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Biomedical subjects

J Warberg

Publications and source records attributed to J Warberg.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Histamine and prostaglandin interaction in the central regulation of ACTH secretion.

Since prostaglandins (PGs) and histamine (HA) seem to be involved in the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis following immunochallenges with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin and cytokines, we investigated whether the histaminergic and eicosanoid systems in the male rat brain interact in their regulation of ACTH secretion. The PG synthesis inhibitor indomethacin (10 mg/kg i.p.) attenuated the ACTH response to LPS (10 micrograms/kg i.p.) and HA (30 micrograms i.c.v.). Infusion of PGE1, PGE2 or PGF2 alpha (1 and/or 5 micrograms infused intracerebroventricularly) stimulated ACTH secretion. The ACTH response to PGE1 was inhibited by the HA synthesis inhibitor alpha-fluoromethyl-histidine and the H1 receptor antagonist mepyramine (MEP) but not the H2 receptor antagonist cimetidine (CIM). Neither MEP nor CIM affected the ACTH response to PGE2. MEP and CIM attenuated the ACTH response induced by PGF2 alpha. The findings indicate that HA and some PGs in the brain interact in their stimulatory regulation of ACTH secretion. Such an interaction may also be involved in their mediation of the ACTH response to immunochallenges.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Pharmacological manipulation of cardiovascular responses to lower body negative pressure.

To evaluate influences on blood volume distribution, atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations (ANP) and thoracic and leg electrical impedance at 2.5 (TI2.5 and LI2.5, respectively) and 100 kHz (TI100 and LI100, respectively) were monitored during administration of ketanserin, noradrenaline and trimetaphan combined with lower body negative pressure (LBNP) in 12 subjects. Administration of clinically relevant doses of ketanserin alone did not induce changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) or in the central blood volume, as electrical impedance and ANP concentrations did not change. During continued infusion of ketanserin an increase in MAP from a mean of 90 (range 83-108) to 113 (range 98-138) mmHg was induced by noradrenaline, but TI2.5 [mean 45.6 (range 39.3-54.2)] and TI100 [mean 33.8 (range 27.5-38.5) omega] remainded stable until ganglionic blockade and LBNP were applied, when they increased by a mean of 3.1 (range 2.0-6.1) and 2.7 (range 1.1-4.2) omega, respectively (P < 0.05). Conversely, LI2.5 [mean 79.6 (range 74.1-89.4)] and LI100 [mean 56.7 (range 52.4-63.3) omega] decreased by a mean of 3.2 (range 1.2-8.0) and 2.3 (range 0.9-3.9) omega, ANP from a mean of 27.7 (range 10.2-62.7) to 12.7 (range 7.1-27.5) pmol.l-1 and MAP fell to a mean of 62 (range 42-70) mmHg (P < 0.05). The heart rate was a mean of 75 (range 69-77) beats.min-1 and did not change until LBNP, when it increased to a mean of 102 (range 78-104) beats.min-1, as presyncopal symptoms appeared. The data indicated that serotonergic blockade by ketanserin and alpha-sympathetic stimulation by noradrenaline did not affect blood volume distribution in normal humans, but that ganglionic blockade combined with LBNP reduced the central blood volume as leg volume increased; during central hypovolaemia tachycardia induced by ganglionic blockade did not prevent the fall in MAP, and thereby the appearance of presyncopal symptoms.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

Involvement of histamine in suckling-induced release of oxytocin, prolactin and adrenocorticotropin in lactating rats.

We have previously shown that histaminergic neurons participate in mediation of the prolactin (PRL), adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and oxytocin responses to physiological stimuli such as stress and dehydration. Since suckling is a potent stimulus for the secretion of these three hormones, we investigated the mediating role of neuronal histamine in suckling-induced release of oxytocin, PRL and ACTH in conscious lactating rats. The animals were pretreated with the histamine synthesis inhibitor alpha-fluoromethylhistidine, the H1 receptor antagonist mepyramine, the H2 receptor antagonist cimetidine or the H3 receptor agonist R (alpha) methylhistamine, which by binding to H3 autoreceptors inhibits histamine release and synthesis. After the lactating rats were separated from their pups for 240 min, the pups were returned for a suckling period of 20 min. Thereafter the mothers were sacrificed by decapitation and trunk blood was collected for determination of hormones. Lactating rats not exposed to suckling served as controls. Suckling increased oxytocin 2-fold, PRL 50-fold and ACTH 5-fold. Blockade of histamine synthesis by alpha-fluoromethylhistidine or histamine release by R(alpha)methylhistamine reduced the suckling-induced secretion of the three hormones significantly. Blockade of postsynaptic H1 receptors by mepyramine inhibited the hormone responses to suckling, while the blockade of postsynaptic H2 receptors by cimetidine decreased the suckling-induced oxytocin and PRL release but did not affect the ACTH release. None of the compounds affected oxytocin, PRL or ACTH secretion in lactating mothers not exposed to suckling. In addition, suckling significantly increased the mRNA of the histamine synthesizing enzyme histidine decarboxylase in the ventrolateral tuberomammillary nucleus by 1.5-fold, indicating that the stimulus of suckling enhances the neuronal histamine synthesis. We conclude that suckling increases neuronal histamine synthesis and that histaminergic neurons by activation of postsynaptic H1 and H2 receptors are involved in the hypothalamic mediation of oxytocin, PRL and ACTH responses to suckling. These findings further substantiate a role of neuronal histamine in the neuroendocrine regulation of pituitary hormones in response to physiological stimuli.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Interactions of histaminergic and serotonergic neurons in the hypothalamic regulation of prolactin and ACTH secretion.

Serotonergic and histaminergic neuronal systems are both involved in mediation of the stress-induced release of the pituitary hormones prolactin (PRL) and ACTH. We investigated the possibility of an interaction between serotonin (5-HT) and histamine (HA) in regulation of PRL and ACTH secretion in conscious male rats. Animals were pretreated systemically with antagonists to 5-HT1, 5-HT2 or 5-HT3 receptors prior to intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of HA. The 5-HT1 + 2 receptor antagonist methysergide prevented and the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist LY 53857 attenuated the HA-induced PRL release while the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron had no effect on this response. None of the three 5-HT receptor antagonists affected the ACTH response to HA. Specific blockade of HA synthesis by alpha-fluoromethylhistidine or blockade of postsynaptic HA receptors by icv infusion of the H1 receptor antagonist mepyramine or the H2 receptor antagonist cimetidine inhibited the PRL response to 5-HT or to the 5-HT precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5- HTP) given in combination with the 5-HT reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (Flx). Blockade of the histaminergic system had no effect on the ACTH response to serotonergic stimulation. The H3 receptors are inhibitory HA receptors. Systemic pretreatment with the H3 receptor agonist R(alpha)methylhistamine, or the H3 receptor antagonist thioperamide had no effect on the hormone response to activation of the serotonergic system by 5-HTP plus Flx. We conclude that the serotonergic and histaminergic neuronal systems interact in their stimulation of PRL secretion, but not in their stimulation of ACTH secretion. This interaction involves serotonergic 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptors and histaminergic H1 and H2 receptors. Furthermore, the previously observed inhibitory effect of the H3 receptor agonist R(alpha)methylhistamine on stress-induced PRL and ACTH release seems not to be exerted by activation of presynaptic H3 receptors located on serotonergic neurons but rather on histaminergic neurons.

5-Hydroxytryptophan↗

Cardiovascular and hormonal responses to anaphylactic shock in the pig.

Cardiovascular and hormonal responses to anaphylactic shock were evaluated in anaesthetized pigs sensitized by natural exposure to Ascaris suum as verified by antibodies. In six animals with such antibodies, Ascaris antigen injection produced a plasma histamine increase of 52 (42-196) fold (median and range; P < 0.05), while four pigs without such antibodies served as controls with only insignificant increases in histamine. In the anaphylactic group, two of the animals died during the investigation due to cardiovascular collapse. In the sensitized pigs resting heart rate (HR), 104 (86-118) beats min-1, increased to 204 (164-240) beats min-1 as mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased from 94 (83-102) to 45 (31-90) mmHg (P < 0.05). In contrast, the non-sensitized pigs maintained the resting HR of 101 (79-113) beats min-1, as MAP decreased to 50 (41-97) mmHg (P < 0.05). In the sensitized group systemic vascular resistance (SVR) fell from 1114 (843-1811) to 990 (588-1173) dyne s-1 cm-5 and then increased to 3617 (2593-4166) dyne s-1 cm-5, while in the control group there was only a reduction to a minimum value of 730 (458-1307) dyne s-1 cm-5 (P < 0.05). Thoracic electrical impedance increased only in the sensitized group [from 28.3 (24.7-31.4) to 29.9 (24.0-31.4)], indicating central volume depletion. Plasma catecholamines increased markedly only in the sensitized pigs, and plasma pancreatic polypeptide, vasopressin, aldosterone and renin responses confirmed to those established during central hypovolaemia. During anaphylaxis, this study demonstrated cardiovascular responses similar to those established during a major blood loss. However, as indicated by plasma catecholamines, sympathetic activity was many times that previously demonstrated during haemorrhage, and sympathoactivation may explain the marked vasoconstriction noted in the sensitized pigs.

Anaphylaxis↗

Role of glucagon in maintenance of euglycemia in fed and fasted rats.

The role of glucagon in the regulation of blood glucose in fed and fasted anesthetized rats was studied by injecting intravenously 4 ml/kg of a high-capacity (40 nmol/ml) high-affinity (0.6 x 10(11) mol/l) monoclonal glucagon antibody. Blood glucose was lowered by the antibody by 2 mmol/l in fed rats but remained unchanged in 10- and 48-h-fasted rats. Antibody injection significantly reduced plasma insulin in both fed and 10-h-fasted rats. In 10-h-fasted rats, propranolol injection decreased blood glucose by 0.6 mmol/l, and combined with antibody administration, a decrease by 1.1 mmol/l was observed. Blood glucose was never < 3.3 mmol/l. Thus glucagon is partly responsible for maintenance of euglycemia in fed rats, whereas during fasting it plays a limited role. However, immunoneutralization of glucagon reduces insulin secretion irrespective of blood glucose. Additional mechanisms seem to be responsible for the maintenance of blood glucose in the fasting state when glucagon and the sympathoadrenergic system are blocked.

Adrenergic Antagonists↗

Role of hemodilution on renal responses to water immersion in humans.

The present experiments were designed to elucidate 1) the role of the lower extremity capillary bed in decreasing plasma colloid osmotic pressure (COP) during immersion of humans (n = 8) for 6 h, and 2) the extent to which the natriuresis of water immersion is triggered by this decrease in COP. Irrespective of the depth, COPs were very similar during the immersion procedures, varying between 25.3 +/- 0.5 and 26.4 +/- 0.6 mmHg, which was significantly lower than during control (28.3 +/- 0.3 and 28.6 +/- 0.3 mmHg). During neck immersion, central venous pressure rose instantly by approximately 12 mmHg (P < 0.05) and remained elevated. Only a transient, marginal increase (1.6 +/- 0.7 mmHg) occurred during hip immersion. Cumulated sodium excretion during seated control, hip immersion, and neck immersion, respectively, differed significantly (30 +/- 5, 45 +/- 5, and 101 +/- 6 mmol). It is concluded that the decrease in COP during immersion is primarily due to fluid shifts occurring in the capillary bed of the legs and that this may account for up to 25% of the immersion-induced increase in renal sodium excretion.

Adult↗

Renal and endocrine responses in humans to isotonic saline infusion during microgravity.

It was the purpose of this study to investigate how the endocrine and renal mechanisms of fluid volume control in humans (n = 4) adapt to microgravity by applying an intravenous isotonic saline infusion. The acute ground-based supine (Sup) and seated (Seat) positions were chosen as references. During microgravity, renal sodium excretion (UNaV) was doubled during the second and third hours after infusion compared with during Seat (P < 0.05) but blunted during the first hour after infusion compared with during Sup, leading to a reduction in cumulative UNaV (59 +/- 15 vs. 108 +/- 12 mmol/5 h; P < 0.05). Plasma norepinephrine (NE) attained the highest value 3 h after infusion during microgravity (31 +/- 5 x 10(-2) ng/ml vs. 19 +/- 1 and 13 +/- 3 x 10(-2) ng/ml for Seat and Sup, respectively; P < 0.05). Inflight levels of plasma renin and aldosterone were very similar to levels during Seat. In conclusion, 1) the microgravity-adapted renal responses to infusion reflected a condition in between that of ground-based Seat and Sup, respectively, and 2) the plasma levels of NE, renin, and aldosterone were elevated inflight and not related to the changes in UNaV and urinary flow rate. These observations are in contrast to results of ground-based simulation experiments and might partly have been caused by a prior inflight reduction in extracellular fluid volume. The high levels of NE during microgravity warrant further investigation.

Adult↗

Stress-induced secretion of pro-opiomelanocortin-derived peptides in rats: relative importance of the anterior and intermediate pituitary lobes.

Stress stimulates secretion of the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), beta-endorphin (beta-END) and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) from the anterior lobe (AL) and intermediate lobe (IL) of the pituitary gland. The secretion of POMC-derived peptides from the AL and IL is differentially regulated and the relative contribution of the lobes may vary with the stimulus. We investigated (1) the relative importance of the AL and IL as source of POMC-derived peptides released in response to restraint and ether stress by selectively inhibiting the corticotropes of the AL by dexamethasone (DEX) or selectively inhibiting the melanotropes of the IL by bromocriptine (BR), and (2) whether beta-adrenergic blockade by propranolol could be used to discriminate between the stress-induced effect on POMC secretion from the AL and IL as has previously been suggested. Selective inhibition of AL secretion by DEX totally blocked the ACTH response to restraint and ether stress, but only partially inhibited the beta-END response. The alpha-MSH response to both stressors was not affected by DEX. Conversely, selective inhibition of IL secretion by BR totally blocked the alpha-MSH response to both stressors, partially inhibited the beta-END response but did not influence the ACTH response. In response to restraint stress, beta-END was secreted equally from the AL and IL, whereas the IL was the most important source of beta-END in response to ether stress. Blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors with propranolol inhibited the beta-END- and alpha-MSH responses to restraint stress whereas the ACTH response was unaffected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Involvement of oxytocin in histamine- and stress-induced ACTH and prolactin secretion.

The neurohypophysial peptide oxytocin (OT) is released in response to different stressors and has been suggested as a 'stress hormone'. In addition, we have recently shown that centrally administered histamine (HA), which is a mediator of stress-induced release of ACTH and prolactin (PRL), stimulates OT secretion. The aim of the present investigation was to further characterize the HA-induced OT secretion with respect to the type of postsynaptic receptor involved and to investigate the possible role of OT in HA- and stress-induced ACTH and PRL secretion. We studied (1) the effect of HA, HA agonists and HA antagonists on OT secretion in normal male rats, (2) the secretion of OT in response to HA stimulation and to restraint stress, endotoxin stress [lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration] and insulin/hypoglycemia stress and compared the OT response to that of arginine vasopressin (AVP), (3) the OT response to restraint stress or HA in normal and AVP-deficient Brattleboro rats (DI) suffering from diabetes insipidus and (4) the effect of inhibiting the oxytocinergic system by immunoneutralization or receptor blockade on HA- and stress-induced ACTH and PRL release in normal as well as in DI rats. HA, an H1 and an H2 receptor agonist, stimulated the OT secretion dose-dependently. The HA-induced release of OT was inhibited by pretreatment with an H1 or an H2 receptor antagonist. Restraint stress and HA but not LPS or insulin stress induced an increase in peripheral OT levels, whereas only LPS stress and HA caused an increase in circulating AVP levels. Neither an OT antiserum nor an OT antagonist inhibited the HA- or restraint-stress-induced ACTH or PRL release in normal rats. AVP-deficient DI rats showed, in comparison with their nondeficit counterparts, an increased basal level of OT and no increase in OT levels following restraint stress, whereas the OT response to HA was similar in the two rat types. In AVP-deficient rats immunoneutralization of OT had no inhibitory effect on the HA- and restraint-stress-induced ACTH and PRL response. The ACTH and PRL response to restraint stress and the ACTH response to HA was impaired in DI rats compared to their healthy controls. We conclude (1) that HA stimulates OT secretion via activation of postsynaptic H1 and H2 receptors, and (2) that, in contrast to AVP, OT does not seem to be involved in HA- and restraint-stress-induced ACTH and PRL secretion.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Effect of histamine on gene expression and release of proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides from the anterior and intermediate pituitary lobes in conscious male rats.

Via activation of H1 or H2 receptors histamine (HA) stimulates the secretion of proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides from the anterior (AL) and intermediate (IL) pituitary lobes of male rats. During selective inhibition of the AL or IL by pretreatment with dexamethasone (Dx) or bromocriptine (Br), respectively, we studied the effect of equipotent doses of intracerebroventricularly infused HA, the H1-receptor agonist 2-thiazolylethylamine (2TEA) or the H2-receptor agonist 4-methy1HA (4MeHA) on the release of ACTH, beta-endorphin (beta-END) immunoreactivity (ir) and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) in conscious male rats. Dx blocked the ACTH responses whereas Br prevented the alpha-MSH responses. Dx and Br equally inhibited the response of beta-ENDir to HA and 4MeHA (80 and 70%, respectively). In contrast, the beta-ENDir response to 2TEA was totally blocked by Dx but only inhibited 50% by Br. The inhibitory effect of Dx on the beta-ENDir response to 2TEA was significantly stronger than the effect on the responses to HA and 4MeHA. POMC mRNA in the AL but not in the IL was increased almost 45% by HA and 2TEA and 20% by 4MeHA. Since all three histaminergic compounds in the doses used stimulated the release of beta-ENDir equipotently, the results indicate that H1-receptor activation predominantly affects the release and synthesis of beta-ENDir from the AL while H2-receptor activation affects the release of beta-ENDir equally from the two lobes and only to some extent increases the synthesis in the AL.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Dehydration stimulates hypothalamic gene expression of histamine synthesis enzyme: importance for neuroendocrine regulation of vasopressin and oxytocin secretion.

Dehydration associated with hyperosmolality and decreased extracellular volume stimulates arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) secretion from magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamus. The effects of hyperosmolality and decreased extracellular volume on the magnocellular neurons are mainly indirect and seem to be mediated centrally via several neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Because histamine (HA), which serves as a central neurotransmitter, releases AVP and OT from the neurohypophysis when administered centrally, we investigated the possible role of HA in dehydration-induced AVP and OT secretion. To do this, we studied 1) the effect of dehydration on messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of the HA synthesis enzyme, histidine decarboxylase (HDC), in the tuberomammillary nucleus of the hypothalamus; and 2) the effect of HA synthesis inhibition during dehydration on AVP and OT mRNA expression in the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus as well as on plasma AVP and OT levels. Forty-eight hours of dehydration increased the mRNA level of HDC in the tuberomammillary nuclei, whereas 24 h of dehydration had no effect. Pretreatment with the HA synthesis inhibitor alpha-fluoromethylhistidine (alpha FMH) increased the expression of HDC mRNA in 24-h dehydrated rats, but had no effect in euhydrated rats. In rats dehydrated for 48 h, the already increased level of HDC mRNA was not increased further by alpha FMH. Twenty-four and 48 h of dehydration increased AVP and OT mRNA levels in the supraoptic nucleus. This effect was inhibited by alpha FMH pretreatment. Dehydration increased the plasma levels of AVP and OT to an extent which depended on the duration of dehydration. Pretreatment with alpha FMH inhibited the hormone responses to 24 h of dehydration, but did not affect the responses to 48 h of dehydration. Twenty-four and 48 h of dehydration had no significant effect on the contents of AVP and OT in the neurohypophysis, whereas pretreatment with alpha FMH combined with 48 h of dehydration led to depletion of AVP stores in the neurohypophysis. Based on the present findings, we conclude that hypothalamic histaminergic neurons are involved in the regulation of dehydration-induced stimulation of magnocellular AVP and OT neurons.

Animals↗

Beta-adrenergic receptors are involved in histamine-induced secretion of proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides and prolactin in rats.

The neurotransmitter histamine (HA) is involved in central regulation of secretion of prolactin (PRL) and the proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), beta-endorphin (beta-END) and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). The effect of HA on POMC-derived peptides and PRL release is, at least in part, indirect and may involve activation of catecholaminergic systems. Therefore, we investigated the effect of beta-adrenergic receptor blockade on HA or HA agonist-induced release of ACTH, beta-END, alpha-MSH and PRL. Central administration of HA, the H1-receptor agonist 2-thiazolylethylamine (2-TEA) or the H2-receptor agonist 4-methylhistamine (4-MeHA) stimulated the secretion of ACTH, beta-END, alpha-MSH and PRL. Pretreatment with the beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol inhibited secretion of the POMC peptides in response to HA, 2-TEA or 4-MeHA. Propranonol only inhibited the PRL response to HA or 2-TEA, but had no effect on the PRL response to 4-MeHA. Administration of the beta-receptor agonist isoproterenol stimulated ACTH, beta-END, alpha-MSH and PRL two to five-fold. This effect was totally blocked by pretreatment with propranolol. We conclude that HA-induced secretion of POMC-derived peptides from the anterior and intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland and of PRL from the anterior lobe is, at least in part, mediated via catecholamines. beta-Adrenergic receptors are involved in the mediation of the POMC response to H1- as well as H2-receptor activation, whereas beta-receptors are involved only in the mediation of the PRL response to H1-receptor activation.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Thoracic impedance and pulmonary atrial natriuretic peptide during head-up tilt induced hypovolaemic shock in humans.

Head up and down tilts were used for manipulating the central blood volume in eight volunteers. During head-up tilt thoracic electrical impedance (TI) increased from 36.7 (33.9-52.1) ohm (mean and range) to 41.9 (36.9-59.2) ohm, heart rate from 60 (49-72) to 80 (65-90) beats min-1 (P < 0.05) and decreased again to 57 (48-67) beats min-1 accompanying a fall in mean arterial pressure from 86 (76-97) to 54 (41-79) mmHg and in cardiac output from 9.2 (5.9-12.1) to 6.9 (3.4-8.8) 1 min-1 (n = 7, P < 0.07). Central venous pressure did not change significantly. Pulmonary arterial mean, 6 (3-12) mmHg, and wedge pressures, 4 (1-9) mmHg, decreased to 4 (1-11) and 1 (0-7) mmHg, respectively, and mixed, 78 (77-79%), and central venous oxygen saturations, 72 (71-73)%, fell to 62 (46-75) and 54 (44-58)%, respectively (P < 0.05). Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was determined from blood of the superior vena cava and pulmonary and brachial arteries. Pulmonary artery ANP, 18.4 (7.5-30.7) pmol l-1, was higher than in vena cava, 13.3 (5.2-20.9) pmol l-1 (P < 0.05). At the time of presyncope, pulmonary artery ANP decreased from 20.8 (37.4-10.1) to 13.7 (19.7-5.7) pmol l-1, in vena cava from 13.8 (23.1-7.1) to 10.2 (17.9-6.7) pmol l-1 and in the brachial artery from 16.9 (34.1-5.2) to 11.3 (18.5-5.1) pmol l-1 (P < 0.05). Head-down tilt did not affect the recorded variables significantly. Thoracic electrical impedance, pulmonary artery pressure and venous oxygen saturations were sensitive indices of the central blood volume as reflected in the release of atrial natriuretic peptide from the right side of the heart.

Adult↗

Volume-homeostatic mechanisms in humans during graded water immersion.

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate whether a graded increase in cardiac distension induced by graded water immersion (WI) could be related to endocrine responses and renal sodium excretion (UNaV). On 3 separate days, nine healthy males were investigated in the upright seated position before, during, and after 3 h of WI to the midchest (CI) or to the neck (NI) or during control. Central venous pressure increased twice as much during NI as during CI. UNaV increased to the same extent during NI compared with CI, whereas urine flow rate, solute-free water clearance, and osmotic excretion increased more during the 2nd h of NI than during CI. During NI, the plasma concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) increased twice as much as during CI. The plasma concentrations of aldosterone and norepinephrine were decreased in a similar manner during NI compared with CI. In conclusion, graded cardiac distension induced by graded WI and accompanied by a graded release of ANP was not accompanied by a graded increase in UNaV. Thus either a cardiac distension pressure of approximately one-half of that during NI is enough to induce a maximum UNaV during WI or other stimuli are important. Furthermore, aldosterone and norepinephrine are probably more important mediators of the natriuresis of WI in humans than is ANP.

Adult↗

Role of hypothalamic histaminergic neurons in mediation of ACTH and beta-endorphin responses to LPS endotoxin in vivo.

The involvement of hypothalamic histaminergic neurons in the mediation of the ACTH and beta-endorphin (beta-END) response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin was investigated in conscious male rats. LPS stimulated the release of ACTH and beta-END dose-dependently and increased the hypothalamic concentration of the histamine (HA) metabolite tele-methylhistamine significantly and that of HA slightly, indicating an increased turnover of neuronal HA. Pretreatment with the HA synthesis inhibitor alpha-fluoromethyl-histidine administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) or intraperitoneally (i.p.) inhibited the ACTH and beta-END response to LPS about 60%, whereas i.p. administration of the H3 receptor agonist R(alpha)methylHA, which inhibits HA synthesis and release, decreased the response about 50%. Pretreatment with the H1 receptor antagonist mepyramine (67 micrograms x 2 i.c.v.) inhibited the hormone response to LPS about 50%, while pretreatment with equimolar doses of the H2 receptor antagonists cimetidine (67 micrograms x 2 i.c.v.) or ranitidine (83 micrograms x 2 i.c.v.) had no effect on the LPS-induced release of ACTH and beta-END. When the H1 receptor antagonists mepyramine and cetirizine were administered i.p. in doses (10 mg/kg) which penetrate the blood-brain barrier the hormone response to LPS was inhibited 50% and 30%, respectively. Administered i.p. the H2 receptor antagonists had no effect on the hormone response to LPS. We conclude that hypothalamic histaminergic neurons in rats are involved in the mediation of the ACTH and beta-END response to LPS stimulation via activation of central postsynaptic H1 receptors.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗