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At least 559 records · Page 31Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

PGE(2) sensitizes cultured pulmonary vagal sensory neurons to chemical and electrical stimuli.

Mediators of inflammation, such as PGE(2), are known to sensitize the airways to inhaled irritants and circulating autacoids. Evidence from in vivo studies has shown the involvement of vagal pulmonary C-fiber afferents in the PGE(2)-elicited airway hypersensitivity. However, whether PGE(2) acts directly on these sensory nerves is unclear. The present study aimed to investigate whether PGE(2) has direct potentiating effects on nodose and jugular pulmonary C neurons cultured from adult Sprague-Dawley rats and, if so, determine whether the EP(2) prostanoid receptor is involved. Pulmonary neurons were identified by retrograde labeling with a fluorescent tracer 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate. Using perforated patch-clamp technique, our results showed that 1) PGE(2) pretreatment (1 microM) increased the whole cell current density elicited by capsaicin and phenylbiguanide, chemical agents known to stimulate pulmonary C fibers; 2) selective activation of the EP(2) prostanoid receptor by butaprost (3-10 microM) increased the whole cell current density elicited by capsaicin; and 3) PGE(2), as well as butaprost, increased the number of action potentials evoked by current injection. Therefore, we conclude that PGE(2) directly sensitizes vagal pulmonary C neurons to chemical and electrical stimulation. Furthermore, butaprost modulates the neurons in a manner similar to that of PGE(2), suggesting that the effects of PGE(2) are mediated, at least in part, through the EP(2) prostanoid receptor.

Alprostadil↗
PubMed2005

Histamine contributes to ischemia-related activation of cardiac spinal afferents: role of H1 receptors and PKC.

Myocardial ischemia activates cardiac spinal afferents that transmit the nociceptive information leading to chest pain and elicit excitatory cardiovascular reflexes. Previous studies have shown that histamine is increased in coronary sinus blood during myocardial ischemia and that this autacoid stimulates abdominal visceral afferents. The present investigation evaluated the role of endogenous histamine in stimulation of ischemically sensitive cardiac spinal afferents. Nerve activity of single-unit cardiac afferents was recorded from the left sympathetic chain or rami communicans (T2-T5) in anesthetized cats. Sixty-four cardiac afferents were identified. Injection (5-30 microg/kg) of histamine into the left atrium (LA) stimulated 7 ischemically sensitive cardiac afferents resulting in a significant increase in their activity in a dose-dependent manner. Also, LA injection of histamine (10 microg/kg) stimulated 7 of 8 ischemically insensitive cardiac spinal afferents. Administrations of 2-(3-chlorophenyl)histamine (250 microg/kg, LA), a specific H1 receptor agonist and histamine (10 microg/kg, LA), stimulated 9 other ischemically sensitive cardiac afferents (0.48 +/- 0.10 to 1.40 +/- 0.20 imp/s). In contrast, dimaprit (500 microg/kg, LA), an H2 receptor agonist, stimulated only one of the 9 afferents and thus did not alter their overall activity (0.40 +/- 0.09 to 0.54 +/- 0.09 imp/s). (R)alpha-Methyl-histamine (500 microg/kg, LA), an H3 receptor agonist, did not stimulate any of the 9 afferents. Pyrilamine (300 microg/kg, i.v.), a selective H1 receptor antagonist, attenuated the activity of 8 afferents during 5 min of ischemia from 3.32 +/- 0.38 to 1.87 +/- 0.28 imp/s and abolished the response of 9 other cardiac afferents to histamine. Finally, administration of PKC-(19-36) (30 microg/kg, i.v.), a selective inhibitor of protein kinase C, attenuated the response of 8 cardiac afferents to histamine by 32%. These data indicate that endogenous histamine contributes to activation of cardiac sympathetic afferents during myocardial ischemia through H1 receptors and that the action of histamine on these cardiac afferents is partially dependent on the intracellular PKC pathway.

Afferent Pathways↗
PubMed2003

Preconditioning the myocardium: from cellular physiology to clinical cardiology.

The phenomenon of ischemic preconditioning, in which a period of sublethal ischemia can profoundly protect the cell from infarction during a subsequent ischemic insult, has been responsible for an enormous amount of research over the last 15 years. Ischemic preconditioning is associated with two forms of protection: a classical form lasting approximately 2 h after the preconditioning ischemia followed a day later by a second window of protection lasting approximately 3 days. Both types of preconditioning share similarities in that the preconditioning ischemia provokes the release of several autacoids that trigger protection by occupying cell surface receptors. Receptor occupancy activates complex signaling cascades which during the lethal ischemia converge on one or more end-effectors to mediate the protection. The end-effectors so far have eluded identification, although a number have been proposed. A range of different pharmacological agents that activate the signaling cascades at the various levels can mimic ischemic preconditioning leading to the hope that specific therapeutic agents can be designed to exploit the profound protection seen with ischemic preconditioning. This review examines, in detail, the complex mechanisms associated with both forms of preconditioning as well as discusses the possibility to exploit this phenomenon in the clinical setting. As our understanding of the mechanisms associated with preconditioning are unravelled, we believe we can look forward to the development of new therapeutic agents with novel mechanisms of action that can supplement current treatment options for patients threatened with acute myocardial infarction.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Adenosine and kidney function.

In this review we outline the unique effects of the autacoid adenosine in the kidney. Adenosine is present in the cytosol of renal cells and in the extracellular space of normoxic kidneys. Extracellular adenosine can derive from cellular adenosine release or extracellular breakdown of ATP, AMP, or cAMP. It is generated at enhanced rates when tubular NaCl reabsorption and thus transport work increase or when hypoxia is induced. Extracellular adenosine acts on adenosine receptor subtypes in the cell membranes to affect vascular and tubular functions. Adenosine lowers glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by constricting afferent arterioles, especially in superficial nephrons, and acts as a mediator of the tubuloglomerular feedback, i.e., a mechanism that coordinates GFR and tubular transport. In contrast, it leads to vasodilation in deep cortex and medulla. Moreover, adenosine tonically inhibits the renal release of renin and stimulates NaCl transport in the cortical proximal tubule but inhibits it in medullary segments including the medullary thick ascending limb. These differential effects of adenosine are subsequently analyzed in a more integrative way in the context of intrarenal metabolic regulation of kidney function, and potential pathophysiological consequences are outlined.

Adenosine↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The presence of platelet-activating factor-acetylhydrolase in human middle ear effusions.

Factors related to inflammation, including platelet-activating factor (PAF), apparently have a role in chronic otitis media with effusion. PAF is metabolized to the biologically inactive lyso-PAF by the enzyme PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH). We have obtained evidence that PAF-AH activity is present in human middle ear effusions in patients with chronic otitis media with effusion. The present study revealed the enzyme in human middle ear effusions to be the plasma type PAF-AH. We suggest that PAF-AH may be involved in regulating inflammation in the middle ear by inactivating PAF, the potent proinflammatory autacoid.

Acetyl-CoA Hydrolase↗
PubMed2002

Effect of polyamines on mesangial cell ecto-5'-nucleotidase and ecto-ATPase activity.

Polyamines were found to modulate the activity of several membrane-bound enzymes, participating in cell growth and differentiation. We have studied the effect of polyamines (spermidine, spermine and putrescine) on rat mesangial cell ectoenzymes: 5'-nucleotidase, Mg(2+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase. Ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity was significantly increased after 48 h treatment with spermine and spermidine. Mg(2+)-ATPase was increased only after treatment with spermidine; however, Ca(2+)-ATPase was significantly increased after both spermine and spermidine treatment of mesangial cells. Culture of mesangial cells with putrescine did not change the activity of these ectoenzymes. Increased expression of mesangial cell ecto-ATPase and ecto-5'-nucleotidase after spermine and spermidine treatment could result in an increased production of adenosine, a powerful autacoid interesting with respect to a role of mesangial cells in inflammatory processes.

5'-Nucleotidase↗
PubMed2005

Mast cell beta2-adrenoceptors.

The human lung mast cell is a crucial effector cell in the mediation of asthma. Activation of mast cells by allergens, and other insults, leads to the elaboration of a wide variety of autacoids that cause bronchoconstriction and promote inflammation. Of the drugs that are used to treat asthma, only bronchodilator beta2-adrenoceptor agonists are effective at inhibiting the elaboration of mediators from mast cells. Both short- and long-acting beta2-adrenoceptor agonists are effective inhibitors of mast cells although there are differences in the degree of inhibitory activity attained with a given agonist. Human lung mast cells express a homogeneous population of beta2-adrenoceptors. However, the density of beta2-adrenoceptors differs from preparation to preparation and this may influence the extent to which agonists stabilise mast cell activity. Tolerance to the mast cell-stabilising activity of beta2-adrenoceptor agonists can be readily demonstrated. As a generalisation, agonists that are more effective inhibitors of mediator release also induce greater levels of tolerance although weaker agonists induce greater levels of tolerance than might be expected. However, the extent of tolerance does not correlate with the degree of beta2-adrenoceptor loss. The inhibitory activity of agonists and the extent of tolerance observed may be influenced by genetic polymorphisms in the gene for the beta2-adrenoceptor.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed2005

Mast cell ion channels.

IgE-dependent activation of human mast cells is a central feature of allergy. However, alternative non-IgE-mediated signals derived from the complex inflammatory milieu are also important in driving chronic mast cell activation in many tissues. Irrespective of the point from where pathological secretion is sustained, all mechanisms will change the activity of the final 'effector' ion channels involved in normal stimulus-secretion coupling. IgE-dependent activation of human mast cells is characterised by an influx of extracellular Ca2+, which is essential for subsequent release of both preformed (granule-derived) mediators and newly generated autacoids and cytokines. In addition, flow of ions such as K+ and Cl- are likely to play an important role in mast cell activation through their effect on cell membrane potential and thus Ca2+ influx. Emerging evidence suggests that mast cells express a number of channels carrying K+, Cl- and Ca2+. With current techniques it will be possible to identify the molecular origin of these channels and define precisely their role in mast cell function. Mast cell ion channels offer a novel target for the attenuation of allergic disease.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Substance P activates leukocytes and platelets in rabbit microvessels.

The effect of substance P on leukocytes and platelets in rabbit skeletal muscle microvasculature was studied by intravital microscopy and electron microscopy. Local application of substance P caused vasodilatation and formation of aggregates of platelets and leukocytes in postcapillary venules with subsequent migration of leukocytes through the vessel wall. Many neutrophils were partially degranulated. Aggregate formation induced by substance P could not be prevented by autacoid antagonists. However, superfusion with calcitonin gene-related peptide prior to challenge with substance P greatly inhibited aggregate formation and leukocyte extravasation.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Myoendothelial relations in the conduit coronary artery of the dog and rabbit.

This paper describes the myoendothelial relations in ramus interventricularis anterior and its branches in the dog and rabbit. Endothelial cells (ECs) are separated from smooth muscle cells (SMs) by fenestrated internal elastic lamina (IEL). The number of fenestrations increases towards the periphery; the first- and second-order branches have only patches of elastin in some places. ECs and SMs emit protrusions of various shapes into the fenestrae. The distance between EC and SM protrusions varies. Close appositions were also found. The diffusion of autacoids, or transmitters, as well as the electrical and biochemical mechanism of transmission seem to be involved in the transfer of information from ECs to SMs and vice versa. Biomechanical transfer (for example shear stress), via EC-SM junctions is also considered.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis.

Endothelial injury or dysfunction has been proposed to be one of the initiating events of atherosclerosis and is associated with an apparent decrease in the production of the vasodilator autacoid nitric oxide (NO). The nature of the endothelial dysfunction resulting in an attenuation of NO-mediated responses is unknown although possibilities include decreased substrate availability, decreased expression of the NO synthase, imbalance between the production of endothelium-derived constricting and relaxing factors, production of an endogenous NO synthase inhibitor and overproduction of oxygen-derived free radicals. While experimental evidence has been provided to support almost all of these possibilities, increased production of superoxide anions within the vascular wall is currently favoured as an explanation for the observed changes in vascular responsiveness and the characteristic loss of the anti-adhesive properties of the endothelium in the early stages of atherosclerosis. The altered ratio of NO/superoxide anion (O2-) production has been proposed to alleviate intrinsic inhibition of the transcription factor NF kappa B and lead to enhanced expression of adhesion molecules and chemotactic factors at the endothelial surface. The aim of this short review is to summarise recent findings which suggest that an imbalance in the production of NO and O2- within the vascular wall is one of the earliest events to occur in the atherogenic process.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Primary IgA nephropathy: the relevance of experimental models in the understanding of human disease.

IgA nephropathy is the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. About one quarter of patients progress to terminal renal failure 10 years after the apparent clinical onset. Therefore, the disease represents a social problem in terms of number of patients requiring maintenance hemodialysis. Despite the intense research effort devolved to clarify the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy, the exact relationship linking the several factors involved is still unknown. In this review we analyze the experimental works reported since 1979, when the first animal model of IgA nephropathy was published by Rifai et al. We also discuss the interplay between experimental data and clinical observations to maximize the information gathered from the different animal models. Finally, we report the new insights into the role played by cytokines, growth factors and autacoids.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Renal prostaglandins and thromboxane A2 lack a functional significance in the genesis of protein-induced glomerular hyperfiltration in human renal disease.

The study was devised to assess the effects of a protein load (2 g/kg BW) on urinary prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and thromboxane A2 (TxA2) in patients with renal failure of glomerular origin. To this end, 8 women with a glomerular filtration rate of 55 +/- 12 ml/min x 1.73 m2 underwent the following studies: study 1: control; study 2: meat meal; study 3: meat meal+intravenous aspirin; study 4: pretreatment with oral aspirin for 2 days+protocol in study 3. Glomerular hyperfiltration was seen after the meat meal (study 2) and was not suppressed by aspirin (studies 3 and 4). Urinary PGE2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and TxA2 increased after the meat meal in study 2 and were suppressed by aspirin in studies 3 and 4. The ratio between vasodilative (PGE2 + 6-keto-PGF1 alpha) and vasoconstrictive (TxA2) autacoids increased during the meat meal (study 2) and was suppressed when aspirin was injected at the time of the oral protein load, thus, the effect of aspirin was much greater for PGE2 and PGF1 alpha than for TxA2. These data do not support that urinary prostaglandin and TxA2 have a direct role in renal hyperfiltration due to an acute protein load.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Impaired renal function in obstructive jaundice: roles of the thromboxane and endothelin systems.

Patients with intra- or extrahepatic bile-duct obstruction are susceptible to acute renal failure (ARF) especially when undergoing major surgery. We observed in jaundiced rats 4 days after bile-duct ligation (BDL) a decrease in GFR accompanied by polyuria which is associated with increased urinary thromboxane (TX) excretion and glomerular TXB2 synthesis. The TXA2/ PGH2 receptor antagonist daltroban normalized GFR but not urine concentration. There was also a rise in plasma and urinary endothelin (ET-1) with increased papillary ET synthesis. The ETA/ETB receptor blocker bosentan restored GFR and the renal concentrating ability. Since we showed previously that ET-induced decreases in renal perfusion and ultrafiltration coefficient Kf are mediated by other autacoids such as TX, this may explain why both bosentan and daltroban normalized GFR. These results suggest that increased renal glomerular TX and vascular and inner medullary collecting duct ET synthesis contribute to defective GFR and distal tubular function in experimental BDL. Similar alterations may also predispose the human kidney to ARF in patients with obstructive jaundice.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Endothelial vasodilator function is preserved at the spastic/inflammatory coronary lesions in pigs.

BACKGROUND: The question of whether or not endothelial vasodilator function in the spastic coronary artery is preserved is still controversial. We recently developed a porcine model in which long-term and local treatment with interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) from the adventitial site causes coronary arteriosclerotic changes and vasospastic responses to autacoids. The aim of this study was to examine the endothelial vasodilator function in our new porcine model of the spasm both in vivo and in vitro. METHODS AND RESULTS: A segment of the porcine coronary artery was aseptically wrapped with cotton mesh that held absorbed IL-1beta-bound microbeads. Two weeks after the procedure, intracoronary administration of serotonin caused coronary vasospasm at the IL-1beta-treated site (n = 10). Coronary vasodilatation to bradykinin, substance P, or an increase in coronary blood flow was preserved at the spastic site. Vasodilator responses to 3-morpholinosydnonimine (an NO donor) and nitroglycerin also were comparable between the 2 sites. The vasoconstricting response to N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine and the extent of the augmentation of the serotonin-induced vasoconstriction were comparable between the 2 sites. Organ chamber experiments showed that endothelium-dependent relaxations to bradykinin, the calcium ionophore A23187, and even the vasospastic agonist serotonin were preserved at the spastic site, whereas contractions to serotonin were augmented at the spastic site regardless of the presence or absence of the endothelium (n = 6). Endothelium-independent relaxations to sodium nitroprusside were also preserved at the spastic site. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that endothelial vasodilator function is preserved at the spastic site and that the spasm is caused primarily by smooth muscle hypercontraction in our porcine model.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Histamine-induced coronary spasm in regions of intimal thickening in miniature pigs: roles of serum cholesterol and spontaneous or induced intimal thickening.

The pathogenesis of histamine-induced coronary spasm was examined angiographically and morphometrically in Göttingen miniature pigs. In five of 36 consecutive pigs that were 4 to 5 months of age, coronary spasm was provoked by the intracoronary administration of histamine, and the left coronary arteries were examined histologically without endothelial denudation (group 1). Endothelial balloon denudation of the major branch of the left coronary artery was performed in 31 of 36 pigs and five died during the procedure. The remaining 26 pigs were randomly allotted to one of two groups, one fed a cholesterol-supplemented (group 2, n = 13) and one fed a regular low-cholesterol diet (group 3, n = 13). After 3 months, serum cholesterol increased significantly from 57 +/- 6 to 222 +/- 27 mg/dl (p less than .01) in group 2, but remained unchanged (48 +/- 5 to 55 +/- 6 mg/dl) in group 3. Percent narrowing of the coronary diameter induced by 10 micrograms/kg ic histamine after administration of the H2 blocker cimetidine (60 mg/kg iv) was 39 +/- 3% and 24 +/- 2% (p less than .05 between groups 2 and 3) at the nondenuded site and 78 +/- 3% and 74 +/- 4% at the denuded site in groups 2 and 3, respectively (p less than .01 between nondenuded and denuded sites). Histamine-induced percent narrowing of the coronary diameter after cimetidine in group 1, 2, and 3 pigs correlated well with the degree of intimal thickness on an exponential curve (r = .92, p less than .001). Since percent narrowing at the intact site was 27% (n = 19) in all three groups, predicted histamine-induced percent narrowing at the spastic site, applying the geometric theory, was 33 +/- 3%. Accordingly, enhanced constriction of the coronary artery with intimal thickening in response to histamine can largely be explained by the acquired hyperresponsiveness of the vascular wall to autacoids. This phenomena, not related to the level of serum cholesterol, may be uniquely linked to the basic pathology of evolution of atherosclerosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Increased adenosine concentration in blood from ischemic myocardium by AICA riboside. Effects on flow, granulocytes, and injury.

Morbidity and mortality from acute coronary artery occlusion may be reduced if local myocardial adenosine concentration is augmented because 1) coronary collateral blood flow during ischemia increases with adenosine infusion, and 2) granulocytes that accumulate in the microcirculation during ischemia are, to a large extent, inhibited by adenosine from generating superoxide anion free radicals, from adhering to vascular endothelium, and from damaging endothelial cells in culture. Using a cultured lymphoblast model system, we found that 5-amino-4-imidazole carboxamide (AICA) riboside enhanced adenosine accumulation during ATP catabolism. Therefore, AICA riboside pretreatment was used in canine myocardium to selectively increase adenosine concentration in the ischemic area during 1 hour of ischemia. At 5 minutes of ischemia, endocardial flow to ischemic myocardium in saline-treated and AICA riboside-treated dogs was 0.06 +/- 0.03 and 0.34 +/- 0.11 ml/min/g, respectively (p less than 0.01); flow to nonischemic myocardium was not affected. Ventricular tachycardia and premature ventricular depolarizations were significantly attenuated in the AICA riboside-treated dogs. Blood pressure and heart rate were not affected by AICA riboside. In venous blood from ischemic tissue, adenosine increased from undetectable levels (less than 0.01 microM) to 0.22 +/- 0.08 microM in saline and 1.79 +/- 0.06 microM in AICA riboside-treated dogs, respectively (p less than 0.001). Coronary vein inosine concentrations were greater in saline than in AICA riboside-treated dogs. In separate in vitro studies, AICA riboside did not alter the removal rate of adenosine from canine blood. Indium-labeled granulocyte accumulation was significantly less in ischemic myocardium in AICA riboside-treated compared with saline-treated dogs. In addition, adenosine, but not AICA riboside, inhibited in vitro canine granulocyte superoxide production. We conclude that AICA riboside given before myocardial ischemia augments adenosine concentration, decreases arrhythmias, decreases granulocyte accumulation, and improves collateral flow to ischemic myocardium. One of the beneficial mechanisms could be an increased production of adenosine rather than inosine from ATP catabolism that causes vasodilation and inhibition of granulocytes. We propose a new hypothesis regarding regulation of the inflammatory reaction to ischemia in the microcirculation. Adenosine, in addition to its vasodilator action, is an anti-injury autacoid that links ATP catabolism to inhibition of granulocyte adherence, microvascular obstruction, and superoxide anion formation.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1994

Role of protein kinase C-mediated pathway in the pathogenesis of coronary artery spasm in a swine model.

BACKGROUND: The intracellular mechanism of coronary artery spasm is still unknown. The pathway mediated by protein kinase C (PKC) is an important intracellular process of various cellular responses, including vascular smooth muscle contraction. Thus, we examined the role of the PKC-mediated pathway in the pathogenesis of coronary artery spasm in our in vivo swine model. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seven Göttingen miniature pigs underwent coronary balloon injury and x-ray irradiation to induce atherosclerotic lesion. After 6 to 18 months, intracoronary serotonin (3 micrograms/kg) or histamine (3 micrograms/kg) repeatedly induced coronary artery spasm at the atherosclerotic site. At the spastic site, intracoronary administration of phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) (10(-9) mol/kg), a PKC-activating phorbol ester, also induced coronary artery spasm, which was completely blocked by pretreatment with intracoronary staurosporine (10 micrograms/kg), a PKC inhibitor. Intracoronary administration of an inactive phorbol ester, phorbol-12,13-didecanoate (10(-9) mol/kg), did not induce coronary vasoconstriction. Coronary artery spasm induced by the autacoids was significantly augmented by pretreatment with intracoronary PDBu and partially inhibited by staurosporine. Intracoronary administration of Bay K 8644 (10 micrograms/kg), a dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type calcium channel agonist, also induced coronary artery spasm at the spastic site, which was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with intracoronary staurosporine or nifedipine (0.1 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest (1) the PKC-mediated pathway is importantly involved in the pathogenesis of coronary artery spasm, (2) activation of the PKC-mediated pathway partially accounts for serotonin- and histamine-induced coronary artery spasm, and (3) at the spastic site, calcium influx through dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type calcium channel and/or calcium sensitivity of the contractile proteins may be augmented by the PKC-mediated pathway.

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