Effect of 2 new derivatives of imidazoline and their optical isomers on postsynaptic alpha adrenergic receptors in pithed rats

The effects of the stereoisomers of two alpha adrenoceptor antagonists [S 10089 (Imidazolinyl-2)-2 benzocyclobutane and S 9871 (Imidazolinyl-2)-2 dihydro 2,3 benzofuran] were studied in pithed Rats. Vasoconstriction elicited via stimulation of alpha 1 adrenoceptors by cirazoline was antagonized, stimulation of alpha 2 adrenoceptors by azepexole was also antagonized by all these derivatives except (-) S 9871 which was ineffective on the pressor response of azepexole.     

Action of idazoxan on tachycardia following electric stimulation of the thoracic sympathetic chain in the rat

Selective stimulation of sympathetic nerves of the pithed rat (instead of stimulation of the whole sympathetic outflow) induced a frequency-dependent increase in heart rate. This electrical-induced tachycardia is decreased by clonidine and increased by idazoxan. The effect of idazoxan was not observed in experiments using continuous stimulation of the sympathetic outflow. It is then concluded that alpha 2 antagonists are able to increase the electrical-induced tachycardia in the pithed rat as they do in the dog or the cat.     

Differential prejunctional effect of captopril and saralasin on neurogenic vasoconstriction in pithed normotensive rats

The present study describes a differential inhibitory effect of captopril and [Sar1 Ala8]angiotensin II (saralasin) on the neurogenic vasoconstriction in pithed normotensive rats. In pithed normotensive rats with intact kidneys captopril more profoundly inhibited the vasopressor response to spinal stimulation than observed for saralasin. Bilateral nephrectomy also diminished the hypertensive response to spinal stimulation. After bilateral nephrectomy, 1 h previously, captopril but not saralasin diminished the hypertensive response to spinal stimulation. After bilateral nephrectomy, 18-24 h previously, captopril did not produce an additional reduction of the vasopressor response to spinal stimulation. In contrast, saralasin significantly potentiated the neurogenic vasoconstriction. The results suggest that both captopril and saralasin diminish the hypertensive response to spinal stimulation by producing dilatation of vascular smooth muscle in pithed normotensive rats. Apart from this common mechanism, a differential effect of captopril and saralasin on the neurogenic vasoconstriction can be observed. In contrast to saralasin, captopril may depress the neurogenic vasoconstriction in pithed normotensive rats by blocking the sympathofacilitatory action induced by subpressor levels of angiotensin II (AII). In pithed normotensive rats, saralasin may mimic the sympathofacilitatory action of subpressor AII.     

The interaction of the enantiomers of carvedilol with alpha 1- and beta 1-adrenoceptors

The stereoselectivity of carvedilol, a novel beta-adrenoceptor antagonist and vasodilator with one asymmetric carbon atom, was examined at alpha 1- and beta 1-adrenoceptors in vitro and in vivo. (-)-(S)-Carvedilol is a potent, competitive antagonist of the beta 1-adrenoceptor-mediated positive chronotropic response to isoproterenol in guinea pig atrium, with a dissociation constant (KB) of 0.4 nM. (+)-(R)-Carvedilol was more than 100-fold less potent than the (-)-S-enantiomer as an antagonist of beta 1-andrenoceptors, having a KB of approximately 45 nM. Consistent with these findings (-)-(S)-carvedilol (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.) produced a 25-fold rightward shift in the beta 1-adrenoceptor-mediated positive chronotropic response to isoproterenol in pithed rats, whereas the (+)-R-enantiomer had no beta 1-adrenoceptor blocking activity in vivo at this dose. In contrast to the marked degree of stereoselectivity observed at beta 1-adrenoceptors, both (-)-(S)- and (+)-(R)-carvedilol produced equal antagonism of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstrictor response to norepinephrine in rabbit aorta, with KB values of 14 and 16 nM, respectively. Furthermore, in the pithed rat, the alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated pressor dose-response curve to cirazoline was shifted approximately 6-fold to the right by both the (+)-R- and (-)-S-enantiomers of carvedilol at a dose of 1 mg/kg, i.v. In anesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats, (-)-(S)-carvedilol was 6-fold more potent as an antihypertensive than (+)-(R)-carvedilol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of serotonin1-like receptor agonists on autonomic neurotransmission.

Serotonin1A receptor agonists, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin and 10-methyl-11-hydroxyaporphine, inhibited electrical stimulation-induced contraction of the guinea-pig ileum. These agonists also inhibited the pressor and tachycardiac responses to low frequency (0.25 Hz) but not to high frequency (2.0 Hz) electrical stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system in pithed rats. Serotonin1B receptor agonist RU 24969 inhibited pressor and tachycardiac responses to both low and high frequencies of stimulation in pithed rats. In the cat nictitating membrane, serotonin1A receptor agonists did not alter contractions elicited by electrical stimulation (0.1-3.0 Hz). Serotonin not only contracted the cat nictitating membrane but also facilitated contractile responses to low frequency (0.1-1.0 Hz) stimulation. The contractile effect of serotonin in the cat nictitating membrane was blunted by bretylium, methysergide, and ketanserin, but not by metoclopramide. The facilitatory effect of serotonin was antagonized by methysergide, but not by ketanserin, pindolol, propranolol, or metoclopramide. These results suggest that serotonin1A receptors modulate autonomic neurotransmission in the guinea-pig ileum and pithed rats, but not in the cat nictitating membrane. Serotonin contracts the cat nictitating mebrane via serotonin2 subtypes, while facilitating stimulated contractile responses through the serotonin1-like receptors.     

Synthesis and biological activity of 1 alpha,23,25,26-tetrahydroxyvitamin D3

The metabolic pathway from 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3] to 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-26,23-lactone includes the formation of 1 alpha,23,25-26-tetrahydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha,23,25,26-(OH)4D3]. The aim of the current study was to explore the as yet unknown biological properties of this vitamin D3 sterol. The four diastereoisomers of 1 alpha,23,25,26-(OH)4D3 were chemically synthesized. They were compared to 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 in terms of their affinity for the chick intestinal 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 receptor and their biologic activity in vivo (stimulation of intestinal calcium absorption and mobilization of calcium from bone in vitamin D-deficient rats). The 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor binding affinities of 1 alpha,23(R)25(R)26-(OH)4D3, 1 alpha,23(S)25(S)26-(OH)4 D3, 1 alpha,23(S)25(R)26-(OH)4D3, and 1 alpha,23(R)25(S)26-(OH)4D3 were 11, 100, 216, and 443 times weaker than the binding affinity of 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3, respectively. Compared to 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3, the relative capacities of the 1 alpha,23,25,26-(OH)4D3 compounds to stimulate intestinal calcium absorption were 1/4 for 1 alpha,23(R)25(R)26-(OH)4D3; 1/19 for 1 alpha,23(S)25(S)26-(OH)4D3; 1/90 for 1 alpha,23(S)25(R)26-(OH)4D3; and 1/136 for 1 alpha,23(R)25(S)26-(OH)4D3. Maximal stimulation of intestinal calcium transport occurred 8 h after administration of vitamin D3 metabolites. Mobilization of calcium from bone was quantitated by serum calcium concentration measurements. The activities of 1 alpha,23(R)25(R)26-(OH)4D3, 1 alpha,23(S)25(S)26-(OH)4D3, 1 alpha,23(S)25(R)26-(OH)4D3, and 1 alpha,23(R)25(S)26-(OH)4D3 to increase serum calcium were estimated to be 4, 13, 43, and 69 times weaker than that of 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3, respectively. These results illustrate the stereospecificity of the chicken intestine 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 receptor for binding of 1 alpha,23,25,26-(OH)4D3 and suggest that the 1 alpha,23,25,26-(OH)4D3 exerts its biological activity in the rat through an interaction with 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptors. In summary, the 1 alpha,23,25,26-(OH)4D3 had a markedly lower biological activity than 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3.     

The difference of biological activity among four diastereoisomers of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol-26,23-lactone

All four possible diastereoisomers of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol-26,23-lactone (1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone) were chemically synthesized and were compared to 1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1 alpha,25(OH)2D3) in terms of their stimulation, in vivo, of intestinal calcium transport and mobilization of calcium from bone in vitamin D-deficient rats (the two classic vitamin D-mediated responses), and their relative binding to the chick intestinal cytosol receptor for 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3. The receptor binding affinity results are expressed as relative competitive index (RCI), where the RCI is defined as 100 for 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3. The RCI obtained for 23(S)25(S)-1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone was 7.90, for 23(R)25(R)-1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone was 2.27, 23(S)25(R)-1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone was 0.17, for 23(R)25(S)-1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone 0.22 and for the in vivo produced 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone the RCI was only 0.17. Also the four diastereoisomers of 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone all stimulated intestinal calcium transport, reaching a maximum 8 h after administration. Compared with the stimulation of intestinal calcium transport by 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3, 23(S)25(S)-1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone was 1/4 as effective, 23(R)25(R)-1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone was 1/20 as effective, 23(S)25(R)-1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone was 1/74 as effective and 23(R)25(S)-1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone was 1/53 as effective. Similarly, 23(S)25(S)-1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone and 23(R)25(R)-1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone were estimated to be 3 and 20 times less active than 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 in elevation of serum calcium. However, 23(S)25(R)-1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone and 23(R)25(S)-1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone decreased the serum calcium levels 24 h after administration. 23(S)25(R)-1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone reduced serum calcium concentrations to a greater extent than 23(R)25(S)-1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone. These results indicate that the biological activities of the diastereoisomers of 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone were quite different among four stereochemical configurations.     

Cloning, sequencing, expression, and Gq-independent activation of phospholipase C-beta 2.

cDNAs corresponding to a previously uncharacterized phospholipase C were isolated from an HL-60 cell cDNA library. The cDNAs encodes a putative polypeptide of 1181 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 133,700 daltons. Comparison of the amino acid sequence of the predicted protein with those of five mammalian phospholipase C isoforms (PLC-beta 1, PLC-gamma 1, PLC-gamma 2, PLC-delta 1, and PLC-delta 2) revealed that the new enzyme is most closely related to PLC-beta 1 with an overall amino acid sequence identity of 48%. Thus, the new phospholipase C was named PLC-beta 2. The least similarity between PLC-beta 1 and PLC-beta 2 is apparent in the carboxyl-terminal 450 amino acids. Both PLC-beta 1 and PLC-beta 2 were purified from extracts of HeLa cells that had been transfected with vaccinia virus containing the corresponding cDNAs. Like other mammalian PLC isoforms, including PLC-beta 1, the catalytic activity of PLC-beta 2 was entirely dependent on Ca2+, and PLC-beta 2 preferred phosphatidyl-inositol 4,5-bisphosphate to phosphatidylinositol as substrate. Recently, the alpha subunit of the pertussis toxin-insensitive G-protein alpha q has been shown to activate PLC-beta 1 but not PLC-gamma 1 and PLC-delta 1. When alpha q purified from bovine brain was reconstituted with PLC-beta 1 or PLC-beta 2, no stimulation of PLC-beta 2 was observed in the presence of either AlF4- or guanosine 5-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S), whereas PLC-beta 1 activity was enhanced markedly in the presence of AlF4- and less markedly but significantly in the presence of GTP gamma S. These results suggest that the receptor-dependent stimulation of PLC-beta 1 and that of PLC-beta 2 may require different G-protein alpha subunits. (see also accompanying article (Lee, C. H., Park, D., Wu, D., Rhee, S. G., and Simon, M. I. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 16044-16047).     

Essential role of calcium influx in the adrenergic regulation of cAMP and cGMP in rat pinealocytes

The role of Ca2+ in the adrenergic stimulation of pinealocyte cAMP and cGMP was investigated. In this tissue alpha 1-adrenoceptor activation, which by itself is without effect, potentiates beta 1-adrenergic stimulation of cAMP and cGMP 30- to 100-fold. The present results indicate that chelation of extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA or inhibition of Ca2+ influx with inorganic Ca2+ channel blockers (La3+, Co2+, Mn2+) markedly reduces the cyclic nucleotide response to norepinephrine, a mixed alpha 1- and beta-adrenergic agonist, but not to isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic agonist. In addition, the potentiating effects of alpha 1-adrenergic agonists were mimicked by agents which elevate cytosolic Ca2+, including K+ (EC50 = 2 X 10(-2) M), ouabain (EC50 = 2 X 10(-6) M), ionomycin (EC50 = 3 X 10(-6) M), and A23187 (EC50 = 2 X 10(-6) M); each potentiated the effects of beta-adrenergic stimulation but had no effect alone. Together these results indicate that an alpha 1-adrenoceptor-stimulated Ca2+ influx is essential for norepinephrine to increase pinealocyte cAMP and cGMP.     

Synthesis and biological activity of (22E,25R)- and (22,25S)-22-dehydro- 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-26-methylvitamin D3

Both 25-epimers of (22E)-22-dehydro-1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-26-methylvitamin D3 [22-dehydro-26-methyl-1,25-(OH)2D3] were synthesized. The biological activity of these compounds was tested in binding affinity to chick intestinal receptor protein of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] and in stimulating for intestinal calcium transport and bone calcium mobilization with vitamin D-deficient rats. The relative potency of (25R)- and (25S)-22-dehydro-26-homo-1,25-(OH)2D3 and 1,25-(OH)2D3 in competing for the intestinal cytosolic binding was 1.7:1.5:1. A similar order of activity was observed on intestinal calcium transport and bone calcium mobilization. In the ability for stimulation of intestinal calcium transport, (25R)- and (25S)-22-dehydro-26-methyl-1,25-(OH)2D3 were about 3.6 and 2.1 times as active as 1,25-(OH)2D3, respectively. In bone calcium mobilization tests, (25R)- and (25S)-22-dehydro-26-methyl-1,25-(OH)2D3 were estimated to be 2.2 and 1.6 times as potent as 1,25-(OH)2D3, respectively.     

Region specific regulation of sodium pump isoform and Na,Ca-exchanger expression in the failing human heart--right atrium vs left ventricle.

Na,K-ATPase (NKA, Na-pump), an alphabeta heteromer, is the receptor for cardiac glycosides (CG) which exert a positive inotropic effect by inhibiting enzyme activity, decreasing the driving force for Na,Ca-exchange (NCX) and increasing cellular content and release of Ca2+ during depolarization. Our previous study of regional distribution of NKA in non-failing human hearts demonstrated that Na-pump alpha2-, alpha3- and beta1-isoforms were 30-50% lower in right atrium (RA) compared with left ventricle (LV), resulting in overall lower NKA activity and CG binding site number and increased sensitivity to inotropic stimulation. In failing human heart LV Na-pump alpha1, alpha3 and beta1 proteins were reduced 30-40%, with no change in alpha2 or NCX; NKA activity and CG binding sites decreased 40%, and sensitivity to inotropic stimulation increased, all compared to LV from non-failing hearts. In this study we investigated the influence of region specific factors (e.g. hemodynamics) on the regulation of NKA isoform and NCX expression in heart failure by comparing the pattern of change in right atrial myocardium during heart failure with that previously determined for LV. In RA samples from failing hearts, alpha1-, alpha2- and beta1-isoform protein expression were decreased by 40, 50 and 25%, respectively, with no significant change in alpha3 or NCX levels relative to non-failing hearts (both n= 12). Thus, alphabeta1 decreases in both RA and LV during heart failure, while alpha2beta1 is reduced only in RA and alpha3beta1 only in LV. This indicates that there are not only regional differences in normal cardiac Na-pump isoform expression but also regional differences in the pattern of isoform expression as a function of failure that may have distinct functional consequences in the adaptive process of heart failure. The mechanisms underlying Na,K-ATPase regulation and effect of hemodynamics remain to be investigated.     

Novel vitamin D3 derivatives, 26-homo-delta 22-dehydro-1 alpha,25(S)-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 26-homo-delta 22-dehydro-1 alpha,25(R)-dihydroxyvitamin D3: preferential activity in c-myc mRNA production and in induction of phenotypic differentiation of HL-60 cells

Novel vitamin D3 derivatives, 26-homo-delta 22-1 alpha,25(S)-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 26-homo-delta 22-1 alpha,25(R)-dihydroxyvitamin D3 were compared with the native hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and with other vitamin D3 derivatives, in inhibition of cell growth, induction of phenotypic differentiation, and c-myc mRNA reduction of HL-60 cells. The degree of inhibition in cell growth caused by 26-homo-delta 22-1 alpha,25(S)-(OH)2D3 was the greatest followed by 26-homo-delta 22-1 alpha,25(R)-(OH)2D3. The ability to reduce NBT was parallel to that to inhibit cellular proliferation. 26-homo-delta 22-1 alpha,25(S)-(OH)2D3, 26-homo-delta 22-1 alpha,25(R)-(OH)2D3, 24-homo-24-F2-1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3, and 1 alpha,24(R)-(OH)2-26-Cl-D3 were more active than 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 in the induction of OK-M1+ and OK-Mo-2+ HL-60 cells. Using two color flow cytometric analysis, the percentages of OK-M5(+)- and OK-DR(+)-HL-60 cells were 33% in the treatment with 26-homo-delta 22-1 alpha,25(S)-(OH)2D3 plus interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) but 14% in the treatment with 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 plus IFN-gamma. 26-Homo-delta 22-1 alpha,25(S)-(OH)2D3 has an inhibitory effect on c-myc reduction in treated HL-60 cells. These results suggest that the novel vitamin D3 derivatives, 26-homo-delta 22-1 alpha,25(S)-(OH)2D3 and 26-homo-delta 22-1 alpha,25(R)-(OH)2D3, have preferential activity in inducing phenotypic differentiation and in inducing cell proliferation related c-myc mRNA activity.     

Sphingosine 1-phosphate is a ligand of the human gpr3, gpr6 and gpr12 family of constitutively active G protein-coupled receptors

Five G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for the lysophospholipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) have been cloned and characterized so far. We report here about the identification of gpr3, gpr6 and gpr12 as additional members of the S1P-GPCR family. When expressed transiently in HEK293 cells, gpr3, gpr6 and gpr12 confer constitutive activation of adenylate cyclase (AC) similar in amplitude to that seen with fully activated G(alpha)(s)-coupled receptors. Culturing the transfected cells in medium with charcoal-stripped serum (devoid of lipids) significantly reduces cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, suggesting a lipid-like ligand. A library containing 200 bioactive lipids was applied in functional assays recording intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization. S1P and dihydrosphingosine 1-phosphate (DHS1P) were identified as functional activators exhibiting nanomolar EC(50) values. In the presence of the S1P and LPA receptor antagonist suramin, gpr3-, gpr6- and gpr12-mediated intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization via S1P is enhanced. Besides constitutive activation of G(alpha)(s) type of G proteins, all three receptors are capable of constitutively activating inhibitory G(alpha)(i/o) proteins: (i) in the presence of pertussis toxin, gpr3-, gpr6- and gpr12-mediated stimulation of AC is enhanced; and (ii) overexpression of G(alpha)(i) significantly reduces the stimulatory action on intracellular cAMP levels. Agonist (S1P)-mediated internalization can be visualized in intact HEK293 cells using a gpr6 green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein. In summary, our data suggest that gpr3, gpr6 and gpr12 are a family of constitutively active receptors with dual coupling to G(alpha)(s) and G(alpha)(i) type of G proteins. Constitutive activation of AC and mobilization of [Ca(2+)](i) can be modulated by the sphingophospholipids S1P and DHS1P, adding three additional members to the family of S1P receptors.     

L-NAME raises systolic blood pressure in the pithed rat by a direct adrenal epinephrine releasing action

It is generally thought that inhibition of nitric oxide synthase leads to blood pressure elevation largely through reduction in vascular levels of the vasodilator nitric oxide. However, there are several reports suggesting that NO synthase inhibitors cause adrenal epinephrine (E) release by both central and peripheral mechanisms. We investigated the role of adrenal E in the pressor effects of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME in the pithed rat to help distinguish central from peripherally mediated actions. L-NAME (10 mg/kg) raised both systolic and diastolic BP by about 30 mm Hg (P < .01) in the absence of exogenous electrical stimulation of sympathetic nerves. During stimulation at 10 V and frequencies of 1 or 2 Hz, systolic BP was about 70 mm Hg higher in L-NAME treated rats than in drug free stimulated rats. This enhancement of systolic BP by L-NAME was less pronounced at 5 or 10 Hz stimulation frequencies. Following these types of electrical stimulations of pithed rats, both plasma norepinephrine (NE) and E levels were dramatically elevated above resting plasma levels. L-NAME pretreatment of these electrically stimulated rats increased plasma E levels by an additional 60% and decreased NE by 18%. Acute adrenalectomy dramatically reduced plasma E levels and abolished the ability of L-NAME to enhance the pressor effect of sympathetic stimulation. In contrast, acute adrenalectomy of unstimulated pithed rats did not significantly reduce the pressor response to L-NAME. We conclude that adrenal E release may mediate much of the systolic pressor response of L-NAME in the stimulated pithed rat, but the magnitude of this effect varies with stimulation frequency. Since pithing disrupts central pathways, this induction of adrenal E release by L-NAME is a peripheral effect.     

Antiabortifacient action of dibenzyloxyindanpropionic acid in mice

To evaluate the details of the adrenergic stimulation of urinary prostaglandins in man, ten normal volunteers were given various agonists and antagonists. The effect of 4 hour IV infusions of norepinephrine (NE), NE + phentolamine (PHT), NE + phenoxybenzamine (PHB), NE + prazosin (PZ), isoproterenol (ISO), and PHT alone on urinary PGE2 and PGI2 (6 keto PGF1 alpha) were determined. PGE2 and 6 keto PGF1 alpha were measured by radioimmunoassay from 4 hour urine samples. NE stimulated both PGE2 (196 +/- 40 to 370 +/- 84 ng/4 hrs/g creatinine and 6 keto PGF1 alpha (184 +/- 30 to 326 +/- 36), both p less than 0.01. In contrast, ISO had no effect on either PGE2 or 6 keto PGF1 alpha excretion. Alpha blockade with PHT. PHB, or PZ inhibited the NE induced systemic pressor effect. However, the effect of the alpha blockers on the NE induced stimulation of PGE2 and 6 keto PGF1 alpha varied. PHT did not alter the NE stimulated PGE2 or 6 keto PGF1 alpha release (370 +/- 84 vs. 381 +/- 80) PGE2 and (326 +/- 50 vs. 315 +/- 40) 6 keto PGF1 alpha both p greater than 0.2). PHT alone stimulated only 6 keto PGF1 alpha. PHB and the specific alpha 1 antagonist PZ similarly eliminated the NE induced prostaglandin release. These results suggest that adrenergically mediated urinary prostaglandin release in man is via an alpha receptor with alpha 1 characteristics.     

Effects of CL 115,347, (+/-)-15-deoxy-16-hydroxy-16-vinyl-PGE2 methyl ester, on cardiovascular responses and plasma catecholamines in pithed stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats during sympathetic stimulation

The effect of CL 115,347, a topically active antihypertensive PGE2 analog, and PGE2 on changes in blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) response and plasma epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) levels induced by stimulation of the sympathetic spinal cord outflow were studied in pithed stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). Surgical pithing significantly reduced plasma E but not NE levels suggesting that the sympathoadrenal medullary system differentially affects E and NE release. Sympathetic stimulation of the spinal cord of pithed SHRSP increased HR, BP, plasma E and NE levels. Topically applied CL 115,347 (0.001-0.2 mg/kg) dose-dependently decreased BP, while intravenously infused PGE2 (30 micrograms/kg/min) did not alter BP except for a brief initial drop. Topical application of CL 115,347 (0.1 mg/kg) also inhibited BP responses to sympathetic stimulation without effects on HR or plasma E or NE levels. Intravenous infusion of PGE2 (30 micrograms/kg/min) inhibited both BP and HR responses to spinal cord stimulation but did not alter plasma catecholamine levels. These studies in SHRSP suggest that CL 115,347 and PGE2 modulate cardiovascular responses mainly via postjunctional effects, but act differently on the cardiovascular elements, viz. CL 115,347 acts primarily on blood vessels while PGE2 acts on blood vessels and heart.     

Novel, not adenylyl cyclase-coupled cannabinoid binding site in cerebellum of mice

In this study we report data suggesting the presence of a non-CB1, non-CB2 cannabinoid site in the cerebellum of CB1-/- mice. We have carried out [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding experiments in striata, hippocampi, and cerebella of CB1-/- and CB1(+/+) mice with Delta(9)-THC, WIN55,212-2, HU-210, SR141716A, and SR144528. In CB1-/- mice Delta(9)-THC and HU-210 did not stimulate [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding. However, WIN55,212-2 was able to stimulate [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding in cerebella of CB1-/- mice. The maximal effect of this stimulation was 31% that of wild type animals. This effect was reversible neither by CB1 nor CB2 receptor antagonists. Similar results were obtained with the endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide. However, adenylyl cyclase was not inhibited by WIN55,212-2 or anandamide in the CB1(minus sign/minus sign) animals. In striata and hippocampi of CB1-/- mice no [(35)S]GTPgammaS stimulation curve could be obtained with WIN55,212. Our findings suggest that there is a non-CB1 non-CB2 receptor present in the cerebellum of CB1-/- mice.     

Induction of interleukin-1alpha production in murine Sertoli cells by interleukin-1

In the present study we examined the involvement of interleukin (IL)-1alpha, -1beta, FSH, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the regulation of IL-1alpha and -1beta production by Sertoli cells under in vitro conditions. Sertoli cell cultures from immature mice produced constitutively basal levels of intracellular IL-1alpha. Stimulation of Sertoli cell cultures with LPS (5 microgram/ml) resulted in a maximal production of intracellular IL-1alpha 2 h after the stimulation. Thereafter, these levels decreased but remained significantly higher within 24 h after stimulation than those in control cultures. The effect of LPS on IL-1alpha production was dose dependent. FSH did not show any effect on intracellular IL-1alpha production by Sertoli cells. IL-1alpha could not be detected in supernatants of unstimulated or stimulated Sertoli cell cultures. Sertoli cell cultures stimulated with recombinant IL-1alpha induced optimal intracellular levels of IL-1alpha within 2 h of stimulation. These levels remained high 24 h after stimulation. However, stimulation of Sertoli cell cultures with IL-1beta induced a peak of IL-1alpha production 8 h after stimulation. These levels decreased 24 h after the stimulation but were still found to be significantly higher than those in control cultures. The addition of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) to Sertoli cell cultures did not significantly alter their capacity to produce IL-1alpha. However, the stimulatory effects of recombinant IL-1alpha on IL-1alpha production by Sertoli cell cultures were reversed by the concomitant addition of recombinant IL-1ra. No immunoreactive IL-1beta could be detected in lysates or conditioned media of immature murine Sertoli cells under any of the stimulatory conditions outlined. Our results may suggest the involvement of physiological (IL-1) and pathophysiological factors (LPS) in the regulation of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis processes and male fertility.     

Recruitment within the groups of gamma 1, alpha 2 and alpha 3-motoneurons in dogs and humans following bladder and anal catheter pulling.

Conduction velocity frequency distribution histograms were constructed from lower sacral root recordings of single intrafusal (gamma) and extrafusal (alpha) motoneurons. The velocity distributions of occasional and stimulated activity before and following bladder and anal catheter pulling were almost identical for dogs and humans. The limits of the velocity ranges of alpha 1(FF), alpha 2(FS) and alpha 3(S) and gamma beta(?)-motoneurons were determined from the broadness of the single peaks. The borders of the partly fused peaks of gamma 1 and gamma 21-motoneurons were estimated from their different functional properties. Activity levels of the alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3, gamma beta, gamma 1 and gamma 21-motoneurons were too complex to allow safe conclusions from the dog measurements, probably because of the representation of leg and tail in addition to sphincter functions in the lower sacral root. In the human dorsal S4 root, in which mainly efferent functions of sphincters only were contained, the gamma 21, gamma 1, alpha 2 and alpha 3-motoneurons showed simple behaviour. Distribution changes of conduction velocities in each group of alpha and gamma-motoneurons were used for recruitment analysis. Following stimulation in dogs and humans, within the groups of gamma 1, alpha 3 and alpha 2-motoneurons, slowly conducting fibres were activated before the faster conducting ones. The alpha 3-motoneurons were recruited later than the alpha 2-motoneurons. In the dog, low gamma 1 and alpha 2-motoneuron velocities occurred preferentially 0 to 0.2 s following strong bladder catheter pulling, probably in the mono- and oligosynaptic pathways. Low conduction velocities of alpha 3-motoneurons occurred more often 1 to 1.2 s following stimulation. At 2 to 2.2 s following stimulation, the high gamma 1 and alpha 2-motoneuron velocities were more activated. At 4 to 4.2 s following stimulation, low gamma 1 and alpha 2-motoneuron velocities were recruited again. Following strong bladder catheter pulling, co-recruitment of the gamma 1 and alpha 2-motoneurons seemed to occur. Following anal catheter pulling in the dog there was no co-recruitment of gamma 1 and alpha 2-motoneurons. In the case of gamma 1-alpha 2 co-recruitment, the gamma 1-motoneurons were recruited additionally once in between the co-recruitment. The higher frequency of recruitment of the gamma 1-motoneurons, and the separate recruitment of the gamma 1 and alpha 2-systems, indicate that the activation of gamma 1 and alpha 2-motoneurons are not strongly linked.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)