Reciprocal sympatho-sensory control: functional role of nucleotides and calcitonin gene-related peptide in a peripheral neuroeffector junction

The rat vas deferens has scattered sensory afferens plus a dense network of sympathetic motor efferens; these fibers are not known to interact functionally. We ascertained whether sensory fibers modulate the release of sympathetic transmitters through the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and reciprocally assessed whether sympathetic transmitters modulate the overflow of ir-CGRP from sensory fibers. The tissue overflow of electrically evoked sympathetic co-transmitters (ATP/metabolites, noradrenaline (NA), and immunoreactive neuropeptide tyrosine (ir-NPY)) and the motor responses elicited were quantified following either exogenous CGRP or capsaicin application to elicit peptide release. Conversely, the outflow of ir-CGRP was examined in the presence of sympathetic transmitters. Exogenous CGRP reduced in a concentration-dependent manner the electrically evoked outflow of ATP/metabolites, NA, and ir-NPY with EC(50) values of 1.3, 0.18, and 1.9 nM, respectively. CGRP also reduced the basal NA overflow. The CGRP-evoked modulation was blocked by CGRP8-37 or H-89. Release of endogenous CGRP by capsaicin significantly reduced the basal overflow of NA, ir-NPY, and the electrically evoked sympathetic transmitter release. ADP, 2-methylthioadenosine-5'-O-diphosphate (2-MeSADP), or UTP decreased the electrically evoked ir-CGRP overflow, whereas clonidine, α,β-methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate (α,β-mATP), or adenosine (ADO) were inactive. CGRP acting postjunctionally also reduced the motor responses elicited by exogenous NA, ATP, or electrically evoked contractions. We conclude that CGRP exerts a presynaptic modulator role on sympathetic nerve endings and reciprocally ATP or related nucleotides influence the release of ir-CGRP from sensory fibers, highlighting a dynamic sympatho-sensory control between sensory fibers and sympathetic nerve ending. Postjunctional CGRP receptors further contribute to reduce the tissue sympathetic motor tone implying a pre and postjunctional role of CGRP as a sympathetic tone modulator.

IFPA Meeting 2010 Workshop Report I: Immunology; ion transport; epigenetics; vascular reactivity; epitheliochorial placentation; proteomics

Workshops are an important part of the IFPA annual meeting. At IFPA Meeting 2010 there were twelve themed workshops, six of which are summarized in this report. 1. The immunology workshop focused on normal and pathological functions of the maternal immune system in pregnancy. 2. The transport workshop dealt with regulation of ion and water transport across the syncytiotrophoblast of human placenta. 3. The epigenetics workshop covered DNA methylation and its potential role in regulating gene expression in placental development and disease. 4. The vascular reactivity workshop concentrated on methodological approaches used to study placental vascular function. 5. The workshop on epitheliochorial placentation covered current advances from in vivo and in vitro studies of different domestic species. 6. The proteomics workshop focused on a variety of techniques and procedures necessary for proteomic analysis and how they may be implemented for placental research.

A human prion protein peptide (PrP(59-91)) protects against copper neurotoxicity

Human cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) is involved in several neurodegenerative disorders; however, its normal function is unknown. We report here that a synthetic peptide corresponding to the four-octarepeat sequence of the PrP(C) (PrP(59-91)) protects hippocampal neurons against copper neurotoxic effects in vivo. Using a rat bilateral intrahippocampal injection model, we found that PrP(59-91) protects against copper-induced neurotoxicity, including a recovery in spatial learning performance and a reduced neuronal cell loss and astrogliosis. Previous studies from our laboratory indicated that a tryptophan (Trp) residue plays a key role in the reduction of copper(II) to copper(I); therefore several PrP(59-91) fragments lacking histidine (His) and Trp residues were tested for their capacity to protect from copper toxicity. A PrP(59-91) peptide lacking His residue shows as much neuroprotection as the native peptide; however, PrP(59-91) without Trp residues only partially protected against copper toxicity. The neuroprotective effect not only occurs with PrP(59-91), in fact a full neuroprotection was also observed using just one octamer of the N-terminal region of prion protein. We conclude that the N-terminal tandem octarepeat of the human PrP(C) protects neurons against copper toxicity by a differential contribution of the binding (His) and reducing (Trp) copper activities of PrP(59-91). Our results are consistent with the idea that PrP(C) function is related to copper homeostasis.

Pharmacological identification of P2X1, P2X4 and P2X7 nucleotide receptors in the smooth muscles of human umbilical cord and chorionic blood vessels

To ascertain the role of extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) receptors in human placenta circulation, we identified and pharmacologically characterized the P2X receptor population in its superficial vessels. Total RNA was extracted from segments of chorionic and umbilical arteries and veins of terminal placentae delivered by vaginal or Caesarian births. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by sequencing of the products, identified the presence of P2X 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7mRNAs in smooth muscle from chorionic and umbilical arteries and veins. Umbilical vessels proximal to the fetus expressed the same population of P2X subtypes, except for the P2X(5), but additionally expressed the P2X(2). Rings of chorionic vessels contracted upon addition of nucleotides and analogs with the following relative rank order of potencies in arteries and veins: alpha,beta-methyleneATP>beta,gamma-methyleneATP>PNP>ATP=diBzATP>2-MeSATP>ADP>AMP; in umbilical vessels alpha,beta-methyleneATP was at least 100-fold more potent than ATP. Nucleotide potency was less than that of PGF(2alpha) or endothelin-2, but had the same magnitude as serotonin. ATP-desensitized receptors evidenced cross desensitization to alpha,beta-methyleneATP, 2-MeSATP and diBzATP, effect not observed when desensitization was elicited by alpha,beta-methyleneATP, confirming the presence of various P2X receptor subtypes in the smooth muscles of these vessels. The vasocontractile efficacy of alpha,beta-methyleneATP was unaltered by endothelium removal, while that of ATP was significantly attenuated and those elicited by 2-MeSATP were blunted, indicating the presence of additional endothelial nucleotide receptors. These results suggest that P2X receptors participate in the humoral regulation of placental blood flow.

Diabetes-induced changes in responsiveness of rat bladder and vas deferens to peptides in vitro: susceptibility to reversal by insulin

Changes in responsiveness of the vas deferens and urinary bladder to bradykinin (BK) receptor agonists (Tyr8-BK and des-Arg9-BK), substance P (SP), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were assessed 8 weeks after streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Preparations from control or STZ-treated (60 mg/kg i.p.) male rats were tested for contractile and neurogenic twitch potentiating (TP, in VD only) effects of all four agonists (1 nM to 0.3 or 3 microM). In diabetic VD, contractile effects of Tyr8-BK, des-Arg9-BK, and SP were enhanced, but ET-1 effects were unchanged. In contrast, TP by des-Arg9-BK was unaffected, that by Tyr8-BK was decreased, and those by SP and ET-1 were increased. In diabetic UB, only contractions to des-Arg9-BK and SP were enhanced. Following insulin replacement (human, 1-3 U/day s.c.), starting 1 week after STZ, TP induced by Tyr8-BK and des-Arg9-BK in VD were further inhibited, but all other changes in both preparations were reversed at least partially. Insulin treatment of nondiabetic rats, however, also affected VD (but not UB) responsiveness, such that contractions to Tyr8-BK and TP by ET-1 were increased, but TP by Tyr8-BK was decreased. Thus, STZ-induced type I diabetes causes important alterations in responsiveness of non-vascular smooth muscle tissues of the rat to BK, SP, and ET-1. Long term insulin replacement, at doses normalising glycaemia, effectively reversed most changes in VD or UB responsiveness, but it is unclear if this is truly due to blocking of STZ-induced changes, since the treatment also affected responsiveness of nondiabetic tissues.

[Spontaneous rhythmic contractions of human placental vessels: is it an evidence for a physiological pacemaker in blood vessels?]

BACKGROUND

Placental vessels are not innervated. Therefore the vasomotor activity and vascular tone is not regulated by the nervous system.

AIM

To assess the existence of pacemaker mechanisms related to rhythmic motor activity of blood vessels.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Isometric contractions of rings from umbilical and chorionic vessels of term human placentas were monitored.

RESULTS

Recordings of the circular layer of chorionic and umbilical vessels revealed rhythmic spontaneous contractions with a frequency of 1.4 +/- 0.05 cycles/min, the duration of each cycle was 42.8 +/- 0.24 s (n = 12). The amplitude of contractions was larger in veins than in arteries, predominating in umbilical vein biopsies, proximal to the fetus. Both the frequency and the amplitude of contractions were relatively constant during the first 30 min. However, after an hour, the frequency declined while the amplitude increased. The absence of the endothelium neither modified the frequency nor the amplitude of the rhythmic activity. Blockage of voltage dependent sodium channels or calcium channels did not alter the frequency of spontaneous contractions, although their magnitude was reduced. Glibenclamide, an ATP-dependent K+ channel blocker or the blockade of gap junctions ablated the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous contractions.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that rhythmic contractions are triggered by pacemaker cells located in the circular layer of the smooth muscle of blood vessels and spread via gap junctions; they likely contribute to the control of blood flow.

Basal tonic release of nitric oxide coupled to cGMP production regulates the vascular reactivity of the mesenteric bed

To reveal a basal production of nitric oxide (NO) and guanosine 3',5' cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) in the rat arterial mesenteric bed, mesenteries were perfused in the absence and in the presence of selective blockers of the L-arginine cascade. Endothelium removal or inhibition of NO synthase significantly reduced the release of NO and tissue cGMP. A significant correlation between these messengers was shown. Blockade of soluble guanylyl cyclase with 0.3-10 microM 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) only reduced basal cGMP production; 1-100 nM sildenafil (Sild), an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase V, increased basal tissue cGMP without modifying the release of NO. Acetylcholine (0.01-10 microM) caused a concentration-dependent rise in NO and cGMP evoking a proportional vasodilatation, demonstrating the interdependence between these messengers and vascular reactivity. Endothelium removal or NO synthase blockade reduced the acetylcholine-induced increase of messengers and the vasodilatation. ODQ attenuated only the increase in cGMP and the vasodilatation, while sildenafil increased cGMP without significantly altering luminal NO release. The present results highlight a tonic release of NO and its involvement in endothelial-smooth muscle signaling; NO and cGMP are determinants of vascular reactivity.

Nitric oxide synthase-independent release of nitric oxide induced by KCl in the perfused mesenteric bed of the rat

The aim of the present study was to test whether the contractile responses elicited by KCl in the rat mesenteric bed are coupled to the release of nitric oxide (NO). Contractions induced by 70 mM KCl were coincident with the release of NO to the perfusate. The in vitro exposure to the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, L-NAME (1-100 microM) potentiated the vascular responses to 70 mM KCl and, unexpectedly, increased the KCl-stimulated release of NO. Moreover, even after the chronic treatment with L-NAME (70 mg/kg/day during 4 weeks), the KCl-induced release of NO was not reduced, whereas the potentiation of contractile responses was indeed achieved. The possibility that NOS had not been completely inhibited under our experimental conditions can be precluded because NOS activity was significantly inhibited after both L-NAME treatments. After the in vitro treatment with 1 to 100 microM L-NAME, the inhibition of NOS was concentration-dependent (from 50% to 90%). With regard to the basal release of NO, the inhibition caused by L-NAME was not concentration-dependent and reached a maximum of 40%, suggesting that basal NO outflow is only partially dependent on NOS activity. An eventual enhancement of NOS activity caused by KCl was disregarded because the activity of this enzyme measured in homogenates from mesenteric beds perfused with 70 mM KCl was significantly reduced. On the other hand, endothelium removal, employed as a negative control, almost abolished NOS activity, whereas the incubation with the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187, employed as a positive control, induced an increase in NOS activity. It is concluded that in the mesenteric arterial bed of the rat, the contractile responses elicited by depolarization through KCl are coincident with a NOS-independent release of NO. This observation, which differs from the results obtained with noradrenaline, do not support the use of KCl as an alternative contractile agent whenever the participation of NO is under study.

ALEPH-2, a suspected anxiolytic and putative hallucinogenic phenylisopropylamine derivative, is a 5-HT2a and 5-HT2c receptor agonist

To assess the pharmacodynamic profile of ALEPH-2, a phenylisopropylamine derivative with alleged anxiolytic and hallucinogenic properties, Xenopus laevis oocytes were microinjected with either of the rat cRNA for the 5-HT2A or the 5-HT2C receptor. Concentration-response curves were obtained following the exposure of the oocytes to varying concentrations of either ALEPH-2 or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) for 10 s. ALEPH-2 is a partial agonist on the 5-HT2A receptor with a similar potency to 5-HT. In contrast, ALEPH-2 is a full 5-HT2C receptor agonist and is about 15-fold less potent than 5-HT. Pre-application of 1 microM ritanserin antagonized the responses induced by 5-HT and ALEPH-2 to the same extent; however, the 5-HT2A receptor is more sensitive to ritanserin blockade than the 5-HT2C receptor.

Molecular mechanism of cGMP-mediated smooth muscle relaxation

Contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle is a tightly regulated process involving numerous endogenous substances and their intracellular second messengers. We examine the key role of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in mediating smooth muscle relaxation. We briefly review the current art regarding cGMP generation and degradation, while focusing on the recent identification of the molecular mechanisms underlying cGMP-mediated smooth muscle relaxation. cGMP-induced SM relaxation is mediated mainly by cGMP-dependent protein kinase activation. It involves several molecular events culminating in a reduction in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and a decrease in the sensitivity of the contractile system to Ca(2+). We propose that the cGMP-induced decrease in Ca(2+) sensitivity is a strategic way to achieve "active relaxation" of the smooth muscle. In summary, we present compelling evidence supporting a key role for cGMP as a mediator of smooth muscle relaxation in physiological and pharmacological settings.

[Neuropeptide Y contribution and the physiology of human sympathetic co-transmission. Studies in saphenous vein biopsies]

BACKGROUND

It is known that the sympathetic varicosities co-store and co-release norepinephrine (NE) together with adenosine S-triphosphate (ATP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY).

AIM

To describe the chemical characterization of stored and released NPY from the varicosities of sympathetic nerve terminals surrounding segments of the human saphenous vein, and the vasomotor activity of rings electrically depolarized or contracted by the exogenous application of the co-transmitters.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Saphenous vein tissues were obtained from patients undergoing elective cardiac revascularization surgery.

RESULTS

The chromatographic profile of NPY extracted from biopsies is identical to a chemical standard of human NPY. Upon electrical depolarisation of the perivascular sympathetic nerve terminals, we demonstrated the release of NPY to the superfusion media, which did not exceed a 1% of its stored content. The release of the peptide is sensitive to guanethidine, and to extracellular calcium, suggesting that the mechanism of its release is exocytotic in nature. The electrically evoked release of NPY is dependent on the frequency and duration of the electrical pulses. Phenoxybenzamine reduces the electrically evoked release of NPY. Exogenous application of NE and ATP contract saphenous vein rings; the simultaneous application of NE plus ATP causes a synergic response, effect which is further potentiated by the joint co-application of 10 nM NPY.

CONCLUSIONS

Present results highlight the role of NPY as a sympathetic co-transmitter in the regulation of human vascular tone.

Zinc and copper modulate differentially the P2X4 receptor

The rat ATP P2X4 receptor was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes to assess the effect of zinc and copper as possible regulators of purinergic mechanisms. ATP applied for 20 s evoked an inward cationic current with a median effective concentration (EC50) of 21.4+/-2.8 microM and a Hill coefficient (nH) of 1.5+/-0.1. Coapplication of ATP plus 10 microM zinc displaced leftward, in a parallel fashion, the ATP concentration-response curve, reducing the EC50 to 8.4+/-1.8 microM (p < 0.01) without altering the receptor nH. The zinc potentiation was fast in onset, easily reversible, and voltage-independent and did not require metal preexposure. The zinc EC50 was 2-5 microM, with a bell-shaped curve. At concentrations of 100-300 microM, zinc produced less potentiation, and at 1 mM, it inhibited 50% the ATP current. The effect of zinc was mimicked by cadmium. In contrast, copper inhibited the ATP-evoked currents in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion, reducing the maximal current (Imax) without altering the EC50. The copper-induced inhibition was slow in onset, slowly reversible, and voltage-independent. Whereas coapplication of 300 microM copper plus ATP reduced Imax to 36.2+/-5%, the coapplication of, or 60-s preexposure by, 10 microM copper reduced Imax to 79+/-9.2% (p < 0.05) and 39.6+/-8.7% (p < 0.01), respectively. The inhibition was noncompetitive in nature and mimicked by mercury. Cobalt, barium, and manganese did not modify significantly the ATP-evoked current, demonstrating metal specificity. The simultaneous 1-min preapplication of both metals revealed that the 10 microM zinc-induced potentiation was obliterated by 10 microM copper, whereas 30 microM copper not only reduced the potentiation, but inhibited the ATP response. Following coapplication of both metals for 20 s with ATP, at least 100 microM copper was required to counteract the 10 microM zinc-induced potentiation. The simultaneous preincubation with both metals provided evidence for a noncompetitive interaction. We hypothesize the existence of metal binding site(s), which are most likely localized in the extracellular domain of the P2X4 receptor structure. These sites are selective and accessible to extracellular metal applications and bind micromolar concentrations of metals. The present results are compatible with the working hypothesis that trace metals, such as copper and zinc, are physiological modulators of the P2X4 receptor. The modulation of brain purinergic transmission by physiologically and toxicologically relevant trace metal cations is highlighted.

Migraine, but not subarachnoid hemorrhage, is associated with differentially increased NPY-like immunoreactivity in the CSF

To test whether migraine and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are associated with increased sympathetic tone, we compared the neuropeptide Y-like (NPY-LI) and chromogranin A-like immunoreactivities (LI) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from migraneurs and SAH patients with those from control subjects. Increased sympathetic tone was expected to produce higher co-release of these co-stored peptides and concordant changes in their CSF levels. In addition, we investigated a possible disturbed nitric oxide homeostasis by measuring CSF nitrites (NO). More than 70% of CSF NPY-LI corresponded to the chromatographic peak (HPLC) for the intact molecule in all three groups. Migraneurs had 64% higher CSF NPY-LI, but no significant difference in CSF chromogranin A-LI, as compared to controls. In contrast, SAH patients had 74% less CSF chromogranin A-LI and a trend to lower NPY-LI, as compared to controls. No differences in CSF NO were detected among groups. These results argue against an increased sympathetic tone in patients with either migraine or SAH, and suggest that the higher CSF NPY-LI of migraneurs probably originates from central neurons. Furthermore, our findings in SAH patients argue in favor of a decreased sympathetic tone; this could be a homeostatic response to counterbalance vasoconstriction mediated by other mechanisms.

Rise in endothelium-derived NO after stimulation of rat perivascular sympathetic mesenteric nerves

To evaluate whether sympathetic activity induces nitric oxide (NO) production, we perfused the rat arterial mesenteric bed and measured luminally accessible norepinephrine (NE), NO, and cGMP before, during, and after stimulation of perivascular nerves. Electrical stimulation (1 min, 30 Hz) raised perfusion pressure by 97 +/- 7 mmHg, accompanied by peaks of 23 +/- 3 pmol NE, 445 +/- 48 pmol NO, and 1 pmol cGMP. Likewise, perfusion with 10 microM NE induced vasoconstriction coupled to increased NO and cGMP release. Electrically elicited NO release depended on stimulus frequency and duration. Endothelium denudation with saponin abolished the NO peak without changing NE release. Inhibition of NO synthase with 100 microM N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine reduced basal NO and cGMP release and blocked the electrically stimulated and exogenous NE-stimulated NO peak while enhancing vasoconstriction. Blocking either sympathetic exocytosis with 1 microM guanethidine or alpha1-adrenoceptors with 30 nM prazosin abolished the electrically evoked vasoconstriction and NO release. alpha2-Adrenoceptor blockade with 1 microM yohimbine reduced both vasoconstriction and NO peak while increasing NE release. In summary, sympathetically released NE induces vasoconstriction, which triggers a secondary release of endothelial NO coupled to cGMP production.

The involvement of neuropeptide Y Y1 receptors in the blood pressure baroreflex: studies with BIBP 3226 and BIBO 3304

To ascertain the role of the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptors in the vascular manifestations of the sympathetic baroreflex, 10-s bilateral carotid occlusions were performed in anesthetized cats; systemic blood pressure was monitored continually. This maneuver rose systolic blood pressure in 23 +/- 2 mmHg. Following 100 microg/kg BIBP 3226 or BIBO 3304 i.v., the increase in blood pressure elicited by the occlusions was only 14 +/- 1 and 15 mmHg, respectively. Both BIBP 3226 and BIBO 3304 displaced significantly 5.5 fold rightward the pressor dose-response curve elicited by exogenous neuropeptide Y, without altering the norepinephrine curve. Prazosin (10 microg/kg) reduced the pressor response elicited by the carotid occlusion to 12 +/- 4 mmHg. The simultaneous administration of BIBP 3226 plus prazosin rose the systemic blood pressure following the occlusion only 9 +/- 2 mmHg, supporting the involvement of neuropeptide Y in vascular sympathetic reflexes.

Synergism between neuropeptide Y and norepinephrine highlights sympathetic cotransmission: studies in rat arterial mesenteric bed with neuropeptide Y, analogs, and BIBP 3226

Although abundant literature supports the notion that neuropeptide Y (NPY) synergizes in vivo and in vitro, the vasomotor activity elicited by norepinephrine (NE), the converse interaction (i.e., the adrenergic modulation of the NPY vasomotor response) has been less characterized. To assess whether NE synergizes the vasomotor effect of NPY, the rat arterial mesenteric bed was chosen as a model experimental system. Mesenteries were precontracted with NE and few minutes later were perfused with exogenous NPY. Under these conditions, NPY contracted the arterial mesenteric bed with an EC50 value of 0.72 +/- 0.06 nM. NPY was unable to contract this vascular territory without an agonist-induced precontraction. Other agonists, such as endothelin-1, a synthetic analog of prostaglandin F2alpha, or 5-hydroxytryptamine, also were effective primers because in their presence, NPY was a potent vasoconstrictor. In contrast, mesenteries precontracted with KCl failed to evidence the NPY-induced rise in perfusion pressure. Two structural analogs of NPY, PYY and [Leu31, Pro34]NPY, mimicked the activity of NPY. The NPY fragment 13-36 did not elicit such a response. All NPY analogs exhibited less efficacy and potency relative to NPY. The NPY- and related structural analog-induced vasoconstriction was competitively and reversibly antagonized by BIBP 3226; the pA2 of the NPY interaction was 7.0. The application of 0.1 to 1 microM BIBP 3226 or 0.1 to 10 nM prazosin at the peak of the NPY vasomotor response elicited a gradual blockade of the vasoconstriction. Although BIBP 3226 blocked the increase in perfusion pressure elicited by NPY, leaving unaffected the NE-induced tone, 10 nM prazosin blocked the full response, including the NE-induced component. Tissue preincubation with 200 nM nifedipine abolished the NPY-induced vasoconstriction; likewise, the acute application of 10 to 100 nM nifedipine blocked gradually the maximal NPY-induced contraction. Removal of the mesenteric endothelial layer increased the potency of NPY by 2-fold; it also slightly potentiated the antagonist activity of BIBP 3226. The synergism between NPY and NE backs the principle of sympathetic cotransmission.

Increased neuropeptide Y pressor activity in Goldblatt hypertensive rats: in vivo studies with BIBP 3226

Nanomoles of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and noradrenaline (NA), administered i.v. to pentobarbital-anesthetized rats, caused nearly equipotent dose-dependent pressor responses in normotensive rats. However, in renovascular Goldblatt hypertensive rats, the dose-response curves for both NPY and NA were significantly displaced to the left, approximately threefold. Intravenous administration of BIBP 3226 (30-180 microg/kg) did not consistently lower blood pressure, per se, but did evoke competitive antagonism of the NPY pressor response in both rat populations. The magnitude of the NPY antagonism evoked by BIBP 3226 was comparable in normotensive and hypertensive rats. The absence of NA antagonism demonstrates the selectivity of the BIBP 3226 blockade.

Stimulation of the sympathetic perimesenteric arterial nerves releases neuropeptide Y potentiating the vasomotor activity of noradrenaline: involvement of neuropeptide Y-Y1 receptors

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) appears to be involved in the sympathetic regulation of vascular tone. To assess the putative role of NPY in mesenteric circulation, the release and biological effect of NPY were examined after electrical stimulation of perimesenteric arterial nerves. Nerve stimulation with trains of 2-30 Hz increased the perfusion pressure of the arterially perfused rat mesenteric bed in a frequency- and time-dependent fashion. Trains of 15-30 Hz significantly displaced to the left, approximately threefold, the noradrenaline (NA)-induced pressor concentration-response curve, in addition to increasing significantly its efficacy. Perfusion with 10 nM exogenous NPY mimicked the electrical stimulation effect, causing a threefold leftward shift of the NA concentration-response curve and increasing the maximal NA response. These effects were antagonized by 100 nM BIBP 3226, indicating the activity of NPY-Y1 receptors. Electrical stimulation of the perimesenteric nerves released immunoreactive NPY (ir-NPY) in a frequency-dependent fashion; the ir-NPY coelutes with synthetic NPY as confirmed by HPLC. Both the electrically induced pressor response and the calcium-dependent release of NPY were obliterated in preparations perfused with 1 microM guanethidine or in rats pretreated intravenously for 48 h with 6-hydroxydopamine, thus revealing the sympathetic origin of these phenomena. Only a small proportion of the total NPY content in the perimesenteric arterial nerves is released after electrical stimulation. Chromatographic studies of the physiological sources of the ir-NPY support that NPY fragments are generated via peptidase degradation. The present findings demonstrate that NPY is released from the perimesenteric arterial sympathetic nerves and acts, via the activation of NPY-Y1 receptors, as the mediator responsible for the potentiation of NA's effect on perfusion pressure in the isolated rat mesenteric bed.

BIBP 3226, suramin and prazosin identify neuropeptide Y, adenosine 5'-triphosphate and noradrenaline as sympathetic cotransmitters in the rat arterial mesenteric bed

The physiological role of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) in sympathetic neurotransmission is becoming increasingly clear. To assess whether NPY and ATP act as cotransmitters together with noradrenaline (NA) in the sympathetic nerves of the superior mesenteric artery, the changes in perfusion pressure of the arterial mesenteric bed caused by nerve stimulation were recorded. Depolarization of the perivascular superior mesenteric arterial nerves caused frequency- and time-dependent increases in the perfusion pressure that were abolished by guanethidine, which implied the sympathetic origin of these responses. Independent perfusion with either 500 nM BIBP 3226, an NPY Y1 antagonist; 3 microM suramin, a competitive purinoceptor antagonist; or 0.1 nM prazosin, a competitive alpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonist, evoked approximately a 30% reduction in the rise in perfusion pressure caused by the 20- to 30-Hz electrical depolarization of the perimesenteric arterial nerves. Prazosin (0.1 nM) blocked the increases in perfusion pressure caused by electrical stimulation of the perimesenteric nerves but did not significantly reduce the vasomotor effect of exogenous NA. Likewise, 5-methyl urapidil and chloroethylclonidine, alpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonists with selectivity for the alpha-1A and alpha-1B receptor subtypes, respectively, concentration-dependently decreased the increase in perfusion pressure elicited by electrical stimulation of the perimesenteric nerves at concentrations lower than that required to block the vasoconstriction elicited by exogenous NA. The combined perfusion of 3 microM suramin plus 0.1 nM prazosin did not result in a complete inhibition of the physiological response. Only upon the simultaneous application of BIBP plus suramin plus prazosin was the rise in perfusion pressure abolished. These results support the working hypothesis that the sympathetic nerves of the rat mesenteric bed release NPY, ATP and NA that act as postjunctional cotransmitters in this neuroeffector junction.

Neuropeptide Y Y1 receptors are involved in the vasoconstriction caused by human sympathetic nerve stimulation

Neuropeptide Y, a novel neurotransmitter, interacts with selective membrane receptors to cause vasoconstriction. Frequency- and concentration-dependent isometric contractions were observed in human inferior mesenteric artery and vein mounted rings that were stimulated with either electrical pulses (70 V, 0.5 ms, 2.5-20 Hz) or noradrenaline. The antagonism elicited by 100 nM tetrodotoxin and 1 microM guanethidine confirmed the neuronal and sympathetic origins of the vasomotor response. Incubation with BIBP 3226 ((R)-N2-(di-phenacetyl)-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-methyl-D-arginineam ide), a selective neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor antagonist, significantly reduced the vasoconstriction. The incomplete antagonist activity of BIBP 3226 tends to support the hypothesis of sympathetic co-transmission involving neuropeptide Y, adenosine 5'-triphosphate and noradrenaline. These findings were confirmed in parallel studies using rat superior mesenteric artery and vein ring preparations.

Brain lipids that induce sleep are novel modulators of 5-hydroxytrypamine receptors

Amide derivatives of fatty acids were recently isolated from cerebrospinal fluid of sleep-deprived animals and found to induce sleep in rats. To determine which brain receptors might be sensitive to these novel neuromodulators, we tested them on a range of receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. cis-9,10-Octadecenamide (ODA) markedly potentiated the action of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors, but this action was not shared by related compounds such as oleic acid and trans-9,10-octacenamide. ODA was active at concentrations as low as 1 nM. The saturated analog, octadecanamide, inhibited rather than potentiated 5-HT2C responses. ODA had either no effect or only weak effects on other receptors, including muscarinic cholinergic, metabotropic glutamate, GABA(A), N-methyl-D-asparate, or alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxozolepropionic acid receptors. Modulation of 5-HT2 receptors by ODA and related lipids may represent a novel mechanism for regulation of receptors that activate G proteins and thereby play a role in alertness, sleep, and mood as well as disturbances of these states.

Central B2 receptor involvement in the antinociceptive effect of bradykinin in rats

1. The effect of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of bradykinin (BK) and related peptides was tested on the dental pulp electrical stimulation threshold (DPEST) in rats. 2. BK (4, 8 and 16 nmol) induced a dose-dependent increase of DPEST, indicative of an antinociceptive effect. 3. I.c.v. injection of equimolar doses of BK-related peptides, Lys-BK and Met-Lys-BK, also induced an increase of DPEST, but the magnitude of the effect was not as intensive as that induced by BK, when the maximum increase of DPEST was considered. The peptide T-kinin induced a short lasting and weak antinociceptive effect. 4. The B1 agonist, des-Arg9-BK (8 nmol) induced a significant antinociceptive effect, but this was not as intensive as that induced by BK. 5. The B2 antagonist D-Arg0-Hyp3-Thi5,8-D-Phe7-BK (D-Arg0) competitively antagonized the BK-induced antinociception. Likewise, Hyp3-Thi5,8-D-Phe7-BK (Hyp) also antagonized BK effect. However, the compound Thi5,8-D-Phe7-BK (Thi), initially considered a pure BK antagonist, induced an antinociceptive effect, supporting previous observations that this peptide can also act as a partial agonist. 6. It is concluded that the dose-dependent antinociceptive effect induced by i.c.v. injection of BK is mediated by the stimulation of brain B2 receptors.

Neuropeptide Y inhibits 3[H]noradrenaline release in the rat vas deferens independently of cAMP levels

The purpose of the present investigation was to ascertain the functional significance of the reduction in cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in the inhibitory action of neuropeptide Y (NPY) on [3H]noradrenaline ([3H]NA) release, as well as to further characterize the subtype(s) of NPY receptors involved in the peptide's actions in the rat vas deferens. We studied the effects of NPY, carboxyterminal fragments of this peptide and the NPY analog (Leu31,Pro34)-NPY on three functional responses, namely, the release of [3H]NA and the associated muscle contractions evoked by electrical stimulation, and the accumulation of cAMP stimulated by forskolin. NPY, a known inhibitor of the electrically-evoked [3H]NA release and neurogenic contractions is also a potent inhibitor of the forskolin-stimulated cAMP synthesis in the prostatic portion of the rat vas deferens. However, the ability of NPY to inhibit cAMP accumulation is lost upon tissue denervation, suggesting that this is likely to be a prejunctional effect. Elevation of cAMP levels by the use of the cell permeant analog of cAMP, 8-(p-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP (8pCPTcAMP) increases the electrically-evoked release of [3H]NA. However, the inhibition of [3H]NA release by NPY is not prevented by 8pCPTcAMP. Structure-activity relationship studies reveal that NPY and related peptides inhibit the release of [3H]NA, the muscle contractions and the synthesis of cAMP with a similar pharmacological profile. NPY is the most potent inhibitory agent, whereas [Leu31,Pro34]-NPY and NPY13-36, the respective Y1 and Y2 selective agonists, display similar potencies to inhibit the three responses. It is concluded that NPY inhibits neurotransmission in the rat vas deferens through the activation of a peptide receptor different from the known NPY-Y1 or NPY-Y2 receptor subtypes. NPY receptor activation in the vas deferens is negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase activity. This intracellular signalling pathway is, however, not likely to mediate the peptide effects on the prejunctional regulation of noradrenaline release.

Pharmacological characterization of the ETA receptor in the vascular smooth muscle comparing its analogous distribution in the rat mesenteric artery and in the arterial mesenteric bed

The potency of ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3 to contract the isolated perfused rat arterial mesenteric bed was 2.73 +/- 0.57, 1.63 +/- 0.32, and 144 +/- 30 nM, respectively. The vasomotor effect of the ETs was slow in onset, persistent but reversible. Sarafotoxin S6b mimicked the ETs with a potency twofold lower than ET-1; sarafotoxin S6c and the C-terminal hexapeptide of ET-1 was inactive. ETH agonists such as IRL-1620 and AGETB-89 were inactive as vasoconstrictors within the range of concentrations examined. Minor chemical modifications of ET-1 amino acids residues in position 7 or 21 decreased significantly the peptide potency; ET-1 analogues with one or none of the disulfide bonds resulted inactive. The vasomotor effect of ETs was blocked in a competitive, reversible, and selective manner by FR 139317 and BQ-123, the latter being about threefold less potent than the former antagonist. The potency of FR 139317 was 20-fold higher to antagonize ET-3 than ET-1, and threefold higher to block ET-2 than ET-1. In strict analogy to FR 139317, BQ-123 was 12-fold more potent to antagonize ET-3 than ET-1, and fourfold more potent to antagonize ET-2 than ET-1. Upon removal of the endothelial cell layer, the vasomotor potency of ET-1 or the antagonist potency of FR 139317 remained unaltered, suggesting that the vasomotor receptors are localized in the arterial smooth muscles. The ET-1-induced vasomotor responses desensitized, an effect not crossed to noradrenaline (NA); perfusion with 10 microM indomethacin did not alter the vasomotor potency of ET-1, excluding the participation of eicosanoids in the arteriolar effects of ET-1. In isolated rings of the rat mesenteric artery, set to record isometric contractions of the circular muscular layer, the potency of the ETs and their structural analogues was as follows; ET-2 = ET-1 = sarafotoxin S6b > ET-3 > sarafotoxin S6c. The C-terminal hexapeptide of ET-1 and [Ala 1,3,11,15]ET-1 were inactive. The ET-1-induced vasoconstriction was antagonized in a concentration-dependent fashion by FR 139317. These results allow to conclude that the ETA receptors present in the arterial mesenteric circulation are localized in the vascular smooth muscle of the large-sized arteries as well as the smaller arterioles and precapillary vessels of the rat arterial mesenteric bed.

Modulation of GABAA receptor function by G protein-coupled 5-HT2C receptors

Two classical neurotransmitters, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and GABA, coexist in neurons of the medulla oblongata, and activation of 5-HT receptors modulates GABAA receptor function in neurons of the ventral tegmental area, substantia nigra and cerebellum. We now report that activation of 5-HT2C receptors produces a long-lasting (20-90 min) inhibition of GABAA receptors in Xenopus oocytes coexpressing both types of receptors 5-HT2C receptors caused a approximately 60% decrease in the GABAA receptor Emax without affecting the EC50 or Hill coefficient. Intracellular microinjection of 500 microM BAPTA blocked, whereas microinjection of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate mimicked the inhibitory action of 5-HT2C receptors. The inhibition was independent of the GABAA receptors subunit composition; receptors containing alpha 2 beta 1, alpha 1 beta 1 gamma 2L, and alpha 2 beta 1 gamma 2S were inhibited to the same extent by 5-HT2C receptor activation. Moreover, GABAA receptors composed of wild-type alpha 2 plus mutant beta 1(S409A) subunits were inhibited to the same extent as wild-type receptors. The nonspecific protein kinase inhibitor, staurosporine, and the inhibitor of serine/threonine protein phosphatases, calyculin A, did not block the inhibitory effects of 5-HT2C receptors. The results with these inhibitors, taken together with those obtained with GABAA receptors with different subunit compositions, suggest that protein kinases or serine/threonine phosphatases are not involved in this GABAA receptor modulatory process. Thus, we propose that 5-HT2C receptors inhibit GABAA receptors by a Ca(2+)-dependent, but phosphorylation independent, mechanism and that 5-HT and GABA may act as cotransmitters to regulate neuronal activity. Furthermore, disruption of the cross-talk between these receptors may play a role in the anti-anxiety actions of 5-HT2 receptor antagonists.

Neuropeptide Y is a vasoconstrictor and adrenergic modulator in the hamster microcirculation by acting on neuropeptide Y1 and Y2 receptors

The microvascular effects of neuropeptide Y, and two analogs with preferential affinity for different neuropeptide Y receptor subtypes, were assessed by intravital microscopy on the hamster cheek pouch. The interaction of neuropeptide Y and its analogs with noradrenaline was also studied. Superfusion with 0.1-300 nM neuropeptide Y caused a concentration-dependent reduction in microvascular conductance that was paralleled by reductions in arteriolar and venular diameters. These effects of neuropeptide Y were equipotent with noradrenaline, but slower to develop and longer-lasting than that of noradrenaline. Neuropeptide Y did not affect permeability to macromolecules, as measured by extravasation of fluorescent dextran. The neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor agonist, [Leu31,Pro34]neuropeptide Y, mimicked neuropeptide Y with similar potency but shorter duration, while neuropeptide Y-(13-36), a neuropeptide Y Y2 receptor agonist, was at least 10-fold less potent than neuropeptide Y to induce a delayed and prolonged reduction in microvascular conductance. The joint superfusion of 1 nM neuropeptide Y plus 0.1 mu M noradrenaline did not cause synergism, nor even summation of effects, but reduced the contractile effect of noradrenaline. No synergism was observed after a 10 min priming with 1 nM neuropeptide Y, followed by its joint application with 0.1 mu M noradrenaline, but a significant vasodilation and hyperemia ensued upon stopping noradrenaline application. Priming with 1 nM [Leu31,Pro34]neuropeptide Y prolonged noradrenaline vasoconstriction without evidence of hyperemia. In contrast, priming with 1 nM neuropeptide Y-(13-36) significantly antagonized noradrenaline vasoconstriction. These findings indicate that both neuropeptide Y receptor subtypes are present in arterioles and venules of the hamster, and suggest that their activation with neuropeptide Y induces a rapid (Y1 receptor subtype activation) and a delayed (Y2 receptor subtype activation) vasocontractile response. The interaction with noradrenaline is complex, without evidence for synergism, but neuropeptide Y Y2 receptor activation seems to antagonize noradrenaline and/or to facilitate auto-regulatory vasodilation after the catecholamine-induced vasoconstriction.

[Opioid receptors in the era of molecular biology: they account for more than 6,000 years of empirical pharmacology]

The medicinal use of opium and of morphine in different cultures and ancient civilizations is described. Research within the past 40 years have demonstrated the existence of brain opiate receptors. Morphine and related opioid analgetic interact at these sites in the nervous system to produce the characteristic pharmacological effects of these drugs. The opiate receptors have structural homologies with a variety of other cell membrane receptors; they activate second messenger-based chemical transduction systems in the cell membrane and are endowed with several regulation mechanisms. These opiate receptors are presumably activated under specific physiological conditions by endogenous ligands (opiopeptins). It is currently thought that morphine mimicks the opiopeptins by interacting with these receptors either at different molecular subsites or with a different mode of action.

Characterization of kinin receptors modulating neurogenic contractions of the mouse isolated vas deferens

1. This study analyses the receptors mediating the effects of bradykinin (BK) and analogues on neurogenic twitch contractions of the mouse isolated vas deferens evoked, in the presence of captopril (3 microM), by electrical field stimulation with trains of 4 rectangular 0.5 ms pulses of supramaximal strength, delivered at a frequency of 10 Hz every 20 s. 2. BK (0.1-300 nM) induced a graded potentiation of twitches, with an EC50 (geometric mean and 95% confidence limits) of 4.5 nM (1.7-11.6) and an Emax of 315 +/- 19 mg per 10 mg of wet tissue (n = 6). Similar results were obtained in tissues challenged with Lys-BK, [Hyp3]-BK, Met,Lys-BK and the selective B2 receptor agonist [Tyr(Me)8]-BK (0.1-300 nM). 3. The selective B2 receptor antagonists, Hoe 140 (1-10 nM) and NPC 17731 (3-30 nM), caused graded rightward shifts of the curve to BK-induced twitch potentiation, yielding apparent pA2 values of 9.65 +/- 0.09 and 9.08 +/- 0.13, respectively, and Schild plot slopes not different from 1. Both antagonists (100 nM) failed to modify similar twitch potentiations induced by substance P (3 nM) or endothelin-1 (1 nM). Preincubation with the selective B1 receptor antagonist, [Leu8,des-Arg9]-BK (1 microM), increased the potentiating effect of BK on twitches at 30-300 nM. 4. In contrast to BK, the selective B1 receptor agonist, [des-Arg9]-BK (0.3-1000 nM) reduced the amplitude of twitches in a graded fashion, with an IC50 of 13.7 nM (10.4-16.1) and an Imax of 175 +/- 11 mg (n = 4). The twitch depression induced by [des-Arg9]-BK (300 nM) was not affected by Hoe140 (30nM) or NPC 17731 (100nM), but was abolished by the selective B1 receptor antagonist,[Leu8,des-Arg9]-BK (1 microM), which did not modify the twitch inhibitory effect of clonidine (1 nM) or morphine (300 nM).5. In non-stimulated preparations, BK (100 nM) also potentiated, in a Hoe 140-sensitive (10 nM)manner, the contractions induced by ATP (100 microM), but not by noradrenaline (10 microM), whereas[des-Arg9]-BK (300 nM) did not modify the contractions induced by either agonist.6. It is concluded that the mouse vas deferens expresses both B1 and B2 receptors, which modulate sympathetic neurotransmission in opposing ways. Neurogenic contractions are inhibited by stimulation of possibly prejunctional B, receptors, whereas activation of B2 receptors increases twitch contractions,in part by amplifying the responsiveness of the smooth muscle cells to the sympathetic co-transmitter ATP.

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), the neurotransmitter in the prostatic portion of the longitudinal muscle layer of the rat vas deferens

Suramin (1-100 microM) and alpha, beta-methylene adenosine 5'-triphosphate (AMPCPP, 39 microM), antagonized the motor activity induced by exogenous adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) but not exogenous noradrenaline (NA) in the longitudinal musculature of prostatic (P) and epididymal (E) segments of the rat vas deferens. Likewise, application of these drugs reduced the fast component of the nerve-stimulated contraction in response to a single transmural electrical pulse in E and P. Suramin also blocked in a concentration-dependent fashion, the contractile responses to trains of 1.5, 5, 15 or 30 Hz transmural electrical pulses in P, while it did not affect those in E. AMPCPP obliterated responses to trains of 1.5, 5, and 15 Hz in P, while reducing these responses in E to a significantly lesser extent. Present results strongly support that ATP is the motor transmitter in P, while in E, ATP and NA are likely the co-transmitters responsible for the motor tone.

Involvement of ETA receptors in the facilitation by endothelin-1 of non-adrenergic non-cholinergic transmission in the rat urinary bladder

1. Endothelin-1 (ET-1; 3-10 nM) raised the tone of rat bladders bathed in buffer containing atropine (1 microM) plus guanethidine (3.4 microM). In addition, ET-1 potentiated, in a concentration-dependent fashion (1-10 nM), the contractions evoked by both transmural nerve stimulation and applications of exogenous adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP). 2. The threshold concentration of ET-1 required to facilitate non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) transmission and potentiate ATP-induced contractions, was about 10 fold lower than that required to increase the bladder tone (3 nM). 3. The ET-1-induced increase in basal tension reached its maximal effect within 60-90 s. In contrast, the 7.8 microM ATP-induced contractions increased by 50% within the first minute following incubation with 10 nM ET-1 but required about 5 min to develop the maximal effect. 4. The ET-1-induced potentiation of NANC or ATP responses was long-lasting and persisted in spite of extensive washing. The recovery of the bladder excitability depended on the concentration of ET-1. Following the application of 3 nM ET-1, recovery required 30 min; applications of 10 nM ET-1 required at least 60 min for full recovery. 5. The ET-1-induced potentiation of responses was selective for ATP and related structural analogues. ET-1 did not modify the contractions induced by acetylcholine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, prostaglandin F2 alpha or bradykinin. 6. The potency of ET-2 was similar to that of ET-1. ET-3 and ET-C-terminal hexapeptide were inactive up to 100 M. Sarafotoxin S6b was 2 to 3 fold less potent than ET-1 whereas sarafotoxin S6c (100 nM) was inactive. AGETB-9 and AGETB-89, two ETB receptor agonists, were also inactive (up to 100 nM). 7. Removal of one or both disulphide bonds in ET-1 and tryptophan-21 formylation of ET-1, resulted in inactive peptides (up to 100 nM). 8. The ET-1 receptor antagonists, BE-18257B and FR 139317, blocked both the ET-1-induced rise in tone and the potentiation of ATP responses in a concentration-dependent fashion. FR 139317 was at least 30 fold more potent than BE-18257B. Both antagonists blocked at lower concentrations the ET-1 increase in bladder tone as compared to the ATP potentiation. The antagonism was slowly reversible. 9. Results are consistent with the presence of ETA receptors in the rat bladder, which mediate both actions of ET-1. The interaction of ET-1 with purinergic mechanisms is discussed.

Aging differentially modifies arterial sensitivity to endothelin-1 and 5-hydroxytryptamine: studies in dog coronary arteries and rat arterial mesenteric bed

The influence of age on vascular reactivity to endothelin-1 (ET-1) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was studied in coronary artery rings from dogs of 9 years of age or younger, and dogs older than 9 years. ET-1 caused concentration-dependent contractions that developed about 100% of the 70 mM KCl-induced tension in the younger dogs; those from older dogs did not generate more than 20%. In contrast, 5-HT developed only about 20% of the KCl-induced tension in rings from young dogs, whereas in the older animals, it developed up to 120% of the KCl tension. No significant difference in the tension developed by 70 mM KCl was noted between both groups of dogs. Mechanical denudation of the endothelial cell layer caused a modest, yet significant, leftward shift of the ET-1 and 5-HT concentration-response curves only in the younger dogs. N omega-Nitro-L-arginine (15 microM) shifted the ET-1 concentration-response curves to the left in rings from both groups of dogs. Rings precontracted with 20 mM KCl relaxed in a concentration-dependent fashion with acetylcholine; its sensitivity was about threefold less in the older group of dogs. To validate the changes in vascular reactivity with age, a parallel study was performed perfusing the arterial mesenteric bed of rats of 3, 7, and 30 weeks of age. In this experimental model, the efficacy of ET-1 significantly decreased with age and that of 5-HT was significantly increased. The vasomotor reactivity of noradrenaline was modestly affected by aging, whereas the acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation was significantly reduced with age.

[Reactivity of internal mammary artery and saphenous vein used in human myocardial revascularization: studies with endogenous vasoconstrictors and vasodilators]

Biopsies of human internal mammary artery and saphenous vein were examined to ascertain the functional integrity of these vessels employed in myocardial revascularization. Studies were performed in vascular rings derived from 28 patients without previous consideration of age, sex, underlying additional pathology or drug treatments previous to and during surgery. Isometric muscle contraction of the circular muscle layer was monitored. Endothelin-1 (ET) is equipotent as a vasoconstrictor in arteries and veins, with a potency at least 10 to 100-fold that of noradrenaline (NA) or serotonin (5-HT). The potency of ET, NA or 5-HT is unaltered by mechanical removal of the endothelial cell layer. Arterial rings precontracted with NA relaxed in a concentration-dependent fashion in the presence of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. Whereas the potency of nitroprusside was unaltered by removal of the endothelium, the efficacy of acetylcholine was greatly reduced. Saphenous vein rings were refractory to acetylcholine but not nitroprusside. Results open new perspectives to explain the larger patency of internal mammary artery grafts as compared to that of saphenous vein grafts in human myocardial revascularization.

D-myo-inositol 1,2,6-trisphosphate blocks neuropeptide Y-induced facilitation of noradrenaline-evoked vasoconstriction of the mesenteric bed

Perfusion of the rat mesenteric bed with 0.1 or 10 nM neuropeptide Y potentiated the noradrenaline-induced increase in mesenteric pressure; the peptide did not modify basal perfusion pressure. While perfusion with 0.1 nM neuropeptide Y significantly increased the maximal noradrenaline-evoked vasoconstriction without modifying its EC50, 10 nM neuropeptide Y potentiated the maximal noradrenaline effect and significantly shifted its concentration-response curve to the left. Perfusion with 1-10 microM D-myo-inositol 1,2,6-trisphosphate (alpha-trinositol) reduced, in a concentration-dependent fashion, the neuropeptide Y-induced potentiation of the noradrenaline-evoked vasoconstriction without altering the potency or maximal response evoked by the catecholamine alone. Perfusion with 0.1 nM neuropeptide Y plus 1 microM alpha-trinositol completely abolished the neuropeptide Y-induced facilitation of the noradrenaline effect. alpha-Trinositol 1 microM in the presence of 10 nM neuropeptide Y caused a nonparallel rightward shift of the noradrenaline concentration-response curve as compared to that obtained in the presence of 10 nM neuropeptide Y alone. The alpha-trinositol blockade of the facilitatory action of neuropeptide Y was reversible.

Role of endothelium-derived relaxing factor on coronary blood flow regulation in the dog

The endothelium plays a key role in the regulation of vasoreactivity. To assess its importance on coronary flow regulation, we studied the participation of endothelium-derived relaxing factor-nitric oxide (EDRF-NO) on coronary reactive hyperemia and on the hyperemia that occurs secondary to an increase in myocardial oxygen consumption. In 15 dogs, the reactive hyperemic response decreased substantially after inhibition of EDRF-NO synthesis with N-omega-nitro-L-arginine (P < 0.01). In contrast, the hyperemia secondary to an increase in myocardial oxygen consumption, characterized by a linear correlation between myocardial oxygen consumption and coronary flow, did not change significantly after inhibition of EDRF-NO production (regression analysis, P > 0.1). Thus EDRF-NO synthesis by the endothelium is an important mechanism mediating the reactive hyperemic response but it does not seem to be essential for the metabolic regulation of coronary vascular resistance during hyperemia induced by an increased metabolic demand on the myocardium.

Co-release of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and noradrenaline from the sympathetic nerve terminals supplying the rat vas deferens; influence of calcium and the stimulation intensity

Epididymal (E) and prostatic (P) segments of the rat vas deferens were incubated with tritium-labeled noradrenaline (NA); upon transmural electrical stimulation for 20 or 60 s (70 V, 1 ms, 3-35 Hz), the outflow of immunoreactive neuropeptide Y (ir-NPY) and NA was detected in the superfusion media. Ir-NPY was detected only following trains of 35 Hz for 60 s in both E and P. In contrast, tritium was released in a graded fashion following trains of 3, 15 or 35 Hz stimulation for 60 s in E, whereas in P it reached a plateau at frequencies larger than 15 Hz. The outflow of tritium, under present conditions, was dependent on the duration of the stimuli, while the release of ir-NPY was only evoked with stimuli of 60 s duration. In the absence of external Ca2+, neurotransmission was blocked and co-release of ir-NPY and NA was prevented.

Pharmacological characterization of adenosine A1 and A2 receptors in the bladder: evidence for a modulatory adenosine tone regulating non-adrenergic non-cholinergic neurotransmission

1. The nerve-evoked contractions elicited by transmural electrical stimulation of mouse urinary bladders superfused in modified Krebs Ringer buffer containing 1 microM atropine plus 3.4 microM guanethidine were inhibited by adenosine (ADO) and related nucleoside analogues with the following rank order of potency: R-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA) greater than cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) greater than 5'N-ethylcarboxamido adenosine (NECA) greater than ADO greater than S-phenylisopropyladenosine (S-PIA). Tissue preincubation with 8-phenyltheophylline (8-PT) displaced to the right, in a parallel fashion, the NECA concentration-response curve. 2. The contractions elicited by application of exogenous adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) were also inhibited by ADO and related structural analogues. The rank order of potency to reduce the motor response to ATP was: NECA greater than 2-chloroadenosine (CADO) greater than R-PIA greater than ADO greater than CHA greater than S-PIA. 3. The ADO-induced ATP antagonism was of a non-competitive nature and was not specific. Tissue incubation with 10 microM NECA not only reduced the motor responses elicited by ATP, but also 5-hydroxytryptamine, acetylcholine and prostaglandin F2 alpha. The action of NECA was antagonized following tissue preincubation with 8-PT. The inhibitory action of NECA was not mimicked by 10 microM CHA. 4. The maximal bladder ATP contractile response was significantly increased by tissue preincubation with 5-30 microM 8-PT. 5. The 0.15 Hz evoked muscular twitch was significantly increased by 8-PT while dipyridamole consistently reduced the magnitude of the twitch response. These results are consonant with the hypothesis that an endogenous ADO tone modulates the bladder neurotransmission. 6. A working model is proposed suggesting the presence of ADO-Al and A2 receptors in the mouse urinary bladder. The A1 receptor subpopulation is probably of presynaptic origin whereas the smooth muscle membranes contain a population of the A2 receptor subtype.

[N-methyl-Tyr1,N-methyl-Arg7-D-Leu8]-dynorphin-A-(1-8)ethylamide, a stable dynorphin analog, produces diuresis by kappa-opiate receptor activation in the rat

The i.v. administration of E-2078 ([N-methyl-Tyr1-N-methyl-Arg7-D-Leu8]-dynorphin-A-(1-8) ethylamide) to conscious animals in doses of 15, 50 or 200 micrograms/rat caused a dose-related diuretic response associated with a significant in crease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and in blood pressure. The overall excretion of Na+ was not modified by the opioid, whereas it reduced K+ output and its fractional excretion. Time course studies demonstrated that the increase in GFR and in blood pressure were transient and did not parallel the changes in urine outflow. Pretreatment of the animal with 1 mg/kg of naltrexone or of naloxone reduced the pressor response but did not reduce the renal action of E-2078. Doses of naltrexone 10 times larger (10 mg/kg) were required to attenuate the diuretic effect and abolish completely the changes in K+ excretion; however, the increase in GFR was not antagonized by 10 mg/kg of naltrexone. Consonant with the studies in conscious rats, perfusion of isolated rat kidneys with 0.2 to 1.8 microM E-2078 increased urine flow in a dose-dependent manner, and this effect was prevented by the simultaneous perfusion of 2 microM naltrexone with the peptide. In pentobarbital-anesthetized animals, E-2078 elicited a diuretic response that was not parallelled by changes in GFR or electrolyte excretion. In addition, E-2078 caused a long lasting decrease in blood pressure which was blocked completely by pretreatment of the animal with 1 mg/kg of naltrexone. The diuretic effect of E-2078 was not modified by pretreatment of the animals with beta-funaltrexamine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Endothelin-1 (ET)-induced mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ stores from the smooth muscle facilitates sympathetic cotransmission by potentiation of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) motor activity: studies in the rat vas deferens

Endothelin-1 (ET) enhances nerve-stimulated contractions in epididymal (E) and prostatic (P) halves of the rat vas deferens, in addition to raising the basal tone in E. Whereas the peak increase in basal tone occurs in about 30 s, the maximal enhancement of neurotransmission is observed within 5 min. The latter effect is long lasting and is maintained even after extensive tissue washout. Furthermore, ET potentiates, in a concentration-dependent fashion, the adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) or the adenylylimidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP) but not the noradrenaline (NA)-induced motor activity. The ATP motor response is partially blocked in media without Ca2+ plus 0.1 mM EGTA or following tissue incubation in buffer containing 10-50 nM nifedipine. However, these procedures do not modify significantly the ET-induced potentiation of the ATP contractions. The ET-induced potentiation of the ATP motor response is not modified by tissue preincubation in Ca(2+)-free buffer plus 10-30 microM ryanodine or 5-20 mM caffeine. The ET-induced rise in E basal tension is significantly reduced in the absence of external Ca2+ or by nifedipine; ryanodine does not modify this effect. Surgical denervation of the tissues does not obliterate the ET-induced potentiation of the ATP motor responses nor the ET increase in E basal tension in tissues superfused in Ca(2+)-free media or buffer with 2.5 mM Ca2+. Endothelin-1 does not significantly modify the overflow of 3H-NA, following transmural electrical depolarization of tissue nerve terminals. Hoe 140 did not interfere with the ET activity.

E-2078, a potent, selective and stable dynorphin analog with preferential activity for the kappa-opioid receptor subtype on the mouse vas deferens neuroeffector junction

The profile of opioid activity of E-2078, a synthetic stable dynorphin analog, was examined in the mouse vas deferens bioassay and compared to that of methionine enkephalin and nonpeptide kappa agonists in the absence and in the presence of selective antagonists for the mu-, kappa- and delta-opioid receptor subtypes. The inhibitory action of E-2078 and related kappa agonists was specifically and potently antagonized only by norbinaltorphimine, revealing the presence of kappa receptors in this tissue and the predominant kappa activity of E-2078.

Age and castration modulate the inhibitory action of neuropeptide Y on neurotransmission in the rat vas deferens

The potency of neuropeptide Y (NPY) to inhibit the electrically induced contractions of the epididymal half of the vas deferens diminishes markedly with age, being at least 20 times lower in the adult than in the 26-day-old rat. Castration sensitizes the epididymal segment to NPY in a testosterone-reversible manner. [Pro34]NPY was 3 times less potent than NPY in prepubertal rats and inactive in castrated adults, while NPY-(13-36) had no effect in either group. In the prostatic half, NPY and its analogs were active in rats from all ages studied; the order of potency being NPY greater than [Pro34]NPY greater than NPY-(13-36). The sensitivity of the prostatic segment from adult rats to NPY was unchanged by castration or testosterone replacement therapy. The NPY content of the ductus increases during development being higher in the prostatic than in the epididymal half at all ages studied. Castration decreases the peptide content in the two segments and the effect is prevented by testosterone administration. The present investigation demonstrated that the effect of NPY on vas deferens neurotransmission is subject to regulation by sex steroids, which affects differently the response of the two segments of the ductus.

Pharmacological characterization of the inhibitory activity of beta h-endorphin (beta h-EP), [Arg9,19,24,28,29]-beta h-EP, [Gln8,Gly31]-beta h-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2, in the neuroeffector junction of the mouse vas deferens

The inhibitory opioid activities of beta h-endorphin (beta h-EP), its structurally related peptide analogues [Gln8,Gly31]-beta h-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2 (Gly-Gly-beta h-EP), [Arg9,19,24,28,29]-beta h-EP (Arg-beta h-EP) and methionine enkephalin have been examined in the electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens bioassay. All four peptides behaved as full agonists; methionine enkephalin was the most potent followed by Arg-beta h-EP, beta h-EP and Gly-Gly-beta h-EP. Neither Gly-Gly-beta h-EP nor Arg-beta h-EP antagonized the inhibitory action of beta h-EP or methionine enkephalin. An hour of tissue exposure to 30 nM beta-funaltrexamine followed by thorough washing, displaced to the right, in a parallel fashion, the concentration-response curves of beta h-EP and analogues. Whereas the displacement of the concentration response curves was 8 to 10-fold for beta h-EP and Arg-beta h-EP, it was only about 3-fold for Gly-Gly-beta h-EP and methionine enkephalin. Naltrindole was the most potent antagonist of methionine enkephalin with an apparent pA2 of 9.4; its potency as an antagonist of beta h-EP and related analogues was approximately one-tenth of this with pA2 values approximately 8.5. Norbinaltorphimine also antagonized the action of the opioid peptides with pA2 values close to 7.8.

Effect of endothelin on total and regional coronary resistance and on myocardial contractility

Endothelin is a 21-amino acid peptide produced by the endothelium and has a potent vasoconstrictor effect. Because of the importance of the endothelium on vasomotor regulation, we studied the effect of endothelin on total and regional coronary vascular resistance and on myocardial contractility in the intact heart of anesthetized dogs. Intracoronary administration of 2 to 80 pmol/kg of endothelin produced a dose-dependent increase in coronary resistance, ischaemic decrease in myocardial contractility and atrium-ventricular blockade. The increase in resistance was greater towards the outer layer of the left ventricular wall. When the coronaries were perfused at a constant rate and vasoconstriction was prevented with adenosine or nitroglycerine, endothelin did not produce inotropic changes. These results show that endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor of the resistance coronary vessels, producing a redistribution of transmural blood flow and a decrease in myocardial contractility secondary to ischaemia.

Bradykinin modulates the release of noradrenaline from vas deferens nerve terminals

To asses whether bradykinin influences the release of noradrenaline from the adrenergic varicosities of the vas deferens, tissues were loaded with 3H-noradrenaline. Upon electrical depolarization bradykinin increased in a concentration-dependent fashion, the overflow of tritium from the mouse or rat vas deferens. The 3H-overflow is dependent on the external Ca2+concentration suggesting neuronal release of 3H-noradrenaline. The present results add evidence to the hypothesis that bradykinin modulates the release of noradrenaline from peripheral sympathetic nerve terminals via the activation of a presynaptic mechanism.

Endothelin reduces microvascular blood flow by acting on arterioles and venules of the hamster cheek pouch

Superfusion of the cheek pouch with 0.1-10 nM endothelin (E) produced a concentration-related reduction in the clearance of 22Na+ used as an indicator of microvascular plasma flow. The median effective concentration was about 2 nM. The time course of E action was also concentration related. Superfusion with 10 nM E for 10 min caused a greater than 80% reduction in 22Na+ clearance; the rate at which the action of E started was significantly faster than the rate at which its action ended. Recovery did not exceed 70% even though the tissue was superfused with drug-free buffer for 90 min. The E-induced reduction in 22Na+ clearance was associated with vasoconstriction, as determined by intravital microscopy. Arterioles of 4th branching order were more sensitive to E action than arterioles of 1st or 2nd order; however, the constriction lasted considerably longer in the latter vessels. E-induced venular constriction followed a pattern analogous to that of arterioles of the same category, with the exception that the finer venules responded the least. Pretreatment of the cheek pouch with 300 nM nifedipine diminished but did not abolish the 1 nM E-induced reduction in 22Na+ clearance, and the recovery of clearance upon E washout was not accelerated by nifedipine.

Pharmacological characterization of CGRP1 receptor subtype in the vascular system of the rat: studies with hCGRP fragments and analogs

In order to examine whether the truncated fragments of hCGRP, hCGRP(8-37) or hCGRP(12-37), behave as competitive CGRP receptor antagonists in the vascular system of the rat, systemic blood pressure was continually monitored in pentobarbital-anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. The IV administration of 7.9-527 pmol hCGRP/rat caused dose-related reductions in mean arterial blood pressure that lasted, depending on the dose, about 3-10 min. In contrast, hCGRP fragments 8-37 or 12-37 proved inactive up to 60,000 pmol/rat. Pretreatment with either 10 or 30 nmol hCGRP(8-37) or 20 or 90 nmol hCGRP(12-37)/rat reduced the magnitude of the CGRP-induced hypotensive responses caused by 79 pmol hCGRP/rat; pretreatment with 10 nmol of the hCGRP fragments displaced about 3-fold the hCGRP as well as the [Cys(ACM)2.7]hCGRP dose-response curve to the right in a parallel fashion. The specificity of hCGRP(8-37) as a CGRP receptor antagonist was documented by the finding that it did not antagonize the hypotensive responses induced with bradykinin, histamine or substance P.

Bradykinin facilitates the purinergic motor component of the rat bladder neurotransmission

The motor activity of the rat bladder elicited by transmural electrical stimulation was abolished in the presence of 200 nM tetrodotoxin but not of 1 microM atropine plus 3.4 microM guanethidine. Tissue preincubation with 20 microM, alpha, beta-methylene ATP reduced but did not obliterate the electrically-induced motor effect. Bradykinin (BK) caused a short-lasting motor response while it potentiated, in a concentration-dependent fashion, the 0.15-5 Hz-induced muscle twitching. The facilitatory action of the peptide lasted for at least 5 min and was blocked by the BK-B2 receptor antagonist D-Arg0 [Hyp3, Thi5,8, D-Phe7]-BK. The motor response caused by the exogenous application of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) was almost immediate and lasted less than 30 s; it was also potentiated by BK-B2 receptor activation, an effect that was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner by pretreatment with the BK-receptor antagonist.

Diuretic effect of bremazocine, a kappa-opioid with central and peripheral sites of action

Intracerebroventricular or i.p. injections of bremazocine produced a dose-dependent diuretic response and increased glomerular filtration rate in hydrated as well as in nonhydrated rats. The potency and magnitude of the bremazocine-induced diuresis were more pronounced in the nonhydrated group of rats. That bremazocine has a central component of action is deduced from the fact that 0.1 microgram of the opioid administered centrally caused a significant increase in urine output; proportionally, larger doses of bremazocine were required to produce the same diuretic effect when the drug was administered parenterally. Bremazocine did not change the total amount of urinary Na+ and K+ as compared to the saline controls; it increased significantly the free water clearance. The bremazocine-induced diuresis was antagonized in a competitive fashion by 10 mg/kg of naloxone giving further support to the notion that the mechanism of action of bremazocine involves activation of kappa-opioid receptors. Bremazocine injected i.v. to nonanesthetized rats increased mean systemic blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner; the pressor action of the opiate was blocked and prevented by 1 mg/kg of naloxone. In contrast, i.c.v. administration of bremazocine did not change mean systemic blood pressure but produced a dose-related increase in urine output. To determine whether in addition to a central site bremazocine also activates a renal mechanism, experiments were performed in the isolated perfused rat kidney. Bremazocine (0.15-2.5 microM) caused a dose-dependent diuretic response and a significant rise in perfusion pressure as well as in glomerular filtration rate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Neuropeptide Y (NPY): a coronary vasoconstrictor and potentiator of catecholamine-induced coronary constriction

The vasoactive effect of neuropeptide Y (NPY) a peptide commonly found in perivascular nerves, including those of the heart, was assessed in the coronary circulation of the isolated perfused dog heart and in superfused segments of isolated canine coronary arteries. The intracoronary administration of 0.7-23.5 nmol NPY to hearts during beta adrenergic blockade produced a dose-dependent increase in coronary vascular resistance ranging from 0.10 to 0.49 mmHg.min-1.ml-1.100 g-1 without changes in myocardial oxygen consumption. The potency of NPY as a coronary vasoconstrictor was about 250 times that of noradrenaline. Pretreating the coronary system of these hearts with NPY caused a marked potentiation of the vasocontractile effect of noradrenaline, displacing its dose-response curve to the left in a non-parallel fashion. The addition of 0.2-3.7 nmol NPY did not induce contraction in superfused helical segments of large coronary arteries but it potentiated the tension developed in response to 0.18 microM adrenaline in a concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment of these arteries with 3.7 nmol NPY caused a significant leftward displacement of the adrenaline contractile effect. These results show that NPY is a potent coronary vasoconstrictor and a potentiator of the contractile effect of catecholamines and support the hypothesis that NPY may participate in the regulation of coronary vascular resistance.

The use of ryanodine and calcium channel blockers to characterize intra- and extracellular calcium pools mobilized by noradrenaline in the rat vas deferens

Ryanodine (0.03-10 microM) abolished the phasic component of the contractile response to noradrenaline in the rat vas deferens but had less effect on the tonic component of this response. In contrast, nifedipine and methoxyverapamil (D600, 0.3-0.8 microM) blocked only the tonic component of the noradrenaline, adrenaline or phenylephrine-induced contractions. These results suggest that the phasic component of the noradrenaline-induced response is related to the release of intracellular calcium whereas the tonic phase of the contraction involves calcium influx via membrane channels sensitive to dihydropyridine and diphenylalkylamine calcium channels blockers.

Neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY)-induced potentiation of the pressor activity of catecholamines in conscious rats

IV bolus administration of 2.5-50 micrograms NPY (0.6-12.5 nmol) to conscious rats produced a dose- and time-dependent increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Following priming with 2.5 micrograms NPY, or larger doses, the subsequent administrations of noradrenaline produced pressor responses that were potentiated both in magnitude and duration. The NPY-induced potentiation of the pressor response to noradrenaline was dose-dependent and extended to the pressor action of adrenaline and angiotensin II but not to the hypotensions produced by bradykinin or isoproterenol. The potentiation was not related to the fact that multiple doses of catecholamines were repeated. Reserpine did not substantially modify the NPY-induced potentiation of the pressor activity of the catecholamines. Chemical sympathectomy following 6-hydroxydopamine caused a marked supersensitivity to the catecholamines and NPY but obliterated the NPY-induced potentiation of the pressor effect of adrenaline. Nifedipine reduced the pressor action of the catecholamines and NPY but did not attenuate the NPY-induced potentiation of the pressor action of catecholamines. It is concluded that the acute pressor effect of NPY and of the potentiation of the catecholamine pressor effects involve different mechanisms.