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Biomedical subjects

G Hertting

Publications and source records attributed to G Hertting.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

The synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane in the mouse brain in vivo. Influence of drug induced convulsions, hypoxia and the anticonvulsants trimethadione and diazepam.

1. The i.v. administration of convulsant doses of penetrazole or picrotoxin induced an increase in PGF2 alpha, PGE2 and TXB2-like immunoreactive material in mouse brain tissue. The onset of increase coincided with the appearance of clonic seizures. 2. The anticonvulsant drugs trimethadione and diazepam reduced both convulsions and increase of the above arachidonic acid metabolites induced by pentetrazole or picrotoxin. 3. In synaptosomal preparations of the brain, neither pentetrazole (10(-3) mol 1(-1) picrotoxin (10(-4) mol 1(-1) nor trimethadione (5 x 10(-4) mol 1(-1)) had any influence on cyclooxygenase activity as indicated by the unimpaired PGF2 alpha-synthesis. 4. Under hypoxic conditions at equal durations as the seizures, the formation of PGF2 alpha and PGE2 was less than 10% of the amount occurring after penetrazole-induced convulsions. 5. It is concluded that the seizure-induced rise of PGF2 alpha, PGE2 and TXB2 is the result of increased central nervous activity.

Animals↗

The importance of Ca2+-mediated phospholipase A2 activation for stimulus-evoked PGE2-release from rabbit splenic capsular strips.

Rabbit splenic capsular strips released PGE2 when contracted by noradrenaline. Contraction as well as PGE2-release were Ca2+-dependent. In the presence of Ca2+ the ionophore A 23187 induced a long lasting contraction and a vigorous PGE2-release. In Ca2+-free medium the ionophore was ineffective. Introduction of Ca2+ to splenic strips preincubated with the ionophore in the absence of Ca2+ reinstalled contracture and PGE2-release. The PGE2-release induced induced by the PG-precursor arachidonic acid was Ca2+-independent. Addition of phospholipase A to splenic strips elicited a strong PGE2-release. These results indicate, that the first step of stimulus evoked PG-release is the Ca2+-mediated activation of phospholipase A2. This enzyme liberates from membrane bound phospholipids C-20-fatty acids, which then serve as substrates for the PG-synthetizing enzymes. Therefore the rate limiting step in stimulus-evoked PG-release seems to be rather the phospholipase A2 activity than the state of activation of one of the PG-synthetizing enzymes.

Animals↗

Angiotensin II-induced contractions of rabbit splenic capsular strips and release of prostaglandins. Use of radioimmunoassays for prostaglandins E1 and E2.

Rabbit splenic capsular strips contract in response to angiotensin II and simultaneously release prostaglandins E and F into the bath fluid. Contractions, though not sustained, and prostaglandin release are dependent on the concentrations of angiotensin II. Addition of indometacin to the bath fluid inhibits prostaglandin release and potentiates the angiotensin II-induced contractions. Similarly, 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid, another blocker of prostaglandin synthesis, potentiates contractions elicited by angiotensin II. Exogenous prostaglandin E1 (300 ng/ml) tends to decrease angiotensin II-induced contractions, while prostaglandin E2 (300 ng/ml) as well as prostaglandin F2alpha (300 ng/ml) significantly increase the contractions produced by angiotensin II. The prostaglandin endoperoxide analogues (15S)-hydroxy-9alpha,11alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5Z,13 E-dienoic acid and (15S)-hydroxy-11alpha,9alpha-(epoxymethano)-prosta-5Z,13 E-dienoic acid in concentrations of 300 ng/ml are either without effect or weak smooth muscle stimulants of their own, but do not influence the effect of angiotensin II. By the simultaneous use of sensitive and specific radioimmunoassays for prostaglandins E1 and E2 the prostaglandin E-like substance released by the rabbit splenic capsular strips was found to resemble serologically much more the dienoic prostaglandin E2 than prostaglandin E1. The potentation of the effect of angiotensin II by indometacin and 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid might be caused by inhibition of synthesis of prostaglandins or related compounds in the splenic tissue. However, an undefined sensitizing effect of indometacin and 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid, not related to their effect on prostaglandin synthetase, on the smooth muscle preparation cannot be excluded.

5,8,11,14-Eicosatetraynoic Acid↗

alpha-Adrenoceptor-mediated inhibitory effect of the sympathetic nervous system on the isoprenaline-induced increase in plasma renin concentration.

The importance of the sympatho-adrenal system for the isoprenaline-induced increase in plasma renin concentration was investigated in conscious rats Ganglionic blockade by trimethidinium (10 mg kg-1) increased the dose-dependent elevation of plasma renin concentration induced by isoprenaline (0.03-0.48 microgram kg-1 min-1). Also treatment of the rats with guanethidine (6 mg kg-1) or reserpine (2.5 mg kg-1, given 16 and 7 h prior to the experiments) further increased the effect of isoprenaline (0.5 microgram kg-1 min-1) on plasma renin concentration. Unilateral renal denervation combined with contralateral nephrectomy doubled the effect of the beta-sympathomimetic amine on renin release. The alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist phenoxy-benzamine (3 mg kg-1) also enhanced the effect of isoprenaline on this parameter. It is concluded that apart from a stimulation of renin release via beta-adrenoceptors the sympathetic nervous system may inhibit renin release via stimulation of alpha-adrenoceptors.

Animals↗

Fluvoxamine, a specific 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake inhibitor.

1. On the basis of both in vitro and in vivo experiments fluvoxamine has been characterized as a potential anti-depressant drug with almost exclusively 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) uptake inhibiting properties. 2. Fluvoxamine is effective in inhibiting 5-ht uptake by blood platelets and brain synaptosomes. Due to inhibition of the membrane pump the compound prevents 5-HT depletion by the tyramine-derivatives H 75/12 and H 77/77. As a result of the interference with the neuronal re-uptake mechanism for 5-HT, fluvoxamine produces a decreased 5-HT turnover in the brain. Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) are potentiated in mice and in combination with pargyline, fluvoxamine induces 5-HT-like behavioural effects. 3. In contrast to tricyclic antidepressants, noradrenaline uptake processes are either unaffected or only slightly inhibited by fluvoxamine. The noradrenaline depleting effects of tyramine derivates are not influenced by fluvoxamine. Reserpine effects, such as ptosis are affected only at very high doses of the test compound. The antagonism by fluvoxamine of the reserpine-induced lowering of the pentamethylenetetrazole convulsive threshold can be regarded as due to an effect upon 5-HT uptake. In contrast to the effects of desmethylimipramine and imipramine, no stimulatory effects are found in rats when rapidly acting reserpine-like compounds are given following a dose of fluvoxamine.

5-Hydroxytryptophan↗

Mepiprazole, a new psychotropic drug: effects on uptake and retention of monoamines in rat brain synaptosomes.

The influence of mepiprazole (EMD 16,923), a new pyrazol-ylalkyl-piperazine derivative, on the uptake of 3H-norepinephrine (NE), 3H-dopamine (DA), and 3H-serotonin (5-HT) into rat brain synaptosomes from cerebral cortex, corpus striatum, and hypothalamus was investigated in comparison with several psychotropic drugs, including oxypertine, d-amphetamine, imipramine, desipramine, chlorimipramine, amitriptyline, and chlorpromazine in vitro. Mepiprazole was a relatively weak inhibitor of monoamine uptake and exhibited its strongest action on the hypothalamic 5-HT uptake, being almost equipotent with desipramine (IC50 = 0.9 MUM). Furthermore, the influence of the drugs on the retention of 3H-amines previously taken up by whole rat brain synaptosomes was studied. Unlike the tricyclic antidepressants, mepiprazole as well as oxypertine and d-amphetamine markedly increased the efflux of radioactivity during a 20-min incubation at 37 degrees C at low concentrations (10(-6) to 10(-5) M), whereas at 10(-4) M all drugs greatly enhanced the efflux. The ability of mepiprazole to increase 5-HT concentration at the receptor level by a combination of neuronal uptake inhibition and release is discussed in relationship to the central actions of the drug.

Animals↗

Conversion of angiotensin I in isolated perfused guinea-pig and rat lung.

Increasing concentrations of angiotensin I and different perfusion rates were used to study the conversion of angiotensin I in guinea-pig and rat lungs. Even the highest concentration used (32.0 muM), which is a thousand times higher than that which occurs in vivo, was unable to saturate the converting system indicating the enormous capacity of this system. SQ 20881 proved to be a reversible inhibitor of the converting system. Its effect on the angiotensin I conversion was greater in guinea-pig lungs than in rat lungs (ID50 was 40.0 nM in guinea-pig lung and above 360.0 nM in rat lungs at a substrate concentration of 38.6 nM).

Angiotensin II↗

On the relation between release of prostaglandins and contractility of rabbit splenic capsular strips.

Rabbit splenic capsular strips release prostaglandins E and F when contracted by noradrenaline or methoxamine. Contractions and prostaglandin release are dose-dependent. Cocaine increases significantly the effect of noradrenaline, but not that of methoxamine, on contraction of the strips and release of prostaglandin E. Release of prostaglandin F was increased by the addition of cocaine not only when noradrenaline was used as an agonist but also at two of three dose levels of methoxamine. When indometacin is added to the bath fluid, it inhibits prostaglandin release and at the same time potentiates the contractile effects of noradrenaline and methoxamine on the rabbit splenic capsular strips. The prostaglandin-synthetase blocker 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid also potentiates the contractions induced by noradrenaline and methoxamine. Both the effects on prostaglandin synthesis and on contraction exerted by indometacin can be reversed, when indometacin is washed out. Exogenous prostaglandins E1, E2 and F2alpha in concentrations up to 150 ng/ml do not influence contractions of the strips induced by either noradrenaline or methoxamine. At higher concentrations prostaglandin E1 decreases, but prostaglandins E2 and F2alpha increase the contractions induced by both agonists. The potentiation of the effects of noradrenaline and methoxamine on rabbit splenic strips by indometacin and 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid cannot be explained by inhibition of uptake1 or uptake2, release of endogenous noradrenaline or inhibition of metabolism of the agonists. It is suggested that the potentiation is caused by inhibition of synthesis of endogenous prostaglandins, although an undefined sensitizing effect of indometacin and 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid cannot be completely exclused.

5,8,11,14-Eicosatetraynoic Acid↗

Inhibition of the adrenalectomy-induced increase in plasma renin concentration by vasoconstrictor agents in rats.

Plasma renin concentrations in rats increase after bilateral adrenalectomy without sodium substitution. The effects of i.v. infused (asp1-beta-amid, val5)-angiotensin II (1 mug/kg min), felypressin (phen2, lys8-vasopressin) (40 mU/kg min) and phenylephrine (30 mug/kg min) were investigated on the increase in plasma renin concentration. These effects of the agents were compared with their actions on blood pressure, heart rate and renal hemodynamics. In rats with destroyed macula densa cells the effect of bilateral adrenalectomy without sodium substitution was also studied. Adrenalectomy still increased the plasma renin concentration. Angiotensin II and felypressin, also depressed under these conditions the elevation of plasma renin concentration caused by adrenalectomy. The mechanism of the adrenalectomy-induced renin release and its suppression by vasoconstrictor agents is discussed.

Adrenalectomy↗

Inhibition by indomethacin and niflumic acid of catecholamine--uptake into rat hypothalamic and striatal synaptosomes.

Niflumic acid and indomethacin showed to be inhibitors of catecholamine--uptake into rat striatal and hypothalamic synaptosomes. Whereas the inhibition by niflumic acid was non-competitive for both amines at similar Ki values, the action of indomethacin displayed differences between areas as well as amines: the potency of inhibition by indomethacin was greater in striatal than in hypothalamic synaptosomes irrespective of the amine; the type of inhibition by indomethacin was non-competitive for norepinephrine, but competitive for dopamine regardless of the brain area.

Animals↗

Inhibition of furosemide-induced renin release by vasoconstrictors.

The effect of i.v. infused (asp1-beta-amid, val5)-angiotensin II (1.0 mug/kg min), octapressin (phe2, lys8-vasopressin) (10.0 mU/kg min) and of the alpha-sympathomimetic amine phenylephrine (40.0 mug/kg min) on the stimulation of renin secretion by furosemide (10.0 mg/kg i.v.) was investigated. The vasoconstrictors abolished the renin release induced by forosemide. Studies on the clearance of p-aminohippuric acid (PAH) (i.e. renal plasma flow) showed that the action of the vasoconstrictors cannot be explained by a decrease in access of furosemide to its intrarenal sites of action. The mechanism of the suppressive action of the vasoconstrictors on renin release is discussed.

Aminohippuric Acids↗