosin (100 micro g/kg, i.v.) was ineffective, rauwolscine (300 micro g/kg, i.v.) attenuated the responses to S19014. The compound did not much affect the distribution of cardiac output to peripheral organs when compared with the vehicle group. Furthermore, S19014 only slightly contracted the human isolated coronary artery and its contractions, contrary to those of sumatriptan, were not increased in blood vessels pre-contracted with U46619. These results suggest that (i) the systemic and carotid vascular effects of S19014 are mainly mediated by alpha2-adrenoceptors, and (ii) S19014 could be effective in the treatment of migraine with an improved cardiovascular tolerance.

Effects of sumatriptan on capsaicin-induced carotid haemodynamic changes and CGRP release in anaesthetized pigs

It is suggested that during a migraine attack capsaicin-sensitive trigeminal sensory nerves release calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), resulting in cranial vasodilatation and central nociception. Hence, inhibition of trigeminal CGRP release may prevent the above vasodilatation and, accordingly, abort migraine headache. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of sumatriptan (100 and 300 microg/kg, i.v.) on capsaicin-induced carotid haemodynamic changes and on CGRP release. Intracarotid (i.c.) infusions of capsaicin (10 microg/kg/min, i.c.) increased total carotid, arteriovenous anastomotic and capillary conductances as well as carotid pulsations, but decreased the difference between arterial and jugular venous oxygen saturations. Except for some attenuation of arteriovenous anastomotic changes, the capsaicin-induced responses were not affected by sumatriptan. Moreover, i.c. infusions of capsaicin (0.3, 1, 3 and 10 microg/kg/min, i.c.) dose-dependently increased the jugular venous plasma concentrations of CGRP, which also remained unaffected by sumatriptan. The above results support the contention that the therapeutic action of sumatriptan is mainly due to cranial vasoconstriction rather than trigeminal (CGRP release) inhibition.

An introduction to migraine: from ancient treatment to functional pharmacology and antimigraine therapy

Migraine treatment has evolved from the realms of the supernatural into the scientific arena, but it seems still controversial whether migraine is primarily a vascular or a neurological dysfunction. Irrespective of this controversy, the levels of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT), a vasoconstrictor and a central neurotransmitter, seem to decrease during migraine (with associated carotid vasodilatation) whereas an i.v. infusion of 5-HT can abort migraine. In fact, 5-HT as well as ergotamine, dihydroergotamine and other antimigraine agents invariably produce vasoconstriction in the external carotid circulation. The last decade has witnessed the advent of sumatriptan and second generation triptans (e.g. zolmitriptan, rizatriptan, naratriptan), which belong to a new class of drugs, now known as 5-HT1B/1D/1F receptor agonists. Compared to sumatriptan, the second-generation triptans have a higher oral bioavailability and longer plasma half-life. In line with the vascular and neurogenic theories of migraine, all triptans produce selective carotid vasoconstriction (via 5-HT1B receptors) and presynaptic inhibition of the trigeminovascular inflammatory responses implicated in migraine (via 5-HT1D/5-ht1F receptors). Moreover, selective agonists at 5-HT1D (PNU-142633) and 5-ht1F (LY344864) receptors inhibit the trigeminovascular system without producing vasoconstriction. Nevertheless, PNU-142633 proved to be ineffective in the acute treatment of migraine, whilst LY344864 did show some efficacy when used in doses which interact with 5-HT1B receptors. Finally, although the triptans are effective antimigraine agents producing selective cranial vasoconstriction, efforts are being made to develop other effective antimigraine alternatives acting via the direct blockade of vasodilator mechanisms (e.g. antagonists at CGRP receptors, antagonists at 5-HT7 receptors, inhibitors of nitric oxide biosynthesis, etc). These alternatives will hopefully lead to fewer side-effects.

Possible role of alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes in acute migraine therapy

Even though the underlying mechanisms for the pathophysiology of migraine attacks are not completely understood, little doubt exists that the headache phase is explained by dilatation of cranial, extracerebral blood vessels. In this context, experimental models predictive for anti-migraine activity have shown that both triptans and ergot alkaloids, which abort migraine headache, produce vasoconstriction within the carotid circulation of different species. In contrast to the well-established role of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) 5-HT1B receptors in the common carotid vascular bed, the role of alpha-adrenoceptors and their subtypes has been examined only relatively recently. Using experimental animal models and alpha1- and alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists (phenylephrine and BHT933, respectively) and antagonists (prazosin and rauwolscine, respectively), it was shown that activation of either receptor produces a cranioselective vasoconstriction. Subsequently, investigations employing relatively selective antagonists at alpha1- (alpha1A, alpha1B, alpha1D) and alpha2- (alpha2A, alpha2B, alpha2C) adrenoceptor subtypes revealed that specific receptors mediate the carotid haemodynamic responses in these animals. From these observations, together with the potential limited role of alpha1B- and alpha2C-adrenoceptors in the regulation of systemic haemodynamic responses, it is suggested that selective agonists at these receptors may provide a promising novel avenue for the development of acute anti-migraine drugs.

Pharmacological profile of the mechanisms involved in the external carotid vascular effects of the antimigraine agent isometheptene in anaesthetised dogs

The present study set out to investigate the external carotid vascular effects of isometheptene in vagosympathectomised dogs, anaesthetised with pentobarbital. One-minute intracarotid (intra-arterial; i.a.) infusions of isometheptene (10, 30, 100 and 300 microg/min) produced dose-dependent decreases in external carotid blood flow, without affecting blood pressure or heart rate. The vasoconstrictor responses to 100 microg/min and 300 microg/min of isometheptene were clearly attenuated in animals pretreated with reserpine (5,000 microg/kg). Moreover, after prazosin (an alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist; 100 microg/kg), the responses to isometheptene remained unaltered in untreated as well as reserpine-pretreated dogs. In contrast, the responses to isometheptene were attenuated by rauwolscine (an alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist; 300 microg/kg) in untreated animals, and were practically abolished in reserpine-pretreated dogs. Further investigation into the specific alpha2-adrenoceptor subtypes, using selective antagonists, showed that BRL44408 (alpha2A) and MK912 (alpha2C) markedly attenuated this response, while imiloxan (alpha2B) was ineffective. The involvement of 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors seems highly unlikely since antagonists at 5-HT1B (SB224289) and 5-HT1D (BRL15572) receptors (both at 300 microg/kg) were ineffective. On this basis, it is concluded that isometheptene-induced canine external carotid vasoconstriction is mediated by both indirect (a tyramine-like action) and direct (acting at receptors) mechanisms, which mainly involve alphaA- and alpha2C-adrenoceptors, while the involvement of alpha1-adrenoceptors seems rather limited.

Pharmacological identification of the major subtypes of adrenoceptors involved in the canine external carotid vasoconstrictor effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline

This study investigated the potential effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline on the external carotid blood flow of vagosympathectomised dogs and the receptor mechanisms involved. One minute (1 min) intracarotid infusions of adrenaline and noradrenaline produced dose-dependent decreases in external carotid blood flow without changes in blood pressure or heart rate. These responses, which remained unaffected after saline, were: (i) mimicked by the adrenoceptor agonists, phenylephrine (alpha1) and BHT933 (6-Ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-oxazolo [4,5-d] azepin-2-amine dihydrochloride; alpha2); (ii) abolished after phentolamine (2000 microg/kg) unmasking a vasodilator component (subsequently blocked by propranolol; 1000 microg/kg); and (iii) partly blocked by rauwolscine (30 and 100 microg/kg), and subsequently abolished by prazosin (100 microg/kg). Accordingly, rauwolscine (100 and 300 microg/kg) markedly blocked the responses to BHT933 without affecting those to phenylephrine; likewise, prazosin (100 microg/kg) markedly blocked the responses to phenylephrine without affecting those to BHT933. These results show that both alpha1- and alpha2-adrenoceptors mediate vasoconstriction within the canine external carotid circulation. Moreover, after blockade of alpha1/alpha2-adrenoceptors, both adrenaline and noradrenaline exhibit a beta-adrenoceptor-mediated vasodilator component.

A61603-induced vasoconstriction in porcine carotid vasculature: involvement of a non-adrenergic mechanism

It has recently been shown that the pharmacological profile of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors mediating constriction of porcine carotid arteriovenous anastomoses resembles that of alpha(1A)- and alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor subtypes. In an attempt to verify the involvement of alpha(1A)-adrenoceptors, we used the potent alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor agonist N-[5-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2yl)-2-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl]methane sulphonamide (A61603) and found that intracarotid (i.c.) administration of A61603 (0.3-10 microg kg(-1)) dose-dependently decreased porcine carotid blood flow and vascular conductance. This decrease was exclusively due to a constriction of carotid arteriovenous anastomoses; the capillary blood flow and conductance remained unchanged. Surprisingly, the responses to A61603 were little modified by prior i.v. treatment with 5-methylurapidil (1000 microg kg(-1)), prazosin (100 microg kg(-1)) or a combination of prazosin and rauwolscine (100 and 300 microg kg(-1), respectively). The 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor antagonist N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl) phenyl]-2'-methyl-4'(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)[1,1,-biphenyl]-4-carboxamide hydrochloride monohydrate (GR127935; 500 microg kg(-1)) and ketanserin (500 microg kg(-1)) also failed to modify carotid vascular responses to A61603, but, interestingly, methiothepin (3000 microg kg(-1)) proved to be an effective antagonist. Taken together, the present results show that A61603 is a relatively poor agonist at the alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor in anaesthetised pigs and that the carotid vasoconstriction produced by A61603 is mediated by a novel non-adrenergic mechanism.

Alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes mediating vasoconstriction in the carotid circulation of anaesthetized pigs: possible avenues for antimigraine drug development

It has recently been shown that the alpha-adrenoceptors mediating vasoconstriction of porcine carotid arteriovenous anastomoses resemble both alpha1- and alpha2-adrenoceptors, but no attempt was made to identify the specific subtypes (alpha1A, alpha1B and alpha1D) involved. Therefore, the present study was designed to elucidate the specific subtype(s) of alpha1-adrenoceptors involved in the above response, using the alpha1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine and alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists 5-methylurapidil (alpha1A), L-765 314 (alpha1B) and BMY 7378 (alpha1D). Ten-minute intracarotid infusions of phenylephrine (1, 3 and 10 microgkg-1.min-1) induced a dose-dependent decrease in total carotid and arteriovenous anastomotic conductance, accompanied by a small tachycardia. These carotid vascular effects were abolished by L-765 314 (1000 microgkg-1; i.v.), while these responses were only attenuated by 5-methylurapidil (1000 microgkg-1; i.v.), and BMY 7378 (1000 microgkg-1; i.v.). Furthermore, intravenous bolus injections of phenylephrine (3 and 10 microgkg-1) produced a dose-dependent vasopressor response, which was only affected by 1000 microgkg-1 of 5-methylurapidil, while the other antagonists were ineffective. These results, coupled to the binding affinities of the above antagonists at the different alpha1-adrenoceptors, suggest that both alpha1A- and alpha1B-adrenoceptors mediate constriction of carotid arteriovenous anastomoses in anaesthetized pigs. In view of the less ubiquitous nature of alpha1B- compared to alpha1A-adrenoceptors, the development of potent and selective alpha1B-adrenoceptor agonists may prove to be important for the treatment of migraine.

Evidence for 5-HT(1B/1D) and 5-HT(2A) receptors mediating constriction of the canine internal carotid circulation

The present study has investigated the preliminary pharmacological profile of the receptors mediating vasoconstriction to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the internal carotid bed of vagosympathectomised dogs. One minute intracarotid infusions of the agonists 5-HT (0.1 - 10 microg min(-1)), sumatriptan (0.3 - 10 microg min(-1); 5-HT(1B/1D)), 5-methoxytryptamine (1 - 100 microg min(-1); 5-HT(1), 5-HT(2), 5-HT(4), 5-ht(6) and 5-HT(7)) or DOI (0.31 - 10 microg min(-1); 5-HT(2)), but not 5-carboxamidotryptamine (0.01 - 0.3 microg min(-1); 5-HT(1), 5-ht(5A) and 5-HT(7)), 1-(m-chlorophenyl)-biguanide (mCPBG; 1 - 1000 microg min(-1); 5-HT(3)) or cisapride (1 - 1000 microg min(-1); 5-HT(4)), resulted in dose-dependent decreases in internal carotid blood flow, without changing blood pressure or heart rate. The vasoconstrictor responses to 5-HT, which remained unaffected after saline, were resistant to blockade by i.v. administration of the antagonists ritanserin (100 microg kg(-1); 5-HT(2A/2B/2C)) in combination with tropisetron (3000 microg kg(-1); 5-HT(3/4)) or the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (5000 microg kg(-1)), but were abolished by the 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor antagonist, GR127935 (30 microg kg(-1)). Interestingly, after administration of GR127935, the subsequent administration of ritanserin unmasked a dose-dependent vasodilator component. GR127935 or saline did not practically modify the vasoconstrictor effects of 5-MeO-T. In animals receiving GR127935, the subsequent administration of ritanserin abolished the vasoconstrictor responses to 5-MeO-T unmasking a dose-dependent vasodilator component. The vasoconstriction induced by sumatriptan was antagonized by GR127935, but not by ritanserin. Furthermore, ritanserin (100 microg kg(-1)) or ketanserin (100 microg kg(-1); 5-HT(2A)), but not GR127935, abolished DOI-induced vasoconstrictor responses. The above results suggest that 5-HT-induced internal carotid vasoconstriction is predominantly mediated by 5-HT(1B/1D) and 5-HT(2A) receptors.

The GR127935-sensitive 5-HT(1) receptors mediating canine internal carotid vasoconstriction: resemblance to the 5-HT(1B), but not to the 5-HT(1D) or 5-ht(1F), receptor subtype

This study has further investigated the pharmacological profile of the GR127935-sensitive 5-HT(1) receptors mediating vasoconstriction in the internal carotid bed of anaesthetized vagosympathectomized dogs. One-minute intracarotid infusions of the agonists 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; 0.1 - 10 microg min(-1); endogenous ligand) and sumatriptan (0.3 - 10 microg min(-1); 5-HT(1B/1D)), but not PNU-142633 (1 - 1000 microg min(-1); 5-HT(1D)) or LY344864 (1 - 1000 microg min(-1); 5-ht(1F)), produced dose-dependent decreases in internal carotid blood flow without changing blood pressure or heart rate. The responses to 5-HT were apparently resistant to blockade by i.v. administration of the antagonists SB224289 (300 microg kg(-1); 5-HT(1B)), BRL15572 (300 microg kg(-1); 5-HT(1D)) or ritanserin (100 microg kg(-1); 5-HT(2)). In contrast, the responses to sumatriptan were antagonized by SB224289, but not by BRL15572. In the animals receiving SB224289, but not those receiving BRL15572, the subsequent administration of ritanserin abolished the 5-HT-induced vasoconstriction and unmasked a vasodilator component. Similarly, in ritanserin-treated animals, the subsequent administration of SB224289, but not BRL15572, completely blocked the 5-HT-induced vasoconstriction, revealing vasodilatation. In animals receiving initially BRL15572, the subsequent administration of SB224289 did not affect (except at 10 microg min(-1)) the vasoconstrictor responses to 5-HT. Notably, in animals pretreated with 1000 microg kg(-1) of mesulergine, a 5-HT(2/7) receptor antagonist, 5-HT produced a dose-dependent vasoconstriction, which was practically abolished by SB224289. After BRL15572, no further blockade was produced and the subsequent administration of ritanserin was similarly inactive. These results suggest that the GR127935-sensitive 5-HT(1) receptors mediating canine internal carotid vasoconstriction resemble the 5-HT(1B) but not the 5-HT(1D) or 5-ht(1F), receptor subtype.

Unravelling the pharmacological profile of the canine external carotid vasodilator '5-HT1-like' receptors: coexistence of sympatho-inhibitory 5-HT1B and postjunctional 5-HT7 receptors

It has been suggested that the external carotid vasodilatation produced by serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) in anaesthetised dogs with intact vagosympathetic trunks is mediated by sympatho-inhibitory '5-HT1D' receptors and musculotropic '5-HT1-like' receptors. The present study has re-analysed this suggestion with regard to the classification schemes recently proposed by the NC-IUPHAR subcommittee on 5-HT receptors. In pentobarbital-anaesthetised dogs with intact vagosympathetic trunks, 1-min intracarotid (i.c.) infusions of 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT; 0.01-0.3 microg/min), 5-HT (0.3-30 microg/ min), 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MeO-T; 1-100 microg/min) or sumatriptan (1-100 microg/min) dose-dependently increased the external carotid blood flow without affecting blood pressure or heart rate. The selective 5-HT1D receptor agonist, PNU-142633 (1-1000 microg/min), was essentially inactive. After mesulergine (300 microg/kg, i.v.), an antagonist at cardiovascular 5-HT7 receptors, the above responses to 5-HT, 5-CT and 5-MeO-T were blocked, whilst those to sumatriptan remained unaffected. In contrast, after the 5-HT1B/1D receptor antagonist, GR127935 (10 microg/kg, i.v.), the responses to 5-HT, 5-CT and 5-MeO-T were not affected, but those to sumatriptan were abolished. Furthermore, after the selective 5-HT1B receptor antagonist, SB224289 (300 microg/kg, i.v.), the responses to 5-HT, 5-CT and 5-MeO-T were significantly enhanced, whereas those to sumatriptan were abolished. Interestingly, the responses to all these agonists remained unmodified after the selective 5-HT1D receptor antagonist, BRL15572 (300 microg/kg, i.v.). The above results suggest that the '5-HT1-like' receptors, which mediate canine external carotid vasodilatation, display the pharmacological profile of sympatho-inhibitory 5-HT1B receptors and musculotropic 5-HT7 receptors, and confirm the existence of vasoconstrictor 5-HT1B receptors.

Mediation of 5-HT-induced internal carotid vasodilatation in GR127935- and ritanserin-pretreated dogs by 5-HT7 receptors

The vasoconstrictor effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the internal carotid bed of anaesthetised dogs with bilateral vagosympathectomy are mainly mediated by both 5-HT1B and 5-HT2 receptors. The blockade of this vasoconstrictor effect of 5-HT by the combined use of the antagonists, GR127935 (5-HT1B/1D) and ritanserin (5-HT2), unmasks a dose-dependent vasodilator effect of 5-HT, but not of sumatriptan. Therefore, the present study set out to analyse the pharmacological profile of this vasodilator 5-HT receptor in the internal carotid bed of vagosympathectomized dogs systematically pretreated with intravenous (i.v.) injections of GR127935 (30 microg/kg) and ritanserin (100 microg/kg). One-minute (1-min) intracarotid (i.c.) infusions of 5-HT (0.1-10 microg/min), 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT; 0.01-0.3 microg/min), 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MeO-T; 1-100 microg/min) and acetylcholine (ACh; 0.003-0.1 microg/min) resulted in dose-dependent increases in internal carotid blood flow (without changes in blood pressure or heart rate) with a rank order of agonist potency of ACh > 5-CT >> 5-HT > or =5-MeO-T. The internal carotid vasodilator responses to 5-HT, 5-CT and 5-MeO-T, which remained unaffected after saline (0.03 ml/kg and 0.1 ml/kg, i.v.), were specifically and dose-dependently blocked by i.v. administration of lisuride (10 microg/kg and 30 microg/kg), clozapine (1000 microg/kg), mesulergine (300 microg/kg and 1000 microg/kg) and LY215840 (300 microg/kg and 1000 microg/kg) with the following apparent rank order of potency: lisuride >> mesulergine = LY215840 > or = clozapine. The above results suggest that the 5-HT receptor mediating internal carotid vasodilatation in vagosympathectomized dogs pretreated with GR127935 and ritanserin is operationally similar to other 5-HT7 receptors mediating vascular and non-vascular responses.

Further pharmacological analysis of the orphan 5-HT receptors mediating feline vasodepressor responses: close resemblance to the 5-HT7, receptor

It has been suggested that the late hypotensive response to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) in vagosympathectomised cats, being potently mimicked by 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT), not modified by ketanserin and blocked by methiothepin or methysergide, is mediated by '5-HT1-like' receptors. Nevertheless, current guidelines for 5-HT receptor classification refer to this receptor as an orphan receptor. Thus, the present study set out to reanalyse the above suggestion in terms of the classification schemes proposed in 1994 and 1998 by the NC-IUPHAR subcommittee on the classification of 5-HT receptors. Intravenous (i.v.) bolus injections of 5-CT (0.003-0.3 microg/kg), 5-HT (1-100 microg/kg) and 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MeO-T; 1-100 microg/kg) produced dose-dependent vasodepressor responses with a rank order of agonist potency of 5-CT >> 5-HT = 5-MeO-T with sumatriptan (10-300 microg/kg) virtually inactive. The vasodepressor responses to 5-HT, 5-CT and 5-MeO-T were not attenuated following i.v. administration of the antagonists GR127935 (5-HT(IB/ID); 30 microg/kg), tropisetron (5-HT3/4; 3000 microg/kg), (+/-)-pindolol (beta-adrenergic and 5-HT1A; 4000 microg/kg) or equivalent volumes of physiological saline. In contrast, the above vasodepressor responses were markedly and specifically antagonised by i.v. methiothepin (100 microg/kg), lisuride (30 microg/kg and 100 microg/kg), mesulergine (300 microg/kg and 1000 microg/kg) or LY215840 (300 microg/kg and 1000 microg/kg). The above lines of evidence, therefore, indicate that the orphan receptors mediating the vasodepressor responses to 5-HT in vagosympathectomised cats are pharmacologically similar to other 5-HT7 receptors mediating vascular and non-vascular responses (e.g. relaxation of the canine external carotid artery and guinea-pig ileum as well as feline tachycardia).

5-HT receptors mediating external carotid vasoconstriction in vagosympathectomized dogs

One specific example reflecting the complexity of cardiovascular responses induced by serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and the progress achieved in the pharmacological characterization of the receptors involved can be illustrated by the effects of 5-HT on the canine external carotid artery bed. Within this framework, it has been shown that the external carotid vasoconstrictor response to 5-HT in the dog is mediated by '5-HT1-like' receptors, which being blocked by the 5-HT1B/1D receptor antagonist GR127935, resemble 5-HT1B/1D (previously called 5-HT1D beta/1D alpha) receptors. It was proposed that these receptors could belong to the 5-HT1B, rather than the 5-HT1D, subtype on the basis of their resistance to blockade by a high dose of ritanserin (a potential 5-HT1D receptor antagonist) and the presence of mRNA for 5-HT1B(5-HT1D beta) receptors, but not for 5-HT1D(5-HT1D alpha) receptors, in vascular smooth muscle. With the advent of subtype-selective antagonists it was subsequently shown that external carotid vasoconstriction to 5-HT and sumatriptan is dose-dependently antagonized by the selective 5-HT1B receptor antagonist SB224289 (2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1'-methyl-5-[2'-methyl-4' (5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl) biphenyl-4-carbonyl] furo [2,3-f] indole-3-spiro-4'-piperidine hydrochloride), whereas the selective 5-HT1D receptor antagonist BRL15572 (1-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-[3,3-diphenyl (2-(S,R) hydroxypropanyl) piperazine] hydrochloride) was ineffective. These findings represent the first in vivo evidence showing that vascular constriction induced by 5-HT and sumatriptan is mediated primarily via 5-HT1B, but not 5-HT1D receptors. The pharmacological profile of these receptors could be similar (isolated human temporal artery and porcine carotid arteriovenous anastomoses) to other putative 5-HT1B receptors mediating vasoconstrictor responses. In view of the putative pathophysiologic role of external carotid (and extracerebral) vasodilation in migraine, the constriction of these blood vessels by sumatriptan via 5-HT1B receptors may be, at least partly, responsible for its therapeutic efficacy in migraine.

Thiopental inhibits nitric oxide production in rat aorta

We studied whether thiopental affects endothelial nitric oxide dependent vasodilator responses and nitrite production (an indicator of nitric oxide production) elicited by acetylcholine, histamine, and A23187 in rat aorta (artery in which nitric oxide is the main endothelial relaxant factor). In addition, we evaluated the barbiturate effect on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in both rat aorta and kidney homogenates. Thiopental (10-100 microg/mL) reversibly inhibited the endothelium-dependent relaxation elicited by acetylcholine, histamine, and A23187. On the contrary, this anesthetic did not modify the endothelium-independent but cGMP-dependent relaxation elicited by sodium nitroprusside (1 nM - 1 microM) and nitroglycerin (1 nM - 1 microM), thus excluding an effect of thiopental on guanylate cyclase of vascular smooth muscle. Thiopental (100 microg/mL) inhibited both basal (87.8+/-14.3%) and acetylcholine- or A23187-stimulated (78.6+/-3.9 and 39.7+/-5.6%, respectively) production of nitrites in aortic rings. In addition the barbiturate inhibited (100 microg/mL) the NOS (45+/-4 and 42.8+/-9%) in aortic and kidney homogenates, respectively (measured as 14C-labeled citrulline production). In conclusion, thiopental inhibition of endothelium-dependent relaxation and nitrite production in aortic rings strongly suggests an inhibitory effect on NOS. Thiopental inhibition of the NOS provides further support to this contention.

Pharmacological aspects of experimental headache models in relation to acute antimigraine therapy

The last decade has witnessed a tremendous progress in the acute therapy of migraine, with sumatriptan, belonging to a new class of drugs, now known as 5-HT(1B/1D/1F) receptor agonists, leading the way. The undoubted success of sumatriptan stimulated the development of new triptans as well as other suitable pharmacological tools and experimental models to probe into complex migraine mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the main experimental models for migraine, against the background of the disease pathophysiology and 5-HT receptors considered most important for migraine therapy. We believe that the use of these migraine models will provide even better treatment for migraine patients in the next millennium.

5-Hydroxytryptamine inhibits the tachycardia induced by selective preganglionic sympathetic stimulation in pithed rats

It has been shown in several species that serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) is able to inhibit the responses produced by sympathetic stimulation in a wide variety of blood vessels and other organs, including the heart. However, in pithed rats, the analysis of potential sympatho-inhibitory actions of 5-HT is hampered by the fact that 5-HT (given as i.v. bolus injections) produces tachycardia per se. Moreover, most studies have investigated 5-HT-induced sympatho-inhibition at only one frequency of stimulation. Thus, the present study set out to find the experimental conditions to overcome these problems. In this regard, we analyzed the potential ability of 5-HT, administered as i.v. continuous infusions, to inhibit the tachycardia caused by stimulation of the preganglionic (C7-T1) sympathetic outflow in pithed rats. Sympathetic cardiostimulation (0.01-3 Hz) resulted in frequency-dependent increases in heart rate; these responses were potentiated after desipramine (50 microg/kg, i.v.). During continuous infusions of 5-HT (3.1-10 microg/kg.min, i.v.), but not saline, the sympathetically-induced tachycardia was dose-dependently inhibited in both control and desipramine-pretreated rats. This inhibitory effect of 5-HT was significantly more pronounced at lower frequencies of stimulation. In contrast, the above infusions of 5-HT did not inhibit the tachycardia induced by i.v. bolus injections of noradrenaline in both control and desipramine-pretreated rats. Taken together, the above findings confirm that 5-HT induces inhibition of the sympathetic chronotropic outflow in the rat by acting at receptors located prejunctionally, without evoking tachycardia, over a wide range of stimulation frequencies.

Possible role of Ca2+ channels in the vasodilating effect of 5beta-dihydrotestosterone in rat aorta

It has previously been shown that the androgen, 5beta-dihydrotestosterone (17beta-hydroxy-5beta-androstan-3-one, 5beta-DHT), is able to produce an endothelium-independent vasodilating effect in rat aorta. The present study analyzed the mechanisms underlying the above vasodilator effect of 5beta-dihydrotestosterone, with particular emphasis on verifying a possible interaction with GABA(A) receptors, beta-adrenoceptors and Ca2+ channels. Rat aortic rings without endothelium were isometrically recorded. 5Beta-dihydrotestosterone produced a concentration-dependent relaxation on the contractions induced by noradrenaline (NA; 0.3 microM) or K+ (KCl; 60 mM), with the latter being more sensitive to 5beta-dihydrotestosterone-induced relaxation than the former; the concentration-response curves showed that 5beta-dihydrotestosterone is significantly more potent than 17beta-estradiol(1,3,5(10)-estratrien-3,17beta-diol) to induce vasodilatation. The vasodilating effect of 5beta-dihydrotestosterone on noradrenaline-induced contraction was resistant to blockade by the GABA(A) receptor antagonists, picrotoxin or bicuculline, and the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, propranolol, a finding that excludes an interaction of the steroid with GABA(A) receptors and beta-adrenoceptors. Interestingly, the contractions evoked by calcium in depolarized tissues were substantially inhibited by 5beta-dihydrotestosterone, implying that this steroid could be an endogenous calcium channel blocker; consistent with this finding, 5beta-dihydrotestosterone was able to relax tissues precontracted with the calcium channel opener, Bay K 8644. Moreover, although the rings precontracted with noradrenaline and potassium were almost equipotently relaxed by 5beta-dihydrotestosterone. Nifedipine was more potent than 5beta-dihydrotestosterone to block the potassium-induced contraction, but the steroid was more effective than nifedipine to prevent noradrenaline-induced contraction. The above results suggest that 5beta-dihydrotestosterone causes relaxation of rat aorta by acting directly on the membrane of smooth muscle cells; this non-genomic action may be explained in terms of a blockade of voltage- and receptor-dependent calcium channels, a mechanism that restricts the availability of extracellular calcium in the contractile machinery.

Changes in systemic and regional haemodynamics during 5-HT7 receptor-mediated depressor responses in rats

The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced late depressor response in rats is mainly mediated by vascular 5-HT7 receptors. The present study was devoted to determining the systemic and regional haemodynamic changes during this response, with particular emphasis on localising vascular beds that may contribute to the increase in total systemic vascular conductance. In vagosympathectomised, pentobarbital-anaesthetised rats pretreated with the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ritanserin (50 microg kg(-1), i.v.), 5-HT (1, 3 and 10 ug kg(-1) min(-1) during 10 min; i.v.) produced a dose-dependent decrease in mean arterial blood pressure by up to 46+/-3%. This decrease was accompanied by increases in systemic vascular conductance by up to 83+/-15%; cardiac output was unaffected. 5-HT increased regional vascular conductance in skeletal muscle, carcass, mesentery/pancreas and adrenals by up to 740+/-14%, 117+/-18%, 135+/-26% and 88+/-22%, respectively, but decreased 'lung' (mainly arteriovenous anastomotic) conductance by up to 81+/-2%. Pretreatment with R(+)lisuride (100 microg kg(-1), i.v.) abolished all 5-HT-induced systemic and regional haemodynamic effects. In contrast, i.v. pretreatment with S(-)lisuride (100 microg kg(-1)) or GR127935 (300 microg kg(-1)) did not affect the 5-HT-induced systemic haemodynamic changes. The above results suggest that hypotension induced via 5-HT7 receptor activation was exclusively caused by vasodilatation of the systemic vasculature, confined to skeletal muscle, carcass, mesentery/pancreas and adrenal vascular beds. Furthermore, this study shows that blockade of vasorelaxant 5-HT7 receptors by lisuride is stereoselective.

Canine external carotid vasoconstriction to methysergide, ergotamine and dihydroergotamine: role of 5-HT1B/1D receptors and alpha2-adrenoceptors

The antimigraine drugs methysergide, ergotamine and dihydroergotamine (DHE) produce selective vasoconstriction in the external carotid bed of vagosympathectomized dogs anaesthetized with pentobarbital and artificially respired, but the receptors involved have not yet been completely characterized. Since the above drugs display affinity for several binding sites, including alpha-adrenoceptors and several 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptor subtypes, this study has analysed the mechanisms involved in the above responses. Intracarotid (i.c.) infusions during 1 min of methysergide (31-310 microg min(-1)), ergotamine (0.56-5.6 microg min(-1)) or DHE (5.6-31 microg min(-1)) dose-dependently reduced external carotid blood flow (ECBF) by up to 46+/-4, 37+/-4 and 49+/-5%, respectively. Blood pressure and heart rate remained unchanged. The reductions in ECBF by methysergide were abolished and even reversed to increases in animals pre-treated with GR127935 (10 microg kg(-1), i.v.). The reductions in ECBF by ergotamine and DHE remained unchanged in animals pre-treated (i.v.) with prazosin (300 microg kg(-1)), but were partly antagonized in animals pre-treated with either GR127935 (10 or 30 microg kg(-1)) or yohimbine (1000 microg kg(-1)). Pre-treatment with a combination of GR127935 (30 microg kg(-1)) and yohimbine (1000 microg kg(-1)) abolished the responses to both ergotamine and DHE. The above doses of antagonists were shown to produce selective antagonism at their respective receptors. These results suggest that the external carotid vasoconstrictor responses to methysergide primarily involve 5-HT1B/1D receptors, whereas those to ergotamine and DHE are mediated by 5-HT1B/1D receptors as well as alpha2-adrenoceptors.

The canine external carotid vasoconstrictor 5-HT1 receptor: blockade by 5-HT1B (SB224289), but not by 5-HT1D (BRL15572) receptor antagonists

In vagosympathectomised dogs pre-treated intravenously (i.v.) with mesulergine (300 microg/kg), 1-min intracarotid (i.c.) infusions of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; 0.3-30 microg/min) and sumatriptan (1-30 microg/min) dose-dependently decreased external carotid blood flow, without affecting mean blood pressure or heart rate. Treatment with the selective 5-HT1B receptor antagonist SB224289 (2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1'-methyl-5-[2'-methyl-4'(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazo l-3-yl) biphenyl-4-carbonyl]furo[2,3f]indole-3-spiro-4'-piperidine hydrochloride; 30-300 microg/kg, i.v.) produced a potent, specific and dose-dependent blockade of this response, whereas the selective 5-HT1D receptor antagonist BRL15572 (1-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-[3,3-diphenyl(2-(S,R) hydroxypropanyl)piperazine]hydrochloride; 30-300 microg/kg, i.v.) was ineffective. It is concluded that mainly 5-HT1B, but not 5-HT1D receptors mediate the canine external carotid vasoconstriction by 5-HT and sumatriptan.

External carotid effects of 2-(2-aminoethyl)-quinoline (D-1997) in vagosympathectomized dogs

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) elicits external carotid vasoconstriction in vagosympathectomized dogs via 5-HT1B/1D receptors and a mechanism unrelated to the 5-HT1, 5-HT2, 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 types. In order to further explore the nature of this novel mechanism, the canine external carotid effects of 2-(2-aminoethyl)-quinoline (D-1997), a novel 5-HT1 receptor agonist, were analyzed and compared with those of 5-HT and sumatriptan. Intracarotid (i.c.) infusions of 5-HT, D-1997 and sumatriptan to vagosympathectomized dogs dose-dependently decreased external carotid conductance, the rank order of agonist potency being 5-HT > sumatriptan > D-1997. The effects to D-1997 were resistant to intravenous (i.v.) pretreatment with 5-HT2 and 5-HT3/5-HT4 receptor antagonists. Remarkably, the effects induced by lower (10-100 microg/min), but not higher (300-1000 microg/min), doses of D-1997 were blocked by high doses of methiothepin (1 and 3 mg/kg, i.v.), as previously shown with 5-HT. In addition, GR-127935 (1-10 microg/kg, i.v.), partially and dose-dependently antagonized D-1997-induced responses. However, the effects of D-1997 remained unaltered after blockade of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors, muscarinic, nicotinic, histamine and dopamine receptors, or inhibition of 5-HT-uptake or cyclo-oxygenase, depletion of biogenic amines or blockade of Ca2+ channels. These results may support our previous contention that lower doses of 5-HT elicit external carotid vasoconstriction in vagosympathectomized dogs by activation of 5-HT1B/1D receptors, whilst higher doses of 5-HT stimulate a novel vasoconstrictor mechanism.

5-HT1-like receptors: a time to bid goodbye

It is exactly half a century ago that 5-hydroxytryptamine was discovered and over four decades ago two types of 5-HT receptors were described. In this article, Pramod Saxena, Peter De Vries and Carlos Villalón trace the development of the modern classification and nomenclature of 5-HT receptors, which now include more than a dozen subtypes. In doing so, they advocate that the so-called '5-HT1-like' receptors, having been shown to be a heterogeneous population of 5-HT1B, 5-HT1D and 5-HT7 receptors, are now redundant.

The 5-HT1-like receptors mediating inhibition of sympathetic vasopressor outflow in the pithed rat: operational correlation with the 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D subtypes

1. It has been suggested that the inhibition of sympathetically-induced vasopressor responses produced by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in pithed rats is mediated by 5-HT1-like receptors. The present study has re-analysed this suggestion with regard to the classification schemes recently proposed by the NC-IUPHAR subcommittee on 5-HT receptors. 2. Intravenous (i.v.) continuous infusions of 5-HT and the 5-HT1 receptor agonists, 8-OH-DPAT (5-HT1A), indorenate (5-HT1A), CP 93,129 (5-HT1B) and sumatriptan (5-HT(1B/1D)), resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of sympathetically-induced vasopressor responses. 3. The sympatho-inhibitory responses induced by 5-HT, 8-OH-DPAT, indorenate, CP 93,129 or sumatriptan were analysed before and after i.v. treatment with blocking doses of the putative 5-HT receptor antagonists, WAY 100635 (5-HT1A), cyanopindolol (5-HT(1A/1B)) or GR 127935 (5-HT(1B/1D)). Thus, after WAY 100635, the responses to 5-HT and indorenate, but not to 8-OH-DPAT, CP 93,129 and sumatriptan, were blocked. After cyanopindolol, the responses to 5-HT, indorenate and CP 93,129 were abolished, whilst those to 8-OH-DPAT and sumatriptan (except at the lowest frequency of stimulation) remained unaltered. In contrast, after GR 127935, the responses to 5-HT, CP 93,129 and sumatriptan, but not to 8-OH-DPAT and indorenate, were abolished. 4. In additional experiments, the inhibition induced by 5-HT was not modified after 5-HT7 receptor blocking doses of mesulergine. 5. The above results suggest that the 5-HT1-like receptors, which inhibit the sympathetic vasopressor outflow in pithed rats, display the pharmacological profile of the 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D, but not that of 5-HT7, receptors.

The antimigraine agent alniditan selectively constricts porcine carotid arteriovenous anastomoses via 5-HT1B/1D receptors

In previous studies, we have shown that several 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists, including sumatriptan, potently constrict porcine carotid arteriovenous anastomoses. This effect seems to be of high predictive value for antimigraine activity. In the present experiments, we studied the effects of a new non-indole 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist, alniditan, on systemic and carotid haemodynamics in anaesthetised pigs. In control animals, no significant changes in either systemic or carotid haemodynamics were observed after four consecutive i.v. injections of physiological saline (0.5 ml each, every 20 min; n = 4). On the other hand, i.v. doses of alniditan (3, 10, 30 and 100 microg kg(-1) in 0.5 ml saline, every 20 min; n = 6) dose-dependently decreased total carotid conductance (maximum change: -31 +/- 6%) by a selective vasoconstrictor action on arteriovenous anastomoses (maximum change: -72 +/- 5%); the nutrient vascular bed dilated in response to alniditan (maximum change: +103 +/- 39%). The dose of alniditan that decreased arteriovenous anastomotic conductance by 50% was 24 +/- 8 microg kg(-1) (64 +/- 20 nmol kg(-1)). Alniditan produced a slight bradycardia (maximum change: -4 +/- 1%) and a more pronounced hypotensive effect (maximum change: -23 +/- 5%). In six animals pre-treated with the potent and selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor antagonist, GR127935, the alniditan-induced changes in carotid haemodynamics were clearly antagonised, whereas the bradycardia and hypotension remained unaffected. These results suggest that alniditan selectively constricts porcine carotid arteriovenous anastomoses mainly via 5-HT1B/1D receptors and should be able to abort migraine headaches. The latter has indeed been confirmed in initial clinical studies in man.

Characterization of 5-HT receptors mediating constriction of porcine carotid arteriovenous anastomoses; involvement of 5-HT1B/1D and novel receptors

1. It was previously shown that porcine cranial arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs) constrict to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, as well as sumatriptan and that sumatriptan acts exclusively via 5-HT1B/1D receptors. The present study was devoted to establish the contribution of 5-HT1B/1D receptors in the constriction of AVAs elicited by 5-HT (in presence of 0.5 mg kg(-1) ketanserin), ergotamine and dihydroergotamine in anaesthetized pigs. 2. Intracarotid infusion of 5-HT (2 microg kg(-1) min(-1)) and intravenous doses of ergotamine (2.5-20 microg kg(-1)) and dihydroergotamine (3-100 microg kg(-1)) reduced AVA and increased nutrient blood flows and vascular conductances. The vasodilator response to 5-HT, observed mainly in the skin and ear, was much more prominent than that of the ergot alkaloids. 3. Treatment with the 5-HT1B/1D receptor antagonist GR127935 (0.5 mg kg(-1), i.v.) significantly attenuated both ergot-induced AVA constriction and arteriolar dilatation, whereas GR127935 only slightly affected the carotid vascular effects of 5-HT. 4. The results suggest that 5-HT constricts carotid AVAs primarily via receptors, which seem to differ from those (5-HT1B/1D) stimulated by sumatriptan. The ergot alkaloids produce AVA constriction for a substantial part via 5-HT1B/1D receptors, but also stimulate unidentified receptors. Both these non-5-HT1B/1D receptors may be targets for the development of novel antimigraine drugs. 5. The moderate vasodilator response to the ergot derivatives seems to be mediated, at least in part, by 5-HT1B/1D receptors, whereas the arteriolar dilatation caused by 5-HT may be mediated by other, possibly 5-HT7 receptors.

Inhibitory effect of sex steroids on guinea-pig airway smooth muscle contractions

We assessed the possible inhibition of airway smooth muscle contraction by progesterone and pregnanolones (5 alpha and 5 beta-reduced). Progesterone and 5 beta-pregnanolone prevented histamine- or carbachol-induced contraction in isolated guinea-pig trachea and potency was related to their respective chemical structure; progesterone was the most potent inhibitor in a concentration-dependent manner. The steroids also exhibited calcium antagonist activities in this tissue as assessed by their action on calcium entry in depolarized preparations; this event involved the immediate blockade of the extracellular calcium influx in the muscle cell membrane, indicating a nongenomic action. Classical GABAA antagonists did not block the progesterone response, implying no involvement of the GABAA-receptor complex. Our results suggest a bronchodilating effect induced by sex steroids, and probably by other related compounds, before the genomic mechanisms take place. This nongenomic action of steroids could have potential therapeutic usefulness in the treatment of asthma.

Characterization of putative 5-HT7 receptors mediating tachycardia in the cat

1. It has been suggested that the tachycardic response to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the spinal-transected cat is mediated by '5-HT1-like' receptors since this effect, being mimicked by 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT), is not modified by ketanserin or MDL 72222, but it is blocked by methiothepin, methysergide or mesulergine. The present study was set out to reanalyse this suggestion in terms of the IUPHAR 5-HT receptor classification schemes proposed in 1994 and 1996. 2. Intravenous (i.v.) bolus injections of the tryptamine derivatives, 5-CT (0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10 and 30 microg kg(-1)), 5-HT (3, 10 and 30 microg kg(-1)) and 5-methoxytryptamine (3, 10 and 30 microg kg(-1)) as well as the atypical antipsychotic drug, clozapine (1000 and 3000 microg kg(-1)) resulted in dose-dependent increases in heart rate, with a rank order of agonist potency of 5-CT >> 5-HT > 5-methoxytryptamine >> clozapine. 3. The tachycardic effects of 5-HT and 5-methoxytryptamine were dose-dependently antagonized by i.v. administration of lisuride (30 and 100 microg kg(-1)), ergotamine (100 and 300 microg kg(-1)) or mesulergine (100, 300 and 1000 microg kg(-1)); the highest doses of these antagonists used also blocked the tachycardic effects of 5-CT. Clozapine (1000 and 3000 microg kg(-1)) did not affect the 5-HT-induced tachycardia, but attenuated, with its highest dose, the responses to 5-methoxytryptamine and 5-CT. However, these doses of clozapine as well as the high doses of ergotamine (300 microg kg(-1)) and mesulergine (300 and 1000 microg kg(-1)) also attenuated the tachycardic effects of isoprenaline. In contrast, 5-HT-, 5-methoxytryptamine- and 5-CT-induced tachycardia were not significantly modified after i.v. administration of physiological saline (0.1 and 0.3 ml kg(-1)), the 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor antagonist, GR127935 (500 microg kg(-1)) or the 5-HT(3/4) receptor antagonist, tropisetron (3000 microg kg(-1)). 4. Intravenous injections of the 5-HT1 receptor agonists, sumatriptan (30, 100 and 300 microg kg(-1)) and indorenate (300 and 1000 microg kg(-1)) or the 5-HT4 receptor (partial) agonist cisapride (300 and 1000 microg kg(-1)) were devoid of effects on feline heart rate per se and failed to modify significantly 5-HT-induced tachycardic responses. 5. Based upon the above rank order of agonist potency, the failure of sumatriptan, indorenate or cisapride to produce cardioacceleration and the blockade by a series of drugs showing high affinity for the cloned 5-ht7 receptor, the present results indicate that the 5-HT receptor mediating tachycardia in the cat is operationally similar to other putative 5-HT7 receptors mediating vascular and non-vascular responses (e.g. relaxation of the rabbit femoral vein, canine external carotid and coronary arteries, rat systemic vasculature and guinea-pig ileum). Since these responses represent functional correlates of the 5-ht7 gene product, the 5-HT7 receptor appellation is reinforced. Therefore, the present experimental model, which is not complicated by the presence of other 5-HT receptors, can be utilized to characterize and develop new drugs with potential agonist and antagonist properties at functional 5-HT7 receptors.

Nature of 5-HT1-like receptors mediating depressor responses in vagosympathectomized rats; close resemblance to the cloned 5-ht7 receptor

It has been suggested that the late hypotensive response to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) in vagosympathectomized rats is mediated by '5-HT1-like' receptors since this effect is mimicked by 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT), is not modified by cyproheptadine, ketanserin or MDL 72222, but it is blocked by methysergide. The present study was set out to reanalyze this suggestion in terms of the classification schemes proposed in 1994 and 1996 by the NC-IUPHAR subcommittee on the classification and nomenclature of 5-HT receptors. I.v. bolus injections of 5-CT (0.01-0.3 microg x kg(-1)), 5-HT (1-30 microg x kg(-1)) and 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MeO-T; 1-30 microg x kg(-1)) produced dose-dependent hypotensive responses with a rank order of agonist potency: 5-CT >> 5-HT > 5-methoxytryptamine with sumatriptan (30-1000 microg x kg(-1)) inactive. The depressor responses to 5-HT and 5-CT were not attenuated by i.v. GR127935 (300-3000 microg x kg(-1)) or equivalent volumes of saline. In contrast, lisuride, methiothepin, mesulergine, metergoline and clozapine dose-dependently antagonized the responses to 5-HT and 5-CT; the rank order of apparent pA2 values against 5-HT and 5-CT, respectively, was: lisuride (7.7; 7.8) > methiothepin (6.8; 7.0) > or = mesulergine (6.4; 6.6) > clozapine (5.7; 5.8); metergoline displayed variable potencies (5.6; 6.4). Except for lisuride, which also affected isoprenaline-induced hypotension, the antagonism by the other drugs was selective. Based upon the above rank order of agonist potency, the blockade by a series of drugs showing high affinity for the cloned 5-ht7 receptor and the lack of blockade by GR127935, our results indicate that the 5-HT receptor mediating hypotension in vagosympathectomized rats is operationally similar to other putative 5-ht7 receptors mediating vascular and non-vascular responses (e.g. relaxation of the rabbit femoral vein, canine coronary and external carotid arteries and guinea-pig ileum as well as feline tachycardia).

Interactions of GR127935, a 5-HT(1B/D) receptor ligand, with functional 5-HT receptors

GR127935 (N-[methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-1,2 ,4-oxadiazol-3-yl) [1, 1-biphenyl]-4-carboxamide hydrochloride) has been recently introduced as an experimental tool to antagonize 5-HT(1B/D) receptor-mediated functional responses. The compound indeed exhibits a very high affinity and selectivity for 5-HT(1B/D) binding sites and it antagonizes a number of 5-HT(1B/D) receptor-mediated responses. The present experiments were performed to investigate the selectivity of GR127935 against functional responses mediated by 5-HT1-like, 'orphan' 5-HT1-like (5-ht7?), 5-HT2, 5-HT3 or 5-HT4 receptors in several in vivo preparations. Intravenous (i.v.) treatment with GR127935 (300 microg x kg(-1)) potently antagonized decreases in total carotid blood flow as well as hypotensive responses induced by the 5-HT1-like receptor agonist sumatriptan in rabbits. I.v. bolus injections of GR127935 (up to 500 and/or 1500 microg x kg(-1)) did not significantly modify 5-HT-induced: (i) tachycardia in the pig (5-HT4 receptor-mediated) and cat ('orphan' 5-HT1-like or, perhaps, 5-ht7 receptor-mediated); (ii) depressor effects in the rat and cat ('orphan' 5-HT1-like or 5-ht7 receptor-mediated); (iii) von Bezold-Jarisch reflex in the rat or the early phase of the urinary bladder contraction in the cat (both 5-HT3 receptor-mediated). In contrast, high doses (500-1500 microg x kg(-1)) of GR127935 suppressed 5-HT-induced pressor responses in the rat and cat and urinary bladder contractions (secondary phase) in the cat as well as the DOI ((+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane hydrochloride)-induced pressor responses in the rat, which are all mediated by 5-HT2A receptors. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that GR127935 is a selective 5-HT(1B/D) receptor antagonist devoid of interactions at 'orphan' 5-HT1-like (5-ht7?), 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors. However, GR127935 possesses a moderate 5-HT2A receptor blocking property, which is consistent with its binding profile (pKi: 7.4). Lastly, in view of the potent antagonist action of GR127935, the sumatriptan-induced hypotension in rabbits seems to be mediated by 5-HT(1B/D) receptors.

Mediation of 5-HT-induced external carotid vasodilatation in GR 127935-pretreated vagosympathectomized dogs by the putative 5-HT7 receptor

1. The vasodilator effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the external carotid bed of anaesthetized dogs with intact sympathetic tone are mediated by prejunctional sympatho-inhibitory 5-HT1B/1D receptors and postjunctional 5-HT receptors. The prejunctional vasodilator mechanism is abolished after vagosympathectomy which results in the reversal of the vasodilator effect to vasoconstriction. The blockade of this vasoconstrictor effect of 5-HT with the 5-HT1B/1D receptor antagonist, GR 127935, unmasks a dose-dependent vasodilator effect of 5-HT, but not of sumatriptan. Therefore, the present study set out to analyse the pharmacological profile of this postjunctional vasodilator 5-HT receptor in the external carotid bed of vagosympathectomized dogs pretreated with GR 127935 (20 micrograms kg-1, i.v.). 2. One-minute intracarotid (i.c.) infusions of 5-HT (0.3-30 micrograms min-1), 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT; 0.01-0.3 microgram min-1), 5-methoxytryptamine (1-100 micrograms min-1) and lisuride (3-1000 micrograms min-1) resulted in dose-dependent increases in external carotid blood flow (without changes in blood pressure or heart rate) with a rank order of agonist potency of 5-CT > > 5-HT > or = 5-methoxytryptamine > lisuride, whereas cisapride (100-1000 micrograms min-1, i.c.) was practically inactive. Interestingly, lisuride (mean dose of 85 +/- 7 micrograms kg-1, i.c.), but not cisapride (mean dose of 67 +/- 7 micrograms kg-1, i.c.), specifically abolished the responses induced by 5-HT, 5-CT and 5-methoxytryptamine, suggesting that a common site of action may be involved. In contrast, 1 min i.c. infusions of 8-OH-DPAT (3-3000 micrograms min-1) produced dose-dependent decreases, not increases, in external carotid blood flow and failed to antagonize (mean dose of 200 +/- 33 micrograms kg-1, i.c.) the agonist-induced vasodilator responses. 3. The external carotid vasodilator responses to 5-HT, 5-CT and 5-methoxytryptamine were not modified by intravenous (i.v.) pretreatment with either saline, (+/-)-pindolol (4 mg kg-1) or ritanserin (100 micrograms kg-1) plus granisetron (300 micrograms kg-1), but were dose-dependently blocked by i.v. administration of methiothepin (10 and 30 micrograms kg-1, given after ritanserin plus granisetron), mesulergine (10 and 30 micrograms kg-1), metergoline (1 and 3 mg kg-1), methysergide (1 and 3 mg kg-1) or clozapine (0.3 and 1 mg kg-1). Nevertheless, the blockade of the above responses, not significant after treatment with the lower of the two doses of metergoline and mesulergine, was nonspecific after administration of the higher of the two doses of methysergide and clozapine. 4. Based upon the above rank order of agonist potencies and the antagonism produced by a series of drugs showing high affinity for the cloned 5-ht7 receptor, our results indicate that the 5-HT receptor mediating external carotid vasodilatation in GR 127935-pretreated vagosympathectomized dogs is operationally similar to the putative 5-HT7 receptor mediating relaxation of vascular and non-vascular smooth muscles (e.g. rabbit femoral vein, canine coronary artery, rat systemic vasculature and guinea-pig ileum) as well as tachycardia in the cat.

Operational characteristics of the 5-HT1-like receptors mediating external carotid vasoconstriction in vagosympathectomized dogs. Close resemblance to the 5-HT1D receptor subtype

It has recently been shown that the external carotid vasoconstrictor response to 5-HT in the dog is primarily mediated by sumatriptan-sensitive 5-HT1-like receptors; however, the fact that these receptors are not blocked by metergoline, a 5-HT1D ligand, raises questions about their possible correlation with the 5-HT1D receptor subtype. Since a number of drugs display high affinity for the 5-HT1D (GR127935) and 5-HT1F (e.g. methysergide and oxymetazoline) receptor subtypes, in this study we have used these drugs to determine whether the above vasoconstrictor 5-HT1-like receptors correlate with the 5-HT1D and/or 5-HT1F receptor subtypes. One-minute intracarotid infusions of 5-HT (0.3-30 micrograms/min), sumatriptan (1-30 micrograms/min), oxymetazoline (0.03-3 micrograms/min) and noradrenaline (0.3-3 micrograms/min) resulted in dose-dependent decreases in external carotid blood flow without changes in arterial blood pressure or heart rate. These vasoconstrictor responses remained unaltered after i.v. administration of physiological saline (0.015, 0.05 and 0.15 ml/kg; n = 4) or ritanserin (1 mg/kg; n = 5). In contrast, GR127935 (1, 3 and 10 micrograms/kg, n = 6) potently blocked the responses to 5-HT (unmasking a dose-dependent vasodilator component) and sumatriptan without affecting those to oxymetazoline or noradrenaline. Interestingly, methysergide (10, 30 and 100 micrograms/kg, n = 5) also blocked the vasoconstrictor responses to 5-HT and sumatriptan, but unlike GR127935, did not revert the vasoconstrictor response to 5-HT; the responses to oxymetazoline remained unaffected, but those to noradrenaline were apparently attenuated by the highest dose. Taken together, the above findings suggest that the sumatriptan-sensitive 5-HT1-like receptors mediating canine external carotid vasoconstriction resemble 5-HT1D receptors, probably of the 5-HT1D beta subtype on the basis of the resistance to blockade by ritanserin. The pharmacological profile of these receptors could be similar (bovine and human cerebral arteries, porcine carotid arteriovenous anastomoses and human coronary arteries) to other putative 5-HT1D receptors mediating vascular responses.

Blockade of porcine carotid vascular response to sumatriptan by GR 127935, a selective 5-HT1D receptor antagonist

1. It has previously been shown that the antimigraine drug, sumatriptan, a putative 5-HT1D receptor agonist, decreases porcine common carotid and arteriovenous anastomotic blood flows, but slightly increases the arteriolar (capillary) blood flow to the skin and ears. Interestingly, such responses, being mediated by 5-HT1-like receptors, are resistant to blockade by metergoline, which, in addition to displaying a very high affinity for (and occasionally intrinsic efficacy at) the 5-HT1D receptor subtypes, blocks (with lower potency than methiothepin) some 5-HT1D receptor-mediated vascular responses. These findings raise doubts whether sumatriptan-sensitive 5-HT1-like receptors mediating changes in the distribution of porcine carotid blood flow are identical to cloned 5-HT1D receptors. With the recent advent of the potent and selective 5-HT1D receptor antagonist, GR127935, we have examined in the present study whether the carotid vascular effects of sumatriptan in the pig are amenable to blockade by GR127935. 2. In animals pretreated with saline, sumatriptan (30, 100 and 300 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) reduced the total carotid and arteriovenous anastomotic blood flows in a dose dependent manner. In contrast, sumatriptan increased blood flow to the skin, ears and fat, although the total capillary fraction was not significantly affected. 3. While GR127935 pretreatment (0.25 and 0.5 mg kg-1) itself slightly reduced the total carotid and arteriovenous anastomotic blood flows, carotid vasoconstrictor responses to sumatriptan were either partly (0.25 mg kg-1) or completely (0.5 mg kg-1) blocked by the compound. In GR127935 pretreated animals, the sumatriptan-induced increases in blood flow to the skin, ears and fat were also attenuated. 4. Taken together, the results suggest that arteriovenous anastomotic constriction and, possibly, arteriolar dilatation in the skin, ears and fat by sumatriptan are mediated by 5-HT1D receptors. Therefore, vascular 5-HT1-like receptors in the porcine carotid bed appear to be identical to 5-HT1D receptors.

The relaxant effect of sex steroids in rat myometrium is independent of the gamma-amino butyric acid system

The mechanism of action on the uterine-relaxant effect of sex steroids has been suggested to involve an interaction with gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) receptors. However, other lines of evidence do not seem to support this suggestion. In view of this controversy, this study was designed to investigate the potential relaxant effect of GABA, muscimol (a GABA(A) receptor agonist), testosterone, progesterone and their 5-reduced metabolites in rat uterus at different endocrine stages (pregnant, nonpregnant and estrogenized), with particular emphasis on verifying if the relaxant effect of steroids involves an interaction with GABA(A) receptors. Contractions from uterine rings were recorded by isometric method, the sequential addition of either GABA (at different concentrations) on the spontaneous and KCl-induced contraction or muscimol (also at different concentrations) on the contraction induced by KCl was devoid of any significant effect. In contrast, the sequential addition of progesterone relaxed the tonic KCl-induced contraction in a concentration-dependent manner. This effect of progesterone was mimicked by its 5-reduced metabolites. The 5(beta)-configured isomers were more potent than progesterone and the 5(alpha)-configured ones. Interestingly, the relaxation produced by the above steroids was not blocked by the GABA(A) receptor antagonists, picrotoxin or bicuculline, but was reversed by calcium. Taken together, the above findings suggest that the relaxant action of the sex steroids analyzed in this study is not mediated by an interaction with GABA(A) receptors, instead a blockade of calcium influx appears to be responsible.

Role of endothelium in the vasodilating effect of progestins and androgens on the rat thoracic aorta

1. In the rat thoracic aorta, contractions induced by noradrenaline were inhibited by the steroids progesterone, pregnanolone, testosterone and 5 alpha- and 5 beta-dihydrotestosterone. 2. Removal of endothelium did not prevent relaxation to the steroids, suggesting that the vasodilating effect of steroids occurred on the smooth muscle cells. 3. gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) did not modify noradrenaline-induced contraction. Thus, the vasodilation elicited by steroids is not apparently mediated by GABA receptors. 4. On the basis that noradrenaline opens receptor-operated calcium channels to induce contraction, we suggest that relaxation by steroids involves a blockade of this type of channels.