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Innervation of the monotreme gastrointestinal tract: a study of peptide and catecholamine distribution.

The distribution of neurons and endocrine cells containing various peptides or catecholamines was examined in the digestive tracts of the echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) and the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). Comparisons were made with published studies in other species in order to obtain a broader view of the phylogenetic distribution and possible functions of gut peptides and catecholamines. Further comparisons between the echidna and platypus were made in light of their different dietary features and gut histology. The distribution of neurons and axons containing catecholamines or various peptides resembled that in other species (such as the frequent appearance of axons containing substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide in the intestinal mucosa, and axons containing substance P or enkephalins in the circular muscle). In both species, the stomach histologically resembles the esophagus, being aglandular and lined with stratified squamous epithelium. Innervation of these two organs was similar but not identical, with a greater array of peptides found in the gastric muscle. The intestinal mucosa was densely innervated in both species. The platypus small intestine is unusual in having a thick and deeply folded mucosa (but no villi), in which the superficial epithelium is absent or incomplete at many sites; many axons travel close to these luminal surfaces. Many (putative noradrenergic) axons associated with blood vessels contained neuro-peptide Y, but there was no evidence for intrinsic catecholamine-containing neurons. Somatostatin and cholecystokinin were present in some endocrine cells, but unlike many mammals, absent in neuronal tissue. These studies have shown that there are many strong similarities between monotremes and other mammals in the distribution and array of peptides found within nervous and endocrine tissues of the digestive tract. However, numerous small differences of the echidna and platypus innervation may be correlated with their different digestive structures.

Animals↗

Dynorphin-immunoreactive terminals in the rat nucleus accumbens: cellular sites for modulation of target neurons and interactions with catecholamine afferents.

Dynorphin facilitates conditioned place aversion and reduces locomotor activity through mechanisms potentially involving direct activation of target neurons or release of catecholamines from afferents in the nucleus accumbens. We examined the ultrastructural substrates underlying these actions by combining immunoperoxidase labeling for dynorphin 1-8 and immunogold silver labeling for the catecholamine synthesizing enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The two markers were simultaneously visualized in single coronal sections through the rat nucleus accumbens. By light microscopy, dynorphin immunoreactivity was seen as patches of immunoreactive varicosities throughout all rostrocaudal levels of the nucleus accumbens. The dynorphin-immunoreactive terminals identified by electron microscopy ranged from 0.2 to 1.5 microns in cross-sectional diameter, contained numerous small (30-40 nm) clear vesicles, as well as one or more large (80-100 nm) dense core vesicles. From the dynorphin-immunoreactive terminals quantitatively examined in single sections, 74% (173/370) showed symmetric synaptic junctions mainly with large unlabeled dendrites. Of the dynorphin-immunoreactive terminals forming identifiable synapses, approximately 30% contacted more than one dendritic target. In addition, single dendrites frequently received convergent input from more than one dynorphin-labeled terminal. Irrespective of their dendritic associations, dynorphin-immunoreactive terminals also frequently showed close appositions with other axons and terminals; these included unlabeled (41%), TH-labeled (10%) or dynorphin-labeled axons (14%). In contrast to dynorphin-immunoreactive terminals, TH-labeled terminals formed primarily symmetric synapses with small dendrites and spines or lacked recognizable specializations in the plane of section analyzed. In some cases, single dendrites were postsynaptic to both dynorphin and TH-immunoreactive terminals. We conclude that dynorphin-immunoreactive terminals potently modulate, and most likely inhibit, target neurons in both subregions of the rat nucleus accumbens. This modulatory action could attenuate or potentiate incoming catecholamine signals on more distal dendrites of the accumbens neurons. The findings also suggest potential sites for presynaptic modulatory interactions involving dynorphin and catecholamine or other transmitters in apposed terminals.

Animals↗

Measurements of catecholamine-mediated apoptosis of immunocompetent cells by capillary electrophoresis.

Single cell analysis with capillary electrophoresis, a technique capable of detecting zeptomole quantities (10(-21) mole) of neurochemical species, has been used to demonstrate that lymphocytes are capable of active synthesis of dopamine and norepinephrine. Exposure of lymphocytes to catecholamines at concentrations as low as 10 nM leads to decreased proliferation and differentiation, e.g. interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and immunoglobulin (Ig). In addition, both inhibition of dopamine uptake with nomifensine and inhibition of packing of catecholamines into vesicles with tetrabenazine, results in significantly lower levels of dopamine and norepinephrine (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). The catecholamine-dependent inhibition of T- and B-lymphocyte activity is mediated via an induction of a Bcl-2/Bax and Fas/FasL involved apoptosis. These findings indicate a novel mechanism for regulation of lymphocyte activity in the central nervous system, whereby elevated regional levels of catecholamines might lead to the immunoprivilege of the brain.

Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors↗

Insulin levels, physical activity, and urinary catecholamine excretion of obese and non-obese rhesus monkeys.

The hypothesis that spontaneous obesity in rhesus monkeys is associated with abnormalities in energy expenditure was tested. Obese (n=7) and non-obese (n=5) monkeys were described in terms of body size and composition, food intake, and physical activity. Additionally, the relationships among fasting and stimulated insulin levels in serum, C-peptide levels in serum and urine, and urinary catecholamines were examined. Obese animals had primarily abdominal deposition of excess body fat, as indicated by markedly elevated abdominal circumferences and skin-fold thicknesses. Food intake did not differ between groups. Physical activity was much lower in the obese group. Obese monkeys had markedly higher serum insulin and C-peptide levels in the fasted state and in response to an intravenous glucose challenge. Urinary excretion of C-peptide and catecholamines was measured during successive 2-day periods of ad libitum feeding, food deprivation, and refeeding in order to examine potential differences between groups in sympathoadrenal activity and their relationship to insulin secretion. C-peptide excretion was greater for obese and decreased for both groups during food deprivation. Urinary dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and epinephrine (E) levels were significantly greater for obese animals in all conditions. DA excretion was lowest during deprivation and E excretion was lowest during refeeding, whereas NE excretion was relatively unaffected by feeding condition. The overall patterns of C-peptide and catecholamine excretion were qualitatively similar for both groups, and there were no reliable differences between obese and non-obese in their responses to the feeding manipulation. The results suggest that hyperinsulinemia associated with obesity in rhesus monkeys is linked to increased catecholamine secretion and a resistance to catecholaminergic action.

Adrenal Glands↗

Falsely elevated urinary excretion of catecholamines and metanephrines in patients receiving labetalol therapy.

Five patients with essential hypertension who were receiving treatment with the beta- and alpha-adrenoreceptor-blocking drug labetalol had elevated urinary excretion of catecholamines. When measured with a radioenzymatic assay, all five subjects had elevated urinary excretion of norepinephrine and normal urinary excretion of epinephrine; when measured with a fluorometric assay, four subjects had elevated urinary excretion of epinephrine with normal urinary excretion of norepinephrine, and one subject had elevated urinary norepinephrine excretion with normal urinary excretion of epinephrine. In three subjects who could be reevaluated three days to two months after labetalol therapy was discontinued, the urinary catecholamine levels had returned toward normal. Our studies indicate that labetalol produced a false elevation of urinary catecholamine levels. Although labetalol also interfered with the measurement of urinary excretion of metanephrine, it did not interfere with the measurement of urinary excretion of vanillylmandelic acid, homovanillic acid, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and serotonin, and it probably did not interfere with the measurement of plasma concentrations of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. We conclude that labetalol therapy should be discontinued, and another beta-blocking drug, such as propranolol, that does not interfere with these tests should be temporarily substituted at least three days before a patient collects a 24-hour urine for measurement of the urinary excretion of catecholamines and metanephrine.

Adult↗

Triorganotin inhibition of rat cardiac adenosine triphosphatases and catecholamine binding.

Triorganotins have been reported to affect heme metabolism as well as the cardiovascular system. Our recent studies indicated that these organotins inhibit cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-transport and cAMP-stimulated phosphorylation of specific proteins involved in Ca2+ transport, suggesting their interference with cardiac adrenergic function. The present study determines the effect of three organotins--tributyltin bromide (TBT), triethyltin bromide (TET) and trimethyltin chloride (TMT)--on rat cardiac ATPases and catecholamine binding, since these phenomena are involved in cardiac function. Cardiac membrane fraction was prepared from heart ventricles of male Sprague-Dawley rats. All three organotins inhibited cardiac Na+,K(+)-ATPase, [3H]ouabain binding, K(+)-activated p-nitrophenyl phosphatase (K(+)-PNPPase) and oligomycin-sensitive (OS) and oligomycin-insensitive (OI) Mg(2+)-ATPase in a concentration-dependent manner. K(+)-PNPPase was less sensitive to these triorganotins when compared to Na+K(+)-ATPase, suggesting that triorganotins affect the Na(+)-pump activity by acting on the Na(+)-dependent phosphorylation process. OS Mg(2+)-ATPase was more sensitive to these organotins when compared to OI Mg(2+)-ATPase, confirming their potent effect on the enzymes of oxidative phosphorylation. The order of potency is TBT greater than TET greater than TMT. TET and TMT, but not TBT, inhibited [3H]norepinephrine and [3H]dopamine binding to cardiac membranes in a concentration-dependent manner, the effect being more with TET. These results suggest that triorganotins inhibit sodium pump activity as well as ATP synthesis. Since Na+,K(+)-ATPase is involved in the active transport of catecholamines, triorganotins not only inhibited the catecholamine transport but also to some extent affected catecholamine binding, thus interfering with cardiac function.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

A study on melanogenesis and catecholamine biosynthesis during Bufo bufo development.

Tyrosinase and L-DOPA decarboxylase activities have been investigated during Bufo bufo development since catecholamines and melanin are formed from common substrates in homologous cells. Catecholamines first appear at stage 13 (neural plate), but tyrosinase, at a very low level, and L-DOPA decarboxylase are present throughout all of prior development. Hence, L-DOPA decarboxylase activity is not likely to be correlated with the control of catecholamine synthesis, although at stage 17 it is mainly localized in the nonneural part of the embryo. The distribution of young melanosomes and L-DOPA decarboxylase suggest a separation between melanogenesis and catecholamine synthesis.

Animals↗

Transient catecholamine modulation of neutrophil activation: kinetic and intracellular aspects of isoproterenol action.

Modulation of neutrophil activation by catecholamines may reflect regulatory mechanisms that couple beta-adrenergic and N-formyl peptide receptors to antagonistic biochemical pathways. We examined kinetic and mechanistic aspects of the inhibition by catecholamines of neutrophil activation by formyl peptides. Inhibition of oxidant production by isoproterenol (ISO) was detected as low as 3 nM, had an ID50 of 10(-7) M, and could be blocked and reversed by propranolol. Recovery of cell function occurred over a period of minutes when the concentration of ISO was less than 10(-6) M. These observations are discussed in terms of the interaction of ISO with the adrenergic receptors. The site of catecholamine action is addressed. ISO neither influences formyl peptide-receptor interaction nor does it inhibit oxidant production by phorbol ester. These results suggest an impairment of intracellular signalling processes that couple the formyl peptide-receptor binding to cell activation. We observed inhibition of intracellular Ca++ elevation by ISO only at low formyl peptide concentrations. This inhibition is consistent with a partial inhibition of phosphoinositide metabolism, which was observed. Several other cell responses, including actin polymerization and right angle light scatter, are minimally inhibited by 10(-6) M ISO indicating that the cell activation process is not entirely obliterated. The presence of catecholamine and formyl peptide results in a synergistic elevation of cAMP. The intracellular targets of ISO action may be regulated by cAMP dependent kinases and could follow a branchpoint in the activation sequence that leads distinctly to oxidase activation and cytoskeletal activation.

Actins↗

Modulation of T-suppressor cell activity by central nervous system catecholamine depletion.

This study extends our previous findings, which indicate that depletion of CNS catecholamines has a marked inhibitory effect on humoral immune responsiveness. These data show that depletion of CNS catecholamines by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the cisterna magna in conjunction with immunization enhances the activity of a population of splenic T-suppressor cells as evidenced by the transfer of these cells to normal recipients. Increased suppressor cell activity does not result solely from 6-OHDA treatment, but rather requires concomitant immunization. Further characterization shows that these suppressor cells are not antigen specific. Hypophysectomy abrogates the effects of 6-OHDA injection suggesting that catecholamine depletion modulates immune function via the release of pituitary hormones. Thus, depletion of CNS catecholamines impairs immune responsiveness by inducing enhanced T-suppressor cell activity, providing additional evidence of the involvement of the CNS in regulation of immune responsiveness.

Animals↗

Covalent labeling of the cocaine-sensitive catecholamine transporter.

Xylamine is an alkylating agent that is a substrate for and specific irreversible inhibitor of the cocaine-sensitive catecholamine transporter that functions in catecholamine reuptake into neurons and PC12 cells. [3H]xylamine prominently labels nine PC12 proteins; the relative xylamine-alkylation of a Mr 54,000 protein was decreased by cocaine and increased in the case of a PC12 variant, B9, which is deficient in catecholamine transport. [3H]xylamine labels no such protein in another transport variant, MPT1. We propose that this Mr 54,000 protein 1) is a component of the catecholamine transporter, 2) is present in B9 cells but in a conformation that reduces transporter activity and makes alkylation by xylamine more likely, and 3) is absent in MPT1 cells. Nerve growth factor treatment restores transporter activity in B9 cells but not in other transporter-deficient variants.

Alkylation↗

A potentiometric study of lithium complexation with catecholamines.

A potentiometric study of lithium complexation with tyramine, dopamine, norepinephrine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine was undertaken using monovalent cationic selective and pH glass electrodes. The conditional stability constants for the lithium catecholamine complexes were calculated for a range of pH values from direct potentiometric measurement of the free lithium ion concentration. The ionic strength was maintained at 0.5 with tetramethylammonium chloride and glycine buffers. Temperature was maintained at 25 degrees C. Titration data for the catecholamines and lithium-catecholamine complexes at the same temperature and ionic strength were also obtained using tetramethylammonium hydroxide as titrant. All solutions were maintained essentially oxygen free during the analytical procedure. Alkali metals are generally recognized as being weakly complexed in aqueous solution. The magnitude of the stability constants determined in this study indicates there is a weak interaction of lithium with catecholamines.

Catecholamines↗

Stimulatory effect of IL-1 beta on catecholamine secretion from cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells.

We investigated the effect of recombinant human interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) on catecholamine secretion from cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells. Treatment of cultured cells with IL-1 beta (10 ng/ml) for 24 hr caused an increase in accumulation of catecholamines in the cultured medium. The accumulation of catecholamines stimulated by IL-1 beta was observed in time (4-48 hr)- and concentration (3-30 ng/ml)-dependent manners. The stimulatory effect of IL-1 beta (10 ng/ml) was completely inhibited by recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist (1 microgram/ml). IL-1 beta had little effect on [3H]norepinephrine uptake to cultured cells. These results suggest that IL-1 beta stimulates catecholamine secretion through activation of IL-1 receptors in adrenal medullary cells.

Adrenal Medulla↗

In vitro study of catecholamine release from perifused frog adrenal slices.

The adrenal gland of amphibians is composed of a mixed population of adrenochromaffin and corticosteroid-secreting cells. It has previously been shown that chromaffin cells synthesize several bioactive substances (including biogenic amines and neurotransmitters) which may act locally to regulate corticosteroid secretion. In the present report, we have studied the secretory activity of adrenochromaffin cells in Rana ridibunda. Frozen sections of adrenal gland were immunolabeled with antisera against tyrosine hydroxylase or phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase. Comparison of homologous fields on consecutive sections indicated that 77% of catecholaminergic cells produce adrenaline. The concentrations of catecholamines were measured by means of high performance liquid chromatography analysis coupled to electrochemical detection. The concentrations of dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline in fresh adrenal tissue were 24 +/- 4, 763 +/- 68, and 1032 +/- 118 ng/mg wet weight, respectively. After a 12-hr perifusion period, the concentration of adrenaline in the tissue was reduced by 62%, whereas noradrenaline only decreased by 22%. The secretion rates of adrenaline and noradrenaline from perifused adrenal slices significantly diminished during the first 7 hr of the experiment and then remained relatively stable for about 10 hr. Exposure of adrenal tissue to a depolarizing concentration of potassium (55 mM) induced an immediate and substantial rise of adrenaline and noradrenaline release and a delayed increase in corticosterone output. Acetylcholine, which stimulates corticosterone secretion from frog adrenocortical cells, induced a slight but not significant increase of adrenaline and noradrenaline release. Similarly, the selective cholinergic agonists muscarine and nicotine did not significantly affect catecholamine release, while muscarine mimicked the stimulatory action of acetylcholine on corticosterone secretion. This study validates the use of the perifusion model to investigate the mechanism of control of catecholamine release from frog adrenochromaffin tissue. The results presented herein indicate that, in contrast to mammals, the secretion of catecholamines from the amphibian adrenal gland is not regulated by cholinergic inputs.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

The distribution of catecholamines between plasma and platelets in cyclosporin A-induced hypertensive rats.

One of the most serious side effects of the immunosuppressive agent, cyclosporin A (CsA), is drug-related hypertension. As it is generally accepted, the sympathetic nervous system may play an important role in the development or maintenance of this abnormal pathophysiological situation. This study is aimed at assessing plasma and platelet catecholamines, and a possible connection to cyclosporin A-induced increased arterial blood pressure. It was thus based on an investigation in which Wistar rats were divided into three groups: one taking only orange juice (control) and the other two receiving 5 and 30 mg kg(-1)('trough' and 'peak') of cyclosporin A (Sandimmun Neoral), daily, for 7 weeks. Plasma and platelet noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine levels and arterial blood pressures were evaluated before the start of the study (week 0) and after 2, 4 and 7 weeks. Plasma and platelet catecholamines increased drastically in the 'peak' CsA concentration-treated group, which contrasts with the slight decrease observed in the group treated with the 'trough' concentration. However, both groups revealed an increase in blood pressures, when compared with the control group. These findings suggest that at least 'peak' cyclosporin A concentration alters significantly the plasma and platelets catecholamines levels, which may contribute to the cyclosporin A-induced hypertension. Other contributions, regardless of catecholamine content disturbances, might occur, at least at 'trough' CsA concentrations.

Animals↗

Vesicular catecholamine release from rat PC12 cells on acute and subchronic exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls.

Effects of selected polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on vesicular catecholamine release from rat PC12 phaeochromocytoma cells have been measured using carbon fiber microelectrode amperometry. Exocytotic responses were evoked by superfusion of single PC12 cells with high K(+) saline. Subsequent exposure of the same cells to saline containing the nonplanar congener 2,2'-dichlorobiphenyl (PCB 4) and the coplanar congener 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126) at concentrations between 5 and 25 microM for 15 min caused an enhancement of the frequency of basal vesicular catecholamine release at the lower concentrations but not at the high concentrations tested. The nonplanar congener 2,2',3,3',4,4'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 128) did not affect basal release. The PCBs caused only marginal effects on the frequency of evoked events during high K(+) stimulation and did not affect vesicle contents. Prolonged exposure of PC12 cells to low concentrations of the same PCBs in the culture medium for a period of 3 days did not cause significant changes in vesicle contents. The results demonstrate that low concentrations of PCBs may cause acute vesicular catecholamine release but do not influence the contents of catecholamine-containing vesicles either on acute or after subchronic exposure.

Animals↗

The contribution by monoamine oxidase and catechol-O-methyltransferase to the total-body and pulmonary plasma clearance of catecholamines.

To study the effects of inhibition of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) on the removal of circulating catecholamines, anaesthetized rabbits were infused for 120 min with 3H-labelled noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine. Total-body plasma clearances (Cltot) and pulmonary fractional extractions (ERp) of the infused amines and the cardiac output of plasma (CO(p)) were determined under steady-state conditions at the end of each of two consecutive 60-min treatment periods. MAO and COMT were inhibited by treatment with pargyline (40 mg/kg) and tolcapone (3 mg/kg followed by 1.5 mg/kg given every 30 min), respectively. Two groups of animals were studied. Group I involved animals treated with tolcapone throughout and given pargyline at the beginning of the second treatment period. In group II, pargyline was given at the beginning of the first, and the treatment with tolcapone was started at the beginning of the second treatment period. As previous experiments had shown that COMT inhibition alone is without any effect on Cltot of the three catecholamines considered here, the results obtained in the first treatment period of group I can be taken to reflect control results. At the end of the first treatment period, Cltot of noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine (expressed as a percentage of CO(p)) was 88%, 85% and 142%, respectively, in group I (COMT inhibition) and 67%, 77% and 115%, respectively, in group II (MAO inhibition; P < 0.05 for the group difference regarding Cltot of noradrenaline and dopamine). MAO inhibition on top of COMT inhibition (group I) lowered Cltot of noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine by 23%, 12% and 26%, respectively, and COMT inhibition on top of MAO inhibition (group II) reduced Cltot of these catecholamines by 13%, 20% and 17%, respectively. At the end of the first treatment period, the pulmonary plasma clearance (Clp = ERp x CO(p)) of noradrenaline and dopamine was 13 and 25 ml kg-1 min-1, respectively, in group I and 12 and 28 ml kg-1 min-1, respectively, in group II. Clp of adrenaline did not differ from zero in either group. Clp of noradrenaline and dopamine was reduced by 74% and 70%, respectively, when both enzymes were inhibited in group I and by 70% and 67%, respectively, when both enzymes were inhibited in group II. Hence, inhibition of either MAO or COMT alone had little, if any, effect on the removal of noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine on passage through the systemic and pulmonary circulation. Combined inhibition of both MAO and COMT was highly effective in reducing the pulmonary clearance of noradrenaline and dopamine, but produced only minor decreases in the total-body clearance of all three catecholamines.

Animals↗

Evidence for uptake1-mediated efflux of catecholamines from pulmonary endothelial cells of perfused lungs of rats.

Previous pharmacological studies have demonstrated that pulmonary endothelial cells and noradrenergic neurones possess the same transporter for inward transport of catecholamines, uptake1. In noradrenergic neurones, it has been shown that uptake1 is also involved in the carrier-mediated outward transport, or efflux, of noradrenaline and dopamine. The aim of the present study was to examine the efflux of noradrenaline and dopamine from perfused lungs of rats to determine whether uptake1, in addition to diffusion, mediates efflux of catecholamines from pulmonary vascular endothelial cells. The effects of reducing the cellular sodium gradient and of substrates and inhibitors of uptake1 on the efflux of 3H-noradrenaline and 3H-dopamine from rat lungs were measured. Isolated perfused lungs of rats (monoamine oxidase and catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibited) were loaded with 3H-(-)-noradrenaline or 3H-dopamine for 10 min followed by perfusion with either (1) a low sodium, amine-free Krebs solution, in which NaCl was replaced by either Tris.HCl or LiCl, for 15 or 10 min, respectively or (2) amine-free Krebs solution for 30 min in the absence or presence of a substrate or inhibitor of uptake1 for the last 15 min. The rate constants for spontaneous efflux of noradrenaline and dopamine from the lungs were 0.0163 min-1 and 0.0466 min-1, respectively. When NaCl was replaced by Tris.HCl during efflux, the rate constants for efflux of noradrenaline and dopamine were increased 2.5-fold and 3-fold, respectively, whereas, when NaCl was replaced by LiCl, the rate constants were increased 8-fold and 4-fold, respectively. The uptake1 substrates, dopamine (1 and 3 mumol/l) and adrenaline (40 mumol/l), both caused a rapid and marked increase in the efflux of noradrenaline, while noradrenaline (4 mumol/l) had a similar effect on the efflux of dopamine. The uptake1 inhibitors, imipramine (3 and 10 mumol/l) and nisoxetine (50 nmol/l), caused small and gradual increases in the efflux of noradrenaline and dopamine from rat lungs. These results demonstrate that efflux of noradrenaline and dopamine from rat lungs is affected by alterations in the normal sodium gradient across the cell and by drugs that interact with the uptake1 transporter. Thus, it can be concluded that the spontaneous efflux of catecholamines from pulmonary vascular endothelial cells is mediated predominantly by uptake1. In addition, efflux of catecholamines from the lungs has a diffusional component, which, combined with inhibition of reuptake, accounts for the small increase in amine efflux by inhibitors of uptake1.

Animals↗

The effects of endogenous or exogenous catecholamines on blood respiratory status during acute hypoxia in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

An extracorporeal circulation of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was utilized to continuously monitor the rapid and progressive effects of endogenous or exogenous catecholamines on blood respiratory/acid-base status, and to provide in vivo evidence for adrenergic retention of carbon dioxide (CO2) in fish blood (cf. Wood and Perry 1985). Exposure of fish to severe aquatic hypoxia (final PwO2 = 40-60 torr; reached within 10-20 min) elicited an initial respiratory alkalosis resulting from hypoxia-induced hyperventilation. However, at a critical arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) between 15 and 25 torr, fish became agitated for approximately 5 s and a marked (0.2-0.4 pH unit) but transient arterial blood acidosis ensued. This response is characteristic of abrupt catecholamine mobilization into the circulation and subsequent adrenergic activation of red blood cell (RBC) Na+/H+ exchange (Fievet et al. 1987). Within approximately 1-2 min after the activation of RBC Na+/H+ exchange by endogenous catecholamines, there was a significant rise in arterial PCO2 (PaCO2) whereas arterial PO2 was unaltered; the elevation of PaCO2 could not be explained by changes in gill ventilation. Pre-treatment of fish with the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist phentolamine did not prevent the apparent catecholamine-mediated increase of PaCO2. Conversely, pre-treatment with the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist sotalol abolished both the activation of the RBC Na+/H+ antiporter and the associated rise in PaCO2, suggesting a causal relationship between the stimulation of RBC Na+/H+ exchange and the elevation of PaCO2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗