Cardiovascular responses to catecholamines at 12 degrees C in the American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

The effects of epinephrine, norepinephrine, phenylephrine, and isoproterenol on blood pressure and heart rate were studied in cannulated American bullfrogs, Rana catesbeiana. The bullfrogs were chronically cannulated with a T cannula in the right sciatic artery. In warm-acclimated (22 degrees C) bullfrogs, preinjection mean systemic arterial pressure (SAP) prior to experimental treatment was 13.1 +/- 0.7 mm Hg. Preinjection heart rate was 34.8 +/- 1.8 beats per minute. These parameters were lower in cold-acclimated (12 degrees C) bullfrogs. Cold-acclimated animals had mean SAP values of 8.2 +/- 0.3 mm Hg, and heart rate was 11.1 +/- 1.1 beats per minute. Epinephrine, norepinephrine, and phenylephrine increased blood pressure to an equivalent degree in warm- and cold-acclimated animals. Dose-related decreases in heart rate in response to these catecholamines were observed in warm- but not in cold-acclimated bullfrogs. Warm-acclimated animals were more responsive to isoproterenol from 0.03 micrograms/kg body weight (bw) to 10 micrograms/kg bw than were cold-acclimated animals. The response to isoproterenol was effectively blocked by propranolol (5 mg/kg bw) in both warm- and cold-acclimated animals. Propranolol alone decreased mean SAP in both warm- and cold-acclimated animals, suggesting blockade of endogenous sympathetic activity. Beta receptor response thus appears diminished, but not absent at 12 degrees C. However, the alpha receptors responsible for elevation of blood pressure equally responsive at 12 degrees and 22 degrees C.     

Cardiovascular effects of prostaglandin I2 and prostaglandin F2 alpha in the unanesthetized bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana

The cardiovascular effects of prostaglandin (PG)I2 and PGF2 alpha were compared in the unanesthetized American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana). Control mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were 25.7 +/- 1.1 mm Hg and 35.1 +/- 1.1 beats/min, respectively. Intravenous injections of PGI2 decreased MAP and increased HR in a dose-dependent fashion over the range of concentrations tested (0.03, 0.3, 3, and 10 micrograms/kg-body weight [bw]. Neither atropine (1 mg/kg-bw) nor verapamil (1 mg/kg-bw) treatment altered the MAP or HR responses to PGI2 (3 micrograms/kg-bw). However, propranolol (5 mg/kg-bw) significantly blunted the hypotensive effects without affecting the increase in HR. Prostaglandin F2 alpha (tested at 0.3, 3, 30, and 100 micrograms/kg-bw) increased both MAP and HR. Mean arterial pressure increased with concentrations greater than 0.3 microgram/kg-bw and reached peak effects at 30 micrograms/kg-bw. Prostaglandin F2 alpha increased HR at doses greater than 0.3 microgram/kg-bw. Neither the pressor nor positive chronotropic effects of PGF2 alpha (30 micrograms/kg-bw) were affected by atropine or propranolol. However, verapamil significantly attenuated the pressor effects without affecting the increase in HR. These results demonstrate that both prostaglandins have qualitatively similar effects on HR, but opposite effects on MAP. Prostaglandin I2 is a hypotensive prostaglandin, while PGF2 alpha is hypertensive. The pressor effects of PGF2 alpha are partially dependent on calcium influx. The positive chronotropic effects of both prostaglandins are independent of the autonomic nervous system, suggesting a different mechanism of action.     

Cardiac inotropic effects of leukotriene C4 and prostaglandin I2 in the unanesthetized American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana

The cardiovascular effects of leukotriene (LT) C4 and prostaglandin (PG) I2 were compared in the unanesthetized American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana. Bullfrogs were instrumented to measure mean arterial pressure, peak ventricular pressure, its derivative (VP + dP/dt), and heart rate. Two hours after recovery from anesthesia, intravenous injections of LTC4 or PGI2 were tested over a dose range from 0.003 to 3 micrograms/kg body weight (bw). Both eicosanoids decreased mean arterial pressure, systolic ventricular pressure, and its derivative (VP + dP/dt). The effects of LTC4 and PGI2 on all parameters were similar at doses below 3 micrograms/kg bw. However, at 3 micrograms/kg bw, LTC4 had more potent negative inotropic effects than PGI2. Both compounds increased heart rate at 0.3 microgram/kg bw, but at 3 micrograms/kg bw PGI2 caused greater increases than LTC4. The hypotensive and negative inotropic effects of LTC4 were blunted in animals pretreated with indomethacin (4 mg/kg bw) to prevent endogenous prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis, whereas the cardiovascular effects of PGI2 were unaffected by the blockade. The data show that both eicosanoids have similar qualitative effects on blood pressure and cardiac performance. However, the effects of LTC4 may be partially mediated by release of endogenous cyclooxygenase products, possibly PGI2. These results suggest that the bullfrog, an animal with no coronary arteries, is a useful model for comparative studies of cardiac actions of eicosanoids which are independent of effects mediated by changes in coronary vascular resistance.     

心房钠尿多肽对麻醉大鼠血压和肾神经传出放电的影响

本实验观察了心房肽Ⅱ(Atriopeptin Ⅱ,APⅡ)对麻醉大鼠血压(AP)、心率(HR)和肾交感神经传出放电(RSNA)的影响,并与硝普钠对 AP 和 RSNA 的影响作比较。结果如下:(1)缓冲神经完整和迷走神经完整条件下(n=12)静脉注射 APⅡ(50μg/kg)后,动脉收缩压(SAP)降低23.0±1.66 mmHg(Μ±SE,p<0.001),HR 减慢9±3.5b/min(p<0.05),RSNA 降低4.89±2.95%(P>0.05)。迷走神经切断后,静脉注射 APⅡ引起的~⊿SAP 虽有所减小,但与切断迷走神经前的反应比较,无统计学意义,HR 减慢不再出现,而 RSNA 则有所增加;(2)缓冲神经切断和迷走神经完整条件下(n=7),静脉注射 APⅡ时 SAP 降低27.4±3.25mmHg(P<0.001),HR 减慢13±3.1b/min(P<0.01),RSNA 降低11.67±1.95%(P<0.001)。切断迷走神经后,静脉注射 APⅡ引起的 SAP 降低程度有明显減小(P<0.01),HR减慢不再出现,RSNA 则反而增加(3)无论在迷走神经完整还是切断条件下,静脉注射硝普钠(n=6) SAP 均明显降低,同时伴有 RSNA 的反射性增加。以上结果表明:APⅡ的降压效应,部分是通过迷走神经传入纤维;在切断缓冲神经条件下,APⅡ可经由迷走神经传入纤维的激活而反射地抑制 RSNA。     

Effects of 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 and indomethacin on leukotriene B4 and inflammation in rabbit colitis

The role of increased prostaglandin production and the effects of exogenous prostaglandins on inflammation of colitis are not established. We administered intramuscular 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (DiM-PGE2) and indomethacin to rabbits with formalin immune-complex colitis and measured leukotriene B4 (LTB4), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and severity of inflammation. DiM-PGE2 (100 micrograms/kg/BID) reduced LTB4 production (from 401 +/- 108 to 216 +/- 58 pg/ml) and infiltration of neutrophils, mucosal necrosis, inflammatory exudate and edema (all P less than 0.05). Other studies determined that parenteral DiM-PGE2 did not reduce the initial chemical damage induced by formalin, suggesting that cytoprotection of chemical insult was not the mechanism of suppressed inflammation in the immune colitis model. Indomethacin (10 mg/kg/d) reduced endogenous PGE2 by 80%, but did not reduce leukotriene production or inflammation. Exogenous prostaglandins cause a dose-dependent suppression of inflammation in experimental colitis, by a mechanism other than cytoprotection of chemical-induced mucosal injury.     

Bradykinin-induced chemoreflexes from skeletal muscle: implications for the exercise reflex

We examined the cardiovascular response to bradykinin stimulation of skeletal muscle afferents and the effect of prostaglandins on this response. Intra-arterial injection of 1 microgram bradykinin into the gracilis muscle of cats reflexly increased mean arterial pressure by 16 +/- 2 mmHg, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure by 1.6 +/- 0.6 mmHg, maximal dP/dt by 785 +/- 136 mmHg/s, heart rate by 11 +/- 2 beats/min, and mean aortic flow by 22 +/- 3 ml/min. The hemodynamic responses were abolished following denervation of the gracilis muscle. The increases in mean arterial pressure and maximal dP/dt were reduced by 68 and 45%, respectively, following inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis with indomethacin (2-8 mg/kg iv). Treatment with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2, 15-25 micrograms ia) restored the initial increase in mean arterial pressure, but not dP/dt, caused by bradykinin stimulation. Injection of PGE2 (15-30 micrograms ia) into the gracilis, without prior treatment with indomethacin, augmented the bradykinin-induced increases in mean arterial pressure and dP/dt. We conclude that small doses of bradykinin injected into skeletal muscle are capable of reflexly activating the cardiovascular system and that prostaglandins are necessary for the full manifestation of the corresponding hemodynamic response. The pattern of hemodynamic adjustment following bradykinin injection into skeletal muscle is very similar to that induced by static exercise. Therefore, it is possible that intense exercise provides a stimulus for this bradykinin-induced reflex in vivo.     

Temperature-induced changes in metabolism and body weight of cattle (Bos taurus).

The metabolic and body weight changes in two non-pregnant beef cows were studied during prolonged exposure to warm (20 +/- 3 degrees C, relative humidity 50-70%) and cold (-10 +/- 2 or -25 +/- 4 degrees C) temperatures. Other factors including daily food intake were held constant throughout each 8-week exposure. During cold exposures, metabolic rate, blood hematocrit, and plasma concentrations of glucose and free fatty acid were elevated and respiratory frequencies and skin temperatures decreased. Resting metabolic rates measured at 20 degrees C, i.e., without the direct influence of cold, were 83.4-95.3 litres 02 per hour when the cows were cold acclimated, at either -10 or -25 degrees C, and 30-40% greater than when the cows were warm acclimated. The resting metabolic response and the concomitant reduction in intensity of shivering is indicative of metabolic acclimation to cold in these animals of greater than 500 kg body weight. As well as the expected changes in body weight with changes in energy metabolism there were losses in weight (13-24 kg) during the first 3 days of each cold exposure. Weight gains occurred when the cold stress was abruptly removed. These short term weight changes were associated with changes in water intake and apparent shifts in body fluid content.     

Hemodynamic effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide in conscious rats

The cardiovascular effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were examined in conscious, unrestrained rats. Changes in mean arterial pressure, heart rate and cardiac output were continuously monitored before and after i.v. bolus injection of CGRP (0.1-5 micrograms/kg). Injection of the peptide caused dose-dependent reductions in mean arterial pressure (-24 +/- 4 mmHg), which were accompanied by marked tachycardia. Cardiac output was significantly increased after CGRP but little change was observed in stroke volume. CGRP also reduced total peripheral resistance (-46 +/- 6%). These data indicate that the hypotensive actions of CGRP are mediated through peripheral vasodilation rather than through reductions in cardiac output. Pretreatment with propranolol significantly reduced the tachycardia responses to CGRP from 81 +/- 11 beats/min to 36 +/- 4 beats/min, but did not abolish the increase in heart rate. These data suggest that CGRP produces a tachycardia through reflex increases in cardiac sympathetic tone and through possible direct positive chronotropic effects on the heart.     

Cardiovascular responses to an isosterically modified prostaglandin analog in conscious dogs

The cardiovascular effects of oral and intravenous administration of 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg of the isosterically modified prostaglandin (PG) analog, (+)- 4-(3-[3-[2-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)ethyl]-4-oxo-thiazolidinyl] propyl) benzoic acid were ascertained in conscious mongrels. After 0.05 mg/kg p.o., mean arterial pressure (MAP), obtained from indwelling catheters, fell from 105 +/- 1 to 100 +/- 4 mm Hg and total peripheral resistance (TPR) decreased from 0.062 +/- 0.006 to 0.039 +/- 0.002 mm Hg/ml/min. Cardiac output (CO), measured via electromagnetic flow probes, rose from 1.8 +/- 0.2 to 2.6 +/- 0.1 l/min and heart rate from 109 +/- 13 to 128 +/- 8 beats/min. The 0.1 mg/kg p.o. dose produced similar results. Intravenous injection of 0.1 mg/kg immediately dropped MAP from 103 +/- 6 to 58 +/- 3 mm Hg and TPR from 0.049 +/- .006 to .014 +/- .002 mm Hg/ml/min. CO climbed from 2.3 +/- 0.2 to 5.3 +/- 0.5 l/min and HR increased from 126 +/- 9 to 254 +/- 14 beats/min. Stroke volume was not affected by either oral or intravenous administration of the PG analog. Pretreatment with 100 micrograms/kg timolol blunted the CO and HR responses to 0.1 mg/kg iv of the PG analog without affecting the depressor response. Metaraminol infused during injection of 0.1 mg/kg iv of the PG analog diminished all responses. When compared to the cardiovascular effects of hydralazine and nitroprusside, the profile of the PG analog activity closely resembled that produced by the arterial vasodilator, hydralazine; in contrast, nitroprusside (which also dilates veins) reduced stroke volume, but did not significantly affect HR. In conclusion, dilation of the resistance vessels by the PG analog decreased MAP and TPR and reflexly elevated CO and HR in conscious dogs.     

Prostaglandins and control of breathing in newborn piglets

To investigate the possible role of prostaglandins in regulation of postnatal breathing, phrenic neural activity (PMO) was recorded as an index of breathing in 42 anesthetized, paralyzed piglets less than 30 days of age (weight 2.4 +/- 0.2 kg, age 9.9 +/- 1.5 days) who were mechanically ventilated with 100% O2 at a fixed tidal volume (8-10 ml/kg). End-tidal CO2 was held constant by an electronic servocontroller which adjusted ventilator rate; ventilator rate was monitored as an index of CO2 production. Rectal temperature was maintained at 39.0 +/- 0.2 degrees C. The effects on PMO of intravenous and brain ventricular injections of NaCl and agents active in the prostaglandin cascade were compared. Intravenous (0.25-1.0 mg/kg, n = 9) and brain (5-33 micrograms/kg, n = 6) indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, doubled PMO within 30 min. Intravenous (1-10 micrograms/kg, n = 6) and brain (1-40 micrograms/kg, n = 6) prostaglandin E1 inhibited PMO by one-half at 10 and 30 min.     

Potentiation of bradykinin-induced vascular permeability increase by prostaglandin E2 and arachidonic acid in rabbit skin.

The activity of prostaglandins (PG) in producing vascular permeability was quantitated by dye extraction method in skin of anaesthetized rabbits. PGE1 and PGE2 (0.01-10 mug) produced increase in vascular permeability. Activity was approximately equal to that of histamine (Hist) and 1/20 of that of bradykinin (BK) on a weight basis. The activity of PGF1alpha and PGF2alpha was only 1/20 of that of PGE1 or PGE2. In spite of the relatively low potency of PGE1 and PGE2 in the rabbit, near threshold doses (0.1 or 1 mug) of PGE2 could potentiate permeability responses to bradykinin (0.1 mug) by 10 or 100-fold, respectively. Equivalent doses (0.1 or 1 mug) of histamine could not potentiate the bradykinin responses. Arachidonic acid (AA) at 1 mug, produced a 10-fold potentiation in the permeability response to bradykinin (0.1 mug). Pretreatment of the rabbits with indomethacin (20 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced the responses of BK (0.1 mug) + AA (1 mug) down to a similar magnitude of those seen with bradykinin alone. However, indomethacin did not block responses to either, BK alone, BK + PGE2, or BK + Hist. Various doses (1, 10, 100 and 300 mug) of arachidonic acid alone also produced increase in cutaneous vascular permeability, although its potency was only 1/3-1/8 of that of PGE2. This activity of arachidonic acid was attributed in part to its bioconversion to PGE2, since its activity was significantly reduced by the prostaglandin antagonist, diphloretin phosphate (DPP) (60 mg/kg, i.v.) and by indomethacin (20 mg/kg, i.p.), which blocks conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Arachidonic acid may owe some of its permeability increasing effects to histamine release, since its effects were also reduced by the anti-histamine, pyrilamine (2.5 mg/kg, i.v.).     

Effect of castration on prostaglandin-mediated changes in membrane potential and prostaglandin synthesis in guinea-pig seminal vesicle tissue

Arachidonic acid stimulated an increase in transmural electrical potential difference (p.d.) in guinea-pig seminal vesicle tissue in vitro. Pretreatment with indomethacin abolished this response. Indomethacin pretreatment did not prevent the p.d. from increasing in response to theophylline. Changes in p.d. in response to arachidonic acid were greatly attenuated, and the response to theophylline was abolished in seminal vesicle tissue taken from castrated guinea-pigs. Seminal vesicles, aorta and ileum taken from castrated guinea-pigs synthesized and released more prostaglandins than did those from control animals. It is concluded that the effects of arachidonic acid on p.d. are mediated by its metabolism to prostaglandins; the inability of seminal vesicles from castrated animals to respond to arachidonic acid is not a result of a decrease in prostaglandin production, but is more likely a result of other degenerative changes attendant upon castration; and androgens appear to have some regulatory function on prostaglandin synthesis in a variety of tissues.     

Studies on the cardiovascular action of TPY-beta: an antihypertensive agent with antiplatelet activity

1-Pyrrolidinylmethyl-2-naphthol hydrochloride (TPY-beta) has been reported to have hypotensive and bradycardiac effects in anesthetized rats. Whether administration of atropine or bilateral vagotomy affects mean arterial pressure or heart rate was examined. The percentage difference in hypotensive and bradycardiac effect of TPY-beta (0.5 mg/kg) was 63 +/- 5% and 68 +/- 9%, respectively, in unpretreated rats compared to control levels. Atropine pretreatment (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly reduced the depressant effect of TPY-beta, although heart rate and mean arterial pressure remained 21 +/- 3% and 31 +/- 4%, respectively, as compared to control levels. Vagotomy decreased heart rate and mean arterial pressure response but moderate bradycardiac (13 +/- 2%) and hypotensive (10 +/- 3%) effects still remained as compared to control levels. Unilateral microinjection of 1, 3.3 and 10 nM TPY-beta into the nucleus tractus solitarri elicited a dose-dependent depressor (-10 +/- 2; -20 +/- 3; -25 +/- 3 mmHg) and bradycardiac activities (-20 +/- 4; -26 +/- 5; -55 +/- 10 beats/min). TPY-beta also relaxed the isolated rat aortic rings preconstracted with high extracellular K+ (80 mM) and Ca2+ (1.9 mM). The above findings suggest that the suppressive effects of TPY-beta may involve activation of vagus nerve and a direct inhibition of Ca2+ channel. In addition, TPY-beta inhibited the aggregation of washed rabbit platelets (aggregated by arachidonic acid and collagen) and adhesiveness on fibrinogen-coated surface. The results suggest that TPY-beta possesses antihypertensive and antiplatelet activity.     

Effects of cold and capsaicin desensitization on prostaglandin E hypothermia in rats

Intraperitoneal injection of prostaglandin E1 (PGE) produces a transient hypothermia in rats that lasts 1-2 h. Rats exposed to an ambient temperature (Ta) of 26 degrees C displayed a decrease in rectal temperature (Tre) of 0.95 +/- 0.12 degrees C (SE) after injection with PGE (100 micrograms/kg ip). Hypothermia was produced mainly by heat losses, as indicated by increases in tail blood flow. At Ta of 4 degrees C, PGE produced a comparable fall in Tre of 1.00 +/- 0.14 degrees C. However, in the cold the hypothermia was caused solely by decreases in heat production. These results indicate that the PGE-induced hypothermia is not the result of a peripheral vasodilation induced by the direct action of PGE on the tail vascular smooth muscle but is a central nervous system-mediated response of the thermoregulatory system induced by PGE within the peritoneal cavity. Capsaicin injected subcutaneously induces a transient hypothermia in rats because of stimulation of the warm receptors. If administered peripherally in sufficient amounts, it is reputed to impair peripheral warm receptors so that they become desensitized to the hypothermic effects of capsaicin. We measured PGE-induced hypothermias in rats both before and after capsaicin desensitization at Ta of 26 degrees C. Before desensitization the hypothermia was -1.14 +/- 0.12 degrees C, whereas after capsaicin treatment the PGE-induced hypothermia was -0.34 +/- 0.17 degrees C. The biological effects of capsaicin are diverse; however, based on current thinking about the thermoregulatory effects of capsaicin desensitization, our results indicate that peripheral warm receptor pathways are in some manner implicated in the hypothermia induced by intraperitoneal PGE.     

Direct effects in vivo of angiotensins I and II on the canine sinus node.

The chronotropic responses to angiotensins I and II (5 micrograms in 1 mL Tyrode's solution) injected into the sinus node artery were assessed before and after the intravenous administration of captopril (2 mg/kg) and saralasin (20 micrograms/kg) in anaesthetized dogs. The effects of angiotensin II given intravenously were also observed. The animals (n = 8) were vagotomized and pretreated with propranolol (1 mg/kg, i.v.) to prevent baroreceptor-mediated responses to increases in blood pressure. Injection of angiotensin I into the sinus node artery induced significant increases in heart rate (114 +/- 6 vs. 133 +/- 6 beats/min) and in systemic systolic (134 +/- 13 vs. 157 +/- 14 mmHg; 1 mmHg = 133.3 Pa) and diastolic (95 +/- 10 vs. 126 +/- 13 mmHg) blood pressures. Similar results were obtained when angiotensin II was injected into the sinus node artery, but intravenous injection induced changes in systolic (138 +/- 8 vs. 180 +/- 25 mmHg) and diastolic (103 +/- 8 vs. 145 +/- 20 mmHg) blood pressures only. Captopril induced a significant decrease in systolic (118 +/- 11 vs. 88 +/- 12 mmHg) and diastolic (84 +/- 9 vs. 59 +/- 9 mmHg) blood pressures without affecting the heart rate (109 +/- 6 vs. 106 +/- 6 beats/min). Saralasin produced a significant increase in systolic (109 +/- 7 vs. 126 +/- 12 mmHg) blood pressure only. Increments in heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressures in response to angiotensins I and II were, respectively, abolished by captopril and saralasin. It was concluded that angiotensin II has, in vivo, a direct positive chronotropic effect that can be blocked by saralasin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of prostaglandin F2 alpha prostaglandin E2 and arachidonic acid on the induction of oviposition in vivo and in vitro in oviparous lizards.

Gravid females of four different species of oviparous lizard were treated in vivo with varying doses of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha), prostaglandin E2 or arachidonic acid (AA). In contrast to previous studies examining birds and viviparous lizards, no dosage induced oviposition in any of the treated females. All females, however, did exhibit behaviors associated with oviposition. Intact oviducts removed from gravid females and placed in organ culture did oviposit when treated with 30 or 100 ng PGF2 alpha/ml of culture media. Arachidonic acid at similar concentrations also was effective in stimulating birth. These data suggest that prostaglandins can stimulate oviposition in oviparous lizards but further suggest that their action may be inhibited by oviducal innervation until just prior to natural birth.     

Epinephrine stimulates prostaglandin synthesis by bullfrog lung from warm-acclimated, but not cold-acclimated, animals

Exogenous prostaglandins (PGs) have been shown to have differing effects on frog lung contractility. In this study, prostaglandin synthesis was measured in lung tissues from warm-acclimated (WA, 22 degrees C) and cold-acclimated (CA, 5 degrees C) American bullfrogs, Rana catesbeiana, incubated for 30 min at 5 degrees or 22 degrees C. Media were assayed by radioimmunoassay for PGE2, PGF2 alpha, 6-keto PGF 1 alpha (the metabolite of PGI2), and thromboxane (TX)B2 (the metabolite of TXA2). PGE2 was produced in greatest quantity by tissues from WA and CA animals, at both incubation temperatures. Epinephrine stimulated PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and TXB2 synthesis at 22 degrees C but only stimulated PGE2 production at 5 degrees C. In tissues from CA frogs, epinephrine did not stimulate prostaglandin synthesis at either incubation temperature. Ibuprofen (10(-5) M) inhibited basal and epinephrine-stimulated prostaglandin synthesis in tissues from WA frogs incubated at 22 degrees C. The beta receptor antagonist propranolol (10(-6) M) blocked the epinephrine-stimulated synthesis of PGE2, PGF2 alpha and TXB2, suggesting epinephrine stimulates prostaglandin synthesis through beta receptor activation. The absence of stimulation by epinephrine in lung from CA animals, but not in 5 degrees C incubations of tissues from WA animals, suggests that a modification of beta receptors occurs during prolonged cold exposure.     

Prostacyclin, prostaglandin F2 alpha and progesterone production by bovine luteal cells during the estrous cycle

Corpora lutea (CL) were collected from Holstein heifers on Days 5, 10, 15 and 18 (5/day) of the estrous cycle. Dispersed luteal cell preparations were made and 10(6) viable luteal cells were incubated with bovine luteinizing hormone (LH) and different amounts of arachidonic acid in the presence and absence of the prostaglandin (PG) synthetase inhibitor indomethacin. The concentrations of progesterone, PGF2 alpha and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, the stable inactive metabolite of prostacyclin (PGI2), were measured. Day 5 CL had the greatest initial content of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (1.01 +/- 0.16 ng/10(6) cells), and synthesized more 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (2.55 +/- 0.43) than CL collected on Days 10 (0.57 +/- 0.11), 15 (0.08 +/- 0.05) and 18 (0.19 +/- 0.03) during a 2-h incubation period. Arachidonic acid stimulated the production of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha by Days 10, 15 and 18 luteal tissue. PGF2 alpha was produced at a greater rate on Day 5 (0.69 +/- 0.17 ng/10(6) cells) than on Days 10 (0.06 +/- 0.01), 15 (0.04 +/- 0.02) and 18 (0.08 +/- 0.01). Arachidonic acid stimulated and indomethacin inhibited the production of PGF2 alpha, in most cases. The initial content of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was higher than that of PGF2 alpha on all days of the cycle and more 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was synthesized in response to arachidonic acid addition. The ratio of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha content to PGF2 alpha content was 4.39, 2.30, 1.25 and 1.13 on Days 5, 10, 15 and 18, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Influence of NSAID-induced inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis on inorganic sulfate clearance in rats.

The objective of the present investigation was to examine the influence of inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis on the renal clearance of inorganic sulfate, an electrolyte involved in the biotransformation of both exogenous and endogenous substrates. Homeostasis of inorganic sulfate is maintained predominantly by renal reabsorption in the proximal tubule. Using a crossover study design, the renal clearance of sulfate was assessed in conscious female Lewis rats during control periods and following the infusion of two structurally dissimilar nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ibuprofen (IBU) and indomethacin (INDO). Animals were infused with IBU or INDO to achieve steady state concentrations of 59 +/- 8 micrograms/ml (mean +/- SD) of IBU and 22 +/- 3 micrograms/ml of INDO. At these serum concentrations, IBU and INDO produced greater than 80% decrease in the urinary excretion of prostaglandin (PG) E2. Treatment with either IBU or INDO significantly increased the renal clearance of sulfate, but did not alter the glomerular filtration rate as assessed by creatinine clearance. The role of prostaglandins in the effects of IBU and INDO on sulfate homeostasis was investigated by examining the influence of concomitant intraarterial PGE2 administration (infusion of 0.1 micrograms/min) on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced alterations in sulfate renal clearance. Although PGE2 alone did not significantly alter the renal clearance of inorganic sulfate or that of creatinine, the PGE2 infusion abolished the effects of IBU on sulfate renal clearance. Concomitant PGE2 administration also significantly increased the sulfate reabsorption rate in INDO-treated animals; other parameters were not significantly changed, although the fractional reabsorption of sulfate tended to increase (P = 0.17). The reason for the less pronounced effect on PGE2 on the INDO-sulfate interaction is as yet unknown, but may be partly due to additional mechanisms involved in the INDO-induced alterations in sulfate clearance. The results of these studies suggest that prostaglandin inhibition represents one mechanism whereby IBU can alter the renal clearance of inorganic sulfate.     

The confluence-dependent interaction of cytosolic phospholipase A2-alpha with annexin A1 regulates endothelial cell prostaglandin E2 generation

The regulated generation of prostaglandins from endothelial cells is critical to vascular function. Here we identify a novel mechanism for the regulation of endothelial cell prostaglandin generation. Cytosolic phospholipase A(2)-alpha (cPLA(2)alpha) cleaves phospholipids in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner to yield free arachidonic acid and lysophospholipid. Arachidonic acid is then converted into prostaglandins by the action of cyclooxygenase enzymes and downstream synthases. By previously undefined mechanisms, nonconfluent endothelial cells generate greater levels of prostaglandins than confluent cells. Here we demonstrate that Ca(2+)-independent association of cPLA(2)alpha with the Golgi apparatus of confluent endothelial cells correlates with decreased prostaglandin synthesis. Golgi association blocks arachidonic acid release and prevents functional coupling between cPLA(2)alpha and COX-mediated prostaglandin synthesis. When inactivated at the Golgi apparatus of confluent endothelial cells, cPLA(2)alpha is associated with the phospholipid-binding protein annexin A1. Furthermore, the siRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous annexin A1 significantly reverses the inhibitory effect of confluence on endothelial cell prostaglandin generation. Thus the confluence-dependent interaction of cPLA(2)alpha and annexin A1 at the Golgi acts as a novel molecular switch controlling cPLA(2)alpha activity and endothelial cell prostaglandin generation.