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Biomedical subjects

R Inoki

Publications and source records attributed to R Inoki.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Influence of electro-acupuncture on the release of substance P and the potential evoked by tooth pulp stimulation in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis of the rabbit.

The effects of electro-acupuncture (EAP) on the release of substance P (SP) and the responses evoked by tooth pulp stimulation (ST) in superficial layers of the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (Vc-I,II) were studied in rabbits. ST evoked increase in release of immunoreactive SP (iSP). This increase was inhibited by EAP in 9 of 13 animals. The potentials evoked by ST were composed of two main components with latency times of ca 4.3 msec and ca. 9.4 msec. The latter component, reflecting the excitation of A delta fibers, was significantly inhibited by CP-96,345 (3 mg/kg, i.v.), an SP antagonist. EAP also inhibited the latter component in 8 of 11 animals. These results suggest that one of the mechanisms of analgesia induced by EAP is inhibition of stimulus-evoked SP release in the Vc-I,II.

Animals

Influence of opioids on substance P release evoked by antidromic stimulation of primary afferent fibers in the hind instep of rats.

The effect of opioids on the release of immunoreactive substance P (iSP) following simultaneous electrical stimulation of the sectioned sciatic and saphenous nerves was examined by perfusion of the subcutaneous space in the rat instep. Antidromic stimulation of both the nerves caused an increase in iSP release, which was dependent on the intensity of stimulation, and an approx. 200% increase in Evans blue extravasation. Stimulation-induced iSP release and extravasation were suppressed by pretreatment with capsaicin (50 mg/kg s.c.) and spantide (10 mumol/kg i.p.), respectively. Intra-arterial infusion of morphine (30 mumol/kg) or ethylketocyclazocine (30 mumol/kg) or [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (30 mumol/kg) inhibited the increase in iSP release evoked by antidromic stimulation at 10 V. This inhibitory effect of morphine was antagonized by pretreatment with naloxone (2 mg/kg, i.p.). These results suggest existence of multiple types of opioid receptor on the peripheral endings of primary afferent fibers, that regulate SP release from the peripheral nerve endings into the extravascular space.

Afferent Pathways

Involvement of substance P present in primary afferent neurones in modulation of cutaneous blood flow in the instep of rat hind paw.

1. The participation of small-diameter afferent fibres in the microcirculatory haemodynamics of cutaneous tissue was examined by studies on the effects of antidromic stimulation of primary afferent neurones on cutaneous blood flow (CBF) and tachykinin release into the subcutaneous space in the instep of the hind paw of rats. 2. Antidromic stimulation of the sectioned sciatic nerve induced a biphasic flow response, an initial transient decrease followed by an increase, with no alteration in the blood pressure. 3. Neither phase was affected by pretreatment with phentolamine (0.1 mg kg-1, i.a.), propranolol (0.5 mg kg-1, i.a.), atropine (0.5 mg kg-1, i.a.), methysergide (0.5 mg kg-1, i.a.) or mepyramine (10 mg kg-1, i.a.) plus cimetidine (10 mg kg-1, i.a.), but both were significantly inhibited by pretreatment with capsaicin (50 mg kg-1, s.c.). 4. Spantide (1-2 mumol kg-1, i.a.), a substance P (SP) antagonist, reduced the basal CBF, and also inhibited both phases of the biphasic flow response evoked by antidromic stimulation of the sectioned sciatic nerve. 5. Intra-arterial infusion of SP (0.5 mumol kg-1, i.a.) induced a biphasic flow response similar to that elicited by antidromic stimulation of the sectioned sciatic nerve. 6. Antidromic stimulation of the sectioned sciatic nerve caused a marked increase in SP release into the subcutaneous perfusate of the instep of the rat hind paw, but no detectable increase in neurokinin A release.7. We suggest that SP and its receptors are mainly responsible for the vascular response induced by stimulation of the sectioned sciatic nerve, and that small-diameter afferent fibres containing SP tonically regulate vascular tone in cutaneous microvessels.

Animals

Activation of cathepsin B involved in enkephalin production by bradykinin and its cleavage products in cultured fibroblasts of the rat dental pulp.

Mechanisms of cathepsin B activation involved in methionine-enkephalin (ME) production induced by bradykinin (BK), des-Arg9-BK or L-arginine (L-Arg) were studied using cultured fibroblasts of the rat dental pulp, especially from a viewpoint of intracellular signal transduction. BK, des-Arg9-BK, L-Arg or cysteine enhanced the release of ME-like peptides from the cells, and the release of ME-like peptides induced by des-Arg9-BK was inhibited by des-Arg9-[Leu8]-BK (BK B1-receptor antagonist) and E-64 (a specific inhibitor of cysteine proteinases). The activation of cathepsin B by BK or des-Arg9-BK was inhibited by des-Arg9-[Leu8]-BK or islet-activating protein (IAP), and the activation of cathepsin B by L-Arg was inhibited by Leu-Arg (kyotorphin-receptor antagonist) or Botulinum C3-enzyme. The activation of cathepsin B by those stimulants was dependent on calcium ion. These results suggest that the ME production by BK or des-Arg9-BK may be mediated by Ca(2+)-dependent cathepsin B activation through B1-receptors and IAP-sensitive G-proteins, whereas the production by L-Arg may be mediated by Ca(2+)-dependent cathepsin B activation through kyotorphin-receptor and Botulinum C3-enzyme-sensitive G-proteins. On the other hand, the activation of cathepsin B was inhibited by neomycin B (phospholipase C inhibitor) and various serine/threonine kinase inhibitors. These results indicate that phospholipase C and serine/threonine kinases are involved in the activation of cathepsin B by BK, des-Arg9-BK or L-Arg. Genistein inhibited the activation of cathepsin B by des-Arg9-BK or L-Arg in a different fashion, suggesting that tyrosine kinase(s) is also involved in the activation. Cathepsin B activation by BK or L-Arg but not des-Arg9-BK was inhibited by L-NMMA (inhibitor of NO synthesis), and the activation by L-Arg was enhanced by beta-glycerophosphate (beta-GP: inhibitor of phosphatases), while the activation by BK or des-Arg9-BK was inhibited by beta-GP. These results suggest that BK-induced cathepsin B activation in the fibroblasts may be due to a combined effect of des-Arg9-BK and L-Arg.

Animals

Subcellular distribution of enkephalin precursor proteins in rat dental pulp and the usefulness as a substrate for enkephalin-producing enzymes.

The subcellular distribution of enkephalin (EK) precursor proteins was investigated to clarify the intracellular site of biosynthesis of EK in rat dental pulp tissue. The contents of met-EK-like peptides in nuclear, microsomal, and supernatant fractions of the pulp tissue were markedly increased after sequential digestion with trypsin and carboxypeptidase B, indicating the enrichment of the precursors in these fractions. Sephadex G-100 gel filtration showed a common peak of the precursor proteins in the homogenate and its microsomal and supernatant fractions, and the molecular weight was determined to be about 58,000 by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Both the partially purified precursor protein from the supernatant fraction and N alpha-benzoyl-DL-arginine-beta-naphthylamide (BANA) were used as substrates for a lysosomal enzyme separated by Sephadex G-75 gel filtration. The major peak of EK-producing activity of the enzyme was identical with that of BANA-degrading activity of the enzyme. These results demonstrate the EK-producing activity of lysosomal proteinase, and also indicate the usefulness of the two substances as substrates for the enzyme.

Animals

Serotonin inhibits release of substance P evoked by tooth pulp stimulation in trigeminal nucleus caudalis in rabbits.

The influence of the serotonin (5-HT) system on the release of immunoreactive substance P after electrical stimulation of the lower incisor pulp was examined by perfusion of the superficial layers of the subnucleus caudalis of the brain stem trigeminal sensory nuclear complex of rabbits in situ. Increased release of immunoreactive substance P was observed after electrical stimulation of the pulp at 40 V. Stimulation of the nucleus raphe magnus significantly increased the release of 5-HT and completely inhibited the release of immunoreactive substance P, evoked by stimulation of the tooth pulp. Local application of 5-HT (10(-6) M) inhibited the release of immunoreactive substance P induced by stimulation and this inhibition was antagonized by methysergide (10(-4) M) applied concomitantly to the superficial layers of the trigeminal nucleus. These results suggest a functional interaction between substance P and 5-HT in the superficial layers of the trigeminal nucleus for regulation of transmission of dental pain.

Animals

Influence of heat stimulation on the amount of calcitonin gene-related peptide and neurokinin A in the subcutaneous space of the rat hind instep.

The release of tachykinins and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) into subcutaneous perfusates was investigated. Immersion of the hind paw of rats in water at 47 degrees C for 30 min led to a marked increase of immunoreactive CGRP (iCGRP) release as well as immunoreactive substance P release, but no detectable increase of immunoreactive neurokinin A release. Neonatal pretreatment with capsaicin or section of the sciatic and the saphenous nerves significantly inhibited the heat stimulation-induced release of iCGRP.

Animals

Conversion of 3H-nitrendipine binding to the low affinity binding state following the treatment of hippocampal slices with morphine.

The effect of morphine on the binding of 3H-nitrendipine was studied in rat hippocampal preparations. Treatment of slices with morphine followed by the preparation of membrane fractions revealed the presence of low affinity binding sites. The effect of morphine was antagonized by naloxone. The effect was not observed when the membrane fraction was incubated with morphine. These results suggest that morphine changes the affinity of calcium for its channels and reduces its influx.

Adenosine Triphosphate

[Effects of morphine on cutaneous blood flow and substance P release evoked by electric stimulation of rat sciatic nerve].

Electric stimulation of the rat sciatic nerve containing sensory afferent fibers produced an increase in cutaneous blood flow. Morphine (10, 30 mumol.kg-1 ia infusion) inhibited the electric stimulation-induced increase of the cutaneous blood flow velocity, and its effect was antagonized by naloxone (2 mg.kg-1 ip). In order to investigate the cause of this effect, we determined immunoreactive substance P (iSP) levels in the sc perfusate of hind paw. We found that electric stimulation of the sciatic nerve led to a significant increase of iSP release into the sc perfusate. Morphine (30 mumol.kg-1 ia infusion) inhibited the electrical stimulation-induced release of iSP, and this effect was completely antagonized by naloxone (2 mg.kg-1 ip). These result suggest that morphine-induced inhibition of the electrical stimulation-evoked increase in cutaneous blood flow could result from inhibition of the release of SP from peripheral sensory nerve endings.

Animals

Aversive taste stimuli increase CGRP levels in the gustatory insular cortex of the rat.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity (CGRP-IR) was surveyed immunohistochemically in the insular cortex of the rat, and the levels of insular cortical CGRP-IR were measured with the radioimmunoassay method following intraoral stimulation with various taste stimuli. CGRP-IR was localized in nerve fibers within the agranular and dysgranular insular cortices. The CGRP-IR levels in the rostral (gustatory) part of the insular cortex were increased significantly by strongly aversive taste stimuli such as quinine hydrochloride and conditioned taste stimuli (NaCl and sucrose) which animals had been taught to avoid. The results suggest that CGRP in the gustatory insular cortex is concerned with rejection or avoidance behaviors to aversive taste stimuli.

Animals

Involvement of descending monoaminergic systems in the transmission of dental pain in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis of the rabbit.

Perfusates were taken from the superficial layers of the subnucleus caudalis of the trigeminal sensory nuclear complex (SpVc), the first relay station of dental pain, with a push-pull cannula system and were assayed for endogenous serotonin (5-HT) and catecholamines by high-pressure liquid chromatography with an electrochemical detection. Spontaneous release of 5-HT and epinephrine was observed, while that of norepinephrine was not. Tooth pulp stimulation (ST) tended to increase the level of 5-HT in the perfusates. Pretreatment with morphine at a dose of 10 mg/kg (i.v.) significantly enhanced the release of 5-HT. However, there was no significant difference in morphine effect on the 5-HT level between stimulated and non-stimulated animals. Systemic administration of morphine (10 mg/kg i.v.) completely inhibited the release of immunoreactive substance P from the superficial layers of SpVc evoked by ST, and this inhibition was antagonized by local application of methysergide (10(-4) M). These results suggest that in the superficial layers of SpVc, morphine may primarily activate the descending 5-HT pathway which serves to modulate dental pain transmission.

Animals

Release of calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactive substance from neuromuscular junction by nerve excitation and its action on striated muscle.

In a rat phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparation, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) increased the twitch contraction induced by nerve or transmural stimulation dose dependently. Either electrical or high K+ stimulation of the phrenic nerve caused release of a CGRP-like immunoreactive substance (CGRP-LIS) in a Ca2(+)-dependent manner. Electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerve also increased the cyclic AMP content in diaphragm. This increase was not observed in Ca2(+)-free medium and was blocked by antiserum against CGRP. These results indicate that excitation of the motor nerve causes release of CGRP-LIS at nerve terminals and that the released CGRP-LIS increases the cyclic AMP content of skeletal muscles and potentiates twitch contraction.

Animals

[Site of action of analgesics: the peripheral site of action of these drugs].

This review describes: recent findings about the peripheral site of action and mechanism of the algesic action of narcotic and nonnarcotic analgesics. Special attention was given to the stimulatory or inhibitory actions of opiates and opioid peptides on the polymodal receptor of the sensory afferent fibers. Bradykinin, a pain producing substance, augmented the production of opioid peptides, for example, methionine and leucine enkephalins in in vitro and in vivo experiments. It was demonstrated that a pharmacological feed back reaction, the antinociceptive response, took place in the peripheral site of the primary afferent fibers.

Analgesics

Roles of substance P and somatostatin on transmission of nociceptive information induced by formalin in spinal cord.

Nociceptive response induced by 0.5% Formalin in the hindpaw of mice had two peaks, 0-5 min (first phase) and 15-20 min (second phase). By using the distinct biphasic response, the nature of the transmitter systems activated by Formalin in the spinal cord was studied for the purpose of determining the difference of the role of substance P (SP) and somatostatin (SST). The injection of (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9)SP, (D-Arg1, D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9, Leu11)SP and SP antiserum inhibited only the first phase response. The i.t. injection of -Aminoheptanoyl-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-(OBz)-Thr- (an SST antagonist), SST antiserum and cysteamine (an SST depletor) inhibited only the second phase. This result indicates that SP is involved in the transmission of the first phase, and SST is involved in the transmission of the second phase of the Formalin-induced nociceptive response. With regard to other nociceptive stimuli, two i.t. SP antagonists produced a significant analgesia in the hot plate and tail pinch tests but had no effect in the acetic acid writhing test. However, i.t. SST antagonist and cysteamine produced a significant analgesia in the writhing test but had no effect in the hot plate and tail pinch test. These results suggest that SP participates in the transient pain induced by such acute stimuli as hot plate, tail pinch and the first phase of Formalin response and that SST participates in the prolonged and inflammatory pain induced by stimuli such as acetic acid and the second phase response.

Animals

[Effects of 7 drugs on cutaneous blood flow evoked by electric stimulation of rat sciatic nerve].

The non-invasive technique of laser-Doppler flowmeter (LDF) was used to measure the change of cutaneous blood flow evoked by electric stimulation of rat sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve was cut centrally and placed on bipolar electrodes. Drug were infused in a carotid artery. Electric stimulation of the sciatic nerve containing sensory afferent fibers caused an increase in cutaneous blood flow. This increase was not modified by the ia infusion of adrenergic blocking agents (phentolamine, 0.1 mg/kg and propranolol, 0.5 mg/kg), anti-muscarinic agent (atropine 0.5 mg/kg), anti-histamines (mepyramine, 10 mg/kg and cimetidine, 10 mg/kg) and 5-HT antagonist (methysergide, 0.5 mg/kg). Pretreatment with capsaicin (50 mg/kg, sc) in the newborn rat or the ia infusion of spantide (1, 2 mumol/kg) significantly inhibited the the stimulation-induced increase of the blood flow. These results suggest that substance P released from the peripheral endings of sensory nerve may be involved in vasodilation following electric stimulation of the sciatic nerve in rat.

Analgesics

Pharmacological and biochemical study on the mechanism of enkephalin production in rat dental pulp.

The production of enkephalin (EK) in the rat dental pulp was studied in pharmacological and biochemical aspects of EK-producing enzyme, EK precursor protein and the regulation of EK production. The EK precursor protein was primarily distributed in the microsomal fraction, and a common precursor protein (Mr about 58,000) was partially purified by Sephadex G-100 chromatography. Since the EK-producing enzyme, however, was mainly localized in the lysosomal fraction, and was found to be a cysteine proteinase, the lysosomal cysteine proteinases, cathepsins H, B and L, were separated by CM Sephadex C-50 ion exchange chromatography, and identified in respects to substrate specificity, pH optimum and inhibitor sensitivity. The EK-producing activity of the cathepsin B was demonstrated using the partially purified EK precursor protein from the pulp tissue as a substrate. The cathepsin B was further purified by Sephadex G-75 gel filtration to a 400-fold purity, and SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the enzyme showed a distinct homogeneity (Mr about 23,600). The purified enzyme cleaved BAM-12P, a met-EK-containing peptide from bovine adrenal medulla, to met-EK-Arg6, but did not convert met-EK-Arg6 to met-EK, suggesting an endopeptidase activity of the enzyme. On the other hand, a concentration-dependent activation of the enzyme by bradykinin (BK) and des-Arg9-BK was found to be mediated through B1 receptor in intact pulp tissue. It was also demonstrated that intact structure of lysosomes and Ca++ were necessary for the activation of the enzyme by BK.

Animals