Pasireotide (SOM230) protects the retina in animal models of ischemia induced retinopathies

The neuropeptide somatostatin and selective analogs for the sst(2/5) receptor subtypes provided neuroprotection against retinal chemical ischemia ex vivo and AMPA [(RS)-α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid hydrobromide] induced retinal toxicity in vivo, when employed in micromolar concentrations (Mastrodimou et al., 2005; Kiagiadaki and Thermos, 2008). The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective properties of a new metabolically stable agent pasireotide (SOM230) in the above mentioned retinal models of ischemia. Adult Sprague Dawley (250-350 g) rats were employed. For the ex vivo experiments, retinal eye cups were incubated with PBS or the chemical ischemia mixture [iodoacetic acid (5 mM)/sodium cyanide (25 mM)] in the absence or presence of SOM230 (10(-7)-10(-5) M) alone or in the presence of the sst(2) antagonist CYN-154806 (10(-7) or 10(-5) M). In the in vivo model, the animals received intravitreally: PBS (50 mM), AMPA (42 nmol/eye) or AMPA (42 nmol) in combination with SOM230 (10(-7)-10(-5) M). Immunohistochemistry studies using antisera against bNOS, a marker for brain/neuronal NOS containing amacrine cells, protein kinase C (PKC) a marker for rod bipolar cells, and TUNEL studies in conjunction with FACS analysis were employed to examine retinal cell loss and protection. Chemical ischemia led to a loss of bNOS and PKC immunoreactivity which was reversed by SOM230. Partial and full protection of bNOS and PKC immunoreactive neurons, respectively, was observed even at the low concentration of 10(-7) M. The neuroprotective actions of SOM230 (10(-7) or 10(-5) M) were reversed by CYN-154806 (10(-7) or 10(-5) M, respectively). Similarly, SOM230 (10(-7), 10(-6), 10(-5) M) provided neuroprotection in the in vivo model. The dose of 10(-7) M prevented the loss of the bNOS cells and provided almost full protection. These data were substantiated by TUNEL staining and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. SOM230 appears very efficacious in its neuroprotective properties in both models of retinal ischemia affording neuroprotection at the concentration or dose of 100 nM. These data suggest that SOM230 might represent a useful pharmacological compound for the treatment of retinal disease.

RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry studies support the presence of somatostatin, cortistatin and somatostatin receptor subtypes in rat Kupffer cells

The present study investigated the presence of somatostatin receptor subtypes (ssts) and the endogenous peptides somatostatin and cortistatin in rat Kupffer cells, since modulation of these cells by somatostatin may be important for the beneficial effect of somatostatin analogues in a selected group of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Kupffer cells were isolated from rat liver in agreement with national and EU guidelines. RT-PCR was employed to assess the expression of somatostatin, cortistatin and ssts in Kupffer cells. Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry were employed to assess the expression and the localization of the receptors, respectively. Quiescent Kupffer cells were found to express sst(1-4) mRNA, while immunocytochemical studies supported the presence of only the sst(3) and sst(4) receptors, which were found to be internalized. However, sst1 and sst(2A) receptors were detected by western blotting. RT-PCR and RIA measurements support the presence of both somatostatin and cortistatin. Stimulation of the cells with LPS activated the expression of the sst(2), sst(3) and sst(4) receptors. The present data provide evidence to support the presence of ssts and the endogenous neuropeptides somatostatin and CST in rat Kupffer cells. Both peptides may act in an autocrine manner to regulate sst receptor distribution. Studies are in progress in order to further characterize the role of ssts in Kupffer cells and in hepatic therapeutics.

Somatostatin receptors in wildtype and somatostatin deficient mice and their involvement in nitric oxide physiology in the retina

The present study investigated the localization and density of somatostatin (SRIF) receptor subtypes (sst(1-5)) and SRIF-nitric oxide (NO()) interactions in the retina of wildtype [WT, (+/+)] and somatostatin deficient mice [SRIF (-/-)]. Immunohistochemistry and radioligand binding studies with subsequent autoradiography were performed. Monoclonal antibodies [SRIF, protein kinase C (rod bipolar cells marker), microtubule associated protein 1A (ganglion cell marker)] and polyclonal antibodies (anti-sst(1), sst(2A), sst(4) receptor) were applied to 10-14 microm sections of retinas fixed in paraformaldehyde. NADPH-diaphorase reactivity was assessed histochemically. [(125)I]LTT SRIF-28 alone or in the presence of MK678 (sst(2) agonist) and [(125)I]Tyr(3)-octreotide were employed to quantify sst(1-5), sst(1/4)and sst(2/5) receptor densities, respectively. sst(1), sst(2A), and sst(4) receptor immunoreactivities were observed in processes of the inner plexiform layer (IPL), rod bipolar, and in ganglion cells and processes, respectively, in WT and SRIF (-/-) mice. Specific [(125)I]LTT SRIF-28 and [(125)I]Tyr(3)-octreotide binding was increased significantly in SRIF (-/-) mice. NADPH-diaphorase staining was localized in photoreceptors and amacrine cells, but not rod bipolar and ganglion cells. Also, NADPH-diaphorase staining was not colocalized with sst(1), sst(2A) or sst(4) receptor immunoreactivity. These results demonstrate an upregulation of SRIF receptors in mice lacking SRIF, but no evident SRIF-NO(*) interaction was observed in the mouse retina.