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Role of adenosine in exercise vasodilation in dog gracilis muscle.

Theophylline, quinidine, and dipyridamole were used to evaluate the role of adenosine in exercise vasodilation in dog gracilis muscles perfused at low, constant flow. Theophylline, 10(-3) M in blood, blocked adenosine vasodilation completely, but did not alter the magnitude or rate of vasodilation aroused by brief tetani, or by 1 min of twitch contraction. Quinidine's effects were too nonspecific to interpret in terms of the adenosine hypothesis. Dipyridamole increased and prolonged vasodilation due to injected adenosine, but did not increase the magnitude of exercise vasodilation known to be submaximal. In about half the muscles tested, dipyridamole slowed recovery of resistance after contraction stopped. Bioassay data strongly suggest it did so by enhancing the contribution of a purine metabolite. Results are interpreted to mean that adenosine does not influence the rate or magnitude of exercise vasodilation, but may prolong recovery from heavy work at constant flow. The generality of results and interpretations is discussed.

Adenosine↗

Pharmacologic- vs. ischemia-induced coronary artery vasodilation.

Responses of total coronary and regional myocardial blood flow to ischemia- or drug-induced coronary artery vasodilation were studied in open-chest anesthetized dogs. Systolic, diastolic, and mean coronary blood flow after addition of chromonar (8 mg/kg iv), adenosine triphosphate (400 micrograms/min intracoronary), or adenosine (500 micrograms/min intracoronary) exceeded the respective flow at the peak of reactive hyperemia (90-s occlusion period). Whereas the regional distribution of total coronary flow favored the subendocardium of the left ventricle during reactive hyperemia, flow was preferentially distributed to subepicardium during drug-induced maximal coronary artery vasodilation. These results were independent of type of anesthesia, vasodilator agent, or degree of autonomic innervation. These data indicate that total coronary vasodilator reserve is greater than that observed at the peak of reactive hyperemia and that there is a transmural gradient of vasodilator reserve within the left ventricle. A greater regional vasodilator reserve is present in subepicardial than in subendocardial layers.

Adenosine↗

Distribution of perfusate flow during vasodilation in isolated guinea pig heart.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of vasodilation on the distribution of perfusate flow in the isolated guinea pig heart. Hearts were perfused retrogradely through the aorta with oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit buffer solution at 37 degrees C. Regional myocardial flows were measured with 15-micron radioactive microspheres. Each heart was subdivided into 45 pieces (average size 44 mg), and heterogeneity of flow was quantified as the relative dispersion (standard deviation/mean). Under control conditions at a perfusion pressure of 46 mmHg (60 cm water), the relative dispersion of left ventricular (LV) flow was 30 +/- 2% (n = 8). Vasodilation was induced via infusion of dipyridamole (10(-5) M). When flow was held constant at the resting value, relative flow dispersion increased to 43 +/- 6% (n = 8). When perfusion pressure was held constant and flow allowed to increase, relative dispersion fell to 20 +/- 5% (n = 5). Heterogeneity for the heart as a whole was higher than for the left ventricle but followed the same pattern with vasodilation. In a separate series of hearts (n = 5) equipped with LV balloons but without microsphere flow measurements, vasodilation at constant flow decreased LV pressure development, dP/dt, and O2 consumption. Vasodilation at constant pressure increased O2 consumption, but did not increase LV pressure or dP/dt. We conclude that vasodilation in this preparation will increase flow heterogeneity during constant-flow perfusion but decrease heterogeneity during constant-pressure perfusion. Furthermore, increased flow heterogeneity can compromise ventricular function.

Algorithms↗

Angiotensin II induces endothelium-dependent vasodilation of rat cerebral arterioles.

We evaluated the response of cerebral arterioles to angiotensin II (ANG II) in anesthetized rats equipped with a closed cranial window. Topical application of 10(-10)-10(-5) M ANG II induced dose-dependent arteriolar vasodilation. Maximum vasodilation of 24 +/- 2.2% (+/- SE) was attained at a concentration of 10(-6) M ANG II. The dilation in response to ANG II was blocked by 3 micrograms/ml indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, and was reversed to minimal vasoconstriction by 10(-5) M methylene blue, a substance that has been reported to eliminate endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Coapplication of indomethacin with methylene blue reduced the arteriolar response to ANG II to a similar extent as the application of indomethacin alone. Indomethacin or methylene blue did not inhibit the vasodilation induced by 10(-5) M adenosine, which is not endothelium and cyclooxygenase dependent. Mercury light illumination of the pial vessels after intravenous injection of fluorescein dye, a technique that has been used by others to functionally damage endothelial cells, reversed ANG II (10(-6) M)-induced vasodilation into a -14.2 +/- 2.3% constriction while not affecting the response to adenosine. Our data suggest that ANG II produces vasodilator responses of rat cerebral arterioles by the release of a factor that is derived from the endothelium and may be generated through a cyclooxygenase-dependent mechanism.

Angiotensin II↗

NPY modulates neurotransmission of CGRP-containing vasodilator nerves in rat mesenteric arteries.

The effect of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in neurotransmission of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-containing vasodilator nerves was investigated in rats. In perfused mesenteric vascular beds with active tone, perivascular nerve stimulation (PNS; 1-8 Hz) caused a frequency-dependent vasodilator response, which was abolished by 300 nM tetrodotoxin (TTX), 500 nM capsaicin, 1 microM human CGRP-(8-37), or cold storage denervation (4 degrees C for 72 h). NPY (5, 10, and 50 nM) concentration dependently inhibited the vasodilator response to PNS, whereas NPY had little effect on vasodilation induced by exogenous CGRP (10 and 100 pmol) or 1 nmol acetylcholine (ACh). NPY (10 nM) inhibited the neurogenic release of CGRP-like immunoreactivity induced by PNS (4 and 8 Hz), which was abolished by 300 nM TTX and the removal of Ca2+ from the medium. Combined perfusion with 5 nM NPY and 10 nM norepinephrine additively inhibited the vasodilator response to PNS but not to exogenous CGRP and ACh. Immunohistochemistry showed the distinct distribution of CGRP- and NPY-like immunoreactivity-containing fibers in rat mesenteric arteries. These results suggest that NPY modulates presynaptically the release of CGRP from CGRP-containing vasodilator nerves in rat mesenteric arteries.

Acetylcholine↗

Role of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in cAMP-mediated vasodilation.

In this study, the role of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) in cAMP-dependent relaxation was assessed in the isolated-perfused rat lung using a PKA inhibitor, Rp-cAMPS, 8-bromo-cAMP (8-BrcAMP), and the diterpene activator of adenylate cyclase (AC), forskolin (FSK). A role for K+ channels was also assessed with the nonselective K+ channel blocker, tetraethylammonium (TEA, 10 mM), and an ATP-sensitive K+ channel inhibitor, glibenclamide (GLI, 100 microM). Both 8-BrcAMP (0.1-1.0 mM) and RSK (0.1-10 microM) dose-dependently attenuated the peak pressor response to alveolar hypoxia (HPR). Rp-cAMPS potentiated the HPR and attenuated 8-BrcAMP-mediated vasodilation but had no effect on FSK-mediated vasodilation. FSK-mediated vasodilation was not mimicked by 1,9-dideoxy-FSK, which is biologically inactive on AC but alters K+ channels identically to FSK, nor was it attenuated by the platelet-activating factor antagonist SRI 63-441 or the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. TEA, but not GLI, attenuated FSK-mediated vasodilation. Similarly, TEA attenuated 8-BrcAMP-mediated vasodilation. These results support roles for PKA and indirect gating of a non-ATP-sensitive K+ channel in mediating cAMP-dependent pulmonary vasodilation.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Prostacyclin-induced vasodilation in rabbit heart is mediated by ATP-sensitive potassium channels.

We tested the hypothesis that prostacyclin and its stable analogue iloprost act as agonists of ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) to induce vasodilation of the coronary circulation. The selective blocker of KATP, glibenclamide, was used as a probe for vasodilation mediated by KATP in saline-perfused rabbit hearts (constant flow, Langendorff preparation). Glibenclamide (10-300 nM) significantly increased coronary perfusion pressure and inhibited vasodilation induced by iloprost (1-30 nM), prostacyclin (10 nM), adenosine (0.3 microM), and cromakalim (0.1 microM), a known agonist of KATP. This potassium channel antagonist also inhibited vasodilation of rabbit hearts in response to 10 nM bradykinin in the presence of an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (30 microM NG-nitro-L-arginine). Because bradykinin-induced vasodilation is mediated by prostacyclin released from endothelial cells when nitric oxide synthesis is inhibited, these data indicate that glibenclamide is also effective against endogenous prostacyclin. The inhibitory effects of glibenclamide were selective: vasodilation induced by sodium nitroprusside (1-10 microM) or acetylcholine (1 microM) were not inhibited by this potassium channel antagonist. In addition, basal and bradykinin-stimulated release of 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha was not affected by this antagonist of KATP. Glibenclamide also did not inhibit the activation of adenylate cyclase, as indicated by its lack of effect on adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate accumulation induced by iloprost (10 nM-1 microM) in bovine coronary arterial segments, a tissue in which iloprost-induced vascular smooth muscle relaxation is inhibited by glibenclamide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

M&B 22948, a cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor, is a pulmonary vasodilator in lambs.

To investigate the hypothesis that pulmonary vascular tone and endothelium-dependent pulmonary vasodilation are mediated by changes in the vascular smooth muscle cell concentration of cGMP, we studied the hemodynamic effects of M&B 22948, a selective guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) phosphodiesterase inhibitor, in eight intact newborn lambs. At rest, M&B 22948 (1.0-2.5 mg/kg) selectively decreased pulmonary arterial pressure (by 8.5 +/- 6.6 to 10.3 +/- 4.5%, P < 0.05). Similarly, M&B 22948 (0.5-5.0 mg/kg) produced selective dose-dependent decreases in pulmonary arterial pressure during pulmonary hypertension induced either by U46619 (by 7.7 +/- 4.2 to 44.2 +/- 4.4%, P < 0.05) or by alveolar hypoxia (by 9.5 +/- 6.2 to 29.0 +/- 11.0%, P < 0.05). In addition, M&B 22948 augmented the pulmonary vasodilating effects of acetylcholine and ATP (both endothelium- and cGMP-dependent vasodilators) but not isoproterenol (an endothelium-independent and cAMP-dependent vasodilator). Because M&B 22948 inhibits the breakdown of cGMP, this study supports the in vitro data that changes in the vascular smooth muscle cell concentration of cGMP, in part, may regulate pulmonary vascular tone and mediate endothelium-dependent vasodilator responses in the pulmonary circulation. In addition, N omega-nitro-L-arginine (an inhibitor of endothelium-derived relaxing factor synthesis) blocked the vasodilating effects of M&B 22948, suggesting that the majority of endogenous cGMP is generated by the release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Cutaneous vasodilation during dorsal column stimulation is mediated by dorsal roots and CGRP.

Dorsal column stimulation (DCS) is used clinically to provide pain relief from peripheral vascular disease and has the benefit of increasing cutaneous blood flow to the affected lower extremities. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of dorsal roots, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and substance P in the cutaneous vasodilation induced by DCS. Male rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (60 mg/kg ip). A unipolar ball electrode was placed unilaterally on the spinal cord at the L1-L2 spinal segment. Blood flow was recorded in each hindpaw foot pad with laser Doppler flowmeters. Blood flow responses were assessed during 1 min of DCS (either 0.2 mA subdural or 0.6 mA epidural at 50 Hz, 0.2-ms pulse duration). Dorsal rhizotomy of L3-L5 (n = 5) abolished the cutaneous vasodilation to subdural DCS, whereas removal of T10-T12 (n = 5) and T13-L2 dorsal roots (n = 5) did not attenuate the DCS-induced vasodilation. The CGRP antagonist, CGRP-(8-37) (2.6 mg/kg iv, n = 7), eliminated the epidural DCS-induced vasodilation, whereas the substance P receptor antagonist, CP-96345 (1 mg/kg iv, n = 6), had no effect. In summary, L3-L5 dorsal roots and CGRP are essential for the DCS-induced vasodilation. We propose that DCS antidromically activates afferent fibers in the dorsal roots, thus causing peripheral release of CGRP, which produces cutaneous vasodilation.

Animals↗

Endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the brachial artery is impaired in smokers: effect of vitamin C.

Cigarette smoking has been shown to cause endothelial dysfunction. To examine the effects of vitamin C and cigarette smoking on endothelium-dependent vasodilation, we measured the lumen diameter and flow velocity of the brachial arteries at rest, during reactive hyperemia following transient arterial occlusion, and after sublingual nitroglycerin (0.3 mg) in smokers (n = 20) and nonsmokers (n = 20) with high-resolution ultrasound after infusion of saline or saline plus vitamin C (10 mg/min for 20 min). We also performed the same study in smokers (n = 15) before and 10 min after cigarette smoking. In addition, we measured the serum levels of vitamin C and the plasma levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) as an index of lipid peroxidation. The smokers had lower vitamin C levels, higher TBARS levels, and showed impairment of flow-dependent vasodilation (5.3 +/- 1.9 vs. 9.2 +/- 1.5%, P < 0.0001) compared with nonsmokers. Vitamin C administration improved the impairment of flow-dependent vasodilation (5.3 +/- 1.9 to 9.0 +/- 3.2%, P < 0.001) and decreased TBARS in smokers but not in nonsmokers. Furthermore, cigarette smoking acutely worsened the impairment of flow-dependent vasodilation (5.4 +/- 1.8 to 1.5 +/- 1.3%, P < 0.01) and increased TBARS. We conclude that 1) endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the brachial arteries is impaired in smokers and this impairment is improved by vitamin C administration in association with a decrease in TBARS and 2) cigarette smoking produces acute impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation in smokers in association with an increase in TBARS.

Adult↗

Estrogen improves acetylcholine-induced but not metabolic vasodilation in biological males.

We have previously shown that chronic estrogen therapy improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the resistance vessels of biological males. Whether this is nitric oxide (NO) mediated and whether estrogen improves metabolic vasodilation is unknown. Resting forearm blood flow (FBF), ACh-induced vasodilation, and functional hyperemic blood flow (exercise) were assessed before and after the inhibition of NO with N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) in 15 male-to-female transsexuals prescribed estrogen and in 14 age-matched males. Resting FBF was similar in the two groups and was similarly (P = 0.44) but significantly reduced by 48% after infusion of L-NMMA (P < 0.0001). The ACh dose-response relationship was shifted upward and to the left in the transsexual compared with the male group (P < 0.01). After the inhibition of NO, however, the difference in the ACh dose-response curve between the two groups was abolished (P = 0.15). Peak functional hyperemic blood flow was similar for the two groups (P = 0.94). L-NMMA produced a significant (P < 0.01) but similar (P = 0.64) reduction in peak hyperemia in the two groups. The volume of blood repaid to the forearm 1 and 5 min after exercise was also reduced by L-NMMA (P < 0.0001); however, there were no differences between the two groups. This suggests that ACh-mediated NO-dependent vasodilation may be more sensitive to the effects of chronic estrogen than exercise-induced vasodilation. Long-term estrogen does not appear to improve exercise-induced metabolic vasodilation in biological males, despite the fact that NO contributes to this process.

Acetylcholine↗

NTS A(2a) purinoceptor activation elicits hindlimb vasodilation primarily via a beta-adrenergic mechanism.

Previously, we have shown that activation of adenosine A(2a) receptors in the subpostremal nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) via microinjection of the selective A(2a) receptor agonist CGS-21680 elicits potent, dose-dependent decreases in mean arterial pressure and preferential, marked hindlimb vasodilation. Although A(2a) receptor activation does not change lumbar sympathetic nerve activity, it does markedly enhance the preganglionic adrenal sympathetic nerve activity, which will increase epinephrine release and could subsequently elicit hindlimb vasodilation via activation of beta(2)-adrenergic receptors. Therefore we investigated whether this hindlimb vasodilation was due to neural or humoral mechanisms. In chloralose-urethan-anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats, we monitored cardiovascular responses to stimulation of NTS adenosine A(2a) receptors (CGS-21680, 20 pmol/50 nl) in the intact control animals; after pretreatment with propranolol (2 mg/kg iv), a beta-adrenergic antagonist; after bilateral lumbar sympathectomy; after bilateral adrenalectomy; and after combined bilateral lumbar sympathectomy and adrenalectomy. After beta-adrenergic blockade, stimulation of NTS adenosine A(2a) receptors produced a pressor response and a hindlimb vasoconstriction. Lumbar sympathectomy reduced the vasodilation seen in the intact animals by approximately 40%, and adrenalectomy reduced it by approximately 80%. The combined sympathectomy and adrenalectomy virtually abolished the hindlimb vasodilation evoked by NTS A(2a) receptor activation. We conclude that the preferential, marked hindlimb vasodilation produced by stimulation of NTS adenosine A(2a) receptors is mediated by both the efferent sympathetic nerves directed to the hindlimb and the adrenal glands via primarily a beta-adrenergic mechanism.

Adenosine↗

Methylene blue inhibits neurogenic cholinergic vasodilator responses in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat.

The effects of methylene blue, an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase, on pulmonary vasodilator responses to efferent vagal stimulation were investigated in the intact-chest cat under conditions of controlled blood flow and constant left atrial pressure. In animals pretreated with reserpine or phenoxybenzamine, under elevated tone conditions, efferent vagal stimulation at frequencies of 2-16 Hz caused stimulus-frequency-dependent decreases in lobar arterial pressure and pulmonary lobar vascular resistance. The vasodilator response to vagal stimulation was reproducible, blocked by atropine, and reduced by methylene blue. Intralobar infusion of methylene blue increased lobar arterial pressure without significantly altering systemic arterial or left atrial pressure. Methylene blue had no significant effect on vasodilator responses to isoproterenol, albuterol, atriopeptin III, lemakalim, adenosine, ATP, and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-27 but significantly decreased vasodilator responses to acetylcholine, nitric oxide (NO), sodium nitroprusside, and the S-nitrosothiol, S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine. The effects of methylene blue on responses to vagal stimulation were reversible and were similar with the addition of a NO synthase inhibitor. The present data suggest that vasodilator responses to cholinergic nerve stimulation involve an increase in the production of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate in the pulmonary vascular bed. These results provide additional evidence to support the hypothesis that neurogenically released acetylcholine induces endothelium-dependent, muscarinic, guanylate cyclase-mediated vasodilation.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

Vasodilator responses to adenosine and hyperemia are mediated by A(1) and A(2) receptors in the cat vascular bed.

Hemodynamic responses to adenosine, the A(1) receptor agonists N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) and adenosine amine congener (ADAC), and the A(2) receptor agonist 5'-(N-cyclopropyl)-carboxamido-adenosine (CPCA) were investigated in the hindquarter vascular bed of the cat under constant-flow conditions. Injections of adenosine, CPA, ADAC, CPCA, ATP, and adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATPgamma S) into the perfusion circuit induced dose-related decreases in perfusion pressure. Vasodilator responses to the A(1) agonists were reduced by the A(1) receptor antagonists KW-3902 and CGS-15943, whereas responses to CPCA were reduced by the A(2) antagonist KF-17837. Vasodilator responses to adenosine were reduced by KW-3902, CGS-15943, and by KF-17837, suggesting a role for both A(1) and A(2) receptors. Vasodilator responses to ATP and the nonhydrolyzable ATP analog ATP gamma S were not attenuated by CGS-15943 or KF-17837. After treatment with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, the cyclooxygenase inhibitor sodium meclofenamate, or the ATP-dependent K(+) (K) channel antagonists U-37883A or glibenclamide, responses to adenosine and ATP were not altered. Responses to adenosine, CPA, and CPCA were increased in duration by rolipram, a type 4 cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor, but were not altered by zaprinast, a type 5 cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor. When blood flow was interrupted for a 30-s period, the magnitude and duration of the reactive vasodilator response were reduced by A(1) and A(2) receptor antagonists. These data suggest that vasodilator responses to adenosine and the A(1) and A(2) agonists studied are not dependent on the release of cyclooxygenase products, nitric oxide, or the opening of K channels in the regional vascular bed of the cat. The present data suggest a role for cAMP in mediating responses to adenosine and suggest that vasodilator responses to adenosine and to reactive hyperemia are mediated in part by A(1) and A(2) receptors in the hindquarter vascular bed of the cat.

Adenosine↗

PAR-2 elicits afferent arteriolar vasodilation by NO-dependent and NO-independent actions.

Proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) are a novel class of G protein-coupled receptors that respond to signals through endogenous proteinases. PAR activation involves enzymatic cleavage of the extracellular NH(2)-terminal domain and unmasking of a new NH(2) terminus, which serves as an anchored ligand to activate the receptor. At least four PAR subtypes have been identified. In the present study, we used the in vitro perfused hydronephrotic rat kidney to examine the effects of activating PAR-2 on the afferent arteriole. The synthetic peptide SLIGRL-NH(2), which corresponds to the exposed ligand sequence and selectively activates PAR-2, did not alter basal afferent arteriolar diameter but caused a concentration-dependent vasodilation (3-30 microM) of arterioles preconstricted by angiotensin II (0.1 nM). A modified peptide sequence (LSIGRL-NH(2), inactive at PAR-2) had no effect. This vasodilation was characterized by an initial transient component followed by a smaller sustained response. A similar pattern of vasodilation was seen when SLIGRL-NH(2) was administered to isolated perfused normal rat kidney. The sustained component of the PAR-2-induced afferent arteriolar vasodilation was eliminated by nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibition (100 microM nitro-L-arginine methyl ester). In contrast, the transient vasodilation persisted under these conditions. This transient response was not observed when afferent arterioles were preconstricted with elevated KCl, suggesting involvement of an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. Finally, RT-PCR revealed the presence of PAR-2 mRNA in isolated afferent arterioles. These findings indicate that PAR-2 is expressed in the afferent arteriole and that its activation elicits afferent arteriolar vasodilation by NO-dependent and NO-independent mechanisms.

Acetylcholine↗

Renal vasodilation with ureteral occlusion and prostaglandins: attenuation by histamine H1 antagonists.

We evaluated the effects of histamine receptor antagonists on the renal vasodilatory responses to ureteral occlusion (UO), to the intrarenal infusion of prostaglandins E2, I2, A2, D2 and E1, and to bradykinin. We also determined the effects of meclofenamic acid, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, on histamine-induced renal vasodilation and the effects of 2-methylhistamine (2-MeH), and H1 agonist, on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow (RBF). Experiments were performed on adult mongrel dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium. RBF was measured with an electromagnetic flow probe. Neither UO-induced nor prostaglandin- (PG) induced renal vasodilation was affected by infusion of the histamine H2 receptor antagonist cimetidine into the renal artery at 10(-5) M/min. On the other hand, renal artery infusion of the H1 receptor antagonist chlorpheniramine (CP) at 10(-5) M/min blocked UO-induced renal vasodilation [RBF increased 34 +/- 4% (SE) prior to but only 2 +/- 2% during infusion of CP) and markedly attenuated PGI2-, PGA2-, and PGE2-induced increases in RBF (CP inhibited 64 +/- 9% of the PGE2-induced renal vasodilation). CP had less effect on the renal vasodilation associated with infusion of PGD2 or PGE1 and had no effect on the vasodilation induced by bradykinin. Infusion of exogenous histamine (1 micrograms X kg-1 X min-1) into the renal artery prior to ureteral occlusion resulted in a typical H1 + H2-mediated vasodilatory response (RBF increased 53 +/- 7%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alprostadil↗

Comparison of the hemodynamic effects of nitric oxide and endothelium-dependent vasodilators in intact lungs.

The effects of endothelium-dependent vasodilation on pulmonary vascular hemodynamics were evaluated in a variety of in vivo and in vitro models to determine 1) the comparability of the hemodynamic effects of acetylcholine (ACh), bradykinin (BK), nitric oxide (NO), and 8-bromo-guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), 2) whether methylene blue is a useful inhibitor of endothelium-dependent relaxing factor (EDRF) activity in vivo, and 3) the effect of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension on the responsiveness of the pulmonary vasculature to ACh. In isolated rat lungs, which were preconstricted with hypoxia, ACh, BK, NO, and 8-bromo-cGMP caused pulmonary vasodilation, which was not inhibited by maximum tolerable doses of methylene blue. Methylene blue did not inhibit EDRF activity in any model, despite causing increased pulmonary vascular tone and responsiveness to various constrictor agents. There were significant differences in the hemodynamic characteristics of ACh, BK, and NO. In the isolated lung, BK and NO caused transient decreases of hypoxic vasoconstriction, whereas ACh caused more prolonged vasodilation. Pretreatment of these lungs with NO did not significantly inhibit ACh-induced vasodilation but caused BK to produce vasoconstriction. Tachyphylaxis, which was agonist specific, developed with repeated administration of ACh or BK but not NO. Tachyphylaxis probably resulted from inhibition of the endothelium-dependent vasodilation pathway proximal to NO synthesis, because it could be overcome by exogenous NO. Pretreatment with 8-bromo-cGMP decreased hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and, even when the hypoxic pressor response had largely recovered, subsequent doses of ACh and NO failed to cause vasodilation, although BK produced vasoconstriction. These findings are compatible with the existence of feedback inhibition of the endothelium-dependent relaxation by elevation of cGMP levels. Responsiveness to ACh was retained in lungs with severe monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension. Many of these findings would not have been predicted based on in vitro studies and illustrate the importance for expanding studies of EDRF to in vivo and ex vivo models.

Acetylcholine↗

Arachidonic acid causes cyclooxygenase-dependent and -independent pulmonary vasodilation.

In this study we examined the action of arachidonic acid in the isolated rat lung perfused with a cell- and protein-free physiological salt solution. When pulmonary vascular tone was elevated by hypoxia, bolus injection of a large dose of arachidonic acid (75 micrograms) caused transient vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation. When arachidonic acid (100 micrograms) was injected during normoxia and at base-line perfusion pressure (low vascular tone) or when vascular tone was elevated by KCl, arachidonic acid (50 micrograms) caused only vasoconstriction. Doses less than 7.5 micrograms caused vasodilation only when injected during hypoxic vasoconstriction and subsequent blunting of either angiotensin II- or hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction. The higher doses of arachidonic acid (7.5 and 75 micrograms), but not the lower doses (7.5-750 ng), caused increases in effluent 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha, thromboxane B2, and prostaglandin E2 and F2 alpha. 6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha was the major cyclooxygenase product. Meclofenamate (10(-5) M) blocked the increased metabolite synthesis over the entire dose range of arachidonic acid tested (7.5 ng-75 micrograms). Because vasodilation immediately after arachidonic acid was cyclooxygenase-independent, we investigated whether this effect was due to the unsaturated fatty acid properties of arachidonic acid and compared its action with that of oleic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Because neither compound mimicked the vasodilation observed with arachidonic acid, we concluded that the cyclooxygenase-independent action of arachidonic acid could not be explained by unsaturated fatty acid properties per se. Because 1-aminobenzotriazole, a cytochrome P-450 inhibitor, partially inhibited the immediate arachidonic acid-induced pulmonary vasodilation, we concluded that cytochrome P-450-dependent metabolites can account for some of the cyclooxygenase-independent vasodilation of arachidonic acid.

Animals↗