Biomedical subjects

R Villalobos-Molina

Publications and source records attributed to R Villalobos-Molina.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

Receptor- and age-selective effects of dopamine oxidation on receptor-G protein interactions in the striatum.

The striatum contains a high concentration of oxidizable dopamine (DA), and the aged organism shows a decreased ability to respond to oxidative stress (OS), making this area extremely vulnerable to free radical insult. To determine the receptor specificity of this putative increase in OS sensitivity, striatal slices from 6- and 24-month-old animals were incubated (30 min, 37 degrees C) in a modified Krebs medium containing 0 to 500 microM DA with or without a preincubation (15 min) in a nitrone trapping agent, 1 or 5 mM alpha-phenyl-n-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN), and changes in low Km GTPase activity (an index of receptor-G protein coupling/uncoupling) assessed in muscarinic, 5-HT1A D1, and D2 receptors stimulated with carbachol, 8 OH-DPAT-HBr, SKF 38393, or quinelorane, respectively. DA exposure induced selective decreases in the stimulated activity in all of these receptor systems, and an overall increase in conjugated dienes (56%) of the young. In the case of carbachol and 8 OH-DPAT-HBr, the DA-induced deficits in GTPase stimulation were seen primarily in the young (61 and 32%, respectively), while DA-induced deficits in quinelorane (D2) stimulation were seen in both age groups. In the case of SKF 38393-stimulation (D1) the DA-induced deficits were higher in the striatal tissue from the old. The DA-induced decreases in carbachol stimulated GTPase activity in the tissue from the young could be prevented by pretreatment with PBN or the DA uptake inhibitor, nomifensin. No effect of nomifensin was seen in the old, because their DA uptake mechanisms were already compromised. These results suggest that although age-related declines in DA uptake may provide some protection against the OS effects in muscarinic or 5-HT1A receptors, other factors may increase the vulnerability of DA neurons to OS, even with reductions in DA uptake.

Aging↗

PubMed1998

Effect of hypoxia and reoxygenation on metabolic pathways in rat hepatocytes.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms whereby rat hepatocytes undergo irreversible injury due to a lack of oxygen have not been established. METHODS: Liver cells were used for reperfusion injury, and four compartmentalized pathways were evaluated during hypoxia (N2/CO2, 19:1) for 30 min followed by oxygen (O2/CO2, 19:1) for 30 min. RESULTS: Cell viability decreased during the hypoxic, but not during the reoxygenation, phase. Glycogenolysis, as measured by glucose release, was significantly increased during hypoxia as compared to controls in oxygen (205 +/- 15 vs. 155 +/- 10 nmol glucose/mg protein/h, respectively), and did not return to normal levels by reoxygenation. Gluconeogenesis was importantly decreased during hypoxia (102 +/- 10 vs. 8 +/- 2 nmol glucose/mg protein/h) with partial recovery during reoxygenation. Ureagenesis diminished in hypoxia, but recovered during reoxygenation. Additionally, 3-hydroxybutyrate formation was augmented by hypoxia, with some recovery when oxygen was present. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that compartmentalized pathways are protected from hypoxic injury in isolated hepatocytes, and also suggest it as a model to test the idea that enzymes of those pathways are organized into multienzyme complexes in vivo.

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid↗

PubMed1997

Evidence for an age-dependent functional expression of alpha 1D-adrenoceptors in the rat vasculature.

The role of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes, and their possible change with maturation, in alpha 1-adrenoceptor-induced pressor responses in the rat has not been established. Thus, the effects of the alpha 1D-, alpha 1A/1D- and alpha 1B/1D-adrenoceptor antagonists, BMY 7378 (8-(2-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl) 8-azaspiro (4.5) decane-7,9-dione 2HCl), 5-methyl-urapidil and chloroethylclonidine, respectively, on the pressor responses induced by phenylephrine in 1- and 5-month-old pithed rats were investigated. The pressor responses induced by phenylephrine were competitively antagonized by both BMY 7378 and chloroethylclonidine in 5-month-old, but not in young immature animals; in marked contrast, 5-methylurapidil antagonized with similar potency the phenylephrine-induced pressor responses in animals of both ages. The present pharmacological data suggest that functional expression of alpha 1D-adrenoceptors in the rat resistance vessels increases with age; alpha 1A-, but not alpha 1B- or alpha 1D-adrenoceptors, seem to predominate in immature animals. These findings represent the first evidence that age-related changes in functional alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes occur in the systemic vasculature in vivo.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

PubMed1997

Alpha 1D- and alpha 1A-adrenoceptors mediate contraction in rat renal artery.

To investigate the alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtype(s) mediating contraction in rat renal artery, we have compared the effect of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists, 5-methylurapidil, BMY 7378 (8-(2-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl) ethyl) 8-azaspiro (4.5) decane-7,9-dione 2HCl) and chloroethylclonidine on functional responses to noradrenaline. A clear blockade by chloroethylclonidine (10(-4) M) of noradrenaline-induced contraction was observed and, along with this effect. pKB values of 9.12 and 8.40 for BMY 7378 and 9.75 and 10.06 for 5-methylurapidil were obtained, indicating that the renal artery expresses the alpha 1D-adrenoceptor subtype as the one involved in contraction and not only the alpha 1A subtype as has been reported.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Responses of circulating urea cycle and branched-chain amino acids to feeding in adult and aged Fischer-344 rats.

Amino acid concentrations in plasma and blood were compared between adult (6 months) and aged (22 months) male rats in fed and food-deprived (fasted) states. Since feeding is known to elevate plasma amino acids, rats were sampled after food had been freely available to them and after food was withheld for 20 hours. Fourteen amino acids increased (8 to 74%) in blood and plasma in fed rats compared to food-deprived rats. Blood concentrations of four amino acids (cystine, aspartate, threonine, and phosphoserine) were increased in aged compared to adult rats, while tyrosine was 10% lower. The interaction between fed state and age was significant for the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) as they increased 23% in the blood and plasma of fed compared to food-deprived adult rats; however, BCAA were not affected by feeding state in the aged rats. Plasma arginine concentration was 12% lower (p < 0.001) and citrulline was 20% higher (p < 0.005) in aged compared to adult rats, and consequently the citrulline:arginine ratio was elevated by 36% in aged rats. Our results demonstrate that, although the total arginine in whole blood is not altered or is increased with aging, less of the arginine is transported in the plasma of aged compared to adult rats. Furthermore, these results indicate altered metabolism of the urea cycle amino acids and BCAA with aging in the rat.

Aging↗

PubMed1997

Chloroethylclonidine is a partial alpha1A-adrenoceptor agonist in cells expressing recombinant alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes.

Chloroethylclonidine increased cytosol [Ca2+] in rat-1 fibroblasts stably expressing alpha1a-adrenoceptors. The effect of the imidazoline was dose-dependent with a maximal effect (approximately 3-fold increase in [Ca2+]i) at 10 microM and it was blocked by phentolamine and 5-methyl urapidil, indicating that it was mediated through alpha1-adrenoceptors. Noradrenaline (1 microM) induced a much bigger effect (approximately 6-8-fold) in the same cells. When chloroethylclonidine was added before noradrenaline a dose-dependent inhibition of the effect of the natural catecholamine was observed. Chloroethylclonidine did not modified cytosol [Ca2+] in rat-1 fibroblast expressing alpha1b- or alpha1d-adrenoceptors. However, the imidazoline acutely inhibited the effect of noradrenaline in these cells. It is concluded that chloroethylclonidine interacts with alpha1a-adrenoceptors as a partial agonist inducing Ca2+ mobilization in a very short time frame and that it is able to inhibit the action of noradrenaline when co-incubated with the catecholamine in cells expressing any of the three alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes.

Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Agonists↗

PubMed1997

Effect of L-Dopa and the catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor Ro 41-0960 on sulfur amino acid metabolites in rats.

L-Dopa is the most effective drug known for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. However, the large doses required to treat this neurodegenerative disorder can significantly affect tissue concentrations of sulfur amino acid metabolites due to peripheral and central O-methylation. These effects include decreases in tissue concentrations of the biochemical methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), increases in tissue concentrations of the methylation inhibitor S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), and increases in plasma concentrations of homocysteine, recently identified as an independent risk factor for vascular disease. In the present study, the ability of the catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor Ro 41-0960 to prevent L-Dopa-induced changes in SAM, SAH, and homocysteine concentrations was determined in rats. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with Ro 41-0960 or vehicle 30 min prior to an intraperitoneal injection of L-Dopa or vehicle. One hour after the second injection, the rats were killed and their brains, livers, spleens, kidneys, and plasma collected. SAM and SAH concentrations were then determined in discrete brain regions and peripheral tissues, and total homocysteine concentrations were determined in plasma. In the rats treated with only L-Dopa, decreased SAM concentrations and increased SAH concentrations were found in all brain regions and peripheral tissues measured, and increased homocysteine concentrations were found in plasma, consistent with previous reports. In rats pretreated with Ro 41-0960, however, these L-Dopa-induced effects on sulfur amino acid metabolite concentrations were attenuated or prevented entirely. It remains to be determined if this sparing effect of Ro 41-0960 on sulfur amino acid metabolites has clinical significance.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Effects of calorie restriction and aging on the expression of antioxidant enzymes and ubiquitin in the liver of Emory mice.

We studied the effect of age and calorie restriction on the expression of genes involved in antioxidant defenses in livers of young (4.5-6 months) and old (22 months) Emory mice fed a control (C) or restricted (R) diet. Specifically examined were catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), Cu/Zn and Mn superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD). As an indicator of oxidative damage to the tissues we measured lipid peroxidation. As indicators of oxidative stress we determined ubiquitin mRNA levels and endogenous high molecular weight (HMW) ubiquitin conjugates. Lower mRNA levels of ubiquitin (P < 0.05), CAT (P < 0.01) and Gpx (P < 0.01) were observed in tissues from young R versus C animals. The old C group had a lower CAT mRNA level (P < 0.0001) compared with young C. In the R group, age did not affect the CAT mRNA levels or Gpx mRNA levels; however, ubiquitin mRNA levels were higher (P < 0.05). No significant changes in Cu/Zn or MnSOD mRNA were observed with age or diet. Cu/ZnSOD protein levels were lower in the young R at 4.5 months (P < 0.05) than young C, and higher in the old R group versus old C (P < 0.05). CAT protein levels were higher in the old C versus old R (P < 0.05). Changes of HMW ubiquitin conjugates with age r diet were not significant. Of the four groups, the old R group showed the highest levels of lipid peroxidation.

Aging↗

PubMed1996

Increased sensitivity to oxidative stress and the loss of muscarinic receptor responsiveness in senescence.

Although there are numerous findings which suggest that the pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., AD and PD) may involve oxidative stress (OS), relationships between functional age-related neuronal deficits, especially those with behavioral correlates, and OS have been difficult to establish. We have attempted to establish such relationships by determining the role of OS in the loss of muscarinic receptor (mAChR) sensitivity in aging. These decrements are expressed as age-related reductions in oxotremorine enhancement of K(+)-evoked dopamine release (K(+)-ERDA) from superfused striatal slices. Using this model we have found that: a) The reductions can be restored with in vivo administration of the free-radical trapping agent, N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone (PBN); b) Striatal slices from old animals showed increased sensitivity (e.g., reduced DA release or oxo-enhancement of K(+)-ERDA) to the in vitro application of sodium nitroprusside, a potent NO generator or to H2O2 which treatment of striatal slices from young animals with these agents or exposure of young animals to low doses of whole-body 56Fe irradiation decreased mAChR sensitivity and signal transduction (ST). Protection from the NO- or H2O2-induced deficits could be prevented with Trolox, PBN or cholesterol pretreatment. Evidence derived from PC-12 cells suggests that OS may directly affect ST by decreasing Ca2+ flux and increasing the length of the recovery period (i.e., return to baseline Ca2+ levels) after KCI (30 mM) depolarization.

Aging↗

PubMed1996

Alpha 1-adrenoceptors mediating contraction in arteries of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats are of the alpha 1D or alpha 1A subtypes.

Alpha 1-Adrenoceptor subtypes mediating contraction in carotid, aorta, mesenteric and caudal arteries from both Wistar Kyoto (WKY) normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats were investigated by using the alpha 1A-adrenoceptor agonist methoxamine and antagonized with selective, competitive antagonists WB-4101, 5-methyl urapidil or BMY 7378 (8-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl)-8-azaspiro(4,5)decane -7,9-dione dihydrochloride). Isometric tension changes were recorded after methoxamine addition to the arterial rings, and the effects of the antagonists determined. All the antagonists shifted to the right the concentration-response curve to methoxamine. pA2 values indicate that all arteries but caudal express the alpha 1D-adrenoceptor subtype, since BMY 7378 values were high in these arteries. Due to the high pA2 values for 5-methyl urapidil and WB-4101 and the low values for BMY 7378 we conclude that the tail artery expresses the alpha 1A and not the alpha 1B subtype. No differences were found between both strains of rats, suggesting that hypertension does not modify the alpha 1-adrenoceptors in conductance arteries.

Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Agonists↗

PubMed1996

Age differences in sensitivity to H2O2- or NO-induced reductions in K(+)-evoked dopamine release from superfused striatal slices: reversals by PBN or Trolox.

Previous research has indicated that many age-related functional alterations may be the result of a decreased ability of the organism to respond to oxidative stress (OS). However, this hypothesis is based on indirect indices of function (e.g., increased vulnerability of hepatocytes from senescent animals to H2O2-induced DNA damage, increases in lipofuscin accumulation). More direct tests of this hypothesis, especially as it relates to brain aging, have not been extensively undertaken. Present experiments were carried out to make such tests by examining age differences in the sensitivity to OS on reductions in striatal dopamine (DA) release. Thus, K(+)-evoked DA (K(+)-ERDA) release from superfused striatal slices from young (6-8 month) and old (24-25 month) animals was examined following either: (a) application of the NO-generator sodium nitroprusside or (b) preincubation with H2O2. In order to assess the specific effects of OS on muscarinic (mAChR) sensitivity, oxotremorine-enhancement of K(+) -ERDA was examined following incubation with H2O2. Results showed that the striatal tissue from the old animals showed greater sensitivity to both H2O2 and NO than young animals, and stimulated DA decreased at lower concentrations of these agents (e.g., NO--100 microM young, 30 microM old). In addition, H2O2 was also effective in reducing oxo-enhanced K(+)-ERDA and was more effective as a function of age. If the striatal tissue was incubated in either Trolox (alpha-tocopherol) or alpha-phenyl-n-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN) prior to OS, the negative effects of NO. and H2O2 were reversed in both age groups. Results are discussed in terms of age-related membrane and endogenous antioxidant alterations that could induce increases in sensitivity to OS and the specificity of antioxidants in reducing this sensitivity in key functional systems.

Aging↗

PubMed1995

The 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, pelanserin, inhibits alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction in vitro.

The antagonism by pelanserin (2,4(1H,3H)-quinazolinedione,3-[3-(4-phenyl-1- piperazinyl)-propyl]-HCl), a potent 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, of alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated contractions of endothelium-denuded carotid, aorta, mesenteric and caudal arteries of both normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats was investigated. The selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist methoxamine elicited concentration-dependent contractions in all four arterial rings, an effect which was competitively antagonized by pelanserin. pA2 values for pelanserin were in the 7.67-8.11 range when evaluated against the alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist in arteries from normotensive or hypertensive rats. These data support the conclusion that pelanserin displays alpha 1-adrenoceptor blocking properties. The ability of the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist pelanserin to additionally block alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated constriction in different vessels of WKY and SHR may potentially contribute to its blood pressure lowering effects.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtype selectivity of tamsulosin: studies using livers from different species.

The subtype selectivity of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, tamsulosin, was tested using hepatocytes and liver membranes from guinea pigs and rabbits (expressing alpha 1-adrenoceptors with alpha 1A pharmacology) and rats (alpha 1B-adrenoceptors). Tamsulosin blocked the alpha 1-adrenergic activation of phosphorylase with higher affinity in hepatocytes from guinea pigs and rabbits than in those from rats. [3H]Tamsulosin binding to liver membranes was rapid, reversible and saturable. The Kd values obtained also indicated higher affinity for alpha 1A-adrenoceptors (70 and 140 pM, for liver membranes obtained from guinea pigs and rabbits, respectively) than for those of the alpha 1B-subtype (510 pM). Chloroethylclonidine potently and completely inactivated [3H]tamsulosin binding sites in membranes from rabbit and rat livers, but not those in guinea pig liver membranes. Binding competition and inactivation experiments were performed to further characterize the receptor subtypes present in the livers of these animals. In summary, tamsulosin is a very potent alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist that has higher affinity for alpha 1A-adrenoceptors than for those of the alpha 1B-subtype.

Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists↗

PubMed1995

Age-specific alterations in muscarinic stimulation of K(+)-evoked dopamine release from striatal slices by cholesterol and S-adenosyl-L-methionine.

The present experiments were carried out in order to test the hypothesis that age-related signal transduction (ST) deficits may occur as a result of structural changes in the membrane that are reflected partially as increased membrane microviscosity. Oxotremorine (oxo) enhancement of K(+)-evoked release of dopamine (K(+)-ERDA) was examined in superfused striatal slices from mature (6 months) and old (24 months) Wistar rats incubated (1 or 4 h, 37 degrees C) with graded concentrations of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) or cholesterol hemisuccinate (CHO) in a modified Krebs medium. Tissue was then assessed for one of the following: (a) the degree of oxo-enhanced K(+)-ERDA, (b) carbachol stimulated low Km GTPase activity, or (c) alterations in membrane microviscosity. In other experiments the tissue was incubated in CHO followed by SAM (or the reverse), and oxo-enhanced K(+)-ERDA examined. Results indicated that SAM treatment increased all the parameters in the striatal tissue from old animals, while CHO had selective, opposite effects in the striatal tissue obtained from young animals. CHO-SAM, or the reverse, produced the same pattern of results. These results suggest that ST deficits may involve age-related structural alterations in membranes that interfere with receptor-G protein coupling/uncoupling.

Aging↗

PubMed1995

Characterization of the alpha 1B-adrenoceptors of catfish hepatocytes: functional and binding studies.

In catfish hepatocytes (Ictalurus punctatus) alpha 1-adrenergic activation by epinephrine or norepinephrine increased cytosol Ca2+ concentration. This effect was inhibited by alpha 1-adrenergic antagonists with the potency order WB4101 > benoxathian > or = 5-methylurapidil > phentolamine > (+)niguldipine. Pretreatment with the irreversible antagonist, chloroethylclonidine, reduced the alpha 1-adrenergic effect. alpha 1-Adrenergic stimulation also increased the resynthesis of phosphatidylinositol in whole cells. In liver membranes, a relatively small (33 fmol/mg of protein) number of sites with high affinity (Kd 100 pM) for the radioligand [125I]HEAT was detected. Binding competition experiments showed the following orders of potency: (1) for agonists, oxymetazoline > epinephrine > or = norepinephrine > methoxamine; (2) for antagonists, prazosin > WB4101 > benoxathian > or = 5-methylurapidil > phentolamine > (+)niguldipine. Membrane pretreatment with chloroethylclonidine markedly reduced [125I]HEAT binding. Good correlation was observed between the radioligand binding studies and the functional data with isolated cells. The present data suggest that the alpha 1-adrenoceptor present in catfish liver cells belongs to the alpha 1B subtype.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

PubMed1994

Area specific alterations in muscarinic stimulated low Km GTPase activity in aging and Alzheimer's disease: implications for altered signal transduction.

Carbachol-stimulated low Km GTPase activity (an index of muscarinic receptor-G protein coupling) was examined in hippocampus, basal ganglia, orbital frontal gyrus and superior frontal gyrus obtained from mature, aged and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) groups. Results indicated that carbachol-stimulated low Km GTPase activities in basal ganglia were as follows: mature controls > aged > AD, and there was a trend toward a similar pattern of decline in the hippocampus. No differences were seen in the two cortical areas examined; however, carbachol-stimulated low Km GTPase activity was small in the mature controls. Importantly, there were significant negative correlations between disease duration and carbachol-stimulated low Km GTPase activity in all areas examined except the orbital frontal gyrus. The longer the duration of the disease the lower the carbachol-stimulated low Km GTPase activity. Results suggest that age and disease-related changes in mAChR-G protein interactions in the basal ganglia may contribute to reduced signal transduction (ST). In addition, since decreased carbachol-stimulated low Km GTPase activity has also been observed in the aged rat; thus, investigations of the factors involved in decrements in signal transduction in the aged rat may be useful for understanding these alterations in aged humans or victims of AD.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Effects of tri-Calciphor (trimer of 16, 16-dimethyl-15-dehydroprostaglandin B1) on glucose metabolism in liver cells.

Phosphorylase activity of isolated rat liver cells was increased about 2-fold on addition of tri-Calciphor (trimer of 16, 16-dimethyl-15-dehydroprostaglandin B1), epinephrine or the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, in all cases presumably due to an increase in cytosolic Ca2+. Extracellular Ca2+ was required with A23187, but not with either tri-Calciphor or epinephrine. Tri-Calciphor, however, did not stimulate a sustained release of glucose from hepatocytes as compared to the other Ca2+ mobilizing agents, even at concentrations 10-fold higher than that required to stimulate the phosphorylase activity. Tri-Calciphor did not alter the glucose release by epinephrine. It is concluded that tri-Calciphor can alter cytosolic Ca2+, but that its mechanism of action is more complex than that of a simple Ca2+ ionophore.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Iron-56 irradiation diminishes muscarinic but not alpha 1-adrenergic-stimulated low-Km GTPase in rat brain.

Initial findings from our laboratory have indicated that muscarinic enhancement of K(+)-evoked release of dopamine from perifused striatal slices is reduced after exposure to 56Fe-particle irradiation. This finding suggested that there is a radiation-induced deficit in muscarinic receptor sensitivity. Subsequent findings have indicated that at least part of the loss in sensitivity may occur as a result of alterations in the initial steps of the signal transduction process and involve muscarinic receptor-G protein coupling/uncoupling. The present study was carried out to localize this deficit further by determining carbachol-stimulated low-Km guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activity in striatal and hippocampal tissue obtained from rats exposed to 0, 0.1 or 1.0 Gy of 56Fe-particle irradiation. In addition, to examine the specificity of the effect of 56Fe-particle irradiation, alpha 1-adrenergic-stimulated low-Km GTPase activity was also examined in these tissues. The results showed that there was a high degree of specificity in the effects of 56Fe particles. Decrements were observed in muscarinic-stimulated low-Km GTPase in striatum but not in hippocampus, and 56Fe-particle irradiation did not affect alpha 1-adrenergic low-Km GTPase activity in either brain tissue.

Animals↗