Biomedical subjects

K F Rabe

Publications and source records attributed to K F Rabe.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

Antagonism of beta-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxations of human bronchial smooth muscle by carbachol.

Activation of muscarinic M2 receptors has been suggested to account, in part, for the reduced relaxant potency of beta-adrenoceptor agonists in canine and guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle pre-contracted with muscarinic agonists as compared to histamine. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the potency of isoprenaline is reduced in human bronchial ring preparations pre-contracted with carbachol as compared to histamine and whether activation of muscarinic M2 receptors contributes to this effect. Cumulative concentration-effect curves to isoprenaline were obtained in the absence and presence of muscarinic M2 receptor antagonism by methoctramine (0.3 microM) in bronchial ring preparations pre-contracted to equivalent isometric tensions with either histamine (10 microM) or carbachol (1 microM). The relaxant potency of isoprenaline was reduced in preparations pre-contracted with carbachol compared to histamine, but there was no significant effect of muscarinic M2 receptor antagonism on either the potency or maximal relaxation by isoprenaline. In conclusion, increased functional antagonism of beta-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation by muscarinic agonists can be demonstrated in human bronchial smooth muscle, but muscarinic M2 receptors do not appear to contribute to this effect.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Relationship between bronchoalveolar lavage neutrophil numbers and lavage fluid elastase and antielastase activities.

Elastase and antielastase activities were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and their relationship to bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) neutrophil numbers was assessed in order to determine whether the elevated BAL neutrophil count can predict a shift in the elastase/antielastase balance. BAL samples were obtained from 133 randomly selected patients undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy with BAL. Elastase and antielastase activities were determined using the synthetic substrate MeO-Suc-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val-pNA. In a random subset of 24 samples, the antioxidant capacity was measured as the inhibition of peroxyl radical-mediated oxidation of B-phycoerythrin. Only 7 of the BAL samples exhibited measurable elastase activity and all but one of these had a BAL neutrophil count greater than 100 x 10(3)/ml. Antielastase activity was measurable in 124 samples exhibiting no free elastase activity. There was a tendency for lower antielastase activity to be associated with higher neutrophil numbers, but this did not translate into a statistically significant correlation over all samples. There was no significant correlation between antioxidant capacity and either the neutrophil number or antielastase activity. It is concluded that BAL neutrophil numbers do not, in general, predict the status of elastase/antielastase balance in the epithelial lining fluid and that the antioxidant mechanisms in the epithelial lining fluid do not appear to be related to the antielastase capacity.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Further evidence that tachykinin-induced contraction of human isolated bronchus is mediated only by NK2-receptors.

The tachykinin-receptors mediating contraction of human bronchus have been characterized using both tachykinin-receptor selective agonists and blocking drugs under conditions where tachykinin metabolism by endogenous peptidases has been controlled, and true equilibrium conditions have been established. The findings that neurokinin A (EC50 = 2 nM) is the most potent agonist, and the NK2-receptor selective agonist, GR64349, is only 3-fold weaker, whereas agonists selective for NK1-receptors, substance P methyl ester, or NK3-receptors, senktide, are inactive, suggest that this effect is mediated exclusively by NK2-receptors. This is supported by observations that GR64349 is antagonised by the selective NK2-receptor blocking drugs, MEN10207 (pA2 = 6.7), R396 (pA2 = 6.1), (+/-)SR48968 (pA2 = 8.4) and GR159897 (pA2 = 8.6), but not by the NK1-receptor blocking drug, GR82334 (pA2 < 5). In approximately half of the preparations, the peptidase inhibitors, phosphoramidon (1 microM) and bestatin (100 microM), caused a marked and well-maintained contraction (approximately 20% of neurokinin A maximum), which may indicate a role for endogenous tachykinins in the regulation of tone in this preparation. This is supported by the finding that neurokinin A-immunoreactive nerve fibres are located around intrinsic neurones of local ganglia and within the smooth muscle layer of this preparation.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

Assessment of agonist- and cell-mediated responses in airway microsections by computerized videomicrometry.

The objective of this investigation was to develop a method for real-time measurement of changes in luminal area in microexplants of airways during pharmacological and physiological interventions. After guinea pigs were killed, tracheal rings (1- to 2-mm thick) were excised and placed in 300-microliters chambers. The area of the airway lumen was calculated as pixel number with the use of computerized videomicrometry. In 29 epithelium-intact airways, 10(-3) M acetylcholine (ACh) caused decrease in luminal area of 38.1 +/- 2.80% (P < 0.001 vs. 10(-9) M). Spontaneous tone also was demonstrated in 34 preparations from 4 guinea pigs; decrease in area of 17.0 +/- 1.45% after 60-min incubation in buffer alone was blocked completely by 10(-5) M indomethacin (P = 0.01). Luminal narrowing caused by < or = 10(-6) M ACh was reversed completely by 10(-6) M albuterol (P = 0.002). Addition of 100,000 activated human eosinophils caused 24.7 +/- 4.41% decrease in luminal area vs. 7.24 +/- 5.51% for nonactivated cells (P = 0.048). We demonstrate a real-time method for the assessment of auxotonic changes in airway caliber that utilizes microsections of explanted airways and permits the use of extremely small numbers of isolated cells to achieve physiological activation. Concentration-response characteristics and spontaneous tone are similar to those of large chamber preparations, and narrowing is reversed by beta 2-adrenoceptor activation.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed1995

Migration and proliferation of guinea pig and human airway epithelial cells in response to tachykinins.

Restoration of the epithelial lining of a damaged airway is a necessary component of airway repair. Tachykinins, including substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA), are localized to sensory nerves within the airway mucosa. These tachykinins regulate several airway functions, but their role in the repair of the epithelium has not been explored. To determine whether tachykinins stimulate migration and proliferation of airway epithelial cells, guinea pig tracheal epithelial (GPTE) and human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells were grown in primary culture for 4-5 days. Epithelial cell migration was assessed in a blindwell chemotaxis chamber, and proliferation was determined by immunohistochemistry after incorporation of the thymidine analogue 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU). Both GPTE and HBE cells migrated after stimulation with 10(-11) M NKA [23.0 +/- 3.6 vs. 5.4 +/- 1.2 cells per 10 high-power fields (hpf), P < 0.001, n = 8 for GPTE cells; 18.4 +/- 2.3 vs. 3.8 +/- 0.5 cells per 10 hpf for control, P < 0.001, n = 4 for HBE cells]. Migration was stimulated within 2 h, was maximal after 6 h, and was attenuated substantially by the neurokinin 2 (NKA)-receptor antagonist SR-48968. NKA-stimulated migration was both chemokinetic and chemotactic, and it could be blocked by inhibition of protein synthesis with cyclohexamide, inhibition of microtubular function with colchicine, or inhibition of actin microfilament elongation with cytochalasin D.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Hydrogen peroxide contracts human airways in vitro: role of epithelium.

The effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on human airway smooth muscle tone were determined in vitro. Treatment with H2O2 led to transient concentration-related contractions in the organ bath, amounting to 118 +/- 14 mg (mean +/- SE; n = 12) at 1 mM H2O2, and to greater and more prolonged contractions under superfusion conditions, amounting to 451 +/- 71 mg (n = 17) at 1 mM H2O2. Epithelial removal augmented the response to H2O2 in both systems. Addition of catalase (500 U/ml) abolished the effects of H2O2. Pretreatment of superfused tissues with indomethacin (3 microM) shifted the concentration-effect curve to H2O2 rightward and almost abolished the response to 1 mM H2O2 in epithelium-intact preparations (n = 16; P < 0.05); the response in epithelium-denuded tissues was also significantly inhibited (n = 16; P < 0.05). Pretreatment of the tissues with the TP prostanoid-receptor antagonist GR-32191B (1 microM) also inhibited the contractile effect of H2O2 in epithelium-intact and -denuded tissues. In separate experiments, H2O2 resulted in concentration-related generation of prostaglandin (PG) D2 from isolated airway preparations. The amount of PGD2 released was not different in tissues with intact epithelium compared with those without (n = 9; NS). We conclude that H2O2 exerts on isolated human airways a contractile effect that is augmented by epithelium removal and is largely mediated by prostanoids. The source of PGD2 does not appear to be the epithelium, which we suggest serves mainly as a barrier against H2O2-mediated bronchoconstriction.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

Pharmacological characterization of the muscarinic receptor subtype mediating contraction of human peripheral airways.

The postjunctional muscarinic receptors mediating contraction of human bronchial smooth muscle have been characterized using four nonselective muscarinic receptor agonists and eight subtype selective and nonselective muscarinic antagonists. Carbachol, methacholine, oxotremorine M and (+)-cis-dioxolane all caused concentration-related contractions of human bronchial smooth muscle with a rank order of potency (pD2) of (+)-cis-dioxolane (7.3 +/- 0.2) > oxotremorine M (6.7 +/- 0.2) > carbachol (6.4 +/- 0.1) > methacholine (5.8 +/- 0.2, n = 5 for all). Maximum contractions were not significantly different between agonists, whether expressed as absolute my tension changes or as a percentage of the maximum response to 0.3 mM histamine. Antagonist apparent affinities (pKB) were determined against carbachol-induced contractions and the following rank order was obtained; 4-DAMP (9.4 +/- 0.3) > or = atropine (9.1 +/- 0.1) > zamifenacin (7.6 +/- 0.1) > hexahydrosiladifenidol (HHSiD; 7.1 +/- 0.1) > or = himbacine (7.0 +/- 0.3) > or = pirenzepine (6.8 +/- 0.2) > para-fluoro-hexahydrosiladifenidol (p-F-HHSiD; 6.7 +/- 0.1) > methoctramine (5.3 +/- 0.2). This rank order of antagonist affinities is consistent with activation of M3 receptors. The affinities of HHSiD, p-F-HHSiD and zamifenacin were, however, lower than those reported in guinea pig trachea.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Theophylline and selective PDE inhibitors as bronchodilators and smooth muscle relaxants.

In addition to its emerging immunodulatory properties, theophylline is a bronchodilator and also decreases mean pulmonary arterial pressure in vivo. The mechanism of action of this drug remains controversial; adenosine antagonism, phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibition and other actions have been advanced to explain its effectiveness in asthma. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP) are involved in the regulation of smooth muscle tone, and the breakdown of these nucleotides is catalysed by multiple PDE isoenzymes. The PDE isoenzymes present in human bronchus and pulmonary artery have been identified, and the pharmacological actions of inhibitors of these enzymes have been investigated. Human bronchus and pulmonary arteries are relaxed by theophylline and by selective inhibitors of PDE III, while PDE IV inhibitors also relax precontracted bronchus and PDE V/I inhibitors relax pulmonary artery. There appears to be some synergy between inhibitors of PDE III and PDE IV in relaxing bronchus, and a pronounced synergy between PDE III and PDE V inhibitors in relaxing pulmonary artery. In neither tissue does 8-phenyltheophylline, a xanthine exhibiting adenosine antagonism but not PDE inhibition, cause any significant relaxation, implying that theophylline does not exert its actions through adenosine antagonism. The close correspondence of theophylline concentrations inhibiting bronchus or pulmonary artery PDE and those causing relaxation points towards PDE inhibition as the major mechanism of action of theophylline in smooth muscle relaxation.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Paradoxical blockade of beta adrenergically mediated inhibition of stimulated eosinophil secretion by salmeterol.

Salmeterol (SALM) is a long-acting beta 2 adrenoceptor agonist that causes prolonged relaxation of airway smooth muscle. To determine whether this agent also causes prolonged inhibition of stimulated eosinophil secretion, we studied interactions between SALM and albuterol (ALB) in inhibiting eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) secretion in human eosinophils in vitro. Peripheral blood eosinophils were isolated from 18 human volunteers by negative immunoselection, and secretion of EPO was elicited with 10(-6) M formyl-met-leu-phe (fMLP) + 5 micrograms/ml cytochalasin B (CytB) in aliquots of 10(5) cells. Eosinophils were pretreated with either 10(-8) M ALB, 10(-8) M SALM or SALM + ALB for 5 min to 18 hr at 37 degrees C. Pretreatment with ALB for 5 min caused inhibition of stimulated secretion of EPO to 783 +/- 210 ng/10(6) cells vs. 1475 +/- 286 ng/10(6) cells for eosinophils not treated with ALB (P < .05; n = 5). Inhibition of EPO secretion caused by ALB was sustained for 30 min (924 +/- 160 ng/10(6) cells; P < .05 vs. fMLP + CytB; n = 5). By contrast, SALM had no inhibitory effect on fMLP-induced secretion after incubation for 5 min to 18 hr. In cells obtained from four separate isolations, pretreatment with 10(-8)M SALM before addition of ALB blocked the inhibition of EPO release caused by 10(-8)M ALB alone (486 +/- 28 ng/10(6) cells for ALB alone vs. 902 +/- 32 ng/10(6) cells for SALM + ALB; P < .01; n = 4).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

PubMed1994

Characterisation of the endothelin receptor mediating contraction of human pulmonary artery using BQ123 and Ro 46-2005.

We have characterised the endothelin receptor mediating contraction of human isolated pulmonary artery. Endothelin-1 induced a concentration-dependent contraction of human endothelium-denuded pulmonary artery (EC50 5.6 nM). In contrast, endothelin-3 produced only a small contraction (approximately 12% of maximum endothelin-1 response) at the highest concentration tested (1 microM). The ETB receptor-selective agonist, sarafotoxin S6c (0.1 nM to 1 microM) did not cause contraction of human pulmonary artery. Pretreatment of human pulmonary artery with BQ123 (1-10 microM), an ETA receptor-selective blocking drug, resulted in a concentration-dependent, surmountable antagonism of endothelin-1-induced contractions (apparent pKB 6.6-7.0). Schild analyses yielded a shallow slope (0.58), which was significantly less than unity and, consequently, the calculated pA2 (8.1) was greater than the individual pKB values. Pretreatment of human pulmonary artery with Ro 46-2005 (30 microM), a non-peptide. non-selective endothelin receptor-blocking drug, resulted in a surmountable antagonism of endothelin-1-induced contractions (apparent pKB 5.5). In conclusion, endothelin-1-induced contraction of human pulmonary artery appears to be mediated predominantly via ETA receptors, although the shallow Schild slope observed with BQ123 indicates possible receptor heterogeneity.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases in the human lung.

Although theophylline has been used in the treatment of lung diseases, particularly bronchial asthma, since the nineteenth century, the mechanisms underlying its effectiveness remained poorly understood until quite recently. The identification of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE)--the enzyme responsible for breaking down cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP within cells--as a target for methylxanthines such as theophylline led to a research effort that has resulted in the characterization of multiple forms of the PDE enzyme and the development of selective inhibitors for some of these forms. Using these drugs, it has been possible to identify the PDE "isoenzymes" in a number of tissues and cells and to demonstrate the functional effects of the inhibition of different PDEs upon these tissues. Studies on the smooth muscle of human airways and pulmonary arteries have identified isoenzyme-selective PDE inhibitors that are effective broncho- and vasorelaxants in vitro, and it is hoped that these agents may be effective in relieving airway obstruction and pulmonary hypertension in patients. In addition, selective inhibitors of certain PDE isoenzymes suppress the proinflammatory functions of a range of immune cells, including the lung mast cell and the alveolar macrophage. Selective inhibitors of PDE isoenzymes are beginning to undergo clinical trials for the treatment of asthma. The advancing understanding of the PDE distribution in the lung and the ever more precise characterization of distinct enzyme proteins should allow the development of site-selective drugs for the treatment of lung diseases, while minimizing the systemic side effects associated with nonselective PDE inhibitors such as theophylline.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

PubMed1994

Identification of PDE isozymes in human pulmonary artery and effect of selective PDE inhibitors.

The effects of the nonselective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) and the selective PDE inhibitors motapizone (type III), rolipram (type IV), zardaverine (type III/IV), and zaprinast (type V and I) on prostaglandin F2 alpha (PFG2 alpha)-induced tone in human pulmonary arteries was investigated. Relaxation was achieved by IBMX [concentration eliciting 50% of maximum response (EC50): 11.3 microM, n = 10], motapizone (EC50:3.0 microM, n = 7), zardaverine (EC50: 3.2 microM, n = 9), and zaprinast (EC50: 31.8 microM, n = 6), whereas rolipram was almost ineffective. The combination of motapizone and zaprinast (10 microM) was the most effective relaxant with supra-additive relaxation and a motapizone EC50 of 575 nM. Biochemical studies revealed the presence of the PDE isozymes I, III, IV and V in the cytosolic and particulate phases of arterial homogenates; PDE II was not detectable. Partial inhibition of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-hydrolyzing PDE activity was achieved with rolipram (26 +/- 2.2%) or motapizone (60 +/- 5.4%), whereas there was almost complete inhibition of total PDE activity with zardaverine (81 +/- 2.0%) or the combination of motapizone and rolipram (82 +/- 2.3%). Inhibition of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP)-hydrolyzing PDE activity was achieved with zaprinast (62 +/- 2.6%) and motapizone (13 +/- 2.3%), indicating the cGMP-hydrolyzing activity of PDE III. We conclude that four out of the five recognized PDE isozyme families are present in human pulmonary artery. PGF2 alpha-induced tone in this tissue is effectively relaxed through PDE inhibitors with selectivity for type III, III/IV, and type V PDE.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

PubMed1994

Passive sensitization of human bronchi augments smooth muscle shortening velocity and capacity.

We assessed whether incubation with human serum from atopic individuals containing high concentrations of immunoglobulin E (IgE) causes augmentation of maximal contraction of human bronchial smooth muscle from non-atopic subjects in vitro. Bronchi were obtained from eight patients undergoing lung resection, and force-velocity relationships were determined for eight pairs of epithelium-intact bronchial rings of generations 6-7 using an electromagnetic lever system, which allowed isotonic shortening when load-clamps [from 0 to maximal isometric force (P0)] were applied at specific times after onset of contraction. Contractions were elicited by supramaximal electrical field stimulation (50 Hz, 10 s train duration, 25 V). Optimal length (Lo) for each tissue was determined during equilibration. After resection, tissues were sensitized passively with human sera containing high titers (> 1,000 U/ml) of IgE by incubation for 16 h at 20 degrees C. Maximal shortening velocity (Vmax) was increased for passively sensitized bronchi [0.1150 +/- 0.0240 1/2 circumferences/s (1/2Cir/s)] compared with sham-sensitized bronchi [0.0731 +/- 0.0152 1/2Cir/s, P = 0.038]. Similarly, maximal shortening (delta Lmax) was augmented in sensitized bronchial rings (11.27 +/- 1.80 %Lo) compared with sham-sensitized tissues (8.19 +/- 1.39 %Lo, P = 0.012). However, P0 did not differ between sensitized (122.5 +/- 24.4 mN/cm2) compared with sham-sensitized tissues (138.4 +/- 32.1 mN/cm2, P = 0.642). Our data are the first demonstration that Vmax and delta Lmax are augmented in sensitized but not challenged human bronchial rings after passive sensitization using human serum containing high concentrations of IgE.

Bronchi↗

PubMed1994

Contraction of human bronchial smooth muscle caused by activated human eosinophils.

We assessed the effect of activated eosinophils isolated from human peripheral blood in causing contraction of explanted human bronchi in vitro. Sixty-three epithelium-intact fifth generation airway sections were obtained from 16 subjects undergoing lung resection for carcinoma. Eosinophils were isolated by negative immunoselection, and activation with 10(-7) M platelet-activating factor (PAF) was confirmed by measurements of eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) secretion and superoxide (O2-.) generation. EPO secretion increased from 68.6 +/- 13.4 ng/10(6) cells to 420 +/- 125 ng/10(6) cells after activation with PAF (P < 0.05). Similarly, PAF-induced O2-. generation increased from 15.3 +/- 4.64 nmol cytochrome c reduced/10(5) cells to 44.2 +/- 8.50 nmol cytochrome c reduced/10(5) cells (P < 0.05). Cells were instilled into an isolated airway pouch preparation, and, 60 min later, airway contractile responses were determined by optical micrometry as percent decrease in lumenal diameter (%decrease) and percent increase in wall thickness (%increase) using a calibrated magnifying lens. Treatment with either vehicle, PAF alone, or untreated eosinophils had no effect on airway caliber or thickness. PAF-activated cells caused a 30.5 +/- 1.52% decrease in airway caliber (P < 0.001 vs. untreated cells) and a 36.6 +/- 2.54% increase in wall thickness (P < 0.001 vs. untreated cells). Preincubation with A63162, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, caused concentration-dependent inhibition of airway narrowing. After 10(-5) M A63162, decrease in airway diameter caused by PAF was 8.00 +/- 0.10% vs. 30.5 +/- 1.52% for PAF alone (P < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetamides↗

PubMed1994

Theophylline suppresses human alveolar macrophage respiratory burst through phosphodiesterase inhibition.

The effects of theophylline upon human alveolar macrophage function were assessed and compared with its action upon macrophage cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. In the concentration range of 10 mumol/liter to 1 mmol/liter, theophylline caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of opsonized zymosan-stimulated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation and PDE-catalyzed cAMP hydrolysis and increased the cellular cAMP content. Macrophage H2O2 generation was also inhibited by forskolin, an activator of adenylyl cyclase, but whereas theophylline (1 mmol/liter) and forskolin (1 mumol/liter) exhibited a synergic elevation of macrophage cAMP, there was no synergy between the two agents in the inhibition of respiratory burst. The inhibition of H2O2 generation by theophylline was reversed by the competitive inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, (Rp)8-bromoadenosine cyclic 3':5'-monophosphorothioate (Rp-8-Br-cAMPS; 100 mumol/liter), indicating that the functional effect of theophylline was mediated through the elevation of cAMP. The inhibition of H2O2 generation by theophylline was not affected by adenosine deaminase (0.1 U/ml), indicating that the inhibition did not involve adenosine antagonism. It is concluded that theophylline exerts a direct inhibitory action upon human alveolar macrophage function through the elevation of cAMP levels as a result of PDE inhibition, and that this effect is observed at concentrations of theophylline that may be achieved in serum during therapy.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

PubMed1994

Migration of human and guinea pig airway epithelial cells in response to calcitonin gene-related peptide.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is contained within and secreted by nerves and neuroepithelial bodies in the airway epithelium. To determine whether CGRP is a chemoattractant, tracheal epithelial cells isolated from 23 guinea pigs, and bronchial epithelial cells isolated from seven human donors were grown in primary culture for 4 to 5 days. Cell migration was assessed in a blindwell chemotaxis chamber. A gelatin-coated polycarbonate filter (8-microns pore size) separated the upper wells containing 5 x 10(4) cells from the lower wells containing chemoattractant (either CGRP or insulin). Cells were stimulated for 6 h, after which migrated cells on the filter were stained and counted. Both insulin and CGRP elicited migration of guinea pig tracheal epithelial (GPTE) cells. Exposure to 30 micrograms/ml insulin caused migration of 26.5 +/- 4.0 cells versus 4.3 +/- 0.6 cells per 10 hpf for control (P < 0.001). Treatment with 10(-9) M CGRP elicited migration of 39.6 +/- 2.5 cells versus 2.6 +/- 0.9 cells per 10 hpf for control (P < 0.001). Human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells also migrated after stimulation with either insulin or CGRP: after 10(-9) M CGRP, HBE cell migration was 41.0 +/- 6.1 cells versus 3.4 +/- 0.3 cells per 10 hpf (P < 0.002; n = 3). Checkerboard analysis showed that the migration to CGRP was both chemotactic and chemokinetic. Incubation with 10(-8) M hCGRP-(8-37), a receptor antagonist for CGRP, plus 10(-9) M CGRP decreased GPTE cell migration to 9.8 +/- 2.4 cells versus 38.6 +/- 1.2 cells per 10 hpf for 10(-9) M CGRP alone (P < 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Why are long-acting beta-adrenoceptor agonists long-acting?

The extended duration of bronchodilation due to formoterol and salmeterol greatly exceeds that of short acting beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists, such as salbutamol or terbutaline. This extended duration and their capacity to "reassert" airway smooth muscle relaxation in vitro despite repeated washing has prompted considerable debate on the underlying mechanism(s). The comparative pharmacology, and molecular modelling of these drugs and of the beta 2-adrenoceptor and its ligand binding core have cast doubt on the exosite/exoceptor model previously proposed to explain the behaviour of salmeterol. We present evidence supporting a unifying hypothesis that the duration of action both of formoterol and salmeterol is determined principally by their physicochemical interactions with membrane lipid bilayers (plasmalemma diffusion microkinetic model), rather than putative distinct exosite/exoceptor binding sites in or near the beta 2-adrenoceptor. This model provides a clearer understanding of the pharmacological profile of these drugs (rate of onset, duration, "reassertion", interaction with hydrophilic and hydrophobic beta 2-adrenoceptor antagonists), and explains why in human airway smooth muscle in vitro a true relaxation-concentration response may not exist for salmeterol.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

PubMed1994

Inhibitory effects of sulfonated shale oil fractions on the oxidative burst and Ca++ mobilization in stimulated macrophages.

The effect of sulfonated shale oil fractions on the oxidative burst and the mobilization of intracellular calcium in purified guinea pig peritoneal macrophages was investigated in vitro. Three sulfonated shale oil fractions of varying boiling range, No. 1 = R = 1269 (powder, sodium salt of sulfonated shale oil dark), No. 2 = R 3269 (watery solution, sodium salt of sulfonated shale oil pale, Ichthyol hell), No. 3 = R 2069 (watery solution, ammonium salt of sulfonated shale oil dark, Ichthyol) were investigated. Two of three compounds dose-dependently inhibited leukotriene (LT) B4-induced Ca++ mobilization with complete inhibition at 10 mumol/l. The phorbol ester-stimulated generation of superoxide anion was dose-dependently inhibited by all three compounds with an optimal concentration of 1 to 10 mumol/l and maximal inhibition of 34.7, 39 and 38%. High concentrations of the compounds promoted the release of superoxide anion into the buffer medium. The LTB4-stimulated generation of hydrogen peroxide was also dose-dependently inhibited by all three compounds with maximal inhibition of 34, 40 and 32% with an optimal concentration of 100 mumol/l. Our observations support the hypothesis that sulfonated shale oil fractions are capable of modulating inflammatory responses through inhibition of inflammatory cell functions.

Animals↗