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Biomedical subjects

V Gopalakrishnan

Publications and source records attributed to V Gopalakrishnan.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Protein kinase C inhibitors enhance endothelin-1 and attenuate vasopressin and angiotensin II evoked [Ca2+]i elevation in the rat cardiomyocyte.

Primary cultures of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were pretreated for 16 h with either nonselective (staurosporine, 100 nM) or selective (NPC15437, 20 microM) protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors. These inhibitors did not affect the basal cytosolic free calcium, [Ca2+]i, level (106 +/- 12 nM) as determined by fura-2 fluorescence methodology. Both agents significantly enhanced the maximal [Ca2+]i responses to endothelin-1 (ET-1) and attenuated the peak [Ca2+]i responses to arginine vasopressin and angiotensin II. They did not alter the EC50 values of any of these agonists. Since depletion of [Ca2+]o led to only partial attenuation of the enhanced response to ET-1 in the treatment groups, it is likely that PKC inhibition results in an exaggerated intracellular mobilization of Ca2+ to ET-1. It is concluded that PKC modulates agonist(s)-evoked intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and that the nature of regulation is governed by the agonist.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed1993

ETB receptors on aortic smooth muscle cells of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The effect of the agonist sarafotoxin 6c (S6c), selective for endothelin (ET) receptor subtype B (ETB), on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) was determined by fura-2 methodology using aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMC) isolated from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and two normotensive strains, Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The basal [Ca2+]i was significantly higher in the ASMC of SHR (139 +/- 8 nM) than WKY (107 +/- 7 nM) and SD (102 +/- 4 nM) rats. S6c produced concentration-dependent elevations in [Ca2+]i in the ASMC of WKY and SHR, whereas it did not evoke significant increases in the [Ca2+]i levels in the ASMC of SD rats. The peak [Ca2+]i levels observed with maximal concentrations of S6c (500 nM) was higher (P < 0.01) in the SHR (346 +/- 36 nM) than the WKY group (148 +/- 19 nM). The natural nonselective agonist, ET-1, evoked maximal [Ca2+]i in the ASMC of SHR, WKY, and SD rats of 635 +/- 43, 304 +/- 19, and 289 +/- 24 nM, respectively. Depletion of extracellular Ca2+ concentration led to the reduction of the peak [Ca2+]i response to ET-1 by 60 and 40% in the WKY and SHR cells, respectively, whereas the response to S6c remained unaffected. The ETA-selective antagonist, BQ-123 (1 microM), did not affect the [Ca2+]i response to S6c, whereas it attenuated the response to ET-1 by 90 and 70% in the WKY and SHR cells, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase: spatial and temporal relationship between the polymerase and RNase H activities.

The spatial and temporal relationship between the polymerase and RNase H activities of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase has been examined by using a 40-mer RNA template and a series of DNA primers of lengths ranging from 15 to 40 nucleotides, hybridized to the RNA, as substrates. The experiments were executed in the absence and presence of heparin, an efficient trap to sequester any free or dissociated reverse transcriptase, thus facilitating the study of events associated with a single turnover of the enzyme. The results indicate a spatial separation of 18 or 19 nucleotides between the two sites. To examine the effect of concomitant polymerization on the RNase H activity, the substrate was doubly 5' end labeled on the RNA and DNA. This enabled the study of RNase H activity as a function of polymerization in a single experiment, and the results in the absence and presence of heparin indicate a tight temporal coupling between the two activities.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Influence of internucleotide phosphate linkage on relative base stacking in 3'-5' and 2'-5' RNA: a circular dichroic spectroscopic study of RNA hexamer AACCUU.

The variations in base stacking interactions of two isomeric RNA hexamers, 3'-5'r (AACCUU) and 2'-5'r' (AACCUU), have been studied using temperature dependent CD spectroscopy. Both RNA hexamers, in single strand form, exhibited a right handed helical sense. Van't Hoff analysis of the CD spectral results, derived from a two state model, gave a higher enthalpy of stacking for 3'-5' RNA than for 2'-5'RNA. The results suggest that 3'-5' linkage in RNA facilitates formation of better helical stacks in relation to an isomeric 2'-5' linkage.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Vasopressin (V1) receptor characteristics in rat aortic smooth muscle cells.

We report saturable, high-affinity, specific, reversible binding sites for both [3H]arginine vasopressin ([3H]AVP) and d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)-[3H]AVP, a V1-selective antagonist, in cultured smooth muscle cells obtained from rat aorta (RA) and rat mesenteric artery (RMA). Specific binding of [3H]AVP had the following characteristics in adherent monolayers of RA and RMA smooth muscle cells: dissociation constant (KD) = 1.42 and 1.23 nM and maximal binding capacity (Bmax) = 9,500 and 29,910 sites/cell, respectively. Lower KD and higher Bmax values were detected for 3H-labeled V1 antagonist binding to both types of cells. Complete dissociation of [3H]-AVP binding to RA cells occurred in a biphasic manner with two rate constants of dissociation, suggesting high- and low-affinity states of the binding site for the agonist interaction. Partial dissociation of the antagonist-specific binding occurred, and it was monophasic, suggesting interaction of the 3H-labeled V1 antagonist radioligand to the high-affinity binding state. Inhibition constant (Ki) values determined by competitive inhibition of [3H]AVP binding to RA cells by a series of AVP-related peptide analogues and antagonists were consistent with the saturation data. AVP in a concentration-dependent manner induced the accumulation of inositol phosphates [mean effective concentration (EC50) 1 nM] in the adherent RA cells. The free cytosolic Ca2+ level in the dispersed RA smooth muscle cells was increased by AVP (EC50 8.1 nM). Pretreatment with the V1 antagonist abolished these AVP-evoked responses. The data support the conclusion that the agonist binding occurs at a homogeneous population of V1-subtype receptors in the high-affinity (KD = approximately 1 nM) state and that these receptors are functionally coupled to phospholipase C.

Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists↗
PubMed1991

Vasopressin increases cytosolic free [Ca2+] in the neonatal rat cardiomyocyte. Evidence for V1 subtype receptors.

Radioligand binding studies of the cardiac arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptor, together with studies on the AVP-evoked alterations in the [Ca2+]i levels, were undertaken using primary cultures of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Rapid, reversible, specific, high-affinity and low-capacity binding sites were detected for the agonist, [3H]AVP, and the V1 selective antagonist, d(CH2)5 Tyr (Me)-[3H]AVP (V1 antagonist), radioligands. The V2 selective antagonist radioligand, d(CH2)5 D-Ile des-Gly NH2-[3H]AVP, showed very little binding even at very high concentrations. [3H]AVP and [3H]V1 antagonist specific binding attained equilibrium in 10 minutes at 37 degrees C. The Kd and Bmax values (mean +/- SEM) were [3H]AVP: Kd 1.44 +/- 0.18 nM; Bmax 5,253 +/- 590 sites/cell; [3H]V1 antagonist: Kd 0.96 +/- 0.10 nM; Bmax 6,869 +/- 485 sites/cell. Ki values for a series of AVP-related peptide analogues and antagonists determined by competitive inhibition of [3H]AVP binding were consistent with the saturation data. The results suggest that these cells possess a homogeneous population of V1 subtype AVP receptors. AVP increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner as judged by fura-2 fluorescence. This was completely attenuated by inclusion of the V1 antagonist. The maximal increase in [Ca2+]i evoked by AVP from a resting level of 60 +/- 5 nM was less (250 +/- 35 nM) in comparison to the maximal response evoked by angiotensin II (2,337 +/- 640 nM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Calcium antagonizes the magnesium-induced high affinity state of the hepatic vasopressin receptor for the agonist interaction.

1. The present study describes the role of Ca2+ in the regulation of the hepatic vasopressin V1 receptor. With low concentrations of Ca2+, there was a small increase in [3H]-arginine vasopressin [( 3H]-AVP) binding, but above 10 mM, Ca2+ decreased the binding of this agonist. In contrast, low concentrations of Mg2+ were associated with a dramatic concentration-dependent increase in [3H]-AVP binding, reaching a maximal effect of 650% above control at concentrations ranging between 1-5 mM. At higher concentrations of Mg2+, the stimulatory effect of this cation was less pronounced, falling to 210% of control at 100 mM Mg2+. Strikingly, Ca2(+)-inhibited the stimulatory effect of Mg2+ in a concentration-dependent fashion. 2. Saturation binding data revealed that Ca2+ (2 to 10 mM) per se promotes the high affinity conformation of the V1 receptor for the agonist binding with the KD decreased from a control value of 2.3 nM to 0.5 nM in the presence of 10 mM Ca2+. This effect was attenuated with an increase in Ca2+ above 10 mM. With an increase in Ca2+ to 20 mM, however, the Bmax for [3H]-AVP binding was decreased. Ca2+ also decreased the high affinity/high capacity state (KD 100 pM) of the receptor induced by 1 mM Mg2+ for agonist interaction. 3. [3H]-V1 antagonist binding was inhibited by both Ca2+ and Mg2+. The IC50 values (mean +/- s.e. mean) for Ca2+ and Mg2+ were 32 +/- 8 and 53 +/- 9 mM respectively. Maximal inhibition achieved at 100 mM was 29% for Ca2+ and 42% for Mg2+. Both cations decreased the affinity and increased the capacity of the V1 receptor for the antagonist. 4. The results suggest that the divalent metal ion binding site(s) modulated by Mg2 + is also accessible to Ca2 +. Although Ca2 + opposes the powerful stimulatory effects of Mg2 + on agonist binding, the effects of Ca2+ and Mg2 + on the B,,x of [3H]-AVP binding were different, suggesting that the divalent cations may bind to two different sites, thereby regulating the affinity and the capacity characteristics of the V1 receptor.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Hepatic vasopressin receptor: differential effects of divalent cations, guanine nucleotides, and N-ethylmaleimide on agonist and antagonist interactions with the V1 subtype receptor.

Previously, we reported that magnesium (Mg2+) enhanced the binding affinity of arginine vasopressin [( 3H]AVP) to a single class of sites in rat liver microsomes. In the present study we have examined the effects of divalent cations and guanine nucleotides on the binding characteristics of both the nonselective agonist and the V1 receptor-selective antagonist, d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)-[3H]AVP, to microsomal and plasma membrane fractions of rat liver. At a subsaturating concentration (100 pM) of [3H]AVP, divalent cations increased specific binding in a concentration-dependent manner with the following rank order of potency: Co2+ greater than Mn2+ greater than Ni2+ greater than Mg2+ greater than Ca2+ = control. The maximal effect for Mg2+ was evident at 1 mM, a physiologically relevant concentration. In contrast, binding of the V1 receptor antagonist (at a subsaturating concentration of 10 pM) was inhibited by divalent cations, the rank order of potency being Mn2+ greater than Co2+ greater than Ca2+ greater than Mg2+ greater than Ni2+. The inhibitory effects of divalent cations were of lesser magnitude (up to 60%) compared to the stimulation of agonist binding (up to 700%). Mg2+ enhanced the affinity of [3H]AVP (Kd was decreased from approximately 2 nM to 133 pM), while the affinity of the [3H]V1 antagonist was decreased (Kd was increased from 10 to 95 pM). Scatchard analysis of saturation data (Mg2+ present) revealed similar maximum binding values for the binding of radiolabeled agonist and antagonist, indicating that AVP receptors in rat liver are mostly of the V1 subtype. Competition experiments between V1/V2-specific AVP analogs with either the radiolabeled agonist or antagonist also indicated the presence of predominantly V1 receptor sites in rat liver microsomes. The properties of plasma membrane receptor sites were similar to those of the microsomal sites, except that the density of receptors was higher in the former. In both equilibrium and competitive inhibition experiments GTPase-resistant analogs of guanine nucleotides, GTP gamma S and GDP beta S, decreased the affinity of the agonist for the receptor, but not that of the antagonist. Treatment of membranes with 0.2 mM N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) reduced the maximum binding of [3H]AVP and abolished the GTP gamma S-evoked decrease in agonist-binding affinity. In contrast, antagonist binding was unaffected by NEM. NEM pretreatment failed to influence the divalent cation-dependent increase in agonist-binding affinity. The results provide direct evidence for the existence of a high and a low affinity state of the hepatic V1 receptor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Characterization of a specific, high affinity [3H]arginine8 vasopressin-binding site on liver microsomes from different strains of rat and the role of magnesium.

A single class of high affinity, low capacity, specific binding sites for [3H]arginine8 vasopressin (AVP) has been characterized in a plasma membrane-enriched microsomal fraction of the rat liver. Specific binding was saturable, linear with protein concentration, reversible, and 40-65% of the total binding. Binding at 25 C achieved a plateau after 30 min of incubation, whereas at 4 C, equilibrium was reached more slowly, and the level of binding was reduced. The presence of magnesium (Mg2+) in the assay medium enhanced the affinity of specific binding, while calcium and higher levels of sodium and potassium decreased binding. Scatchard analysis of binding in the presence of Mg2+ (5 mM) revealed an apparent mean +/- SE equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.29 +/- 0.08 nM, with a maximal site density (Bmax) of 150.4 +/- 25.0 fmol/mg; in contrast, the Kd was 1.93 +/- 0.33 nM and the Bmax was 113.4 +/- 40.0 fmol/mg in the absence of Mg2+. No significant differences in Kd and Bmax were observed among membrane fractions derived from spontaneously hypertensive rats, Wistar-Kyoto rats, Long-Evans rats, and Brattleboro rats. Plasma levels of AVP were similar in spontaneously hypertensive, Wistar-Kyoto, and Long-Evans rats, but AVP was not detectable in the plasma from DI rats. Competitive inhibition of specific [3H]AVP binding by unlabeled AVP and related peptides showed the following Ki values: AVP, 0.19 nM; LVP, 1.7 nM; oxytocin, 41.4 nM; desamino AVP, 0.38 nM; [1-(beta-mercapto-beta, beta-cyclopentamethylene propionic acid) 4-Val,8-D-Arg] VP2-(O-methyl)tyrosine]AVP, 1.8 nM; desglycinamide AVP, 2.2 microM. The neuropeptide metabolite of AVP [[pGlu4,Cyt6] AVP-(4-9)], angiotensin II, and other unrelated peptides did not displace [3H]AVP, demonstrating the specificity of AVP and its related biologically active peptides for this binding site. Moreover, the rank order of potency for displacement of [3H]AVP binding by these various peptides parallels their reported glycogenolytic activity in liver and/or their agonistic or antagonistic potency in vascular smooth muscle. Finally, the Mg2+-induced increase in the affinity of [3H]AVP for this liver binding site is similar to the reported effect of Mg2+ on the contractile responses of vascular smooth muscle to AVP (i.e. increased affinity). The results are consistent with the interpretation that the high affinity receptor site characterized in rat liver microsomes is of the V1 type.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

The effect of the calcium channel agonist, Bay K-8644 on human vascular smooth muscle.

Bay K-8644, a calcium channel activator, caused a dose-dependent (ED50 = 12.8 nM) elevation of tone in the human umbilical artery. The response to Bay K-8644 was dependent upon extracellular calcium (Ca2+), competitively antagonized by the channel antagonist, nifedipine, and, in addition, the sensitivity to Bay K-8644 was increased by, but not dependent upon, elevating extracellular potassium. Bay K-8644 competitively displaced, IC50 = 1.8 nM, specific [3H]nitrendipine binding to a microsome fraction derived from the umbilical artery, suggesting that the Ca2+ channel activator and the structurally related dihydropyridine antagonists bind to a single site to affect Ca2+ channel function in human vascular smooth muscle.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed1984

Specific high affinity binding of the calcium channel antagonist, [3H]nitrendipine, to rat liver microsomes.

Some key properties of the binding of [3H]nitrendipine, an analogue of the 1,4-dihydropyridine, nifedipine, to a plasma membrane enriched microsomal fraction from the rat liver are described. Specific binding was saturable, linear with protein concentration, and reversible. The apparent equilibrium dissociation constant, KD, was 4.20 +/- 0.22 nM and the maximum density of binding, Bmax, was 3.02 +/- 0.17 pmol/mg of protein determined from Scatchard analysis of binding at 10 degrees C. Inhibition of binding was specific for dihydropyridines with competitive inhibition being noted with nifedipine and 4-chloronifedipine, as well as BAY K-8644, a calcium channel agonist. A biphasic displacement curve was recorded for methoxy verapamil (D-600), and a triphasic competition curve with lanthanum (La3+), and diltiazem demonstrated competitive kinetics. The high affinity binding site for nitrendipine in the liver, although having some similar properties to those sites described in skeletal muscle, would appear to be distinctive with respect to its unique sensitivity to D-600 and diltiazem. We speculate that this binding site may represent a Ca2+ channel responsible for regulating Ca2+ influx and hepatic glycogenolysis.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Effect of clonidine on the chronic morphine tolerance and on the sensitivity of the smooth muscles in mice.

Clonidine, when administered for prolonged period showed no tolerance to its analgesic activity. Prior exposure to clonidine attenuated the tolerance development to morphine-induced analgesia and the supersensitivity to acetylcholine (ACh) in ileum during chronic morphine treatment. Further, acute administration of lower doses of clonidine (upto 1 mg) produced supersensitivity in ileum to Ach while the higher dose (10 mg) induced subsensitivity. In vas deferens, clonidine in all the concentrations tested induced dose and time dependent supersensitivity to norepinephrine (NE) similar to that produced by morphine. Chronic clonidine treatment failed to alter the ACh responses in ileum while it produced supersensitivity to NE in vas deferens. The results suggest that clonidine and morphine possess comparable properties and the antagonism of chronic morphine tolerance by clonidine may be the therapeutic basis for its clinical application in the treatment of opiate addicts.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1983

Role of prolactin in human milk composition and serum lipids studied during suppression of galactorrhea with bromocriptine.

Bromocriptine suppressed lactation by depressing the serum prolactin (PRL) level in 10 of 12 cases with profuse galactorrhea. The PRL level in galactorrhea milk was lower than in serum and was similar to that obtained in normal mature milk. However, significantly higher total solid, total ash, lipid and calcium levels, and reduced lactose and potassium levels were seen in galactorrhea specimens compared to mature milk. Although all the constituents decreased during treatment, the highly significant reduction in lipid and calcium levels shows the predominant effect of PRL on mammary synthesis and/or transport of these constituents. Fasting serum total lipids, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in the galactorrhea group than in breast-feeding women with established lactation, suggesting that elevated serum PRL plays a role in lipid metabolism.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

The development of acute tolerance to analgesia and the sensitivity changes in mouse vas deferens and ileum produced by morphine.

Repeated administration of morphine at 4 hr interval resulted in the development of tolerance to morphine-induced subsensitivity to acetylcholine in ileum and supersensitivity to norepinephrine in vas deferens of mouse. This was in parallel with analgesic tolerance to morphine. Pretreatment with naloxone antagonized the tolerance development to both morphine-induced analgesia and sensitivity changes, indicating a role for opiate receptors in this phenomenon.

Acetylcholine↗