β2-AR Expression Research Articles

Selective β2-AR Blockage Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Growth Through Regulation of EGFR-Akt/ERK1/2 Signaling, G1-Phase Arrest, and Apoptosis.

The stress-upregulated catecholamines-activated β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors (β1/2-ARs) have been shown to accelerate the progression of cancers such as colorectal cancer (CRC). We investigated the underlying mechanism of the inhibition of β1/2-ARs signaling for the treatment of CRC and elucidated the significance of β2-AR expression in CRC in vitro and in clinical samples. The impacts of β1/2-AR antagonists in CRC in vitro and CRC-xenograft in vivo were examined. We found that repression of β2-AR but not β1-AR signaling selectively suppressed cell viability, induced G1-phase cell cycle arrest, caused both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways-mediated apoptosis of specific CRC cells and inhibited CRC-xenograft growth in vivo. Moreover, the expression of β2-AR was not consistent with the progression of CRC in vitro or in clinical samples. Our data evidence that the expression profiles, signaling, and blockage of β2-AR have a unique pattern in CRC comparing to other cancers. β2-AR antagonism selectively suppresses the growth of CRC accompanying active β2-AR signaling, which potentially carries wild-type KRAS, in vitro and in vivo via the inhibition of β2-AR transactivated EFGR-Akt/ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Thus, β2-AR blockage might be a potential therapeutic strategy for combating the progressions of β2-AR-dependent CRC.

Exposure to cigarette smoke downregulates β2-adrenergic receptor expression and upregulates inflammation in alveolar macrophages

Cigarette smoke-triggered inflammation is important in the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). β2-Adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) is abundantly expressed on inflammatory cells, which is associated with inflammation regulation. To observe alterations in inflammation, pathological changes in lung tissues, and detect changes in β2-AR expression, rats were exposed for 4 months to cigarette smoke. Pathological changes were observed in lung tissue sections. The levels of inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung tissues were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity was detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Exposure to this regimen of cigarette smoke induced peribronchial and perivascular lymphocytic aggregates and parenchymal accumulation of macrophages in rats. EMSA demonstrated that smoke exposure enhanced NF-κB activation in rats’ alveolar macrophages (AMs). Compared with the control group, smoke exposure induced a notable increase in TNF-α and IL-1β in BALF, lung tissues, and a decrease of β2-AR expression of AMs. The expression of β2-AR from AMs was inversely correlated with TNF-α and IL-1β levels of BALF. These data demonstrated that chronic smoke-triggered lung inflammation was accompanied by down-regulation of β2-AR in rat lungs’ AMs.

β2-Adrenergic signal transduction plays a detrimental role in subchondral bone loss of temporomandibular joint in osteoarthritis.

The present study tested whether activation of the sympathetic tone by aberrant joint loading elicits abnormal subchondral bone remodeling in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis. Abnormal dental occlusion was created in experimental rats, which were then intraperitoneally injected by saline, propranolol or isoproterenol. The norepinephrine contents, distribution of sympathetic nerve fibers, expression of β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) and remodeling parameters in the condylar subchondral bone were investigated. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from condylar subchondral bones were harvested for comparison of their β-ARs, pro-osteoclastic gene expressions and pro-osteoclastic function. Increases in norepinephrine level, sympathetic nerve fiber distribution and β2-AR expression were observed in the condylar subchondral bone of experimental rats, together with subchondral bone loss and increased osteoclast activity. β-antagonist (propranolol) suppressed subchondral bone loss and osteoclast hyperfunction while β-agonist (isoproterenol) exacerbated those responses. MSCs from experimental condylar subchondral bone expressed higher levels of β2-AR and RANKL; norepinephrine stimulation further increased their RANKL expression and pro-osteoclastic function. These effects were blocked by inhibition of β2-AR or the PKA pathway. RANKL expression by MSCs decreased after propranolol administration and increased after isoproterenol administration. It is concluded that β2-AR signal-mediated subchondral bone loss in TMJ osteoarthritisis associated with increased RANKL secretion by MSCs.

Cardiac β-Adrenoceptor Expression Is Reduced in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats as Type-2 Diabetes Progresses.

ObjectivesReduced cardiac β-adrenoceptor (β-AR) expression and cardiovascular dysfunction occur in models of hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia. Cardiac β-AR expression in type-2 diabetes models of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, remain less clear. This study investigates cardiac β-AR expression in type-2 diabetic Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats.Methods Ex vivo biodistribution experiments with [3H]CGP12177 were performed in Zucker lean (ZL) and ZDF rats at 10 and 16 weeks of age as diabetes develops. Blood glucose, body mass, and diet consumption were measured. Western blotting of β-AR subtypes was completed in parallel. Echocardiography was performed at 10 and 16 weeks to assess systolic and diastolic function. Fasted plasma insulin, free fatty acids (FFA), leptin and fed-state insulin were also measured.ResultsAt 10 weeks, myocardial [3H]CGP12177 was normal in hyperglycemic ZDF (17±4.1mM) compared to ZL, but reduced 16-25% at 16 weeks of age as diabetes and hyperglycemia (22±2.4mM) progressed. Reduced β-AR expression not apparent at 10 weeks also developed by 16 weeks of age in ZDF brown adipose tissue. In the heart, Western blotting at 10 weeks indicated normal β1-AR (98±9%), reduced β2-AR (76±10%), and elevated β3-AR (108±6). At 16 weeks, β1-AR expression became reduced (69±16%), β2-AR expression decreased further (68±14%), and β3-AR remained elevated, similar to 10 weeks (112±9%). While HR was reduced at 10 and 16 weeks in ZDF rats, no significant changes were observed in diastolic or systolic function.ConclusionsCardiac β-AR are reduced over 6 weeks of sustained hyperglycemia in type-2 diabetic ZDF rats. This indicates cardiac [3H]CGP12177 retention and β1- and β2-AR expression are inversely correlated with the progression of type-2 diabetes.

Increased β2-adrenergic vasorelaxation at the early phase of endotoxemic shock in rats

Background and purposeThe early management of the cardiovascular dysfunction of septic shock is critical as it is associated with a poor outcome. Although the use of catecholamines is a common therapy in this syndrome, no data are available on the involvement of β-adrenoceptor (β-AR) subtypes and only few studies report an alteration of β-adrenergic-induced vasodilation in septic shock. The purpose of the study was to evaluate vascular β1, β2 and β3-AR expression and function in an endotoxemic rat model. Experimental approachEndotoxemia was induced in rats by intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). β1, β2 and β3-AR mRNA expression was evaluated by RT-PCR in aorta and vascular β1, β2 and β3-AR responses were determined on conducting (aorta) and/or resistance (mesenteric and renal) arteries by constructing relaxation curves in response to different β-AR agonists. ResultsThe maximal effect of isoproterenol decreased by 31 to 61% in the three vascular beds of LPS-treated rats compared to controls. In aortas from LPS-treated rats, β1 and β3-AR mRNA expression was decreased and associated to a reduced β1 and β3-induced vasodilation. Conversely, albeit β2-AR mRNA was unchanged, the maximal β2-AR-induced vasodilation increased by 49% in aortas from LPS-treated rats compared to controls. This increase was not affected by endothelium removal but was abolished in the presence of a β2-AR antagonist or an adenylate cyclase inhibitor. ConclusionsIn endotoxemia, β2-AR vasodilation was increased by a potential recruitment of β2-AR located on smooth muscle cells. This study suggests that vascular β2-AR should be a putative new therapeutic target in septic shock.

Regulation of β2-adrenergic receptor cell surface expression by interaction with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-associated ligand (CAL)

The beta-2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR), a member of GPCR, can activate multiple signaling pathways and is an important treatment target for cardiac failure. However, the molecular mechanism about β2AR signaling regulation is not fully understood. In this study, we found that cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-associated ligand (CAL) overexpression reduced β2AR-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2) activation. Further study identified CAL as a novel binding partner of β2AR. CAL is associated with β2AR mainly via the third intracellular loop (ICL3) of receptor and the coiled-coil domains of CAL, which is distinct from CAL/β1AR interaction mediated by the carboxyl terminal (CT) of β1AR and PDZ domain of CAL. CAL overexpression retarded β2AR expression in Golgi apparatus and reduced the receptor expression in plasma membrane.

Sleep-deprivation reduces NK cell number and function mediated by β-adrenergic signalling

Reduction of sleep time triggers a stress response, leading to augmented levels of glucocorticoids and adrenaline. These hormones regulate components of the innate immune system such as natural killer (NK) and NKT cells. In the present study, we sought to investigate whether and how stress hormones could alter the population and function of NK and NKT cells of mice submitted to different lengths of paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD, from 24 to 72 h). Results showed that 72h of PSD decreased not only NK and NKT cell counts, but also their cytotoxic activity against B16F10 melanoma cells in vitro. Propranolol treatment during PSD reversed these effects, indicating a major inhibitory role of beta-adrenergic receptors (β-AR) on NK cells function. Moreover, both corticosterone plasma levels and expression of beta 2-adrenergic receptors (β2-AR) in NK cells increased by 48 h of PSD. In vitro incubation of NK cells with dexamethasone augmented the level of β2-AR in the cell surface, suggesting that glucocorticoids could induce β2-AR expression. In summary, we propose that reduction of NK and NKT cell number and cytotoxic activity appears to be mediated by glucocorticoids-induced increased expression of β2-AR in these cells.

β2-AR signaling controls trastuzumab resistance-dependent pathway.

Currently, trastuzumab resistance is a major clinical problem in the treatment of Her2-overexpressing breast cancer. The underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Our previous study demonstrates that β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) and Her2 comprise a positive feedback loop in human breast cancer cells and that crosstalk between Her2 and β2-AR affects the bio-behaviors of breast cancer cells, suggesting that the β2-AR activation may be involved in trastuzumab resistance. In this study, we show that the expression of β2-AR, which mediates most catecholamine-induced effects, negatively correlates with trastuzumab response in the patients with Her2-overexpressing breast cancer. Catecholamines potently antagonize the anti-proliferative effects of trastuzumab both in vitro and in vivo. Catecholamine stimulation upregulates the expression of miR-21 and MUC-1 by activating Her2 and STAT3, leading to deficiency of phosphatase and tensin homolog and activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt. Through inhibition of miR-199a/b-3p, catecholamines induce the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation. Thus, trastuzumab resistance-dependent PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is controlled by catecholamine-induced β2-AR activation. The data indicate that β2-AR is a reliable molecular marker for prediction of response probability to trastuzumab-based therapy in breast cancer. We also demonstrate that β-blocker propranolol not only enhances the antitumor activities of trastuzumab but also re-sensitizes the resistant cells to trastuzumab. Our retrospective study shows that concurrent treatment of β-blocker and trastuzumab significantly improved progression-free survival and overall survival in the patients with Her2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer, implicating the possibility for combination therapy with trastuzumab plus β-blocker in Her2-overexpressing breast cancer.

Activation of β2-adrenergic receptor by (R,R′)-4′-methoxy-1-naphthylfenoterol inhibits proliferation and motility of melanoma cells

(R,R′)-4′-methoxy-1-naphthylfenoterol [(R,R′)-MNF] is a highly-selective β2 adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) agonist. Incubation of a panel of human-derived melanoma cell lines with (R,R′)-MNF resulted in a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of motility as assessed by in vitro wound healing and xCELLigence migration and invasion assays. Activity of (R,R′)-MNF positively correlated with the β2-AR expression levels across tested cell lines. The anti-motility activity of (R,R′)-MNF was inhibited by the β2-AR antagonist ICI-118,551 and the protein kinase A inhibitor H-89. The adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin and the phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor Ro 20-1724 mimicked the ability of (R,R′)-MNF to inhibit migration of melanoma cell lines in culture, highlighting the importance of cAMP for this phenomenon. (R,R′)-MNF caused significant inhibition of cell growth in β2-AR-expressing cells as monitored by radiolabeled thymidine incorporation and xCELLigence system. The MEK/ERK cascade functions in cellular proliferation, and constitutive phosphorylation of MEK and ERK at their active sites was significantly reduced upon β2-AR activation with (R,R′)-MNF. Protein synthesis was inhibited concomitantly both with increased eEF2 phosphorylation and lower expression of tumor cell regulators, EGF receptors, cyclin A and MMP-9. Taken together, these results identified β2-AR as a novel potential target for melanoma management, and (R,R′)-MNF as an efficient trigger of anti-tumorigenic cAMP/PKA-dependent signaling in β2-AR-expressing lesions.

Quantification of beta adrenergic receptor subtypes in beta-arrestin knockout mouse airways.

In allergic asthma Beta 2 adrenergic receptors (β2ARs) are important mediators of bronchorelaxation and, paradoxically, asthma development. This contradiction is likely due to the activation of dual signaling pathways that are downstream of G proteins or β-arrestins. Our group has recently shown that β-arrestin-2 acts in its classical role to desensitize and constrain β2AR-induced relaxation of both human and murine airway smooth muscle. To assess the role of β-arrestins in regulating β2AR function in asthma, we and others have utilized β-arrestin-1 and -2 knockout mice. However, it is unknown if genetic deletion of β-arrestins in these mice influences β2AR expression in the airways. Furthermore, there is lack of data on compensatory expression of βAR subtypes when either of the β-arrestins is genetically deleted, thus necessitating a detailed βAR subtype expression study in these β-arrestin knockout mice. Here we standardized a radioligand binding methodology to characterize and quantitate βAR subtype distribution in the airway smooth muscle of wild-type C57BL/6J and β-arrestin-1 and β-arrestin-2 knockout mice. Using complementary competition and single-point saturation binding assays we found that β2ARs predominate over β1ARs in the whole lung and epithelium-denuded tracheobronchial smooth muscle of C57BL/6J mice. Quantification of βAR subtypes in β-arrestin-1 and β-arrestin-2 knockout mouse lung and epithelium-denuded tracheobronchial tissue showed that, similar to the C57BL/6J mice, both knockouts display a predominance of β2AR expression. These data provide further evidence that β2ARs are expressed in greater abundance than β1ARs in the tracheobronchial smooth muscle and that loss of either β-arrestin does not significantly affect the expression or relative proportions of βAR subtypes. As β-arrestins are known to modulate β2AR function, our analysis of βAR subtype expression in β-arrestin knockout mice airways sets a reference point for future studies exploiting these knockout mice in various disease models including asthma.

Gene expression of beta-adrenergic receptors and myosin heavy chain isoforms induced by ractopamine feeding duration in pigs not carrying the ryanodine receptor mutation

To evaluate the effects of ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC) feeding duration on mRNA abundance of beta-adrenergic receptors (β-AR) and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms in the Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of pigs not carrying the ryanodine receptor type I (RyR1) mutation, 80 finishing barrows (initial body weight=69.4±7.87kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments with 8 replicate pens per treatment and 2 pigs per pen. Pigs were fed a corn–soybean meal-based diet with no added RAC (control) or with 10mg/kg RAC fed for 7, 14, 21, or 28d before slaughter. On d 28, hair root samples were collected for RyR1 genotyping and LD muscle samples were collected to measure β-AR (β1- and β2-subtypes) and MyHC isoforms (Iβ, IIa, IIx/d, and IIb) gene expression using the quantitative real-time PCR method. Six heterozygous negative pigs for the RyR1 mutation were detected, and therefore not considered for statistical analysis. Increasing RAC feeding duration did not affect the abundance of β1-AR mRNA, but resulted in a tendency (P=0.073) towards a linear decrease in β2-AR mRNA abundance. Even though MyHC Iβ mRNA abundance was linearly decreased (P=0.002) with increasing RAC feeding duration, both MyHC IIa and IIx/d gene expressions were not affected by the RAC treatment. There was a linear increase (P=0.029) in MyHC IIb mRNA abundance as RAC feeding duration was increased. In conclusion, RAC feeding alters gene expression of β2-AR and MyHC isoforms in the LD muscle of pigs not carrying the RyR1 mutation in a time-dependent manner.

Effects of olmesartan therapy on the expression of lung adrenoceptors in rats with chronic heart failure.

Adrenergic receptors (AR) play important roles in regulating lung function. However, there are few reports concerning AR expression and the protective effect of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) on the lung in chronic heart failure (CHF). In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of the ARB olmesartan on the lung in CHF. Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control, sham-operated rats, rats with CHF induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary arteries, and rats with CHF treated with olmesartan (1 mg/kg) once daily for 8 weeks. Heart function, plasma renin activity (PRA) and angiotensin II (Ang II) levels, lung microscopic structure inspection and mRNA and protein expressions of α1A-, β1- and β2-AR in lung were tested. Compared with the CHF group, PRA and Ang II levels were decreased while heart function and mRNA and protein expression of α1A-AR, β1-AR and β2-AR were up-regulated in the olmesartan group (p<0.05 or p<0.01). The inflammation and cell proliferation in CHF lung tissue were reduced in the olmesartan group. Olmesartan may play a beneficial role in protecting lung in CHF by up-regulating AR and decreasing levels of PRA and Ang II.

Chronic β1-adrenergic blockade enhances myocardial β3-adrenergic coupling with nitric oxide-cGMP signaling in a canine model of chronic volume overload: new insight into mechanisms of cardiac benefit with selective β1-blocker therapy.

The β1-adrenergic antagonist metoprolol improves cardiac function in animals and patients with chronic heart failure, isolated mitral regurgitation (MR), and ischemic heart disease, though the molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Metoprolol has been reported to upregulate cardiac expression of β3-adrenergic receptors (β3AR) in animal models. Myocardial β3AR signaling via neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) activation has recently emerged as a cardioprotective pathway. We tested whether chronic β1-adrenergic blockade with metoprolol enhances myocardial β3AR coupling with nitric oxide-stimulated cyclic guanosine monophosphate (β3AR/NO-cGMP) signaling in the MR-induced, volume-overloaded heart. We compared the expression, distribution, and inducible activation of β3AR/NO-cGMP signaling proteins within myocardial membrane microdomains in dogs (canines) with surgically induced MR, those also treated with metoprolol succinate (MR+βB), and unoperated controls. β3AR mRNA transcripts, normalized to housekeeping gene RPLP1, increased 4.4 × 10(3)- and 3.2 × 10(2)-fold in MR and MR+βB hearts, respectively, compared to Control. Cardiac β3AR expression was increased 1.4- and nearly twofold in MR and MR+βB, respectively, compared to Control. β3AR was detected within caveolae-enriched lipid rafts (Cav3(+)LR) and heavy density, non-lipid raft membrane (NLR) across all groups. However, in vitro selective β3AR stimulation with BRL37344 (BRL) triggered cGMP production within only NLR of MR+βB. BRL induced Ser (1412) phosphorylation of nNOS within NLR of MR+βB, but not Control or MR, consistent with detection of NLR-specific β3AR/NO-cGMP coupling. Treatment with metoprolol prevented MR-associated oxidation of NO biosensor soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) within NLR. Metoprolol therapy also prevented MR-induced relocalization of sGCβ1 subunit away from caveolae, suggesting preserved NO-sGC-cGMP signaling, albeit without coupling to β3AR, within MR+βB caveolae. Chronic β1-blockade is associated with myocardial β3AR/NO-cGMP coupling in a microdomain-specific fashion. Our canine study suggests that microdomain-targeted enhancement of myocardial β3AR/NO-cGMP signaling may explain, in part, β1-adrenergic antagonist-mediated preservation of cardiac function in the volume-overloaded heart.

β2-Adrenoceptor stimulation restores frontal cortex plasticity and improves visuospatial performance in hidden-prenatally-malnourished young-adult rats

Moderate reduction in dietary protein composition of pregnant rats from 25% to 8% casein, calorically compensated by carbohydrates, has been described as a “hidden malnutrition” because it does not alter body and brain weights of pups at birth. However, this dietary treatment leads to altered central noradrenergic systems, impaired cortical long-term potentiation (LTP) and worsened visuo-spatial memory performance. Given the increasing interest on the role played by β2-adrenoceptors (β2-ARs) on brain plasticity, the present study aimed to address the following in hidden-malnourished and eutrophic control rats: (i) the expression levels of β2-ARs in the frontal cortex determined by immunohistochemistry, and (ii) the effect of the β2 selective agonist clenbuterol on both LTP elicited in vivo in the prefrontal cortex and visuospatial performance measured in an eight-arm radial maze. Our results showed that, prenatally malnourished rats exhibited a significant reduction of neocortical β2-AR expression in adulthood. Concomitantly, they were unable to elicit and maintain prefrontal cortex LTP and exhibited lower visuospatial learning performance. Administration of clenbuterol (0.019, 0.038 and 0.075mg/kg i.p.) enhanced LTP in malnourished and control animals and restored visuospatial learning performance in malnourished but not in normal rats, in a dose-dependent manner. The results suggest that decreased density of neocortical β2-ARs during postnatal life, subsequent to hidden prenatal malnutrition might affect some synaptic networks required to elicit neocortical LTP and form visuospatial memory, since those neuroplastic deficits were counteracted by β2-AR stimulation.

Aluminum chloride- and norepinephrine-induced immunotoxicity on splenic lymphocytes by activating β2-AR/cAMP/PKA/NF-κB signal pathway in rats.

We found in our previous research that aluminum (Al) exposure induced immunotoxicity on spleen and increased norepinephrine (NE) content in serum from rats. However, it is unclear how NE is involved in the AlCl3 immunotoxicity on rats. Therefore, this experiment was designed to explore the mechanism of AlCl3 and NE-induced immunotoxicity on the splenic lymphocytes. Eighty male Wistar rats were orally exposed to AlCl3 (0, 64, 128, and 256 mg/kg BW) through drinking water for 120 days. Al contents in brain and spleen; NE contents in serum and in the hypothalamus; β2-AR density; cAMP content; β2-AR, PKA, and NF-κB mRNA expression levels; and protein expressions of PKA and nuclear NF-κB in splenic lymphocytes of AlCl3-treated rats were examined. The results showed that AlCl3 increased NE content in serum, the β2-AR density, the β2-AR and PKA (C-subunits) mRNA expression levels, cAMP content and the PKA (C-subunits) protein expression levels in lymphocytes, whereas, decreased NE content in the hypothalamus, the NF-κB (p65) mRNA expression level and nuclear NF-κB (p65) protein expression level in lymphocytes. These results indicated that the accumulated AlCl3 in spleen and the increased NE in serum induced the immunotoxicity on splenic lymphocytes by activating β2-AR/cAMP/PKA/NF-κB signal pathway in rats.

Chronic stress enhances progression of periodontitis via α1-adrenergic signaling: a potential target for periodontal disease therapy.

This study assessed the roles of chronic stress (CS) in the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and explored the underlying mechanisms of periodontitis. Using an animal model of periodontitis and CS, the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and the protein levels of the α1-adrenergic receptor (α1-AR) and β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) were assessed. Furthermore, human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs) were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic the process of inflammation. The proliferation of the HPDLFs and the expression of α1-AR and β2-AR were assessed. The inflammatory-related cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 were detected after pretreatment with the α1/β2-AR blockers phentolamine/propranolol, both in vitro and in vivo. Results show that periodontitis under CS conditions enhanced the expression of TH, α1-AR and β2-AR. Phentolamine significantly reduced the inflammatory cytokine levels. Furthermore, we observed a marked decrease in HPDLF proliferation and the increased expression of α1-ARfollowing LPS pretreatment. Pretreatment with phentolamine dramatically ameliorated LPS-inhibited cell proliferation. In addition, the blocking of α1-ARsignaling also hindered the upregulation of the inflammatory-related cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8. These results suggest that CS can significantly enhance the pathological progression of periodontitis by an α1-adrenergic signaling-mediated inflammatory response. We have identified a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of periodontal disease, particularly in those patients suffering from concurrent CS.

Agonist-induced β2-adrenoceptor desensitization and downregulation enhance pro-inflammatory cytokine release in human bronchial epithelial cells

It is not clear whether increased asthma severity associated with long-term use of β2-adrenoceptor (β2-AR) agonists can be attributed to receptor degradation and increased inflammation. We investigated the cross-talk between β-AR agonist-mediated effects on β2-AR function and expression and cytokine release in human bronchial epithelial cells. In 16HBE14o− cells grown in the presence and absence of β-AR agonists and/or antagonists, the β2-AR density was assessed by radioligand binding; the receptor protein and mRNA was determined using laser scanning cytometer and RT-PCR; cAMP generation, the cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 release were determined using AlphaScreen Assay and ELISA, respectively. Isoprenaline (ISO) and salbutamol (Salbu) induced a concentration- and time-dependent significant decrease in β2-AR density. Both Salbu and ISO reduced cAMP generation in a concentration-dependent manner while in same cell culture the IL-6 and IL-8 release was significantly enhanced. These effects were antagonized to a greater extent by ICI 118.551 than by propranolol, but CGP 20712A had no effect. Reduction of the β2-AR protein and mRNA could be seen when cells were treated with ISO for 24 h. Our findings indicate a direct link between cytokine release and altered β2-AR expression and function in airway epithelial cells. β2-AR desensitization and downregulation induced by long-term treatment with β2-AR agonists during asthma may account for adverse reactions also due to enhanced release of pro-inflammatory mediators and should, thus, be considered in asthma therapy.

Enhanced Humoral Immunity in Mice Lacking CB1 and CB2 Receptors (Cnr1 −/− /Cnr2 −/− Mice) is not Due to Increased Splenic Noradrenergic Neuronal Activity

Peripheral sympathetic noradrenergic neurons originating in the celiac mesenteric plexus have axons that terminate in close proximity to antibody-producing B cells in the spleen. Norepinephrine (NE) released from these neurons is reported to augment antibody production in response to an immune challenge via an action at the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR). Cannabinoids are immunosuppressive, and mice lacking CB1 and CB2 receptors (Cnr1(-/-)/Cnr2(-/-) mice) have augmented cell-mediated immune responses. The purpose of this study was to determine if Cnr1(-/-)/Cnr2(-/-) mice also exhibit enhanced humoral immunity and if that is associated with corresponding changes in noradrenergic neurons terminating in the spleen. The results reveal that IgM and IgG are enhanced in Cnr1(-/-)/Cnr2(-/-) mice as compared to WT both in immunologically naïve and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mice. While the elevated antibody production was correlated with increased expression of β2AR on splenic B cells and increased splenic capsule NE concentrations, the activity of noradrenergic neurons was suppressed in spleens from Cnr1(-/-)/Cnr2(-/-) mice as compared with WT controls. Together, these results suggest that Cnr1(-/-)/Cnr2(-/-) mice exhibit enhanced NE vesicular storage in axon terminals in these neurons, which might limit the NE available to bind β2AR on target cells, such as B cells. The results also demonstrate that enhanced antibody responses in the absence of CB1 and CB2 receptors are not due to increased sympathetic noradrenergic neuronal activity in the spleen.

Nebivolol protects against myocardial infarction injury via stimulation of beta 3-adrenergic receptors and nitric oxide signaling.

Nebivolol, third-generation β-blocker, may activate β3-adrenergic receptor (AR), which has been emerged as a novel and potential therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases. However, it is not known whether nebivolol administration plays a cardioprotective effect against myocardial infarction (MI) injury. Therefore, the present study was designed to clarify the effects of nebivolol on MI injury and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. MI model was constructed by left anterior descending (LAD) artery ligation. Nebivolol, β3-AR antagonist (SR59230A), Nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) or vehicle was administered for 4 weeks after MI operation. Cardiac function was monitored by echocardiography. Moreover, the fibrosis and the apoptosis of myocardium were assessed by Masson's trichrome stain and TUNEL assay respectively 4 weeks after MI. Nebivolol administration reduced scar area by 68% compared with MI group (p<0.05). Meanwhile, nebivolol also decreased the myocardial apoptosis and improved the heart function after MI (p<0.05 vs. MI). These effects were associated with increased β3-AR expression. Moreover, nebivolol treatment significantly increased the phosphorylation of endothelial NOS (eNOS) and the expression of neuronal NOS (nNOS). Conversely, the cardiac protective effects of nebivolol were abolished by SR and L-NAME. These results indicate that nebivolol protects against MI injury. Furthermore, the cardioprotective effects of nebivolol may be mediated by β3-AR-eNOS/nNOS pathway.

Aerobic exercise inhibits sympathetic nerve sprouting and restores β-adrenergic receptor balance in rats with myocardial infarction.

BackgroundCardiac sympathetic nerve sprouting and the dysregulation of β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) play a critical role in the deterioration of cardiac function after myocardial infarction (MI). Growing evidence indicates that exercise provides protection against MI. The aims of this study were to investigate whether aerobic exercise following MI could inhibit sympathetic nerve sprouting and restore the balance of β3-AR/β1-AR.MethodsMale Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: sham-operated control group (SC), MI group (MI), and MI with aerobic exercise group (ME). The rats in ME group were assigned to 8 weeks of exercise protocol (16 m/min, 50 min/d, 5 d/wk). The expression of nerve growth factor (NGF), the sympathetic nerve marker-tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the nerve sprouting marker-growth associated protein 43 (GAP43), and β1- and β2-AR expression in the peri-infarct area of the left ventricle (LV) were measured by Western blot and immunohistochemistry, while β3-AR expression was determined by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS2), phospho-NOS2 (p-NOS2), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) were measured by Western blot.ResultsMI increased LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), and decreased LV systolic pressure (LVSP). Compared with the MI group, aerobic exercise significantly decreased LVEDP and increased LVSP. The protein expression of TH, GAP43 and NGF was significantly increased after MI, which was normalized by exercise. Compared with the SC group, the ratios of β2-AR/β1-AR and β3-AR/β1-AR were elevated in the MI group, and the protein expression of β3-AR and NOS1 increased after MI. Compared with the MI group, the ratios of β2-AR/β1-AR and β3-AR/β1-AR were normalized in the ME group, while the protein expression of β3-AR and NOS1 significantly increased, and NOS2 was activated by exercise.ConclusionsAerobic exercise inhibits cardiac sympathetic nerve sprouting, restores β3-AR/β1-AR balance and increases β3-AR expression through the activation of NOS2 and NOS1 after myocardial infarction.