Infusion Of Arachidonic Acid Research Articles

Evidence that prostaglandins I2, E2, and D2 may activate ATP sensitive potassium channels in the isolated rat heart.

The aim was to study the contribution of ATP sensitive potassium channels (KATP channels) in the coronary vasodilatation produced by prostaglandins I2, E2, and D2 in rats. Isolated Langendorff rat hearts, perfused under constant flow conditions, and rat aortic rings were used. Dose-response curves to PGE2, PGD2, and iloprost, a PGI2 analogue, were performed before and during KATP channel blockade with glibenclamide. Arachidonic acid was used to increase the formation of endogenous PGI2. Infusions of PGE2, PGD2, and iloprost in isolated hearts induced marked vasodilatation, as reflected by the reduction in coronary perfusion pressure of 27(SEM 7), 30(6), and 43(6)%, for 0.1 microM PGE2, PGD2, and iloprost, respectively. Infusion of glibenclamide (0.3 microM) was accompanied by a 23(3)% increase in coronary perfusion pressure. The vasodilatation induced by levcromakalim (0.1 microM) was completely inhibited in the presence of glibenclamide, whereas that of papaverine (30 microM) was unaffected. Glibenclamide significantly reduced the vasodilatation induced by iloprost (at 3 to 100 nM), PGE2 (30 and 100 nM), and PGD2 (30 and 100 nM), at all concentrations studied. In contrast, glibenclamide (1 microM) had no effect on iloprost induced relaxation of aortic rings. Arachidonic acid infusion (from 0.1 to 3 microM) in isolated hearts induced a pronounced vasodilatation and a significant release of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha into the coronary effluent in a dose dependent fashion. Both responses to arachidonic acid were significantly reduced in the presence of the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor diclofenac (1 microM). In an additional experimental series, the vasodilatation induced by arachidonic acid infusions was found to be significantly reduced in the presence of glibenclamide. Glibenclamide is a potent inhibitor of the coronary dilator action of prostaglandins I2, E2, and D2. This observation suggests that these prostaglandins may cause vasodilatation by opening KATP channels.

Angiotensin II and renal prostaglandin release in the dog. Interactions in controlling renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate

The relationship between angiotensin II and renal prostaglandins, and their interactions in controlling renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were investigated in 18 anaesthetized dogs with acutely denervated kidneys. Intrarenal angiotensin II infusion increased renal PGE2 release (veno-arterial concentration difference times renal plasma flow) from 1.7 +/- 0.9 to 9.1 +/- 0.4 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha release from 0.1 +/- 0.1 to 5.3 +/- 2.1 pmol min-1. An angiotensin II induced reduction in RBF of 20% did not measurably change GFR whereas a 30% reduction reduced GFR by 18 +/- 8%. Blockade of prostaglandin synthesis approximately doubled the vasoconstrictory action of angiotensin II, and all reductions in RBF were accompanied by parallel reductions in GFR. When prostaglandin release was stimulated by infusion of arachidonic acid (46.8 +/- 13.3 and 15.9 +/- 5.4 pmol min-1 for PGE2, and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, respectively), angiotensin II did not change prostaglandin release, but had similar effects on the relationship between RBF and GFR as during control. In an ureteral occlusion model with stopped glomerular filtration measurements of ureteral pressure and intrarenal venous pressure permitted calculations of afferent and efferent vascular resistances. Until RBF was reduced by 25-30% angiotensin II increased both afferent and efferent resistances almost equally, keeping the ureteral pressure constant. At greater reductions in RBF, afferent resistance increased more than the efferent leading to reductions in ureteral pressure. This pattern was not changed by blockade of prostaglandin synthesis indicating no influence of prostaglandins on the distribution of afferent and efferent vascular resistances during angiotensin II infusion. In this ureteral occlusion model glomerular effects of angiotensin II will not be detected, and it might well be that the shift from an effect predominantly on RBF to a combined effect on both RBF and GFR induced by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis is located to the glomerulus. We therefore postulate that renal prostaglandins attenuate the effects of angiotensin II on glomerular surface area and the filtration barrier, and not on the afferent arterioles as previously suggested.

Platelet-activating factor potentiates protamine-induced lung edema. Role of eicosanoids.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a cell membrane-derived ether lipid that plays an important role in acute lung vascular injury. We recently reported that PAF potentiates protamine-induced lung edema by enhancing pulmonary venoconstriction. As PAF is known to stimulate lung eicosanoid synthesis, we investigated the role of peptidoleukotrienes and other eicosanoids in this priming effect of PAF. Addition of PAF (1.6 nM), followed 10 min later by protamine (50 micrograms/ml), to perfusate of salt solution-perfused rat lungs resulted in marked arterial and venous constrictions and severe lung edema. Lung tissue thromboxane B2, 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) were markedly elevated 20 min after PAF/protamine. Pretreatment of the lungs with AA-861, a specific 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, blocked PAF/protamine-induced leukotriene synthesis, arterial and venous constrictions, and lung edema. In addition, injection of LTC4 (1 microgram) markedly potentiated protamine-induced arterial and venous constrictions and caused lung edema similar to PAF/protamine. Indomethacin, a specific cyclooxygenase inhibitor, also reduced the vasoconstrictive and edemagenic responses to PAF/protamine. However, the pulmonary edema after LTC4/protamine was not blocked by indomethacin. In separate experiments, infusion of this "priming" dose of PAF into isolated perfused lungs induced LTC4 synthesis and augmented lung thromboxane A2 synthesis after arachidonic acid infusion. We conclude that both cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism are involved in PAF-induced potentiation of protamine lung edema.

Effect of leukotrienes of renal water excretion

To investigate the renal actions of leukotrienes (LT), we infused arachidonic acid into the renal artery of anesthetized dogs during systemic cyclooxygenase inhibition (with ibuprofen) alone or in combination with lipoxygenase inhibition of LTD 4 LTE 4 receptor antagonism. Renal arachidonic acid infusion following ibuprofen alone decreased urine osmolality (945 ± 143 to 698 ± 144 mosm/kg; p < 0.01) and increased urine flow rate (0.34 ± 0.11 to 0.56 ± 0.16; p < 0.05) without altering renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate or sodium excretion. In separate groups, prior inhibition of lipoxygenase (propylgallate) or blockade of LTD 4 LTE 4 receptors (LY171883) prevented the changes in urine osmolality and urine flow rate. Intrarenal oleic acid infusion following ibuprofen had no effect on renal function. Analysis of the renal papillae at the end of the experiment indicated that interstitial osmolality and sodium, potassium and urea contents were the same in all groups, ruling out a decrease in papillary interstitial osmolality as the cause of the decrease in urine osmolality in the arachidonic acid-infused group. Our experiments suggest that renal LT can decrease urine osmolality and increase urine flow rate and may play a role in renal water excretion.

Different patterns of release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor and prostacyclin.

1. Release of endothelium derived relaxing factor (EDRF) and prostacyclin (PGI2) from endothelial cells (EC) cultured from bovine aortae was measured by bioassay and radioimmunoassay, respectively, during infusions (10 min) of bradykinin (BK), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), arachidonic acid (AA), alkaline buffers and the free-bases (FB) of L-arginine or D-arginine. Release of EDRF from the luminally perfused rabbit aorta was also measured during infusions (10 min) of acetylcholine (ACh), substance P and ADP. 2. Bradykinin (10 or 30 nM) infused through the column of EC induced release of both EDRF and PGI2, neither of which was maintained for the duration of the infusion. 3. ADP (1.6 or 4 microM) infused through the column of EC induced release of a EDRF which was maintained for the duration of the infusion and a release of PGI2 which lasted for a much shorter period. 4. Arachidonic acid (30 or 90 microM) infused through the column of EC caused a sustained release of EDRF and PGI2, both of which outlasted the infusion of AA. 5. L-Arginine FB, D-arginine FB or alkaline buffer infused through the column of EC released EDRF, but only small amounts of PGI2. The release of EDRF outlasted the period of infusion and was due to an increase in the pH of the Krebs solution perfusing the EC. 6. Infusions of ACh (0.25-1 microM) or ADP (4-16 microM) caused a sustained release of EDRF from the luminally-perfused rabbit aorta, whereas infusion of substance P (3.3-10 microM) caused only a transient release of EDRF. 7. These results show that distinct patterns of EDRF release exist to different agonists in both cultured and in situ EC, and that EDRF and PGI2 do not necessarily follow the same time course of release. Furthermore, sustained release of EDRF does not require the constant infusion of the precursor, L-arginine, whereas sustained release of PGI2 only occurs when AA, the precursor of PGI2, is present in the extracellular medium.

Atrial natriuretic factor reduces renin release by opposing alpha-adrenoceptor activity

To examine how atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) inhibits renin release during renal sympathetic nerve stimulation, experiments were performed in barbiturate-anesthetized dogs. In five dogs, intravenous ANF infusion (50 ng.min-1.kg body wt-1) reduced renin release induced by renal nerve stimulation (1 Hz) from 16.8 +/- 8.4 to 3.5 +/- 2.1 micrograms angiotensin I (ANG I)/min. In two groups, renin release was raised by ureteral occlusion, which enhances the effects of beta-adrenoceptor stimulation and increased prostaglandin synthesis. During ureteral occlusion, intrarenal infusion of isoproterenol (0.2 micrograms.min-1.kg body wt-1) increased renin release in eight dogs to 82.6 +/- 10.9 micrograms ANG I/min, which was not significantly reduced by ANF infusion (81.1 +/- 10.1 micrograms ANG I/min). Similarly, intrarenal infusion of arachidonic acid (80 micrograms.min-1.kg body wt-1) during ureteral occlusion increased renin release in five dogs to 22.2 +/- 3.0 micrograms ANG I/min, which was not significantly reduced by ANF infusion (22.5 +/- 3.5 micrograms ANG I/min). Finally, in six dogs examined at free urine flow, intrarenal infusion of phenylephrine, an alpha-adrenergic agonist, raised renin release from 0.5 +/- 0.3 to 20.1 +/- 6.8 micrograms ANG I/min, which was reduced to 10.6 +/- 3.9 micrograms ANG I/min by intravenous ANF infusion (100 ng.min-1.kg body wt-1). These results indicate that ANF does not counteract stimulation of renin release by beta-adrenoceptors and prostaglandins but reduces nerve-stimulated renin release by opposing alpha-adrenoceptor activity.

Mechanisms of Hydroperoxide‐Induced Broncho‐ and Vasoconstriction in Isolated and Perfused Rat Lung

The mechanisms of hydroperoxide-induced broncho- and vasoconstriction were investigated in the perfused and ventilated rat lung. Hydrogen peroxide (500 microM), tertiary butylhydroperoxide (500 microM) and arachidonic acid (100 microM) induced similar profiles of broncho- and vasoconstriction which could be prevented by the inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, diclofenac (100 microM) but not by nordihydroguaiaretic acid (5 and 25 microM), an inhibitor of lipoxygenase. The hydroperoxides also caused a time-dependent increase in the levels of thromboxane and prostacycline, products of cyclooxygenase. Furthermore, the thromboxane agonist, U44069 (100 pmoles), caused a very rapid broncho- and vasoconstriction that was preventable by the thromboxane antagonist L655.240 (1 microM). L655.240 also inhibited hydrogen peroxide-induced broncho- and vasoconstriction. The phospholipase A2 inhibitors, quinacrine (100 microM) and dibucaine (100 microM), did not prevent hydroperoxide-induced broncho- and vasoconstriction. The Ca2+ chelator, EGTA, prevented hydroperoxide and arachidonic acid-induced lung constriction, although it did not inhibit the release of thromboxane. The infusion of arachidonic acid and hydroperoxides resulted in edema in the lung which was prevented by prior administration of diclofenac, indomethacin or L655.240. These results indicate that hydroperoxide-induced broncho- and vasoconstriction and lung edema are mediated by thromboxane, a product of cyclooxygenase. The mechanism of hydroperoxide-induced release of arachidonic acid is not clear but does not seem to involve Ca2+ nor the activation of phospholipase A2.

The contribution of arachidonic acid to the aetiology and pathophysiology of focal brain oedema; studies using an infusion oedema model

Arachidonic acid solution (2 to 15 mg/ml) was infused into the right forebrain white matter of anaesthetised cats over three hours to evaluate its contribution to the genesis and pathophysiology of vasogenic brain oedema. The 0.6 ml infusion increased local white matter water content by a mean of 11.3 ml/100 g tissue but did not increase cortical water content. Histological studies revealed local expansion and trabeculation of the white matter with aggregations of granulocytic neutrophils in the venules and perivenular brain. The adjacent cortical cytoarchitecture was normal. The white matter around the infusion site was stained lightly and over a variable area (15-20 mm2) by intravenously administered Evans Blue dye 2%. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) adjacent to the frontal infusion did not change significantly during the period of infusion and remained similar to rCBF in the contralateral hemisphere. Following the arachidonic acid infusion regional CBF CO2 reactivity was normal and three was no asymmetry of either cortical somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) or motor evoked potential (MEP) waveforms. The increase in brain water content and changes in the ICP and ICP related biodynamics (pressure-volume index, lumped craniospinal compliance and CSF outflow resistance) were similar to those seen following infusion of 0.6 ml saline. These studies suggest that free intraparenchymal arachidonic acid, at concentrations exceeding those occurring in most neuropathological conditions, can increase the normal brain parenchymal capillary permeability but does not disrupt focal cerebrovascular and electrophysiological function. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Antithrombotic activity of garlic: its inhibition of the synthesis of thromboxane-B 2 during infusion of arachidonic acid and collagen in rabbits

Rabbits were given collagen and arachidonic acid intravenously. Blood pressure, platelet counts, plasma thromboxane-B 2 (TXB 2) and plasma 6-keto-prostaglandin F 1α (6-keto-PGF 1α) were determined. Both thrombogenic agents, upon infusion of a lethal dose, caused thrombocytopenia, indicative of in vivo platelet aggregation and hypotension. These changes were associated with an increase in plasma levels of TXB 2 and 6-keto-PGF 1α measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Pretreatment of rabbits with an aqueous extract of garlic (500 mgkg) provided protection from thrombocytopenia and hypotension. Thromboxane-B 2 synthesis was significantly reduced in animals pretreated with garlic and then injected with a lethal dose of either collagen or arachidonic acid. The amount of TXB 2 synthesized in these animals was not sufficient to induce thrombocytopenia or hypotension. All animals pretreated with garlic were well protected against the effects of collagen or arachidonate infusion, and no apparent symptoms were observed in these animals. These observations indicate that garlic may be beneficial in the prevention of thrombosis.

Thromboxane generation and pulmonary reactivity to arachidonic acid in heart-lung preparation of guinea-pig: Modulation by PCO 2

A dose-related increase of pulmonary vasoconstrictive and bronchoconstrictive effects, as well as of the amounts in the perfusing fluid of TXB 2, the stable metabolite of TXA 2, was obtained through administration of arachidonic acid (AA) in normocapnic and deeply hypocapnic guinea-pig heart-lung preparations (HLPs) perfused with homologous red blood cells suspended in a modified Tyrode solution. Pulmonary hypertensive effects and the amounts of TXB 2 detected in the perfusing fluid were reduced in hypocapnic preparations as compared with the normocapnic ones, while the bronchoconstrictive responses to AA were not affected by CO 2 tension. It is concluded that: a) biosynthesis of TXA 2 is reduced in hypocapnic group if compared with that observed in normocapnic one, b) the quantitative change of AA metabolism is responsible for hypocapnia reduction of pulmonary vasoconstrictive effects of AA, c) stability of bronchoconstriction due to AA infusions in normocapnic and hypocapnic HLPs might indicate an up regulation for TXA 2 bronchial smooth muscle receptors by hypocapnia.

Renal vasoconstriction induced by arachidonic acid during burn shock in rats

Metabolites of arachidonic acid are possible mediators of local renal vasoconstriction in burn shock. The prostanoid precursor arachidonic acid (AA) therefore was infused in the control period and at 1 and 2 h after scalding in anaesthetized rats. To avoid systemic effects. AA was infused at low doses directly into the renal artery through a thin cannula introduced through the aortic wall. After control observations 40% of the body surface was scalded in 80 degrees C water. Renal arterial blood flow (RBF), measured by an electromagnetic probe, fell to 70% and 58% of the control level at 1 h and 2 h after scalding respectively. Arterial blood pressure was almost maintained. Infusion of AA (5, 15 and 25 nmol) in the renal artery over 15 s caused no effects in the control period, whereas a dose-dependent decrease in RBF was observed after scalding, and was most pronounced 2 h post-burn. The highest dose of AA reduced RBF by 37% at 1 h and by 80% of preinfusion flow at 2 h after scalding. The AA-induced decrease in RBF was abolished by blocking the thromboxane A2 receptors with AH23848. In contrast, inhibition of prostacyclin synthesis or blocking of serotonin S2 receptors did not significantly influence the response to AA during shock. Thus, infusion of AA into the renal artery caused a marked reduction of RBF after scalding, at doses that did not induce a change during the control period. The augmented effect of AA infusion may be due to an increased capacity for synthesis of thromboxane A2 (TxA2), and possibly PGH2 and PGF2 alpha, after scalding.

Group B Streptococcus Promotes Oxygen Radical-Dependent Thromboxane Accumulation in Young Piglets

Both thromboxane A2 and oxygen-derived free radicals appear to play central roles in group B streptococcus (GBS)-induced pulmonary hypertension in piglets. This study tested the hypothesis that GBS promotes oxygen radical-dependent thromboxane accumulation and pulmonary hypertension in infant piglets. Piglets 4-12 d old were anesthetized and prepared for assessment of pulmonary arterial pressure and arterial blood gases. In control animals, GBS (10(8) organisms/kg/min for 15 min) increased mean pulmonary artery pressure by 30 +/- 1.5 torr and reduced arterial PO2 by 100 +/- 20 torr. Thromboxane A2, radioimmunoassayed in venous blood as thromboxane B2, increased by 2452 +/- 800 pg/mL. A second group of piglets was treated with dimethylthiourea (DMTU: 750 mg/kg), a putative oxygen radical scavenger. In these animals, GBS increased pulmonary arterial pressure by only 7 +/- 1 torr and reduced arterial PO2 by a modest 10 +/- 8 torr. Importantly, thromboxane B2 content in venous blood failed to increase above control levels in DMTU-treated animals. The protective effects of DMTU in GBS-treated piglets could not be ascribed to inhibition of cyclooxygenase or thromboxane synthase because the oxygen radical scavenger failed to attenuate increases in pulmonary arterial pressure and venous thromboxane B2 content or reductions in arterial PO2 caused by i.v. infusions of arachidonic acid. DMTU also did not ameliorate pulmonary hypertension evoked by the thromboxane mimetic U44069, thereby suggesting that the scavenger did not act as an end-organ antagonist of thromboxane receptors. These observations suggest that GBS promotes accumulation of thromboxane A2 and attendant pulmonary hypertension through an oxygen radical-dependent mechanism.

Analysis of the responses of the fetal vessels of human perfused placental lobules to acute infusions of arachidonic acid

The vasodilatory response to arachidonic acid by the fetal vessels of human perfused placental lobules, in which tone had been increased by infusion of the thromboxane A2 mimetic U46619, was significantly reduced in the presence of the prostacyclin (PGI2) synthetase inhibitor tranylcypromine compared with saline infusion controls. HPLC analysis of the fetal effluent from human perfused placental lobules, in which radiolabelled arachidonic acid had been infused, identified two peaks of activity. The first peak displayed an elution profile similar to that of a 6-keto-PGF1 alpha standard; the presence of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in this peak was confirmed by RIA. The second peak had an elution profile similar to that of an arachidonic acid standard. These results suggest that the vasodilatory response to the fetal vessels of human perfused placental lobules to acute infusions of arachidonic acid is mediated, at least in part, by the synthesis of PGI2. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that PGI2 may be involved in the maintenance of low vascular resistance of the fetal placenta in utero.

Effect of renal interstitial infusion of arachidonic acid on proximal sodium reabsorption

The effect of prostaglandins (PGs) on proximal sodium reabsorption has not been fully defined. The objective of the present study was to determine the response of proximal tubular sodium reabsorption to infusions of arachidonic acid and specific PGs into the renal interstitium in rats. Renal interstitial infusions of arachidonic acid as well as the individual PGs, I2, E2, and F2 alpha, were employed to elevate the concentration of these PGs in the kidney. Infusion of 10(-4) M arachidonic acid elicited a marked increase of urinary excretion of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (a stable metabolite of PGI2) from 260.1 +/- 52.7 to 507.4 +/- 129.5 pg/min (P less than 0.05) and a smaller increase of PGE2 from 18.4 +/- 11.2 to 25.9 +/- 10.9 pg/min (P less than 0.05). When micropuncture samples were obtained from superficial late proximal tubules, infusion of arachidonic acid increased the fractional delivery of sodium (FDNa) from 47.8 +/- 5.9 to 58.3 +/- 4.6% (n = 6, P less than 0.01). In the presence of indomethacin, arachidonic acid failed to augment FDNa. Infusion of 10(-5) M PGI2 also increased FDNa from 51.4 +/- 3.4 to 64.0 +/- 4.4% (n = 10, P less than 0.01). PGF2 alpha did not change FDNa and PGE2 decreased it from 53.1 +/- 5.4 to 37.4 +/- 3.3% (n = 8, P less than 0.01). In summary, the present study demonstrates that renal interstitial infusion of arachidonic acid decreases sodium reabsorption by the superficial proximal tubules possibly through the stimulation of PGI2 production.

Effect of pH on pulmonary vascular tone, reactivity, and arachidonate metabolism

We studied the effects of perfusate pH on pulmonary vascular tone, reactivity, and thromboxane and prostacyclin synthesis in isolated buffer-perfused rabbit lungs. Extracellular acidosis did not affect base-line vascular tone, but alkalosis had a biphasic effect. Increasing the perfusate pH from 7.40 to 7.65 caused vasodilation, whereas raising pH to 7.70-8.10 caused vasoconstriction. Removing calcium (Ca2+) from the perfusate completely prevented the vasoconstriction caused by alkalosis. Perfusate pH strikingly affected pulmonary vascular reactivity. Acidosis inhibited the vasoconstriction caused by thromboxane and potassium chloride (KCl) but did not affect the response to angiotensin II. Alkalosis, in contrast, augmented the vasoconstriction caused by thromboxane and angiotensin II but reduced the vasoconstriction caused by KCl. Changes in pH also altered thromboxane and prostacyclin synthesis after the infusion of exogenous arachidonic acid (AA) or the endogenous release of AA by the lipid peroxide tert-butyl hydroperoxide.

PGE2 and arachidonate inhibit the baroreflex in conscious dogs via cardiac receptors

Prostaglandin (PG) I2 and PGE2 are known to stimulate left ventricular receptors with nonmyelinated vagal afferents. The present experiments were performed to determine the effects of intracoronary infusion of PGE2 (10-50 ng.kg-1.min-1) and arachidonic acid (50-100 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) on the baroreflex control of heart rate in conscious dogs. Dogs were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium and were instrumented using sterile surgical techniques. After recovery, baroreflex pressure-heart rate curves were constructed by varying arterial pressure with partial occlusions of the descending aorta or inferior vena cava. Intracoronary infusion of PGE2 significantly inhibited the maximum heart rate achieved during unloading of baroreceptors, attenuated the heart rate range, and decreased the maximum slope of the baroreflex curve; PGE2 had no significant effect on the minimum heart rate during hypertension. Intravenous infusion of PGE2 did not cause significant baroreflex inhibition, and pericoronary nerve block in three dogs prevented the effects of intracoronary PGE2. Intracoronary infusion of arachidonic acid had effects on the baroreflex control of heart rate similar to those of PGE2. The effects of arachidonic acid infusion were prevented by cyclooxygenase blockade. Thus intracoronary PGE2 and arachidonic acid inhibit the baroreflex control of heart rate most likely via stimulation of left ventricular receptors with vagal C-fiber afferents. The effects of arachidonic acid were secondary to synthesis of prostaglandins.

Prostacyclin Release in the Coronary Circulation During Sustained Stimulation in In Vitro and in In Vivo Experimental Systems

Prostacyclin release from rat isolated perfused hearts and from dog coronary circulation was studied by measuring immunoreactive 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1a) in heart perfusate and in plasma obtained from the great cardiac vein respectively. Continuous infusion of arachidonic acid at constant concentration in isolated perfused hearts induced an increased prostacyclin release. This release showed a rapid peak within 10 min and a subsequent decrease. Low-flow ischemia induced an increased perfusate concentration of 6-keto-PGF1a but, considering the decreased flow, prostacyclin release was actually reduced. During the whole period of ischemia (60 min) prostacyclin release was constant. In open-chest anesthetized dogs 6-keto-PGF1a concentration in the great cardiac vein was increased after ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. A prolonged period of coronary occlusion (4.5 hours) resulted in a progressive rise of prostacyclin release. 6-keto-PGF1a determinations in the femoral vein and in the aorta did not show relevant variations during the observation period.

Release of renin and angiotensin II into plasma and lymph during hyperchloremia.

Renal vascular resistance (RVR) was related to intrarenal release of renin (RR) and angiotensin II (ANG II) during increases in plasma osmolality (Posmol) or chloride (PCl). Intrarenal infusions of 1.232 M solutions given to in situ kidneys increased Posmol by 7-18%. Hypertonic dextrose (n = 8) reduced RVR (P less than 0.005) but increased RR into plasma (P less than 0.01) and increased lymph renin (LR) (P less than 0.05). The response to hypertonic Na acetate (n = 5) was similar, but hypertonic NaCl (n = 9) increased RVR (P less than 0.02) without changing RR. During infusion of arachidonic acid (AA), hypertonic NaCl increased RVR (P less than 0.02) but decreased RR into plasma and decreased LR (P less than 0.05). Overall group mean changes in RVR were inversely related to LR (r = -0.96; P less than 0.01). An increase in PCl of 12 +/- 1 mmol/l was induced in denervated kidneys by changing an intrarenal 0.616 M infusion of Na acetate to NaCl. Hyperchloremia increased RVR from 14 +/- 2 to 19 +/- 2 mmHg . ml-1 . min-1 . kg-1 (P less than 0.01), reduced GFR from 1.4 +/- 0.1 to 1.1 +/- 0.1 ml . min-1 . kg-1 (P less than 0.01), and reduced ANG II (pg/ml) in renal venous plasma (55 +/- 6 to 35 +/- 6; P less than 0.05) and lymph (366 +/- 111 to 209 +/- 53; P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Possible involvement of eicosanoids in the actions of sympathetic hepatic nerves on carbohydrate metabolism and hemodynamics in perfused rat liver

In isolated rat liver perfused at constant pressure with Krebs-Henseleit buffer containing 5 mM glucose, 2 mM lactate, 0.2 mM pyruvate and 0.1% bovine serum albumin, perivascular nerve stimulation (20 V, 20 Hz, 2 ms) and infusion of ATP (100 μM), noradrenaline (1 μM) or arachidonic acid (100 μM) caused an increase in glucose and lactate output and a reduction of perfusion flow. The metabolic effects of nerve stimulation but not those of ATP and noradrenaline were inhibited strongly by the phospholipase A 2 inhibitor bromophenacyl bromide (BPB, 20 μM) and the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (Indo, 20 μM) and only slightly by the lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA, 20 μM). In contrast, the hemodynamic effects not only of nerve stimulation but also of ATP and noradrenaline were inhibited strongly by BPB and Indo and slightly by NDGA. The metabolic and hemodynamic actions of arachidonate were inhibited specifically by Indo. These results suggest that the effects of nerve stimulation were at least partially mediated or modulated by eicosanoids, especially by prostanoids.

Renal degradation and distribution between urinary and venous output of prostaglandins E2 and I2.

To examine renal degradation and distribution between urine and renal venous blood, prostaglandins E2 and I2 (PGE2 and PGI2), and a metabolite of PGI2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, were infused into the suprarenal aorta of anaesthetized dogs after blocking prostaglandin synthesis by indomethacin, 10 mg kg-1 body wt iv. During one passage through the kidney 80% of PGE2 and only 25% of PGI2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha were metabolized. Prostaglandin degradation and arterial input were proportional (r greater than 0.90). To stimulate the intrarenal prostaglandin synthesis in unblocked kidneys, arachidonic acid was infused at rates ranging from 24 to 160 micrograms min-1 kg-1 body wt. During arachidonic acid and PGE2 infusion the urinary excretion of PGE2 was about 20% of the renal venous output over a wide range of infusion rates. During arachidonic acid and PGI2 infusion urinary excretion of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was about 10% of total renal output, but failed to increase further when total renal output exceeded 70 pmol min-1. Further increase in output occurred only in the renal vein. In contrast, during 6-keto-PGF1 alpha infusion the urinary excretion and the renal venous output of this metabolite were related as 1:2 over a wide range of infusion rates. Thus, PGI2 is much less degraded by renal tissue than PGE2, and the distribution patterns differ. Similar distributions between urine and renal venous blood during aortic infusion and stimulated intrarenal synthesis suggest a pre-glomerular vascular origin of both prostaglandins.