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Biomedical subjects

T Bennett

Publications and source records attributed to T Bennett.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Haemodynamic effects of adrenomedullin in human resistance and capacitance vessels.

AIMS: The haemodynamic effects of adrenomedullin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were studied in resistance and capacitance vessels of healthy volunteers. METHODS: Adrenomedullin and CGRP were infused into the brachial artery of eight healthy subjects on two separate occasions at doses between 0.3-30 pmol min(-1). Forearm blood flow was measured using venous occlusion plethysmography. Venodilatation to adrenomedullin and CGRP was assessed in a further eight subjects by infusing the peptides at doses between 0.3-10 pmol min(-1) into a dorsal hand vein preconstricted with noradrenaline. Venodilator responses were measured as percentage reduction in noradrenaline preconstriction. RESULTS: Adrenomedullin and CGRP at a dose of 30 pmol min(-1), produced an increase in forearm blood flow of 288 +/- 42% and 252 +/- 30% respectively (mean +/- s.e. mean, P<0.001). At doses between 3 and 10 pmol min(-1) adrenomedullin was significantly more potent than CGRP. The vasodilatation to both peptides was of similar duration with a biological half-life of approximately 18 min. Adrenomedullin reversed constriction in dorsal hand veins by 84 +/- 2% (P<0.001) at a dose of 10 pmol min(-1). CGRP produced a similar effect reversing constriction by 72 +/- 12% at the same dose (P<0.01). In veins, adrenomedullin was also more potent than CGRP at doses between 0.3 and 3 pmol min(-1). CONCLUSIONS: The lowest dose of adrenomedullin producing significant arteriolar dilatation was calculated to produce plasma levels similar to those found in heart failure. These findings suggest that in pathophysiological conditions such as heart failure circulating levels of adrenomedullin may be within a range capable of influencing vascular resistance directly.

Adrenomedullin

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and IGF binding protein gene expression in multicystic renal dysplasia.

Multicystic dysplastic kidney disease is the most common form of renal dysplasia that leads to ESRD in children. This study describes the histopathological changes of multicystic dysplasia that occur from early fetal life to the postnatal period. At 14 wk gestation, early cystic enlargement of various segments of the nephron have been identified, in addition to a displaced metanephric blastema adjacent to zones of normal nephrogenesis. At later stages, the predominant features include cyst enlargement with marked fibromuscular collars, architectural disorganization, and replacement of the interstitium with a disarray of mesenchymal tissue. This study investigated the expression of the mRNA encoding the insulin-like growth factors (IGF) and IGF binding proteins (IGFBP) and have demonstrated IGF-II, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-3 to be altered. Apart from their expression in the displaced metanephric blastema, both IGF-II and IGFBP-2 were overexpressed in abnormal tissue elements in all kidneys from fetal to postnatal life. IGF-II gene expression was localized to mesenchymal tissue, specifically in the periductal fibromuscular collars. IGFBP-2 mRNA was found to be expressed exclusively in the cyst epithelia of all cysts at all ages studied, whereas IGFBP-3 mRNA was absent from these epithelia. This study details the failure of normal IGF expression in the development of multicystic renal dysplasia and suggests a role for the IGF system in the progressive histopathological changes of this disorder.

Child, Preschool

An endogenous cannabinoid as an endothelium-derived vasorelaxant.

Since the identification of nitric oxide (NO) as an important mediator of endothelium-dependent relaxation, it has become clear that there is an additional endothelial relaxant factor, termed the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). The identity of EDHF has remained elusive, but it is thought to be an arachidonic acid metabolite. We now report that EDHF-mediated relaxations in the rat mesenteric arterial bed are blocked by a highly selective cannabinoid receptor antagonist, SR141716A, consistent with EDHF being a cannabinoid-like substance. Furthermore, in conscious rats,. the NO-independent depressor and regional vasodilator effects of bradykinin were inhibited by SR141716A. The relaxations in the isolated mesentery were accompanied by the accumulation of an arachidonic acid metabolite, which co-eluted on TLC separation with arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide), an endogenous cannabinoid derived from arachidonate. We further report that anandamide is a potent vasorelaxant in the mesentery, acting via a hyperpolarizing mechanism. These findings suggest that an endogenous cannabinoid is an endothelium-derived vasorelaxant, which may be EDHF.

Animals

Identification of a novel myosin heavy chain gene expressed in the rat larynx.

Based on reactivity to antibodies against known myosin heavy chains, expression of a novel fast myosin heavy chain (MHC) gene was suspected in the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle of the rat larynx. The 3' ends of MHC transcripts in the TA were amplified by RT-PCR using a primer to a highly conserved MHC sequence and to the poly(A) tail. The resultant products were cloned and fourteen PCR products were screened by dot-blotting with oligonucleotides specific for known skeletal muscle MHC genes. A clone that reacted weakly to the 2B oligo was sequenced and found to encode a novel fast MHC transcript, termed 2L, that appears to represent an eighth vertebrate skeletal muscle MHC gene. By homology analysis, the 2L sequence is most similar to the extraocular MHC, suggesting a possible evolutionary relationship between MHCs associated with the branchial arches.

Amino Acid Sequence

Adverse effects of dextromethorphan on the spatial learning of rats in the Morris water maze.

The effects of the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist dextromethorphan on spatial learning were assessed using the Morris water maze. Dextromethorphan was administered to 4 groups of rats in 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/kg doses. An additional group of rats was administered saline to serve as a vehicle control group. Dextromethorphan impaired learning dose dependently in the initial training phase of the experiment. During the probe trial, dose-dependent performance deficits were noted in the first 15 s of the trial only. Search strategy differences between the lowest and highest dose groups were also observed during the probe trial. During the reversal training phase, when the platform was moved to a new location, the dose-dependent impairment was seen again, but the 40 mg/kg group perseverated to the former location longer than the other groups. A cued control trial indicated that in addition to the learning impairment produced, the highest dose of dextromethorphan may also impair sensory-motor coordination.

Animals

Initial experience with an implantable hemodynamic monitor.

BACKGROUND: Measurement of intracardiac hemodynamic parameters has been limited to brief periods in the acute care setting. We developed and evaluated an implantable hemodynamic monitor that is capable of measuring chronic right ventricular oxygen saturation and pulmonary artery pressure. METHODS AND RESULTS: The device consists of an electronic controller placed subcutaneously and two transvenous leads placed in the right ventricle (reflectance oximeter) and pulmonary artery (variable capacitance pressure sensor). Implantation was performed in 10 patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction. Average implant pulmonary artery pressures were systolic, 52 +/- 16 mm Hg; diastolic, 29 +/- 11 mm Hg; and mean, 40 +/- 12 mm Hg. The mean right ventricular oxygen saturation at implant was 51%. Provocative maneuvers, including postural changes, sublingual nitroglycerin, and bicycle exercise, demonstrated expected changes in measured oxygen saturation and pulmonary artery pressures over time. At follow-up of 0.5 to 15.5 months, there were no significant differences between pulmonary artery pressures or oxygen saturation values transmitted from the device and simultaneous measurement with balloon flotation catheters. Four of the pulmonary artery leads dislodged and three demonstrated sensor drift, whereas two of the oxygen saturation sensors failed. Four patients died and four received transplants. Pathological study did not demonstrate injury to the right ventricular outflow tract or pulmonic valve. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic measurement of hemodynamic parameters in the outpatient setting with implantable sensor technology appears to be feasible. The devices are well tolerated without significant untoward effects, and the sensors generally function well over time, providing reliable information. Clinical usefulness remains to be established.

Adult

Long-term recording of cardiac output via an implantable haemodynamic monitoring device.

Long-term monitoring of central haemodynamics with implanted monitoring systems might be valuable in managing heart failure patients. Such systems offer an opportunity for repeated 'semi-invasive' cardiac output determinations according to the Fick principle. Five patients, four with chronic heart failure and one with chronic pulmonary disease, underwent supine exercise testing during cardiac catheterization at 0, 2, 6 and 11 months after implantation of a right ventricular mixed venous oxygen saturation sensor connected to an implantable haemodynamic monitor. The monitor provided a continuous measure of oxygen saturation via a radio-telemetry link to a metabolic cart capable of measurement of breath-by-breath oxygen consumption. Cardiac output was computed using oxygen consumption, mixed venous oxygen saturation, arterial oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry and haemoglobin oxygen capacity. Biosensor-derived oxygen saturation compared to blood samples from the pulmonary artery showed an excellent correlation over time, r2 = 0.94 (implant), r2 = 0.91 (6-11 months). There was a strong correlation between semi-invasive-determined cardiac output using the biosensor and the invasive technique, which persisted over the entire follow-up period. Repeated semi-invasive cardiac output measurements using an implanted haemodynamic monitoring system in chronic heart failure patients is feasible and the data may be of value for optimizing therapy.

Adult

Effects of glibenclamide on the regional haemodynamic actions of alpha-trinositol and its influence on responses to vasodilators in conscious rats.

1. In conscious rats, alpha-trinositol (D-myo-inositol-1, 2, 6 triphosphate; 5-80 mg kg-1 h-1 infusion) caused dose-dependent hypotension, tachycardia and hyperaemic dilatation in renal, mesenteric and hindquarters vascular beds. These effects were accompanied by inhibition of the renal vasodilator effects of acetylcholine (ACh), and of the mesenteric vasodilator effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and, particularly, of levcromakalim (LCK). 2. In the light of the latter finding, in a second experiment, we assessed the influence of the KATP channel inhibitor, glibenclamide (20 mg kg-1), on resting haemodynamics, on responses to ACh, bradykinin (BK), SNP and LCK, on the haemodynamic action of alpha-trinositol, and on the effects of the latter on responses to the vasodilators, over a period of 3 days. 3. In the presence of saline, glibenclamide caused a reproducible pressor effect, accompanied by renal, mesenteric, and hindquarters vasoconstrictions on all 3 experimental days; these effects were unrelated to changes in blood glucose. In the presence of glibenclamide, only the hindquarters vasodilator response to BK, and all the cardiovascular actions of LCK were inhibited. 4. On the first experimental day, the hindquarters vasodilator effect of alpha-trinositol was substantially inhibited by glibenclamide, the renal vasodilatation less so, and the mesenteric vasodilatation not at all. However, over the subsequent two days, the mesenteric vasodilator effect of alpha-trinositol became increasingly sensitive to glibenclamide. 5. In the presence of alpha-trinositol and glibenclamide, on the first experimental day, the inhibition of the renal vasodilator effect of ACh was no greater than with alpha-trinositol alone in the first experiment. Moreover, on the third experimental day, both before and after glibenclamide, the inhibition by alpha-trinositol of the renal vasodilator response to ACh was less than on the first experimental day. Similarly, the alpha-trinositol-induced inhibition of the mesenteric vasodilator effect of SNP, and of the hindquarters vasodilator action of BK, waned over the 3 experimental days. The inhibition of the cardiovascular effects of LCK were similar on all 3 experimental days, but no greater in the presence of alpha-trinositol and glibenclamide than with glibenclamide alone. 6. These results indicate that KATP channels are involved in the maintenance of resting vasodilator tone in renal, mesenteric and hindquarters vascular beds. However, although additional activation of KATP channels is responsible for all the haemodynamic effects of LCK, it contributes only to the hindquarters vasodilator action of BK and is not involved in any of the responses to ACh or SNP. The hindquarters, renal and mesenteric vasodilator effects of alpha-trinositol may involve (in the same rank order) activation of KATP channels, probably through an indirect mechanism. However, it is unlikely that direct or indirect interaction of alpha-trinositol with KATP channels explains the ability of the drug to inhibit the renal vasodilator action of ACh, or the mesenteric vasodilator effects of SNP or LCK.

Acetylcholine

Effects of dexamethasone and SB 209670 on the regional haemodynamic responses to lipopolysaccharide in conscious rats.

1. Male (350-450 g) Long Evans rats were chronically instrumented to permit regional haemodynamics to be monitored in the conscious state. In the first experiment, either saline (0.4 ml h-1) or dexamethasone (3 mg kg-1, 125 micrograms kg-1 h-1) was infused continuously for 24 h, before co-infusion of lipopolysaccharide of (LPS, 150 micrograms kg-1 h-1) for 24 h. Dexamethasone prevented the delayed (5-24 h) fall in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and the renal and hindquarters vasodilatation seen with LPS infusion alone, but not the initial (about 2 h) fall in MAP or renal vasodilatation. However, at this dose, dexamethasone itself caused a significant rise in MAP and regional vasoconstrictions. 2. In the second experiment, dexamethasone at a lower dose (12.5 micrograms kg-1 h-1) had only slight pressor and vasoconstrictor effects. However, in its presence, infusion of LPS caused a substantial and progressive rise in MAP (maximum at 8 h, +32 +/- 3 mmHg) together with persistent mesenteric and hindquarters vasoconstriction and a transient renal vasodilatation. 3. In the third experiment, the non-selective endothelin antagonist, SB 209670 (600 micrograms kg-1 h-1), blocked the slight pressor and regional vasoconstrictor effects of the lower dose of dexamethasone. Furthermore, in the presence of dexamethasone and SB 209670, infusion of LPS caused marked, but transient hypotension (nadir at 5 h, -24 +/- 2 mmHg) and renal and mesenteric vasodilatation. 4. At the end of all experimental protocols, sequential administration of the AT1-receptor antagonist, losartan, followed by the V1-receptor antagonist, (+)-(CH2)5-O-Me-Tyr, vasopressin, caused effects indicating a variable involvement of angiotensin and vasopressin in the maintenance of cardiovascular status. 5. Collectively, the results indicate that, in the conscious rat, dexamethasone interacts with vasoconstrictor and vasodilator mechanisms, and hence its influence on the haemodynamic responses to LPS cannot be attributed, simply, to inhibition of the activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase and/or cyclo-oxygenase-2.

Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists

Regional haemodynamic effects of antagonists of angiotensin II, endothelin and adrenoceptors in conscious, vasopressin-deficient, genetically hypertensive rats.

1. Male, vasopressin-deficient, normotensive (DI/N) and hypertensive (DI/H) rats were chronically instrumented (all surgery under sodium methohexitone anaesthesia) to allow assessment of resting haemodynamic status and responses to antagonism of AT1-receptors (Experiment 1), ET(A-) and ET(B-) receptors (Experiment 2) or adrenoceptors (Experiment 3). 2. Before any treatment, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was higher, and hindquarters vascular conductance was consistently lower in all groups of DI/H rats than in DI/N rats. 3. In Experiment 1, losartan (10 mg kg-1 i.v.), an AT1-receptor antagonist, was given 5 h after s.c. injection of saline, (DI/N, n = 8; DI/H, n = 8) or hyperoncotic polyethylene glycol, (DI/N, n = 9; DI/H, n = 9) to induce isosmotic hypovolaemia. In the volume-replete state, losartan caused similar small falls in MAP in the two groups (maximum delta MAP; DI/N, -9 +/- 2; DI/H, -15 +/- 5 mmHg), but the mesenteric and hindquarters vasodilatations were greater in DI/N rats. In the volume-depleted state the effects of losartan were augmented (delta MAP; DI/N, -32 +/- 3; DI/H. -31 +/- 3 mmHg), but its vasodilator effects were still greater in DI/N than in DI/H rats. 4. In Experiment 2, infusion of the ET(A-)ET(B-)receptor antagonist, SB 209670 (600 micrograms kg-1 h-1; DI/N, n = 8; DI/H, n = 9), had haemodynamic effects that were not different from those during saline infusion in DI/N (n = 7) and DI/H rats (n = 8). 5. In Experiment 3, sequential administration of the beta 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, ICI 118551 (0.2 mg kg-1 bolus, 0.1 mg kg-1 h-1 infusion), the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, idazoxan (0.75 mg kg-1 bolus, 1 mg kg-1 h-1 infusion), and losartan (10 mg kg-1 bolus) had only slight haemodynamic effects in DI/N (n = 8) and DI/H (n = 9) rats. Subsequent administration of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin (0.5 mg kg-1 bolus, 0.8 mg kg-1 h-1 infusion) caused marked hypotension, although MAP was still higher in DI/H (95 +/- 4 mmHg) than in DI/N (75 +/- 4 mmHg) rats. However, in this circumstance there were no significant differences between renal, or mesenteric, or hindquarters vascular conductances in the two groups. 6. The results indicate that the hypertension and hindquarters vasoconstriction in DI/H rats is not dependent on AII or endothelin. Moreover, the relative elevation in MAP in DI/H persists in the presence of antagonism of beta 2, alpha 2- and alpha 1-adrenoceptors, in spite of no significant difference in regional vascular conductances.

Adrenergic Antagonists

Effects of the non-peptide, non-selective endothelin antagonist, bosentan, on regional haemodynamic responses to NG-monomethyl-L-arginine in conscious rats.

1. Male, Long Evans rats (350-450 g) were chronically instrumented to allow monitoring of mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate and changes in renal, mesenteric and hindquarters haemodynamics. In the first experiment, animals (n = 8) were given a bolus i.v. injection of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine hydrochloride (L-NMMA; 30 mg kg-1) on four consecutive days. Fifteen min prior to L-NMMA administration on the fourth day, the endothelin, ETA-, ETB-receptor antagonist, bosentan, was injected (30 mg kg-1, i.v.). Relative to the response on the third day, bosentan caused 33 +/- 4%, 24 +/- 3%, 14 +/- 3%, and 18 +/- 5% inhibition of the pressor, and renal, mesenteric and hindquarters vasoconstrictor effects of L-NMMA, respectively. 2. In the second experiment, bosentan was given 15 min before L-NMMA in a group of rats (n = 6) which had not received L-NMMA previously. Relative to the responses to L-NMMA on the first day in the previous experiment, bosentan caused a 30%, 24%, 18% and 27% inhibition of the pressor, and renal, mesenteric and hindquarters vasoconstrictor effects of L-NMMA, respectively. 3. The results indicate a significant contribution from endothelin to the haemodynamic effects of L-NMMA in conscious rats. However, since our previous studies have shown the renin-angiotensin and sympathoadrenal systems are not involved, it is likely that the major component of the cardiovascular response to L-NMMA in conscious rats is due to loss of vasodilator action of endothelial nitric oxide.

Animals

Influence of aminoguanidine and the endothelin antagonist, SB 209670, on the regional haemodynamic effects of endotoxaemia in conscious rats.

1. We compared the regional haemodynamic responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 150 micrograms kg-1 h-1, i.v.) in the presence of saline, aminoguanidine (AG; 45 mg kg-1 bolus, 45 mg kg-1 h-1 infusion), or AG and the non-selective endothelin receptor antagonist, SB 209670 (600 micrograms kg-1 h-1), in conscious, chronically instrumented, Long Evans rats (350-450 g; n = 8 in all groups). We used AG because there is evidence that it is a selective inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), although recently it has been claimed AG also inhibits constitutive NOS. 2. Infusion of LPS in the presence of saline caused an early, transient hypotension (1-2 h) and a renal vasodilatation, with a secondary, delayed fall in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), progressive tachycardia, and renal and hindquarters vasodilatation. 3. AG alone caused a rapid (within 30 s) transient rise in MAP (delta 27 +/- 3 mmHg), accompanied by tachycardia and regional vasoconstrictions, but no reduction in regional flows, indicating the pressor effect of AG was, probably, largely due to an increase in cardiac output. These effects are not consistent with AG inhibiting constitutive NOS. In the presence of AG, LPS still caused an early, transient fall in MAP accompanied by a renal vasodilatation, but thereafter there was a significant rise in MAP (17 +/- 3 mmHg, 3 h after onset of LPS infusion) accompanied by bradycardia and marked mesenteric and hindquarters vasoconstrictions. However, 23 h after the onset of co-infusion of AG and LPS all variables were not different from baseline, except heart rate and renal vascular conductance, which were increased. 4. In the presence of AG and SB 209670, LPS caused progressive hypotension and increases in renal, mesenteric and hindquarters vascular conductances. Hence, SB 209670 prevented the rise in MAP and the regional vasoconstrictions seen with AG and LPS, indicating an involvement of endothelin in these events. 5. In the presence of AG and SB 209670, 23 h after the onset of LPS infusion, the AT 1-receptor antagonist, losartan (10 mg kg-1), and the V 1-receptor antagonist, d(CH2)5-0-Me-Tyr-AVP (10 micrograms kg-1, 10 micrograms kg-1 h-1) caused additional incremental falls in MAP and increases in renal, mesenteric and hindquarters vascular conductances. Under these circumstances, MAP was lower and regional vascular conductances higher than in the other experiments following administration of losartan and d(CH2)5-0-Me-Tyr-AVP. Thus, although the findings are consistent with AG inhibiting iNOS, thereby revealing the pressor and vasoconstrictor actions of endothelin released by LPS, it is clear that LPS activates a very powerful hypotensive/vasodilator mechanism(s) which is resistant to AG, and whose full influence is only unmasked when the actions of endothelin, angiotensin II and vasopressin are inhibited.

Animals