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M Fratelli

Publications and source records attributed to M Fratelli.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

High plasma levels of catecholamines during insulin-induced hypoglycemic stress do not cause beta-adrenergic receptor sequestration.

In the present investigation insulin-induced hypoglycemia was used as a powerful stimulus to rapidly release epinephrine from the adrenal medulla. Insulin injection raised epinephrine 16-fold and doubled norepinephrine plasma levels. The aim of this attempt was to induce beta-adrenergic receptors (beta-ARs) sequestration in vivo on mononuclear leukocytes (MNLs). The number of total and surface beta-ARs was significantly increased 30 minutes after insulin administration, with only partial recovery at 90 minutes. No detectable receptor sequestration was observed: surface receptors were about 90% of total receptors in all the conditions examined. Isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation was also increased after 30 minutes (+66%) and 90 minutes (+65%) of insulin injection. Basal and forskolin-stimulated intracellular cAMP values were unchanged. We conclude that, even after a strong release of catecholamines, beta-AR redistribution cannot be demonstrated on MNLs.

Adrenal Medulla

Low affinity of beta-adrenergic receptors for agonists on intact cells is not due to receptor sequestration.

The low affinity of beta-adrenergic receptors for agonists described on intact cells at 37 degrees C has usually been interpreted in terms of reduced accessibility of agonists (which are usually hydrophilic) for sequestered receptors. We challenged this hypothesis by eliminating the plasma membrane barrier with low doses of the detergent digitonin. In human mononuclear leukocytes (MNL) permeabilized with digitonin, sequestered receptors became accessible to hydrophilic ligands such as agonists, but the affinity was still low. Then we investigated the relationship between low affinity agonist binding and sequestration using concanavalin A, which blocks sequestration. Even when sequestration was blocked, the affinity of the beta-adrenergic receptors for agonists was low. We conclude that: (a) low affinity agonist binding is independent of receptor sequestration; (b) the receptors which undergo conformational change are those that are sequestered; (c) the low affinity appears before sequestration occurs. This receptor conformational change could be the first step in agonist-induced desensitization.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists

Reduction of beta-adrenergic receptors can explain the lack of rebound effect after tertatolol withdrawal.

Tertatolol is a potent beta-blocker with no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA) or beta 1/beta 2 receptor subtype selectivity. We provide evidence that tertatolol competitively inhibits beta-adrenergic receptors (beta-AR) and induces a marked and persistent reduction of their number. This has been consistently found in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro study showed that the receptor reduction by tertatolol was rapid (about 1 h at 37 degrees C), slowly reversible and independent of ISA. This effect was also observed in vivo. In healthy volunteers, seven days tertatolol treatment lowered the number of beta-AR by 26%. This number gradually rose back to the pretreatment levels, and a significant effect was still present on day 3 after drug withdrawal. The reduction of heart rate by tertatolol was also persistent and was still significant on day 3 to 5 after drug withdrawal. We conclude that the reduction of the receptor numbers may be important in producing a lack of a rebound effect after discontinuation of chronic tertatolol treatment.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists

Catecholamines do not induce fibrinolytic activity increase in cultured bovine endothelial cells.

This study has investigated the catecholamine involvement in the fibrinolytic modulation of cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). Adrenaline and isoproterenol, at concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 microM, were unable to modulate the fibrinolytic response of these cells. beta-Adrenergic binding studies using 3H-CGP 12177 as radioligand evidenced the presence of about 23,113 +/- 2,065 sites/cell, with a KD of 1.23 +/- 0.29 nM. Isoproterenol stimulated cAMP accumulation at concentrations ranging from 1 to 100 microM, with a maximal accumulation of 30 pmol/10(6) cell. Hence, in our experimental conditions BAEC, although possessing functional beta-adrenergic receptors, were unable to increase any fibrinolytic activity in response to catecholamines.

Animals

Certain beta-blockers can decrease beta-adrenergic receptor number: I. Acute reduction in receptor number by tertatolol and bopindolol.

We have previously reported that a potent new beta-blocker, tertatolol, when given at therapeutic doses to healthy volunteers, rapidly reduced the number of human mononuclear leukocyte beta-receptors. In the present study, the mechanism of receptor regulation by beta-antagonists incubated with target cells in vitro was investigated. Two different cell types (human mononuclear leukocytes and S49 murine lymphoma cells) were used, and beta-adrenergic receptors were measured using either the hydrophilic ligand 3H-CGP 12177 (specific for surface receptors) or lipophilic 125I-pindolol (which measures total receptors). In a comparison between beta-blockers, tertatolol and bopindolol, but not propranolol and pindolol, were found to rapidly (1 hour at 37 degrees C) reduce the number of beta-adrenergic receptors. This was paralleled by a reduction in isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation. The reduction in receptors was the same whether surface or total receptors were measured; thus, it was not due to receptor sequestration. This effect was not caused by partial agonist activity (bopindolol is a weak partial agonist); in parallel experiments, tertatolol and bopindolol, but not pindolol (potent partial agonist) and isoproterenol (full agonist), reduced beta-adrenergic receptors. Finally, this effect was not due to irreversible binding: the receptor reduction induced by the irreversible blocker bromo-acetyl-alprenolol-methane (BAAM) was stable for several hours, while the effect of tertatolol and bopindolol was slowly reversed over the same time course. We suggest that tertatolol and bopindolol have two effects on beta-adrenergic receptors: they bind competitively, and then they modify the receptors so that they are no longer available for binding by ligands or catecholamines.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists

[Mallet finger: a method of treatment].

The AA. present a good contribution to the Mallet Finger therapy: it consists in the fixation of the last interphalangea articulation in yperextension by K. wire in the phalanx soft tissues, completing the treatment with splint in extension. The outcomes of the cases with more than two years are examined.

Adolescent

Two subpopulations of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors with high and low affinity for agonists: short-term exposure to agonists reduced the high-affinity sites.

Short-term receptor regulation by agonists is a well-known phenomenon for a number of receptors, including beta-adrenergic receptors, and has been associated with receptor changes revealed by radioligand binding. In the present study, we investigated the rapid changes in alpha 1-adrenergic receptors induced by agonists. alpha 1-receptors were studied on DDT1 MF-2 smooth muscle cells (DDT1-MF-2 cells) by specific [3H]prazosin binding. In competition binding on membranes and on intact cells at 4 degrees C or at 37 degrees C in 1-min assays, agonists competed for a single class of sites with relatively high affinity. By contrast, in equilibrium binding at 37 degrees C on intact cells agonists competed with two receptor forms (high- and low-affinity). We quantified the receptors in the high-affinity form by measuring the [3H]prazosin binding inhibited by 20 microM norepinephrine (this concentration selectively saturated the high-affinity sites). The low-affinity sites were measured by subtracting the binding of [3H]prazosin to the high-affinity sites from the total specific binding. High-affinity receptors were 85% of the total sites in binding experiments at 4 degrees C, but only 30% at 37 degrees C. On DDT1-MF-2 cells preequilibrated with [3H]prazosin at 4 degrees C, and then shifted to 37 degrees C for a few minutes, norepinephrine selectively reduced the high-affinity sites by 30%. We suggest that at 4 degrees C it is the native form of alpha 1-receptors that is measured, with most of the sites in the high-affinity form, while during incubation at 37 degrees C the norepinephrine present in the binding assay converts most of the receptors to an apparent low-affinity form, so that they are no longer recognized by 20 microM norepinephrine. The nature of this low-affinity form was further investigated. On DDT1-MF-2 cells preincubated with the agonist and then extensively washed at 4 degrees C (to maintain the receptor changes induced by the agonist) the number of receptors recognized by [3H]prazosin at 4 degrees C was reduced by 38%. After fragmentation of the cells, the number of receptors measured at 4 degrees C was the same in control and norepinephrine-treated cells, suggesting that the disruption of cellular integrity might expose the receptors which are probably sequestered after agonist treatment. In conclusion, the appearance of the low affinity for agonists at 37 degrees C may be due to the agonist-induced sequestration of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors, resulting in a limited accessibility to hydrophilic ligands.

Animals

Agonist-induced alpha 1-adrenergic receptor changes. Evidence for receptor sequestration.

Short-term receptor regulation by agonists is a well-known phenomenon for a number of receptors but little is known about the regulation of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors. In the present study we provide evidence of alpha 1-adrenergic receptor changes induced by agonists on DDT1 MF-2 smooth muscle cells. The cells were preincubated with the agonist and receptor changes were investigated in the cells washed free of the agonist. On cells pretreated with norepinephrine the number of receptors recognized by [3H]prazosin at 4 degrees C was reduced by 38%. The receptors were not degraded as the number of sites was the same in control and norepinephrine-treated cells when binding was measured at 37 degrees C. When binding was measured on fragmented membranes (at 4 degrees C), the number of receptors was the same in control and norepinephrine-treated cells, suggesting that the disruption of cellular integrity might expose receptors which are probably sequestered after agonist treatment. We conclude that agonists induced rapid sequestration of receptors on intact DDT cells.

Cell Line

Regulation of beta adrenergic receptors on rat mononuclear leukocytes by stress: receptor redistribution and down-regulation are altered with aging.

In vitro incubation of mononuclear leukocytes (MNL) with catecholamines desensitizes beta adrenergic receptors, meaning isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation decreases. This desensitization is accompanied by two patterns of receptor changes: first, reduction of surface receptors (defined as binding of [3H]dihydroalprenolol inhibited by 1 microM CGP 12177 [4-3-tertiarybutylamino-2-hydroxypropoxy)-benzimidazole- 2-on-hydrochloride]) without any change in the total number of [3H] dihydroalprenolol binding sites inhibited by 1 microM propranolol (receptor redistribution); then reduction of the total number of receptors (receptor down-regulation). In the present study we investigated receptor redistribution and down-regulation under physiological conditions by raising endogenous catecholamines in the rat by stress. In young rats a single immobilization stress induced MNL beta adrenergic receptor redistribution: the number of surface receptors was reduced by about 50% but the total number remained the same. Receptor redistribution was prevented completely in rats pretreated with beta-blocking nadolol. Repeated stress down-regulated the MNL beta adrenergic receptors as shown by a reduction in the total number of sites. We also investigated the regulation of beta adrenergic receptors in three age-groups. After 60 min of immobilization stress the number of MNL surface receptors was reduced in young (4-month-old) rats but not in mature (12-month-old) or aged (26-month-old) rats. Using an alternative stress procedure, after single or repeated open-field sessions, we found receptor redistribution and down-regulation, respectively, in young rats. None of these adaptive receptor response was observed in 26-month-old rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aging

[Carbocalcitonin, a new synthetic calcitonin: clinical evaluation].

Fifteen patients suffering from osteoporosis of different aetiology and receiving long-term carbocalcitonin treatment were studied in order to evaluate the tolerance of the drug. Only one of these patients, with intolerance of any type of calcitonin, was obliged to discontinue the treatment, tolerance being excellent in all the others. Blood-chemistry tests, performed at various intervals, revealed no significant changes. Though not part of the specific aim of the study, antalgic efficacy tests yielded excellent results.

Aged

Stress induced desensitization of lymphocyte beta-adrenoceptors in young and aged rats.

The effects of different times of immobilization stress on intact lymphocyte beta-adrenoceptors and plasma corticosterone were compared in 3-month and 24-month-old rats. In young animals after 30 min restraint 3H-dihydroalprenolol specific binding was significantly reduced (61% of control value) and plasma corticosterone significantly raised (186% of control). The effect on beta-adrenoceptors was due changes in receptor number (Bmax) without any effect on affinity (KD). In aged rats both effects were only seen after 180 min restraint and were less pronounced. Isoproterenol treatment in vitro reduced beta-adrenoceptors on lymphocytes. This effect was less pronounced in lymphocytes from aged rats. Corticosterone in vitro increased 3H-dihydroalprenolol specific binding. We therefore suggest that the decrease of beta-adrenoceptors reflects an adaptive response to the stress-induced catecholamine release and that corticosterone could play a role in reversing this effect. This adaptive response to stress seems to be impaired in aged animals.

Age Factors

In vivo regulation of beta-adrenergic receptors on human mononuclear leukocytes: assessment of receptor number, location, and function after posture change, exercise, and isoproterenol infusion.

We studied the regulation of beta-adrenergic receptors in human mononuclear leukocytes (MNL). Total receptor number was determined as specific binding at 4 C of [3H] dihydroalprenolol or [125I]iodopindolol, and redistributed receptors were defined as those binding sites to which the hydrophilic antagonist CGP-12177 did not have access. Receptor function was assessed as cAMP accumulation stimulated by isoproterenol. In in vitro experiments, high concentrations of isoproterenol desensitized receptor function and promoted redistribution of about 80% of the receptors away from the cell surface. However, three in vivo protocols (upright posture for 3 h, moderate exercise, and infusion of isoproterenol for 30 min) redistributed few beta-adrenergic receptors on MNL. The 30-min isoproterenol infusion did not alter later cAMP accumulation, but posture change and exercise increased isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP accumulation in intact MNL. Infusion of isoproterenol for 120 min redistributed 9 +/- 2% (+/- SEM) of the receptors and decreased isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP accumulation by 19 +/- 6%. Isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in membranes isolated from MNL previously was found to be decreased with upright posture, and we confirmed these findings in assays that did not include exogenous GTP, but instead relied upon guanine nucleotides retained in the membrane preparation. However, when excess GTP was included, isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in MNL membranes was not altered by posture change. We conclude that substantial receptor redistribution of beta-receptors on MNL does not readily occur in physiological situations.

Adenylyl Cyclases

Agonist-induced beta-adrenergic receptor internalization on intact human mononuclear leukocytes: effect of temperature of mononuclear leukocyte separation.

The hydrophilic ligand 3H-CGP 12177 was used to measure beta-adrenergic receptors on intact human mononuclear leukocytes (MNLs). A single homogeneous class of receptor sites was found, with KD value of 0.71 +/- 0.04 nmol/L and Bmax of 3.0 +/- 0.4 fmol/10(6) cells (mean +/- SEM; n = 12). The receptor affinity (KD) and density (Bmax) were similar when measured on MNLs, purified lymphocytes, and a T-lymphocyte-enriched population from the same individual. Preincubation of intact MNLs with 1 mumol/L isoproterenol at 37 degrees C for 20 minutes reduced the number of surface receptors, measured by 3H-CGP 12177 binding at 4 degrees C for 20 hours, by approximately 70% (receptor internalization) without affecting KD. This effect was reversible, and surface receptors completely reappeared when binding was investigated at 37 degrees C for 40 minutes. Receptor internalization was similar when either isolated MNLs or whole blood was incubated with isoproterenol. Agonist-induced receptor internalization was stable during MNL isolation from whole blood at 4 degrees C but was partially or completely lost from MNLs prepared at 20 degrees C.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists

Agonist-induced redistribution of beta-adrenergic receptors on intact human mononuclear leukocytes: redistributed receptors are nonfunctional.

Incubation of human mononuclear leukocytes (MLN) with isoproterenol rapidly desensitizes beta-adrenergic receptors, i.e. isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP accumulation decreases. This desensitization is accompanied by a redistribution of the receptor into a cellular environment to which hydrophilic compounds have limited access. We found that the total number of beta-receptors [defined as binding of [3H]dihydroalprenolol (DHA) inhibited by 1 microM propranolol] was unchanged in the desensitized MNL. In control MNL, virtually all DHA binding was inhibited by 1 microM CGP-12177, suggesting that all of these receptors are on the cell surface, whereas in desensitized cells, only 33 +/- 2% (mean +/- SEM) of the DHA binding was inhibited by CGP-12177. We quantitated the sequestered receptors by subtracting the number of surface receptors from the total number of receptors. The sequestered receptors were homogeneous, with an affinity for DHA identical to that of surface receptors (Kd, 0.66 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.62 +/- 0.08 nM). The time courses of desensitization and sequestration were identical. The functional status of the sequestered receptors was assessed using the agonist zinterol, which (unlike catecholamines) is quite hydrophobic. Zinterol competed for DHA binding to both sequestered and surface receptors, whereas isoproterenol only competed for binding to the surface receptors. However, cAMP accumulation in desensitized MNL was reduced to the same extent regardless of whether isoproterenol or zinterol was used as the agonist. These results demonstrate that desensitization of intact cells to beta-agonists cannot be attributed to limited accessibility of the sequestered receptors to catecholamines, but, rather, that the sequestered receptors are not functionally coupled to adenylate cyclase.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists