Showing papers in "Naunyn-schmiedebergs Archives of Pharmacology in 1993"

Autoradiographic characterisation and localisation of 5-HT1D compared to 5-HT1B binding sites in rat brain.

Abstract: The regional distribution and the pharmacology of the binding sites labelled with the novel 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) 5-HT1B/1D selective radioligand serotonin-O-carboxy-methyl-glycyl-[125I]tyrosinamide (abbreviated [125I]GTI for the sake of simplicity) was determined using quantitative autoradiography in rat brain. The distribution of [125I]GTI binding sites was largely comparable to that of [125I]iodocyanopindolol ([125I] ICYP) which labels 5-HT1B binding sites (in the presence of 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-[2N-dipropylamino]tetralin) and isoprenaline, to prevent binding to 5-HT1A and beta-adrenoceptor binding sites), although a detailed analysis revealed differences. The pharmacology of the [125I]GTI binding sites was analysed using compounds known to display high affinity for and/or distinguish between 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D sites: 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT), sumatriptan, CP 93129 (5-hydroxy-3(4-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridyl)-4-azaindole), (-)pindolol, PAPP (4[2-[4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1- piperazinyl]ethyl]benzeneamine), rauwolscine, and 8-OH-DPAT. The displacement of [125I]GTI by 5-CT was monophasic. By contrast, the selective 5-HT1B compound CP 93129 and (-)pindolol produced biphasic curves showing a majority of high affinity sites in the globus pallidus and the substantia nigra, whereas PAPP and sumatriptan (which are somewhat 5-HT1D selective) produced biphasic curves indicating a minority of high affinity sites in these areas. In addition, by blocking the 5-HT1B sites with 100 nM CP 93129, the remaining population of [125I]GTI binding sites could be studied and was found to have high affinity for PAPP, rauwolscine and 8-OH-DPAT. The pharmacological profile of the major binding component was typical of the 5-HT1B type: 5-CT > CP 93129 > or = (-)pindolol > sumatriptan > or = PAPP > rauwolscine. The profile of the minor component of [125I]GTI binding is best characterised as that of a 5-HT1D site: 5-CT > PAPP > or = sumatriptan > rauwolscine > (-)pindolol > or = CP 93129. The localisation of the non 5-HT1B [125I]GTI binding sites was characterised by blocking the 5-HT1B receptors with 100 nM CP 93129. Low densities of the 5-HT1D recognition sites were found to be present in globus pallidus, ventral pallidum, caudate-putamen, subthalamic nucleus, entopeduncular nucleus, substantia nigra (reticular part), nuclei of the (normal and accessory) optic tract, different nuclei of the geniculate body and frontoparietal cortex, although higher densities of 5-HT1B sites were always observed in the same structures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Identification of P450 enzymes involved in metabolism of verapamil in humans.

Abstract: The calcium channel blocker verapamil[2,8-bis-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-6-methyl-2-isopropyl-6-azaoctanitrile] is widely used in the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris and cardiac arrythmias. The drug undergoes extensive and variable hepatic metabolism in man with the major metabolic steps comprising formation of D-617 [2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-methylamino-2-isopropylvaleronitrile] and norverapamil [2,8-bis-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-isopropyl-6-azaoxtanitrile]. The enzymes involved in metabolism of verapamil have not been characterized so far. Identification of these enzymes would enable estimation of both interindividual variability in verapamil metabolism introduced by the respective pathway and potential for metabolic interactions. We therefore characterized the enzymes involved in formation of D-617 and norverapamil.

The 5-HT1A receptor selective ligands, (R)-8-OH-DPAT and (S)-UH-301, differentially affect the activity of midbrain dopamine neurons

Abstract: The effects of the selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist (R)-8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino)tetralin [(R)-8-OH-DPAT] and the novel 5-HT1A antagonist (S)-5-fluoro-8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)-tetralin [(S)-UH-301] were studied with regard to the firing pattern of single mesencephalic dopamine (DA) neurons with extracellular recording techniques in chloral hydrate anesthetized male rats. Neuronal activity was studied with respect to firing rate, burst firing and regularity of firing. In the ventral tegmental area (VTA) low doses of (R)-8-OH-DPAT (2–32 μg/kg i.v.) caused an increase in all three parameters. The effect on firing rate of DA neurons was more pronounced in the parabrachial pigmentosus nucleus than in the paranigral nucleus, the two major subdivisions of VTA. In the substantia nigra zona compacta (SN-ZC), (R)-8-OH-DPAT (2–256 μg/kg i.v.) had no effect on firing rate and regularity of firing and only slightly increased burst firing. High doses of (R)-8-OH-DPAT (512–1024 μg/kg i.v.) decreased the activity of DA cells in both areas, an effect that was prevented by pretreatment with the selective DA D2 receptor antagonist raclopride. (S)-UH-301 (100–800 μg/kg i.v.) decreased both firing rate and burst firing without affecting regularity of DA neurons in the VTA. In the SN-ZC, (S)-UH-301 decreased the firing rate but failed to affect burst firing and regularity of firing. These effects of (S)-UH-301 were blocked by raclopride pretreatment. Local application by pneumatic ejection of 8-OH-DPAT excited the DA cells in both the VTA and the SN-ZC, whereas (S)-UH-301 inhibited these cells when given locally. These results show that 5-HT1A receptor related compounds differentially affect the electrophysiological activity of central DA neurons. The DA receptor agonistic properties of these compound appear to contribute to the inhibitory effects of high doses of (R)-8-OH-DPAT and (S)-UH-301 on DA neuronal activity. Given the potential use of 5-HT1A receptor selective compounds in the treatment of anxiety and depression their effects on central DA systems involved in mood regulation and reward related processes are of considerable importance.

Effect of long term caffeine treatment on A1 and A2 adenosine receptor binding and on mRNA levels in rat brain

Abstract: The effect of long-term oral treatment with caffeine on A1 and A2 receptors in the rat brain was studied. Caffeine was added to the drinking water and the animals were sacrificed after a 12 day treatment period. The plasma caffeine concentration was close to 100 μM. A1 receptors were studied using quantitative autoradiography with [3H]cyclohexyladenosine (CHA). Caffeine treatment increased the number of A1 receptors in the CA3 subfield of the hippocampus from 337 to 393 fmol/mg with no change in KD (0.692 vs. 0.675 nM). A1 mRNA was measured using Northern blots and quantitative in situ hybridization. There was no increase in A1 mRNA. A2a receptors, located in dopamine rich regions of the rat brain, were studied with quantitative autoradiography using [3H]CGS 21680 as the ligand, and the A2a mRNA was determined using quantitative in situ hybridization. Caffeine treatment produced no significant change in either receptor number or mRNA, even though the apparent Bmax tended to increase from 322±8 to 352±8 fmol/mg. The results show that treatment with caffeine in a dose that causes tolerance to several effects of caffeine and increases some effects of adenosine analogues increases the number of A1 receptors without any change in A1 mRNA, suggesting that the adaptive changes are at a post-translational level. There were no significant changes in A2 receptors indicating that the two types are regulated differently and/or that the amount of endogenous agonist is sufficient to regulate A1, but not A2 receptors.

Modulation by 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors of the release of 5-hydroxytryptamine from the guinea-pig small intestine.

Abstract: The effects of agonists and antagonists of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors on the release of endogenous 5-HT from enterochromaffin cells were studied in the vascularly perfused isolated guinea-pig small intestine. The experiments were done in the presence of tetrodotoxin in order to exclude a neuronally mediated influence on 5-HT release. The 5-HT3 receptor agonist 2-methyl-5-HT increased 5-HT release, and this effect was antagonized by 1 nmol/l tropisetron. Nanomolar concentrations of tropisetron, MDL 72,222 and granisetron decreased 5-HT release. Ondansetron (0.1 and 1 mumol/l) did not modify 5-HT release. 5-Methoxytryptamine, BIMU8 and cisapride concentration-dependently inhibited 5-HT release. BIMU8 was more potent than 5-methoxytryptamine. Micromolar concentrations of tropisetron (1 and 10 mumol/l) enhanced the release, whilst methiothepine (0.1 mumol/l) did not affect the release of 5-HT. The results suggest that enterochromaffin cells of the guinea-pig ileum do not contain 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptors, but are endowed with 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 autoreceptors. Activation of the 5-HT3 receptors triggers a positive feedback mechanism leading to an increase of 5-HT release. The 5-HT3 receptors on the enterochromaffin cell differ from neuronal 5-HT3 receptors on guinea-pig myenteric plexus by their high affinity for tropisetron and MDL 72,222, and their very low affinity for ondansetron. Stimulation of 5-HT4 receptors causes inhibition of release; the inhibitory 5-HT4 receptor mechanism appears to predominate.

In vivo electrophysiological evidence for tonic activation by endogenous noradrenaline of α2-adrenoceptors on 5-hydroxytryptamine terminals in the rat hippocampus

Abstract: The activation of α2-adrenergic heteroreceptors was studied by comparing the effectiveness of the electrical stimulation of the ascending 5-HT pathway in suppressing the firing activity of CA3 dorsal hippocampus pyramidal neurons prior to, and following, the intravenous administration of noradrenergic agents. Desipramine (2 mg/kg), a selective noradrenaline reuptake blocker, reduced the efficacy of the stimulation; this effect was reversed by the α2-adrenoceptor antagonists yohimbine (0.5 mg/kg) and (-)mianserin (0.5 mg/kg), but not by idazoxan (0.5 mg/kg), an adrenoceptor antagonist with preferential affinity for the imidazoline recognition sites. Low doses of the α2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine (2 and 10 μg/kg) enhanced the efficacy of the stimulation, while high doses (100 and 400 μg/kg) reduced it. These incremental and decremental effects of clonidine were reversed by 0.1 and 1 mg/kg of yohimbine, respectively. The enhancing effect of the low dose of clonidine (10 μg/kg) was abolished in rats pretreated with the noradrenaline neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine. However, the inhibitory effect of a high dose of clonidine (100 μg/kg) was unaltered by this pretreatment. These results indicate that low doses of clonidine preferentially activate α2-adrenergic autoreceptors on the noradrenaline neurons resulting in a reduction of the tonic inhibitory effect of endogenous noradrenaline on 5-HT neurotransmission, while higher doses of clonidine would decrease 5-HT neurotransmission through the direct activation of α2-adrenergic heteroreceptors on 5-HT terminals. Furthermore, the selective α2-adrenergic heteroreceptors antagonist(-)mianserin (0.5 mg/kg) increased by itself the efficacy of 5-HT neurotransmission, an effect not observed with yohimbine and idazoxan. Taken together, these results suggest that, in vivo, the α2-adrenoceptors on 5-HT terminals of the rat hippocampus are tonically activated by endogenous noradrenaline and modulate 5-HT release.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors increase preferentially extracellular 5-hydroxytryptamine in the midbrain raphe nuclei. A brain microdialysis study in the awake rat

Abstract: We have examined the local and systemic effects of clorgyline, tranylcypromine and deprenyl on extracellular serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the raphe nuclei and in frontal cortex of awake, freely-moving rats using microdialysis. When administered through the dialysis probe, monoamine oxidase (monoamine: oxygen oxidoreductase (deaminating), E.C. 1.4.3.4., MAO) inhibitors increased 5-HT output in a dose-dependent manner in both brain areas. The effects were more pronounced in the raphe nuclei for the three MAO inhibitors at all doses assayed. When the monoamine oxidase inhibitors were given i.p., dialysate 5-HT increased dramatically, after tranylcypromine (15 mg/kg), in raphe nuclei and frontal cortex (area under the curve (AUC) to 4 h post-treatment: 63-fold and 11-fold, respectively) whereas the effects of clorgyline (10 mg/kg) were much less pronounced (+ 47% increase in the AUC for raphe nuclei, P < 0.09; + 18% increase in the AUC for frontal cortex, n.s.). Deprenyl (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) induced a moderate (+ 22%) increase of dialysate 5-HT from the raphe nuclei but did not cause a change in dialysate 5-HT from the frontal cortex (+ 4%). However, clorgyline, or deprenyl, dramatically increased dialysate 5-HT in animals which had been pre-treated with the above dose of deprenyl, or clorgyline, respectively, showing that the blockade of both forms of MAO results in much larger increases of extracellular 5-HT than does the blockade of either form alone. These results indicate that: (a) deamination by MAO participates actively in the control of the extracellular concentration of 5-HT in those areas of the brain that are rich in serotoninergic nerve terminals as well as in cell bodies, (b) in vivo, brain 5-HT is deaminated preferentially by MAO-A but its full inhibition does not result in an increased release of 5-HT, in spite of a large accumulation of 5-HT in the brain tissue, (c) MAO-B deaminates 5-HT when the A-form is inhibited (in this situation, MAO-B participates actively in the control of a releasable pool of 5-HT), (d) the raphe nuclei appears to be a preferential site of action of MAO inhibitors, administered either locally or systemically. These results may help to understand the model of action of MAO inhibitors as antidepressant drugs.

Inhibition by anaesthetics of 14C-guanidinium flux through the voltage-gated sodium channel and the cation channel of the 5-HT3 receptor of N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells.

Abstract: Effects of some naturally occurring steroids and synthetic analogues on the cation flux through the cation channel of the 5-HT3 receptor and the voltage-gated and tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium channel were studied in N1E-115 mouse neuroblastoma cells by measuring the 2-min influx of the organic cation [14C]-guanidinium. The cation fluxes in intact cells were either induced by 2 min exposure of the cells to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 100microM) or to veratridine (1 mM). Influx of [14C]-guanidinium through both channels was concentration-dependently inhibited by all compounds studied. The rank order of potency for inhibition of the 5-HT3 receptor-induced cation flux was clomiphene approximately/= cyproterone acetate > estradiol > progesterone approximately/= allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone > alfaxalone approximately/= testosterone > aldosterone > dexamethasone. With the exception of dexamethasone and testosterone, which were more potent at the voltage-dependent sodium channel, and progesterone and testosterone, which were about nearly equipotent in inhibiting both cation channels, the steroids were twofold (alfaxalone, allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone) to 107-fold (cyproterone acetate) more potent at the 5-HT3 receptor channel than at the voltage-gated sodium channel. The potencies of the steroids (and the synthetic analogues) for inhibition of the 5-HT3 receptor-induced [14C]-guanidinium influx were correlated with their lipophilicity (log P values). A similar correlation between log P values and pIC50 values for the steroid-induced inhibition of the veratridine-evoked cation influx through the voltage-gated sodium channel was only found when cyproterone acetate (a compound with extremely low inhibitory potency at this channel) was not included in the regression analysis. The results indicate that both the 5-HT3 receptor channel and the voltage-gated sodium channel are targets for steroids. The relationship between most of the compounds in inhibiting both cation channels and lipophilicity is compatible with a common mechanistic principle in steroid-induced inhibition of the two channels, i.e. a nonspecific hydrophobic interaction with certain membrane lipids in the neighbourhood of the two channels.

Binding of [3H]clonidine to I1-imidazoline sites in bovine adrenal medullary membranes.

Abstract: Imidazolines bind with high affinity not only to α-adrenoceptors but also to specific imidazoline binding sites (IBS) labelled by either [3H]clonidine or [3H]idazoxan and termed I1- and I2-IBS, respectively. Since bovine adrenal chromaffin cells lack α2-adrenoceptors, we investigated the pharmacological characteristics of [3H]clonidine binding sites in the bovine adrenal medulla. The binding of [3H]clonidine was rapid, reversible, partly specific (as defined by naphazoline 0.1 mmol/l; 55% specific binding at [3H]clonidine 10 nmol/l), saturable and of high affinity. The specific binding of [3H]clonidine to bovine adrenal medullary membranes was concentration-dependently inhibited by various imidazolines, guanidines and an oxazoline derivative but not, or with negligible affinity, by rauwolscine and (−)-adrenaline. In most cases, the competition curves were best fitted to a two-site model. The rank order of affinity for the high affinity site (in a few cases the single detectable site) was as follows: naphazoline >- BDF 7579 (4-chloro-2-isoindolinyl guanidine) >-clonidine>- cirazoline >_ BDF 6143 (4-chloro-2-(2-imidazolin-2-ylamino)isoindoline hydrochloride) > BDF 7572 (4,7-chloro-2-(2-imidazolin-2-ylamino)-isoindoline) > moxonidine = rilmenidine > BDF 6100 (2-(2-imidazolin-2-ylamino)-isoindoline) = idazoxan > phentolamine > aganodine = guanabenz > amiloride > histamine. This rank order is compatible with the pharmacological properties of the I1-IBS. The non-hydrolysable GTP-analogue Gpp(NH)p (5′guanylylimidodiphosphate; 100 μmol/l) inhibited specific [3H]clonidine binding by about 50%. Equilibrium [3H]clonidine binding was also significantly reduced by K+ and Mg2+ In conclusion, [3H]clonidine labels non-adrenergic high-affinity sites in plasma membranes of the bovine adrenal medulla; these sites exhibit the pharmacological properties of I1-IBS, but not of I2-IBS. Furthermore, the IBS in the adrenal medulla appear to be coupled to a G-protein.

Presynaptic alpha 2-autoreceptors in brain cortex: alpha 2D in the rat and alpha 2A in the rabbit.

Abstract: Presynaptic α2-autoreceptors in rat and rabbit brain cortex were compared by means of antagonists and agonists. Brain cortex slices were preincubated with [3H]-noradrenaline and then superfused and stimulated by 3 (rat) or 4 (rabbit) pulses at a frequency of 100 Hz. The α2-adrenoceptor agonist bromoxidine (UK 14 304) reduced the electrically evoked overflow of tritium with EC50 values of 4.5 nmol/l in the rat and 0.7 nmol/l in the rabbit. The antagonists phentolamine, 2-[2H-(1-methyl-1,3-dihydroisoindole)methyl]-4,5-dihydroimidazole (BRL 44408), rauwolscine, 1,2-dimethyl-2,3,9,13b-tetrahydro-1H-dibenzo(c,f)imidazo(1,5-a)azepine (BRL 41992), 2-(2,6-dimethoxyphenoxyethyl)aminomethyl-1,4-benzodioxane (WB 4101), 6-chloro-9-[(3-methyl-2-butenyl)oxy]-3-methyl-1H-2,3,4, 5-tetrahydro-3-benzazepine (SKF 104078), imiloxan, prazosin and corynanthine did not per se increase the evoked overflow of tritium but shifted the concentration-inhibition curve of bromoxidine to the right in a manner compatible with competitive antagonism. Up to 4 concentrations of each antagonist were used to determine its dissociation constant KD. The KD values correlated only weakly between the rat and the rabbit. Dissociation constants KA of bromoxidine were calculated from equieffective concentrations in unpretreated brain slices and slices in which part of the α2-adrenoceptors had been irreversibly blocked by phenoxybenzamine. The KA value was 123 nmol/l in the rat and 7.2 nmol/l in the rabbit. The results confirm the species difference between rat and rabbit brain presynaptic α2-autoreceptors. Comparison with data from the literature indicates that the rat brain autoreceptors can be equated with the α2D subtype as defined by radioligand binding, whereas the rabbit brain autoreceptors conform to the α2A subtype. For example, the antagonist affinities for the rat autoreceptors correlate with their binding affinities for the gene product of α2-RG20, the putative rat α2D-adrenoceptor gene (r = 0.97; P<0.01), but not with their binding affinities for the gene product of α2-C10, the putative human α2A-adrenoceptor gene. Conversely, the rabbit autoreceptors correlate with the α2-C10 (r = 0.98; P<0.001) but not with the α2-RG20 gene product. Since presynaptic α2-autoreceptors are also α2D in rat submaxillary gland and perhaps vas deferens and α2A in rabbit pulmonary artery, the possibility arises that the majority of α2-autoreceptors generally are α2D in the rat and α2A in the rabbit. Moreover, receptors of the α2A/D group generally may be the main mammalian α2-autoreceptors.

The competitive NMDA antagonist CPP protects substantia nigra neurons from MPTP-induced degeneration in primates

Abstract: Degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons is the primary histopathological feature of Parkinson's disease. The neurotoxin MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) induces a neurological syndrome in man and non-human primates very similar to idiopathic Parkinson's disease by selectively destroying dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurons. This gives rise to the hypothesis that Parkinson's disease may be caused by endogenous or environmental toxins. Endogenous excitatory amino acids (EAAs) such as L-glutamate could be involved in neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease. We report in this study that the competitive NMDA antagonist CPP (3-((+/-)-2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid) protects nigral tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons from degeneration induced by systemic treatment with MPTP in common marmosets. This indicates that EAAs are involved in the pathophysiological cascade of MPTP-induced neuronal cell death and that EAA antagonists may offer a neuroprotective therapy for Parkinson's disease.

Inhibition of endothelial derived relaxing factor (EDRF) aggravates ischemic acute renal failure in anesthetized rats.

Abstract: The relative importance of endothelial derived relaxing factor (EDRF)/nitric oxide (NO) in maintaining kidney function in normal condition and in acute renal failure (ARF) were evaluated in inactin anesthetized rats. ARF was induced by unilateral occlusion of the left renal artery (40 min) followed by reperfusion, with the contralateral kidney serving as normal control. This protocol resulted in marked reductions in renal plasma flow (RPF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and increases in fractional sodium excretion (FENa) and urinary protein excretion in the post-ischemic kidney in comparison to the contralateral normal kidney. Administration of the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor NG — monomethyl-L-arginine (0.25 mg/kg per min, L-NMMA) exacerbated the ischemia-induced changes in renal functions as reflected by further reductions in urine flow (V), GFR, marked sodium wasting and renal edema. Pretreatment of the animals with NO precursor L-arginine (2.5 mg/kg per min, L-Arg) abolished the detrimental effects of L-NMMA in ARE In contrast, D-Arginine (2.5 mg/kg per min, DArg) failed to reverse the detrimental effects of L-NMMA. Infusion of L-Arg alone also resulted in improvements in RPF and GFR in the ischemic kidney. The results of the present study suggest that the function of the ischemic kidney is sustained by EDRF/NO and is thus more sensitive to NO synthase inhibition.

[3H]resiniferatoxin binding by the vanilloid receptor : species-related differences, effects of temperature and sulfhydryl reagents

Abstract: Specific binding of [3H]resiniferatoxin (RTX) is thought to represent the vanilloid (capsaicin) receptor. In the present study, we have used this binding assay to elucidate the contribution of differential receptor expression to the capsaicin-resistance of hamsters and rabbits; binding parameters were compared to those of species (rats, mice) regarded as capsaicin-sensitive. Whereas the 5-fold lower affinity for [3H]RTX binding in the hamster (100 pM) as compared to the rat (20 pM) is unlikely to account for the 100-fold difference in the in vivo responses of RTX-induced inflammation and hypothermia, the lack of detectable specific [3H]RTX binding sites in the rabbit might represent the predominant mechanism of capsaicin-resistance in this species. Regulation of the vanilloid receptor was further characterized in the rat. In accord with the temperature dependence of both in vivo and in vitro capsaicin actions, we found a marked temperature dependence for association rates. Dissociation turned out to have complex kinetics dependent on time and receptor occupancy. Low pH (5.5-7.0) did not affect receptor binding. Preincubation with heavy metal cations and other sulfhydryl-reactive agents inhibited specific [3H]RTX binding indicating that the vanilloid receptor is a thiol-protein, and that free sulfhydryl groups play an essential role in agonist binding activity. Preliminary characterization suggested noncompetitive inhibition.

Effects of a toxic fraction, PhTx2, from the spider Phoneutria nigriventer on the sodium current.

Abstract: The toxic fraction PhTx2 of the spider Phoneutria nigriventer was studied with a modified loose patch clamp technique on frog skeletal muscle. At saturating concentration (8 μg/ml) potassium currents were unaffected whereas there was a 7-fold increase in the time constant of sodium current inactivation (at −13 mV test potential). The time course of tail current deactivation was at least 3-fold slower than the control. The steady state (100 ms) inactivation and the conductance activation were shifted toward more negative potentials by 12.2 and 7.0 mV, respectively. The reversal of the sodium current was shifted 7.6 mV to more negative potential. We conclude that PhTx2 prolongs the inactivation and deactivation processes of sodium ion channels. These effects may account for the toxicity of PhTx2.

Effects of selective A1 and A2 adenosine receptor agonists on cardiovascular tissues

Abstract: We investigated the negative chronotropic and vasodilating properties of new selective A1 and A2 adenosine agonists such as 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) and 2-hexynyl-5′-N-ethyl-carboxamidoadenosine (2-hexynyl-NECA) as compared with reference adenosine analogues. The potency of these compounds on heart rate was assessed in the rat atrial preparation and their activity on the vascular tone was determined in both rat aorta and bovine coronary artery. CCPA was found to be the most potent At agonist of those currently available in producing negative chronotropic effects (EC50 = 8.2 nM). The A1 antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropyl-xanthine (DPCPX) blocked CCPA activity in a dose-dependent manner. There was also a significant correlation between its biological effect and the affinity for A1 receptors as measured in the rat brain by [3H]-N6-cyclohexyladenosine (3[H]-CHA) binding. The A2 selective agonist 2-hexynyl-NECA showed vasodilating properties comparable with those observed with the reference compounds, CGS 21680 and NECA. EC50 values were 596 and 569 nM in rat aorta and bovine coronary artery, respectively. Moreover, the rank order of potency was similar in the two vascular districts examined, suggesting that the rat aorta is a useful model for studying the effects of adenosine derivatives on vascular tone. In addition, the potency of the compounds in inducing vasodilation was found to be correlated with their affinity for A2 receptors as measured in the rat striatum by 3[H]-CGS 21680 binding.

Alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtype affinities of drugs for the treatment of prostatic hypertrophy. Evidence for heterogeneity of chloroethylclonidine-resistant rat renal alpha 1-adrenoceptor.

Abstract: We have used radioligand binding and inositol phosphate accumulation studies to determine the affinity at mixed α1A- and α1B-adrenoceptors (rat cerebral cortex and kidney), α1A-adrenoceptors (rat cerebral cortex and kidney following inactivation of α1B-adrenoceptors by chloroethylclonidine treatment) and α1B-adrenoceptors (rat spleen) for drugs currently under investigation for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy, alfuzosin, naftopidil and (−)- and (+)-tamsulosin. Alfuzosin and naftopidil had similar affinities in all model systems (approximately 10 nM and 130 nM, respectively) and lacked relevant selectivity for α1-adrenoceptor subtypes. Their potency to inhibit noradrenaline-stimulated inositol phosphate formation in cerebral cortex matched their affinities as determined in the binding studies. Tamsulosin had higher affinity at α1A- than at α1B-adrenoceptors, and was slightly more potent than alfuzosin and naftopidil at α1B- and considerably more potent at α1A-adrenoceptors. However, the interaction of the tamsulosin isomers with chloroethylclonidine-insensitive (α1A-like) adrenoceptors was complex. A detailed analysis of the tamsulosin data and those obtained with other drugs, most notably noradrenaline and oxymetazoline, suggested that chloroethylclonidine-insensitive α1-adrenoceptors may be heterogenous and that this heterogeneity may differ between cerebral cortex and kidney of the rat.

(-)Tertatolol is a potent antagonist at pre- and postsynaptic serotonin 5-HT1A receptors in the rat brain.

Abstract: The potential 5-HT1A antagonist properties of the s-antagonist tertatolol were assessed using biochemical and electrophysiological assays in the rat. (±) Tertatolol bound with high affinity (Ki = 38 nM) to 5-HT1A sites labelled by [3H]8-OH-DPAT in hippocampal membranes. The (−)stereoisomer (Ki = 18 nM) was about 50-fold more potent than the (+)stereoisomer (Ki = 864 nM) to inhibit the specific binding of [3H]-8-OHDPAT. As expected of a 5-HT1A antagonist, (−)tertatolol prevented in a concentration-dependent manner (Ki = 24 nM) the inhibitory effect of 8-OH-DPAT on forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in rat hippocampal homogenates. Furthermore in vivo pretreatment with (−)tertatolol (5 mg/kg s.c.) significantly reduced the inhibitory influence of 8-OH-DPAT (0.3 mg/ kg s.c.) on the accumulation of 5-hydroxytryptophan in various brain areas after the blockade of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase by NSD-1015 (100 mg/kg i.p.). In vitro (in brainstem slices; Ki ∼ 50 nM) and in vivo (in chloral hydrate anaesthetized rats; ID50 ∼ 0.40 mg/kg i.v.), (−)tertatolol prevented the inhibitory effects of the 5-HT1A receptor agonists 8-OH-DPAT, ipsapirone and lesopitron on the firing rate of serotoninergic neurones within the dorsal raphe nucleus. In about 25% of these neurones, the basal firing rate was significantly increased by (−)tertatolol (up to +47% in vitro, and +30% in vivo). These data indicate that (-)tertatolol is a potent competitive antagonist at both pre (in the dorsal raphe nucleus) - and post (in the hippocampus) - synaptic 5-HT1A receptors in the rat brain.

Neural ATP release and its α2-adrenoceptor-mediated modulation in guinea-pig vas deferens

Abstract: Contractions, release of previously stored [3H]-noradrenaline (measured as overflow of total tritiated compounds) and release of ATP elicited by electrical field stimulation (210 pulses, 7 Hz) were studied in the superfused vas deferens of the guinea pig. Prazosin and suramin were used to suppress non-neural ATP release, and effects of bromoxidine and rauwolscine on the neural release thus isolated were examined. Electrical stimulation elicited reproducible contraction, tritium overflow and ATP overflow. Both prazosin (0.03–3 μM) and suramin (30–300 μM) reduced contractions as well as the evoked overflow of ATP. No visible contraction remained in 21 of 28 tissues exposed to prazosin 0.3 μM combined with suramin 300 μM. The evoked overflow of ATP under these conditions was about 17% of that observed in the absence of drugs. In the presence of prazosin 0.3 μM and suramin 300 μM, bromoxidine (0.01–1 μM) decreased and rauwolscine (0.1–10 μM) increased the evoked overflow of both tritium and ATP. Rauwolscine increased the evoked overflow of tritium to a significantly greater extent than the overflow of ATP. It is concluded that the overflow of ATP elicited by electrical (neural) stimulation in the presence of prazosin 0.3 μM and suramin 300 μM reflects purely neural release of ATP. This release of ATP, like the release of noradrenaline, is modulated through prejunctional α2-adrenoceptors. The α2-adrenoceptor modulation of the release of noradrenaline seems to be more marked than the modulation of the release of ATP.

Nordimaprit, homodimaprit, clobenpropit and imetit: affinities for H3 binding sites and potencies in a functional H3 receptor model

Abstract: We determined the affinities of nordimaprit, homodimaprit, clobenpropit and imetit for H3 binding sites (labelled by 3H-N alpha-methylhistamine) in rat brain cortex homogenates and their potencies at presynaptic H3A receptors on noradrenergic nerve endings in mouse brain cortex slices. 3H-N alpha-Methylhistamine bound saturably to rat brain cortex homogenates with a Kd of 0.70 nmol/l and a Bmax of 98 fmol/mg protein. Binding of 3H-N alpha-methylhistamine was displaced monophasically by dimaprit (pKi 6.55), nordimaprit (5.94), homodimaprit (6.44), clobenpropit (9.16), imetit (9.83), R-(-)-alpha-methylhistamine (8.87) and histamine (8.20), and biphasically by burimamide (pKi high 7.73, pKi low 5.97). In superfused mouse brain cortex slices preincubated with 3H-noradrenaline, the electrically (0.3 Hz) evoked tritium overflow was inhibited by imetit (pIC35 8.93), R-(-)-alpha-methylhistamine (7.87) and histamine (7.03). The effect of histamine was attenuated by nordimaprit, homodimaprit, clobenpropit and N-ethoxycarbonyl-2- ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ); EEDQ (but not nordimaprit, homodimaprit and clobenpropit) attenuated the effect of histamine also in slices pre-exposed to the drug 60-30 min prior to superfusion. The concentration-response curve of histamine was shifted to the right by homodimaprit and clobenpropit; Schild plots yielded straight lines with a slope of unity for both drugs (pA2 5.94 and 9.55, respectively). Nordimaprit depressed the maximum effect of histamine (pD'2 5.55) and also slightly increased the concentration of histamine producing the half-maximum effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of the positive inotropic effects of serotonin, histamine, angiotensin II, endothelin and isoprenaline in the isolated human right atrium

Abstract: The receptor systems through which serotonin (5-HT), histamine, angiotensin II and endothelin increase the force of contraction were studied in isolated right atria from patients without apparent heart failure. All agonists increased the atrial force of contraction in a concentration-dependent manner; maximal effects, however, were significantly less than those evoked by isoprenaline or Ca2+. 5-HT and histamine, but not angiotensin II and endothelin, activated adenylate cyclase, whereas endothelin and angiotensin II stimulated inositol phosphate generation. Experiments with subtype-selective antagonists revealed that histamine effects were mediated by H2-receptors (sensitive to ranitidine), 5-HT-effects by 5-HT4-receptors (sensitive to SDZ 205-557) and angiotensin II effects by AT1-receptors (sensitive to losartan). We conclude that in human right atria the force of contraction can be increased by cyclic AMP-dependent (histamine, 5-HT) and -independent (angiotensin II, endothelin) pathways. Compared to β-adrenoceptors, however, all other receptor systems increase the force of contraction only submaximally indicating that the β-adrenoceptor pathway is the most important physiological mechanism to regulate force of contraction and/or heart rate in the human heart.

Cell-specific coupling of the cloned human 5-HT1F receptor to multiple signal transduction pathways.

Abstract: We recently described the cloning of a fifth member of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1 (serotonin1) receptor class that inhibits adenylyl cyclase, namely the human 5-HT1F receptor (Adham et al. 1993 a). In the present study we have examined in greater detail the functional coupling of the 5-HT1F receptor in two different cell lines, NIH-3T3 and LM(tk−) fibroblasts (receptor densities of 1.7 and 4.4 pmol/mg protein, respectively). The maximal inhibitory response elicited by 5-HT was significantly greater in NIH-3T3 as compared to LM(tk−) cells, whereas the EC50 values were comparable. To investigate the relationship between receptor occupancy and inhibition of cAMP accumulation mediated by 5-HT1F receptors in NIH-3T3 cells (and hence the degree of receptor reserve), we used the irreversible receptor antagonist N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ). The half-maximal response required only about 10% receptor occupancy, consistent with a receptor reserve of 90% (88±2.1%, n = 4) for 5-HT-induced inhibition of FSCA. Despite the presence of such a high degree of receptor reserve, a range of intrinsic activities was displayed by structurally diverse classes of compounds. For example, sumatriptan and lysergol were as efficacious as 5-HT itself and thus acted as full agonists, whereas metergoline and 1-NP behaved as partial agonists and as shown previously (Adham et al. 1993a), methiothepin was a silent antagonist (Kb = 438 nM). We have also investigated activation of additional signal transduction pathways by the 5-HT1F receptor and found that the responses differ in the two cell lines with respect to stimulation of phospholipase C. For example, in NIH-3T3 cells no elevation of inositol phosphates (IP) of [Ca2+]i was observed even at very high agonist concentrations (100 μM). In contrast, in LM(tk−) cells concentrations of 5-HT as low as 10 nM induced stimulation of IP and a rapid increase of [Ca2+]i. The 5-HT1F receptor failed to alter arachidonic acid release in either cell line. The maximal increase in IP accumulation in LM(tk−) cells was modest, averaging about 100% above basal. The increases of IP and [Ca2+]i required 5-HT concentrations less than one order of magnitude greater than those inhibiting FSCA (EC50 = 17, 55 and 8 nM, respectively), and both responses were blocked by 100 μM methiothepin. All three responses (cAMP, IP, and [Ca2+]i) were sensitive to pertussis toxin pre-treatment, suggesting the involvement of Gi/Go protein(s) in these signal transduction pathways. [Ca2+]i was also elevated by sumatriptan, which may provide a mechanism by which this drug causes constriction of the vasculature. In conclusion, these data indicate that the human 5-HT1F receptor can couple to multiple effectors, and that this coupling is cell-type dependent.

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

Abstract: In PGF2α-precontracted pulmonary arteries with intact endothelium, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 1.0-100 nmol/l) caused a concentration-dependent reversible relaxation, at higher concentrations the contractile response prevailed. In endothelium-denuded vessels relaxation was absent. 5-HT-induced relaxation of precontracted pulmonary arteries was probably mediated by release of an endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). Preincubation of the arteries with methylene blue or NG-nitro-Lrarginine (200 μmol/l) attenuated the relaxant effect. The 5-HT-induced relaxation was accompanied by an increase in cGMP. Indomethacin (3 μmol/l) did not influence the 5-HT-induced relaxation indicating that eicosanoids are not involved in the relaxant response to 5-HT. The 5-HT1C and 5-HT2 receptor agonist α-methyl-5HT was as potent as 5-HT in inducing relaxation. The rank order of relaxant potency of the agonists investigated was α-methyl-5-HT > 5-HT > 5-methoxytryptamine > tryptamine > ω-methyl-5-HT > 5-carboxamidotryptamine >2-methyl-5-HT > 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine > m-chlorophenylpiperazine >sumatriptan > 8-OH-DPAT. Phentolamine, pindolol and ICS 205-930 did not interfere with the relaxant effect. The 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin (1 μmol/l) inhibited the contractile response but did not alter vasodilatation. Apart from the blockade of the contractile effects, mesulergine, cyproheptadine and mianserin (0.1-3.0 μmol/l, each) induced a parallel shift to the right of the concentration-response curve for the relaxation induced by a-methyl-5-HT or 5-HT. Spiperone (0.3 μmol/l) exerted weak inhibitory effects on relaxation and contraction. The most potent (noncompetitive) antagonist against relaxant responses was metitepine (0.1-1.0 μmol/l) which markedly depressed the relaxant maximum effect of the agonists. The failure of ketanserin and ICS 205-930 to inhibit the relaxant effect of 5-HT receptor agonists suggests that classical 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors are not involved in the endothelium-dependent relaxation. Comparison of the rank order of potencies of agonists and antagonists with their affinities for brain binding sites revealed that the endothelial 5-HT receptors are similar to the 5-HT1C receptor subtype. Furthermore, the endothelial receptors exhibit marked similarity to the recently cloned 5-HT receptor mediating contraction of the rat stomach fundus.

Effect of acute and repeated administration of 5-HT1A receptor agonists on 5-HT release in rat brain in vivo

Abstract: 1. Electrophysiological measurements of 5-HT neuronal activity report that repeated administration of 5-HT1A receptor agonists leads to desensitization of the 5-HT1A autoreceptor but this has not yet been detected in measurements of brain 5-HT synthesis or metabolism. Here we have determined the effect of repeated administration of 5-HT1A receptor agonists on brain 5-HT release using microdialysis. 2. Acute administration of the 5-HT1A receptor agonists buspirone (0.1–5 mg/kg s.c.) and ipsapirone (0.03–3 mg/kg s.c.) caused a dose-dependent decrease in 5-HT output in ventral hippocampus of the chloral hydrate anaesthetized rat. 3. The 5-HT response to buspirone (0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg s.c.) and ipsapirone (0.3 mg/kg s.c.) was significantly inhibited by pre-treatment with the 5-HT1/β-adrenoceptor antagonist pindolol (8–16 mg/kg s.c.). The 5-HT response to buspirone (0.1 mg/kg s.c.) and ipsapirone (0.3 mg/kg s.c.) was not blocked by pretreatment with a combination of the β1 and β2-adrenoceptor antagonists metoprolol and ICI 118,551 (4 mg/kg s.c.). 4. The effect of an acute challenge of buspirone (0.5 mg/kg s.c.) on 5-HT output in ventral hippocampus was not attenuated in rats treated twice daily for 14 days with 0.5 or 5 mg/kg s.c. buspirone compared to saline-injected controls. Similarly, the decrease in 5-HT induced by an acute challenge of ipsapirone (0.5 mg/kg s.c.) was not attenuated in rats treated twice daily for 14 days with 5 mg/kg s.c. ipsapirone. 5. In further experiments it was shown that the decrease in 5-HT induced in both ventral hippocampus and striatum by an acute challenge of the selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.025 mg/kg s.c.), was not attenuated in rats treated twice daily for 14 days with 1 mg/kg s.c. 8-OH-DPAT. 6. Basal levels of 5-HT in hippocampal and striatal microdialysates of animals treated repeatedly with the 5-HT1A receptor agonists were not consistently altered relative to treatment controls. 7. In agreement with earlier studies measuring regional brain 5-HT synthesis and metabolism, the present microdialysis measurements of 5-HT release indicate that the inhibitory effect of 5-HT1A receptor agonists on presynaptic 5-HT function is maintained in rats treated repeatedly with the same drugs.

BRL 38227 (levcromakalim)-induced hyperpolarization reduces the sensitivity to Ca2+ of contractile elements in canine coronary artery

Abstract: Potassium (K+) channel openers decrease intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) by hyperpolarizing the membrane and deactivating the Ca2+-channels To examine whether the hyperpolarization produced by K+-channel openers has other effects on the mechanical activity of vascular smooth muscle, we investigated the effects of levcromakalim (BRL 38227) on membrane potential, [Ca2+]i, as measured with fura-2, and force of contraction induced by 30 mmol/l KCl-physiological salt solution (PSS), in canine coronary arteries BRL 38227 hyperpolarized the membrane and reduced increases in [Ca2+]i and in contractile force induced by 30 mmol/l KCl-PSS The [Ca2+]i-contractile force curve, determined in the presence of BRL 38227, was located to the right of the control curve determined by decreasing extracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]o) in 30 mmol/l KCl-PSS The [Ca2+ i-contractile force curve, determined by decreasing extracellular K+ concentrations ([K+]o), was also located to the right of that determined by decreasing [Ca2+]o in 30 mmol/l KCl-PSS The effect of BRL 38227, a reduction in the Ca 2+-sensitivity of contractile elements, was antagonized by the ATP-sensitive K+-channel blocker, glibenclamide (10−6 or 10−5 mol/1) These results suggest that the membrane hyperpolarization induced by BRL 38227, or the repolarization caused by reducing ([K+]o), decreases the Ca2+-sensitivity of contractile elements of vascular smooth muscle

Involvement of both GABAA and GABAB receptors in tonic inhibitory control of blood pressure at the rostral ventrolateral medulla of the rat

Abstract: The rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) contains vasopressor neurons which increase vasomotor tone. Endogenous GABA is suggested to be involved in mediation of the tonic inhibition of vasopressor neurons in the RVLM. To obtain more precise information about GABAergic mechanisms in the RVLM, we microinjected GABA agonists and antagonists unilaterally into the RVLM and examined their effects on blood pressure and heart rate. In addition, involvement of the other inhibitory amino acids glycine, β-alanine and taurine in blood pressure regulation in the rat RVLM was also investigated. Male Wistar rats were anesthetized with urethane, paralyzed and artificially ventilated. The GABAA agonist muscimol (3–30 pmol) and the GABAB agonist baclofen (10–100 pmol) microinjected into the RVLM produced a decrease in blood pressure. The GABAA antagonist bicuculline (300 pmol) abolished the depressor response to muscimol (10 pmol) but not to baclofen (30 pmol) whereas the GABAB antagonist 2-hydroxysaclofen (1 nmol) abolished the depressor response to baclofen (30 pmol) but not to muscimol (10 pmol). Either bicuculline or 2-hydroxysaclofen alone produced a pressor response. Both antagonists inhibited depressor response to nipecotic acid (7.7 nmol)and GABA (0.3 nmol). Glycine (0.13 – 4.0 nmol), β-alanine (0.11 – 3.4 nmol) and taurine (0.08 – 2.4 nmol) microinjected into the RVLM also produced decreases in blood pressure. The glycine antagonist strychnine (0.58 nmol) abolished the depressor response to glycine, β-alanine and taurine but not to GABA. The taurine antagonist (6-aminomethyl-3-methyl-4-H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-1,1-diox-ide) (1.3 nmol) inhibited the depressor response to β-alanine and taurine but not to glycine and GABA. These results show that in the rat RVLM there exist GABAA and GABAB receptors, and that endogenous GABA tonically stimulates both GABAA and GABAB receptors to decrease arterial pressure. It seems unlikely that glycine and taurine are involved in mediation of the tonic inhibition of vasopressor neurons in the rat RVLM.

1,1′-Diethyl-2,2′-cyanine (decynium22) potently inhibits the renal transport of organic cations

Abstract: The excretion of cationic compounds by renal proximal tubule cells involves at least two distinct transporters: the basolateral type which transports organic cations from the plasma into the proximal tubule cell, and the apical type which secretes the organic cations into the lumen of the tubule. However, potent inhibitors were known for neither type of transporter. Here we introduce a compound, decynium22, that potently, competitively, and selectively inhibits the apical type of the renal organic cation transporter.

Multiple inhibitory mechanisms mediate non-adrenergic non-cholinergic relaxation in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig colon.

Abstract: The mechanisms responsible for nerve-mediated, non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) relaxation in mucosa-free circular muscle strips from the proximal colon of the guinea-pig were investigated. Electrical field stimulation (EFS, 1–20 Hz, trains of 5 s duration, 100 V, 0.25 ms pulse width) in the presence of atropine (1 μmol/l) and guanethidine (3 μmol/l) evoked a triphasic motor response consisting of. (a) a primary relaxation, (b) a rebound contraction and (c) a secondary relaxation. These three responses were abolished by tetrodotoxin (1 μmol/l). Both apamin (0.01–0.3 μmol/l), a known blocker of low conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels in smooth muscles, and L-nitroarginine (L-NOARG) (1–100 μmol/l), a known blocker of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, increased the tone of the strips. Maximum effects on tone were observed with 0.1 μmol/l apamin (21 ± 3% of KCl-induced contraction) and 30 μmol/l L-NOARG (26 ± 4% of KCl response). The combined administration of 0.1 μmol/l apamin and 30 μmol/l L-NOARG produced an increase in tone (47 ± 5% of KCl response) that was larger than that produced by either compound alone. Neither apamin (0.1 μmol/l) nor L-NOARG (30 μmol/l) affected the isoprenaline-induced relaxation.

γ-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHBA) induces pacemaker activity and inhibition of substantia nigra dopamine neurons by activating GABAB-receptors

Abstract: In the present study the actions of γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHBA) on dopaminergic neurons in the rat substantia nigra (SN) were pharmacologically analysed utilising extracellular single unit recording techniques. Intravenous administration of GHBA was associated with several effects on the neuronal activity of nigral dopamine (DA) neurons. Low doses (<200 mg/kg) of GHBA produced a slight excitation of the neurons, concomitant with a regularised firing rhythm and lack of burst activity. In higher doses GHBA produced an even higher degree of regularisation but, in contrast to low doses, an inhibition of firing rate. Administration of the GABAB-receptor agonist baclofen, in all essential respects, mimicked the effect of GHBA on the firing of nigral DA neurons. Both the regularisation of the firing pattern and inhibition of firing rate produced by systemic administration of GHBA were antagonised by the GABAB-receptor antagonist CGP 35348 (200 mg/kg, i.v.).

Inhibition of Na+,K(+)-ATPase in rat renal proximal tubules by dopamine involved DA-1 receptor activation.

Abstract: Endogenous kidney dopamine (DA) causes natriuresis and diuresis, at least partly, via inhibition of proximal tubular Na+,K(+)-ATPase. The present study was done to identify the dopamine receptor subtype(s) involved in dopamine-induced inhibition of Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity. Suspensions of renal proximal tubules from Sprague-Dawley rats were incubated with dopamine, the DA-1 receptor agonist fenoldopam or the DA-2 receptor agonist SK&F 89124 in the presence or absence of either the DA-1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 or the DA-2 receptor antagonist domperidone. Dopamine and fenoldopam (10(-5) to 10(-8) mol/l) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity. However, SK&F 89124 failed to produce any significant effect over the same concentration range. Incubation with fenoldopam (10(-5) to 10(-8) mol/l) in the presence of SK&F 89124 (10(-6) mol/l) inhibited Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity to a degree similar to that with fenoldopam alone. Furthermore, DA-induced inhibition of Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity was attenuated by SCH 23390, but not by domperidone. Since alpha-adrenoceptor activation is reported to stimulate Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity and, at higher concentrations, dopamine also acts as an alpha-adrenoceptor agonist, the potential opposing effect from alpha-adrenoceptor activation on DA-induced inhibition of Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity was investigated by using the alpha-adrenoceptor blocker phentolamine. We found that, in the lower concentration range (10(-5) to 10(-7) mol/l), dopamine-induced inhibition of Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity in the presence of phentolamine was similar in magnitude to that observed with dopamine alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Neuropeptide Y potentiates via Y2-receptors the inhibitory effect of noradrenaline in rat locus coeruleus neurones.

Abstract: Intracellular recordings were carried out in a pontine slice preparation of the rat brain containing the locus coeruleus (LC). Pressure application of noradrenaline with various pulse durations inhibited the spontaneous frequency of action potentials and hyperpolarized the membrane. Neuropeptide Y (NPY), its C-terminal fragment NPY(16–36) and peptide YY (PYY), at a concentration of 0.1 µmol/l all, potentiated the effect of noradrenaline, while [Leu31, Pro34]NPY (0.1 µmol/l) was inactive. These results are compatible with the presence of Y2-type NPY-receptors at the cell somata of LC neurones.