Biomedical subjects

L Edvinsson

Publications and source records attributed to L Edvinsson.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Influence of ageing on vasomotor responses of human epicardial coronary arteries.

Vasomotor responses to various agonists were studied on isolated circular segments of human epicardial coronary arteries from three different age groups; 23-38 years, 40-58 years and 63-86 years. Noradrenaline had no or only weak contractile effect on coronary arteries from younger patients but induced contraction of all artery segments from older patients. The Emax value was significantly (P<0.0001) higher in arteries from the oldest group compared to each of the two younger age groups, whereas the potency was similar in all three groups. Linear regression analysis of noradrenaline-induced contraction in individual patients revealed a significantly positive age-correlation (correlation coefficient 0.67, P<0.0001). Contraction induced by endothelin-1 and relaxation induced by substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide and vasoactive intestinal peptide on arteries precontracted with U46619 showed no significant differences in maximum responses and potencies between the three age groups, and no significant linear age-correlation. These data demonstrate a large variability in contractile responses to noradrenaline with contractions seen mostly in coronary arteries from older patients. It thus seems that sympathetic activation could contribute to coronary ischaemia in some patients.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

PubMed2000

Modulation of contractile force by endothelin receptors in porcine myocardial trabeculae.

The aim of the study was to determine possible inotropic effects mediated by endothelin-A and endothelin-B receptors in porcine myocardial trabeculae from right atria and left ventricles. Isolated trabeculae were paced at 1.5 Hz in tissue baths, and changes in isometric contractile force upon exposure to agonist were studied. Endothelin-1 and endothelin-3 had a strong and potent positive inotropic effect in all trabeculae. In all atrial and in some ventricular trabeculae this effect was preceded by a transient negative inotropic effect at 10(-7) M. The endothelin-B receptor agonist IRL 1620 had a positive inotropic effect in some of the ventricular trabeculae, and no negative inotropic effect. Another endothelin-B receptor agonist, sarafotoxin S6c, had no positive inotropic effect, but induced a transient negative inotropic effect in some atrial trabeculae at 10(-7) M. In atrial trabeculae the preincubation with the endothelin-A receptor antagonist FR139317 (10(-6) M) decreased significantly (P<0.01) the maximum positive inotropic responses and abolished negative inotropic responses to endothelin-1. In conclusion, both endothelin-A and endothelin-B receptors may have the potential to mediate both positive and negative inotropic responses, but a positive inotropic effect mediated mainly via endothelin-A receptors seems to predominate.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2000

The stable pyrimidines UDPbetaS and UTPgammaS discriminate between the P2 receptors that mediate vascular contraction and relaxation of the rat mesenteric artery.

The contractile and relaxant effects of the different P2 receptors were characterized in the rat isolated mesenteric artery by use of extracellular nucleotides, including the stable pyrimidines uridine 5'-O-thiodiphosphate (UDPbetaS) and uridine 5'-O-3-thiotriphosphate (UTPgammaS). The selective P2X receptor agonist, alphabeta-methylene-adenosine triphosphate (alphabeta-MeATP) stimulated a potent (pEC(50)=6.0) but relatively weak contraction (E:(max)=57% of 60 mM K(+)). The contractile concentration-response curve of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was biphasic when added in single concentrations. The first part of the response could be desensitized by alphabeta-MeATP, indicating involvement of P2X receptors, while the second part might be mediated by P2Y receptors. The contractile P2Y receptors were further characterized after P2X receptor desensitization with 10 microM alphabeta-MeATP. Uridine diphosphate (UDP), uridine triphosphate (UTP) and ATP stimulated contraction only in high concentrations (1 - 10 mM). The selective P2Y(6) agonist, UDPbetaS, and the P2Y(2)/P2Y(4)-receptor agonists UTPgammaS and adenosine 5'-O-3-thiotriphosphate (ATPgammaS) were considerably more potent and efficacious (E:(max) approximately 250% of 60 mM K(+)). Adenosine 5'-O-thiodiphosphate (ADPbetaS) was inactive, excluding contractile P2Y(1) receptors. After precontraction with 1 microM noradrenaline, UTP, ADP and ATP induced relaxations with similar potencies (pEC(50) approximately 5.0). UTPgammaS, ADPbetaS and ATPgammaS were approximately one log unit more potent indicating the presence of endothelial P2Y(1) and P2Y(2)/P2Y(4) receptors. The P2Y(6) receptor agonist, UDPbetaS, had no effect. UDPbetaS and UTPgammaS are useful tools when studying P2 receptors in tissue preparations with ectonucleotidase activity. Contractile responses can be elicited by stimulation of P2Y(6) and, slightly less potently, P2Y(2)/P2Y(4) receptors. The P2X response was relatively weak, and there was no P2Y(1) response. Stimulation of P2Y(1) and P2Y(2)/P2Y(4) receptors elicited relaxation, while P2Y(6) did not contribute.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed2000

Positive inotropic responses mediated by endothelin ET(A) and ET(B) receptors in human myocardial trabeculae.

The aim of the present study was to determine possible inotropic effects mediated by endothelin ET(A) and ET(B) receptors in human myocardial trabeculae from the right atrium and the left ventricle. Isolated trabeculae from human hearts were paced at 1.0 Hz in tissue baths, and changes in isometric contractile force upon exposure to agonist were studied. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and ET-3 had a strong positive inotropic effect in all trabeculae. ET-1 was significantly more potent than ET-3 in both atrial (P < 0.001) and ventricular (P < 0.05) trabeculae. Preincubation with the ET(A) receptor antagonist FR139317 (1 microM) decreased significantly (P < 0.005) the potency of ET- I in both atrial and ventricular trabeculae, without any significant changes in Emax (maximum effect obtained with an agonist). The ET(B) receptor agonist IRL 1620 had a positive inotropic effect only in some trabeculae, and the ET(B) receptor antagonist BQ 788 (1 microM) almost completely blocked this effect. These results suggest that both ET(A) and ET(B) receptors mediate positive inotropic responses at both the atrial and ventricular level in the human heart.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Angiotensin II type 1 receptors stimulate protein synthesis in human cardiac fibroblasts via a Ca2+-sensitive PKC-dependent tyrosine kinase pathway.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the proliferative effects of Ang II in human cardiac fibroblasts. The effects of Ang II in human cardiac fibroblasts on the 3H-thymidine incorporation, the cell number, the 3H-leucine incorporation and the total protein content were measured. The expression of receptor mRNA was performed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Ang II increased 3H-leucine incorporation in a concentration-dependent manner but not 3H-thymidine incorporation in primary cultures of human cardiac fibroblasts. The maximum effect (24 +/- 3% over control) was obtained at a concentration of 10 nM. There were no significant alterations of cell number or total protein content, suggesting that Ang II stimulated protein synthesis but did not induce hypertrophy. The accumulation of 3H-leucine was blocked by the AT1 receptor antagonist candesartan but not by the AT2 receptor antagonist PD123319. By using RT-PCR, both AT1 and AT2 receptors mRNA were found to be expressed in human cardiac fibroblasts. The selective MAPKK inhibitor PD098059, the protein kinase C inhibitor K252a or the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 did not significantly inhibit Ang II augmented 3H-leucine incorporation. However, this was significantly blocked by the Ca2+-dependent protein kinase C inhibitor GO6976, the non-selective protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor tyrphostin 25. The effects of Ang II were unaffected by the Gi-protein blocker pertussis toxin, indicating a Gi-protein-independent pathway. Ang II was synergistic with insulin but showed no significant increase on 3H-leucine incorporation when combined with PDGF or EGF. In summary, Ang II stimulates protein synthesis through AT1 receptors in human cardiac fibroblasts, but has no hypertrophic or hyperplastic effect. The response is mediated by a MAPKK-independent and Ca2+-sensitive PKC-dependent pathway.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed2000

Forearm blood flow responses to neuropeptide Y, noradrenaline and adenosine 5'-triphosphate in hypertensive and normotensive subjects.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), noradrenaline (NA) and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) are important co-transmitters in the sympathetic nervous system, which has a central role in cardiovascular control. In order to evaluate if hypertension is associated with alterations in vascular responses to sympathetic co-transmitters we studied the effects of intra-arterial infusion of NPY, NA and ATP on forearm blood flow. Blood flow was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography in six hypertensive (mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) 113 +/- 4 mmHg) and six matched normotensive subjects (MAP 97 +/- 3 mmHg). NPY and NA significantly reduced forearm blood flow, while a powerful increase was seen with ATP. Forearm vascular resistance, calculated as MAP divided by forearm blood flow, was significantly increased by NPY and NA and strongly reduced by ATP. There was no difference between hypertensive and normotensive subjects in response to either transmitter. In conclusion, vascular reactivity to intra-arterial administration of NPY, NA and ATP seems to be intact in hypertensive patients without metabolic aberrations.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed2000

Downregulation of adenosine and P2X receptor-mediated cardiovascular responses in heart failure rats.

Neurohormonal changes in congestive heart failure (CHF) include an enhanced peripheral sympathetic nerve activity which results in increased release of noradrenaline, neuropeptide Y and ATP. To examine if such changes in CHF would modulate peripheral pre- and postsynaptic receptors of ATP and its degradation product adenosine, experiments were performed in a rat model of ischaemic CHF. In this model, ischaemia was induced in rats by ligation of the left coronary artery. Our results demonstrate that there is a selective downregulation of P2X receptor-mediated pressor effects, while the hypotensive effects mediated by the endothelial P2Y receptors are unaffected in CHF. Moreover, the adenosine-mediated inhibitory effects on heart rate and blood pressure were also attenuated in the CHF rats. The most important changes in adenosine and P2-receptor function induced by ischaemic CHF were the reduced pressor effect mediated by the P2X receptor and the increased heart rate due to an attenuated inhibitory effect of adenosine.

Adenosine↗

PubMed2000

Inotropic effects of endothelin compared to noradrenaline in porcine myocardial trabeculae.

Isolated porcine myocardial trabeculae from the right atria and left ventricles were paced at 1.5 Hz in tissue baths, and changes in isometric contractile force upon exposure to noradrenaline (NA), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and endothelin-3 (ET-3) were studied. The endothelin-B- (ET(B)) receptor agonists IRL 1620 and sarafotoxin S6c (S6c), and the endothelin-A- (ET(A)) receptor antagonist FR139317 were used to assess the functional involvement of ET(A)- and ET(B)-receptors. NA, ET-1 and ET-3 induced strong increases in contractile amplitude of all trabeculae. In both atrial and ventricular trabeculae the increases in contractile amplitudes induced by ET-1 and ET-3 were significantly lower than those induced by noradrenaline, whereas the potencies for ET-1 and ET-3 were significantly higher than those for noradrenaline (p < 0.05, n = 6-10 in each group). The positive inotropic effect of ET-1 was antagonized by preincubation with FR139317 (10(-6) M). IRL 1620 had a positive inotropic effect in only a few of the ventricular but in none of the atrial trabeculae, and S6c had no positive inotropic effect in either atrial or ventricular trabeculae (n = 6-9 in each group). These results suggest that positive inotropic responses can be mediated by both ET(A)- and ET(B)-receptors.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Cytokines induce upregulation of vascular P2Y(2) receptors and increased mitogenic responses to UTP and ATP.

P2Y(2) receptors, which mediate contractile and mitogenic effects of extracellular nucleotides in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), are upregulated in the synthetic phenotype of VSMCs and in the neointima after balloon angioplasty, suggesting a role in the development of atherosclerosis. Because released cytokines in atherosclerotic lesions mediate multiple effects on gene transcription in VSMCs, we speculated that cytokines could be involved in the regulation of P2Y(2) receptor expression. Using a competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, we detected that interleukin (IL)-1beta induced a time- and dose-dependent upregulation of P2Y(2) receptor mRNA, which was dramatically enhanced when combined with interferon-gamma or tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Lipopolysaccharide also significantly increased the expression of P2Y(2) receptor mRNA. The upregulation of P2Y(2) receptor mRNA was paralleled at the functional level because IL-1beta significantly increased the UTP-stimulated DNA synthesis and the release of intracellular Ca(2+). Actinomycin D completely blocked the upregulation of P2Y(2) receptor mRNA expression by IL-1beta, indicating de novo mRNA synthesis. There was no cAMP accumulation in the cells stimulated with IL-1beta. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin and the protein kinase C inhibitor RO-31-8220 inhibited IL-1beta-induced upregulation of P2Y(2) receptor mRNA expression, whereas rapamycin and PD098059 had no effects. Furthermore, neither P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor SB20358 alone nor its combination with PD098059 blocked the effect of IL-1beta on the expression of P2Y(2) receptor mRNA. Our results demonstrate that inflammatory mediators upregulate vascular P2Y(2) receptors at the transcriptional and at the functional level through protein kinase C and cyclooxygenase but not cAMP, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2, or P38-dependent pathways. This may result in increased growth-stimulatory or contractile effects of extracellular UTP and ATP, which may be of importance in the development of vascular disease.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed2000

Vasodilation in human subcutaneous arteries induced by neuropeptide Y is mediated by neuropeptide Y Y1 receptors and is nitric oxide dependent.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is known as a potent vasoconstrictor of peripheral blood vessels both in vivo and in vitro. There have been reports suggesting that NPY also has a dilatory effect. The aim of the present study was to elucidate whether NPY dilates small human subcutaneous arteries. Subcutaneous arteries, obtained from patients undergoing abdominal surgery, were mounted in in vitro tissue baths, and the vascular responses to NPY were investigated. The presence of mRNA encoding the human NPY Y1 receptor in endothelial cells from human umbilical veins was studied by the use of reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In arteries precontracted with the prostaglandin analogue U46619, NPY induced a concentration-dependent vasodilation (Emax 30 +/- 10% of the U46619-induced contraction), which was significantly inhibited by the NPY Y1 receptor antagonist BIBP3226 (1 microM), causing a rightward shift of the concentration-response curve, pEC50 7.1 +/- 0.3 vs. 7.7 +/- 0.3 for NPY alone. After pretreatment with the nitric oxide synthetase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (10 microM), the dilation was abolished (Emax 6 +/- 5% of the U46619-induced contraction). mRNA encoding the human NPY Y1 receptor was detected in endothelial cells from human umbilical veins. It was concluded that NPY induces vasodilation in human subcutaneous arteries. The dilation is mediated via the NPY Y1 receptor and is dependent on nitric oxide.

Arginine↗

PubMed2000

Neuropeptide Y stimulates DNA synthesis in human vascular smooth muscle cells through neuropeptide Y Y1 receptors.

We investigated the mitogenic effect, measured as [3H]thymidine incorporation, of neuropeptide Y (NPY) on smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from human subcutaneous arteries (diameter: 0.4 mm). NPY stimulated DNA synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner, Emax 32 +/- 5% relative to control. The effect was potently antagonised by the NPY Y1 receptor antagonist BIBP3226 ((R)-N2-(diphenylacetyl)-N-[(4-hydroxy-phenyl)methyl]-D-arginine-a mide), indicating the effect to be mediated via the NPY Y1 receptor. Noradrenaline (NA) also induced mitogenesis, Emax 35 +/- 10% relative to control. When added together, NPY and NA potentiated the [3H]thymidine incorporation, Emax 109 +/- 38% relative to control. Also, this effect seems to be mediated by the NPY Y1 receptor, since BIBP3226 blocked the effect (44 +/- 9% relative to control). The mitogenic effect of NPY and NA, two important transmitters of the sympathetic nervous system, might have clinical consequences on conditions with elevated sympathetic nerve activity.

Cells, Cultured↗

PubMed2000

Characterization of contractile P2 receptors in human coronary arteries by use of the stable pyrimidines uridine 5'-O-thiodiphosphate and uridine 5'-O-3-thiotriphosphate.

The present study was designed to evaluate the relative contribution of the different contractile P2 receptors in endothelium-denuded human coronary arteries by use of extracellular nucleotides, including the stable pyrimidines uridine 5'-O-3-thiotriphosphate (UTPgammaS) and uridine 5'-O-thiodiphosphate (UDPbetaS). The isometric tension of isolated vessel segments was recorded in vitro, and P2 receptor mRNA expression was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. alphabeta-Methylene-adenosine triphosphate (alphabeta-MeATP) elicited contractions at a low concentration (pEC(50) = 5.2), indicating the presence of contractile P2X receptors. The P2Y responses were analyzed after P2X receptor desensitization with 10 microM alphabeta-MeATP. The stable nucleotides UTPgammaS and adenosine 5'-O-3-thiotriphosphate (ATPgammaS), which are agonists of P2Y(2) or P2Y(4) receptors, were approximately 2 log units more potent than the endogenous UTP and ATP (pEC(50) = 4.6 and 3.8 for UTPgammaS and ATPgammaS). The efficacy of these responses were approximately double that of the P2X agonist alphabeta-MeATP (E(max) = 125% for UTPgammaS, 126% for ATPgammaS, and 68% for alphabeta-MeATP), suggesting a primary role for contractile P2Y(2/4) receptors. The P2Y(2) receptor agonist diadenosine tetraphosphate also stimulated contraction, whereas the selective P2Y(1) agonist adenosine 5'-O-thiodiphosphate and the selective P2Y(6) agonist UDPbetaS had no effect. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis of mRNA from endothelium-denuded human coronary arteries demonstrated strong bands for P2Y(2) and P2X(1), although bands for P2Y(1), P2Y(4), and P2Y(6) receptor mRNA could also be detected. In conclusion, the stable pyrimidines UDPbetaS and UTPgammaS are important tools for P2 receptor subtype characterization in intact tissues with ectonucleotidase activity. Extracellular nucleotides elicit contraction of human coronary arteries primarily by activation of P2Y(2) and P2X receptors, whereas a role for P2Y(1) and P2Y(6) receptors can be excluded. Antagonists of P2Y(2) and P2X receptors may be useful in the treatment of coronary vasospastic disorders.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed2000

A pathophysiological view of primary headaches.

The cerebral circulation is innervated by sympathetic, parasympathetic and sensory nerves which store a considerable number of neurotransmitters. The role of these has been evaluated in primary headaches. A clear association between head pain and the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was demonstrated. In cluster headache and in a case of chronic paroxysmal headache there was in addition release of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) which was associated with facial symptoms (nasal congestion, rhinorrhea). In parallel with sumatriptan treatment head pain subsided and neuropeptide release normalised. These data show the involvement of sensory and parasympathetic mechanisms in the pathophysiology of primary headaches.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Positive inotropy of calcitonin gene-related peptide and amylin on porcine isolated myocardium.

Isolated porcine myocardial trabeculae from right atria and left ventricles were paced at 1.5 Hz in tissue baths, and changes in isometric contractile force upon exposure to agonist were studied. Alpha calcitonin gene-related peptide (alpha-CGRP) increased contractile force in nearly half of the trabeculae, whereas the selective CGRP(2) receptor agonist [Cys(acetylmethoxy)(2,7)]-CGRP had effect in only a few. Preincubation with the CGRP(1) receptor antagonist alpha-CGRP-(8-37) (10(-6) M) almost completely blocked positive inotropic responses to alpha-CGRP. Amylin had weak positive inotropic effects in some atrial, but not in ventricular trabeculae. Adrenomedullin did not affect contractility in either atrial or ventricular trabeculae. In conclusion, these results suggest that alpha-CGRP has a positive inotropic effect that can be mediated by both CGRP(1) and CGRP(2) receptors. Amylin seems to have a potential positive inotropic effect on atrial tissue, whereas no direct effect of adrenomedullin could be measured.

Amyloid↗

PubMed1999

[Vasoactive transmitters in the coronary circulation].

Coronary resistance can be modified by perivascular, endothelial and humoral vasoactive substances. A network of perivascular nerve fibres is present in the adventitia and at the adventitial-medial border of human coronary arteries and veins, and immunocytochemical studies have provided evidence that several neuropeptides are localized in subpopulations of afferent and efferent nerve fibres supplying the human coronary vasculature. Neuropeptide Y seems to be co-localized with noradrenaline in adrenergic perivascular nerve fibres and vasoactive intestinal peptide co-localized with acetylcholine in parasympathetic nerves, whereas sensory perivascular nerves contain immunoreactivity to substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide. On the other hand, nitric oxide and endothelin are synthesized in coronary endothelial cells. Humoral substances like gonadal hormones are also likely candidates in the regulation of coronary resistance. The presence of different vasoactive substances in the coronary vasculature and the potential of these substances to affect coronary vessel tone, suggest that they have an important role in the regulation of coronary blood flow.

Coronary Circulation↗

PubMed1999

Cytokines increase endothelin ETB receptor contractile activity in rat cerebral artery.

The plasticity of endothelin ETB receptor activity and the influence of pro-inflammatory cytokines was examined in cerebral artery. In fresh rat basilar artery, the selective ETB receptor agonist, sarafotoxin S6c, induced negligible contractions. However, after 1 day of organ culture, fully defined concentration-response curves were obtained in artery segments exposed to sarafotoxin S6c. Organ culture in the presence of either interleukin-1 beta or tumour necrosis factor-alpha, but not interleukin-2 or interleukin-6, further amplified the maximal contraction to sarafotoxin S6c. The plasticity of ETB receptor expression in cerebral arteries and sensitivity for pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggest a role in inflammatory cerebral diseases such as stroke.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Cytokines induce increased endothelin ET(B) receptor-mediated contraction.

The effect of cytokines on the induction of contractile endothelin ET(B) receptors during organ culture was examined. Ring segments of rat superior mesenteric artery were used fresh or incubated for 24 h in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium alone, or with either interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) or interleukin-2. In fresh arterial segments there was no endothelin ET(B) receptor-induced contraction. After incubation, the selective endothelin ET(B) receptor agonist sarafotoxin 6c evoked a contraction of 22 +/- 6% relative to that induced by 60 mM K+. The endothelin ET(B) receptor-induced contraction was further increased to 125 +/- 25% and 157 +/- 29% by interleukin-1beta and TNF-alpha, respectively, while interleukin-2 did not alter the endothelin ET(B) receptor-induced contraction. The identity of the contractile receptor was confirmed as the endothelin ET(B) receptor by the use of an additional specific endothelin ET(B) receptor agonist, IRL 1620, and by antagonist experiments with FR 139317 and IRL 2500. The endothelin-1-induced contraction was not altered by either of the cytokines. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction revealed increased levels of endothelin ET(B) mRNA, relative to endothelin ET(A) mRNA following organ culture, suggesting that contractile endothelin ET(B) receptors appear via de novo transcription. None of the cytokines changed the ratio of endothelin ET(A) and endothelin ET(B) receptor mRNA, indicating that the further increased sarafotoxin 6c-induced contraction is mediated through an enhancement of intracellular signalling mechanisms.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Interleukin-1beta potentiates endothelin ET(B) receptor-mediated contraction in cultured segments of human temporal artery.

Segments of human temporal artery were placed in organ culture for up to 4 days and examined for endothelin ET(B) receptor activity in the presence and absence of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) by in vitro pharmacology and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The contractile effect of prostaglandin F2alpha (used as a reference), was not significantly altered by culture or IL-1beta. However, the selective ET(B) agonist sarafotoxin S6c induced no contraction in fresh arteries, but marked contraction after culture. Both maximal contraction and potency to sarafotoxin S6c were increased in segments incubated with IL-1beta . The contraction was sensitive to BQ 788 (ET(B) antagonist), but not FR 139317 (ET(A) antagonist). Actinomycin D abolished the contraction, whereas only the cytokine-induced increase in contraction was inhibited by cycloheximide. ET(A) and ET(B) receptor mRNAs were detected in all arteries; predominantly for the ET(A) receptor in fresh arteries, and for the ET(B) receptor after culture. However, there was no change in the ET(A)/ET(B) receptor mRNA ratio after treatment with IL-1beta. This suggests de novo synthesis of contractile ET(B) receptors after organ culture and that IL- 1beta may further stimulate translation of the mRNA to active receptors. The results raise the possibility that contractile ET(B) receptors may be implicated in disease states with inflammatory processes.

Cycloheximide↗