Contraction Of Aortic Rings Research Articles

New morpholine-containing pyrimidinones act on α-adrenoceptors

Drugs that act on α-adrenoceptors may contain morpholine and pyrimidinone heterocycles. The aim of this study was to synthesize a series of pyrimidinones (S6a-e and S8) and characterize their α-adrenoceptor activity. Cytotoxicity assays (MTT and LDH) were performed in A7r5 and HUVECs. Concentration-effect curves to phenylephrine (Phe) were performed in rat aortic rings in the presence of compounds S6a-e and S8 or vehicle. Nitric oxide (NO) production and NO stable metabolic products, nitrite and nitrate, expressed as total nitrogen oxides (NOx) were assessed in HUVECs by confocal microscopy with the DAF-2DA probe and by the Griess reaction, respectively. Molecular docking simulations were performed using the 6a compound and α2A-adrenoceptor. In the evaluated conditions, the percentage of viable cells and the release of LDH were similar between control cells and cells exposed to the tested pyrimidinones. S6d, S6e, S8, and the positive control prazosin (but not S6a, S6b, and S6c) decreased Phe-induced contractions in endothelium-denuded aortic rings. S6a, S6b, and S6c decreased Phe-induced contractions in endothelium-intact aortic rings. The effect of S6a was abolished by L-NAME. NO production and NOx levels were inhibited in the presence of the α2 receptor antagonist yohimbine and the NOS inhibitor L-NAME. The 6a docking simulation estimated that the mean binding free energy of the compound was lower than the estimated value for yohimbine. These data suggest that S6d, S6e, and S8 may be α1-adrenoceptor antagonists while S6a acts as an agonist of α2-adrenoceptors.

Activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels prevents doxorubicin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in the heart and impaired vascular responses in rats

One of the side effects of the anticancer drug doxorubicin is its mitotoxicity. At the same time, a sufficient number of functioning mitochondria is required for normal energy supply to the heart. The system of ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP -channels) of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial membranes is considered to be the central metabolic sensor of energy supply, and their opening triggers mechanisms of protection against cell damage and death under the influence of pathological factors. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of KATP-channel opener flocalin on doxorubicin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in the heart, impaired vascular contraction-relaxation function, and oxidative stress. Acute cardiotoxicity was modelled by short-term intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin in a total dose of 15 mg/kg. To prevent damage, animals were administered flocalin at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days. It was found that the rate of formation of superoxide anion (•O2 - ) and hydroxyl radical (•OH) in the heart mitochondria significantly increased after administration of doxorubicin by 10.5 and 3.4 times, respectively, and the level of H2O2 increased by 5.3 times. When rats were administered flocalin against the background of doxorubicin, oxidative stress indicators were significantly reduced, namely, the rate of •O2 - and •ON generation was 4 and 1.6 times lower, respectively, and the H2O2 levels were 4.6 times lower. Under conditions of impaired redox status in the rat heart after doxorubicin administration, mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening was activated: the amplitude of spontaneous swelling doubled, and Ca2+-induced swelling increased 1.5-fold. The use of flocalin reduced the amplitude of mitochondrial swelling in calcium-free medium by 84.6%, and under the conditions of action inducer of mPTP opening calcium, this index was restored to control values. Endothelium-dependent relaxation of aorta preparations of doxorubicin-treated animals to acetylcholine (0.1 μmol/l) was 47% less than in the control group. Contractions of aortic rings in these animals under the influence of norepinephrine (10 μmol/l) were reduced by 59% compared to control rats. When flocalin, a KATP-channel opener, was injected into rats, the contractile responses of isolated rat aortic rings were restored almost to the values of control animals, while the endothelium-dependent vasodilator effects of acetylcholine (0.1 μmol/l) under the influence of flocalin were restored by 69% compared with animals injected with doxorubicin. Thus, the opening of KATP-channels by flocalin prevents doxorubicininduced mitochondrial dysfunction in the heart, reduces oxidative stress and prevents vascular contractionrelaxation disorders.

A New Lignan from Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae) Demonstrates Vasorelaxant Effects In Vitro.

Esquamosan, a new furofuran lignan, has been isolated by bio-guided assays from the methanolic extract of the leaves of Annona squamosa L., and its structure was elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Esquamosan inhibited the rat aortic ring contraction evoked by phenylephrine in a concentration-dependent manner and showed an inhibitory effect on vasocontraction of the depolarized aorta with high-concentration potassium. The vasorelaxant effect by esquamosan could be attributed mainly to the inhibition of calcium influx from extracellular space through voltage-dependent calcium channels or receptor-operated Ca2+ channels and also partly mediated through the increased release of NO from endothelial cells. The ability of esquamosan to modify the vascular reactivity of rat aortic rings incubated with high glucose (D-glucose 55 mM) was then evaluated, and this furofuran lignan reverted the endothelium-dependent impairment effect of high glucose in rat aortic rings. The antioxidant capacity of esquamosan was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays. Esquamosan exhibited a similar antioxidant capacity compared to ascorbic acid, which was used as a positive control. In conclusion, this lignan showed a vasorelaxant effect, free radical scavenging capacity, and potential reductive power, suggesting its potential beneficial use to treat complex cardiometabolic diseases due to free radical-mediated diseases and its calcium antagonist effect.

Administration of the KCa channel activator SKA-31 improves endothelial function in the aorta of atherosclerosis-prone mice

Atherosclerosis is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is induced by hyperlipidemia and endothelial dysfunction (ED), leading to fatty plaque formation and impaired vascular function. Pharmacological activation of endothelial Ca 2+ -activated K + channels (KCa2.3 and KCa3.1) can oppose ED by enhancing endothelium-dependent vasodilation.We hypothesized that improving endothelial function will mitigate the development and/or severity of atherosclerosis in Apoe knockout (Apoe-/-) mice. Administration of the KCa channel activator SKA-31 was utilized to improve endothelial function in vivo.Experimentally, 8-week-old male Apoe-/- mice on a high fat diet (HFD) were administered one of three daily oral treatments for 12 weeks: the KCa channel activator SKA-31 (10 mg/kg), the KCa3.1 channel blocker senicapoc (40 mg/kg), or drug vehicle alone. Pharmacological inhibition of KCa3.1 channels is reported to reduce atherosclerosis in Apoe-/- mice and was utilized as a benchmark. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography under isoflurane anesthesia. Atherosclerotic lesions in the thoracic aorta were visualized by Oil-Red-O staining, and abdominal aortic contractility and relaxation were measured by wire myography in Apoe-/- mice and age/sex-matched wild-type C57BL/6 mice.At the end of drug treatment, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and LV posterior wall thickness were not different in Apoe-/- mice treated with either SKA-31 or senicapoc compared with vehicle. Oil-Red-O staining of the thoracic aorta and aortic arch revealed fatty plaque formation in Apoe-/- mice (~15% of area) compared with WT controls (<1% of area), but neither SKA-31 nor senicapoc treatments reduced plaque formation vs. vehicle. Phenylephrine (PE)-evoked contraction of abdominal aortic rings was similar in WT and vehicle/drug treated Apoe-/- mice. Conversely, endothelium-dependent, acetylcholine-induced relaxation was significantly enhanced in PE-constricted aortic rings from SKA-31-treated mice (mean ± SD, 75.6 ± 21.1 %) vs. vehicle (51.2 ± 11.9 %, p=0.0024). Acetylcholine-induced relaxation was not improved by senicapoc administration. Relaxation induced by the smooth muscle vasodilator sodium nitroprusside was similar in WT and vehicle/drug treated Apoe-/- aortic rings. Summary: SKA-31 administration improved aortic endothelial function without reducing lesion density. Future studies will examine how SKA-31 improves endothelium-dependent relaxation and whether enhanced KCa channel activity (with SKA-31) in combination with lipid-lowering drugs (e.g., statins) can mitigate atherosclerosis more effectively. Enhancement of endothelial KCa channel activity may thus represent a viable stand-alone or “add-on” strategy to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with ED and atherosclerosis. Funding provided by the CIHR and NSERC This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Angelica decursiva exerts antihypertensive activity by inhibiting L-type calcium channel

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAngelica decursiva is a perennial herb that belongs to the Umbelliferae family. It is traditionally used to treat fever, upper respiratory tract infections, bleeding and hypertension. However, despite its extensive pharmacological potential, literature reports on its antihypertensive pharmacological properties are scarce. Aim of the studyIn the study, crude extract from A. decursiva roots was examined for its antihypertensive activity and its molecular basis was explored. Materials and methodsA. decursiva roots were extracted with ethanol, and isolated with silica gel normal-phase chromatography and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. L-NAME-induced hypertensive mouse model was used to detect in vivo hypertensive activity. Thoracic aorta ring contraction activity and electrophysiology recordings were employed to evaluate in vitro antihypertensive activity and revealed an antihypertensive target, which was transiently expressed in HEK293T cells. ResultsAngelica decursiva ethanol decoction (ADED) exhibited significant antihypertensive effects in L-NAME-induced hypertension models and phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction. Further screening revealed that demethylsuberosin is an essential component accounting for the antihypertension effects of A. decursiva. Voltage-gated calcium channel CaV1.2 is the likely target of A. decursiva for its antihypertension effects. ConclusionThe study suggests that A. decursiva and demethylsuberosin may be effective antihypertensive agents in preclinical studies. It appears that A. decursiva and demethylsuberosin exert antihypertensive effects by inhibiting the CaV1.2 channel, which contributes to the vasodilatory effect. The present study provides experimental evidence that A. decursiva is an effective remedy for hypertension in folklore. Demethylsuberosin could be a lead molecule for antihypertension drug development.

Exploration of the urocontrin A scaffold yields new urotensinergic system allosteric modulator and competitive antagonists

The urotensinergic system, involved in the development and/or progression of numerous pathological conditions, is composed of one G protein-coupled receptor (UT) and two endogenous ligands known as urotensin II (UII) and urotensin II-related peptide (URP). These two structurally related hormones, which exert common and divergent effects, are thought to play specific biological roles. In recent years, we have characterized an analog termed urocontrin A (UCA), i.e. [Pep4]URP, which is capable of discriminating the effects of UII from URP. Such an action could allow the delineation of the respective functions of these two endogenous ligands. In an effort to define the molecular determinants involved in this behavior and to improve the pharmacological profile of UCA, we introduced modifications from urantide, considered for some time as a lead compound for the development of UT antagonists, into UCA and assessed the binding, contractile activity and G protein signaling of these newly developed compounds. Our results show that UCA and its derivatives exert probe-dependent effects on UT antagonism, and we have further identified [Pen2, Pep4]URP as a Gq biased ligand with an insurmountable antagonism in our aortic ring contraction assay.

MiRNA-22 is involved in the aortic reactivity in physiological conditions and mediates obesity-induced perivascular adipose tissue dysfunction

AimsBlood vessels are surrounded by perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), which plays an important role in vascular tonus regulation due to its anticontractile effect; however, this effect is impaired in obesity. We previously demonstrated that miRNA-22 is involved in obesity-related metabolic disorders. However, the impact of miRNA-22 on vascular reactivity and PVAT function is unknown. AimTo investigate the role of miRNA-22 on vascular reactivity and its impact on obesity-induced PVAT dysfunction. Main methodsWild-type and miRNA-22 knockout (KO) mice were fed a control or a high-fat (HF) diet. To characterize the vascular response, concentration-responses curves to noradrenaline were performed in PVAT- or PVAT+ thoracic aortic rings in absence and presence of L-NAME. Expression of adipogenic and thermogenic markers and NOS isoforms were evaluated by western blotting or qPCR. Key findingsHF diet and miRNA-22 deletion reduced noradrenaline-induced contraction in PVAT- aortic rings. Additionally, miRNA-22 deletion increased noradrenaline-induced contraction in PVAT+ aortic rings without affecting its sensitivity; however, this effect was not observed in miRNA-22 KO mice fed a HF diet. Interestingly, miRNA-22 deletion reduced the contraction of aortic rings to noradrenaline via a NOS-dependent mechanism. Moreover, HF diet abolished the NOS-mediated anticontractile effect of PVAT, which was attenuated by miRNA-22 deletion. Mechanistically, we found that PVAT from miRNA-22 KO mice fed a HF diet presented increased protein expression of nNOS. SignificanceThese results suggest that miRNA-22 is important for aorta reactivity under physiological circumstances and its deletion attenuates the loss of the NOS-mediated anticontractile effect of PVAT in obesity.

Curcumanes E and F, two rare sesquiterpenoids with a dicyclo[3.3.1]nonane moiety, from Curcuma longa and their vasorelaxant activities.

Two new sesquiterpenoids, curcumanes E (1) and F (2), were isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, and their structures and absolute configurations were examined using extensive spectroscopic analyses and ECD calculations. Interestingly, compounds 1 and 2 are diastereoisomers possessing a rare sesquiterpenoid skeleton that has been reported only once before. Both curcumanes E and F exhibit significant vasorelaxant effects against KCl-induced contraction of rat aortic rings, with EC50 values of 5.10 ± 0.79 and 5.58 ± 1.77 μM, respectively. These findings enrich the data concerning this rare type of sesquiterpenoids and further indicate that these rare sesquiterpenoids can effectively reduce blood pressure.

Vasorelaxant effect of curcubisabolanin A isolated from Curcuma longa through the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCurcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae) is a known blood-activating and stasis-removing traditional Chinese medicine and has relevant pharmacological properties. The rhizomes of C. longa have been used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in China. Previous studies have shown that sesquiterpenoids from C. longa have significant vasorelaxant effects, which are closely associated with the prevention and treatment of CVD. Aim of the studyTo explore the sesquiterpenoids with vasorelaxant effects from C. longa and investigate the underlying mechanisms. Materials and methodsThe compound was isolated from C. longa by multiple chromatography technologies. Its structure was determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data calculations, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data calculations, and optical rotation (OR) data calculations. The vasorelaxant effect of the isolated compound was evaluated by KCl- or phenylephrine (PHE)-inducing contraction of the rat thoracic aortic rings. Endothelial removal and L-NAME pretreatment experiments were used to verify the endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant effect of the isolated compound in rat thoracic aortic rings. NO production was monitored in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Western blot was carried out in HUVECs to elucidate the potential mechanisms. ResultsA new bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoid, curcubisabolanin A [(+)-(1S,7S,9E)-bisabola-2(3),4(15),9(10)-trien-11-ol], was isolated from the rhizomes of C. longa. curcubisabolanin A exhibited endothelium-dependent relaxation on rat thoracic aortic rings, while pre-treatment of intact aortic rings with an eNOS inhibitor (L-NAME) attenuated the vasorelaxant response of curcubisabolanin A. In addition, curcubisabolanin A induced intracellular NO production and significantly increased the levels of phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), and phosphorylated eNOS (p-eNOS) in HUVECs. LY294002 (a blocker of PI3K) and MK-2206 (a highly selective inhibitor of Akt) significantly decreased these effects of curcubisabolanin A. ConclusionsThese findings demonstrated that the vasorelaxant effect of curcubisabolanin A was partially endothelium-dependent and was related to regulation of NO production in vascular endothelial cells through the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.

Enhancement of Endothelial KCa Channel Activity as a Novel Strategy to Oppose Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis represents a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is associated with endothelial dysfunction (ED), which facilitates fatty plaque formation, impairs blood flow and increases arterial stiffness. A hallmark feature of ED is decreased bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO). We have previously reported that pharmacological activation of endothelial Ca2+‐activated K+ channels (KCa2.3 and KCa3.1) can oppose ED by enhancing endothelium‐dependent vasodilation.We hypothesized that improving endothelial function will mitigate the development and/or severity of atherosclerosis in Apoe knockout (Apoe‐/‐) mice. Administration of the KCa channel activator SKA‐31 was utilized to improve endothelial function in vivo.Experimentally, male, 8‐week old Apoe‐/‐ mice on a regular chow diet were administered one of three daily treatments for 16 weeks: SKA‐31 (10 mg/kg), the KCa3.1 channel blocker senicapoc (40 mg/kg), or drug vehicle alone. Pharmacological inhibition of KCa3.1 channels is reported to reduce atherosclerosis in Apoe‐/‐ mice and was utilized as a benchmark. Drugs were formulated in miglyol and condensed milk, which was readily ingested by the mice. Cardiac function and arterial pulse wave velocity (PWV) were assessed by echocardiography under isoflurane anesthesia. Atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta were visualized by Oil‐Red‐O staining and select tissue histology was carried out using H&E staining. Abdominal aortic contractility and relaxation were measured by wire myography in drug‐treated Apoe‐/‐ mice and age/sex‐matched wild‐type C57/BL6 mice.At the end of drug treatment, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, fractional shortening and LV posterior wall thickness were not different in Apoe‐/‐ mice treated with either SKA‐31 or senicapoc compared with vehicle. Measurements of aortic PWV showed no significant differences among the three groups, which indicated that neither drug treatment decreased aortic stiffness. Oil‐Red‐O staining of the thoracic aorta and aortic arch revealed fatty plaque formation in Apoe‐/‐ mice (i.e. 10‐12% of area) compared with WT controls (< 1%), however, neither SKA‐31 nor senicapoc treatments reduced plaque formation vs. vehicle. Phenylephrine (PE)‐evoked contraction of abdominal aortic rings appeared similar in WT and vehicle/drug treated Apoe‐/‐ mice, whereas endothelium‐dependent, acetylcholine‐induced relaxation of PE‐constricted aortic rings was enhanced in aortic rings from mice treated with SKA‐31 and senicapoc vs. vehicle. Although relaxation to the smooth muscle vasodilator sodium nitroprusside was augmented in Apoe‐/‐ mice compared with WT, this response was not altered by drug treatment.While both SKA‐31 and senicapoc improved aortic endothelial function, neither drug decreased plaque formation or aortic stiffness, perhaps due to the later onset of these events in the progression of atherosclerotic pathology. We will investigate this likelihood by feeding Apoe‐/‐ mice a high fat diet to accelerate the development of plaque formation and arterial stiffness to determine the effects of both drug treatments on these later stages of atherosclerosis.

Vasorelaxant Activities and its Underlying Mechanisms of Magnolia Volatile Oil on Rat Thoracic Aorta Based on Network Pharmacology.

Objective: Magnolia volatile oil (MVO) is a mixture mainly containing eudesmol and its isomers. This study was to investigate the vasorelaxant effects and the underlying mechanism of MVO in rat thoracic aortas. Method: The present study combined gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and network pharmacology analysis with in vitro experiments to clarify the mechanisms of MVO against vessel contraction. A compound–target network, compound–target–disease network, protein–protein interaction network, compound–target–pathway network, gene ontology, and pathway enrichment for hypertension were applied to identify the potential active compounds, drug targets, and pathways. Additionally, the thoracic aortic rings with or without endothelium were prepared to explore the underlying mechanisms. The roles of the PI3K-Akt-NO pathways, neuroreceptors, K+ channels, and Ca2+ channels on the vasorelaxant effects of MVO were evaluated through the rat thoracic aortic rings. Results: A total of 29 compounds were found in MVO, which were identified by GC-MS, of which 21 compounds with a content of more than 0.1% were selected for further analysis. The network pharmacology research predicted that beta-caryophyllene, palmitic acid, and (+)-β-selinene might act as the effective ingredients of MVO for the treatment of hypertension. Several hot targets, mainly involving TNF, CHRM1, ACE, IL10, PTGS2, REN, and F2, and pivotal pathways, such as the neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, the calcium signaling pathway, and the PI3K-Akt signaling, were responsible for the vasorelaxant effect of MVO. As expected, MVO exerted a vasorelaxant effect on the aortic rings pre-contracted by KCl and phenylephrine in an endothelium-dependent and non-endothelium-dependent manner. Importantly, a pre-incubation with indomethacin (Indo), N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, methylene blue, wortmannin, and atropine sulfate as well as 4-aminopyridione diminished MVO-induced vasorelaxation, suggesting that the activation of the PI3K-Akt-NO pathway and KV channel were involved in the vasorelaxant effect of MVO, which was consistent with the results of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and the Genomes. Additionally, MVO could significantly inhibit Ca2+ influx resulting in the contraction of aortic rings, revealing that the inhibition of the calcium signaling pathway exactly participated in the vasorelaxant activity of MVO as predicted by network pharmacology. Conclusion: MVO might be a potent treatment of diseases with vascular dysfunction like hypertension. The underlying mechanisms were related to the PI3K-Akt-NO pathway, KV pathway, as well as Ca2+ channel, which were predicted by the network pharmacology and verified by the experiments in vitro. This study based on network pharmacology provided experimental support for the clinical application of MVO in the treatment of hypertension and afforded a novel research method to explore the activity and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine.

Effects of Cardiotoxins from Naja oxiana Cobra Venom on Rat Heart Muscle and Aorta: A Comparative Study of Toxin-Induced Contraction Mechanisms.

Cardiotoxins (CaTxs) are a group of snake toxins that affect the cardiovascular system (CVS). Two types (S and P) of CaTxs are known, but the exact differences in the effects of these types on CVS have not been thoroughly studied. We investigated cellular mechanisms of action on CVS for Naja oxiana cobra CaTxs CTX-1 (S-type) and CTX-2 (P-type) focusing on the papillary muscle (PM) contractility and contraction of aortic rings (AR) supplemented by pharmacological analysis. It was found that CTX-1 and CTX-2 exerted dose-dependent effects manifested in PM contracture and AR contraction. CTX-2 impaired functions of PM and AR more strongly than CTX-1. Effects of CaTxs on PM were significantly reduced by nifedipine, an L-type Ca2+ channel blocker, and by KB-R7943, an inhibitor of reverse-mode Na+/Ca2+ exchange. Furthermore, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, an inhibitor of store-operated calcium entry, partially restored PM contractility damaged by CaTxs. The CaTx influence on AR contracture was significantly reduced by nifedipine and KB-R7943. The involvement of reverse-mode Na+/Ca2+ exchange in the effect of CaTxs on the rat aorta was shown for the first time. The results obtained indicate that CaTx effects on CVS are mainly associated with disturbance of transporting systems responsible for the Ca2+ influx.

Quercetin and resveratrol ameliorate nickel-mediated hypercontraction in isolated Wistar rat aorta.

The ameliorative potential of quercetin and resveratrol on isolated endothelium-intact aortic rings incubated with nickel was examined. The effect of varying concentrations of quercetin and resveratrol was investigated on isolated Wistar rat aortic rings using an organ bath system over vasoconstrictor phenylephrine (PE) at 1 µM. To delineate the mechanism of action, isolated aortic rings were pre-incubated with pharmacological modulators, such as verapamil 1 µM, apocynin 100 µM, indomethacin 100 µM or N-G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) 100 µM, separately, before incubation with 100 µM quercetin and 30 µM resveratrol. To assess the ameliorative and prophylactic potentials of quercetin and resveratrol, aortic rings were also incubated with quercetin or resveratrol for 40 min, followed by incubation with nickel for 40 min. At 100 µM, quercetin caused 29% inhibition of contraction, while resveratrol at 30 µM caused 55% inhibition of contraction in aortic rings compared with control. Aortic rings incubated with contractile modulators, such as verapamil, apocynin, indomethacin or N-G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), along with quercetin or resveratrol at their concentrations producing maximum relaxant effect, showed that both of these natural compounds exert their relaxant effect by inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from endothelial and smooth muscle cells, blocking voltage-gated calcium channels, and increasing the release of nitric oxide (NO). The mediation of hypercontraction by nickel is due to the increased ROS and the influx of calcium through voltage-dependent calcium channels. These natural compounds are shown to counter the nickel-induced effects, appearing as effective ameliorators. In this study, we found that quercetin and resveratrol act as ameliorators of nickel-mediated hypercontraction by decreasing ROS and enhancing NO release from endothelial cells.

Sevoflurane and isoflurane inhibit KCl-induced, Rho kinase-mediated, and PI3K-participated vasoconstriction in aged diabetic rat aortas

BackgroundThe mechanism of volatile anesthetics on vascular smooth muscle (VSM) contraction in the setting of diabetes mellitus (DM) remains unclear. The current study was designed to determine the effects of sevoflurane (SEVO) and isoflurane (ISO) on phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Rho kinase (ROCK) mediated KCl-induced vasoconstriction in aged type 2 diabetic rats.MethodsKCl-induced (60 mM) contractions were examined in endothelium-denuded aortic rings from aged T2DM Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats (65–70 weeks old), control age-matched nondiabetic Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats and young Wistar rats (6–8 weeks old). The effects of SEVO or ISO (1–3 minimum alveolar concentration, MAC) on KCl-induced vasoconstriction, as well as those of LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) and Y27632 (ROCK inhibitor) were measured in aortic rings from the three groups using an isometric force transducer.ResultsKCl induced rapid and continuous contraction of aortic smooth muscle in the three groups, and the contraction was more obvious in OLETF rats.SEVO and ISO inhibited KCl-induced vasoconstriction in a concentration-dependent manner and were suppressed by LY294002 (10 µM) and Y27632 (1 µM). SEVO had a stronger inhibitory effect on the aortas of young Wistar rats than ISO, especially at 2 MAC and 3 MAC (P < 0.05). In aged rats, the inhibitory effect of ISO was stronger than that of SEVO, especially OLETF rats. There was no significant difference in the effects of different concentrations of ISO on arterial contraction among the three groups (P > 0.05). The effects of 1 MAC SEVO on Wistar rats and 3 MAC SEVO on OLETF rats, however, were noticeably and significantly different (P < 0.05).Compared with the control condition, LY294002 and Y27632 had the most noticeable effect on the KCl-induced contraction of aortic rings in OLETF rats (P < 0.01).ConclusionSEVO (3 MAC), ISO (1, 2, 3 MAC), LY294002 and Y27632 have more significant inhibitory effect on the contraction of vascular smooth muscle in aged T2MD rats. The mechanism of SEVO and ISO in vascular tension in T2DM is partly due to changes in PI3K and/or Rho kinase activity.

Astragaloside IV prevents endothelial dysfunction by improving oxidative stress in streptozotocin‑induced diabetic mouse aortas

Oxidative stress serves a role in endothelial dysfunction exhibited by patients with diabetes mellitus. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a major active ingredient of Radix Astragali, which is considered to exhibit vasoprotective effects through unknown mechanisms. Thus, the current study was performed to investigate the protective effects of AS-IV in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced endothelial dysfunction and to explore whether antioxidant mechanisms were involved. The protective effects of AS-IV on the endothelium-dependent relaxation and contraction of aortic rings were determined by isometric tension recordings. NADPH subunits and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression was identified via western blotting. Superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde levels were assayed using ELISA. Furthermore, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) was detected via dihydroethidium and 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate staining, respectively. The results revealed that STZ-injected mice exhibited increased aortic endothelium-dependent vasoconstriction and decreased vasorelaxation to acetylcholine. However, AS-IV treatment reversed these effects. NG-nitro-L-arginine was subsequently used to completely inhibit impaired relaxation. Accordingly, impaired NO generation was restored following AS-IV treatment by increasing eNOS phosphorylation levels. Furthermore, ROS formation was also depressed following AS-IV treatment compared with that in STZ-injected mice. AS-IV also decreased the expression of various NADPH subunits, including human neutrophil cytochrome b light chain, neutrophil cytosolic factor 1, NADPH oxidase (NOX)2, NOX4 and Rac-1. The results of the current study may provide novel evidence that diabetes-induced vascular injury arises from either the inhibition of eNOS or the activation of NOX-derived ROS generation. In addition, the results warrant further investigation into the application of AS-IV treatment, leading to the improvement of oxidative stress, in patients with diabetes exhibiting endothelial dysfunction.

The Combined Inotropic and Vasorelaxant Effect of DHQ-11, A Conjugate of Flavonoid Dihydroquercetin with Isoquinoline Alkaloid 1-Aryl-6,7-Dimethoxy-1,2.3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinoline.

This study investigated the positive inotropic andvasorelaxant activity ofDHQ-11, aconjugate of flavonoid dihydroquercetin with isoquinoline alkaloid 1-aryl-6,7-dimethoxy-1,2.3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline.A study was performed using anterior papillary muscle removed from the left ventricle and thoracic aorta dissected from rats. DHQ-11 produceda concentration-dependent positive inotropic effect which was more potent than their parent compounds alone. The positive inotropic effect of conjugate DHQ-11was significantly attenuated by the β-adrenoreceptor inhibitor propranolol and L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine. Also,conjugate DHQ-11 markedly potentiated first post-rest responses indicating that it can modulate Ca2+ loading/release processes in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.These results suggest that positive inotropic effect produced by conjugate DHQ-11may be mediated through activation oftheβ-AR/AC/cAMP/PKA pathway that leads to increased Ca2+ influx and rises in Ca2+ loading/release in the SR, resulting in increased [Ca2+]i and enhanced contraction force. DHQ-11 significantly relaxed both high KCl- and phenylephrine-induced contractions of rat aortic rings whichwere significantly inhibited by lowering extracellular Ca2+ concentration and in the presence of verapamil.DHQ-11 significantly inhibited phenylephrine-induced contractions in a Ca2+-free medium, in the presence of verapamil. The vasorelaxant effect of the DHQ-11 was significantly reduced by the removal of endothelium and in the presenceof L-NAME and methylene blue as well as glibenclamide and TEA.These results suggest that the vasorelaxation produced by conjugate DHQ-11may be mediatedbyan endothelium-independent mechanism involving activation of KATP and BKCa channels and inhibition of L-type VDCCs and Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and endothelium-dependent mechanism through activation of the NO/sGC/cGMP/PKG signaling pathway resulting in a decrease of intracellular Ca2+levels. These observations reveal that the conjugate DHQ-11 due to its high positive inotropic and vasorelaxant activity could be a promising compound for the design and development of new drugs for the treatment of heart failure.

Characteristic of the vasorlaxant action of the talatisamine alkaloid and its derivatives

The aim of our research is to study the effect relaxant action of diterpenoid alkaloids talatisamine, 14-O-benzoylthalatisamine and 14-O-acetylthalatisamine was studied using isolated rat aortic rings. Alkaloids significantly and dose-dependently inhibited contraction of the aortic rings caused by high KCl content. At the same time, under these conditions, alkaloids significantly reduced Ca2+-induced contraction of the aortic rings. The relaxing effects of alkaloids are significantly suppressed by verapamil, a potent potentiometer-dependent Ca2+ channel blocker. The alkaloids also significantly reduced norepinephrine-induced aortic ring contraction in normal as well as Ca2+ free Krebs solutions. The data obtained indicate that talatisamine, 14-benzoylthalatisamine and 14-O-acetylthalatisamine exhibit a pronounced relaxant effect in almost the same way in the case of contraction induced by a high content of KCl and norepinephrine. The mechanism of the relaxant action of alkaloids is probably complex and may include suppression of Ca2+influx through voltage-dependent and receptor-driven Ca2+ channels, as well as inhibition of Ca2+transport in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Characteristic of the vasorlaxant action of the talatisamine alkaloid and its derivatives

The aim of our research is to study the effect relaxant action of diterpenoid alkaloids talatisamine, 14-O-benzoylthalatisamine and 14-O-acetylthalatisamine was studied using isolated rat aortic rings. Alkaloids significantly and dose-dependently inhibited contraction of the aortic rings caused by high KCl content. At the same time, under these conditions, alkaloids significantly reduced Ca2+-induced contraction of the aortic rings. The relaxing effects of alkaloids are significantly suppressed by verapamil, a potent potentiometer-dependent Ca2+ channel blocker. The alkaloids also significantly reduced norepinephrine-induced aortic ring contraction in normal as well as Ca2+ free Krebs solutions. The data obtained indicate that talatisamine, 14-benzoylthalatisamine and 14-O-acetylthalatisamine exhibit a pronounced relaxant effect in almost the same way in the case of contraction induced by a high content of KCl and norepinephrine. The mechanism of the relaxant action of alkaloids is probably complex and may include suppression of Ca2+influx through voltage-dependent and receptor-driven Ca2+ channels, as well as inhibition of Ca2+transport in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Hypotensive and antihypertensive effects of an aqueous extract from Guinep fruit (Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq) in rats

Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq (Mb) has been reported to have cardiovascular modulatory effects. In this study, we evaluated the antihypertensive effects and mechanism of action of Mb on NG-Nitro-l-arginine Methyl Ester (l-NAME) and Deoxycorticosterone Acetate (DOCA) rat models. Aqueous extract of Mb fruit (100 mg/kg) was administered for 6 weeks to rats by gavage and blood pressure was recorded. Effects of the extract on vascular reactivity was evaluated using isolated organ baths, and tissues were collected for biochemical and histological analysis. The systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced with extract (100 mg/kg) administration and treatment compared to the hypertensive models. Mb (100 µg/mL) reduced the vascular contractility induced by phenylephrine (PE), and caused a dose-dependent relaxation of PE-induced contraction of aortic vascular rings. The vasorelaxation properties seemed to be endothelium dependent, as well as nitric oxide (NO) and guanylyl cyclase, but not prostaglandin dependent. Histomicrograph of transverse sections of the ventricles from the Mb group did not show abnormalities. The extract significantly (P < 0.05) reduced an l-NAME induced elevation of cardiac output and Creatine Kinase Muscle-Brain (CKMB), but had no significant impact on the activities of arylamine N-acetyltransferase. In conclusion, Mb significantly decreased blood pressure in hypertensive models. The extract possesses the ability to induce endothelium dependent vasodilation, which is dependent on guanylyl cyclase but not prostaglandins.

Pharmacological screening of the phenolic compound caffeic acid using rat aorta, uterus and ileum smooth muscle

Caffeic acid is a phenolic compound widely found in commonly consumed foods such as pears, apples and coffee, and is pharmacologically known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic properties. However, its relaxant activity in the aorta, uterus and ileum smooth muscle has not been investigated. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the effect of caffeic acid on smooth muscle from different organs (aorta, uterus and ileum), and the contractions of this different organ were induced by different agonists. The organ bath technique was used, where the organs were placed in different cuvettes with 10 mL of Tyrode solution for 1 h to stabilize, then, myometrial, intestinal strip and aortic ring contractions were evoked using different contractile agonists (KCl 60 mM, PHE 0.1 μM, OT 10-2 IU/mL, CCh 10−6 M and BaCl2 0.1–30 mM); increasing concentrations of caffeic acid (0.03–7 mM) were administered in the experimental preparations. In the presence of KCl (60 mM), caffeic acid caused relaxations with the following EC50 values: 2.7 ± 0.26 mM/mL (aorta), 5.7 ± 0.71 mM/mL (uterus) and 2.1 ± 0.39 mM/mL (ileum). When in the presence of different agonists, PHE (0.1 μM) for the aorta, OT (10−2 IU/mL) for the uterus and CCh (10−6 M) for the ileum, caffeic acid caused relaxations with EC50 values of: 2.7 ± 0.31 mM/mL; 2.2 ± 0.34 mM/mL and 2.0 ± 0.28 mM/mL, respectively. The inhibitory effect of caffeic acid on serotonergic (aorta and uterus) and muscarinic receptors (uterus and ileum), as well as its possible involvement with L-type Ca2+ channels, was also observed. This study reports the pharmacological characterization of caffeic acid on smooth muscle from different organs, for which caffeic acid was more potent in the ileum. A diverse understanding of its performance as a possible therapeutic product is attributed to its relaxant effect.