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Biomedical subjects

L Iacopino

Publications and source records attributed to L Iacopino.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Autoradiographic localization of the GABAA receptor agonist [3H]-muscimol within rat kidney.

By the use of combined radioreceptor binding and autoradiographic techniques, the pharmacological characteristics of (3H)-muscimol binding and the localization of the label were studied. (3H)-Muscimol was bound by sections of rat kidney in a manner consistent with the existence of specific gamma-aminobutyric acid 'A' (GABAA) receptors with KD and Bmax values of 23.7 nmol/l and 1.15 pmol/mg tissue, respectively. (3H)-Muscimol was bound by convoluted tubules of the renal cortex and by the collecting tubules. Our findings demonstrating the existence of recognition sites for the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol in the kidney suggest that GABA has a role in renal function.

Animals

Stimulatory effect of neonatal beta-estradiol treatment on aspartate-aminotransferase activity within rat cerebellar cortex.

The effect of neonatal beta-estradiol treatment on the Aspartate-aminotransferase (Asp-T) activity within rat cerebellar cortex has been studied using a semi-quantitative histochemical technique. The Asp-T, localized chiefly at the level of nerve fiber-like structures in the molecular layer as well as around the perikaryon of Purkinje neurons, is significantly stimulated after estrogenization. The nerve fibers localized in the molecular layer were the Asp-T cerebellar structures more remarkably influenced by beta-estradiol treatment.

Animals

Age-associated decrease of dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase in rabbit renal artery.

Using renal arteries from young (6 months), mature (18 months) and old (70 months) rabbits, the effect of dopamine on 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) generation was studied. No significant differences in basal adenylate cyclase values were found in homogenates of renal artery from young, mature or old rabbits. The protein content of the renal artery was also unchanged during the lifespan. Dopamine stimulated the production of cAMP. The stimulatory effect of dopamine was similar in the renal artery of young and mature rabbits but was lower by about 40% in old rabbits. The present results led us to hypothesize an impairment of the peripheral dopaminergic system in old age similar to that described for the central dopaminergic system.

Adenylyl Cyclases

Changes of [3H]spiroperidol binding in the renal artery of aged rabbits.

Using mature (12 months), old (70 months) rabbits and 3H-labeled spiroperidol, the characteristics of renal artery dopamine receptors were studied. In old age the dissociation constant of [3H]spiroperidol was unchanged, while maximum specific binding was reduced more than 45%. The present data seem to indicate an impairment of peripheral dopaminergic function in ageing.

Aging

Stimulatory effect of beta-estradiol treatment on GABA-degradative enzymes within rat cerebellar cortex.

The influence of neonatal beta-estradiol treatment on the development of GABA-degradative enzymes (GABA transaminase and succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase) within rat cerebellar cortex has been studied using a semiquantitative histochemical technique. Both enzymatic activities were stimulated following beta-estradiol treatment. In particular, the granule and Purkinje cells were the most influenced cerebellar components. The findings seem to suggest that granule and Purkinje cells may represent the principal target of the cerebellar cortex for sex hormones.

4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-sensitive cyclic adenosine monophosphate generating system in the rat portal vein.

The effect of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) on the 3'-5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) generating system in membrane particles of rat portal vein was studied. In the presence of 10 microM GTP, VIP increased the concentration of cAMP in a dose-dependent manner. The removal of endothelium had no effect on cAMP production elicited by VIP. alpha- and beta-adrenergic as well as muscarinic receptor blocking agents did not inhibit VIP-dependent cAMP increase. Also various peptides, structurally analogous to VIP or active on portal vein smooth muscle, had no effect on cAMP production elicited by VIP. The present data, combined with those reported in the literature of an active relaxation of portal vein smooth muscle by VIP, suggest the existence of functionally active VIP receptors coupled to the adenylate cyclase system in the rat portal vein.

Animals