Die Überführung von Blutplättchen in einen thrombasthenieähnlichen Zustand mit einem 1-Styryl-3.4-Dihydroisochinolinderivat (SDHI)

Das Isochinolinderivat CSDHI bewirkt eine reversible Blockade der für den Ablauf der Hämostase und Thrombose wichtigsten Plättchenfunktionen. Die mit dem Hemmstoff behandelten menschlichen Plättchen verlieren ihre Fähigkeit zur Ausbreitung, Adhäsion, Aggregation und Retraktion sowie zu morphologischen und biochemischen Veränderungen, die durch Thrombin ausgelöst und unter dem Begriff der viskosen Metamorphose zusammengefaßt werden. Eine Hemmung der Gerinnung tritt nicht ein. Die Glykolyse und Atmung der Zellen werden ebenso wie die Fähigkeit zur Serotoninaufnähme nur wenig beeinflußt, dagegen wird die Plättchen-ATPase in gleicher Weise wie die durch Thrombin ausgelösten Reaktionen der Plättchen gehemmt.

Proteinase-activated receptor agonists stimulate the increase in intracellular Ca2+ in cardiomyocytes and proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts from chick embryos

We studied activation of cultured cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts from chick embryos induced by agonists of PAR1 (thrombin and PAR1 peptide agonist) and PAR2 (trypsin, factor Xa, and peptide SLIGRL) by analyzing changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and cardiac fibroblast proliferation. Exposure of cardiomyocytes with thrombin induced immediate permanent dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i. Ca2+ response decreased in a calcium-free medium. Peptide agonists of PAR1 and PAR2 also stimulated the increase in [Ca2+]i in cardiomyocytes. Thrombin induced a short-term increase in [Ca2+]i in cardiac fibroblasts and potentiated cell proliferation. PAR2 agonists trypsin and peptide SLIGRL stimulated proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts. Our results indicate that cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts from chick embryos have at least two types of PAR (types 1 and 2).

[Effect of thrombin on survival of hippocampal neurons]

The effect of thrombin on the rat hippocampal neurons death in model of neurotoxicity induced by hemoglobin or glutamate, was studied. Thrombin (10 nM) was shown to inhibit 100-mkM glutamate--or 10-mkM hemoglobin-induced apoptosis of the rat hippocampal neurons. With the aid of PAR1 (protease-activated receptor1) agonist peptide and PAR1 antagonist, the PAR1 was found to be necessary for protective action of thrombin in hippocampal neurons in models of neurotoxicity induced by hemoglobin or glutamate. Because the prolonged elevation [Ca2+] ib neurons is a critical part of neurodestructive processes in CNS, the effect of thrombin on Ca2+-homeostatis of neurons after its injury by the inducer of neuronal apoptosis: a synthetic agonist of the NMDA receptors N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), was studied. We hypothesized that thrombin via receptors PAR may prove to be neuroprotective for the hippocampus. Thrombin was shown to stimulate via PAR1 a transient increase in [Ca2+] in neurons in a concentration-dependent manner. Thrombin (1 nM) decreased the [Ca2+] signal induced by activation of the NMDA-subtype of glutamate receptors. This thrombin effect may be one of the reasons of the protective action of thrombin in hippocampal neurons.

Evidence for 5-HT2B and 5-HT7 receptor-mediated relaxation in pulmonary arteries of weaned pigs

This study characterizes the relaxant response to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha))-precontracted pulmonary arteries of weaned pigs. In arterial rings with intact endothelium, the relaxation to 5-HT was biphasic. The high affinity component of relaxation to 5-HT (0.1-10 nM) was abolished by mechanical removal of the endothelium or after the addition of L: -NAME (200 microM), and was inhibited by the 5-HT(2B/2C) receptor antagonist SB 206553 (1 microM), but not the 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonist SB 242084 (0.1 microM). Endothelium-intact arteries were also relaxed by the selective 5-HT(2B) receptor agonist BW 723C86 (pD(2) 7.7). The relaxant response to BW 723C86 was inhibited by 1 microM SB 206553 (pK(B) 6.8). The low affinity component of relaxation to 5-HT (>/=30 nM) remained unaffected after mechanical removal of the endothelium or the addition of L: -NAME. In endothelium-denuded arterial rings, 5-HT, 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT), 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MeOT), and frovatriptan produced monophasic relaxations with pD(2) values of 6.5, 7.5, 5.9, and 4.7 respectively. Relaxant responses to the agonists were antagonized by the selective 5-HT(7) receptor antagonist SB 269970 (pK(B) 8.2-8.9). The relaxant response to the potent 5-HT(7) receptor agonist 5-CT was also antagonized by methiothepin (pK(B) 9.6), pimozide (pK(B) 8.2), mesulergine (pK(B) 7.7), methysergide (pK(B) 7.4), clozapine (pK(B) 7.6), and spiperone (pK(B) 7.4). The estimated pK(B) values argue in favor of an involvement of 5-HT(7) receptors in the direct vasorelaxant action of 5-HT in the pulmonary arteries of weaned pigs. The relaxant response to 5-CT was associated with an increase in cAMP that was surmountably antagonized by SB 269970 (pK(B) 8.6). The present in vitro bioassay can be used to characterize new drugs with potential agonist or antagonist properties at functional 5-HT(7) receptors.

Immobilized thrombin receptor agonist peptide accelerates wound healing in mice

To accelerate the healing processes in wound repair, attempts have been repeatedly made to use growth factors including thrombin and its peptide fragments. Unfortunately, the employment of thrombin is limited because of its high liability and pro-inflammatory actions at high concentrations. Some cellular effects of thrombin in wound healing are mediated by the activation of protease activated receptor-1 (PAR-1). The thrombin receptor agonist peptide (TRAP:SFLLRN) activates this receptor and mimics the effects of thrombin, but TRAP is a relatively weak agonist. We speculated that the encapsulated peptide may be more effective for PAR-1 activation than nonimmobilized peptide and developed a novel method for TRAP encapsulation in hydrogel films based on natural and synthetic polymers. The effects of an encapsulated TRAP in composite poly(N-vinyl caprolactam)-calcium alginate (PVCL) hydrogel films were investigated in a mouse model of wound healing. On day 7 the wound sizes decreased by about 60% under TRAP-chitosan-containing PVCL films, as compared with control films without TRAP. In the case of TRAP-polylysine-containing films no significant decrease in wound sizes was found. The fibroblast/macrophage ratio increased under TRAP-containing films on day 3 and on day 7. The number of proliferating fibroblasts increased to 150% under TRAP-chitosan films on day 7 as compared with control films. The number of [3H]-thymidine labeled endothelial and epithelial cells in granulation tissues was also enhanced. Thus, the immobilized TRAP to PVCL-chitosan hydrogel films were found to promote wound healing following the stimulation of fibroblast and epithelial cell proliferation and neovascularization. Furthermore, TRAP was shown to inhibit the secretion of the inflammatory mediator PAF from stimulated rat peritoneal mast cells due to augmentation of NO release from the mast cells. The encapsulated TRAP is suggested to accelerate wound healing due to the anti-inflammatory effects and earlier development of the proliferative phase of wound healing.

Endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by cathepsin G in porcine pulmonary arteries

Serine proteinases elicit profound cellular effects in various tissues mediated by activation of proteinase-activated receptors (PAR). In the present study, we investigated the vascular effects of cathepsin G, a serine proteinase that is present in the azurophil granules of leukocytes and is known to activate several cells that express PARs. In prostaglandin F2alpha (3 microM)-precontracted rings from porcine pulmonary arteries with intact endothelium, cathepsin G caused concentration-dependent relaxant responses (pEC(50)=9.64+/-0.12). The endothelium-dependent relaxant effect of cathepsin G could also be demonstrated in porcine coronary arteries (pEC(50)=9.23+/-0.07). In pulmonary arteries the cathepsin G-induced relaxation was inhibited after blockade of nitric oxide synthesis by L-NAME (200 microM) and was absent in endothelium-denuded vessels. Bradykinin- and cathepsin G-induced relaxant effects were associated with a 5.7 fold and 2.4 fold increase in the concentration of cyclic GMP, respectively. Compared with thrombin and trypsin, which also produced an endothelium-dependent relaxation in pulmonary arteries, cathepsin G was 2.5 and four times more potent, respectively. Cathepsin G caused only small homologous desensitization. In cathepsin G-challenged vessels, thrombin was still able to elicit a relaxant effect. The effects of cathepsin G were blocked by soybean trypsin inhibitor (IC(50)=0.043 microg ml(-1)), suggesting that proteolytic activity is essential for induction of relaxation. Recombinant acetyl-eglin C proved to be a potent inhibitor (IC(50)=0.14 microg ml(-1)) of the cathepsin G effect, whereas neither indomethacin (3 microM) nor the thrombin inhibitor hirudin (5 ATU ml(-1)) elicited any inhibitory activity. Due to their polyanionic structure defibrotide (IC(50)=0.11 microg ml(-1)), heparin (IC(50)=0.48 microg ml(-1)) and suramin (IC(50)=1.85 microg ml(-1)) diminished significantly the relaxation in response to the basic protein cathepsin G. In conclusion, like thrombin and trypsin, cathepsin G is able to induce endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation. It can be released from activated leukocytes at sites of vascular injury and inflammation and, therefore, sufficiently high concentrations might be reached locally in the vascular space to induce vasodilatation.

Evidence for functionally active protease-activated receptor-4 (PAR-4) in human vascular smooth muscle cells

1. This study investigates, whether in addition to the protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1), PAR-4 is present in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) of the human saphenous vein and whether this receptor is functionally active. PAR-1 and PAR-4 are stimulated by thrombin and by the synthetic peptides SFLLRN and GYPGQV, respectively. 2. mRNAs for both, PAR-1 and PAR-4, were detected in the SMC by using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT - PCR). 3. Treatment of the SMC with GYPGQV (200 microM) resulted in a transient increase in free intracellular calcium. This calcium signal was completely abolished after a preceding challenge with thrombin (10 nM), indicating homologous receptor desensitization. 4. Stimulation of the SMC with 10 nM thrombin or 200 microM SFLLRN caused a time-dependent activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases-1/2 (ERK-1/2) with a maximum at 5 min. In contrast, 100 nM thrombin as well as 200 microM of GYPGQV induced a prolonged phosphorylation of ERK-1/2 with a maximum at 60 min. These data suggest that PAR-1 and PAR-4 are activated by thrombin at distinct concentrations and with distinct kinetics. 5. GYPGQV stimulated [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation in SMC. At 500 microM, the peptide increased DNA synthesis 2.5 fold above controls. A comparable mitogenic effect was obtained after stimulation of the SMC by 10 nM thrombin or 100 microM SFLLRN, respectively. 6. These data indicate that a functionally active PAR-4 is present in SMC and, in addition to PAR-1, might contribute to thrombin-induced mitogenesis.

In vitro dose response to different GPIIb/IIIa-antagonists: inter-laboratory comparison of various platelet function tests

AIMS

The aim of this study was to assess the inter- and intra-laboratory variation of the concentration-response to the GPIIb/IIIa-antagonists abciximab and eptifibatide on platelet aggregometry and to compare results with flow cytometric tests as well as the rapid platelet function analyser (RPFA).

METHODS

In five different laboratory sites, blood from three to five healthy donors was spiked with abciximab or eptifibatide, followed by the assessment of: (1) aggregometry (anticoagulant: sodium citrate 3.18% or hirudin 5 microg/ml); (2) flow cytometry (fibrinogen binding or PAC1-expression), or (3) RPFA. Dose-response curves were established on the basis of a sigmoidal Imax)-model [I=(Imax)*Cg)/(IC50g + Cg)].

RESULTS

For citrated blood, aggregation induced by 20 microM ADP was blocked up to 100% by both GPIIb/IIIa-antagonists, IC50 values varied between 0.11-0.22 microg/ml for eptifibatide and 1.25-2.3 microg/ml for abciximab. I(max) of the response to 5 microg/ml collagen ranged from 46% to 100%, and IC50 values varied between 0.28-0.34 microg/ml for eptifibatide and 2.3-3.8 microg/ml for abciximab. In hirudinized blood, IC50 values for eptifibatide were 1.5- to 3-fold higher than those obtained with citrated plasma. Inhibition of PAC1-expression by abciximab (IC50) 0.84 microg/ml) showed results similar those of the RPFA (approx. 1.0 microg/ml); larger differences between PAC1 and RPFA results were observed for eptifibatide. Based on aggregometry, eptifibatide concentrations for 80% inhibition varied from 0.27 to 0.55 microg/ml, and were considerably less when the RPFA was taken as basis (0.15 or 0.22 microg/ml). A similar pattern was observed for abciximab.

CONCLUSIONS

We found quite a low inter- and intra-laboratory variation in the in vitro pharmacodynamic characterization of GPIIb/IIIa-antagonists by aggregometry, making results of these tests obtained from different laboratories during clinical trials at least comparable. The RPFA exhibits a higher sensitivity to inhibitory GPIIb/IIIa-effects, in keeping with the "real" inhibition of the activated receptor (PAC1) as assessed with more elaborate flow cytometry.

Systemic vascular effects of thrombin and thrombin receptor activating peptide in rats

The proteolytic enzyme thrombin activates its receptor by cleavage of a peptide from the extracellular N-terminus. The newly generated N-terminus acts as a tethered ligand to activate the receptor. Receptor-mediated cellular effects of thrombin can be mimicked by synthetic peptides, which correspond to the amino acid sequence of the newly formed N-terminus. The aim of the present study was to investigate vascular effects of thrombin and the thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP: SFLLRN) in vitro and in vivo in rats. In precontracted rat aortic rings, both thrombin (0.3, 1, 3 U/ml) and TRAP (1, 3, 10, 20, 40 microM) induced endothelium-dependent relaxant responses. In anaesthetized rats, the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was measured continuously in the carotid artery by a pressure transducer. Thrombin and TRAP were administered as intravenous bolus injection via the femoral vein. Thrombin at doses of 3-100 U/kg, as well as TRAP at doses of 0.1-0.6 mg/kg i.v., caused a reversible decrease in MAP. Administration of TRAP at doses of 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg led to a triphasic response in most of the animals treated (50% and 75%, respectively), i.e. a short drop of MAP was followed by an increase and finally a longer lasting decrease in MAP. Pretreatment with the nitric oxide (NO)-synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine-methylester (L-NAME) suppressed the dose-dependent vasodilator effects of thrombin. Heparin and hirudin also inhibited the hypotensive response to thrombin. The TRAP-induced triphasic reaction on MAP was not affected by the serotonin antagonists ketanserin and tropisetron, as well as the aminopeptidase inhibitor amastatin. Pretreatment with L-NAME led to an inhibition of hypotension induced by TRAP at 0.1 mg/kg, as well as of the initial transient fall in blood pressure at doses of 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg. The studies suggest that the thrombin- and TRAP-induced vasodilation in vitro and in vivo is in part due to the release of endothelial NO. In the blood pressure response to TRAP, additional effects seem to be involved.

Factor Xa acts as a PDGF-independent mitogen in human vascular smooth muscle cells

This study investigates the mitogenic effect of the coagulation factor Xa in smooth muscle cells (SMC) from human saphenous vein and the procoagulant activity of these cells. Factor Xa elicited a concentration-dependent increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation. This mitogenic effect of factor Xa was inhibited by DX-9065a and BABCH, indicating the requirement of proteolytic activity of the enzyme. Factor Xa activated the MAP kinases ERK1/2 concentration- and time-dependently. PDGF-neutralizing antibodies neither inhibited the increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation nor ERK-1/2 phosphorylation in factor Xa-stimulated cells, suggesting that factor Xa-induced signaling and mitogenic activity in human venous SMC are independent of PDGF. Exposure of SMC to recalcified plasma resulted in a significant thrombin generation which was inhibited by anti-tissue factor antibody, tissue factor pathway inhibitor, inactivated factor VIIa and DX-9065a. These data indicate that interaction of SMC with the clotting system may contribute to venous graft disease, i.e. thrombus formation and intimal hyperplasia.

Further evidence that 5-HT-induced relaxation of pig pulmonary artery is mediated by endothelial 5-HT(2B) receptors

The endothelial 5-HT receptor mediating relaxation of pig pulmonary artery has been characterized using the selective 5-HT(2B) receptor agonist BW 723C86 and a variety of structurally diverse 5-HT receptor antagonists. If arterial rings with intact endothelium were precontracted with prostaglandin F(2alpha) (3 microM), BW 723C86 caused concentration-dependent relaxation with a pEC(50)=8.21+/-0.03 and E(max)=89+/-4% relative to 5-HT. The relaxant responses to BW 723C86 were inhibited by the 5-HT(2B) receptor antagonist SB 204741, the 5-HT(2B/2C) receptor antagonist SB 206553 and the antimigraine drug pizotifen, yielding pA(2) values of 6.68, 7.20 and 8.32, respectively. The pA(2) values against BW 723C86 were similar to those determined against 5-HT. The relaxant effect of 5-HT was antagonized by a variety of 22 compounds of diverse chemical structures. Based on the calculated mean pA(2) values the order of the most potent antagonists was ritanserin (9.38) > methysergide (8. 86) > pizotifen (8.47) >/= methiothepin (8.32) > LY 53857 (7.84) >/= amoxapine (7.80) >/= loxapine (7.73) >/= metergoline (7.64) >/= mianserin (7.51) >/= rauwolscine (7.39). Compounds with weak blocking potency were yohimbine (6.37), spiperone (5.88) and ketanserin (5.85). Correlation analysis between the affinities of the antagonists in pig pulmonary artery and those from radioligand binding studies at human and rat 5-HT(2B) receptors showed a highly significant correlation (r=0.95 and 0.84, P<0.002 and <0.005). Correlation with 5-HT(2C) receptors was much lower (r=0.57, P=0.035), and no correlations were obtained with 5-ht(6) and 5-HT(7) receptors. It is concluded that the 5-HT receptor mediating endothelium-dependent relaxation of pig pulmonary artery is of the 5-HT(2B) subtype.

Überblick über Plättchenfunktionshemmstoffe

Hemmstoffe der Plättchenfunktionen, die eine Hyperreaktivität der Blutplättchen und damit das Risiko von thromboembolischen Komplikationen bei vaskulären Erkrankungen vermindern, gehören verschiedenen Substanzklassen mit unterschiedlichem Wirkungsmechanismus an. Von praktisch-therapeutischer Bedeutung sind Thrombininhibitoren und ADP-Antagonisten, welche die Wirkung der Agonisten auf Membranrezeptoren unterbinden. Ticlopidin und Clopidogrel hemmen spezifisch die ADP-Wirkung an den Plättchen; beide Substanzen sind erst nach Metabolisierung in vivo wirksam. Die Hemmung der Thromboxansynthese wird durch Azetylsalizylsäure (ASS) erreicht, die die Cyclooxygenase irreversibel blockiert. Unter der Behandlung mit ASS wurden die thromboembolischen Ereignisse bei ischämischer Herzkrankheit signifikant reduziert. Die Kombination von ASS und Clopidogrel hat bei Patienten nach koronarer Stentimplantation zu einer signifikanten Reduktion der Inzidenz von subakuten Stentverschlüssen geführt. Unabhängig von der Art des aggregationsauslösenden Agonisten wird die Aggregation durch Antagonisten der GPIIb/IIIa-Rezeptoren verhindert. Als hochwirksame Hemmstoffe der Aggregation wurden Abciximab (ReoPro®), ein chimärer Antikörper, Eptifibatide (Integrilin®) und Tirofiban (Aggrastat®) in die Therapie eingeführt.

Modulation of mast cell activity by a peptide agonist of the thrombin receptor: role of nitric oxide

The effect of a thrombin receptor agonist peptide (TRAP-6) on the release of nitric oxide (NO) and platelet activating factor (PAF) from resting and calcium-ionophore (A23187)-activated rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) was studied using a platelet aggregation bioassay. RPMC spontaneously released NO, which inhibited TRAP-6-, ADP-, and PAF-stimulated platelet aggregation. This effect of NO was abolished by the addition of an NO binding agent, oxyhemoglobin (oxyHb), to the platelet suspension. The RPMC-induced suppression of platelet aggregation was completely inhibited by the NO-synthase inhibitor L-NAME. TRAP-6 and its high affinity analog haTRAP stimulated the rapid release of NO from RPMC. The effect of TRAP-6 was inhibited by pretreatment of the RPMC with L-NAME or with the inhibitor of the constitutive NO-synthase isoform (cNOS) calmidazolium. TRAP-6 inhibited PAF release from A23187-activated RPMC via an NO-dependent mechanism. Platelet aggregation induced by PAF release from activated RPMC was also confirmed in experiments using the PAF receptor antagonist ginkgolide B. Thus, TRAP-6 is a rapidly acting modulator of mast cell reactivity; it stimulates NO release and inhibits PAF secretion.

Evidence for proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2)-mediated mitogenesis in coronary artery smooth muscle cells

1. This study investigates, whether in addition to the thrombin receptor (PAR-1), the proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) is present in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) and mediates mitogenesis. PAR-2 is activated by low concentrations of trypsin and the synthetic peptide SLIGRL. 2. Stimulation of bovine coronary artery SMC by trypsin (2 nM) caused a 3 fold increase in DNLA-synthesis. A similar effect was observed with 10 nM thrombin. Trypsin-induced mitogenesis was inhibited by soybean trypsin inhibitor, indicating that the proteolytic activity of the enzyme was required for its mitogenic effect. 3. The specific PAR-2-activating peptide SLIGRL or the PAR1-activating peptide SFFLRN did not elicit mitogenesis. 4. When the SMC were exposed to SLIGRL (40 nM), a homologous desensitization of cytosolic Ca2+ mobilization was found after subsequent stimulation with trypsin (40 nM) but not thrombin (15 nM). 5. Trypsin (2 nM) as well as SLIGRL (100 microm) activated the nuclear factor KB (NFkappaB) with a maximum response 2 h after stimulation of the SMC. This suggests that both agonists acted via a common receptor, PAR-2. Maximum activation of NFkappaB by thrombin (10 nM) was detected after 4-5 h. 6. These data suggest that PAR-2 is present in coronary SMC and mediates a mitogenic response. Activation of NFkappaB via either PAR-1 or PAR-2 does not predict mitogenesis.

A supersulfated low-molecular-weight heparin (IK-SSH) increases plasma levels of free and total tissue factor pathway inhibitor after intravenous and subcutaneous administration in humans

Unfractionated as well as low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) are known to cause an increase in blood levels of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). To study the effect of a newly developed supersulfated LMWH (IK-SSH, Iketon Farmaceutici) on TFPI concentrations in human plasma, the compound was injected into volunteers at doses of 0.14, 0.33 and 0.66 mg/kg intravenously or 0.33, 0.66 and 1.0 mg/kg subcutaneously. At certain known times blood was drawn and plasma levels of both total and free TFPI were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methodology. Baseline plasma concentrations of TFPI were 72.2+/-3.1 ng/ml for total and 10.8+/-0.8 ng/ml for free TFPI. Intravenous or subcutaneous injection of IK-SSH led to a strong and long-lasting rise in TFPI levels which were increased more than 5-fold for total TFPI and more than 30-fold for free TFPI. Maximum TFPI levels were reached 5-10 min after intravenous and 60 min after subcutaneous administration. IK-SSH caused prolongation of ex-vivo clotting times in the APTT and Heptest assay, whereas thrombin time was not affected. Anticoagulant actions of IK-SSH showed a significant correlation to plasma concentrations of TFPI and they are thought to be based at least partially on the release of TFPI from vascular sites.

Inhibition of thrombin-induced contractile responses by protein kinase inhibitors in porcine pulmonary arteries

The clotting enzyme thrombin is known to cause receptor-mediated contractile effects in isolated blood vessels. In the present studies the influence of protein kinase inhibitors on the contractile response of porcine pulmonary arteries to thrombin (3 U/ml) was investigated. Endothelium-denuded rings (2-3 mm) from small arteries were placed in organ baths for isometric tension recording. The vessels were preincubated for 30 min with the inhibitors before inducing contractions. In the presence of the protein kinase C (PKC)-inhibitors staurosporine, BIM I (bisindolyl-maleimide I), chelerythrine and Ro 31-8220 (1 microM each), the contractile responses to the PKC activator phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu; 50 nM) were diminished by 70-100%. However, for inhibition of thrombin-induced contractions generally higher concentrations of the inhibitors were required. Only staurosporine at 1 microM inhibited the thrombin effect by about 75%. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor erbstatin (30 microM) did not significantly alter the thrombin effect, whereas genistein at 10 microM caused a significant inhibition of contractile responses to both thrombin and PGF2alpha. At 100 microM genistein also inhibited the contractile effects of PdBu and KCl. These studies suggest that activation of both PKC and non-receptor tyrosine kinases seems to be involved in the signal transduction pathways of thrombin-induced contractile effects in isolated vessels.

Thromboxane A2 potentiates thrombin-induced proliferation of coronary artery smooth muscle cells

The activation of thrombin is the key event in clot formation after vascular injury. Thrombin itself, but also other clot-derived factors, such as thromboxane A2 (TXA2), are mitogenic for vascular smooth muscle cells. We have studied the possible interactions between thrombin and TXA2 in stimulation of coronary artery smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation. Thrombin (1 U/ml) caused a significant proliferatory response in SMC. U 46619, a stable TXA2 mimetic, had only a minor stimulating effect by its own but markedly potentiated the thrombin-induced mitogenesis. A possible mechanism for these potentiating effects is provided by the demonstration of a marked (6 fold) but transient (maximum after 20 min) increase in the expression of TXA2 receptor (TP receptor) mRNA in SMC by thrombin. Since a significant clot-related TXA2 generation was detected for at least 2 hours, the up-regulation of TP receptors by thrombin may represent a mechanism that is relevant for the in vivo situation of SMC proliferation after vessel injury.

Thrombin-induced mitogenesis in coronary artery smooth muscle cells is potentiated by thromboxane A2 and involves upregulation of thromboxane receptor mRNA

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that thrombin is a potent though slow-acting mitogen for vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC). Because thrombin generation in vivo is accompanied by platelet activation, it has been suggested that platelet-derived factors might enhance thrombin-induced SMC proliferation. No information is available so far on the possible role of thromboxane A2.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thrombin (1 U/mL) caused a threefold to fourfold increase of DNA synthesis in cultured bovine coronary artery SMC as assessed from [3H]thymidine incorporation. U 46619, a stable thromboxane A2 mimetic, had only a minor stimulating effect on its own but potentiated the thrombin effect sixfold to sevenfold above control (P<.05). These findings were paralleled by a 52+/-5% (P<.05) increase in cell number at 48 hours after addition of both mitogens as compared with 24+/-5% with thrombin alone and no change with U 46619 alone. Thromboxane A2 receptor mRNA was found to be upregulated sixfold 20 minutes after thrombin stimulation. Pretreatment of SMC with thrombin for 4 hours markedly increased U 46619-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase activity, indicating thrombin-induced upregulation of functional thromboxane receptors in SMC.

CONCLUSIONS

Thrombin-induced proliferation of SMC is markedly enhanced by thromboxane A2. This might result in an enhancement of SMC proliferation by platelet-derived thromboxane A2 in vivo.

Effects of a supersulfated low molecular weight heparin (IK-SSH) on different hemostatic parameters

In a phase I trial effects of a new supersulfated low molecular weight heparin (IK-SSH) on different hemostatic parameters were investigated in healthy volunteers. Parameters studied were activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), thrombin time, Heptest, anti-activated factor II (anti-FIIa) and anti-activated factor X (anti-FXa) activity, platelet adhesion, platelet count, platelet-induced thrombin generation time (PITT), bleeding time, antithrombin III, fibrinogen and several safety parameters. After single intravenous (i.v.) injections of IK-SSH (0.14, 0.33 and 0.66 mg/kg) aPTT, Heptest and PITT were strongly and dose-dependently prolonged. After ascending subcutaneous (s.c.) doses of IK-SSH (0.33, 0.66 and 1 mg/kg) aPTT, Heptest and PITT were prolonged in a dose-dependent manner. Repeat s.c. injections of 1 mg/kg IK-SSH for 5 days markedly prolonged aPTT, Heptest and PITT. No cumulative effects were observed. Anti-FIIa and anti-FXa activity were not or only slightly increased. Bleeding time, thrombin time and platelet adhesion were not significantly changed after i.v. and s.c. injections of IK-SSH. However, tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) concentration was markedly increased after each injection of IK-SSH and returned to the preinjection value 24 h later. IK-SSH prolongs aPTT, Heptest and PITT in a similar manner as other low molecular weight heparins but without significantly affecting thrombin time, FIIa and FXa activity. The release of TFPI may well be responsible for the prolongation of aPTT, Heptest and PITT. IK-SSH may be further developed as an antithrombotic agent.

Mechanisms of relaxation of rat aorta in response to progesterone and synthetic progestins

OBJECTIVE

To compare the acute effects of progesterone, chlormadinone acetate (CMA), norethisterone acetate (NETA) and dienogest (DNG) with those of 17 beta-estradiol (17 beta-E2) on the vascular reactivity of male rat thoracic aorta.

METHODS

Aortic rings with or without endothelium were placed in an organ bath for isometric tension recording. The integrity of the endothelium was assessed by the relaxant response of precontracted rings to acetylcholine (1 and 10 microM), which was diminished after mechanical removal of the endothelium. The concentrations of the steroid hormones were 0.01-10 microM.

RESULTS

In vessels precontracted with phenylephrine (1 microM), CaCl2 (3 mM) or KCl (30 mM), progesterone, CMA and NETA (10 microM each) an endothelium-independent relaxation of 20-35% resulted, with a maximum response after 20-30 min, while DNG had a negligible effect in all experiments. The same concentration of 17 beta-E2 was twice as potent as the progestins. Indomethacin, the cyclooxygenase inhibitor and glibenclamide, an inhibitor of the ATP-sensitive potassium channels, did not affect the relaxant responses. The antagonists of progesterone receptors J 867 (1 microM) as well as of estrogen receptors ICI 182780 (1 microM) did not counteract the relaxation induced by progesterone and 17 beta-E2, respectively. Progesterone (10 microM) did not interfere with endothelium-dependent acetylcholine-induced relaxation of precontracted aortic rings. Pretreatment of the vessels with the hormones attenuated the maximal contractile response to phenylephrine. In the presence of verapamil (1 microM) or progesterone (10 microM) or 17 beta-E2 (1 and 10 microM) the concentration-response curves for calcium-induced contractions in K(+)-depolarized vessels were shifted to the right, with suppression of the maximum response.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies suggest that in addition to 17 beta-E2 the progestins, progesterone, CMA and NETA caused a reduction of vascular tone, probably due to blockade of voltage-dependent and/or receptor-operated calcium channels.

Trypsin- and SLIGRL-induced vascular relaxation and the inhibition by benzamidine derivatives

Serine proteinases are involved in several physiological processes and elicit profound cellular effects in a variety of tissues. Besides the thrombin receptor a second receptor, activated by trypsin, the proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2), was cloned and characterized. Both enzymes generate a new extracellular N-terminus by limited proteolytic cleavage which functions as tethered ligand to activate the receptor. Synthetic peptides corresponding to the sequences of the newly generated N-terminus are able to mimic the effects of the enzymes. In porcine pulmonary arteries trypsin and the receptor-derived peptide SLIGRL elicited an endothelium-dependent transient relaxation of PGF2alpha-precontracted vessels. The EC50 values for trypsin and SLIGRL amounted to 1.1 +/- 0.2 nM and 5.4 +/- 0.6 microM, respectively. Trypsin and SLIGRL caused a homologous desensitization but thrombin and the thrombin receptor-activating peptide SFLLRN were still able to elicit pronounced relaxant effects. The trypsin- and SLIGRL-induced relaxant responses were markedly diminished after blockade of the nitric oxide synthesis by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (200 microM) and were absent in endothelium-denuded vessels. Indomethacin and hirudin did not influence the relaxant effects. The effect of trypsin but not that of SLIGRL was blocked by the proteinase inhibitor aprotinin suggesting that only proteolytically active trypsin activates the receptor. Benzamidine derivatives of the 3-amidinophenylalanine type with different affinity for trypsin and thrombin inhibited the vascular effects of trypsin (IC50 0.007-0.7 microM) correlating with its antitrypsin activity. The data suggest that the vascular effects of trypsin and SLIGRL are mediated through activation of PAR-2 which differs from the thrombin receptor.

Activation of NFkappaB is essential but not sufficient to stimulate mitogenesis of vascular smooth muscle cells

This study investigates the role of the transcription factor NFkappaB in thrombin- and thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP, SFLLRNPNDKYEPYF)-induced mitogenesis of cultured bovine coronary artery smooth muscle cells (SMC). Stimulation of resting cells by thrombin (10 nM) or TRAP (10-100 microM) resulted in a comparable time-dependent activation of NFkappaB as detected by Western blotting and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) of nuclear extracts. The NFkappaB activation was antagonized by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (20 mM) and pentoxifylline (0.5 mM). Thrombin caused a 3-4-fold increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation within 24 h which was prevented by inhibitors of NFkappaB activation. In contrast, TRAP did not cause any mitogenic response. These results demonstrate that activation of NFkappaB is an essential but not a sufficient signal for SMC mitogenesis.

Inhibition of thrombin-mediated cellular effects by triabin, a highly potent anion-binding exosite thrombin inhibitor

Triabin, a 17 kDa protein from the saliva of the assassin bug Triatoma pallidipennis is a potent thrombin inhibitor interfering with the anion-binding exosite of the enzyme. The recombinant protein, produced by the baculovirus/insect cell system, was used to study the inhibitory effect on thrombin-mediated cellular responses. The thrombin (1 nM)-stimulated aggregation of washed human platelets and the rise in cytoplasmic calcium in platelets were inhibited by triabin at nanomolar concentrations. In contrast, the rise in calcium induced by the thrombin receptor-activating peptide (10 microM) was not suppressed by triabin. In isolated porcine pulmonary arteries, preconstricted with PGF 2 alpha thrombin (2 nM) elicited an endothelium-dependent relaxation which was inhibited by triabin in the same concentration range as found for the inhibition of platelet aggregation. Higher concentrations of triabin were required to diminish the contractile response of endotheliumdenuded pulmonary vessels to thrombin (10 nM). In cultured bovine coronary smooth muscle cells, the mitogenic activity of thrombin (3 nM), measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation, was also suppressed by triabin. In all these assays, the inhibitory effect of triabin was dependent on the thrombin concentration used. These studies suggest that the new anion-binding exosite thrombin inhibitor triabin is one of the most potent inhibitors of thrombin-mediated cellular effects.

Endothelial 5-HT receptors mediate relaxation of porcine pulmonary arteries in response to ergotamine and dihydroergotamine

1. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether antimigraine ergot compounds may act at endothelial 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors which trigger the release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). Changes in tone of porcine isolated pulmonary arteries were measured isometrically. The integrity of the endothelium was assessed by the bradykinin-induced relaxation of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha, 3 microM)-precontracted vessels. 2. The ergot derivatives ergotamine, dihydroergotamine (DHE) and dihydroergocristine, as well as 5-HT and (+/-)-alpha-methyl-5-HT, elicited a reversible endothelium-dependent relaxation of PGF2 alpha-precontracted arterial ring segments. The relaxation to both ergotamine and 5-HT was associated with an increase in cyclic GMP. After pretreatment of the vessels with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (200 microM), or removal of endothelium by mechanical rubbing, the relaxant responses were abolished. 3. The mean pEC50 values for relaxant responses followed the order: (+/-)-alpha-methyl-5-HT (8.80) > 5-HT (8.75) > ergotamine (8.17) > DHE (7.70) > 5-carboxamidotryptamine (7.62) > dihydroergocristine (7.17). 4. The relaxant effects of both ergotamine and dihydroergotamine were resistant to block by indomethacin (3 microM), prazosin (1 microM) and ketanserin (1 microM). However, the ergotamine-induced relaxation was highly susceptible to block by pizotifen (pA2 = 8.23), norclozapine (pA2 = 8.20), methiothepin (-log IC50 = 7.26), rauwolscine (pA2 = 7.24) and mesulergine (pA2 = 6.64). Each antagonist inhibited the relaxant responses to (+/-)-alpha-methyl-5-HT in the same manner with similar potency as that determined against ergotamine. 5. Recently, mRNA transcripts for 5-HT1D beta and 5-HT2B receptors have been demonstrated in porcine pulmonary arteries. The rank order of potencies of agonists and antagonists in the present study suggests that the relaxant responses to 5-HT and ergot derivatives are mediated through activation of endothelial 5-HT receptors which are similar to the 5-HT2B receptor subtypes.

A recombinant hirudin (IK-HIR02) in healthy volunteers. II. Effects on platelet adhesion and platelet-induced thrombin generation time

The pharmacodynamic effects of different intravenous and subcutaneous doses of a new recombinant hirudin (IK-HIR02) on platelet adhesion, platelet-induced thrombin formation and on platelet count have been studied in 18 healthy volunteers in a bicenter study. Single intravenous bolus injections of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg/kg IK-HIR02 in 6 volunteers caused a significant dose-dependent prolongation of platelet-induced thrombin generation time (PITT) and a significant inhibition of platelet adhesion to glass. Single subcutaneous doses of 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg IK-HIR02 slightly prolonged PITT and inhibited platelet adhesion to glass for up to 8 h. Repeat subcutaneous injections of 0.3 mg/kg IK-HIR02 b.i.d. in 6 healthy volunteers led to a prolongation of PITT and also to a reduction of platelet adhesion. In platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from blood samples which had been collected using hirudin as anticoagulant (0.7 micrograms/ml), the platelet count was constantly higher than in citrate PRP which had been sampled at the same time. The recombinant hirudin IK-HIR02 inhibits platelet adhesion to glass and also PITT. Both effects which have not been described before are most likely due to a direct inhibition of thrombin-induced platelet activation. These effects may contribute to the antithrombotic action of hirudin and probably have to be considered when hirudin is used in higher doses as an antithrombotic agent together with platelet function inhibitors to avoid excessive bleeding.

Relaxant and contractile responses of porcine pulmonary arteries to thrombin and thrombin receptor activating peptides

The vascular effects of thrombin and thrombin receptor activating peptides (TRAP) were studied on isolated rings from porcine pulmonary arteries. In prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha)-precontracted vessels with intact endothelium, both thrombin- and TRAP-induced nitric oxide-mediated relaxation, whereas in endothelium-denuded vessels thrombin and TRAP elicited concentration-dependent contractile responses. The first phasic component of contraction was associated with increased generation of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate and the tonic component seemed to be due to the activation of protein kinase C. Both peptides (TRAP-6 with 6 and TRAP-14 with 14 amino acid residues) did not differ in their intrinsic activity; like thrombin, both peptides elicited dualistic vascular effects but their potency was more than three orders of magnitude less than that of thrombin.

A recombinant hirudin (IK-HIR02) in healthy volunteers. I. Effects on coagulation parameters and bleeding time

The pharmacodynamic effects of different intravenous and subcutaneous doses of a recombinant hirudin (r-hirudin; IK-HIR02) on clotting parameters and bleeding time were investigated in 24 healthy volunteers in a bicenter study. Single intravenous bolus injections of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg/ kg IK-HIR02 caused a prolongation of thrombin time (TT) and aPTT in a dose-dependent manner and led to an increase in hirudin plasma levels > 6 micrograms/ml. The plasma half-life of IK-HIR02 was calculated as 1.3 h. A continuous infusion of 0.03 mg/kg/h of IK-HIR02 for 4 h significantly prolonged TT and aPTT. At the end of the hirudin infusion, a mean plasma level of 0.19 +/- 0.13 microgram/ml was measured. Single subcutaneous doses of 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg markedly prolonged the coagulation tests. The highest increase in hirudin plasma levels was found 2 h after injection. At this time the aPTT was doubled after 0.5 mg/kg. After repeat subcutaneous injections of 0.3 mg/kg b.i.d., aPTT was doubled, and TT increased to about 200 s, 2 h after the injections. At this time the mean plasma level was 0.5-0.6 microgram/ml. There was no cumulative effect after multiple injections. Bleeding time was not changed after the 4-hour intravenous infusion and after repeat subcutaneous injections of 0.3 mg/kg IK-HIR02. Bleeding time was moderately but significantly prolonged after the highest single intravenous and subcutaneous hirudin doses tested. Other than very minor local bleeding in some volunteers, IK-HIR02 was well tolerated. Biochemical blood and urine parameters did not change. In conclusion, r-hirudin (IK-HIR02) obtained by a new technique was well tolerated in healthy volunteers after single intravenous and subcutaneous injections, after repeat subcutaneous doses and during continuous intravenous infusion. Measurement of aPTT and anti-IIa activity, using a chromogenic substrate test, can be used to monitor hirudin effects if doses similar to those tested here are administered.

Differential effects of staphylokinase, streptokinase and tissue-type plasminogen activator on the lysis of retracted human plasma clots and fibrinolytic plasma parameters in vitro

A novel plasma clot lysis system was used to compare the fibrinolytic characteristics of staphylokinase, streptokinase and tissue-type plasminogen activator. 125I-fibrinogen-labelled human plasma clots were formed on needles and mechanically compressed after spontaneous retraction. This model is relatively resistant to lysis and differentiates between fibrin-specific and non-fibrin-specific plasminogen activators. The novel plasminogen activator, recombinant staphylokinase, produced high rates of clot lysis without markedly influencing fibrinogen, plasminogen and alpha 2-antiplasmin in the plasma containing the clots. At equimolar concentrations, streptokinase markedly depleted these parameters in plasma despite low clot lysis rates. Tissue-type plasminogen activator showed relatively high lysis rates at low concentrations, but at higher concentrations, plasminogen depletion caused a decrease in clot lysis. Staphylokinase can be characterised as a fibrin-specific and plasminogen-saving fibrinolytic agent with a high clot lysis potential.

Nature of the vehicle solution for cryopreservation of human peripheral veins: preservation of reactivity to pharmacological stimuli

Rings from human saphenous vein and its side branches were randomly distributed into three groups for investigations in vitro unfrozen and after storage for 2-8 weeks at -196 degrees C while suspended in media containing fetal calf serum (FCS) or Krebs-Henseleit (KH) solution as vehicles for the cryoprotecting agents (2.0 M Me2SO and 0.1 M sucrose). After thawing, the contractile responses to agonists such as noradrenaline, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and the thromboxane analogue U46619 were reduced by about 30-40%. Endothelium-independent relaxant responses to papaverine and the potassium channel activator bimakalim were well maintained and similar to untreated control tissues. The use of KH solution instead of FCS as the cryoprotectant vehicle did not negatively influence post-thaw functional recovery, suggesting that for optimal functional preservation of human venous smooth muscle the presence of FCS in the cryomedium is not required.

Involvement of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate and protein kinase C in thrombin-induced contraction of porcine pulmonary artery

The role of the intracellular messengers inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) and protein kinase C (PKC) in the thrombin (3 U/mL)-induced contraction of endothelium-denuded porcine pulmonary arteries was investigated. Thrombin induced a sustained contractile response with an initial transient increase in IP3 to about 160% of the unstimulated control. Omission of extracellular Ca2+ or preincubation with verapamil (10 mumol/L) reduced the maximum of contraction without significantly affecting the thrombin-induced increase in IP3. To evaluate the role of PKC for the contractile response, the PKC was activated directly by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu, 50 nmol/L). The phorbol ester produced a slowly increasing tonic contraction without any changes in the basal IP3 level. There was a moderate inhibition of PDBu-induced contractions in Ca(2+)-free solution, while they were not inhibited after preincubation with verapamil. Preincubation with the PKC inhibitor staurosporine (50 nmol/L) significantly reduced the PDBu-induced contraction (by about 80%). In thrombin-stimulated vessels staurosporine only inhibited the tonic phase of the contractile response whereas the increase in IP3 and the phasic component of contraction were still evident. These results suggest that IP3 and PKC are involved in the thrombin-induced contraction. The phasic component of contraction is associated with the generation of IP3; the tonic component might be due to the activation of PKC.

Thrombin receptor activating peptide-induced cellular effects: comparative studies on human platelet activation and endothelium-dependent relaxation of porcine pulmonary arteries

The thrombin receptor activating peptides with 6 and 14 amino acids (TRAP-6,TRAP-14) caused aggregation of washed platelets as well as of platelets in citrated and hirudin plasma. Stimulation of platelets was associated with an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ and formation of thromboxane. In porcine pulmonary arteries they induced reversible endothelium-dependent relaxation of precontracted vessels via release of endothelium-derived nitric oxide. TRAP-6 and TRAP-14 did not differ in their intrinsic activity. Both peptides possess thrombin-like activity, but their potency is more than three orders of magnitude lower than that of thrombin.

Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate and protein kinase C are involved in thrombin- and trap-induced vascular smooth muscle contraction

Thrombin (30 nmol/l) as well as the thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP), 10 mumol/l) induce a sustained contraction of endothelium-denuded porcine pulmonary arteries. The first phasic component of contraction is associated with the generation of IP3 which precedes the development of contractile force. Since the PKC inhibitor staurosporine (50 nmol/l) completely inhibits the tonic contraction this component of contraction seems to be due to the activation of protein kinase C (PKC). The thrombin- and TRAP-induced vasoconstriction strongly depends on extracellular calcium; the remaining thrombin- or TRAP-induced contraction in Ca(2+)-free medium seems to be attributed to the IP3-mediated release of calcium from intracellular stores.

ADP-, PAF- and adrenaline-induced platelet aggregation and thromboxane formation are not affected by a thromboxane receptor antagonist at physiological external Ca++ concentrations

Thromboxane (TX) receptor antagonists are of considerable clinical interest in prevention of acute thrombembolic vessel occlusion. This study demonstrates that the selective TX receptor antagonist, daltroban, at a concentration (10 microM) that does not inhibit TX synthesis, markedly inhibits ADP-, PAF- and adrenaline-induced platelet secretion and TX formation. With the exception of ADP-induced platelet secretion, these actions are only detectable in citrated platelet-rich plasma but not in plasma anticoagulated by hirudin. Since TX antagonists are supposed to act at physiological external Ca++ concentrations in the clinics, it is questionable whether in vitro studies in Ca(++)-deprived media are the optimum model to evaluate the clinical potential of these compounds.

Desulfated hirugen (hirudin 54-65) induces endothelium-dependent relaxation of porcine pulmonary arteries

Desulfated hirugen (hirudin 54-65) at concentrations from 0.1 to 2 microM was found to relax PGF2 alpha-precontracted ring segments of porcine pulmonary arteries with intact endothelium. The relaxation was associated with a pronounced increase in cGMP in the vessels. This endothelium-dependent relaxant effect depended on the extracellular calcium ion concentration and was probably due to the release of endothelium-derived NO as indicated by its susceptibility to blockade of the NO synthesis by NG-nitro-L-arginine. In the presence of indomethacin (3 microM) the maximum hirugen effect was significantly diminished by about 25%. In contrast, neither the sulfated hirugen nor recombinant desulfato hirudin at equimolar concentrations exerted endothelium-dependent relaxation. Hence, the relaxant effect did not correspond to the anticoagulant activity. Desulfated hirugen can be assigned to the group of well-known peptides causing vasodilatation via an endothelium-dependent mechanism.

Relaxant and contractile responses of porcine pulmonary arteries to a thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP)

Recent studies on cloning of the thrombin receptor, which belongs to the family of G-protein-coupled receptors, suggest that thrombin cleaves a peptide from the extracellular N-terminus. A synthetic peptide of 14 amino acids corresponding to the sequence of the newly generated N-terminus was found to possess thrombin-like activity in several cells endowed with thrombin receptors. The relaxant and contractile effects of this thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP, Ser-Phe-Leu-Leu-Arg-Asn-Pro-Asn-Asp-Lys-Tyr-Glu-Pro-Phe) were investigated in porcine pulmonary arteries and compared with the action of thrombin. In PGF2 alpha-precontracted vessels with intact endothelium, TRAP (0.3-10 mumol/l) caused reversible transient and concentration-dependent relaxation which was absent after mechanical removal of the endothelium. Preincubation of the vessels with NG-nitro-L-arginine (200 mumol/l) markedly reduced the relaxation. The TRAP-induced relaxation was associated with an increase in cGMP in the arteries. In comparison to thrombin, TRAP (EC50: 0.8 mumol/l) was less potent by more than three orders of magnitude. In endothelium-denuded pulmonary arteries TRAP (1-20 mumol/l) caused a concentration-dependent contraction which was reversible after washout. The TRAP-induced contractile response was preceded by an increase in generation of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3); the peak of IP3 accumulation was reached after 30 s. Compared with the contractile effect of thrombin, that of TRAP was weaker by three of magnitude. The vascular effect of TRAP was not inhibited by the thrombin inhibitors hirudin or heparin while the protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine (0.1 mumol/l) preferentially inhibited the tonic phase of contraction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Determination of peptide hydrophobicity parameters by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

The log kw values of fourteen potential fibrinogen receptor antagonist peptides (RGDX) determined by reversed-phase HPLC were correlated to hydrophobic parameters of the amino acid side-chain log P in position X of the tetrapeptides. Comparing the polymer columns with LiChrosorb RP-8, the correlation coefficient using a polyethylene column is higher (0.94) than that for RP-8 (0.88), which demonstrates the importance of a homogeneous hydrophobic surface and makes this method very suitable for the determination of the overall hydrophobicity of shorter peptides. The hydrophobicity parameters log kw of the RGDX peptides (-1.15 to 2.19) were used to investigate the influence of molecular parameters of X on the potency of RGDX in inhibiting platelet aggregation. The results confirm the importance of hydrophobicity for the contribution of X to the biological activity of RGDX.

Contractile effects of thrombin in porcine pulmonary arteries and the influence of thrombin inhibitors

Thrombin catalyzes not only the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin but also activates several receptor-mediated cell responses. In ring segments of porcine pulmonary arteries the contractile effect of thrombin was studied in the presence and absence of endothelium. The integrity of endothelium was assessed by the bradykinin-induced relaxation of PGF2 alpha (3 mumol/l)-precontracted vessels which was absent after mechanical removal of endothelium. Thrombin at 0.1 to 10 U/ml (i.e. about 1-100 nmol/l) caused a sustained contraction in endothelium-denuded arteries with a maximum at 20-30 min. In vessels with intact endothelium a significant increase in tension up to 1 U/ml was observed preceded by a transient relaxant response. The contractile effect in vessels with intact endothelium was comparatively weaker. This is probably due to the release of EDRF from endothelial cells since blockade of EDRF synthesis by NG-nitro-L-arginine augmented the thrombin-induced contractions in arteries with intact endothelium. Indomethacin did not alter the contractile effect. However, in vessels with endothelium and in endothelium-denuded vessels the contractions were reduced when extracellular calcium was omitted. Verapamil (10 mumol/l) significantly diminished the contractile effect only in endothelium-denuded vessels. On preincubation of endothelium-denuded arterial ring segments with myo-[2-3H]inositol the addition of thrombin (10 U/ml) caused an accumulation of [3H]inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3). A maximum was observed after 2 min preceding the maximum increase in contraction. Measurement of thrombin-induced endogenous IP3 generation by radioreceptor assay yielded the same results. The thrombin-induced contractile effect requires the proteolytic activity of the enzyme.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Activation of human blood platelets induced by nocloprost, a stable prostaglandin E2 derivative

Nocloprost, a 9 beta-chloro-16,16-dimethyl derivative of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), belongs to the gastric cytoprotective agents that are used in the therapy of gastric ulcer. Since methylated derivatives of PGE2 are known to have proaggregatory effects the influence on platelets was studied. In platelet-rich citrated plasma, nocloprost (> 0.1 mumol/l) caused aggregation with a biphasic course at higher concentrations. Aggregation induced by nocloprost (1 mumol/l) corresponded to that induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (5 mumol/l). Activation of platelets by nocloprost was accompanied by formation of thromboxane A2 and an increase in cytosolic calcium in Indo 1-loaded platelets. At 0.1 mumol/l it potentiated aggregation induced by low concentrations of ADP or adrenaline. The effect of nocloprost on platelets was blocked by iloprost, daltroban and indomethacin. PGE2, which was studied for comparison, at 0.1-1.0 mumol/l inhibited aggregation induced by 1 mumol/l nocloprost. The concentrations of nocloprost required for therapeutic use as antiulcer agent were lower by three orders of magnitude than those which induce human platelet aggregation.

Endothelium-dependent relaxation of porcine pulmonary arteries via 5-HT1C-like receptors

In PGF2 alpha-precontracted pulmonary arteries with intact endothelium, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 1.0-100 nmol/l) caused a concentration-dependent reversible relaxation, at higher concentrations the contractile response prevailed. In endothelium-denuded vessels relaxation was absent. 5-HT-induced relaxation of precontracted pulmonary arteries was probably mediated by release of an endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). Preincubation of the arteries with methylene blue or NG-nitro-L-arginine (200 mumol/l) attenuated the relaxant effect. The 5-HT-induced relaxation was accompanied by an increase in cGMP. Indomethacin (3 mumol/l) did not influence the 5-HT-induced relaxation indicating that eicosanoids are not involved in the relaxant response to 5-HT. The 5-HT1C and 5-HT2 receptor agonist alpha-methyl-5-HT was as potent as 5-HT in inducing relaxation. The rank order of relaxant potency of the agonists investigated was alpha-methyl-5-HT > 5-HT > 5-methoxytryptamine > tryptamine > omega-methyl-5-HT > 5-carboxamidotryptamine > 2-methyl-5-HT > 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine > m-chlorophenylpiperazine > sumatriptan > 8-OH-DPAT. Phentolamine, pindolol and ICS 205-930 did not interfere with the relaxant effect. The 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin (1 mumol/l) inhibited the contractile response but did not alter vasodilatation. Apart from the blockade of the contractile effects, mesulergine, cyproheptadine and mianserin (0.1-3.0 mumol/l, each) induced a parallel shift to the right of the concentration-response curve for the relaxation induced by alpha-methyl-5-HT or 5-HT. Spiperone (0.3 mumol/l) exerted weak inhibitory effects on relaxation and contraction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Heterogeneity of 5-HT receptor subtypes in isolated human femoral and saphenous veins

Changes in tension were monitored isometrically on helical strips from both femoral and saphenous human veins obtained during autopsy and during surgical removal of varicose veins respectively. Both venous tissues contracted in response to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) and 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). While 5-HT was about 2 times more potent in saphenous (pD2 = 7.35) than in femoral veins (pD2 = 7.04), 5-CT stimulated the saphenous vein (pD2 = 7.62) at about 20 times lower concentrations than were required for stimulation of the femoral vein (pD2 = 6.27). 8-OH-DPAT induced venoconstriction only when used at very high concentrations and pD2 values could not be determined. These data suggested different subtypes and/or distribution of 5-HT receptors in both venous preparations. Further evidence for this was obtained by the observation that spiperone (a 5-HT receptor blocker with high affinity for 5-HT2 and 5-HT1A sites) produced a parallel shift to the right of the 5-HT curve in femoral veins but elicited a biphasic displacement of the 5-HT curve in saphenous veins. In the femoral vein, spiperone showed a pA2 value of 9.20 +/- 0.08, statistically not different from that calculated for the spiperone sensitive 5-HT effect in saphenous vein (pA2 = 9.14 +/- 0.08). The results suggest that regional variations in the distribution of 5-HT receptor subtypes do exist, human femoral veins possessing mainly 5-HT2 receptors whereas in human saphenous veins both 5-HT1-like and 5-HT2 receptors are present.

Effect of AWD 52-39 on vasoconstriction induced by noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine in vitro and in vivo in rats

The vascular effect of the potential nootropic AWD 52-39 (1; N,N-diacetoxyethyl-9,10-dihydrolysergic acid amide) as well as its influence on noradrenaline- or 5-HT-induced vasoconstriction were studied in the isolated rat aorta and in anesthetized normotensive and pithed rats. Vasoconstriction was determined by measuring the increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP). Both in vitro and in pithed rats, 1 caused a slight vasoconstriction, whereas a dose-dependent short-lasting decrease in mean arterial pressure was found in normotensive rats. In vitro and in pithed rats, 1 exerted no influence on the noradrenaline-induced vasoconstriction, while the 5-HT-induced contractile response was significantly inhibited. These findings characterize 1 as a competitive antagonist at vascular 5-HT2 receptors without any alpha-adrenolytic effect.