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Responses of thoracic spinoreticular and spinothalamic cells to intracardiac bradykinin.

The response characteristics of spinoreticular and spinothalamic cells to intracardiac injection of bradykinin were determined in cats anesthetized with chloralose. Extracellular potentials of individual spinoreticular and spinothalamic cells were recorded from the T2-T4 segments of the spinal cord. Only those cells with cardiopulmonary sympathetic afferent input were tested for responses to intracardiac bradykinin (1-6 micrograms/kg). Thirty-seven of the 64 cells studied responded to bradykinin; 36 were excited and one was inhibited. For excited cells, discharge rate increased from 4 +/- 1.0 (SE) spikes/s to a peak of 20 +/- 2.4 spikes/s, a fivefold increase. Latency to onset of cell response was 13 +/- 1.1 s, and latency to peak response was 24 +/- 1.4 s after drug injection. Tachyphylaxis to additional doses of bradykinin was observed in 17 of 32 cells. Occurrence of tachyphylaxis was sometimes altered after bilateral cervical vagotomy. The projection sites in the caudal medulla and thalamus were similar for responsive and nonresponsive cells. Laminar cell locations in the spinal cord had no significant influence on likelihood of cell response to bradykinin. We conclude that spinoreticular and spinothalamic cells have a role in transmitting noxious information from the heart to the brain.

Animals↗

Species-dependent hemodynamic effects of adenosine A3-receptor agonists IB-MECA and Cl-IB-MECA.

The purpose of this study was to compare the hemodynamic effects of the adenosine A3-receptor agonists N6-(3-iodobenzyl)-9-[5-(methylcarbamoyl)-beta-D-ribofuranosyl]aden ine (IB-MECA) and 2-chloro-N6-(3-iodobenzyl)-9-[5-(methylcarbamoyl)-beta-D-ribofu ranosy l]adenine (Cl-IB-MECA) in isolated rat and rabbit hearts and in the intact, open-chest pig. Isolated hearts perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer at a constant pressure (70 mmHg) were treated with 50 nM of either IB-MECA or Cl-IB-MECA. Neither IB-MECA nor Cl-IB-MECA altered ventricular function or heart rate in the isolated rat and rabbit hearts, and neither agent altered coronary flow in the rabbit. However, 2 min of IB-MECA treatment in the isolated rat heart increased coronary flow by 25%, an effect that did not exhibit tachyphylaxis. The IB-MECA-induced coronary dilation was only partially attenuated by the adenosine A3-receptor antagonist MRS-1191 (50 nM). IB-MECA-induced coronary dilation was completely blocked by the adenosine A2a-receptor antagonist 7-(2-phenylethyl)-5-amino-2-(2-furyl)-pyrazolo-[4,3-e]-1,2, 4-triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine (Sch-58261, 50 nM). Cl-IB-MECA (50 nM) did not increase coronary flow in the rat, but 100 nM did increase flow by 18%. In pentobarbital sodium-anesthetized pigs IB-MECA (5 micrograms/kg iv) decreased systemic blood pressure and increased pulmonary artery pressure, effects that did exhibit tachyphylaxis. These results illustrate that adenosine A3-receptor agonists produce species-dependent effects, which in the rat heart appear to be caused by adenosine A2a-receptor activation.

Adenosine↗

Hemodynamic mechanisms influencing sodium excretion during angiotensin infusion.

To examine mechanisms of transition between antinatriuresis and natriuresis, angiotensin II was first infused intrarenally (0.001-0.07 mug/kg-min) in anesthetized dogs; glomerular filtration rate (GFR), sodium excretion, and intrarenal pressure (IRP), indicating tubular pressure, fell as during mechanical aortic constriction. During supplementary intravenous infusion (0.10-0.30 mug/kg-min), renal blood flow (RBF) rose toward control (tachyphylaxis). Tubular reabsorption increased but was still 17.1% below control. Filtration fraction averaging 0.31 remained constant. Sodium excretion and IRP exceeded control but were normalized by restoring renal arterial pressure mechanically. During intrarenal angiotensin infusion, carotid constriction increased blood pressure more, but RBF, IRP, and sodium excretion less than intravenous angiotensin. Intrarenal infusion of angiotensin at 0.10-0.20 mug/kg-min increased RBF and sodium excretion more in infused than in contralateral kidneys. Thus, angiotensin natriuresis depends on increased perfusion pressure and is augmented as tachyphylaxis develops. High correlation between sodium excretion and IRP at unchanged filtration fraction suggests a regulation of sodium excretion by hydrostatic rather than oncotic pressures in glomerular and peritubular capillaries.

Angiotensin II↗

Angiotensin II-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation of fowl aorta.

In the domestic fowl, angiotensin II (ANG II) decreases blood pressure in vivo and causes endothelium-dependent relaxation of aortic smooth muscles in vitro. To characterize ANG II-induced vasorelaxation, we compared endothelium-dependent vasodilatory effects of [Asp1,Val5]-ANG II (fowl ANG II) and acetylcholine (ACh) with the endothelium-independent vasorelaxing effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on isometric tension of fowl aortic rings. Hemoglobin (Hb), gossypol, and N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), inhibitors for endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) in mammalian blood vessels, partially inhibited vasorelaxation induced by ANG II and ACh in fowl. Hb also markedly attenuated SNP-induced vasorelaxation, but not 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-induced relaxation. 3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzoic acid 8-(diethylamino)octyl ester hydrochloride (TMB-8) or the removal of Ca2+ from the bathing medium attenuated the ACh-induced relaxation but did not significantly reduce vasorelaxation induced by ANG II or SNP. In the zero Ca2+ medium, aortic rings showed tachyphylaxis to ACh, while ANG II caused tachyphylaxis regardless of the presence or absence of external Ca2+. Furthermore, pretreatment of the ring with a high dose of ACh abolished the vasorelaxation response to ANG II, suggesting that ACh and ANG II may share a common Ca2+ pool. Calmidazolium, a calmodulin antagonist, abolished the vasorelaxation induced by ANG II and ACh but not that by SNP. Comparison of the vasodilatory effects of several ANG II analogues on fowl aortic rings showed an approximate potency order of [Asp1,Val5]-ANG II = [Asp1,Ile5]-ANG II > [Asn1,Ile5]-ANG II = [Sar1,Ile5]-ANG II > [Val5]-ANG III.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylcholine↗

Effects of vasoactive peptides on cytosolic calcium in cultured mesangial cells.

We have used the "second generation" Ca indicator, fura-2, to measure cytosolic free Ca concentrations in superfused cultures of adherent primary renal mesangial cells. The basal cytosolic free Ca concentration in these cells was found to be 93 +/- 5 nM (n = 35). The Ca ionophore ionomycin (0.1 microM) increased cytosolic Ca levels to a peak value of fourfold above basal, followed by a decline to a steadily maintained concentration of twofold above basal. Two vasoactive peptide hormones, arginine vasopressin and angiotensin II, at maximally effective concentrations, transiently increased cytosolic free Ca levels to peak values of three- and sixfold, respectively, above basal levels. The angiotensin II-evoked increase declined to near basal values before rising again to a value of 1.5- to 2-fold above basal. Cells treated with vasopressin did not have a significant secondary increase of Ca above a small, time-dependent, spontaneous increase. Mesangial cells demonstrated tachyphylaxis to both peptides. However, cross-tachyphylaxis was not observed. Treatment of cells with angiotensin II in ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethylether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid-supplemented Ca-deficient medium, or with the Ca channel blockers nifedipine or verapamil, did not eliminate the transient phase of cytosolic Ca metabolism. In contrast, the Ca channel blockers completely inhibited the second sustained Ca response to angiotensin II. These results indicate that angiotensin II and vasopressin mobilize intracellular Ca in cultured adherent mesangial cells. Angiotensin II, but not vasopressin, also appears to increase cytosolic Ca by influx of extracellular Ca through specific channels.

Angiotensin II↗

Parasympathetic involvement in PAF-induced contraction in canine trachealis in vivo.

We studied the contractile response elicited by platelet-activating factor (PAF) administered intra-arterially into the tracheal circulation of 34 dogs in vivo. A method that avoided tachyphylaxis encountered in prior investigations was developed for isometric measurement of multiple dose-response effects. PAF was a very potent contractile agent; active tension was elicited with 10(-11) mol ia PAF. To determine the mechanism by which contraction was induced, dose-response curves were generated in groups of five animals each treated with either 0.5 mg/kg (approximately 1.5 X 10(-5) mol) iv + 10(-3) mg/kg (3 X 10(-8) mol) ia atropine, 5 mg/kg iv indomethacin (INDO), or 7.5 mg/kg iv hexamethonium (HEX). After pretreatment with atropine, contraction still was elicited with 10(-11) mol ia PAF. However, maximal contraction was only 16.2 +/- 2.74 g/cm (vs. 35.7 +/- 5.74 g/cm for untreated controls; P less than 0.02). The dose at which maximal contraction was elicited after atropine was 10(-7) mol ia (vs. 1.9 X 10(-9) mol for controls; P less than 0.001). Pretreatment with INDO caused minimal attenuation, and HEX had no effect on the response elicited by ia PAF. We demonstrate a method for assessing the effects of PAF in central airways that avoids tachyphylaxis and permits dose-response studies in the same animal. We also demonstrate that PAF is an extremely potent mediator that elicits tracheal smooth muscle contraction at least in part by postganglionic activation of parasympathetic nerves. A direct contractile effect of PAF which is not related to secretion of products of the cyclooxygenase pathway is also suggested.

Animals↗

Nasal delivery of a vasopressin antagonist in dogs.

The dosage form (drop or spray) and site of administration (dorsal or ventral surface of the nostril) profoundly affect the distribution and clearance of a gamma-emitting 99mTc-labeled diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) solution in dogs. The slowest nasal clearance was observed for dorsally administered drops. Administration of drops to the ventral surface or sprays to either dorsal or ventral surface results in rapid clearance and little deposition in the turbinates. The octapeptide vasopressin antagonist, SKF 101926, was administered intravenously (0.3, 1.0, 3.0, and 10 micrograms/kg) and then on separate occasions intranasally (10, 25, and 50 micrograms/kg as a drop to the ventral surface) to four conscious, trained, female, water-loaded, vasopressin-infused dogs. SKF 101926 reversed the antidiuretic response to vasopressin after administration by either the intravenous or intranasal route in a dose-dependent fashion. Peak dilution of urine occurred within 50- to 60-min postdosing by both routes. Estimated doses to reduce vasopressin antidiuresis by 50% were 1.4 micrograms/kg intravenously and 23 micrograms/kg intranasally. After recovery to at least 70% of antidiuretic base line, and then administration of a second dose of SKF 101926 (3 micrograms/kg), subsequent dilution of urine osmolality was inversely related to the magnitude of the previously administered dose. It is concluded that the estimated relative effectiveness of intranasally administered SKF 101926 is 3-21%, compared with intravenous administration. Acute tachyphylaxis to repeated dosing was observed. The mechanism of the apparent tachyphylaxic response was not elucidated. No tachyphylaxis to less frequent (weekly) dosing was observed.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Acute effect of cigarette smoke on cytoplasmic motility of alveolar macrophages in dogs.

To study effects of cigarette smoke on the cytoplasmic motility (CM) of alveolar macrophages (AM), we measured remanent field strength (RFS) in dogs in vivo. Four days after instillation of ferrimagnetic particles (Fe3O4, 3 mg/kg) into the right lower lobe bronchus, RFS was measured at the body surface immediately after magnetization of the Fe3O4 particles by an externally applied magnetic field. RFS decreased with time due to particle rotation (relaxation), which is thought to be inversely related to CM of AM (J. Appl. Physiol. 55: 1196-1202, 1983). The initial relaxation curve was fitted to an exponential function. The relaxation rate (lambda 0) increased during cigarette smoke inhalation and returned to base-line values within 15 min. With the inhalation of the smoke of up to five cigarettes, peak lambda 0 was increased; with a further increase in the number of cigarettes, the effect of cigarette smoke decreased or disappeared. Nicotine injection and acetylcholine inhalation increased respiratory resistance to a degree similar to that observed with cigarette smoke but did not change lambda 0. However, either substance P (SP) or capsaicin injection increased lambda 0 in a fashion similar to that noted with cigarette smoke inhalation. Repeated administration of SP produced a significant tachyphylaxis of the effect, and capsaicin did not increase lambda 0 after the cigarette smoke-induced tachyphylaxis of the effect. Colchicine inhibited the cigarette smoke-induced increase in lambda 0. These results suggest that cigarette smoke increases CM of AM, probably through the release of tachykinins including SP from sensory nerves in the lung.

Acetylcholine↗

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↗

Chemosensitivity of fine afferents from rat skin in vitro.

1. Properties of sensory receptors with slowly conducting nerve fibers (less than 10 m/s) were studied using a rat skin-saphenous nerve in vitro preparation where receptive fields of identified single units can be isolated and superfused at the corium side with defined chemical solutions. 2. With mechanical search stimuli, 150 slowly adapting units were identified, 88% C-fibers, and the remainder, A delta-fibers. The majority of these units (65%) were categorized as mechano-heat sensitive ("polymodal") with controlled radiant heat stimulation. The remaining units were classified as low- or high-threshold mechanoreceptors according to their von Frey thresholds. 3. Bradykinin (BK), in concentrations of 10(-8) to 10(-4) M, was repeatedly applied for 1 min at 10-min intervals. Fifty-six percent of the polymodal C-fibers responded to BK (up to 10(-5) M), in contrast to 17% of the heat-insensitive units (P less than 0.01). No correlation between BK sensitivity and conduction velocity or von Frey threshold was found. 4. The BK "threshold concentrations" to excite C- and A delta-fibers were about equally distributed over a range from 10(-8) to 10(-5) M. 5. There was a large interindividual variability in pattern and magnitude of the response to BK. Intraindividually, a marked tachyphylaxis upon repeated BK stimulation was observed. 6. In fibers with a slow development of tachyphylaxis, the effects of conditioning application of different chemicals on BK responsiveness were studied. Norepinephrine in 10(-7) M concentration did not produce a significant effect, whereas 10(-5) M and 10(-4) M seemed to increase the BK responses. 7. Prostaglandin E2 (10(-6) M) caused a weak sensitization to BK on average (n.s.), but serotonin (10(-6) M) was clearly effective (P less than 0.05). 8. The strongest sensitization to BK (P = 0.01) resulted from conditioning heat stimulation, which also uncovered a responsiveness in some units initially insensitive to BK. 9. In some experiments the calcium concentration in the superfusate of receptive fields was lowered to 0.3 mM, which induced ongoing activity in C-fibers and markedly increased the BK responses in two polymodal units tested. Increasing the calcium concentration to 3.0 mM reversed these effects. 10. After completing the BK test protocol, polymodal C-fibers were exposed to other chemicals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Afferent Pathways↗

Responses of rat spinal dorsal horn neurons to intracutaneous microinjection of histamine, capsaicin, and other irritants.

To investigate the spinal processing of cutaneous pruritic and algesic stimuli, single-unit recordings were made from wide-dynamic-range-type lumbar spinal dorsal horn neurons in pentobarbital-sodium-anesthetized rats. Neuronal responses were recorded to mechanical and noxious thermal stimuli, as well as to microinjection (1 microl) of histamine (0.01-10% = 9 x 10(-1)-9 x 10(-4) M), capsaicin (0.1% = 3.3 x 10(-3) M), or other algesic chemicals into skin within the receptive field via intracutaneously placed needles. Most (84%) of the 89 neurons responded to intracutaneous (i.c.) microinjection of histamine with a brief phasic discharge followed by an afterdischarge of variable (s to min) duration. Ten minutes after i.c. microinjection of histamine (but not NaCl), there was a significant increase in the mean area of the low-threshold (but not high-threshold) portion of unit mechanical receptive fields. However, responses to graded pressure stimuli were not significantly affected after histamine. Responses did not exhibit significant tachyphylaxis when histamine microinjections were repeated at 5- or 10-min intervals. Unit responses significantly increased in a dose-related manner to microinjection of histamine at concentrations ranging across 4 orders of magnitude. Within 30 s after i.c. microinjection of the H1 antagonist cetirizine, unit responses to i.c. histamine delivered at the same skin site were significantly attenuated. Unit responses to histamine, as well as to noxious thermal stimulation, were significantly reduced after systemic administration of morphine (3.5 mg/kg i.p.) in a naloxone-reversible manner. Application of a mechanical rub, scratch, or a noxious heat stimulus during the unit's ongoing response to i.c. histamine produced a brief and marked excitation, often followed by a period of reduced ongoing discharge. Unit responses to histamine were markedly suppressed by electrical stimulation in the midbrain periaqueductal gray. Most (79%) histamine-responsive units tested also responded to i.c. microinjection of capsaicin. After the initial microinjection of capsaicin, subsequent responses to histamine and capsaicin microinjections were significantly reduced. Units also responded to i.c. ethanol (capsaicin vehicle) in a dose-related manner, and showed tachyphylaxis to repeated i.c. ethanol at 80% but not at 8%. The mean response to 80% ethanol was significantly smaller than to 0.1% capsaicin. All units tested also responded to topical application of mustard oil (50%) and i.c. serotonin (30 microg). The results are discussed in terms of theories that attempt to reconcile psychophysical and clinical observations of pain and itch sensation.

Afferent Pathways↗

The position of pranlukast, a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, in the long-term treatment of asthma. 5-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Adverse effects, tachyphylaxis, and the position of pranlukast, a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, in asthma treatment have not been fully established. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: To address these questions, adverse effects and long-term efficacy of pranlukast were evaluated in 82 patients [28 patients with moderate asthma (group I), 27 with severe persistent asthma not on oral corticosteroid (OCS; group II) and 27 with severe persistent asthma on OCS (group III)] at 4 and 16 weeks. In the following, pranlukast was either withdrawn 1 year after the start of therapy, or if that was not possible due to reappearance of symptoms, the dose of OCS or inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) was reduced. The efficacy of pranlukast was evaluated during 5 years by peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and symptom and treatment scores. RESULTS: Adverse reactions appeared in 4 patients (4.9%; diarrhea, dizziness and leg edema). The mean improvement in PEFR on week 16 was 18.5 +/- 2.3, 18.8 +/- 3.2, and 15.2 +/- 3.8% in groups I-III, respectively (p < 0.01, for all groups). However, increases in PEFR in 29 of 72 patients (40.3%) were less than 15%. Pranlukast could not be withdrawn in 28 of 42 responders (66.7%), but their dose of ICS was reduced by 363 +/- 97 microg/day (group II) and that of OCS by 3.4 +/- 0.7 mg/day (group III). Tachyphylaxis was not recognized during the 5-year period. CONCLUSION: Pranlukast is safe when taken for up to 5 years, and is effective irrespective of asthma severity. In the majority of patients with persistent asthma, pranlukast may help to control the disease in the long term.

Asthma↗

Studies on the mechanism of action of the inhibitory effect of the somatostatin analog SMS 201-995 on the growth of the prolactin/adrenocorticotropin-secreting pituitary tumor 7315a.

The somatostatin analog SMS 201-995 (2 X 6 or 2 X 20 micrograms daily for 30 days) inhibited the growth of the PRL/ACTH-secreting pituitary tumor 7315a by 36% and 48%, respectively. A biphasic curve of the inhibitory effect of the SMS analog on tumor growth was recognized: the actual tumor growth inhibitory effect occurred during the first 15 days, after which the tumors grew in parallel with the control tumors despite SMS 201-995 treatment. At the end of the 30-day SMS 201-995 treatment, plasma GH and plasma somatomedin-C levels were similar to those in the control tumor-bearing rats. Separate experiments in normal rats showed that tachyphylaxis of the GH-secretion inhibitory effects of three different doses of SMS 201-995 occurred within 6-10 days. No specific somatostatin-14 or SMS 201-995 receptors were present on well grown, untreated 7315a pituitary tumors. However, PRL and ACTH secretion by cultured cells prepared from the 7315a tumor was inhibited by SMS 201-995. Pretreatment of the cultured cells with dexamethasone made PRL secretion by these tumor cells insensitive to SMS 201-995. These studies suggest that several factors played a role in the mechanism of action of the tumor growth-inhibitory actions of SMS 201-995. Twice daily administration of the somatostatin analog rapidly (within 6-10 days) induces tachyphylaxis of the GH-inhibitory effect. From 10 days after implantation the PRL/ACTH-secreting pituitary tumor causes adrenal hyperplasia and increased plasma corticosterone concentrations. Exposure of the 7315a tumor to high glucocorticosteroid levels probably decreases the number of somatostatin receptors, diminishing the possible direct antitumor effect of SMS 201-995.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Four-year treatment with octreotide-long-acting repeatable in 110 acromegalic patients: predictive value of short-term results?

The effects of a very prolonged treatment with octreotide (OC)-long-acting repeatable (LAR) were retrospectively evaluated in 110 patients with acromegaly, showing a GH/IGF-I decrease of at least 20% vs. baseline after a short-term (6-month) OC-LAR challenge. OC-LAR was given (20 mg, im, every 28 d for 3 injections, then individually tailored) as adjuvant treatment (AT) in 59. The other 51 [primary treatment (PT)] were naive or previously treated by pharmacotherapy. IGF-I normalized in 83 patients [75%; from 770 +/- 26 (mean +/- SE) to 276 +/- 15 micro g/liter; P < 0.0001; median follow-up, 30 months; range, 18-54 months). A progressive increase in the rate of IGF-I normalization was observed. GH fell to less than 2.5 micro g/liter in 72% and to less than 1 micro g/liter in 27% (from 20.7 +/- 2.4 to 2.2 +/- 0.2 micro g/liter; P < 0.0001). PT and AT patients achieved similar final GH/IGF-I levels and rates of normalization. Patients attaining safe GH and normal IGF-I had GH levels below 5 micro g/liter after 3 months and IGF-I levels below 550 micro g/liter after 6 months. No tachyphylaxis was observed. The up-titration to 30 mg improved IGF-I suppression. Elderly patients had greater sensitivity. Tumor shrank in 46% of assessable patients, in 77% of PT patients, and in 91% of naive patients. The powerful suppression of GH/IGF-I levels without tachyphylaxis, the finding of progressive increase in the rate of IGF-I normalization and of superimposable effects in PT and AT patients, and the predictive value of short-term results support the role of PT of acromegaly with OC-LAR in at least some patients.

Acromegaly↗

Pharmacological studies on ginger. II. Pressor action of (6)-shogaol in anesthetized rats, or hindquarters, tail and mesenteric vascular beds of rats.

When (6)-shogaol (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.) was administered to rats, blood pressure showed a tri-phasic response which was comprised of a rapid fall, followed by a rise and a delayed fall. The rapid fall, which followed immediately after injection of (6)-shogaol, disappeared with the use of atropine and vagotomy. The marked rise, which occurred after the rapid fall, was not affected by alpha-adrenoceptor blockades, Ca antagonists and ganglion blockade. However, a combination of alpha-adrenoceptor blockade and Ca antagonist inhibited this pressor response. In hindquarters perfused with a nutrient solution, (6)-shogaol (10(-5) g)-induced peripheral pressor response was also not affected by alpha-adrenoceptor blockades and Ca antagonists, but was inhibited by the combination of an alpha-adrenoceptor blockade and a Ca antagonist. Furthermore, this peripheral pressor response was eliminated by the removal of Ca ion from the perfusate. (6)-Shogaol did not exhibit a pressor response in an artery and a vein of the tail or an artery of the femur perfused with a nutrient solution. (6)-Shogaol-induced peripheral pressor response in hindquarters was markedly potentiated during the perfusion of norepinephrine (5 X 10(-6) g/ml), but this potentiation was prevented by pretreatment with reserpine (5 mg/kg, i.p.). Moreover, repeated injections of (6)-shogaol caused a tachyphylaxis in mesenteric and tail vascular beds and a slight tachyphylaxis in hindquarters.

Anesthesia↗

Studies on a new antiallergic pyridinecarboxamide TA-5707F and its sodium salt (TA-5707). I. Inhibition of IgE-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in rats.

Effects of TA-5707F [6-methyl-N-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2-pyridinecarboxamide] and its sodium salt (TA-5707) on IgE-induced homologous PCA in rats were investigated. 1. Both TA-5707 and TA-5707F were found to be orally effective inhibitors of rat PCA. Maximum activity by oral administration was obtained when they were administered 5 min before the challenge. Their ID50's under these conditions were both approximately 1 mg/kg. Administration 5 min after the challenge was no longer effective. 2. TA-5707 was also effective by intravenous administration, and its ID50, ca. 0.1 mg/kg, was less than that of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG). 3. The PCA-inhibitory activity of TA-5707 was not affected by adrenalectomy and adrenomedullectomy. 4. Daily administration of TA-5707 or TA-5707F for 8 days did not induce drug tolerance. 5. Tachyphylaxis and cross-tachyphylaxis were observed when the PCA-inhibitory activities of TA-5707 and DSCG were tested after intravenous pretreatment with a large dose (ca. 30 times the ID50) of either drug, but not after oral pretreatment with a therapeutic dose of TA-5707 or TA-5707F.

Adrenal Medulla↗

Immunopharmacological studies on TBX, a new antiallergic drug (1). Inhibitory effects on passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats and guinea pigs.

The effects of 9-methyl-3-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one potassium salt (TBX), a new antiallergic drug, on passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) mediated by homologous IgE or IgG antibody were investigated in rats and guinea pigs. TBX (i.v. and p.o.) clearly inhibited IgE- and IgGa-mediated homologous PCAs in rats, without showing any inhibition of the skin reactions caused by histamine, serotonin and bradykinin in contrast to the inhibition of prostaglandin E1-induced skin reaction. Neither adrenalectomy nor propranolol treatment modified TBX's inhibition of the former PCA. With regard to tachyphylaxis to TBX, it was demonstrable in IgE-mediated homologous PCA in rats when they were pretreated with TBX (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.), followed 60 min later by a second dose of the drug (0.05 mg/kg, i.v.). There was no cross-tachyphylaxis between disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) and TBX. Homologous PCA caused by guinea pig IgE was also inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by i.v. and p.o. administrations of TBX, although higher doses of TBX were needed to inhibit guinea pig PCA than the rat one. Interestingly, TBX showed more potent inhibition of both rat and guinea pig homologous PCAs than DSCG or tranilast. The results obtained indicate that TBX is an orally effective antiallergic agent displaying no antagonistic actions on the chemical mediators released.

Animals↗

Inhibition of histamine and eicosanoid release from dispersed human lung cells in vitro by quinotolast.

We have examined the effects of a new anti-allergic drug, quinotolast [sodium 5-(4-oxo-1-phenoxy-4H-quinolizine-3-carboxamido) yetrazolate monohydrate], in inhibiting the release of histamine and the generation of leukotriene (LT) C4 and prostaglandin (PG) D2 from dispersed human lung cells and compared this with those of its active metabolite in the rat, hydroxy quinotolast, and reference drugs, tranilast and sodium cromoglycate (SCG). Quinotolast in the concentration range of 1-100 micrograms/ml inhibited histamine and LTC4 release in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of quinotolast on histamine release from dispersed lung cells was largely independent of the preincubation period, no tachyphylaxis being observed. Hydroxy quinotolast and tranilast showed a weak inhibition of histamine release only when the drugs were added to the cells simultaneously with anti-IgE challenge. Quinotolast, 100 micrograms/ml, and SCG, 1 mM, significantly inhibited PGD2 and LTC4 release. Quinotolast inhibited PGD2 release by 100% and LTC4 release by 54%, whereas SCG inhibited PDG2 release by 33% and LTC4 release by 100%. No cross-tachyphylaxis between quinotolast and SCG was observed. The results demonstrated that quinotolast showed a significant inhibition of inflammatory mediators from human dispersed lung cells, suggesting that quinotolast is a good candidate for a clinical anti-allergic drug.

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug↗