C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 4 Blockade Promotes Tissue Repair After Myocardial Infarction by Enhancing Regulatory T Cell Mobilization and Immune-Regulatory Function

BACKGROUND

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) elicits an inflammatory response that drives tissue repair and adverse cardiac remodeling. Inflammatory cell trafficking after MI is controlled by C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and its receptor, C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). CXCR4 antagonists mobilize inflammatory cells and promote infarct repair, but the cellular mechanisms are unclear.

METHODS

We investigated the therapeutic potential and mode of action of the peptidic macrocycle CXCR4 antagonist POL5551 in mice with reperfused MI. We applied cell depletion and adoptive transfer strategies using lymphocyte-deficient Rag1 knockout mice; DEREG mice, which express a diphtheria toxin receptor-enhanced green fluorescent protein fusion protein under the control of the promoter/enhancer region of the regulatory T (T_reg) cell-restricted Foxp3 transcription factor; and dendritic cell-depleted CD11c-Cre iDTR mice. Translational potential was explored in a porcine model of reperfused MI using serial contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

Intraperitoneal POL5551 injections in wild-type mice (8 mg/kg at 2, 4, 6, and 8 days) enhanced angiogenesis in the infarct border zone, reduced scar size, and attenuated left ventricular remodeling and contractile dysfunction at 28 days. Treatment effects were absent in splenectomized wild-type mice, Rag1 knockout mice, and T_reg cell-depleted DEREG mice. Conversely, treatment effects could be transferred into infarcted splenectomized wild-type mice by transplanting splenic T_reg cells from POL5551-treated infarcted DEREG mice. Instructive cues provided by infarct-primed dendritic cells were required for POL5551 treatment effects. POL5551 injections mobilized T_reg cells into the peripheral blood, followed by enhanced T_reg cell accumulation in the infarcted region. Neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes displayed similar mobilization kinetics, but their cardiac recruitment was not affected. POL5551, however, attenuated inflammatory gene expression in monocytes and macrophages in the infarcted region via T_reg cells. Intravenous infusion of the clinical-stage POL5551 analogue POL6326 (3 mg/kg at 4, 6, 8, and 10 days) decreased infarct volume and improved left ventricular ejection fraction in pigs.

CONCLUSIONS

These data confirm CXCR4 blockade as a promising treatment strategy after MI. We identify dendritic cell-primed splenic T_reg cells as the central arbiters of these therapeutic effects and thereby delineate a pharmacological strategy to promote infarct repair by augmenting T_reg cell function in vivo.

Multifaceted C-X-C Chemokine Receptor 4 (CXCR4) Inhibition Interferes with Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy-Induced Glioma Dissemination

Resistance to antiangiogenic therapy in glioblastoma (GBM) patients may involve hypoxia-induced expression of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) on invading tumor cells, macrophage/microglial cells (MGCs), and glioma stem cells (GSCs). We determined whether antagonizing CXCR4 with POL5551 disrupts anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy-induced glioma growth and dissemination. Mice bearing orthotopic CT-2A or GL261 gliomas received POL5551 and/or anti-VEGF antibody B20-4.1.1. Brain tissue was analyzed for tumor volume, invasiveness, hypoxia, vascular density, proliferation, apoptosis, GSCs, and MGCs. Glioma cells were evaluated for CXCR4 expression and polymorphism and POL5551's effects on CXCR4 ligand binding, cell viability, and migration. No CXCR4 mutations were identified. POL5551 inhibited CXCR4 binding to its ligand, stromal cell-derived factor-1α, and reduced hypoxia- and stromal cell-derived factor-1α-mediated migration dose-dependently but minimally affected cell viability. In vivo, B20-4.1.1 increased hypoxic foci and invasiveness, as seen in GBM patients receiving anti-VEGF therapy. Combination of POL5551 and B20-4.1.1 reduced both glioma invasiveness by 16% to 39% and vascular density compared to B20-4.1.1 alone in both glioma models. Reduced populations of GSCs and MGCs were also seen in CT-2A tumors. POL5551 concentrations, evaluated by mass spectrometry, were higher in tumors than in neighboring brain tissues, likely accounting for the results. Inhibition of CXCR4-regulated tumoral, stem cell, and immune mechanisms by adjunctive CXCR4 antagonists may help overcome antiangiogenic therapy resistance, benefiting GBM patients.

Abstract A20: A novel CXCR4 antagonist interferes with antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy-induced glioma dissemination

Background: Resistance to antiangiogenic therapy (AT) in patients with glioblastoma (GBM) treated with bevacizumab (BEV) is characterized by local recurrence and distant dissemination of gliomas associated with remodeling of tumor vessels and pronounced hypoxia known to promote glioma cell invasion. Expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) is enhanced in invading tumor cells (CXCR4) and neurons and blood vessels (SDF-1α) in GBM and associated with tumor hypoxia, proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis. Using Protein Epitope Mimetics (PEM) technology (Robinson JA et al., 2008), Polyphor Ltd. has developed selective, highly potent CXCR4 antagonists (De Marco SJ et al., 2006) (U.S. Patent no. 8,716,242), such as POL5551. To address the problem of resistance to AT, we sought to determine whether combined therapy (CTx) with POL5551 and the murine equivalent of BEV (antibody B20-4.1.1) could inhibit the invasion and associated pathologic characteristics of gliomas in vivo.

Methods: Adult C57BL/6 mice implanted orthotopically with syngeneic CT-2A or GL261 glioma cells were randomized on day 14 into 4 groups: 1) control, 2) POL5551 (5 mg/kg s.c.), 3) anti-murine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody B20-4.1.1 (5 mg/kg i.p.; Genentech Inc.) (Bagri A et al., 2010) and 4) combined POL5551 and B20-4.1.1 (CTx). On day 28, brain tissues were processed, sections analyzed for tumor volume and invasiveness (Sottoriva A et al., 2010) (H&E), hypoxia (Hypoxyprobe), proliferation (pHH3, phosphohistone H3), vascular density (CD105), apoptosis (cleaved caspase 3) and microglial (IBA1, ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1) and stem (nestin) cellular fractions and the results analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The tissue concentrations of POL5551 were measured by mass spectrometry.

Results: Following B20-4.1.1, both glioma models recapitulated the increased invasive phenotype seen in human GBM associated with increased tumor hypoxia and reduced cellular proliferation and vascular density. Following POL5551 alone, tumor proliferation was slightly diminished. Nestin immunopositivity in CT-2A glioma was markedly reduced following POL5551, and to an intermediate level with CTx, consistent with a previous report (Barone A et al., 2014). In both models, CTx reduced tumor invasiveness (by up to 39.3% compared with B20-4.1.1 alone) and vascular density together with increased apoptosis. In CT-2A glioma, CTx also diminished IBA1 immunopositivity. The concentration of POL5551 was higher in GL261 glioma (45.8 nM) than in brain adjacent to tumor (23.7 nM) or normal brain (11.1 nM) and sufficient to account for its biological effects given the high binding affinity (0.5 nM) of POL5551 for CXCR4. In preliminary work, POL5551 reduced the rate of migration of GL261 glioma cells in vitro.

Conclusions: Following anti-VEGF antibody treatment, both murine glioma models recapitulated the increased invasive phenotype seen in human GBM associated with a more hypoxic tumor microenvironment. In both tumor models, CTx with POL5551 and B20-4.1.1 may be beneficial in overcoming AT-induced glioma dissemination. Importantly, POL5551 crossed the blood-brain barrier and accumulated to biologically active levels in glioma tissue. Our results suggest the potential clinical utility of PEM CXCR4 antagonists as adjunct therapy for patients with GBM.

Citation Format: Jean-Pierre Gagner, Yasmeen Sarfraz, Fawaz M. Alotaibi, Valerio Ortenzi, Awab T. Tayyib, Luis A. Chiriboga, Garry J. Douglas, Eric Chevalier, Barbara Romagnoli, Gerald Tuffin, Klaus Dembowsky, David Zagzag. A novel CXCR4 antagonist interferes with antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy-induced glioma dissemination. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Advances in Brain Cancer Research; May 27-30, 2015; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(23 Suppl):Abstract nr A20.

CXCR4 Protein Epitope Mimetic Antagonist POL5551 Disrupts Metastasis and Enhances Chemotherapy Effect in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

The SDF-1 receptor CXCR4 has been associated with early metastasis and poorer prognosis in breast cancers, especially the most aggressive triple-negative subtype. In line with previous reports, we found that tumoral CXCR4 expression in patients with locally advanced breast cancer was associated with increased metastases and rapid tumor progression. Moreover, high CXCR4 expression identified a group of bone marrow-disseminated tumor cells (DTC)-negative patients at high risk for metastasis and death. The protein epitope mimetic (PEM) POL5551, a novel CXCR4 antagonist, inhibited binding of SDF-1 to CXCR4, had no direct effects on tumor cell viability, but reduced migration of breast cancer cells in vitro. In two orthotopic models of triple-negative breast cancer, POL5551 had little inhibitory effect on primary tumor growth, but significantly reduced distant metastasis. When combined with eribulin, a chemotherapeutic microtubule inhibitor, POL5551 additively reduced metastasis and prolonged survival in mice after resection of the primary tumor compared with single-agent eribulin. Hypothesizing that POL5551 may mobilize tumor cells from their microenvironment and sensitize them to chemotherapy, we used a "chemotherapy framing" dosing strategy. When administered shortly before and after eribulin treatment, three doses of POL5551 with eribulin reduced bone and liver tumor burden more effectively than chemotherapy alone. These data suggest that sequenced administration of CXCR4 antagonists with cytotoxic chemotherapy synergize to reduce distant metastases.

Combined VEGF and CXCR4 antagonism targets the GBM stem cell population and synergistically improves survival in an intracranial mouse model of glioblastoma

Glioblastoma recurrence involves the persistence of a subpopulation of cells with enhanced tumor-initiating capacity (TIC) that reside within the perivascular space, or niche (PVN). Anti-angiogenic therapies may prevent the formation of new PVN but have not prevented recurrence in clinical trials, suggesting they cannot abrogate TIC activity. We hypothesized that combining anti-angiogenic therapy with blockade of PVN function would have superior anti-tumor activity. We tested this hypothesis in an established intracranial xenograft model of GBM using a monoclonal antibody specific for murine and human VEGF (mcr84) and a Protein Epitope Mimetic (PEM) CXCR4 antagonist, POL5551. When doses of POL5551 were increased to overcome an mcr84-induced improvement in vascular barrier function, combinatorial therapy significantly inhibited intracranial tumor growth and improved survival. Anti-tumor activity was associated with significant changes in tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis, and a reduction in the numbers of perivascular cells expressing the TIC marker nestin. A direct effect on TICs was demonstrated for POL5551, but not mcr84, in three primary patient-derived GBM isolates. These findings indicate that targeting the structure and function of the PVN has superior anti-tumor effect and provide a strong rationale for clinical evaluation of POL5551 and Avastin in patients with GBM.

Abstract 1114: Combination of a novel CXCR4 antagonist with chemotherapy reduces breast cancer bone metastatic tumor burden

Background:

Bone is the most common site of metastasis for patients with breast cancer. Tumor cells migrate to and reside in the protective bone marrow microenvironment niche through adhesive interaction between tumor CXCR4 and stromal CXCL12 (SDF1). CXCL12 is produced by activated osteoblasts, bone marrow and lung stromal cells, and endothelial cells. Nearly 60% of breast cancers express CXCR4 and this is associated with decreased survival. We hypothesized that a Protein Epitope Mimetic (PEM) POL5551, a novel CXCR4 antagonist, will limit the extent of tumor metastasis by disrupting stromal-mediated protection from cytotoxic chemotherapy and in turn may prolong survival.

Approach:

In vitro, POL5551 had no direct cytotoxic activity and did not reduce proliferation of CXCR4+ MDA-MB-231 or 4T1 osteolytic breast cancer cell lines. However, in an in vitro scratch-wound assay POL5551 inhibited migration of MDA-MB-231 cells. In a Gaussia luciferase (GLuc) complementation model in MDA-MB-231 cells, the interaction of CXCL12 with CXCR4, but not CXCR7, was blocked by low nanomolar concentrations of POL5551. At 20 mg/kg administered from day 10 post inoculation, POL5551 displayed no single agent activity on primary tumor xenografts, and in combination with eribulin there was no synergistic effect on primary tumor xenografts. However, continuation of treatment with POL5551 after surgical tumor removal decreased tumor metastasis and prolonged survival to 58 days compared to control at 45 days and eribulin alone at 51 days. Also, POL5551 showed effects on immune infiltration to the primary tumor. To test the hypothesis that CXCR4 antagonism disrupts the protective bone marrow niche in which tumor cells reside and sensitizes them to cytotoxic chemotherapy, we employed a “framing dosing strategy”. In a second model of metastasis produced by intracardiac injection of MDA-MB-231 cells, POL5551 (20 mg/kg, s.c.) was administered to mice with bone metastases 4 hours before and 4 & 18 hours after eribulin chemotherapy (0.2 mg/kg, i.v.). While bone is the predominant site of metastasis with these cell lines, lung and liver metastasis also occurs. POL5551 in combination with eribulin decreased bone tumor burden more than eribulin alone (reduction in leg bone & liver tumor burden, versus control respectively: eribulin alone 58% & 75%, n.s.; POL5551+eribulin: 89% & 86%, P<0.05; n=4-5 mice per group).

Conclusion:

These preclinical data support a synergism of CXCR4 antagonism during chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. These and additional data support initiation of a Phase I clinical trial to evaluate a related PEM CXCR4 antagonist in combination with eribulin chemotherapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer who have failed at least 2 lines of therapy.

Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting.

Citation Format: Jingyu Xiang, Michelle A. Hurchla, Kathryn Luker, Garry Douglas, Barbara Romagnoli, Eric Chevalier, Michael Bauer, Johann Zimmermann, Klaus Dembowsky, Gary Luker, Katherine N. Weilbaecher. Combination of a novel CXCR4 antagonist with chemotherapy reduces breast cancer bone metastatic tumor burden. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1114. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1114

The novel CXCR4 antagonist POL5551 mobilizes hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with greater efficiency than Plerixafor

Mobilized blood has supplanted bone marrow (BM) as the primary source of hematopoietic stem cells for autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Pharmacologically enforced egress of hematopoietic stem cells from BM, or mobilization, has been achieved by directly or indirectly targeting the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. Shortcomings of the standard mobilizing agent, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), administered alone or in combination with the only approved CXCR4 antagonist, Plerixafor, continue to fuel the quest for new mobilizing agents. Using Protein Epitope Mimetics technology, a novel peptidic CXCR4 antagonist, POL5551, was developed. In vitro data presented herein indicate high affinity to and specificity for CXCR4. POL5551 exhibited rapid mobilization kinetics and unprecedented efficiency in C57BL/6 mice, exceeding that of Plerixafor and at higher doses also of G-CSF. POL5551-mobilized stem cells demonstrated adequate transplantation properties. In contrast to G-CSF, POL5551 did not induce major morphological changes in the BM of mice. Moreover, we provide evidence of direct POL5551 binding to hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in vivo, strengthening the hypothesis that CXCR4 antagonists mediate mobilization by direct targeting of HSPCs. In summary, POL5551 is a potent mobilizing agent for HSPCs in mice with promising therapeutic potential if these data can be corroborated in humans.

The CXCR4 antagonist POL5551 is equally effective as sirolimus in reducing neointima formation without impairing re-endothelialisation

Impaired endothelial recovery after the implantation of drug-eluting stents is a major concern because of the increased risk for late stent thrombosis. The disruption of the chemokine axis CXCL12/CXCR4 inhibits neointima formation by blocking the recruitment of smooth muscle progenitor cells. To directly compare a CXCR4-targeting treatment strategy with drugs that are currently used for stent coating, we studied the effects of the CXCR4 antagonist POL5551 and the drug sirolimus on neointima formation. Apolipoprotein E-deficient mice were treated with POL5551 or sirolimus continuously for 28 days after a carotid wire injury. POL5551 inhibited neointima formation by 63% (for a dosage of 2 mg/kg/day) and by 70% (for a dosage of 20 mg/kg/day). In comparison, sirolimus reduced the neointimal area by 69%. In contrast to treatment with POL5551 during the first three days after injury, injection of POL5551 (20 mg/kg) once per day for 28 days diminished neointimal hyperplasia by 53%. An analysis of the cellular composition of the neointima showed a reduction in the relative smooth muscle cell (SMC) and macrophage content in mice that had been treated with a high dose of POL5551. In contrast, the diminished SMC content after sirolimus treatment was associated with a neointimal enrichment of macrophages. Furthermore, endothelial recovery was impaired by sirolimus, but not by POL5551. Therefore, the inhibition of CXCR4 by POL5551 is equally effective in preventing neointima formation as sirolimus, but POL5551 might be more beneficial because treatment with it results in a more stable lesion phenotype and because it does not impair re-endothelialisation.

Expression, Purification, Biochemical and Pharmacological Characterization of a Recombinant Aprotinin Variant

Aprotinin (GAS 9087-70-1) is known as a potent inhibitor of serine proteases such as trypsin, plasmin, tissue and plasma kallikrein. In this study, an aprotinin variant was designed by means of rationale mutagenesis that differs from aprotinin by two amino acids in the active site and by seven amino acids in the backbone. The recombinant protein is expressed in a secretory yeast system enabling large scale production. A purification procedure was developed to yield high amounts of pure and correctly processed aprotinin variant. The changes in the active site of the aprotinin variant increase the potency towards inhibition of plasma kallikrein whereas the inhibition of plasmin is only marginally reduced. The net charge of the molecule is reduced from the basic (IP 10.5) to the neutral range (IP 5.6). The recombinant aprotinin variant shows a decrease of immunogenicity in several models. No cross-reactivity with human and rabbit antibodies directed against aprotinin was observed both in in vivo and in ex vivo studies. In addition, the variant is more potent in a rat brain edema model of acute subdural hematoma compared to aprotinin.

Abstract P167: CXCR4 Antagonism Is Equally Effective as Sirolimus in Reducing Neointima Formation After Arterial Injury Without Impairing Reendothelialization

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is crucial in neointima formation which is a problem after stent implantation. Drug-eluting stents reduce the restenosis risk but delayed re-endothelialization promotes late stent thrombosis. We compared CXCR4 antagonism with sirolimus treatment in preventing neointima formation after arterial injury in mice. Apolipoprotein E -/- mice after carotid wire injury were given a CXCR4 antagonist (POL5551 (P), a Protein Epitope Mimetic (PEM)) or sirolimus (n=6-8/group). The drugs were administered continuously (P: 2 and 20 mg/kg/d; sirolimus: 1.25 mg/kg/d; osmotic pumps) or intermittently (P: 20 mg/kg; IP, once daily) for 28 days. The neointimal area, smooth muscle cell (SMC) content, macrophage content, and endothelial coverage were quantified by planimetry from injured arteries stained with Elastica van Giesson, or after immunostaining for α-smooth muscle actin, Mac-2, and von Willebrand Factor, respectively. Peripheral Sca-1 + /Lin - smooth muscle progenitor cells (SPCs) were measured by flow cytometry. Treatment with sirolimus as well as with a continuous (C) or intermittent (I), high (H) or low (L) dose (D) of POL5551 (P) reduced the neointimal area compared to corresponding vehicle (Sirolimus: 69%, CHD-P: 70%, CLD-P: 63%, IHD-P: 53%). The relative neointimal content of macrophages increased by sirolimus application (70%). In contrast, the macrophage content decreased by CHD-P and IHD-P application (57% and 37%, respectively). However, CLD-P application did not alter the macrophage content. Sirolimus, CHD-P, and IHD-P highly diminished the neointimal SMC content (78%, 85%, and 67%, respectively), while CLD-P treatment did not. SPC increase in the circulation 1 day post injury was prevented by sirolimus, CHD-P, and IHD-P, but not by CLD-P. The endothelial coverage was not reduced by P, but significantly by sirolimus (14%). In conclusion, CXCR4 antagonism by POL5551 is equally effective as sirolimus in reducing neointima formation after arterial injury in mice. It might be more beneficial than sirolimus because it does not impair re-endothelialization and leads to a more stable lesional phenotype. These results indicate that POL5551 might be a promising alternative for restenosis prevention after stent implantation.

Cardiomyocyte cell cycle activation ameliorates fibrosis in the atrium

MHC-TGFcys33ser transgenic mice have elevated levels of active transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 in the myocardium. Previous studies have shown that these animals develop atrial, but not ventricular, fibrosis. Here we show that atrial fibrosis was accompanied with cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Although similar levels of cardiomyocyte apoptosis were present in the right and left atria of MHC-TGFcys33ser hearts, the extent of fibrosis was more pronounced in the right atrium. Thus, additional factors influence the degree of atrial fibrosis in this model. Tritiated thymidine incorporation studies revealed cardiomyocyte cell cycle activity in left atrial cardiomyocytes, but not in right atrial cardiomyocytes. These observations suggested that cardiomyocyte cell cycle activation ameliorated the severity of atrial fibrosis. To directly test this hypothesis, MHC-TGFcys33ser mice were crossed with MHC-cycD2 mice (which have constitutive cardiomyocyte cell cycle activity in the right atrium). Mice inheriting both transgenes exhibited right atrial cardiomyocyte cell cycle activity and a concomitant reduction in the severity of right atrial fibrosis, despite the presence of a similar level of cardiomyocyte apoptosis as was observed in mice inheriting the MHC-TGFcys33ser transgene alone. These data support the notion that cardiomyocyte cell cycle induction can antagonize fibrosis in the myocardium.

Rhythmic phrenic, intercostal and sympathetic activity in relation to limb and trunk motor activity in spinal cats

During L-DOPA-induced fictive spinal locomotion rhythmic activities in nerves to internal intercostal and external oblique abdominal muscles and in phrenic and sympathetic nerves were observed which were always coordinated with locomotor activity in forelimb and hindlimb muscle nerves. A periodicity with longer lasting tonic phases could be induced by cutaneous nerve stimulation or asphyxia. This activity was observed in limb motor nerves as well as in respiratory motor and sympathetic nerves. A slow independent activity of the phrenic and intercostal nerves or the sympathetic nerves, which could be related to a normal respiratory rhythm or independent sympathetic rhythms was not observed. The findings indicate that during fictive spinal locomotion the activity of spinal rhythm generators for locomotion also projects onto respiratory and sympathetic spinal neurones.

NO- and haem-independent activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase: molecular basis and cardiovascular implications of a new pharmacological principle

1. Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is the only proven receptor for the ubiquitous biological messenger nitric oxide (NO) and is intimately involved in many signal transduction pathways, most notably in regulating vascular tone and platelet function. sGC is a heterodimeric (alpha/ss) protein that converts GTP to cyclic GMP; NO binds to its prosthetic haem group. Here, we report the discovery of a novel sGC activating compound, its interaction with a previously unrecognized regulatory site and its therapeutic implications. 2. Through a high-throughput screen we identified BAY 58-2667, an amino dicarboxylic acid which potently activates sGC in an NO-independent manner. In contrast to NO, YC-1 and BAY 41-2272, the sGC stimulators described recently, BAY 58-2667 activates the enzyme even after it has been oxidized by the sGC inhibitor ODQ or rendered haem deficient. 3. Binding studies with radiolabelled BAY 58-2667 show a high affinity site on the enzyme. 4. Using photoaffinity labelling studies we identified the amino acids 371 (alpha-subunit) and 231 - 310 (ss-subunit) as target regions for BAY 58-2667. 5. sGC activation by BAY 58-2667 results in an antiplatelet activity both in vitro and in vivo and a potent vasorelaxation which is not influenced by nitrate tolerance. 6. BAY 58-2667 shows a potent antihypertensive effect in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats. In anaesthetized dogs the hemodynamic effects of BAY 58-2667 and GTN are very similar on the arterial and venous system. 7. This novel type of sGC activator is a valuable research tool and may offer a new approach for treating cardiovascular diseases.

Phrenic, intercostal and sympathetic activity related to fictive locomotor activity of limb muscles in spinal cats

During L-DOPA induced fictive spinal locomotion co-ordinated rhythmic activities in external and internal intercostal, phrenic and sympathetic nerves were observed which were always co-ordinated with locomotor activity in forelimb and hindlimb muscle nerves. If long lasting tonic activity was induced by cutaneous nerve stimulation or asphyxia this activity was observed in limb motor nerves as well as in respiratory motor and sympathetic nerves. A slow independent activity of the phrenic and intercostal nerves or the sympathetic nerves which could be related to a normal respiratory rhythm or independent sympathetic rhythms was not observed. The findings indicate that during fictive spinal locomotion the activity of spinal rhythm generators for locomotion irradiates onto respiratory and sympathetic spinal neurones.

Cardiovascular actions of a novel NO-independent guanylyl cyclase stimulator, BAY 41-8543: in vivo studies

BAY 41-8543 is a novel non-NO-based stimulator of sGC. This study investigates the acute effects of BAY 41-8543 on haemodynamics in anaesthetized rats and dogs, its long-term effects in conscious hypertension rat models and its antiplatelet effects. In anaesthetized dogs, intravenous injections of BAY 41-8543 (3 - 100 microg kg(-1)) caused a dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure and cardiac oxygen consumption as well as an increase in coronary blood flow and heart rate. In anaesthetized normotensive rats, BAY 41-8543 produced a dose-dependent and long-lasting blood pressure lowering effect after intravenous (3 - 300 microg kg(-1)) and oral (0.1 - 1 mg kg(-1)) administration. A dose-dependent and long-lasting decrease in blood pressure was also observed in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats with a threshold dose of 0.1 mg kg(-1) p.o. After 3 mg kg(-1) the antihypertensive effect lasted for nearly 24 h. After multiple dosages, BAY 41-8543 did not develop tachyphylaxis in SHR. BAY 41-8543 prolonged the rat tail bleeding time and reduced thrombosis in the FeCl(3) thrombosis model after oral administration. In a low NO, high renin rat model of hypertension, BAY 41-8543 prevented the increase in blood pressure evoked by L-NAME and reveals a kidney protective effect. In this model, the overall beneficial effects of BAY 41-8543 manifested as both antiplatelet effect and vasodilatation were reflected in a significant reduction in mortality. The pharmacological profile of BAY 41-8543 suggests therefore that this compound has the potential to be an important research tool for in vivo investigations in the sGC/cGMP field and it also has the potential of being a unique clinical utility for treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Pharmacological actions of a novel NO-independent guanylyl cyclase stimulator, BAY 41-8543: in vitro studies

BAY 41-8543 is a novel, highly specific and so far the most potent NO-independent stimulator of sGC. Here we report the effects of BAY 41-8543 on the isolated enzyme, endothelial cells, platelets, isolated vessels and Langendorff heart preparation. BAY 41-8543 stimulates the recombinant sGC concentration-dependently from 0.0001 microM to 100 microM up to 92-fold. In combination, BAY 41-8543 and NO have synergistic effects over a wide range of concentrations. Similar results are shown in implying that BAY 41-8543 stimulates the sGC directly and furthermore makes the enzyme more sensitive to its endogenous activator NO. In vitro, BAY 41-8543 is a potent relaxing agent of aortas, saphenous arteries, coronary arteries and veins with IC(50)-values in the nM range. In the rat heart Langendorff preparation, BAY 41-8543 potently reduces coronary perfusion pressure from 10(-9) to 10(-6) g ml(-1) without any effect on left ventricular pressure and heart rate. BAY 41-8543 is effective even under nitrate tolerance conditions proved by the same vasorelaxing effect on aortic rings taken either from normal or nitrate-tolerant rats. BAY 41-8543 is a potent inhibitor of collagen-mediated aggregation in washed human platelets (IC(50)=0.09 microM). In plasma, BAY 41-8543 inhibits collagen-mediated aggregation better than ADP-induced aggregation, but has no effect on the thrombin pathway. BAY 41-8543 is also a potent direct stimulator of the cyclic GMP/PKG/VASP pathway in platelets and synergizes with NO over a wide range of concentrations. These results suggest that BAY 41-8543 is on the one hand an invaluable tool for studying sGC signaling in vitro and on the other hand its unique profile may offer a novel approach for treating cardiovascular diseases.

NO-independent regulatory site on soluble guanylate cyclase

Nitric oxide (NO) is a widespread, potent, biological mediator that has many physiological and pathophysiological roles. Research in the field of NO appears to have followed a straightforward path, and the findings have been progressive: NO and cyclic GMP are involved in vasodilatation; glycerol trinitrate relaxes vascular smooth muscles by bioconversion to NO; mammalian cells synthesize NO; and last, NO mediates vasodilatation by stimulating the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), a heterodimeric (alpha/beta) haem protein that converts GTP to cGMP2-4. Here we report the discovery of a regulatory site on sGC. Using photoaffinity labelling, we have identified the cysteine 238 and cysteine 243 region in the alpha1-subunit of sGC as the target for a new type of sGC stimulator. Moreover, we present a pyrazolopyridine, BAY 41-2272, that potently stimulates sGC through this site by a mechanism that is independent of NO. This results in antiplatelet activity, a strong decrease in blood pressure and an increase in survival in a low-NO rat model of hypertension, and as such may offer an approach for treating cardiovascular diseases.

Atrial but not ventricular fibrosis in mice expressing a mutant transforming growth factor-beta(1) transgene in the heart

Increased transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1) activity has been observed during pathologic cardiac remodeling in a variety of animal models. In an effort to establish a causal role of TGF-beta(1) in this process, transgenic mice with elevated levels of active myocardial TGF-beta(1) were generated. The cardiac-restricted alpha-myosin heavy chain promoter was used to target expression of a mutant TGF-beta(1) cDNA harboring a cysteine-to-serine substitution at amino acid residue 33. This alteration blocks covalent tethering of the TGF-beta(1) latent complex to the extracellular matrix, thereby rendering a large proportion (>60%) of the transgene-encoded TGF-beta(1) constitutively active. Although similar levels of active TGF-beta(1) were present in the transgenic atria and ventricles, overt fibrosis was observed only in the atria. Surprisingly, increased active TGF-beta(1) levels inhibited ventricular fibroblast DNA synthesis in uninjured hearts and delayed wound healing after myocardial injury. These data suggest that increased TGF-beta(1) activity by itself is insufficient to promote ventricular fibrosis in the adult mouse ventricle.

Integrative properties of sympathetic preganglionic neurones within the thoracic spinal cord

The discharge pattern of sympathetic preganglionic neurones (SPNs) in the lateral horn is shaped by the interplay of synaptic inputs, membrane properties and local factors within the spinal cord. Intracellular recordings in vivo and in vitro have clarified the importance of some of these factors. Pacemaker activity can be recorded in vitro, but does not contribute to the generation of action potentials in vivo where spikes are solely generated from synaptic potentials. Synaptic potentials occur in phase with either the cardiac or the respiratory cycle or at irregular intervals. Postsynaptic interaction of these various inputs at the level of SPNs as well as presynaptic gating mechanisms in relation to the respiratory cycle have been observed. The discharge pattern is also modified by specific membrane properties which function to limit their discharge rate in the absence of axon collaterals. Finally the discharge of SPNs is affected by local factors: Since asphyxia causes a strong sympathetic activation when synaptic inputs to other neurones are already non-functioning synapses on SPNs are resistant to hypoxia or changes in the extracellular fluid somehow influence the activity of these neurones.

Spontaneous activity, conduction velocity and segmental origin of different classes of thoracic preganglionic neurons projecting into the cat cervical sympathetic trunk

Previously, in the anesthetized cat, thoracic preganglionic neurons projecting to the superior cervical ganglion were divided into four classes (groups I-IV) by way of their reflex pattern. Neurons of each class are probably involved in a distinct function, such as regulation of peripheral vascular resistance, regulation of blood flow through skin, regulation of pupil diameter, etc. Here it was tested whether the functionally different classes of thoracic preganglionic neurons also differ in the distribution of their segmental origin, their spontaneous activity and the conduction velocity of their axons. The segmental distribution of preganglionic neurons was almost identical to that determined previously with tracer methods. Distinct classes of neurons had different, although overlapping segmental distributions. Most group III neurons were located in segments T1 and T2, whereas group I, II and IV neurons showed a broader distribution. The subpopulations of preganglionic neurons did not differ in their rate of spontaneous activity. No significant difference was found in segmental distribution between neurons with spontaneous activity and silent neurons. No correlation was found between conduction velocity and spontaneous activity. The proportion of unmyelinated units was greater among group I (16.3%), group II (24.1%) and group IV (22.2%) neurons than among group III neurons (8%). The distributions of conduction velocity were significantly different between group I and group III and between group II and group III neurons. Axons of preganglionic neurons located in segments T1 and T2 conducted faster than axons of neurons located more caudally. The present study shows that distinct subpopulations of preganglionic neurons, as defined by their reflex patterns, differ in their segmental location within the spinal cord and with respect to the conduction velocity of their axons.

Respiratory-related activity patterns in preganglionic neurones projecting into the cat cervical sympathetic trunk

1. Activity in 233 single sympathetic preganglionic neurones that project to the superior cervical ganglion was analysed with respect to central components of respiration (phrenic nerve discharge) and to the afferent feedback generated by mechanical events occurring with ventilation in anaesthetized and artificially ventilated cats. 2. The activity in ninety-one neurones was modulated during the respiratory cycle in two ways: directly by the central inspiratory drive, and indirectly by ventilation-related blood pressure changes, acting via the systemic baroreceptors. The direct influence was prominent in vagotomized animals or those with a raised respiratory drive, and consisted of an inspiratory increase in activity and decreases of activity in early inspiration and postinspiration. The indirect influence (excitation due to baroreceptor unloading) usually dominated in normocapnic cats with intact vagus nerves. This population of neurones showed both similar reflex responses and a similar respiratory modulation of activity as postganglionic neurones supplying hindlimb skeletal muscle. 3. Sixty-one neurones discharged exclusively, or almost exclusively, during central inspiration. This discharge pattern neither depended on the integrity of vagal nor baroreceptor afferents. The activity of these neurones was abolished during hyperventilation and enhanced during hypercapnia. In the latter state, a small activation was often seen in stage II expiration. 4. In normocapnia the remainder of neurones (n = 81) exhibited no, or no pronounced, respiratory modulation of activity, except three neurones which showed a prominent expiratory pattern being of central and not of reflex origin. They were not a homogeneous population and included neurones exhibiting reflex responses similar to those of postganglionic neurones supplying hindlimb skin (n = 36), neurones responding to light (n = 4), and others (n = 41). 5. It is concluded that distinct types of thoracic preganglionic neurone differ with respect to respiratory modulation of their activity stemming from both central and reflex sources. Thus, the temporal profile of activity in these neurones in relation to respiration is another functional characteristic which can be used to distinguish between populations of sympathetic neurones.

Characteristics of sympathetic reflexes evoked by electrical stimulation of phrenic nerve afferents

In chloralose-anaesthetized cats, sympathetic reflex responses were recorded in left cardiac and renal nerve during stimulation of afferent fibres in the ipsilateral phrenic nerve. In cardiac nerve, a late reflex potential with a mean onset latency of 75.6 +/- 13.8 ms was regularly recorded which, in 20% of the experiments, was preceded by an early, very small reflex component (latency between 35 and 52 ms). In contrast, in renal nerve only a single reflex component after a mean latency of 122.1 +/- 13.1 ms was observed. Bilateral microinjections of the GABA-agonist muscimol into the rostral ventrolateral medulla oblongata resulted in a nearly complete abolition of sympathetic background activity and in an 88% reduction of the late reflex amplitude with only small effects on the latency of the evoked potentials. Under this condition, an early reflex component was never observed to appear. After subsequent high cervical spinalization, the residual small potentials which persisted after bilateral muscimol injections were completely abolished and in cardiac nerve an early reflex potential with a mean latency of 45 +/- 10 ms was observed in all but one experiment. The early reflex was therefore referred to as a spinal reflex component which, however, is suppressed in most animals with an intact neuraxis. In the renal nerve a spinal response was only observed in one experiment after spinalization. The results suggest that sympathetic reflexes evoked by stimulation of phrenic nerve afferent fibres possess similar spinal and supraspinal pathways as previously described for somato-sympathetic and viscero-sympathetic reflexes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

K-dependent inhibition in the dentate-CA3 network of guinea pig hippocampal slices

1. The occurrence of potassium-dependent inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (K-IPSPs) in relation to burst discharges induced by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP; 30 microM) was studied in CA3, granule and hilar neurons in guinea pig hippocampal slices with the use of paired extra- and/or intracellular recording. 2. Slow small (2-5 mV) and large (up to 30 mV) K-IPSPs were observed in CA3, granule and in some hilar neurons during 4-AP applications in the presence of blockers for fast synaptic transmission, picrotoxin (50 microM), and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX; 5-10 microM). Amplitudes of K-IPSPs were linearly related to voltage, and they reversed in sign close to -100 mV, as expected for synaptic potentials generated by an increase in K-conductance. 3. In CA3 neurons, 4-AP applied in the presence of picrotoxin elicited burst discharges and K-IPSPs. CNQX blocked the burst discharge activity and increased the amplitude of K-IPSPs. 4. In granule cells, 4-AP applied in the presence of picrotoxin elicited K-IPSPs and only inconsistently small excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs). The EPSPs were blocked by CNQX, but CNQX application did not affect the K-IPSPs. However, in granule cells it could be observed that blockade of Cl-inhibition by picrotoxin in the presence of CNQX increased the amplitude of K-IPSPs. 5. In hilar neurons, 4-AP applied in the presence of picrotoxin elicited mainly burst discharges. CNQX blocked the burst discharges only in a few cells. In most hilar neurons K-IPSPs were observed at the beginning of the 4-AP effect, but subsequently K-IPSPs were replaced by burst discharges. 6. To determine the type of cells that burst in picrotoxin and 4-AP, neurons were stained intracellularly with horseradish peroxidase. Neurons stained in the granule cell layer did not burst and were morphologically identified as granule cells. Neurons stained in the hilar region burst and were nonpyramidal, nongranule cells. Bursting cells stained in the CA3 area were all pyramidal cells. 7. The hilar neurons varied considerably in size and dendritic organization. They could be classified as aspiny and spiny cells, the latter including mossy cells. 8. We conclude that K-dependent inhibition may explain the long-lasting IPSPs observed in in vivo recordings from hippocampal cells. In a hippocampal lamella, burst discharge activity of hilar neurons including presumed excitatory mossy cells is associated with inhibition of granule cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Central action of α-adrenoceptor agents on the baroreceptor reflex

In chloralose-anaesthetized cats the effects of intravenous application of the alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonistic and antagonistic agents methoxamine, prazosin, B-HT 933 and rauwolscine were tested on baroreceptor reflex, sympathetic background activity and blood pressure. Sympathetic activity was recorded from the renal nerve and the efficacy of the central transmission of the baroreceptor reflex was measured by the duration of the complete inhibition of renal nerve activity during electrical stimulation of the left carotid sinus nerve. All baroreceptors were denervated by sectioning both carotid sinus and vagal nerves. The alpha 1-agonist methoxamine increased baroreceptor-induced sympatho-inhibition, sympathetic background activity and blood pressure. The alpha 1-antagonist prazosin had the opposite effects. The alpha 2-agonist B-HT 933 was most effective in augmenting the inhibitory response in sympathetic activity to baroreceptor stimulation; sympathetic background activity and blood pressure were also decreased. At low doses (50 micrograms/kg) the alpha 2-antagonist rauwolscine reduced the baroreceptor sympathetic reflex inhibition and increased sympathetic activity and blood pressure. The effect of B-HT 933 upon the baroreceptor reflex could be completely antagonized by rauwolscine. These findings demonstrate a very effective facilitation of the baroreceptor reflex transmission by stimulation of central alpha 2-adrenoceptors. Through such humoral-neuronal interaction circulating catecholamines are likely to modulate cardiovascular control.

Classification of preganglionic neurones projecting into the cat cervical sympathetic trunk

1. The spontaneous and reflex activity patterns of 167 single preganglionic axons dissected from the cervical sympathetic trunk were examined in chloralose-anaesthetized cats. Each neurone was classified into one of four major groups, on the basis of three principal criteria: the presence or absence of significant cardiac rhythmicity of the activity, the response to noxious stimulation of the skin, and the coupling of its activity to central inspiratory drive (phrenic nerve activity). Most neurones were also subjected to additional tests, which included carotid chemoreceptor stimulation, nasopharyngeal probing, systemic hypercapnia (ventilation with 8% CO2), hyperventilation, adrenaline-induced blood pressure rises and retinal illumination. 2. Group I neurones (n = 69; 41%) showed significant cardiac rhythmicity, indicating strong baroreceptor control. Most (54/69) were excited by noxious stimuli, the rest being unaffected. Their activity showed variable degrees of excitatory coupling to the central inspiratory drive, and was enhanced by hypercapnia (35/39). Their responses to stimulation of arterial chemoreceptors (12/15) and nasopharyngeal receptors (24/35) were excitatory. 3. Group II neurones (n = 39; 23%) were inhibited by noxious stimulation of skin. With nine exceptions, they showed no significant cardiac rhythmicity, although they were weakly inhibited by an adrenaline-induced blood pressure rise. Their coupling to central inspiratory drive was weak or absent, and their responses to hypercapnia and hyperventilation were variable. By contrast to other groups, they were inhibited by both chemoreceptor stimulation (9/10) and nasopharyngeal stimulation (17/18). 4. Group III neurones (n = 33; 20%) showed no significant cardiac rhythmicity, but their activity was closely coupled to central inspiratory drive. They were inhibited by hyperventilation (9/9) and excited by hypercapnia (20/21), but only fired during the central inspiratory phase and sometimes during late expiration. Their responses to noxious stimulation (28/33), chemoreceptor stimulation (8/11) and nasopharyngeal probing (24/24) were excitatory, but the induced activity was 'gated' by the respiratory cycle, occurring primarily during inspiration and avoiding the postinspiratory phase. 5. Group IV neurones (n = 26; 16%) showed no significant cardiac or respiratory related activity and were either excited (n = 22) or unaffected (n = 4) by noxious stimuli. One of the latter and three group II neurones were inhibited by retinal illumination; thirty-one other neurones of all classes were unaffected. 6. Approximately 45% of thoracic sympathetic neurones were silent under the experimental conditions. About 25% of these could be recruited by systemic hypercapnia leaving 34% without spontaneous and reflex activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Inhibition of cardiac sympathetic nerve activity during swallowing evoked by laryngeal afferent stimulation in the cat

Spontaneous swallowing or the buccopharyngeal phase of swallowing evoked by electrical stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve was accompanied by a pronounced decrease of sympathetic activity in the cardiac nerve. This reduction of sympathetic activity was not related to other influences such as postinspiratory inhibition or baroreceptor-mediated inhibition. Intracellular recordings from sympathetic preganglionic neurones revealed hyperpolarization during the buccopharyngeal phase of swallowing, possibly due to postsynaptic inhibition.

Baroreceptor inhibition of subretrofacial neurons: evidence from intracellular recordings in the cat

Neurons of the subretrofacial nucleus in the rostral ventrolateral medulla have been studied by in vivo intracellular recording in the chloralose-anaesthetized cat. Impalements of sufficient quality to demonstrate inhibition by carotid baroreceptor stimulation (blind sac inflation) were obtained for 9 cells. In 8 of these, a clear hyperpolarization followed approximately 100-200 ms after the baroreceptor stimulus, reaching a maximum of 2-9 mV, 200-500 ms later. These findings confirm by more direct methods the inhibition of subretrofacial neurons by arterial baroreceptors.

Chemoreceptor stimulation on sympathetic activity: dependence on respiratory phase

Experiments were performed on chloralose-anesthetized, vagotomized, paralyzed, and artificially ventilated cats breathing 100% O2. Peripheral chemoreceptors were stimulated by rapid injections of CO2-saturated NaHCO3 in different phases of the respiratory cycle. Responses of cardiac and renal sympathetic nerves were computed by digital integration. Spontaneous sympathetic activity was consistently modulated by respiration, the modulation being greater for cardiac than for renal nerves. Cardiac nerve responses to peripheral chemoreceptor stimulation depended on the respiratory phase for at least one experimental condition in four of seven animals: the responses were largest during late inspiration and smallest (or absent) during postinspiration and early expiration. Renal nerve responses depended on respiratory phase in only two of eight animals. An average end-tidal CO2 concentration increase from 4.6 +/- 0.8% (SD) to 6.7 +/- 0.9% enhanced the respiratory modulation of spontaneous activity but reduced the responses to peripheral chemoreceptor stimulation. The results indicate that the respiratory modulation of chemoreceptor-induced sympathetic responses was less prominent than the modulation of spontaneous activity. It is hypothesized that the phase dependence of the responses is caused by the spontaneously occurring expiratory diminution of sympathetic activity rather than by an inherent gating of the chemoreceptor reflex.

Bepridil versus nifedipine for ventricular tachycardia induced in the late postinfarction phase in conscious dogs

The effects of the two calcium antagonists bepridil and nifedipine on induced ventricular tachyarrhythmias were studied by programmed electrical stimulation in 15 dogs, 4-8 days after myocardial infarction. Recordings from the infarcted and normal anterior wall of the left ventricle were obtained with an epicardial implanted 'composite' electrode. Bepridil (5 mg/kg) or nifedipine (0.025 mg/kg) were administered i.v. on different days and testing was repeated. Sustained ventricular tachycardia was prevented or significantly slowed by bepridil in 11/12 experiments compared with none of 9 experiments with nifedipine. Paradoxically, in 10/15 dogs nifedipine accelerated arrhythmias or even provoked ventricular fibrillation. Bepridil prolonged refractoriness of infarcted myocardium by 15 +/- 4% (mean +/- SD, p less than 0.01), which was greater than the increase it produced in the effective refractory period of normal tissue (9.0 +/- 3.8%) or QTc interval (11 +/- 5.5%). In contrast, nifedipine significantly shortened these parameters. Both drugs did not influence conduction in infarcted and normal zones as indicated by unchanged late potentials, QRS duration and normal-zone electrograms, respectively. The data indicate that the antiarrhythmic action of bepridil was predominantly related to the prolongation of ventricular refractoriness and repolarization (class III effects).

Tonic descending inhibition of the spinal cardio-sympathetic reflex in the cat

Electrical stimulation of the left inferior cardiac nerve elicited a two-component reflex potential (spinal and supraspinal reflexes) in the ipsilateral white ramus T3 from which recordings were made in chloralose-anaesthetised cats. Reversible interruption of all spinal pathways achieved by cooling the spinal cord at C2/C3 produced an enhancement of the spinal reflex and abolished the supraspinal reflex, the latter usually being the more prominent reflex potential prior to spinal cord block. The spinal cord block-induced increase in the amplitude of the spinal reflex was, however, less than the increase observed during stimulation of the somatic intercostal nerve T4. Recordings of the afferent volley following cardiac nerve stimulation and analysis of the stimulus-reflex response relationship in neuraxis-blocked cats indicated that the spinal reflex as determined here was activated by A delta afferent fibres. However, if stimulus strength was raised above C-fibre threshold, spinal cord block revealed in addition a late spinal reflex response. In some cases, the appearance of this late potential was accompanied by a secondary decline of the earlier spinal reflex potential, possibly indicating C-fibre-mediated afferent inhibition. Neither baroreceptor activation nor denervation had any effect on spinal reflex amplitudes. Pharmacologically, clonidine given i.v. to cats with a blocked neuraxis reduced the spinal reflex amplitudes to pre-block values, an action which could be antagonised by the subsequent administration of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist rauwolscine. When given to non-pretreated cats with intact neuraxis, however, neither rauwolscine nor its analog yohimbine were capable of inducing a persistent release from tonic inhibition. The results suggest that both purely visceral and somato-visceral reflexes are subject to tonic descending inhibition, but they do not support the hypothesis that a catecholamine is the responsible transmitter mediating this inhibition.

Morphology of electrophysiologically identified baroreceptor afferents and second order neurones in the brainstem of the cat

Baroreceptor afferent fibres and second order baroreceptor neurones were identified by their discharge pattern and were intracellularly injected with horseradish peroxidase. Three afferent fibres and three second order neurones were reconstructed by camera lucida drawings from serial sections of the brainstem. The afferent fibres were classified as A delta-fibres and had terminal arborizations with synaptic boutons in the dorsomedial region of the nuclei of the solitary tract (TS). The afferent fibres had additional collaterals with a medial projection to the commissural nucleus and in a direction lateral to the TS. The terminals of these collaterals could not be demonstrated. The second order neurones were located in the same dorsomedial region as the synaptic boutons of the afferent fibres. Neurones were small and spindle-shaped with two primary dendrites: one dendrite projected cranially along the medial border of the TS, and the second one projected caudally and medially into the commissural nucleus. The unmyalinated axons of these neurones could be traced over a distance of 1 mm. In only one neurone could an axon collateral be detected. The axons projected dorsally around the TS in a ventrolateral direction beyond the boundaries of the nuclei of the TS. The axon collateral projected in the medial direction into the commissural nucleus. In no case were axon terminals demonstrated.

Afferent connections and spinal projections of the pressor region in the rostral ventrolateral medulla of the cat

Following microinjection of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) into the pressor region of the rostral ventrolateral medulla of the cat, the medulla, pons and hypothalamus were examined for retrogradely labelled cell bodies, while the thoracolumbar segments of the spinal cord were examined for anterogradely labelled axons. Dense groups of labelled cells were found in the following areas: (1) the nucleus of the solitary tract, particularly the medial, ventrolateral and commissural subnuclei; (2) the ambiguous complex and immediately surrounding area; (3) the Kölliker-Fuse nucleus in the pons; (4) the paraventricular nucleus and lateral hypothalamic area. In the spinal cord, labelled axons formed a band extending throughout the dorsolateral and ventrolateral funiculi at thoracic segments, while terminal labelling was observed in the intermediolateral nucleus and to a lesser extent the central autonomic area, but not in other parts of the grey matter. The findings are discussed in relation to the role of the rostral ventrolateral medulla in cardiovascular regulation, particularly the baroreceptor reflex.

Rostrocaudal location of sympathetic preganglionic neurones within the third thoracic segment of the cat spinal cord investigated by the retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase and by recording of antidromic field potentials

The rostrocaudal location of sympathetic preganglionic neurones (SPNs) in the intermediolateral cell column of the third thoracic segment was studied in the cat by the retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase and by recording of antidromic field potentials in the spinal cord in response to stimulation of white ramus T3. By both methods, the position of the rostral and caudal border of SPNs was determined in relation to the entry of segmental dorsal roots. It was found that SPN's are confined in the spinal cord to the length of one segment (9494 +/- 823 micron), but are shifted rostrally by about 3 mm with respect to the point of entry of the dorsal roots of segment T3.

Three types of sympathetic preganglionic neurones with different electrophysiological properties are identified by intracellular recordings in the cat

Intracellular recordings were obtained from sympathetic preganglionic neurones (SPN) of the third thoracic segment in cats. Based on differences in their active and passive electrophysiological properties, three different types of SPNs were discerned: Type A neurones had a high resting membrane potential (RMP) (-60 to -86 mV) and a low input resistance (RN) 12-23 M omega). Action potentials of these neurones had a pronounced IS-SD inflexion and a prominent shoulder in their falling phase. Spikes were rarely generated from the on-going synaptic activity. Type B neurones had a lower RMP (-48 to -65 mV) and a higher RN (21-37 M omega). Their action potentials were characterized by an after-depolarization; they showed a slight IS-SD inflexion and a less pronounced shoulder in their falling phase. The after-depolarization was abolished by membrane hyperpolarization in a time dependent way. A hyperpolarization of at least 50 ms duration was required for its abolition. The after-depolarization was also abolished during repetitive discharges. In most of these neurones spikes were generated at irregular intervals and low rates (0.06-4.6 spikes/s) from the synaptic activity. Type C neurones were similar to type B neurones, but their action potentials did not show the after-depolarization. Additionally, spikes were generated at fairly regular intervals and rather high rates (0.8-6.5 spikes/s). The rate of spike repolarization of all neurones was markedly increased by hyperpolarization and decreased by membrane depolarization. Current-voltage curves of some type B and C neurones showed a marked rectification upon membrane hyperpolarization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Morphology of sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the thoracic spinal cord of the cat: an intracellular horseradish peroxidase study

Horseradish peroxidase was intracellularly injected into sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPN) of the third thoracic segment in cats. Seven neurons were reconstructed from serial horizontal or parasagittal sections of the spinal cord. The cell bodies of all neurons were located in the n. intermediolateralis pars principalis (ILp). They were spindle-shaped with the long axis in craniocaudal direction or large and multipolar or small and oval in shape. Preferentially on the cranial and caudal pole of the cell body, five to eight primary dendrites arose from the cell body. Dendritic branches were traced to their terminations at distances up to 1,330 microns from the cell body. The dendritic fields of all SPNs were strictly oriented in the longitudinal direction with a total length of 1,500-2,540 microns. The cranial and caudal dendritic fields were about equal in length but, with one exception, the degree of branching was always greater in the cranial than in the caudal dendritic field. The dendritic fields of all SPNs were primarily restricted to the ILp. In the mediolateral direction it extended from 130 to 360 microns and in the dorsoventral direction from 50 to 180 microns. Only rarely, a higher-order dendrite left the boundaries of the ILp and projected dorsolaterally or laterally into the white matter or ventromedially or medially into the adjacent n. intercalatus. All dendrites showed various forms of spines. At a distance of 132-437 microns from the cell body the axon arose as a direct extension of a process which closely resembled a primary or second-order dendrite. The axons projected ventrally and mostly caudally along the lateral border of the gray matter until they turned laterally at the end of the ventral horn. No axon collaterals were observed.

Segmental distribution of afferent fibres in the left inferior cardiac nerve of the cat studied by anterograde transport of horseradish peroxidase

The segmental projection of afferent fibres in the left inferior cardiac nerve of the cat was studied by using the anterograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). HRP-positive cell bodies were detected in ipsilateral dorsal root ganglia from segments T1 to T7. No labelled neurones were found at segments C8 and T8. The total number of labelled neurones ranged from 157 to 535 neurones in individual experiments. The majority of neurones (70-88%) were localized in the dorsal root ganglia of segments T2-T4. Labelled neurones were oval shaped, and most neurones had a long axis in the range from 20 to 40 microns.

Tonic catecholaminergic inhibition of the spinal somato-sympathetic reflexes originating in the ventrolateral medulla oblongata

In chloralose-anesthetized cats activity of the spinal and supraspinal components of the somato-sympathetic reflex were evoked in the white ramus at T3 by stimulation of the corresponding intercostal nerve. A blockade of all spinal pathways by means of a reversible cold blockade of the spinal cord at C2-C3 produced the following effects: (1) mean arterial blood pressure fell to 30-50 mm Hg and the tonic background activity in the white ramus was markedly reduced; (2) the amplitude of the spinal reflex was significantly increased and the supraspinal reflex was completely abolished; (3) localized cold block of the dorsolateral funiculus produced the same effect as cold block of the whole spinal cord; (4) neither baroreceptor denervation nor midcollicular decerebration altered these effects; and (5) the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine reduced the increased amplitude of the spinal reflex during cold blockade; this effect was reversed by the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine. Bilateral cold blockade of areas on the ventrolateral surface of the brain stem between the rootlets of the hypoglossal nerve and the trapezoid body caused the same effect on background and reflex activity in the white ramus as did spinal cord blockade. A mapping of the catecholaminergic (CA) neurons in the lower brain stem of the cat by means of the fluorescence method showed CA neurons in the ventrolateral medulla at two levels: (1) one group of neurons in the caudal medulla, which lies ventral and dorsal to the lateral reticular nucleus (corresponding to area A1 in the rat); and (2) a second group found more cranially and located ventrally to the facial nucleus (corresponding to area A5 in the rat). CA nerve terminals in the spinal cord mainly innervate the intermediolateral cell column. From these findings it is concluded that in the anesthetized cat the spinal component of the somato-sympathetic reflex is modulated by a descending tonic inhibition. This inhibition is independent of baroreceptor input. The pathways descend in the dorsolateral funiculus of the spinal cord, and it is suggested that they originate either in the cranial part of area A1 and/or area A5.

Tonic descending inhibition of the spinal somato-sympathetic reflex from the lower brain stem

In chloralose-anaesthetized cats the spinal and supraspinal components of the somato-sympathetic reflex were evoked in the white ramus at T3 and/or L2 by stimulation of intercostal and spinal nerves. A reversible blockade of all ascending and descending spinal pathways was performed by cooling the spinal cord between the second and third cervical segment. Total blockade of conduction was produced at temperatures below 8.5 degrees C (281.5 K). The spinal blockade produced the following reversible effects. (1) Mean arterial pressure fell to 30-50 mm Hg (4.0-6.7 kpa) and the tonic background activity in the white ramus was reduced to 0-24% of control (mean 12.1 +/- 10.0%). (2) The amplitude of the early spinal reflex was increased from 100% to 111-316% (mean 200.9 +/- 49.5%, n = 49) at the thoracic level and to 125-342% (mean 181.4 +/- 74.4%, n = 7) at the lumbar level. The onset latency of the spinal reflex at T3 (range 8-21 msec) was shortened by 0.5-3.0 msec (mean 1.7 +/- 0.9 msec). (3) Supraspinal components were completely abolished. (4) Neither baroreceptor denervation nor midcollicular decerebration altered these effects. (5) The cold block induced increase of the amplitude of the spinal reflex was reduced by the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine; this effect was reversed by the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine. Selective cooling of the dorsolateral funiculus caused the same effects on the spinal and supraspinal reflexes as cold block of the whole spinal cord. From these findings it is concluded that in the anaesthetized cat the spinal component of the somato-sympathetic reflex is modulated by a descending tonic inhibition. This inhibition acts at both the thoracic and the lumbar level and its origin is in the medulla oblongata. This inhibition is, however, independent of baroreceptor inputs. The pathways descends in the dorsolateral funiculus. It is suggested that noradrenaline or adrenaline might be involved in the transmission of this inhibitory influence.

Bulbospinal projections to the intermediolateral cell column: a neuroanatomical study

The location of those neurones in the brain stem that project to the intermediolateral column (ILC) from which preganglionic sympathetic neurones have their origin was studied by the method of retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). In cats 30--50 nl of a 30% HRP solution was injected into the region of the ILC at T3 or L1 on one side. After a survival period of 72 h the lower brain stem from C1 to the inferior colliculi was sectioned and prepared for histological study under brightfield illumination. Neurones stained with exogenous HRP were found in three regions: (a) in the ipsilateral, dorsomedial part of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) (43% of all labeled neurones), in the cranial part of the NTS, and also on the contralateral side (7%); (b) in the ventrolateral reticular formation beginning at the level of the obex up to 8 mm cranial to the obex (25% ipsilateral, 3% contralateral); and (c) in the ventral part of the raphe nuclei (postpyramidal and inferior central nucleus) from 2 to 9 mm cranial to the obex (22%).

Neurones within the "chemosensitive area" on the ventral surface of the brainstem which project to the intermediolateral column

With the method of retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase it has been demonstrated that neurones within the "chemosensitive area" of the brainstem project to the thoracic intermediolateral column. The function of these neurones is discussed in regard to the regulation of blood pressure.