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Biomedical subjects

J Hedner

Publications and source records attributed to J Hedner.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

On the role of atrial natriuretic peptide in cardiovascular regulation in the spontaneously hypertensive rat.

Atrial natriuretic peptide ANP(1-23) reduced mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), central blood volume (CBV) and stroke volume (SV) when given i.v. (100 pmol/min) to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). In SHR, total peripheral resistance (TPR) was significantly lowered. The major cause of the fall in blood pressure in WKY was reduction in CO and in SHR reduction in TPR. Acute 20% volume expansion increased plasma immunoreactive ANP (IR-ANP) in WKY as well as in SHR. However, the ANP release in SHR was blunted compared with WKY. After chronic high salt intake, ANP release in SHR was even further reduced in relation to an acute volume load. We conclude that the release of ANP as well as the haemodynamic responses to exogenous ANP is altered in SHR.

Animals↗

A centrally elicited respiratory stimulant effect by bombesin in the rat.

The effects of the tetradecapeptide bombesin on respiratory regulation in the rat were studied using a whole body plethysmographic model. Application of the peptide was made intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) as well as via microinjections into specific brainstem areas. I.c.v. injection (0.1-5 micrograms) resulted in a dose-dependent increase in tidal volume while respiratory frequency was decreased only at higher doses. The respiratory duty cycle remained unchanged while the respiratory drive was significantly increased. The respiratory effects were blunted by bilateral section of the tenth cranial nerve. Studies employing the occluded breath technique indicated a change in the threshold to afferent vagal signals while the time-setting for inspiration remained unchanged. Similar ventilation changes were elicited when the peptide was injected into the area of the nucleus ambiguous but not in several other areas of the brainstem. Such bombesin sensitive areas are consistent with a recent immunohistochemical study describing a dense pattern of immunoreactive somata in this area of the brainstem. The ventilatory stimulant effect seems to depend on an intact afferent vagal innervation.

Animals↗

Capsaicin and regulation of respiration: interaction with central substance P mechanisms.

The neuropharmacological effects of capsaicin (CAPS) (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) have been closely linked to the peptide neurotransmitter substance P (SP). In order to elucidate SP mechanisms in peripheral and central control of breathing we have studied the respiratory effects of CAPS and SP administration to neonatal and adult rats using a whole body plethysmographic method. CAPS (3 and 30 micrograms) induced an immediate apnea after intravenous injection. This effect could be reduced by vagotomy but not further changed by combined vagotomy and glossopharyngectomy. The apnoic periods were followed by periods of tachypnea. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of CAPS resulted in an increased tidal volume (VT) and a decreased respiratory frequency (f), i.e. a respiratory response similar to that seen after i.c.v. SP. No apnoic episodes were seen after i.c.v. injection. The respiratory pattern after acute i.c.v. CAPS administration was not significantly changed by neonatal CAPS pretreatment. However, while saline pretreated control animals responded to an i.c.v. injection of SP with an increase in VT and inspiratory drive (VT/TI), animals pretreated with CAPS responded with a shortening of inspiratory and expiratory time in combination with an increase in VT. Similar changes have been observed in vagotomized animals after SP administration. It is concluded that CAPS elicits apnea via mechanisms located outside the CNS, which cannot be fully deafferented by combined vagotomy and glossopharyngectomy. Furthermore, CAPS i.c.v. induces a stimulation of respiration by a central mechanism of action, possibly due to a release of SP. Neonatal pretreatment with CAPS modifies the respiratory response to i.c.v. SP. This effect might be due to an impairment in tonical afferent SP mechanisms to the central respiratory regulating system and possibly also to an impairment of central SP mechanisms involved in respiration.

Animals↗

Gammahydroxybutyric acid: central biochemical and behavioral effects in neonatal rats.

Administration of gammahydroxybutyric acid (GHBA) to 4 days old animals caused a dose dependent decrease in locomotor activity. GHBA also induced a marked hypoventilation, irregular breathing and finally apnea, while heart rate was slightly increased. Changes in monoamine neurotransmitter turnover indicated an inhibition of dopamine (DA) neurotransmission. It is concluded that GHBA mechanisms in the neonatal rat brain are biochemically as well as functionally mature at an early age and that the effects on locomotor activity and respiratory regulation at least partly may involve interactions with central DA neurotransmission.

Animals↗

A double-blind evaluation of topical levocabastine, a new specific H1 antagonist in patients with allergic conjunctivitis.

Forty patients suffering from allergic conjunctivitis, due to birch pollen, participated in a double-blind parallel group comparison between levocabastine (a potent new specific histamine (H1) antagonist) and placebo, both given as eye drops. Symptom scores were recorded during a 4-week period. A 1-week run-in period was followed by a 3-week treatment period. To enable a fair evaluation of the treatment effect on the ocular symptoms only, all patients were treated with topical nasal glucocorticoids for possible rhinitis symptoms during the whole study period. Plasma levels of levocabastine were determined in all subjects at the end of the 3 weeks' treatment period. Pollen counts for birch pollen were followed simultaneously. The evaluation of the symptom score cards revealed a significant reduction of ocular symptoms following use of the active compound. The resorption of the active substance through the conjunctiva was low. In accordance with the present trend of more topical treatment for allergic rhinitis, levocabastine may constitute a valuable compound for the topical treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.

Adolescent↗

Characterization of adenosine-induced respiratory depression in the preterm rabbit.

The respiratory performance was studied after intraperitoneal administration of the adenosine agonists N6-phenyl-isopropyl-adenosine (PIA) and adenosine-5-ethylcarboxamide to preterm (gestational age 29-30 days) newborn halothane-anesthetized rabbits. Both agonists induced marked hypoventilation and irregular breathing by decreases in the breathing frequency as well as the tidal volume. Expiratory time was markedly prolonged, resulting in a decrease in the respiratory duty cycle (inspiratory time/total cycle duration). Analysis using the occluded-breath technique revealed that the adenosine analogues altered the time setting of the expiratory (inspiratory) neuronal circuits and lowered the inspiratory off-switch level, while inspiratory drive and the bulbopontine setting of the inspiratory phase were unaltered. The ventilatory response to CO2 was blunted after both adenosine analogues studied. Theophylline almost completely reversed the hypoventilation and irregular breathing seen after PIA injection. It is concluded that activation of central nervous adenosine receptors induced a marked respiratory depression in the preterm rabbit. Furthermore, our data imply that an overactivity of central adenosine mechanisms may have a pathophysiological significance for the irregular breathing or apnea of prematurity sometimes seen in the human neonate.

Adenosine↗

Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide and haemodynamics in conscious normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats after acute blood volume expansion.

The atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP) are a family of newly discovered peptides which are released from atrial tissue and have potent diuretic/natriuretic, vasodilating and aldosterone inhibitory properties. Plasma concentration of ANP was measured and related to haemodynamic changes after acute blood volume expansion (10 and 20%) in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Acute blood volume expansion resulted in an increase in central (CBV) and peripheral blood volume (PBV), central venous pressure (CVP), stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO), while total peripheral resistance (TPR) and heart rate (HR) were decreased. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was unchanged. There were larger increases in CBV, CVP and CO in SHR than in WKY rats. In contrast, the increase in PBV and the decrease in HR were more marked in the WKY rats. Basal plasma ANP concentrations were similar in both groups. Blood volume expansion caused a linear increase in plasma ANP in the WKY rats, while the increase in plasma ANP concentration was attenuated in the SHR. It is concluded that acute blood volume expansion is more centralized in the SHR than in the WKY rats. Interestingly, the ANP release in response to blood volume expansion seems to be attenuated in SHR compared with WKY rats, as maximal plasma ANP concentrations were found at 10% volume load.

Animals↗

Fluid homeostasis and haemodynamics during sodium restriction in hypertensive men.

To investigate the antihypertensive effect of moderate sodium restriction, the sodium intake of 11 male outpatients was reduced by 120 mmol/day for 4-6 weeks. These patients and an untreated control group were slightly obese and had mild untreated hypertension (WHO 1-2). All subjects were examined before and at the end of the experiment. Diastolic blood pressure fell significantly in the diet group in comparison with the control group. Invasive haemodynamic examinations in the diet group showed an unchanged mean cardiac output and a reduction of mean total peripheral resistance. Plasma volume (Evan's Blue) did not change, neither did extracellular volume as calculated from determinations of tritiated water, total body potassium and body mass. During sodium restriction, plasma renin activity and urinary aldosterone excretion significantly increased. Noradrenaline and dopamine excretion in urine showed no significant changes during sodium restriction, neither did the plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptides. The reduction in mean arterial blood pressure was correlated significantly with a decrease in 24-h sodium excretion and an increase in urinary aldosterone excretion. In conclusion, moderate dietary sodium restriction seems to lower blood pressure by diminishing the total peripheral resistance while cardiac output, extracellular and intravascular volumes are maintained.

Body Fluids↗

Adenosine mechanisms in the regulation of breathing in the rat.

The central respiratory effects of various adenosine (A) analogues were studied in halothane-anesthetized rats. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of the A analogues (2-Cla, L-PIA, CHA and NECA) reduced minute ventilation (VE) due to decreases in respiratory frequency (f) as well as tidal volume (VT). Dose-dependent effects were seen after i.c.v. L-PIA in both normal and vagotomized rats. Analysis of the A-induced changes using the occluded breath technique revealed an increase in expiratory time (TE) as well as a decrease in inspiratory drive. NECA, a relatively specific A2 agonist seemed to be somewhat more potent in eliciting respiratory depression than a relatively specific A1 agonist like L-PIA. Pretreatment with the methylxanthine theophylline completely antagonized the respiratory depression induced by L-PIA. It is concluded that central A receptors are involved in the central regulation of breathing and that A interacts with the respiratory control system mainly by decreasing inspiratory neural drive and prolonging expiratory time.

Adenosine↗

An analysis of the mechanism by which gamma-aminobutyric acid depresses ventilation in the rat.

Intracerebroventricular administration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or intraperitoneal injection of the GABA transaminase A inhibitor aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA) depressed ventilation in halothane-anesthetized rats. The depression was due to changes in both respiratory frequency (f) and tidal volume (VT) after GABA, whereas AOAA decreased only f. Intracerebroventricular GABA decreased inspiratory drive (VT/TI; intrapulmonary pressure at 100 ms) but did not change the bulbopontine setting of inspiratory duration (TI). Moreover, respiratory duty cycle (TI/TT) was decreased, and the ventilatory response to CO2 exposure was blunted. The ventilatory depression induced by GABA was reversed by the GABA antagonist bicuculline. The GABA content measured 45 min after AOAA administration was significantly increased in the whole brain, the hemispheres, striatum, and lower spinal cord regions. Whole-brain GABA content was significantly correlated to the changes in f, minute ventilation, TI, expiratory duration (TE), and total cycle duration. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between brain stem GABA content and TI/TT but not VT/TI. In summary, GABA seems to interact with the central regulation of respiration at different levels in the brain. The main effect of increased endogenous concentrations of GABA is, however, a decrease in respiratory frequency due to a prolongation in TE.

Aminooxyacetic Acid↗

Interaction of substance P with the respiratory control system in the rat.

The effects of substance P (SP) on respiratory regulation were studied in halothane-anesthetized rats. Intracerebroventricular injections of SP in the dose range 3 to 30 micrograms (3 X 10(-9) to 3 X 10(-8) mol) induced a dose-dependent stimulation of minute ventilation due to an increase in tidal volume although respiratory frequency was slightly decreased. Inspiratory drive (tidal volume/inspiratory time; P0.1) increased whereas respiratory duty cycle (inspiratory time/total cycle duration) remained unchanged. Animals subjected to bilateral vagotomy showed a similar response to i.c.v. SP with the exception that the increase in tidal volume was less pronounced and inspiratory time/total cycle duration was decreased. When applying the occluded breath technique it was found that maximum pressure indicating inspiratory off-switch threshold mechanisms was increased in vagi-intact animals after SP. Furthermore, SP altered the vagally mediated control of the length of the inspiratory phase and induced a shortening of the bulbopontine setting for inspiratory time. A biphasic circulatory response with an initial depressor effect followed by a slight pressor effect was also seen after i.c.v. SP. It is concluded that SP interacts with the respiratory control system by at least two different mechanisms, bulbopontine time setting and inspiratory off-switch mechanisms. SP may also directly increase central inspiratory activity.

Animals↗

Effects of theophylline on adenosine-induced respiratory depression in the preterm rabbit.

The adenosine agonist N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA) was given intraperitoneally to preterm rabbit neonates (29 days gestational age). 1 mg i.p. induced a marked respiratory depression and irregular breathing which could be prevented or antagonized by administration of theophylline. The results indicated a central nervous site of action and it is hypothesized that central adenosine overactivity may have a pathophysiological significance for the irregular breathing or apnea of prematurity sometimes seen in the human neonate.

Adenosine↗

Effects of taurine and a taurine antagonist on some respiratory and cardiovascular parameters.

Respiratory performance, heart rate and blood pressure were studied in halothane anesthetized rats after administration of taurine and the putative taurine antagonist 6-aminomethyl-3-methyl-4H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-1, 1-dioxide hydrochloride (TAG). Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) taurine depressed ventilation due to decreased inspiratory neural drive and depression of respiratory timing mechanisms. I.c.v. administration of 1-100 micrograms TAG caused no changes in the respiratory and circulatory parameters studied except at the highest dose interval where respiratory frequency and minute ventilation were depressed. The respiratory depression induced by taurine (0.2 mg) or beta-alanine (1 mg) was antagonized by administration of TAG (100 micrograms). However, TAG did not antagonize the respiratory effects induced by i.c.v. glycine or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in equipotent respiratory depressant doses. The decline in inspiratory neural drive as well as in "respiratory timing" after i.c.v. taurine was restituted toward control values by TAG. The hypotension and bradycardia induced by taurine were also antagonized by TAG. It is concluded that TAG seems to antagonize the depressant action of taurine and beta-alanine but not of GABA and glycine on respiratory performance. TAG might also possess some partial agonist activity in higher doses.

Animals↗

Central respiratory and cardiovascular effects in the rat of some putative neurotransmitter amino acids.

Respiratory performance was studied in halothane anesthetized rats after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of beta-alanine, taurine or glycine (0.01--1 mg). The amino acids induced a marked decrease in both respiratory frequency (f) and tidal volume (VT), which was immediate and longlasting. The respiratory depressant action of glycine could readily be reversed by strychnine, a glycine antagonist. Measurement of respiratory time intervals, inspiratory time (TI), expiratory time (TE) and total cycle duration (TTOT), after administration of the putative neurotransmitter amino acids revealed that the effects on f were due to prolongation of the duration of expiration. The duration of inspiration was principally unaltered, but mean inspiratory flow (VT/TI) and respiratory timing (TI/TTOT) decreased. In experiments employing the occluded breath technique, P0.1 was reduced in the same magnitude as the mean inspiratory flow (VT/TI). The results also showed a change in central (bulbopontine) setting for TE, while the setting to TI was unaltered. An inert amino acid, valine, which was administered i.c.v. in the same doses, had no effects on respiratory parameters. Apart from the effects on basal ventilation of beta-alanine, taurine and glycine, the CO2 induced respiratory response was blunted. These three amino acids also depressed heart rate and mean arterial pressure. Although relatively high doses were used to induce the respiratory effects, it may be hypothetised that the putative neurotransmitters beta-alanine, taurine and glycine may have a physiological role in the central regulation of breathing.

Amino Acids↗

Effects of TRH and TRH analogues on the central regulation of breathing in the rat.

Respiratory activity was studied in rats during light halothane anesthesia. Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and two TRH analogues: the desamidated form (TRH-OH) and gamma-butyrolactone-gamma-carbonyl-L-histidyl-L-prolinamide citrate (DN 1417) were administered intracerebroventricularly. TRH 0.5-5 micrograms induced a marked tachypnoea with a rapid onset and a duration of at least 20 min. DN 1417, a potent analogue of TRH with a very low TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) releasing activity was more effective in stimulating respiratory frequency, while TRH-OH, regarded to have neither TSH releasing nor extra hypothalamic effects, at equimolar doses was unable to induce any changes in the respiratory pattern. When TRH was given into the fourth ventricle the dose response curve was slightly shifted to the left. In experiments employing the occluded breath technique, P0.1 was increased in the same magnitude as the mean inspiratory flow (VT/T1). The results also indicated an increase in the gain of the inflation reflex loop whereas the central bulbopontine setting for T1 and TTOT were not significantly changed. Local injection of TRH into the nucleus tractus solitarii induced a stimulation of respiratory frequency which was slower in onset compared to the response seen after injection into the lateral or fourth ventricles. Concomitantly to the respiratory changes, i.c.v. TRH injection induced a hypocarbia and an alkalosis. No changes in blood pressure or heart rate were seen. The respiratory stimulant effect of TRH could be potentiated by pretreatment with naloxone, methylatropine or a low dose of GABA. Haloperidol or propranolol did not significantly change the respiratory effects of TRH, while reserpine pretreatment seemed to blunt some of the ventilatory effects of TRH. It seems likely that TRH has few direct effects on brain stem neurones involved in the central regulation of respiration, but the main effects seem to be elicited in areas rostral to the brain stem. The respiratory stimulating effect of TRH is unrelated to TSH. Furthermore, other neurotransmitter systems might also be involved in modulation of the respiratory stimulation evoked by TRH.

Animals↗

Effects of GABA and some GABA analogues on respiratory regulation in the preterm rabbit.

Preterm neonatal rabbits (gestational age 29 days) were given GABA (750 mg/kg) or the GABA-like drugs muscimol (2 mg/kg) and GHBA (375 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Basal respiration and the ventilatory response to 10% CO2 were studied, before and after drug administration, in a whole body plethysmograph during halothane anesthesia. The three drugs tested all caused a decrease in minute volume. The decrease in minute volume was mainly due to a decrease in tidal volume after GABA and muscimol, while GHBA reduced minute volume due to a decrease in respiratory frequency. A decrease in respiratory frequency was also seen after muscimol administration. Changes in the respiratory time intervals were seen after muscimol and GHBA both causing significant increases in expiratory and respiratory time. 'Inspiratory drive' and 'respiratory timing mechanisms' were evaluated by VT/TI and TI/TTOT, respectively. GABA and muscimol reduced both VT/TI and TI/TTOT while GHBA only reduced TI/TTOT. Addition of 10% CO2 to the inhalation gas caused an increase in tidal volume and minute volume during control conditions. This response to CO2 was abolished by GABA and GHBA treatment. Our findings demonstrate that GABA and GABA-like drugs cause respiratory depression in the preterm neonate. Central mechanisms are most likely involved in this response. These findings may be relevant to the irregular or apneic breathing sometimes seen in the preterm human infant.

Animals↗