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A G Herman

Publications and source records attributed to A G Herman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Role of nitric oxide in hyporeactivity to noradrenaline of isolated aortic rings in portal hypertensive rats.

To test the hypothesis that induction of nitric oxide synthase causes systemic vascular hyporesponsiveness to vasopressors in portal hypertension, we performed in vitro experiments on isolated thoracic aortic rings from partial portal vein ligated or sham operated rats at 3 weeks postoperatively. The concentration-response curves to noradrenaline of intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings from portal hypertensive rats were significantly shifted to the right as compared to those from sham operated animals. Maximal contractions did not significantly differ. Addition of NG-nitro-L-arginine, a specific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, shifted the curves to the left in both sham operated and portal hypertensive rats, so that in intact rings, the concentrations of noradrenaline producing half-maximal response did not significantly differ any more between sham operated and portal vein ligated rats. In endothelium-denuded rings, a hyporeactivity to noradrenaline persisted in portal vein ligated rats. Furthermore, NG-nitro-L-arginine induced an additional significant increase in the maximal response to noradrenaline in sham operated as compared to portal hypertensive rats. The endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine were attenuated in portal hypertensive rats as compared to sham operated animals. From these results, it can be concluded that increased nitric oxide production in the vascular wall of thoracic aorta of portal hypertensive rats is involved in their hyporesponsiveness to noradrenaline. Our findings in endothelium-denuded rings indicate the involvement of the inducible nitric oxide synthase in the smooth muscle layer. Involvement of an inducible nitric oxide synthase in the endothelium cannot be excluded. The endothelial constitutive nitric oxide synthase, however, seems to be suppressed in portal vein ligated rats.

Acetylcholine

Isosorbidedinitrate and SIN-1 as dilators of human coronary arteries and platelet inhibitors.

We compared isosorbidedinitrate (ISDN) and 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) as dilators of epicardial coronary arteries and inhibitors of ex vivo platelet aggregation in 23 patients referred for diagnostic coronary arteriography. After completion of the diagnostic study, the patient received graded intravenous (i.v.) infusions (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 micrograms/kg/min) of either SIN-1 (n = 11) or ISDN (n = 12). Diameters of left anterior descending (LAD) and left ramus circumflex (RCX) coronary arteries were assessed by quantitative digital coronary arteriography before and 5 min after each infusion was started. SIN-1 required an infusion rate of 1.0 micrograms/kg/min to cause dilatation of proximal and middle segments of LAD and RCX. The highest infusion rate caused a modest decrease in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP). In these aspects, SIN-1 was equivalent to ISDN. In addition, blood was collected immediately before treatment and after infusion of the highest dose of ISDN or SIN-1. The sensitivity of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to ADP and the thromboxane A2 (TXA2) mimetic U-46619 was determined in an aggregometer. The lesser responses to threshold concentrations of ADP and U-46619 and the slight shift in both concentration-response curves indicated that platelets of SIN-1-treated patients were slightly less sensitive to both stimuli as compared with platelets of ISDN-treated subjects. These ex vivo results suggest that SIN-1 may be superior to ISDN as an inhibitor of platelet activation.

Angina Pectoris

Effect of nitric oxide donors on neointima formation and vascular reactivity in the collared carotid artery of rabbits.

Intimal thickening in arteries is considered a site of predilection for atherosclerosis. We investigated whether oral application of the nitric oxide (NO) donors SPM-5185 [N-nitratopivaloyl-S-(N'-acetylalanyl)-cysteine ethylester, 10 mg/kg body weight twice daily (b.i.d.)] and molsidomine (10 mg/kg body weight/day) can retard neointima formation and changes in vascular reactivity induced by a nonocclusive, soft silicone collar positioned around the left carotid artery of rabbits. The contralateral carotid artery was sham operated and served as a control. Drug and placebo (diet without drug) treatments were initiated 7 days before placement of the collar. At the end of the experiments, two segments were cut from each collared and sham-treated artery, one for measurement of the cross-sectional area of intima and media and the other for isometric tension recording. Sham treatment did not result in intimal thickening in either group. In contrast, the intima/media (I/M) ratio was considerably increased after 14 days of collar treatment as a result of neointima formation. Intimal thickening was significantly inhibited by SPM-5185 (I/M ratio 0.05 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.11 +/- 0.02, p < 0.05), but not by molsidomine (0.06 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.08 +/- 0.02, p = 0.49), which is a donor of both NO and superoxide anions. Neither collar nor NO donor treatment altered the area of the media. SPM-5185 did not alter the percentage of replicating smooth muscle cells (SMC) in the media after collar treatment, as demonstrated by their immunoreactivity for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylcholine

Comparison of the pharmacological profile of S-nitrosothiols, nitric oxide and the nitrergic neurotransmitter in the canine ileocolonic junction.

1. In organ bath experiments, hydroquinone (30-100 microM) and hydroxocobalamin (30-100 microM) concentration-dependently inhibited the relaxations induced by NO (0.3-30 microM) but not those by nitroglycerin (GTN, 1 microM) in the canine ileocolonic junction (ICJ). Hydroxocobalamin reduced the relaxation to low frequency (2 Hz) stimulation of the non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) nerves, whereas hydroquinone only reduced the NANC nerve-mediated relaxations to electrical stimulation at 16 Hz, 0.5 ms. 2. Relaxations to S-nitroso-L-cysteine (CysNO, 1-30 microM), or S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP, 1-30 microM) were not inhibited by hydroquinone (30-100 microM), hydroxocobalamin (30-100 microM), pyrogallol (30-100 microM) or L-cysteine (1-3 microM). Hydroquinone (100 microM) only reduced the relaxation to 10 microM CysNO. Hydroxocobalamin, but not hydroquinone, pyrogallol or L-cysteine, potentiated the relaxations to the lowest concentration (1 microM) of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO, 1-30 microM). 3. In the superfusion bioassay, hydroquinone (100 microM) and hydroxocobalamin (1 microM) concentration-dependently inhibited the biological activity of authentic NO (1-4 pmol) to the same extent as that of the transferable nitrergic factor, released from the canine ICJ in response to NANC nerve stimulation (8-16 Hz, 2 ms). Responses to GTN (10 pmol) or adenosine 5'-triphosphate (10 nmol) were not affected. 4. In conclusion, the nitrosothiols CysNO, SNAP and GSNO relax the canine ileocolonic junction, but these relaxations, pharmacologically, behave differently from the NANC nerve-mediated relaxations. From the bioassay experiments, we conclude that the nitrergic factor, released in response to NANCnerve stimulation of the canine ICJ, behaves pharmacologically like NO but not like a nitrosothiol.Therefore, we suggest NO, and not CysNO, SNAP or GSNO as the inhibitory NANC neurotransmitter in the canine ICJ.

Animals

Influence of chronic treatment with a nitric oxide donor on fatty streak development and reactivity of the rabbit aorta.

1. The influence of chronic treatment with molsidomine, pro-drug of the nitric oxide (NO) donor, 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1), on fatty streak development and release of NO and prostacyclin (PGI2) was studied in the aorta of normal and cholesterol-fed rabbits. 2. Groups of 10 rabbits received standard diet (150 g day-1), or diets with 0.3% cholesterol, with 0.02% molsidomine or with the combination of cholesterol and molsidomine for 16 weeks. Lesion area and thickness, maximum change in isometric force (Emax) and sensitivity (-log EC50 or pD2) to constricting and relaxing agonists were assessed in segments of arch, thoracic and abdominal aorta. Bioassay was used to assess NO release. 3. Cholesterol-induced fatty streaks tapered off towards the abdominal aorta. Area, thickness, weight and cholesterylester content of the lesions were augmented by the NO donor, whereas the hypercholesterolaemia remained unchanged. The exacerbation was attributed to co-release of superoxide anion from the sydnonimine. 4. As fatty streaks progressed, amplitude and pD2 of acetylcholine (ACh)-induced relaxations decreased, whereas cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP second messenger systems were not influenced, since Emax and sensitivity to SIN-1 and forskolin remained unchanged. However, extensive lesions apparently trapped some NO, as the pD2 of authentic NO decreased. 5. The fatty streaks curtailed the biosynthesis of PGI2 and the overflow of NO from the perfused thoracic aorta. The latter defect was not restored by L-arginine and appears to be consistent with a functional change of the endothelial muscarinic receptors. 6. The NO donor desensitized the aorta to cyclic GMP-mediated relaxations (ACh, SIN-1 and NO), without affecting cyclic AMP-mediated relaxation to forskolin or constrictor responses to phenylephrine and 5-hydroxytryptamine. 7. The drug also suppressed the ACh-induced overflow of NO, without changing PGI2 release. This selective reduction of endothelial NO release and the desensitization of cyclic GMP-mediated relaxations occurred independently of fatty streak formation. 8. The results indicate that chronic exposure to exogenous NO downregulates endothelial NO release and cyclic GMP-mediated relaxations, and provide evidence for the existence of negative feed-back regulations of the L-arginine NO pathway under in vivo conditions.

Acetylcholine

Sequential induction of nitric oxide synthase by Corynebacterium parvum in different organs of the mouse.

1. The ability of Corynebacterium parvum (C. parvum) to induce nitric oxide (NO) synthase in the macrophage, spleen, liver, aorta, heart and brain, and to elevate plasma NO2-/NO3- in the mouse was investigated. In addition, the relationship between NO synthase activity and blood pressure was studied. 2. C. parvum (100 mg kg-1, i.p.) induced a time-dependent expression of a Ca(2+)-independent NO synthase in the macrophage, spleen, liver, aorta and heart. The time course of induction of the NO synthase varied such that the maximum enzyme activity was at day 8 in the macrophage and liver, day 12 in the spleen and heart and day 16 in the aorta. 3. There was no significant induction of a Ca(2+)-independent NO synthase in the brain, nor was there any change in the Ca(2+)-dependent enzyme in this organ, during the study period. 4. C. parvum produced a gradual decrease in blood pressure, with a maximum fall at day 16 (from 108 +/- 1 mmHg to 79 +/- 3 mmHg), which recovered gradually by day 28. 5. Plasma NO2-/NO3- was significantly elevated between days 8 and 24, with a maximum increase at day 12. 6. These results show that C. parvum induces a Ca(2+)-independent NO synthase in a number of tissues and that this induction occurs initially in macrophages and the liver. This suggests that induction of the NO synthase in the other tissues is secondary and probably the result of activation of macrophages and some cells of the liver. 7. Furthermore, the decrease in blood pressure induced by C. parvum is associated with the induction of NO synthase in the vasculature, whereas the increased concentration of plasma NO2-/NO3- seems to result from the generation of NO by a number of tissues.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases

Human and rat macrophages mediate fungistatic activity against Rhizopus species differently: in vitro and ex vivo studies.

Both rat alveolar macrophages and a human macrophages cell line with characteristics of human tissue (e.g., alveolar) macrophages (THP-1) were found to inhibit the germination of Rhizopus spores. However, the conditions under which fungistatic activity occurs are different for these two cell types. The inhibition of Rhizopus spore germination by rat alveolar macrophages requires the activation of macrophages and the presence of serum and L-arginine. During rat alveolar macrophage-mediated fungistatic activity, L-arginine is oxidized to nitric. Human macrophage-mediated fungistatic activity is similar to that mediated by rat macrophages in terms of the serum requirement, but it does not require L-arginine. Human macrophages did not produce any nitrite detectable by the colorimetric assay. Their ability to inhibit germination was enhanced by the combination of endotoxin and gamma interferon. The inhibition of Rhizopus spore germination by rat alveolar macrophages is thus mediated by the generation of nitric oxide, whereas the mechanism of similar inhibition by human macrophages remains poorly understood. Serum samples from diabetic rats as well as from patients with diabetes or uremia decreased the inhibitory effect of macrophages on spore germination. Dialysis of the serum samples against a buffered salt solution antagonized this phenomenon, indicating that a low-molecular-weight factor in the sera of patients with diabetes or uremia may modulate local antifungal defense mechanisms. The absence of L-arginine-dependent nitrogen oxidation in human macrophages, compared with its presence in rat alveolar macrophages, under conditions during which fungistatic activity occurs suggests that this phenomenon is species specific.

Animals

Pharmacological similarity between nitric oxide and the nitrergic neurotransmitter in the canine ileocolonic junction.

In organ bath experiments, pyrogallol (30-100 microM), and to a lesser extent L-cysteine (3 microM), reduced nitric oxide (NO)-induced relaxation, but not the NO-mediated non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) relaxation elicited by field stimulation of the canine ileocolonic junction. In contrast, in a superfusion bioassay, pyrogallol (10-30 microM) and L-cysteine (1 microM) inhibited the biological activity of both the transferable nitrergic factor released from the canine ileocolonic junction in response to NANC nerve stimulation and NO, but not that of S-nitroso-L-cysteine, S-nitrosoglutathione or S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine. Based on the bioassay experiments, it is concluded that the nitrergic NANC neurotransmitter in the canine ileocolonic junction behaves pharmacologically like NO.

Animals

Diet-induced atherosclerosis inhibits release of noradrenaline from sympathetic nerves in rabbit arteries.

Contractile responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation and exogenous noradrenaline were compared in aortas and pulmonary arteries of control rabbits and rabbits fed a cholesterol-rich diet (0.3%) for 16 or 30 weeks. The diet-induced atherosclerosis reduced the contractions to increasing concentrations of exogenous noradrenaline (0.1 nM to 10 microM) in both arteries, and the reduction was more pronounced after 30 weeks of the hypercholesterolemia. The contractions produced with increasing frequencies of electrical stimulation (1-32 Hz) were nearly abolished in the atherosclerotic arteries. Labeling of the aorta and the pulmonary arteries with [3H]noradrenaline resulted in accumulation of radioactivity in both control and atherosclerotic blood vessels. After mounting the labeled blood vessels for superfusion, a basal efflux of [3H]noradrenaline and of 3H-metabolites was detected. In the atherosclerotic arteries, a decreased efflux of the intraneuronal deaminated metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl glycol (DOPEG) and 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid (DOMA) was detected. Electrical stimulation at 1 Hz (pulmonary artery) or 2 Hz (aorta) caused an augmented efflux of total 3H from the control arteries; this was mostly due to release of intact [3H]noradrenaline. The electrical impulses evoked significantly less (16 weeks) or no (30 weeks) release of [3H]noradrenaline in the atherosclerotic arteries. These data illustrate that diet-induced atherosclerosis exerts an inhibitory action on the sympathetic nerve terminals in the aorta and the pulmonary artery of the rabbit. This effect, together with an inhibitory effect at the postjunctional level results in a loss of the responsiveness to nerve stimulation. The atherosclerotic process also inhibits the intraneuronal deamination of the sympathetic transmitter.

Animals

The relationship between pre-existing subendothelial smooth muscle cell accumulations and foam cell lesions in cholesterol-fed rabbits.

We investigated whether pre-existing subendothelial smooth muscle cell (SMC) accumulations in cholesterol-fed rabbits are transformed into foam cell plaques. Twenty-four rabbits received a standard diet supplemented with 2% cholesterol for 4 or 8 weeks. Six rabbits received a supplement of 0.3% cholesterol for 35 weeks. The aorta and other systemic and pulmonary vessels were studied by immunohistochemistry for smooth muscle cells SMC (alpha-SMC actin), macrophages (RAM11), cell replication (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) and endothelial cells (von Willebrand factor; vWF). Initially the foam cell plaques were composed exclusively of foam cells of macrophage origin (MFC). In more advanced lesions SMC and collagen fibres were also present, leading to a fibrous transformation of the plaque. Cell replication was mainly located in the MFC. The endothelial cells covering the plaques showed an increased immunoreactivity for vWF which was also deposited in the interstitium between the FC. Pre-existing subendothelial SMC did not transform into FC. The newly formed FC plaques remained clearly separated from the pre-existing subendothelial SMC. The development of the plaques can be attributed not only to monocyte recruitment but also to macrophage multiplication.

Animals

Effect of potassium channel blockade and alpha 2-adrenoceptor activation on the release of nitric oxide from non-adrenergic non-cholinergic nerves.

1. Using a superfusion bioassay cascade, we studied the effect of K+ channel blockers and alpha 2-adrenoceptor agents on the release of a transferable factor, previously characterized as nitric oxide (NO) or a nitric oxide-related substance (NO-R), in response to non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) nerve stimulation in the canine ileocolonic junction (ICJ). 2. The non-selective K+ channel blockers, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 50 microM) and tetraethylammonium (TEA, 1 mM) and the more selective blocker of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels, charybdotoxin (Leiurus quinquestriatus venom (LQV), 0.4 microgram ml-1), significantly enhanced the release of NO-R induced by low frequency stimulation (2-4 Hz). In the presence of 4-AP and TEA, the release of NO-R was nearly abolished by tetrodotoxin (2 microM), and by L-NG-nitroarginine (L-NOARG, 0.1 mM). Relaxations induced by direct injection of exogenous NO (5-50 pmol) or nitroglycerin (GTN, 10-30 pmol) onto the rabbit aortic detector ring were not affected. 3. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, UK-14,304 (0.3 microM) inhibited the release of NO-R induced by low (2-4 Hz), but not that induced by high (16 Hz), frequency stimulation. This inhibitory effect was completely reversed by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine (0.3 microM). Neither UK-14,304 nor yohimbine affected the relaxations induced by exogenous NO (5 pmol) or GTN (10 pmol) on the aortic detector ring.3+

4-Aminopyridine

Vasoconstrictor responses after neo-intima formation and endothelial removal in the rabbit carotid artery.

1. The present study examined the responses of the rabbit carotid artery to five vasoconstrictors after neo-intima formation induced by perivascular collar treatment and evaluated the role of constitutive and inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase and endothelial cells (ECs). 2. Ring segments of the rabbit carotid artery were mounted in organ chambers for isometric tension recording. Neo-intima-bearing vessels developed less force (Emax) in response to KCl, the thromboxane-mimetic U-46619 and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), but not to angiotensin I and II. 3. The collar-treatment increased the sensitivity to 5-HT, and decreased the sensitivity to angiotensin II. The sensitivity to U-46619 and angiotensin I remained unchanged. 4. Mechanical removal of ECs and inhibition of NO biosynthesis by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) and NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG) increased the sensitivity to 5-HT in sham and collar-treated segments to the same extent. The effects of collar-treatment and endothelial removal or treatment with inhibitors of NO biosynthesis were additive. Inhibition of NO biosynthesis failed to augment sensitivity to 5-HT after endothelial denudation. L-NOARG increased the force development to KCl in sham and collar-treated segments to the same extent. However, L-NMMA and L-NOARG failed to augment the contractile responses of neo-intima-bearing vessels to 5-HT and KCl after endothelial removal. 5. The responses to angiotensin I were not altered, either by the neo-intima or by endothelial removal. In arteries with a neo-intima the sensitivity to angiotensin II was decreased. Removal of the endothelium or incubation with L-NOARG counteracted this rightward shift and increased Emax.6. Our results demonstrate that contractions to 5-HT, angiotensin II and KCl are modulated by NO in both sham and neo-intima-bearing vessels. Inhibition of NO biosynthesis and collar treatment resulted in additive effects on the EC50 values, suggesting that the 5-HT and angiotension (AT) receptors on the smooth muscle cells are also modified by the formation of a neo-intima. Furthermore, the reduced contractile responses of segments with a neo-intima are not due to NO formed by an inducible NO synthase in those vessels.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5

Involvement of nitric oxide in the inhibitory innervation of the human isolated colon.

BACKGROUND: The exact nature of the inhibitory nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) neurotransmitter in the human colon is still unknown. METHODS: The present study was designed to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) in circular muscle strips of the human isolated colon. RESULTS: NO and ATP induced tetrodoloxin-resistant relaxations that mimicked those evoked by nerve stimulation. Apamin inhibited the response to ATP, had a variable effect on the relaxations to transmural stimulation, and had no effect on those to NO or nitroglycerin. NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) concentration dependently reduced the NANC nerve-mediated relaxations, but had no effect on those to ATP, NO, or nitroglycerin; the L-NNA resistant part of the NANC relaxation to nerve stimulation was further reduced by apamin. The inhibitory effect of L-NNA or the combination of L-NNA and apamin was prevented by L-arginine but not by D-arginine. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that NO and another substance, perhaps ATP, are involved in the inhibitory NANC neurotransmission in the circular muscle of the human colon.

Adenosine Triphosphate

Alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated modulation of the nitrergic innervation of the canine isolated ileocolonic junction.

1. The effects of specific alpha-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists on electrically-evoked non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) relaxations, previously demonstrated as nitrergic, were investigated in isolated circular muscle strips of the canine ileocolonic junction. 2. During a substance P-induced contraction and in the presence of atropine and guanethidine, the specific alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine and antagonist, prazosin, as well as the specific alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine, had no effect on the NANC relaxations evoked by electrical field stimulation. In contrast, clonidine and the more specific alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, UK-14,304, significantly reduced the electrically-induced relaxations, preferentially those in response to low frequency stimulation. The inhibitory effect of UK-14,304 on these relaxations was antagonized by yohimbine. 3. During a noradrenaline-induced contraction, clonidine, but not UK-14,304 significantly augmented the relaxations to electrical stimulation. 4. The adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists used had no effect on concentration-response curves to NO or on the relaxation induced by nitroglycerin. 5. These results indicate that stimulation of prejunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors inhibits the nitrergic NANC relaxations induced by field stimulation and thus suggest prejunctional regulation of nitric oxide release via alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the canine ileocolonic junction.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists

Prejunctional modulation of the nitrergic innervation of the canine ileocolonic junction via potassium channels.

1. The effects of different K+ channel blockers were studied on nitric oxide (NO)-mediated non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) relaxations in the canine ileocolonic junction. 2. The non-selective blockers of K+ channels, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and tetraethylammonium (TEA) and the blocker of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels, charybdotoxin, potently enhanced the NANC relaxations induced by low frequency stimulation. The blocker of small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels, apamin, had no effect on electrically-induced NANC relaxations. 3. NANC nerve-mediated relaxations induced by adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), acetylcholine (ACh) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were significantly enhanced by 4-AP and charybdotoxin but not by apamin. TEA significantly enhanced the NANC relaxations in response to GABA and ATP while that in response to ACh was abolished. 4. None of the K+ channel blockers had an effect on the dose-response curve to NO, on the noradrenaline-induced contraction or on the relaxation to nitroglycerine (GTN). 5. From these results we conclude that inhibition of prejunctional K+ channels increases the nitrergic relaxations induced by electrical and chemical receptor stimulation of NANC nerves and thus suggests a regulatory role for these prejunctional K+ channels in the release of NO from NANC nerves in the canine ileocolonic junction.

Acetylcholine