Correlation between breeding values for milk fatty acids and Nordic Total Merit index traits for Danish Holstein and Danish Jersey

Milk fatty acid composition is gaining interest in the Danish dairy industry both to develop new dairy products and as a management tool. To be able to implement milk fatty acid (FA) composition in the breeding program, it is important to know the correlations with the traits in the breeding goal. To estimate these correlations, we measured milk fat composition in Danish Holstein (DH) and Danish Jersey (DJ) cattle breeds using mid-infrared spectroscopy. Breeding values were estimated for specific FA and for groups of FA. Correlations with the estimated breeding values (EBV) underlying the Nordic Total Merit index (NTM) were calculated within breed. For both DH and DJ, we showed that FA EBV had moderate correlations with the NTM and production traits. For both DH and DJ, the correlation of FA EBV and NTM were in the same direction, except for C16:0 (0 in DH, 0.23 in DJ). A few correlations differed between DH and DJ. The correlation between claw health index and C18:0 was negative in DH (-0.09) but positive in DJ (0.12). In addition, some correlations were not significant in DH but were significant in DJ. The correlations between udder health index and long-chain FA, trans FA, C16:0, and C18:0 were not significant in DH (-0.05 to 0.02), but were significant in DJ (-0.17, -0.15, 0.14, and -0.16, respectively). For both DH and DJ, the correlations between FA EBV and nonproduction traits were low. This implies that it is possible to breed for a different fat composition in the milk without affecting the nonproduction traits in the breeding goal.

Next Generation Sequencing reveals profound transcriptomic differences between reticulated and non-reticulated platelets from healthy donors, CCS- and STEMI patients

Background

The youngest circulating platelets – so called reticulated platelets (RP) – represent a highly prothrombotic platelet subpopulation. Previous studies showed that patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) as well as patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have higher amounts of RP compared to healthy subjects. It has been suggested that intrinsic properties of RP impact on cardiovascular risk. However, it is unknown if transcriptomic alterations contribute to the prothrombotic properties of RP.

Purpose

This study sought to investigate differences in the transcriptomic landscape of sorted RP versus non-RP, i.e. young and old platelets, in healthy subjects, CCS- and STEMI-patients.

Methods

Blood samples were obtained from healthy subjects as well as from patients with CCS/STEMI (n=8 each) the day after PCI. After staining with SYTO 13, platelets from each donor were sorted into a RP and a non-RP fraction based on their RNA-content. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was applied to generate sequencing reads for sorted RP and non-RP from the 3 cohorts. Data was analyzed by use of the Freiburg bioinformatics platform “Galaxy”.

Results

Investigation of transcriptomic alterations in non-RP versus RP by differential gene expression analysis revealed a total number of 2,476 transcripts that were differentially expressed in platelets from healthy donors, 2,075 in CCS-patients and 1,852 in STEMI patients, respectively (adj. p<0.05 in all analyses). Comparison of these transcripts revealed a large overlap of 500 mRNAs which were downregulated and 660 mRNAs which were upregulated in RP in all 3 cohorts. However, there are also distinct groups of transcripts that are differentially expressed in only one of the 3 cohorts. Gene ontology (GO)-analysis of the 500 uniformly enriched transcripts in RP yielded 38 overrepresented GO-terms. A large group was related to cytoskeleton and shape change. Furthermore, GO-terms associated to the platelet activation cascade were overrepresented. Upregulated transcripts included well-known examples like GP6 and GP9, P-selectin, integrin β3, integrin a-IIb, and tubulin α4a. GO-analysis of enriched transcripts in non-RP showed a large group associated to mitosis and cell nucleus/DNA which is surprising since platelets neither contain DNA nor a nucleus. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) determined higher normalized enrichment scores for several gene sets associated to platelet degranulation, aggregation and activation in the STEMI-cohort. Gene sets affecting cell adhesion and platelet calcium homeostasis were overexpressed in particular in CCS-patients.

Conclusion

NGS-results indicate a highly prothrombotic transcriptome of RP from each cohort with high amounts of differentially expressed transcripts overlapping. However, GSEA identified gene sets that are particularly overexpressed in CCS- or STEMI-patients which might contribute to platelet hyperreactivity in these cohorts.

Gene set enrichment analysis

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): PharmCompNet Baden-Wuerttemberg: Kompetenznetzwerk Pharmakologie Baden-Wuerttemberg - Wirkstoffnetzwerke als Grundlagen der individualisierten Arzneistofftherapie

Analysing the impacts of air quality policies on ecosystem services; a case study for Telemark, Norway

There is an increasing interest in considering the effects of air pollution on ecosystem services supply in order to enhance cost-benefit analyses of air pollution policies. This paper presents a generic, conceptual approach that can be used to link atmospheric deposition of air pollutants to ecosystem services supply and societal benefits. The approach is applied in a case study in the Telemark county of Norway. First, we examine the potential effects of four European air quality policy scenarios on N deposition in the ecosystems of this county. Second, we analyse the subsequent impacts on the supply of three ecosystem services: carbon sequestration, timber production and biodiversity. Changes in the supply of the first two services are analysed in both physical and monetary units, biodiversity effects are only analysed in physical terms. The scenarios derive from work conducted in the context of the European National Emissions Ceilings Directive. In the 2010 base case the benefits of carbon sequestration are estimated at 13 million euro per year and the value of timber harvesting at 2.9 million euro per year. Under the examined policy scenarios aiming to reduce nitrogen emissions the societal benefits resulting from these two ecosystem services in Telemark are found to be reduced; the scenarios have little effect on terrestrial biodiversity. Such results cannot be scaled up, individual ecosystem services respond differently to changes in air pollution depending upon type of pollutant, type of ecosystem, type of service, and the magnitude of change. The paper further presents an analysis of the uncertainties that need to be considered in linking air pollution and ecosystem services including those in deposition rates, ecosystem responses, human responses and in the values of ecosystem services. Our conceptual approach is also useful for larger scale analysis of air pollution effects on ecosystem services, for example at national or potentially European scale.

Neuropeptide Y in the noradrenergic neurones induces obesity and inhibits sympathetic tone in mice

AIM

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) co-localized with noradrenaline in central and sympathetic nervous systems seems to play a role in the control of energy metabolism. In this study, the aim was to elucidate the effects and pathophysiological mechanisms of increased NPY in catecholaminergic neurones on accumulation of body adiposity.

METHODS

Transgenic mice overexpressing NPY under the dopamine-beta-hydroxylase promoter (OE-NPY(DβH) ) and wild-type control mice were followed for body weight gain and body fat content. Food intake, energy expenditure, physical activity, body temperature, serum lipid content and markers of glucose homoeostasis were monitored. Thermogenic and lipolytic responses in adipose tissues, and urine catecholamine and tissue catecholamine synthesizing enzyme levels were analysed as indices of sympathetic tone.

RESULTS

Homozygous OE-NPY(DβH) mice showed significant obesity accompanied with impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Increased adiposity was explained by neither increased food intake or fat absorption nor by decreased total energy expenditure or physical activity. Adipocyte hypertrophy and decreased circulating lipid levels suggested decreased lipolysis and increased lipid uptake. Brown adipose tissue thermogenic capacity was decreased and brown adipocytes filled with lipids. Enhanced response to adrenergic stimuli, downregulation of catecholamine synthesizing enzyme expressions in the brainstem and lower adrenaline excretion supported the notion of low basal catecholaminergic activity.

CONCLUSION

Increased NPY in catecholaminergic neurones induces obesity that seems to be a result of preferential fat storage. These results support the role of NPY as a direct effector in peripheral tissues and an inhibitor of sympathetic activity in the pathogenesis of obesity.

Contrast ultrasound for the quantification of deep vein thrombosis in living mice: effects of enoxaparin and P2Y12 receptor inhibition

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

We examined the applicability of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for imaging of murine deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and measured the effects of enoxaparin, ticagrelor and P2Y(12) receptor deficiency in vivo.

METHODS

Deep vein thrombosis was induced by exposure to ferric chloride or ligation of the infrarenal vena cava of C57BL/6 mice after pretreatment with enoxaparin, ticagrelor or vehicle and in P2Y(12-/-) mice. Initial thrombus growth was visualized by intravital microscopy. Thrombi were weighed and examined by immunohistochemistry. CEUS was performed with a standard ultrasound system (Vivid 7, GE Healthcare) in the open abdominal cavity after injection of stabilized sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles.

RESULTS

Incubation with ferric chloride resulted in non-occluding platelet-containing thrombus growth within 15-25 min. Sham-operated mice, enoxaparin- and ticagrelor-pretreated wild-type and P2Y(12-/-) mice developed only small thrombi. After injection of the contrast agent, growing thrombi were delineated clearly as negative contrast on CEUS. Thrombus size on CEUS after 25 min was significantly smaller in enoxaparin- (0.3 ± 0.1 mm(2)) and ticagrelor-treated (0.5 ± 0.1 mm(2)) wild-type and in P2Y(12-/-) mice (0.4 ± 0.1 mm(2)) as compared with vehicle-treated wild-type mice (2.0 ± 0.3 mm(2)) in the maximal sagittal plane (P < 0.001, n = 5-10). CEUS-derived thrombus size correlated linearly with thrombus weight and also reflected the extent of ligation-induced DVT.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound allowed the real-time quantification of DVT in living mice. Genetic and pharmacologic antithrombotic interventions were well reflected by CEUS and suggested an important role of the platelet P2Y(12) receptor in early DVT formation.

Adrenergic Receptors From Molecular Structure to in vivo function

Adrenergic receptors form the interface between the sympathetic nervous system and the cardiovascular system as well as many endocrine and parenchymal tissues. Although several hundred G-protein-coupled receptors have been identified, adrenergic receptors, along with the visual pigment rhodopsin, have been among the most extensively studied members of this family of receptors. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the molecular structure, function, and regulation of adrenergic receptors using in vitro systems and integrates recent transgenic animal models that were generated to study the adrenergic system in vivo. (Trends Cardiovasc Med 1997;7:137-145). © 1997, Elsevier Science Inc.

A multi-scale modelling approach for analysing landscape service dynamics

Shifting societal needs drive and shape landscapes and the provision of their services. This paper presents a modelling approach to visualize the regional spatial and temporal dynamics in landscape service supply as a function of changing landscapes and societal demand. This changing demand can result from different policy targets. In this paper we conceptualise the system in which these dynamics take place by explicitly addressing (i) the multifunctional character of a landscape, (ii) the different spatial levels at which interactions between landscape service supply, demand, and land management occur, and (iii) trade-offs in service supply as a result of land management actions. Next, we translate the resulting conceptual framework into an operational model. As a demonstration, this model is applied to simulate changes in landscape service supply driven by regional policies in a rural region of the Netherlands. This application demonstrates potential trade-offs, which emerge in a spatially explicit way in the region over time. It illustrates the potential relevance of modelling landscape service dynamics for environmental management and decision making.

α(2)-adrenoceptor agonist-induced inhibition of gastric motor activity is mediated by α(2A)-adrenoceptor subtype in the mouse

The role of α(2)-adrenoceptors in regulation of gastric motility has been well documented. However, only few data are available on the adrenoceptor subtype that mediates this effect. The purpose of the present work was to identify the α(2)-adrenoceptor subtype(s) responsible for the inhibition of gastric motor activity in isolated fundus strip of the mouse. It was shown that (i) the electrically evoked contraction of the gastric fundus strip of the mouse was inhibited by the non-selective α(2)-adrenoceptor stimulant clonidine (EC(50): 0.019±0.001μM), the α(2A)-adrenoceptor subtype selective agonist oxymetazoline (EC(50): 0.004±0.001μM) and the α(2B)-adrenoceptor subtype preferring ST-91 (EC(50): 0.029±0.004μM), (ii) the inhibitory effect of clonidine (1μM), oxymetazoline (0.1μM) and ST-91 (1μM) on the contractions of gastric fundus strip was reversed by the non-selective α(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan and α(2A)-adrenoceptor antagonist BRL 44408, but not by the α(2B/2C)-adrenoceptor antagonist ARC-239. (iii) Clonidine and ST-91 inhibited the electrically induced gastric contractions in C57BL/6 wild type mice as well as in α(2B)- and α(2C)-adrenoceptor deficient mice in a concentration-dependent manner; however, neither of them was effective in α(2A)-deficient mice. As a conclusion, it was first demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of α(2)-adrenoceptor agonists on the gastric motor activity of isolated stomach strip of the mouse is mediated purely by α(2A)-adrenoceptors.

Alpha(2A)-adrenoceptors regulate sympathetic transmitter release in mice kidneys

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In the present study, a rodent model was used to investigate whether the alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor (alpha(2A)) represents the presynaptic autoinhibitory receptor regulating sympathetic transmitter release in the kidney. Moreover, the potential role of alpha(2A) as a heteroceptor regulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release was tested.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Kidneys from wild-type (WT) and alpha(2A)-knockout (KO) mice were isolated and perfused. Renal nerves were stimulated with platinum-electrodes. Endogenously released noradrenaline (NA) was measured by HPLC. The perfusion pressure was monitored continuously.

KEY RESULTS

Renal nerve stimulation (RNS) induced a frequency (1,2,5,7.5,10,15 Hz)-dependent release of NA in WT mice (994+/-373, 2355+/-541, 6375+/-950, 11626+/-1818, 19138+/-2001 pg NA g(-1) kidney (means+/-s.e.m.)). There was a 2.7-fold (5 Hz) increase of NA release in alpha(2A)-KO mice. In WT animals alpha-adrenoceptor blockade by phentolamine increased RNS-induced NA release in a concentration-dependent manner up to 350% of control. No facilitation by phentolamine was observed in alpha(2A)-KO mice. Pressor responses to 1 Hz and 2 Hz were resistant to alpha(1)-adrenoceptor blockade (0.03 microM prazosin) but abolished by P(2) receptor blockade (5 microM PPADS). Blockade of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors (1 microM rauwolscine) increased these purinergic pressor responses to 296+/-112% (1 Hz) in WT but not in alpha(2A)-KO mice. Exogenous ATP (100 microM) increased basal but not RNS-induced NA release.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

alpha(2A)-Adrenoceptor-activation inhibits NA and ATP release from renal sympathetic nerves. Pressor responses to RNS at higher stimulation frequencies (>2 Hz) are mediated by NA. At lower frequencies neuronally released ATP seems to be the predominant transmitter mediating renovascular resistance.

Alpha2-adrenoceptor subtypes involved in the regulation of catecholamine release from the adrenal medulla of mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This study was carried out to elucidate which alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtypes mediated the inhibition of noradrenaline and adrenaline release from the adrenal medulla of mice.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Isolated adrenal medullae from wild-type and alpha(2A), alpha(2B) and alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor knockout (KO) mice were placed in superfusion chambers. Catecholamine overflow was evoked by 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (500 microM) in absence or in presence of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist medetomidine. The effect of medetomidine was tested in presence of the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists rauwolscine, WB 4101, spiroxatrine, phentolamine and prazosin.

KEY RESULTS

In wild-type mice, medetomidine reduced noradrenaline and adrenaline overflow in a concentration-dependent manner (EC(50) in nM: 1.54 and 1.92; E(max) in % of inhibition: 91 and 94, for noradrenaline and adrenaline, respectively). The pK (D) values of the antagonists for noradrenaline overflow did not correlate with pK(D) values at alpha(2A), alpha(2B), or alpha(2C) binding sites. The pK (D) values of the antagonists for adrenaline overflow correlated positively with pK(D) values at alpha(2C) binding sites (opossum kidney cells). The effect of medetomidine (100 nM) on noradrenaline overflow was significantly reduced in all three alpha(2)KO mice (57, 54, 44 % inhibition, for alpha(2A), alpha(2B), and alpha(2C), respectively), whereas the effect of medetomidine on adrenaline overflow was greatly reduced in alpha(2C)KO mice (14 % inhibition).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

In the adrenal medulla of mice, all three alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtypes (alpha(2A), alpha(2B), and alpha(2C)) play an equal role in the inhibition of noradrenaline overflow, whereas the alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor is the predominant alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtype involved in the inhibitory mechanism controlling adrenaline overflow.

Radioligand binding analysis of knockout mice reveals 5-hydroxytryptamine7 receptor distribution and uncovers 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin interaction with α2 adrenergic receptors

In the present autoradiographic study, we took advantage of 5-hydroxytryptamine(7) (5-HT(7)) receptor knockout mice to analyze the brain distribution of 5-HT(7) receptor binding sites using [(3)H]5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT; a 5-HT(1A/1B/1D/5/7) receptor ligand) and [(3)H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT; a 5-HT(1A/7) receptor ligand). Low to moderate densities of [(3)H]5-CT (2 nM) binding sites insensitive to pindolol (10 microM, for 5-HT(1A/1B) receptor blockade) and GR-127935 (1 microM; for 5-HT(1D) receptor blockade) were observed in wild-type mice (mainly in thalamus and hypothalamus) but not in 5-HT(7) receptor knockout mice. Surprisingly, moderate to high densities of [(3)H]8-OH-DPAT (10 nM) binding sites insensitive to pindolol (10 microM) remained in 5-HT(7) receptor knockout mouse brain. These non-5-HT(1A), non-5-HT(7) binding sites were found to be adrenergic alpha(2A) receptor binding sites. In alpha(2A) receptor knockout mice low to moderate densities of [(3)H]8-OH-DPAT binding sites insensitive to pindolol but sensitive to the selective 5-HT(7) receptor antagonist SB-269970 (300 nM) were observed mainly in thalamus and hypothalamus. Therefore, in addition to 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(7) binding sites, [(3)H]8-OH-DPAT also binds to alpha(2A) receptor binding sites in wild-type mouse brain. [(3)H]8-OH-DPAT (in the presence of pindolol and 1 microM RX-821002 for alpha(2) receptor blockade) and [(3)H]5-CT (in the presence of pindolol and GR-127935) bind to a similar receptor binding population corresponding to 5-HT(7) binding sites. Detailed anatomical mapping of 5-HT(7) receptor binding sites in wild-type mouse brain was then performed using both radioligands in the presence of suitable pharmacological agents for non-5-HT(7) receptor binding sites blockade. The mapping revealed binding sites consistent with the mRNA distribution with the highest densities found in anterior thalamic nuclei.

Two alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor subtypes, alpha(2A) and alpha(2C), inhibit transmitter release in the brain of gene-targeted mice

alpha(2)-Adrenergic receptors play an essential role in regulating neurotransmitter release from sympathetic nerves and from adrenergic neurons in the CNS. However, the role of each of the three highly homologous alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor subtypes (alpha(2A), alpha(2B), alpha(2C)) in this process has not been determined unequivocally. To address this question, the regulation of norepinephrine and dopamine release was studied in mice carrying deletions in the genes encoding the three alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor subtypes. Autoradiography and radioligand binding studies showed that alpha(2)-receptor density in alpha(2A)-deficient brains was decreased to 9 +/- 1% of the respective wild-type value, whereas alpha(2)-receptor levels were reduced to 83 +/- 4% in alpha(2C)-deficient mice. These results indicate that approximately 90% of mouse brain alpha(2)-receptors belong to the alpha(2A) subtype and 10% are alpha(2C)-receptors. In isolated brain cortex slices from wild-type mice a non-subtype-selective alpha(2)-receptor agonist inhibited release of [(3)H]norepinephrine by maximally 96%. Similarly, release of [(3)H]dopamine from isolated basal ganglion slices was inhibited by 76% by an alpha(2)-receptor agonist. In alpha(2A)-receptor-deficient mice, the inhibitory effect of the alpha(2)-receptor agonist on norepinephrine and dopamine release was significantly reduced but not abolished. Only in tissues from mice lacking both alpha(2A)- and alpha(2C)-receptors was no alpha(2)-receptor agonist effect on transmitter release observed. The time course of onset of presynaptic inhibition of norepinephrine release was much faster for the alpha(2A)-receptor than for the alpha(2C)-subtype. After prolonged stimulation with norepinephrine, presynaptic alpha(2C)-adrenergic receptors were desensitized. From these data we suggest that two functionally distinct alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor subtypes, alpha(2A) and alpha(2C), operate as presynaptic inhibitory receptors regulating neurotransmitter release in the mouse CNS.

Bicarbonate attenuates intracellular acidosis

BACKGROUND

This study was prompted by concern that administration of bicarbonate for correction of lactate acidosis aggravates a low intracellular pH (pHi). In healthy subjects we evaluated skeletal muscle pHi using 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy during 5-minute rhythmic handgrip to provoke intracellular acidosis.

METHODS

Subjects were randomized to treatment with bicarbonate or saline infused intravenously in a cross-over study design with 1 h between trials.

RESULTS

In response to rhythmic handgrip, muscle venous O(2) hemoglobin saturation decreased from 51 +/- 4% to 36 +/- 2% and lactate increased from 1.0 +/- 0.1 to 4.9 +/- 0.5 mmol/l with a reduction in pH from 7.43 +/- 0.01-7.23 +/- 0.01 (P<0.05). pHi decreased from 7.06 +/- 0.02-6.36 +/- 0.08 (P<0.05). Infusion of bicarbonate increased the arterial blood concentration from 26 +/- 1 to 39 +/- 1 mmol/l (P<0.05). The arterial CO(2) partial pressure decreased from 5.6 +/- 0.2 to 5.2 +/- 0.3 kPa during rhythmic handgrip, whereas it increased to 5.9 +/- 0.2 kPa (P<0.05) during infusion of bicarbonate. Bicarbonate treatment also increased pH of arterial and venous blood (7.55 +/- 0.01 vs. 7.44 +/- 0.02 and 7.31 +/- 0.01 vs. 7.23 +/- 0.02, respectively; P<0.05). In the last min of rhythmic handgrip the decrease in pHi was attenuated by the administration of bicarbonate (6.60 +/- 0.11 vs. 6.40 +/- 0.12; P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

During exercise-induced metabolic acidosis, intravenous administration of bicarbonate increased the buffering capacity of blood and attenuated the decrease in intracellular muscle pH, although there was a small increase in the arterial carbon dioxide pressure.

Can we use vertical bore magnetic resonance scanners for murine cardiovascular phenotype characterization? Influence of upright body position on left ventricular hemodynamics in mice

High resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is uniquely suited for cardiovascular phenotype characterization in transgenic mice. Experimental MR scanners with the high magnetic field strength are commonly built with a vertical bore design. The hemodynamic consequences of a prolonged upright body position in anesthetized mice are, however, unknown. Thus, the purpose of this work was to investigate the influence of a vertical body position on murine systemic blood pressure and left ventricular (LV) hemodynamics over time. We studied six C57Bl/6 mice at 14-16 weeks of age (body weight, 24-28 g) under isoflurane anesthesia. Positioned supine on a 37 degrees C warming pad, a microtip catheter was advanced via the right carotid artery into the left ventricle. Continuous registration of LV hemodynamics was performed at rest and after tilting of the table to a 90-degree vertical position. After tilting, there was a transient decrease of LV systolic pressure to 96% of initial values immediately after tilting with return to baseline level within 6 min. Tilting to vertical position had no influence on LV end-diastolic pressure, heart rate, maximal rate of left ventricular pressure increase, and maximal rate of left ventricular pressure decrease. Over a follow-up period of 60 min in vertical position, there were no significant changes in murine hemodynamics. An acute change of body position is fully compensated by a normal orthostatic response in anesthetized mice. Prolonged upright body position exerts no significant changes in murine LV hemodynamics. Hence, high resolution MR studies for cardiovascular phenotype characterization in transgenic mice performed on vertical bore MR scanners allow measurements under physiologic conditions.

Activation and deactivation kinetics of alpha 2A- and alpha 2C-adrenergic receptor-activated G protein-activated inwardly rectifying K+ channel currents

Although G protein-coupled receptor-mediated signaling is one of the best studied biological events, little is known about the kinetics of these processes in intact cells. Experiments with neurons from alpha(2A)-adrenergic receptor knockout mice suggested that the alpha(2A)-receptor subtype inhibits neurotransmitter release with higher speed and at higher action potential frequencies than the alpha(2C)-adrenergic receptor. Here we investigated whether these functional differences between presynaptic alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor subtypes are the result of distinct signal transduction kinetics of these two receptors and their coupling to G proteins. alpha(2A)- and alpha(2C)-receptors were stably expressed in HEK293 cells at moderate ( approximately 2 pmol/mg) or high (17-24 pmol/mg) levels. Activation of G protein-activated inwardly rectifying K(+) (GIRK) channels was similar in extent and kinetics for alpha(2A)- and alpha(2C)-receptors at both expression levels. However, the two receptors differed significantly in their deactivation kinetics after removal of the agonist norepinephrine. alpha(2C)-Receptor-activated GIRK currents returned much more slowly to base line than did alpha(2A)-stimulated currents. This observation correlated with a higher affinity of norepinephrine at the murine alpha(2C)- than at the alpha(2A)-receptor subtype and may explain why alpha(2C)-adrenergic receptors are especially suited to control sympathetic neurotransmission at low action potential frequencies in contrast to the alpha(2A)-receptor subtype.

Early impairment of calcium handling and altered expression of junctin in hearts of mice overexpressing the beta1-adrenergic receptor

Chronic stimulation of cardiac beta1-adrenergic receptors contributes to disease progression and mortality in patients and animal models of heart failure. To search for the mechanism of adrenergic impairment of cardiac function in vivo, we studied transgenic mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of beta1-adrenergic receptors. Transgenic mice with cardiac overexpression of beta1-adrenergic receptors showed progressive left ventricular fibrosis starting at 4 months of age. Left ventricular catheterization revealed a modest enhancement of contractility and relaxation at 2 months of age, followed by progressive dysfunction in both parameters and ultimately cardiac failure. When the effects of endogenous catecholamines were blocked by the b-receptor antagonist propranolol, maximal rate of contractility (dp/dtmax) and maximal rate of relaxation (dp/dtmin) were significantly blunted in 2-month-old beta1-receptor transgenic mice. Isolated cardiomyocytes from these animals displayed markedly altered calcium transients with significant prolongation of the intracellular calcium transient compared with nontransgenic littermates. We determined the expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins involved in calcium handling by RNase protection assay and by immunoblotting. Although the expression of calsequestrin, triadin, and phospholamban was not altered, we observed a progressive decrease in junctin abundance in beta1-receptor transgenic mice (Pbeta1-adrenergic receptors.

Vascular hypertrophy and increased P70S6 kinase in mice lacking the angiotensin II AT(2) receptor

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin II activates 2 distinct G protein-coupled receptors, the AT(1) and AT(2) receptors. Most of the known cardiovascular effects of angiotensin II are mediated by the AT(1) receptor subtype. The aim of the present study was to test whether deletion of the AT(2) receptor gene in mice (AT(2)-KO mice) leads to long-term functional or structural alterations in the cardiovascular system.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In vivo pressure responses to angiotensin II or the alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor agonist phenylephrine were greatly enhanced in AT(2)-KO mice. Deletion of the angiotensin AT(2) receptor did not lead to a compensatory increase of the activity of the circulating renin-angiotensin system, and arterial blood pressure was identical in wild-type control mice (WT) and AT(2)-KO mice. Cardiac contractility as assessed by LV catheterization and by rapid MRI also did not differ between AT(2)-KO and WT mice. Isolated femoral arteries from AT(2)-KO mice, however, showed enhanced vasoconstriction to angiotensin II, norepinephrine, and K(+) depolarization compared with WT. Morphometric analysis of large and small femoral arteries revealed a significant hypertrophy of media smooth muscle cells. Phospho-P70S6 kinase levels were significantly increased in aortas from AT(2)-KO mice compared with WT mice. Treatment of mice with an ACE inhibitor for 8 weeks abolished the increased pressure responsiveness, vascular hypertrophy, and enhanced P70S6 kinase phosphorylation in AT(2)-KO mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that vascular AT(2) receptors inhibit the activity and, hence, hypertrophic signaling by the P70S6 kinase in vivo and thus are important regulators of vascular structure and function.

Differential distribution of beta-adrenergic receptor subtypes in blood vessels of knockout mice lacking beta(1)- or beta(2)-adrenergic receptors

beta-Adrenergic receptors (beta-AR) are essential regulators of cardiovascular homeostasis. In addition to their prominent function in the heart, beta-AR are located on vascular smooth muscle cells, where they mediate vasodilating effects of endogenous catecholamines. In this study, we have investigated in an isometric myograph different types of blood vessels from mice lacking beta(1)- and/or beta(2)-adrenergic receptor subtypes (beta(1)-KO, beta(2)-KO, beta(1)beta(2)-KO). In wild-type mice, isoproterenol induced relaxation of segments from thoracic aorta, carotid, femoral and pulmonary arteries, and portal vein. The relaxant effect of beta-receptor stimulation was absent in femoral and pulmonary arteries from beta(1)-KO mice. In aortic and carotid arteries and in portal veins, the vasodilating effect of isoproterenol was reduced in mice lacking beta(1)- or beta(2)-receptors. However, in these vessels the vasodilating effect was only abolished in double KO mice lacking both beta(1)- and beta(2)-receptors. Vessel relaxation induced by forskolin did not differ between wild-type and KO mice. Similar contributions of beta(1)- and beta(2)-receptors to isoproterenol-induced vasorelaxation were found when vessels from KO mice were compared with wild-type arteries in the presence of subtype-selective beta-receptor antagonists. These studies demonstrate that beta(1)-adrenergic receptors play a dominant role in the murine vascular system to mediate vasodilation. Surprisingly, beta(2)-receptors contribute to adrenergic vasodilation only in a few major blood vessels, suggesting that differential distribution of beta-adrenergic receptor subtypes may play an important role in redirection of tissue perfusion.

Stimulation frequency-noradrenaline release relationships examined in alpha2A-, alpha2B- and alpha2C-adrenoceptor-deficient mice

The stimulation frequency-noradrenaline release relationship was studied in the vas deferens and the cerebral cortex of NMRI mice, mice in which the alpha2A-, the alpha2B-, the alpha2C- or both the alphaCA- and the alpha2C-adrenoceptor gene had been disrupted (alpha2AKO, alpha2BKO, alpha2CKO and alpha2ACKO), and the wildtype mice from which the knockout animals had been generated. Tissue pieces were preincubated with 3H-noradrenaline and then superfused and stimulated electrically with a constant number of pulses (30 in vas deferens and 50 in brain cortex) at frequencies between 0.03 and 100 Hz. The frequency-evoked tritium overflow curves ascended monophasically in the vas deferens of wildtype and NMRI mice. Disruption of the alpha2B-adrenoceptor gene caused no change. In the vas deferens of alpha2CKO mice, the overflow evoked by low frequencies (0.3 and 1 Hz) was slightly increased. In the vas deferens of alpha2AKO and alpha2ACKO mice, the evoked overflow was increased to a greater extent. Rauwolscine (1 microM) caused a marked increase of the evoked overflow of tritium from the vas deferens of NMRI, wildtype, alpha2BKO and alpha2CKO mice. Rauwolscine also increased the evoked overflow of tritium from the vas deferens of alpha2AKO and alphaC2ACKO mice, but to a smaller extent. The gene disruptions and rauwolscine slightly steepened the slope of the vas deferens frequency-overflow curve. In the brain cortex of wildtype and NMRI mice, the frequency-evoked tritium overflow curves were U-shaped. In the brain cortex of alpha2BKO and alpha2CKO mice, the evoked overflow was slightly reduced. In the brain cortex of alpha2AKO and alpha2AcKO mice, in contrast, the evoked overflow was increased. Rauwolscine (1 microM) caused a marked increase of the evoked overflow of tritium from the brain cortex of NMRI, wildtype, Q2BKO and alpha2CKO mice. Rauwolscine also increased the evoked overflow of tritium from the brain cortex of alpha2AKO and alpha2ACKO mice, but to a smaller extent. The gene disruptions and rauwolscine flattened the U shape of the brain cortex frequency-overflow curve. It is concluded that alpha2-autoinhibition is one factor that shapes the frequency-noradrenaline release relationships in the mouse vas deferens and cerebral cortex. The autoreceptors are mainly alpha2A and to a minor extent, and well detectable in the vas deferens only, alpha2C. When both the alpha2A- and the alpha2C-adrenoceptor have been deleted, alpha2B-adrenoceptors may be expressed as autoreceptors in noradrenergic neurons. It seems possible that alpha2C-autoreceptors depress mainly release at low (around 1 Hz) whereas alpha2A-autoreceptors depress mainly release at high (around 10 Hz) frequencies.

Postnatal development of presynaptic receptors that modulate noradrenaline release in mice

The objective of the study was to clarify the postnatal development of the following transmitter release-modulating receptors of noradrenergic neurons in mice: alpha2-adrenoceptors, muscarinic, opioid and cannabinoid receptors (inhibitory), beta-adrenoceptors and receptors for angiotensin II and bradykinin (facilitatory). Wildtype (NMRI) and in some cases alpha2A/D-adrenoceptor-deficient mice aged 1 day (P1) or 8-16 weeks (adults) were used. Hippocampal and occipito-parietal cortex slices and sympathetically innervated tissues (atria and vas deferens) were preincubated with [3H]-noradrenaline and then superfused and stimulated electrically. Stimulation led to distinct increases in tritium efflux which were abolished by tetrodotoxin or removal of calcium. Concentration-response curves of appropriate agonists and in the case of alpha2-autoreceptors antagonists were determined. For beta-adrenoceptors and angiotensin receptors, the interaction of agonists with antagonists was also examined. Results demonstrate that alpha2A/D-autoreceptors operate already at P1 whereas nonalpha2A/D-autoreceptors, presumably alpha2C, develop later. Of the various heteroreceptors, those of brain noradrenergic neurons (OP3 and ORL1) modulate the release of [3H]-noradrenaline at least as effectively at P1 as in adults. Those of peripheral sympathetic neurons (muscarinic, probably mainly M2, OP1, OP2, OP3, CB1, AT1 and B1), in contrast, operate less effectively or not at all at P1, with one exception: beta2-adrenoceptors increase the release of [3H]-noradrenaline (atria) to the same extent, irrespective of age. Overall, results indicate that brain and peripheral noradrenergic neurons release their transmitter already shortly after birth. Presynaptic receptor mechanisms mature differentially in the brain and the periphery. Moreover, the various presynaptic receptors differ in their postnatal development and may play differential roles at different ages.

[The alpha 2-adrenergic receptors: molecular structure and in vivo function]

The adrenergic system plays an essential role in the regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis. The endogenous catecholamines adrenaline and noradrenaline mediate their biological actions via activation of nine different adrenergic receptor subtypes, three alpha 1-receptors (alpha 1A, alpha 1B, alpha 1D), three alpha 2-receptors (alpha 2A, alpha 2B, alpha 2C) and three beta-receptors (beta 1, beta 2, beta 3). Only a few subtype-selective ligands exist which can be used to determine the physiological and pathophysiological significance of these individual receptor subtypes. Recent progress in mouse molecular genetics has led to the generation of transgenic models carrying deletions in individual adrenergic receptor genes ("knockout mice"). These mouse models were used to determine the specific functions of the three alpha 2-receptor subtypes. alpha 2A-receptors mediate the central antihypertensive action of the alpha 2-agonists, clonidine and moxonidine. Stimulation of vascular alpha 2B-receptors causes a transient vasoconstriction. The release of noradrenaline from sympathetic nerves is controlled by presynaptic alpha 2A- and alpha 2C-receptors. Both presynaptic alpha 2-receptors are essential, as deletion of alpha 2A- and alpha 2C-receptors leads to cardiac hypertrophy and failure due to chronically enhanced catecholamine release. These studies demonstrate the power of mouse molecular genetics to determine the physiological significance of adrenergic receptor subtype diversity and point out novel strategies for subtype-selective drug development.

A study of presynaptic alpha2-autoreceptors in alpha2A/D-, alpha2B- and alpha2C-adrenoceptor-deficient mice

The function of presynaptic alpha2-autoreceptors was studied in the hippocampus, occipito-parietal cortex, atria and vas deferens of NMRI mice, mice in which the alpha2A/D-, the alpha2B- or alpha2c-adrenoceptor gene had been disrupted (alpha2A/DKO, alpha2BKO and alpha2CKO, respectively), and the wildtype mice from which the knockout animals had been generated. Tissue pieces were preincubated with 3H-noradrenaline and then superfused and stimulated electrically. The alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist medetomidine reduced the electrically evoked overflow of tritium in all tissues from all mouse strains (stimulation with single pulses or single high-frequency pulse trains, called POPs, i.e. pulse patterns leading to minimal autoinhibition). The effects of medetomidine did not differ in NMRI, wildtype, alpha2BKO and alpha2CKO mice but were greatly reduced in alpha2A/DKO brain preparations and to a lesser extent in alpha2A/DKO atria and vasa deferentia. Six drugs were tested as antagonists against medetomidine. Their pKd values indicated that the hippocampal and occipito-parietal alpha2-autoreceptors in NMRI and wildtype mice were alpha2D (the rodent variant of the alpha2A/D-adrenoceptor) whereas the atrial and vas deferens alpha2-autoreceptors in NMRI and wildtype mice could not be identified with a single alpha2 subtype. Deletion of the alpha2A/D gene changed the pKd values in all tissues so that they now reflected alpha2C properties, whereas deletion of the alpha2C gene changed the pKd values in atria and vasa deferentia so that they now had alpha2D properties (as they had in NMRI and wildtype brain preparations). Autoinhibition by released noradrenaline was created using trains of up to 64 pulses or up to 4 POPs, and the overflow-enhancing effect of the alpha2 antagonist rauwolscine was determined. Results did not differ, irrespective of whether preparations were obtained from NMRI, wildtype, alpha2BKO or alpha2CKO mice: the overflow of tritium elicited by p pulses or POPs was much smaller than p times the overflow elicited by a single pulse or POP, and rauwolscine greatly increased the evoked overflow. Results differed, however, in tissues taken from alpha2A/DKO mice: in these tissues, the overflow of tritium elicited by p pulses or POPs was close to p times the overflow elicited by a single pulse or POP, and rauwolscine did not increase the evoked overflow of tritiumor increased it only marginally. When a greater degree of autoinhibition was produced in atria and vasa deferentia by stimulation with 120 pulses, both disruption of the alpha2A/D gene and disruption of the alpha2C gene but not disruption of the alpha2B gene attenuated the overflow-enhancing effects of phentolamine and rauwolscine. In NMRI and wildtype atria and vasa deferentia, the relative potencies of phentolamine and rauwolscine at enhancing the evoked overflow were not easily compatible with a single alpha2 subtype. In alpha2A/DKO atria and vasa deferentia, the relative potencies of phentolamine and rauwolscine indicated that the autoinhibition-mediating receptors were alpha2C, whereas in alpha2CKO atria and vasa deferentia the relative potencies indicated that the autoinhibition-mediating receptors were alpha2D. It is concluded that alpha2-autoreceptors function identically in NMRI mice and the wildtype mice from which the receptor-deficient animals had been generated. There is no evidence from the experiments for any contribution of alpha2B-adrenoceptors to autoreceptor function. The main presynaptic alpha2-autoreceptors are alpha2A/D, both as sites of action of exogenous agonists and as sites of action of previously released noradrenaline. However, there are in addition non-alpha2A/D-, probably alpha2C-autoreceptors. They are less prominent in mediating the inhibitory effects of exogenous agonists and the negative feedback effect of released noradrenaline. They operate not only after deletion of the alpha2A/D-adrenoceptors but also in normal (NMRI, wildtype) mice without gene deletion.

Dobutamine-stress magnetic resonance microimaging in mice : acute changes of cardiac geometry and function in normal and failing murine hearts

The aim of this study was to assess the capability of MRI to characterize systolic and diastolic function in normal and chronically failing mouse hearts in vivo at rest and during inotropic stimulation. Applying an ECG-gated FLASH-cine sequence, MRI at 7 T was performed at rest and after administration of 1.5 microgram/g IP dobutamine. There was a significant increase of heart rate, cardiac output, and ejection fraction and significant decrease of end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular (LV) volumes (P<0.01 each) in normal mice during inotropic stimulation. In mice with heart failure due to chronic myocardial infarction (MI), MRI at rest revealed gross LV dilatation. There was a significant decrease of LV ejection fraction in infarcted mice (29%) versus sham mice (58%). Mice with MI showed a significantly reduced maximum LV ejection rate (P<0.001) and LV filling rate (P<0.01) and no increase of LV dynamics during dobutamine action, indicating loss of contractile and relaxation reserve. In 4-month-old transgenic mice with cardiospecific overexpression of the beta(1)-adrenergic receptor, which at this early stage do not show abnormalities of resting cardiac function, LV filling rate failed to increase after dobutamine stress (transgenic, 0.19+/-0.03 microL/ms; wild type, 0.36+/-0.01 microL/ms; P<0.01). Thus, MRI unmasked diastolic dysfunction during dobutamine stress. Dobutamine-stress MRI allows noninvasive assessment of systolic and diastolic components of heart failure. This study shows that MRI can demonstrate loss of inotropic and lusitropic response in mice with MI and can unmask diastolic dysfunction as an early sign of cardiac dysfunction in a transgenic mouse model of heart failure.

Transgenic mouse models of angiotensin receptor subtype function in the cardiovascular system

Angiotensin II mediates is biological actions via different subtypes of G protein-coupled receptors, termed AT(1) and AT(2) receptors. In rodents, two AT(1) receptors have been identified, AT(1A) and AT(1B), whereas in humans a single AT(1) receptor exists. Recently, a number of transgenic animal models have been generated which overexpress or lack functional angiotensin II receptor subtypes. This review focuses on the physiological significance of angiotensin II receptor subtype diversity in the cardiovascular system. In the mouse, AT(1A) receptors are the major regulators of cardiovascular homeostasis by determining vascular tone and natriuresis. In addition, AT(1A) receptors mediate growth-stimulating signals in vascular and cardiac myocytes. AT(1B) receptors participate in blood pressure regulation, and their functions become apparent when the AT(1A) receptor gene is deleted. Deletion of the mouse gene for the AT(2) receptor subtype led to hypersensitivity to pressor and antinatriuretic effects of angiotensin II in vivo, suggesting that the AT(2) receptor subtype counteracts some of the biological effects of AT(1) receptor signalling.

Alpha2-adrenoceptor-mediated inhibition of cultured sympathetic neurons: changes in alpha2A/D-adrenoceptor-deficient mice

Alpha2-Adrenoceptor-mediated inhibition of [3H]noradrenaline release and alpha2-adrenoceptor-mediated inhibition of voltage-activated Ca2+ currents were compared in cultured thoracolumbar postganglionic sympathetic neurons from newborn wildtype (WT) mice and mice in which the alpha2A/D-adrenoceptor gene had been disrupted (alpha2A/DKO). In cultures prepared from WT mice and preincubated with [3H]noradrenaline, the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist 5-bromo-6-(2-imidazolidinylidenamino)quinoxaline (UK 14,304) reduced the (autoinhibition-free) release of [3H]noradrenaline elicited by single electrical pulses or trains of 8 pulses at 100 Hz. The maximal inhibition by UK 14,304 amounted to 70%-85%. Its concentration-response curve was shifted to the right by phentolamine (0.3 microM) and, to a smaller extent, rauwolscine (0.3 microM). Pretreatment of the cultures with pertussis toxin abolished the effect of UK 14,304. Phentolamine and rauwolscine increased the (alpha2-autoinhibited) release of [3H]noradrenaline elicited by 18, 36 or 72 pulses at 3 Hz. In cultures from alpha2A/DKO mice, UK 14,304 failed to reduce the release of [3H]noradrenaline elicited by single pulses and phentolamine and rauwolscine failed to increase the release of [3H]noradrenaline elicited by 18-72 pulses at 3 Hz. In neurons from WT mice examined with the amphotericin B-perforated configuration of the patch clamp method, UK 14,304 reduced depolarisation-evoked Ca2+ currents. The inhibition was voltage-dependent as shown by a decline at strong depolarisation during ramp-like voltage commands and by an attenuation briefly after a conditioning depolarising pulse. The maximal inhibition by UK 14,304 was 39%. Its concentration-response curve was shifted to the right by phentolamine (0.3 microM) but not significantly changed by rauwolscine (0.3 microM) and prazosin (1 microM). Pretreatment with pertussis toxin abolished the effect of UK 14,304. In neurons from alpha2A/DKO mice, UK 14,304 also reduced depolarisation-evoked Ca2+ currents, but with a smaller maximal effect, namely 18% inhibition. Its concentration-response curve was shifted to the right by rauwolscine (0.3 microM) and prazosin (1 microM) but not significantly changed by phentolamine (0.3 microM). Pretreatment with pertussis toxin abolished the effect of UK 14,304 also in cultures from alpha2A/DKO mice. It is concluded that the only presynaptic alpha2-autoreceptors that detectably depress transmitter release from cultured thoracolumbar sympathetic neurons taken from newborn mice are alpha2A/D. In contrast, the soma-dendritic alpha2-autoreceptors that inhibit voltage-gated Ca2+ channels are both alpha2A/D and non-alpha2A/D (i.e. alpha2B or alpha2c). Both presynaptic alpha2A/D- and soma-dendritic alpha2A/D- and non-alpha2A/D-autoreceptors operate through pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins in these neurons.

Abolition of (-)-CGP 12177-evoked cardiostimulation in double beta1/beta2-adrenoceptor knockout mice. Obligatory role of beta1-adrenoceptors for putative beta4-adrenoceptor pharmacology

Some beta1- and beta2-adrenoceptor-blocking agents, such as (-)-CGP 12177, cause cardiostimulant effects at concentrations considerably higher than those that antagonise the effects of catecholamines. The cardiostimulant effects of these non-conventional partial agonists are relatively resistant to blockade by (-)-propranolol and have been proposed to be mediated through putative beta4-adrenoceptors or through atypical states of either beta1- or beta2-adrenoceptors. We investigated the effects of (-)-CGP 12177 on sinoatrial rate and left atrial contractile force as well as the ventricular binding of (-)-[3H]CGP 12177 in tissues from wild-type, beta2-adrenoceptor knockout and beta1/beta2-adrenoceptor double knockout mice. The cardiostimulant effects of (-)-CGP 12177 were present in wild-type and beta2-adrenoceptor knockout mice but were absent in beta1/beta2-adrenoceptor double knockout mice. Thus, the presence of beta1-adrenoceptors is obligatory for the cardiostimulant effects of (-)-CGP 12177. It appears therefore that an atypical state of the beta1-adrenoceptor contributes to the mediation of the cardiostimulant effects induced by non-conventional partial agonists. Ventricular beta1- and beta2-adrenoceptors, labelled in wild-type with a K(D) approximately 0.5 nmol/l (approximately 16 fmol/mg protein), were absent in beta1/beta2-adrenoceptor double knockout mice. However, a high density binding site (approximately 154-391 fmol/mg protein) that did not saturate completely (K(D) approximately 80-200 nM) was labelled by (-)-[3H]CGP 12177 in the three groups of mice, being distinct from beta1- and beta2-adrenoceptors, as well as from the site mediating the agonist effects of (-)-CGP 12177.

The effects of atropine on dynamic compliance in healthy intubated adults

In order to compare the effect of atropine and sodium chloride on the dynamic compliance of the respiratory system after tracheal intubation, we studied 20 patients allocated randomly into two groups to receive either: atropine after 5 min of steady state and sodium chloride after 10 min (group A) or in reverse order (group B) intravenously. The study was conducted in a randomized double-blinded manner. The patients were anaesthetized with thiopental 5 mg kg(-1) followed by thiopental 50 mg intravenously, as required. Intubation was facilitated by atracurium 0.5 mg kg(-1) intravenously and fentanyl 200 microg intravenously. During fixed volume ventilation (100 mL kg(-1), f=10), compliance and end-tidal carbon dioxide were measured every 10 s by a Datex AS/3-respiratory module connected to a portable IBM-pc. Five minutes was allowed to establish a steady state then either atropine or sodium chloride was administered according to the protocol. Respiratory dynamic compliance increased significantly after intravenous administration of atropine (P < 0.05). We conclude that atropine 1.0 mg given intravenously provides protection against an intubation-induced decline in respiratory dynamic compliance.

The incidence of transient neurologic symptoms (TNS) after spinal anaesthesia in patients undergoing surgery in the supine position. Hyperbaric lidocaine 5% versus hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5%

BACKGROUND

The incidence of TNS after spinal anaesthesia is a problem. Especially the use of hyperbaric lidocaine in patients placed in the lithotomy position during surgery has been associated with a high incidence of TNS. The present study was performed to investigate whether TNS is present more frequently in patients undergoing surgery in the supine position with use of hyperbaric lidocaine compared with hyperbaric bupivacaine.

METHOD

Seventy patients were included and randomised to receive either hyperbaric lidocaine or hyperbaric bupivacaine. All patients were contacted on the first and third postoperative days by an anaesthesiologist blinded to the local anaesthetic used. The patients were asked about symptoms of TNS, pain not associated with the operation area, and asked to grade the complaints after a verbal analogue score from 0 to 10.

RESULTS

We found a total of ten patients who showed signs of TNS. There were nine patients in the lidocaine group (26%) who showed signs of TNS compared to only one patient in the bupivacaine group (3%) (P<0.01). The average score of TNS complaints was 3.5. A total of 13 patients (19%) complained of back pain. There were no significant differences with regard to which local anaesthetic was used. The average score of back pain was 3.3.

CONCLUSION

TNS is a significant problem in patients having spinal anaesthesia with hyperbaric lidocaine compared to hyperbaric bupivacaine, both in the supine position. For day-case surgery, TNS would start after dismissal from hospital. The use of hyperbaric lidocaine is therefore questionable, even though these problems are of an order that the majority of patients would still choose spinal anaesthesia for future operations.