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J A Hey

Publications and source records attributed to J A Hey.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Comparative analysis of the cardiotoxicity proclivities of second generation antihistamines in an experimental model predictive of adverse clinical ECG effects.

Terfenadine and astemizole belong to the second generation histamine H1 antagonists and are widely prescribed for allergic and upper respiratory diseases. The popularity of the newer H1 antihistamines is due to their ability to provide relief from allergic symptoms without the undesirable side effect of sedation commonly associated with first generation H1 receptor antagonists such as diphenhydramine and promethazine. Recent clinical evidence that the second generation histamine H1 antagonists terfenadine and astemizole have the potential for inducing life threatening ventricular arrhythmias has raised questions as to whether other drugs in this class have similar cardiotoxic potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the arrhythmogenic potential of a series of second generation antihistamines in a quantitative experimental model predictive of adverse ECG effects in man. Antihistamines were given intravenously and electrocardiographic (ECG) and cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure and heart rate) were measured. The ECG wave form was analyzed to determine QTc interval, PR interval, QRS interval and heart rate. To determine the relative cardiotoxic potential of the antihistamines, the lowest dose producing significant prolongation of the QTc interval was compared with the dose required to inhibit by 50% the peripheral bronchospasm elicited by histamine at 10 micrograms/kg i.v. (antihistamine ED50). The second generation antihistamines studied were astemizole (CAS 68844-77-9), carebastine (CAS 90729-42-3), cetirizine hydrochloride (CAS 83881-52-1), ebastine (CAS 90729-43-4), norastemizole (CAS 75970-99-9), terfenadine (CAS 50679-08-8) and terfenadine carboxylate (CAS 83799-24-0). The second generation antihistamines astemizole, ebastine and terfenadine produced pronounced dose-dependent QTc interval prolongation effects. These arrhythmogenic effects occurred at doses that were between 1 and 4 times their respective peripheral antihistamine doses. These drugs produced significant disruption of the ECG wave form including large amplitude, morphologically aberrant T-waves and, in some cases, torsades de pointes-type arrhythmias. In contrast, terfenadine carboxylate (100 mg/kg i.v.), norastemizole (20 mg/kg, i.v.) and carebastine (50 mg/kg, i.v.), the major metabolites of terfenadine, astemizole and ebastine, were largely devoid of adverse ECG effects. Similarly, cetirizine (20 mg/kg, i.v.) was also found to not alter ECG or cardiovascular function. These findings demonstrate that terfenadine, astemizole and ebastine exhibit significant arrhythmogenic effects including QTc interval prolongation, bradycardia and distortion of the ECG morphology in the guinea pig. The relative cardiotoxicity of these antihistamines based on the separation of antihistamine activity and adverse ECG effects was similar for terfenadine and astemizole, but slightly less for ebastine. In this model carebastine, cetirizine, loratadine, norastemizole and terfenadine carboxylate are devoid of QTc prolongation effects. Given the structural similarity of terfenadine and ebastine it is not surprising that these drugs produce significant cardiotoxicity in this animal model. Taken together, these results indicate that the ability to cause QTc interval prolongation and the proclivity for producing arrhythmias is not a class effect and is seen only with some second generation nonsedating antihistamines.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Cardiotoxic and drug interaction profile of the second generation antihistamines ebastine and terfenadine in an experimental animal model of torsade de pointes.

Second generation antihistamines are widely used because of their efficacy in treating allergic disorders without significant sedative side effects. Recent clinical evidence shows that some of the early prototypes in this class, namely terfenadine and astemizole, have the potential for producing torsade de pointes, a rare form of ventricular arrhythmia that is life-threatening. Important questions have been raised as to whether this is a property shared by newer, recently-introduced second generation antihistamines. The objective of this study was to characterize and compare the ECG and cardiovascular effects of terfenadine (CAS 50679-08-8) and ebastine (CAS 90729-43-4), a new second generation antihistamine, in an experimental animal model predictive of the cardiotoxic proclivity of these agents. Also, the drug interaction effect of the antifungal drug ketoconazole (CAS 65277-42-1) was evaluated, which blocks hepatic first-pass biotransformation of ebastine and terfenadine leading to increased cardiotoxity of terfenadine in man, on the ECG effects of terfenadine and ebastine in this animal model. Terfenadine (10 mg/kg) and ebastine (50 mg/kg) were administered intravenously to anesthetized guinea pigs. Electrocardiographic (ECG) and cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure and heart rate) were measured during the course of the experiment. The ECG wave form was analyzed to determine QTc interval, PR interval, QRS interval and heart rate. In separate studies in conscious guinea pigs, the effect of oral ketoconazole (200 mg) on the ECG effects of oral terfenadine (60 mg) and ebastine (10 mg) was studied. Terfenadine (10 mg/kg) and ebastine (50 mg/kg) produced significant prolongation of the QTc interval and disruption of the ECG signal when given intravenously to anesthetized guinea pigs. The ECG effects were characterized by large amplitude, morphologically aberrant T-waves, and instances of arrhythmogenic activity. Both drugs produced pronounced bradycardia and hypotension. In conscious animals, pretreatment with oral ketoconazole significantly enhanced the QTc interval prolongation effects of terfenadine and ebastine. Oral terfenadine and ebastine, when given alone at the doses tested, were devoid of adverse QTc interval prolongation effects in the conscious guinea pig. In separate studies in conscious guinea pigs, oral loratadine (10 mg; CAS 79794-75-5) given alone or in animals pretreated with ketoconazole did not affect ECG parameters. The present studies show that terfenadine and ebastine share similar cardiotoxic properties characterized by QTc interval prolongation, bradycardia, hypotension and proarrhythmogenic activity in the anesthetized guinea pig. In addition, pretreatment with ketoconazole enhances the QTc interval effect of both drugs, most likely due to the accumulation of parent compound that occurs after blockade of hepatic metabolism by CYP3A4. In conclusion, our findings indicate that ebastine and terfenadine display similarities in their inherent potential for cardiotoxic and adverse drug interaction effects. In contrast, loratadine is devoid of adverse ECG and drug interaction effects.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Pharmacological characterization of histamine H3 receptors in isolated guinea pig pulmonary artery and ileum.

We characterized the histamine H3 receptors involved in the modulation of electrical field stimulated neurogenic contraction of guinea pig pulmonary artery sympathetic, and guinea pig ileum parasympathetic preparations. Simultaneous measures of electrical field stimulation-evoked 3H overflow and tension in [3H]norepinephrine-loaded pulmonary artery were sensitive to tetrodotoxin (300 nM) and insensitive to hexamethonium (100 microM). Only the contractile response was inhibited by prazosin (100 nM). (R)-alpha-Methylhistamine's inhibition of the pulmonary artery contraction and 3H overflow were dose-dependently antagonized by thioperamide (30-100 nM). (R)-alpha-Methylhistamine also inhibited the neurogenic contractions of the isolated ileum (pD2 = 8.2). In the pulmonary artery, the relative potency of the histamine H3 receptor antagonists vs. (R)-alpha-methylhistamine inhibition of neurogenic contractions (pD2 = 7.1) was thioperamide (pA2 = 8.6 +/- 0.1) > burimamide (pA2 = 7.6 +/- 0.2) > impromidine (pA2 = 6.9 +/- 0.02). Similarly, the relative potency of histamine H3 receptor antagonists in the isolated ileum was thioperamide > burimamide > or = impromidine, with pA2 estimates of 8.7 +/- 0.1, 7.3 +/- 0.1 and 7.1 +/- 0.1, respectively. Antagonist potencies suggest a predominant histamine H3A-like receptor population on postganglionic sympathetic neurons innervating the pulmonary artery and parasympathetic neurons innervating the ileum longitudinal muscle.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Pharmacological studies of allergic cough in the guinea pig.

The pharmacological mechanisms of allergic cough in the guinea pig were studied. Actively sensitized guinea pigs were exposed to aerosols of antigen to elicit coughing. In separate experiments, naive guinea pigs were exposed to aerosols of capsaicin to elicit coughing. Both allergic and capsaicin-induced cough were inhibited by loratadine (0.3-10 mg kg-1 p.o.) and chlorpheniramine (0.1-3.0 mg kg-1 p.o.). Neither cimetidine (10 mg kg-1 s.c.), nor thioperamide (3-10 mg kg-1 s.c.), inhibited allergic or capsaicin-induced cough. Codeine (3-30 mg kg-1 p.o.), salbutamol (0.003-3.0 mg kg-1 s.c.) and ipratropium (0.03-1.0 mg kg-1 s.c.) inhibited both allergic and capsaicin-induced cough. Hexamethonium (10 and 30 mg kg-1 s.c.) inhibited allergic, but not capsaicin-induced cough. Allergic and capsaicin-induced cough were unaffected by phenidone (5.0 and 10.0 mg kg-1 s.c.). Indomethacin (5.0 and 10.0 mg kg-1 s.c.) had no effect on allergic cough but slightly inhibited capsaicin-induced cough. We conclude that allergic and capsaicin-induced cough are modulated by histamine H1 receptor and cholinergic mechanisms. Histamine H2 or histamine H3 receptor mechanisms, and lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism do not influence allergic and capsaicin-induced cough. Ganglionic mechanisms play a minor role in the production of allergic cough and no role in capsaicin-induced cough.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1995

Evan's blue dye blocks capsaicin-induced cough and bronchospasm in the guinea pig.

The influence of Evan's blue dye on capsaicin-induced bronchoconstrictor and cough responses was investigated in the guinea pig. Evan's blue (30 mg kg-1 i.v.) pretreatment shifted the bronchoconstrictor dose-response to capsaicin (0.3-100 micrograms kg-1 i.v.) to the right by 10-fold, but had no effect on the bronchospasm elicited by neurokinin A (0.3-10 micrograms kg-1 i.v.). Evan's blue (0.3-30 mg kg-1 s.c.) also inhibited capsaicin-induced cough in a dose-dependent manner. Evan's blue blocked capsaicin responses by the intravenous, subcutaneous, or inhaled routes of administration. We conclude bronchoconstrictor responses and cough in vivo.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Antihistamine activity, central nervous system and cardiovascular profiles of histamine H1 antagonists: comparative studies with loratadine, terfenadine and sedating antihistamines in guinea-pigs.

BACKGROUND: Sedation limits the clinical utility of classical H1 antihistamines, while newer antihistamines such as loratadine and terfenadine are non-sedating. However, clinical use of the terfenadine has been associated with rare but severe cardiac arrhythmias, in particular torsades de pointes. OBJECTIVE: To establish a quantitative experimental model for assessing the sedating and cardiotoxicity potential of non-sedating and sedating antihistamines. METHODS: Drugs were administered intravenously and the integrated amplitude of the cortical electroencephalogram (EEG) signal was recorded. The threshold dose that depressed EEG activity was compared with the dose required to inhibit by 50% the peripheral bronchospasm elicited by 10 micrograms/kg i.v., of histamine. In separate studies, the electrocardiogram (ECG) and cardiovascular effects of loratadine (30 and 100 mg/kg, i.v.), terfenadine (10 mg/kg, i.v.), promethazine (5 mg/kg, i.v.) and diphenhydramine (20 mg/kg, i.v.) were evaluated. RESULTS: The sedating antihistamines, diphenhydramine and promethazine, depressed the integrated EEG at doses between 0.6 and 2.0 times their peripheral antihistamine doses. Loratadine had no EEG depressant activity at 100 mg/kg, i.v., a dose more than 170 times its ED50 (0.58 mg/kg, i.v.) against histamine bronchospasm. We were unable to evaluate the EEG effects of terfenadine, because it produced cardiovascular collapse at 10 mg/kg, i.v. Loratadine and promethazine did not produce adverse cardiovascular effects, nor did they alter normal ECG activity. Diphenhydramine produced bradycardia followed by a transient hypertensive phase without affecting the QTc interval. In contrast, terfenadine elicited hypotension, bradycardia and significant arrhythmogenic activity, causing a prolongation of the QTc interval and a torsades de pointes--like ventricular arrhythmia. Pharmacokinetic studies after i.v. administration of loratadine (30 and 100 mg/kg) demonstrated plasma levels of loratadine and its major metabolite descarboethoxyloratadine to be several orders of magnitude greater than levels found in humans at the clinical dose of 10 mg. CONCLUSION: The CNS depressant effects of H1 antihistamines are promethazine approximately diphenhydramine >> loratadine = placebo. Of the non-sedating antihistamines, loratadine was devoid of adverse cardiovascular effects whereas terfenadine caused a pronounced disruption of the normal ECG, characterized by a torsades de pointes-like effect.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Respiratory effects of baclofen and 3-aminopropylphosphinic acid in guinea-pigs.

1. The effects of the GABAB receptor agonists, baclofen and 3-aminopropylphosphinic acid (3-APPi) given by the subcutaneous or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) route were examined on minute ventilation (V), tidal volume (VT) and respiratory rate (f) due to room air and carbon dioxide (CO2)-enriched gas hyperventilation in conscious guinea-pigs. 2. Baclofen (0.3-10 mg kg-1, s.c.) produced a dose-dependent inhibition of V and f due to room air and CO2 inhalation. The maximum inhibition of room air breathing V was 85% +/- 3 and f was 74% +/- 3 at 10 mg kg-1, s.c. The maximum effects on CO2-induced hyperventilation were 68% +/- 9 and 51% +/- 6, for V and f respectively. Only the highest dose of baclofen studied (10 mg kg-1) produced a significant inhibition of VT due to room air breathing (46% +/- 6) and CO2 breathing (38% +/- 11). 3. 3-APPi (0.3-100 mg kg-1, s.c.) did not affect V, VT or f due to room air breathing or CO2 inhalation at any dose tested. Also, i.c.v. administration of 3-APPi (100 micrograms) did not affect ventilatory responses due to room air breathing or CO2 inhalation. 4. Pretreatment with the GABAB antagonist, CGP 35348 3-aminopropyl-(diethoxymethyl) phosphinic acid (3-30 mg kg-1, s.c.) blocked the respiratory depressant effects of baclofen (3 mg kg-1, s.c.) in a dose-related fashion. 5. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of CGP 35348 (50 micrograms) blocked the respiratory depressant effects of baclofen. CGP 35348 given alone either i.c.v. or s.c. had no effects on respiration due to room air or CO2 inhalation.6. Pretreatment with either the GABAA antagonist bicuculline (30 mg kg-1, s.c.) or the opioid antagonist, naloxone (1 mg kg-1, s.c.) had no effect on the respiratory depressant action of baclofen(3 mg kg-1, s.c.).7. These results show that baclofen inhibits ventilation due to room air breathing, and attenuates the hyperventilation response to CO2 inhalation. The peripherally acting GABAB agonist, 3-APPi had no effect on ventilation. These findings demonstrate that the respiratory depressant effects of baclofen are due to activation of CNS GABAB receptors and indicates that only GABAB receptor agonists that penetrate into the CNS may cause respiratory depression.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1995

New aspects of the role of histamine in cardiovascular function: identification, characterization, and potential pathophysiological importance of H3 receptors.

As a result of intensive research during several decades, the distribution, function, and pathophysiological role of cardiovascular H1 and H2 receptors are well known, whereas reports on the occurrence and function of H3 receptors in blood vessels and the heart have not become available before the last 7 years (i.e., 4 years after the first description of these receptors in the central nervous system in 1983). The development of selective and potent H3 receptor agonists and antagonists was a prerequisite for convenient investigations of cardiovascular H3 receptors, which like H1 and H2 receptors are G-protein coupled but unlike them have not yet been cloned. Both in blood vessels and the heart, H3 receptors are located on noradrenergic nerve endings and upon stimulation mediate an inhibition of noradrenaline release. Whereas it remains to be clarified under which conditions the vascular H3 receptors may be stimulated by endogenous histamine, those in the heart become activated in the early phases of myocardial ischemia characterized by an increased histamine spillover. The H3 receptors in the central nervous system also appear to be of importance for the control of vascular function. Inhibitory presynaptic H3 receptors occur on trigeminal sensory C fibres supplying blood vessels in the dura mater. Release of neuropeptides from these fibres induces a neurogenic inflammation, which has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of migraine. An interaction, involving presynaptic H3 receptors, between sensory C fibres and mast cells in close apposition to these fibres plays a role in the control of histamine synthesis in the dura mater.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1995

The pharmacology of SCH 50911: a novel, orally-active GABA-beta receptor antagonist.

Experiments were conducted to characterize the pharmacology of SCH 50911 ((+)-5,5-dimethyl-2-morpholineacetic acid hydrochloride), a structurally novel GABA-B receptor antagonist. Although more potent GABA-B antagonists have been reported, in this study SCH 50911 was compared with CGP 35348, a moderately potent and selective GABA-B antagonist with acceptable in vivo activity. SCH 50911 was more potent to inhibit the binding of GABA to the GABA-B receptor in rat brain (IC50 = 1.1 microM) than CGP 35348 (IC50 = 62 microM). SCH 50911 had no binding affinity for GABA-A, histamine H1, histamine H3, dopamine D1, dopamine D2, serotonin 5-HT2, or muscarinic m1, m2, or m4 receptors. However, SCH 50911 (IC50 = 2.2 microM) was active in a nonspecific muscarinic receptor binding assay, but was devoid of muscarinic agonist or antagonist activity in the isolated guinea pig ileum. SCH 50911 blocked inhibitory responses to baclofen of the guinea pig trachea in a competitive manner (pA2 = 5.8 +/- 0.004). CGP 35348 was 19-fold less potent in this assay (pA2 = 4.6 +/- 0.15). In vivo, SCH 50911 (ED50 = 2.9 mg kg-1, s.c.) and CGP 35348 (ED50 = 5.8 mg kg-1, s.c.) blocked the antitussive effects of baclofen in the guinea pig. In the cat, both SCH 50911 (10 mg kg-1, i.v.) and CGP 35348 (10 mg kg-1, i.v.) shifted the antitussive dose response relationship for baclofen to the right.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1994

Species differences in the cardiovascular responses to histamine H3 receptor activation.

Potential species differences in cardiovascular responses to histamine H3 receptor activation were studied in the conscious guinea pig, rabbit, normotensive rat and the spontaneously hypertensive rat. R-alpha-Methylhistamine (100 micrograms/kg i.v.) decreased blood pressure in both the guinea pig and the rabbit. In the guinea pig, R-alpha-methylhistamine decreased heart rate, whereas in the rabbit it produced a tachycardia. In the normotensive rat and spontaneously hypertensive rat, R-alpha-methylhistamine (100 micrograms/kg i.v.) had no effect on blood pressure and heart rate. The cardiovascular action of R-alpha-methylhistamine in the guinea pig and rabbit was blocked by pretreatment with thioperamide (1.0 mg/kg i.v.) but not by chlorpheniramine (0.3 mg/kg i.v.) or cimetidine (3.0 mg/kg i.v.), respectively. These results indicate species differences in cardiovascular responses to histamine H3 receptor activation.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Histamine H3 receptors inhibit sympathetic modulation of airway microvascular leakage in allergic guinea pigs.

Histamine H3 receptor modulation of antigen-induced airway microvascular leakage (AML) during sympathetic nerve stimulation was studied in guinea pigs. Intravenous administration of ovalbumin (100 micrograms) to sensitized guinea pigs produced AML that was reduced by electrical stimulation of sympathetic sites in the dorsal medulla. The sympatho-inhibition of this AML was attenuated by the histamine H3 receptor agonist, (R)-alpha-methylhistamine (30 and 100 micrograms/kg). The effect of (R)-alpha-methylhistamine was blocked by i.v. administration of the histamine H3 antagonists, thioperamide (1 and 3 mg/kg), burimamide (1-10 mg/kg) and impromidine (1 and 3 mg/kg). Thioperamide (3 mg/kg) and impromidine (3 mg/kg), but not burimamide (10 mg/kg) blocked the reduction in blood pressure due to (R)-alpha-methylhistamine. These results show that histamine H3 receptors inhibit sympathetic nerves that control the airway vasculature.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Pharmacological characterization of the inhibitory effect of (R)-alpha-methylhistamine on sympathetic cardiopressor responses in the pithed guinea-pig.

1. The effect of (R)-alpha-methylhistamine (R-alpha-mHA), a selective histamine H3-receptor agonist, on increases in blood pressure and heart rate mediated by activation of the sympathetic nervous system induced by electrical stimulation of the spinal cord, was characterized in the vagotomized, pithed guinea-pig. 2. The frequency-dependent nature of (R)-alpha-mHA's effect on sympathetic cardiopressor responses was studied at frequencies between 1 and 20 Hz. (R)-alpha-mHA (10-100 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the stimulated increase in both blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). The inhibition was inversely related to frequency and maximum inhibition (BP, 61% at 1 Hz; HR, 50% at 1 Hz) was seen with 100 micrograms kg-1 of (R)-alpha-mHA. Treatment with the H3 receptor inactive stereoisomer, (S)-alpha-methylhistamine (300 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) did not inhibit the neurogenic sympathetic cardiopressor responses. 3. Pretreatment with thioperamide (1 mg kg-1, i.v.), a histamine H3 receptor antagonist, blocked (R)-alpha-mHA's inhibitory effect on stimulation-induced sympathetic cardiopressor responses. 4. Combined pretreatment with the H2-receptor antagonist cimetidine (3 mg kg-1, i.v.) and the H1-receptor antagonist chlorpheniramine (0.3 mg kg-1, i.v.) did not attenuate (R)-alpha-mHA's inhibitory effects. 5. (R)-alpha-mHA (100 micrograms kg-1) had no effect on the hypertensive or tachycardia effects induced by adrenaline (1 and 3 micrograms kg-1, i.v.). 6. Treatment with a combination of prazosin (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) and yohimbine (1.5 mg kg-1, i.v.) to block alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors, abolished the sympathetic hypertension without affecting the inhibition of sympathetic tachycardia induced by (R)-alpha-mHA. Conversely, pretreatment with the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (1 mg kg-1, i.v.), which blocked the sympathetic tachycardia, did not block (R)-alpha-mHA's inhibition of sympathetic hypertensive responses. 7. In adrenalectomized guinea-pigs, (R)-alpha-mHA (100 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) also produced a frequency-dependent inhibition of sympathetic hypertensive cardiopressor responses that was not significantly different from intact animals. 8. These results demonstrate that (R)-alpha-mHA produces a frequency-dependent inhibition of the cardiopressor responses due to activation of the sympathetic innervation to the resistance vessels and the heart.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adrenalectomy↗
PubMed1994

Peripheral and central sites of action of GABA-B agonists to inhibit the cough reflex in the cat and guinea pig.

1. The GABA-B receptor agonists baclofen and 3-aminopropylphosphinic acid (3-APPi) have antitussive activity in the cat and guinea pig. The purpose of this study was to investigate the sites of action of these GABA-B receptor agonists to inhibit the cough reflex. 2. Single intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) cannulas were placed in the lateral ventricles of anaesthetized guinea pigs. Approximately 1 week later, the animals were exposed to aerosols of capsaicin (0.3 mM) to elicit coughing. Coughs were detected with a microphone and counted. 3. Cough was produced in anaesthetized cats by mechanical stimulation of the intrathoracic trachea and was recorded from electromyograms of respiratory muscle activity. Cannulas were placed for intravenous (i.v.) or, in separate groups of animals, intravertebral arterial (i.a.) administration of baclofen, 3-APPi, the centrally active antitussive drug codeine or the peripherally active antitussive drug BW443c. Dose-response relationships for i.v. and i.a. administration of each drug were generated to determine a ratio of i.v. ED50 to i.a. ED50, known as the effective dose ratio (EDR). The EDR will be 20 or greater for a centrally acting drug. 4. In the guinea pig, baclofen (3 mg kg-1, s.c.) and 3-APPi (10 mg kg-1, s.c.) inhibited capsaicin-induced cough by 50% and 35% respectively. The antitussive activity of baclofen was completely blocked by i.c.v. administration of the GABA-B receptor antagonist CGP 35348 (10 micrograms). Conversely, the antitussive effect of 3-APPi was unaffected by i.c.v. CGP 35348. However, systemic administration of CGP 35348 (30 mg kg-1, s.c.) completely blocked the antitussive activity of 3-APPi (10 mg kg-1, s.c.). In separate experiments baclofen alone (1 microg, i.c.v.) inhibited capsaicin-induced cough by 78%. 3-APPi (10 and 100 microg, i.c.v.) had no effect on capsaicin-induced cough in the guinea pig.5. In the cat, potencies (ED50) of the standards and GABA-B agonists by the i.v. route were: codeine(0.34 mg kg-1), BW443C (0.17 mg kg-1), baclofen (0.63 mg kg-1) and 3-APPi (2.3 mg kg-1). Potencies of these drugs by the i.a. route were: codeine, 0.013 mg kg-1; BW443C, 0.06mg kg-1; baclofen,0.016mg kg-1; and 3-APPi, 0.87 mg kg-1. The EDRs for each drug were: codeine, 26; BW443C, 3;baclofen, 39; and 3-APPi, 3.6 We conclude that in both the cat and guinea pig baclofen inhibits cough by a central site of action,while 3-APPi inhibits cough by a peripheral site of action.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Prejunctional inhibition of sympathetically evoked pupillary dilation in cats by activation of histamine H3 receptors.

Frequency-dependent pupillary dilations were evoked by electrical stimulation of the pre- or post-ganglionic cervical sympathetic nerve (sympatho-excitation) or the hypothalamus (parasympatho-inhibition) in sympathectomized anesthetized cats. Systemic administration of the selective histamine H3 receptor agonist (R)-alpha-methylhistamine (R alpha MeHA) produced a dose-dependent depression of mydriasis due to direct neural sympathetic activation but had no effect on responses elicited by parasympathetic withdrawal. The histamine H2 receptor agonist, dimaprit, was inactive. R alpha MeHA was much more effective in depressing sympathetic responses obtained at lower frequencies when compared to higher frequencies of stimulation. Responses evoked both pre- and postganglionically were inhibited by R alpha MeHA. This peripheral sympatho-inhibitory action of R alpha MeHA was antagonized by the histamine H3 receptor blocker thioperamide but not by intravenous pretreatment with the histamine H1 receptor antagonist chlorpheniramine. Histamine H2 receptor blockers cimetidine and ranitidine were also without effect. R alpha MeHA did not depress pupillary responses elicited by i.v. (-)-adrenaline. The results demonstrate that histamine H3 receptors modulate sympathetic activation of the iris at a site proximal to the iris dilator muscle. The predominant mechanism of action appears to the prejunctional inhibition of noradrenaline release from postganglionic sympathetic nerve endings. However, a concomitant ganglionic inhibitory action cannot be excluded.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

GABAB receptors in the lung.

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian CNS, is also found in peripheral tissues, including the lung. Recent pharmacological studies using selective ligands for GABAA and GABAB receptors demonstrate that of these two, the GABAB receptor is the important receptor subtype controlling lung functions. GABAB agonists inhibit a variety of responses in the airways, including neuronally induced cholinergic- and tachykinin-mediated smooth muscle contraction, microvascular leakage, anaphylactic bronchospasm and cough. Because these conditions are seen in certain respiratory diseases, such as asthma, a selective GABAB agonist may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of this respiratory disorder.

Anaphylaxis↗
PubMed1993

Production by R-alpha-methylhistamine of a histamine H3 receptor-mediated decrease in basal vascular resistance in guinea-pigs.

1. The effect of the selective histamine H3 receptor agonist, R-alpha-methylhistamine given intravenously (10-100 micrograms kg-1) was examined on baseline total peripheral resistance (TPR), and cardiovascular haemodynamics in bilaterally vagotomized, anaesthetized guinea-pigs. 2. R-alpha-methylhistamine produced a dose-dependent hypotension and fall in TPR at 30 and 100 micrograms kg-1. A decrease in heart rate (HR) was observed at a dose of 100 micrograms kg-1. R-alpha-methylhistamine (10-100 micrograms kg-1) also produced a dose-dependent fall in rate pressure product (RPP). There was no effect on cardiac output (CO) or stroke volume (SV) at these doses. 3. Histamine H1 and H2 blockade in animals pretreated with a combination of chlorpheniramine (0.3 mg kg-1) and cimetidine (3.0 mg kg-1) did not alter the haemodynamic actions of R-alpha-methyl-histamine (100 micrograms kg-1, i.v.). Pretreatment with the selective H3 antagonist, thioperamide (1 mg kg-1), completely blocked the action of R-alpha-methylhistamine on haemodynamic parameters. 4. To study the mechanism of action of R-alpha-methylhistamine, the vasodilator hydralazine (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) was used. Hydralazine lowered BP, TRP and RPP in guinea-pigs pretreated with ipratropium (50 micrograms kg-1, i.v.). Hydralazine had no effect on HR, SV or CO. 5. R-alpha-methylhistamine (100 micrograms kg-1) did not affect the vasopressor action and increases in TPR produced by adrenaline (1 and 3 micrograms kg-1). On the other hand, the vasodilator hydralazine (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) inhibited the effects of adrenaline (3 micrograms kg-1) on TPR and RPP. The effect of both doses of adrenaline on BP were attenuated by hydralazine. Therefore, the inhibitory effects of R-alpha-methylhistamine are not mediated through a direct action on vascular smooth muscle.6. In adrenalectomized guinea-pigs, R-alpha-methylhistamine (100 microg kg-1) produced a drop in BP and HR.There was no difference between the effects of R-alpha-methylhistamine on blood pressure and heart rate in adrenalectomized and non-adrenalectomized guinea-pigs.7. These results show that activation of peripheral H3 receptors lowers basal BP, HR and TPR, most likely by a peripheral prejunctional mechanism. The fall in BP and TPR is probably due to a decrease in noradrenaline release from sympathetic effector nerves innervating the resistance blood vessels.

Adrenalectomy↗
PubMed1993

Further evidence for prejunctional GABA-B inhibition of cholinergic and peptidergic bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs: studies with new agonists and antagonists.

We examined the effect of the potent and selective GABA-B agonists, baclofen, 3-aminopropylphosphinic acid (3-APPi) and 3-aminopropyl (methyl) phosphinic acid (SKF 97541), and the GABA-B antagonists, 3-aminopropyl (diethoxymethyl) phosphinic acid (CGP 35348), 2-hydroxysaclofen and 3-aminopropylphosphonic acid (3-APPA) on cholinergic and peptidergic contractile responses in the airways of guinea pigs. Electrical field stimulation of the isolated guinea pig trachea produced cholinergic contractions that were inhibited by baclofen (EC50 = 5 mumol/l), 3-APPi (EC50 = 0.3 mumol/l) and SKF 97541 (EC50 = 0.4 mumol/l). The inhibition by baclofen (30 mumol/l) was reduced by CGP 35348 (IC50 = 65 mumol/l), 2-hydroxysaclofen (IC50 = 273 mumol/l) and 3-APPA (IC50 = 355 mumol/l). The in vivo cholinergic bronchoconstrictor response to vagal nerve stimulation (5 V, 20 Hz, 0.5 ms for 5 s) was attenuated by intravenous baclofen (ED50 = 1.7 mg/kg), 3-APPi (ED50 = 0.9 mg/kg) and SKF 97541 (ED50 = 0.2 mg/kg). The inhibition of vagally induced bronchoconstriction by baclofen was blocked by CGP 35348 (1-10 mg/kg, i.v.) and 2-hydroxysaclofen (10 mg/kg, i.v.). A cholinergic bronchoconstriction induced by CNS stimulation (400 microA, 2 ms, 32 Hz for 5 s) was inhibited by baclofen (ED50 = 5.1 mg/kg, i.v.) and 3-APPi (ED50 = 0.6 mg/kg, i.v.). The effect of baclofen was attenuated by 3-APPA (5 mg/kg, i.v.). A peptidergic bronchoconstriction was evoked by intravenous nicotine (1 mg/kg) in animals treated with ipratropium and phosphoramidon.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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