Influence of the position of the side chain hydroxy group on the gastric antisecretory and antiulcer actions of E1 prostaglandin analogs

The influence of transposing the C-15 hydroxy group of prostaglandin E₁ methyl ester (PGE₁ME) on gastric antisecretory and antiulcer actions was investigated. The compound (±)15-deoxy- 16α,β-hydroxy PGE₁ME (SC-28904) was equipotent to the reference standard PGE₁ME in suppressing histamine-stimulated gastric secretion in the Heidenhain pouch (HP) dog. In contrast to PGE₁ME, SC-28904 was longer acting when administered intravenously and also showed significant oral activity in the histamine-stimulated gastric fistula dog. SC-28904 was also equipotent to PGE₁ME (range of active doses of 0.5 to 5.0 mg/kg, s.c.) in inhibiting forced-exertion gastric ulceration in rats.The compound (±)15-deoxy-17α,β-hydroxy PGE₁ME (SC-30693) was an inactive antisecretory agent in the dog at the 1.0 mg/kg i.v. bolus dose. This dose was 100 times greater than the active antisecretory dose of PGE₁ME. Likewise, SC-30693, when administered subcutaneously at a 5.0 mg/kg dose, was also totally inactive in preventing gastric ulcers induced by forced exertion in rats.The important implications of this work are that some of the receptor sites for the PGE₁ molecule could easily accommodate the side chain hydroxy group either in the C-15 or C-16 position. Moreover, the hydroxy group in the latter position significantly improved the biological activity of PGE₁ME.     

Comparative gastric antisecretory and antiulcer effects of prostaglandin E1 and its methyl ester in animals

The influence of methyl esterification of the carboxyl group of PGE₁ on the gastric antisecretory and antiulcer activities were studied. The gastric antisecretory effects of PGE₁ free acid and PGE₁ methyl ester (PGE₁ME) were studied in the Heidenhain pouch dog. Secretion was stimulated with constant intravenous infusion of histamine dihydrochloride. When a steady-state plateau of gastric secretion had been reached, the prostaglandins were administered either by a single intravenous bolus (10.0 μg/kg) or by continuous infusion (1.0 μg/kg/min). PGE₁ME was found to be slightly more potent and longer-acting than PGE₁ when administered by a single i.v. bolus. PGE₁ME was also shown to be more potent than PGE₁ when infused intravenously for a two-hour period. PGE₁ME caused a significant alteration in gastric juice concentration of hydrogen and sodium ions in an inverse relationship. Potassium and chloride concentration were not altered from pre-existing steady-state values following administration of either form of prostaglandin. Similarly, PGE₁ME was also found to possess significantly greater antiulcer activity in the rat forced-exertion ulcer test. These findings support the hypothesis that methyl esterification of the prostaglandin molecule will increase some of the biological actions of PGE₁ through inhibition of metabolic β-oxidation of the carboxylic side chain.     

Comparative gastric antisecretory and antiulcer effects of prostaglandin E1 and its methyl ester in animals

The influence of methyl esterification of the carboxyl group of PGE₁ on the gastric antisecretory and antiulcer activities were studied. The gastric antisecretory effects of PGE₁ free acid and PGE₁ methyl ester (PGE₁ME) were studied in the Heidenhain pouch dog. Secretion was stimulated with constant intravenous infusion of histamine dihydrochloride. When a steady-state plateau of gastric secretion had been reached, the prostaglandins were administered either by a single intravenous bolus (10.0 μg/kg) or by continuous infusion (1.0 μg/kg/min). PGE₁ME was found to be slightly more potent and longer-acting than PGE₁ when administered by a single i.v. bolus. PGE₁ME was also shown to be more potent than PGE₁ when infused intravenously for a two-hour period. PGE₁ME caused a significant alteration in gastric juice concentration of hydrogen and sodium ions in an inverse relationship. Potassium and chloride concentration were not altered from pre-existing steady-state values following administration of either form of prostaglandin. Similarly, PGE₁ME was also found to possess significantly greater antiulcer activity in the rat forced-exertion ulcer test. These findings support the hypothesis that methyl esterification of the prostaglandin molecule will increase some of the biological actions of PGE₁ through inhibition of metabolic β-oxidation of the carboxylic side chain.     

Effects of 7-OXA-13-prostynoic acid (7-OPyA) and prostaglandin E1 methyl ester on canine gastric secretion

The compound 7-OPyA has been reported to antagonize smooth muscle stimulatory effects of some protaglandins (PG's) in vitro. The in vivo PG antagonists activity of 7-OPyA was reported to antagonize PGE-induced diarrhea in mice. We studied the effects of this compound on PGE₁ induced inhibition of gastric secretion in unanesthetized dogs. Secretion was stimulated by continuous intravenous infusion of histamine. At the steady-state plateau of gastric secretion, PGE₁ methyl ester (PGE₁ ME) or PGE₁ ME and 7-OPyA were simultaneously infused intravenously. The extent of gastric secretory inhibition afforded by PGE₁ ME alone or in the presence of 7-OPyA was assessed. 7-OPyA did not modify PGE₁ ME gastric antisecretory actions when administered at doses 20–50 times greater than the dose of PGE₁ ME. These results suggest that the prostaglandin antagonist effects of 7-OPyA show organ specificity, which may be of clinical importance.     

Mechanisms involved in the gastroprotective activity of esculin on acute gastric lesions in mice

This work describes the gastroprotective actions of esculin (6,7-dihydroxycoumarin-6-o-glucoside) against indomethacin- or ethanol-induced lesions and verifies the role of nitric oxide, ATP-dependent K⁺ channels, prostaglandins, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and antioxidant effects in the gastroprotective mechanism of esculin in the ethanol-induced gastric lesion model. The intragastric administration of esculin at doses of 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg was able to protect the gastric mucosa against ethanol (0.2 mL/animal p.o.), and esculin at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg protected against indomethacin-induced lesions (20 mg/kg p.o.). Administration of l-NAME (10 mg/kg i.p.), glibenclamide (10 mg/kg i.p.) or indomethacin (10 mg/kg p.o.), but not capsazepine (5 mg/kg p.o.), was able to reduce the gastroprotection promoted by esculin (25 mg/kg) on the ethanol-induced lesions. Measurements of nitrite, a NO metabolite, were increased in the group that was pretreated with esculin. In terms of antioxidant activity as a gastroprotective mechanism of esculin, the results show that pre-treatment with esculin decreased the amount of GSH, increased SOD activity, did not interfere with the CAT activity and decreased both the MPO activity and the MDA amount. In conclusion, pre-treatment with esculin confers significant gastroprotective and antioxidant activity and leads to a reduction in gastric injury; the mechanisms underlying these effects include stimulation of endogenous prostaglandins, nitric oxide synthesis, opening of K_ATP channels and reduction of free radicals or modulation of antioxidant enzyme systems.     

Gastroprotective effect of epoxy clerodane diterpene isolated from Tinospora cordifolia Miers (Guduchi) on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats

The present study evaluated the gastroprotective effect of epoxy clerodane diterpene (ECD), isolated from Tinospora cordifolia on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Administration of indomethacin exhibits extreme levels of ulcer index (UI) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Indomethacin down regulated PGE₂, anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) and pro-angiogenic factors (VEGF and EGF). The ECD pretreatment considerably increased the levels of PGE₂, anti-inflammatory cytokines and pro-angiogenic factors. The ulcer-healing activity of ECD was inhibited by pre-administration of the specific COX-1 inhibitor (SC560) and nonspecific NOS inhibitor (l-NAME), which indicates the involvement of PGE₂ and NOS in ECD induced ulcer healing activity. These findings suggest that ECD exerts its antiulcer activity by reinforcement of defensive elements and diminishing the offensive elements.     

Antisecretory,Gastroprotective, Antioxidant and Anti-Helicobcter Pylori Activity of Zerumbone from Zingiber Zerumbet (L.) Smith

Background

Zingiber zerumbet Smith is a perennial herb, broadly distributed in many tropical areas. In Malaysia, it’s locally known among the Malay people as “lempoyang” and its rhizomes, particularly, is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease beyond other gastric disorders.

Aim of the study

The aim of the current study is to evaluate the gastroprotective effect of zerumbone, the main bioactive compound of Zingiber zerumbet rhizome, against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in rats.

Materials and Methods

Rats were pre-treated with zerumbone and subsequently exposed to acute gastric ulcer induced by absolute ethanol administration. Following treatment, gastric juice acidity, ulcer index, mucus content, histological analysis (HE and PAS), immunohistochemical localization for HSP-70, prostaglandin E2 synthesis (PGE₂), non-protein sulfhydryl gastric content (NP-SH), reduced glutathione level (GSH), and malondialdehyde level (MDA) were evaluated in ethanol-induced ulcer in vivo. Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and anti-H. pylori activity were investigated in vitro.

Results

The results showed that the intragastric administration of zerumbone protected the gastric mucosa from the aggressive effect of ethanol-induced gastric ulcer, coincided with reduced submucosal edema and leukocyte infiltration. This observed gastroprotective effect of zerumbone was accompanied with a significant (p <0.05) effect of the compound to restore the lowered NP-SH and GSH levels, and to reduce the elevated MDA level into the gastric homogenate. Moreover, the compound induced HSP-70 up-regulation into the gastric tissue. Furthermore, zerumbone significantly (p <0.05) enhanced mucus production, showed intense PAS stain and maintained PG content near to the normal level. The compound exhibited antisecretory activity and an interesting minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against H. pylori strain.

Conclusion

The results of the present study revealed that zerumbone promotes ulcer protection, which might be attributed to the maintenance of mucus integrity, antioxidant activity, and HSP-70 induction. Zerumbone also exhibited antibacterial action against H. pylori.     

Studies on the luteolytic activity of MDL-646, a new gastroprotective PGE1 analogue, in the hamster

MDL-646, 11,15-dihydroxy-16-methyl-16-methoxy-9-oxo-prost-13-en-1--oic acid methyl ester, is one of the most active members of a new class of PGE₁ analogues with potent gastric cytoprotective and antisecretory activity. The potential luteolytic activities of MDL-646 and its corresponding PGE₂ derivative, L 14224 were assessed from their ability to terminated pregnancy and to reduce plasma progesterone levels in the hamster. PGE₁ and PGE₂ were used as reference compounds. The biological and biochemical data clearly demonstrate that these 16-methyl-16-methoxy PGE derivatives, given s.c. or p.o. either once or for 3 days, have no luteolytic effects up to a daily dose of 2–2.5 mg/kg, and are therefore at most to as luteolytic as the parent natural PGEs. The dissociation between gastroprotective and luteolytic activity was interpreted to indicate that these new PGE derivatives have a specific action.     

Effects of nimesulide, a preferential cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, on carrageenan-induced pleurisy and stress-induced gastric lesions in rats

Intrapleural injection of carrageenan in rats increased prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production and induced newly synthesized cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in pleural exudate cells without affecting COX-1 levels. Nimesulide, a preferential inhibitor of COX-2, reduced pleural PGE₂ production and was almost as active as indomethacin and 10 times more active than ibuprofen. Only COX-1, and no COX-2, was detected in gastric mucosal cells, and PGE₂ concentration of gastric mucosa was significantly decreased by indomethacin and ibuprofen. The decrease in gastric PGE₂ production induced by indomethacin and ibuprofen was enhanced in stressed rats, resulting in aggravation of stress-induced gastric lesions at anti-inflammatory doses. However, nimesulide did not produce stress-induced gastric lesions even at 30 times the anti-inflammatory dose. This supports the hypothesis that inhibition of COX-1 causes unwanted side effects and inhibition of COX-2 produces anti-inflammatory effects.     

A role for ATP-sensitive potassium channels in male sexual behavior

ATP-sensitive potassium (K⁺_ATP) channels regulate cell excitability and are expressed in steroid-responsive brain regions involved in sexual behavior, such as the preoptic area (POA) and medial basal hypothalamus (MBH). We hypothesized that K⁺_ATP channels serve as a mechanism by which testosterone can control the electrical activity of neurons and consequently elicit male sexual responsiveness. RT-PCR analysis indicated that castration induces, while testosterone inhibits, mRNA expression of the K⁺_ATP channel subunit Kir6.2 in both the POA and MBH of adult male rats. Intracerebral infusion of the pharmacological K⁺_ATP channel inhibitor tolbutamide increased the proportion of long-term castrates displaying sexual behavior and restored mount frequency, intromission frequency, and copulatory efficacy to values observed in testes-intact animals. Infusions of tolbutamide, but not vehicle, also decreased latencies to mount and intromit in castrated males. Unilateral tolbutamide infusion directly into the POA significantly reduced mount latency of castrates; however, it did not affect other copulatory measures, suggesting that blockade of K⁺_ATP channels in additional brain regions may be necessary to recover the full range of sexual behavior. These data indicate that blockade of K⁺_ATP channels is sufficient to elicit the male sexual response in the absence of testosterone. Our observations are consistent with the hypothesis that testosterone modulates male sexual behavior by regulating K⁺_ATP channels in the brain. Decreased channel expression or channel blockade may increase the excitability of androgen-target neurons, rendering them more sensitive to the hormonal, chemical, and somatosensory inputs they receive, and potentially increase secretion of neurotransmitters that facilitate sexual behavior.     

K+ channels regulate ENaC expression via changes in promoter activity and control fluid clearance in alveolar epithelial cells

Active Na⁺ absorption by alveolar ENaC is the main driving force of liquid clearance at birth and lung edema resorption in adulthood. We have demonstrated previously that long-term modulation of KvLQT1 and K_ATP K⁺ channel activities exerts sustained control in Na⁺ transport through the regulation of ENaC expression in primary alveolar type II (ATII) cells. The goal of the present study was: 1) to investigate the role of the α-ENaC promoter, transfected in the A549 alveolar cell line, in the regulation of ENaC expression by K⁺ channels, and 2) to determine the physiological impact of K⁺ channels and ENaC modulation on fluid clearance in ATII cells. KvLQT1 and K_ATP channels were first identified in A549 cells by PCR and Western blotting. We showed, for the first time, that KvLQT1 activation by R-L3 (applied for 24 h) increased α-ENaC expression, similarly to K_ATP activation by pinacidil. Conversely, pharmacological KvLQT1 and K_ATP inhibition or silencing with siRNAs down-regulated α-ENaC expression. Furthermore, K⁺ channel blockers significantly decreased α-ENaC promoter activity. Our results indicated that this decrease in promoter activity could be mediated, at least in part, by the repressor activity of ERK1/2. Conversely, KvLQT1 and K_ATP activation dose-dependently enhanced α-ENaC promoter activity. Finally, we noted a physiological impact of changes in K⁺ channel functions on ERK activity, α-, β-, γ-ENaC subunit expression and fluid absorption through polarized ATII cells. In summary, our results disclose that K⁺ channels regulate α-ENaC expression by controlling its promoter activity and thus affect the alveolar function of fluid clearance.     

Dual Role of Prostaglandins (PGE2) in Regulation of Channel Density and Open Probability of Epithelial Na+ Channels in Frog Skin (R. pipiens)

Prostaglandins are important in signaling pathways involved in modulating the rates of Na⁺ transport in a diverse group of tissues possessing apical membrane epithelial channels. PGE₂ is known to cause either stimulation, inhibition or transient stimulatory changes of Na⁺ transport. We have continued our studies of frog skins that are known to respond to forskolin and PGE₂ with large steady-state increases of transport and have used noninvasive methods of blocker-induced noise analysis of Na⁺ channels to determine their channel densities (N _T ) and open probabilities (P _o ). In the absence of exogenous hormones, baseline rates of Na⁺ transport are especially high in scraped skins (R. pipiens pipiens) studied in the fall of the year. Na⁺ transport was inhibited by indomethacin and by removal of the unstirred layers of the corium (isolated epithelia) alone suggesting that PGE₂ is responsible for the sustained and elevated rates of transport in scraped skins. Changes of transport caused by indomethacin, forskolin or PGE₂ were unquestionably mediated by considerably larger changes of N _T than compensatory changes of P _o . Since cAMP caused no change of P _o in tissues pretreated with indomethacin, PGE₂ appears in this tissue to serve a dual role, increasing the steady state N _T by way of cAMP and decreasing P _o by unknown mechanisms. Despite appreciable PGE₂-related decreases of P _o , the net stimulation of transport occurs by a considerably greater cAMP-mediated increase of N _T . Received: 28 February 1996/Revised: 22 August 1996     

Gastroprotective mechanisms of Citrus lemon (Rutaceae) essential oil and its majority compounds limonene and β-pinene: involvement of heat-shock protein-70, vasoactive intestinal peptide, glutathione, sulfhydryl compounds, nitric oxide and prostaglandin E₂

Citrus lemon (CL) belongs to Rutaceae family and is popularly known in Brazil as limão siciliano. The phytochemical analysis of CL fruit bark essential oil showed two majority components, limonene (LIM) and β-pinene (PIN). This study aimed to evaluate the gastroprotective mechanism of action from CL, LIM and PIN in ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers and its in vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity. After ethanol-induced gastric ulcer, the ulcer area was measured and the stomachs were destined to histology (HE and PAS), immunohistochemistry for HSP-70 and VIP and glutathione (GSH) measurement. The involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and sulfhydryl (SH) compounds was determined. The ulcer area for indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers was measured. PGE₂ concentration was biochemically measured. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against H. pylori was determined in vitro. In ethanol model, CL and LIM demonstrated 100% of gastroprotection, while PIN did not exert effective gastroprotection (53.26%). In the indomethacin model, CL and LIM offered effective gastroprotection but PIN did not show gastroprotective effect. The gastric ulcer area of rats pretreated with NO-synthase inhibitor or SH-blocker was decreased in comparison to the control group. The MIC obtained for CL was 125 μg/mL, for LIM was 75 μg/mL and for PIN was 500 μg/mL. The gastroprotective effect of CL and LIM was involved with increasing in mucus secretion, HSP-70 and VIP, but not with GSH, NO or SH compounds. CL gastroprotective mechanism is involved with PGE₂. PIN did not present gastroprotective activity.     

Effects of limonene and essential oil from Citrus aurantium on gastric mucosa: Role of prostaglandins and gastric mucus secretion

Essential oil from Citrus aurantium and the monoterpene limonene are widely used flavoring agents that are found in some common food items. This specie is also used medicinally throughout the world to treat gastritis and gastric disorders. Therefore, biological assays were performed in vivo on essential oil of C. aurantium (OEC) and its majority compound limonene (LIM) to evaluate their effect on gastric mucosa. The OEC (250 mg/kg, p.o.) and LIM (245 mg/kg, p.o.) provided effective (99%) gastroprotection against lesions induced by absolute ethanol and NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) in rats. OEC and LIM do not interfere with gastric H⁺ secretion, serum gastrin or glutathione (GSH) level in gastric mucosa. But the gastroprotective action of OEC and LIM occurs due to an increase in the gastric mucus production induced by conserving the basal PGE₂ levels after challenge by agents harmful to the gastric mucosa. Given that LIM and OEC are excellent flavoring agents and also present gastroprotective actions, they can be regarded as a promising target for the development of a new drug for the prevention of gastric damage.     

Characterization of ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels Functionally Expressed in Pituitary GH3 Cells

ATP-sensitive K⁺ (K_ATP) channels have been characterized in pituitary GH₃ cells with the aid of the patch-clamp technique. In the cell-attached configuration, the presence of diazoxide (100 μm) revealed the presence of glibenclamide-sensitive K_ATP channel exhibiting a unitary conductance of 74 pS. Metabolic inhibition induced by 2,4-dinitrophenol (1 mm) or sodium cyanide (300 μm) increased K_ATP channel activity, while nicorandil (100 μm) had no effect on it. In the inside-out configuration, Mg-ATP applied intracellularly suppressed the activity of K_ATP channels in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC₅₀ value of 30 μm. The activation of phospholipase A₂ caused by mellitin (1 μm) was found to enhance K_ATP channel activity and further application of aristolochic acid (30 μm) reduced the mellitin-induced increase in channel activity. The challenging of cells with 4,4′-dithiodipyridine (100 μm) also induced K_ATP channel activity. Diazoxide, mellitin and 4,4′-dithiodipyridine activated the K_ATP channels that exhibited similar channel-opening kinetics. In addition, under current-clamp conditions, the application of diazoxide (100 μm) hyperpolarized the membrane potential and reduced the firing rate of spontaneous action potentials. The present study clearly indicates that K_ATP channels similar to those seen in pancreatic β cells are functionally expressed in GH₃ cells. In addition to the presence of Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels, K_ATP channels found in these cells could thus play an important role in controlling hormonal release by regulating the membrane potential. Received: 19 June 2000/Revised: 13 September 2000     

Gastrotoxic activity and inhibitory effects on gastric mucosal PGE2 production with different non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Modifications induced by pretreatment with zinc acexamate

Gastrotoxic activities of different non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (diclofenac, indomethacin, ketoprofen, naproxen and piroxicam) administered per os were compared with their ability to inhibit gastric prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) synthesis in the rat. In a parallel study, effects of pretreatment with zinc acexamate (ZAC) were also assessed. NSAIDs invariably caused gastric mucosal damage and a decrease of PGE₂ levels. A good correlation between the decrease of PGE₂ levels and the index of gastric lesion (r = 0.41; p < 0.021) was observed when results obtained with the different NSAIDs were pooled. ZAC pretreatment significantly decreased the overall severity of lesions induced by NSAIDs. However, no correlation between gastric lesion index and depletion of PGE₂ gastric levels was observed after treatment with ZAC (r = 0.012; p < 0.948). These data corroborate the hypothesis that preservation of the capability to synthesize endogenous PGs is of critical importance in the maintenance of gastric mucosal integrity. The gastroprotective action observed with ZAC involves alternative mechanisms other than modification of PGE₂ levels.     

The in vitro effect of indomethacin on basal bone resorption, on prostaglandin production and on the response to added prostaglandins

Mouse calvaria were maintained in organ culture without serum additives. Basal active resorption, as measured by ⁴⁵Ca and hydroxyproline release, was significantly inhibited to 74% control levels by indomethacin (1.4 × 10⁻⁷ M). Prostaglandin F and prostaglandin E₂ production, determined by radioimmunoassay, were both significantly lowered by this concentration of indomethacin. DNA, protein and hydroxyproline synthesis, as indices of cell toxicity, were unaffected by low concentrations of indomethacin, while concentrations of 1.4 × 10⁻⁶M inhibited protein synthesis (p<0.005). In the presence of indomethacin (1.4 × 10⁻⁷M) both PGE₂ and PGF_2α stimulated resorption in a dose-dependent manner, with PGE₂ being the more potent. Neither prostaglandin affected hydroxyproline synthesis at low concentrations, but PGE₂ had a marked inhibitory action at a higher concentration (10⁻⁶M). In combination, the effects of PGE₂ and PGF_2α showed no evidence of synergism or any antagonistic action. The study shows that in vitro calcium and hydroxyproline resorption in the unstimulated mouse calvaria are inhibited by indomethacin at concentrations measured in serum during human therapy. The decreased PGF and PGE₂ production associated with this decreased bone resorption in the presence of non-toxic concentrations of indomethacin would suggest a role for these prostaglandins in maintaining the basal resorption of cultured bone.     

Interactions of K+ ATP channel blockers with Na+/K+-ATPase

Two K⁺ _ATP channel blockers, 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD) and glyburide, are often used to study cross-talk between Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and these channels. The aim of this work was to characterize the effects of these blockers on purified Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase as an aid to appropriate use of these drugs in studies on this cross-talk. In contrast to known dual effects (activating and inhibitory) of other fatty acids on Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, 5-HD only inhibited the enzyme at concentrations exceeding those that block mitochondrial K⁺ _ATP channels. 5-HD did not affect the ouabain sensitivity of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. Glyburide had both activating and inhibitory effects on Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase at concentrations used to block plasma membrane K⁺ _ATP channels. The findings justify the use of 5-HD as specific mitochondrial channel blocker in studies on the relation of this channel to Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, but question the use of glyburide as a specific blocker of plasma membrane K⁺ _ATP channels, when the relation of this channel to Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase is being studied.     

Protective effect of anacardic acids from cashew (Anacardium occidentale) on ethanol-induced gastric damage in mice

Cashew nut-shell liquid and the contained anacardic acids (AAs) have been shown to possess antioxidant, lipoxygenase inhibitory, anti-Helicobacter pylori and antitumor properties. Despite these known effects, hitherto there were no published reports on their likely gastroprotective effects. The present study was designed to verify whether AAs afford gastroprotection against the ethanol-induced gastric damage and to examine the underlying mechanism(s). Gastric damage was induced by intragastric administration of 0.2 mL of ethanol (96%). Mice in groups were pretreated orally with AAs (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg), misoprostol (50 μg/kg), or vehicle (2% Tween 80 in saline, 10 mL/kg), 45 min before ethanol administration. They were sacrificed 30 min later, the stomachs excised, and the mucosal lesion area (mm²) measured by planimetry. Gastroprotection was assessed in relation to inhibition of gastric lesion area. To study the gastroprotective mechanism(s), its relations to capsaicin-sensitive fibers, endogenous prostaglandins, nitric oxide and ATP-sensitive potassium channels were analysed. Treatments effects on ethanol-associated oxidative stress markers GSH, MDA, catalase, SOD, and total nitrate/nitrite levels as an index of NO were measured in gastric tissue. Besides, the effects of AAs on gastric secretory volume and total acidity were analysed in 4-h pylorus-ligated rat. AAs afforded a dose-related gastroprotection against the ethanol damage and further prevented the ethanol-induced changes in the levels of GSH, MDA, catalase, SOD and nitrate/nitrite. However, they failed to modify the gastric secretion or the total acidity. It was observed that the gastroprotection by AAs was greatly reduced in animals pretreated with capsazepine, indomethacin, l-NAME or glibenclamide. These results suggest that AAs afford gastroprotection principally through an antioxidant mechanism. Other complementary mechanisms include the activation of capsaicin-sensitive gastric afferents, stimulation of endogenous prostaglandins and nitric oxide, and opening of K⁺_ATP channels. These combined effects are likely to be accompanied by an increase in gastric microcirculation.     

Taurine supplementation increases KATP channel protein content,improving Ca2+ handling and insulin secretion in islets from malnourished mice fed on a high-fat diet

Pancreatic β-cells are highly sensitive to suboptimal or excess nutrients, as occurs in protein-malnutrition and obesity. Taurine (Tau) improves insulin secretion in response to nutrients and depolarizing agents. Here, we assessed the expression and function of Cav and K_ATP channels in islets from malnourished mice fed on a high-fat diet (HFD) and supplemented with Tau. Weaned mice received a normal (C) or a low-protein diet (R) for 6 weeks. Half of each group were fed a HFD for 8 weeks without (CH, RH) or with 5 % Tau since weaning (CHT, RHT). Isolated islets from R mice showed lower insulin release with glucose and depolarizing stimuli. In CH islets, insulin secretion was increased and this was associated with enhanced K_ATP inhibition and Cav activity. RH islets secreted less insulin at high K⁺ concentration and showed enhanced K_ATP activity. Tau supplementation normalized K⁺-induced secretion and enhanced glucose-induced Ca²⁺ influx in RHT islets. R islets presented lower Ca²⁺ influx in response to tolbutamide, and higher protein content and activity of the Kir6.2 subunit of the K_ATP. Tau increased the protein content of the α1.2 subunit of the Cav channels and the SNARE proteins SNAP-25 and Synt-1 in CHT islets, whereas in RHT, Kir6.2 and Synt-1 proteins were increased. In conclusion, impaired islet function in R islets is related to higher content and activity of the K_ATP channels. Tau treatment enhanced RHT islet secretory capacity by improving the protein expression and inhibition of the K_ATP channels and enhancing Synt-1 islet content.