Cyclic Monophosphate Analogue Research Articles

Role of Nitric Oxide‐Dependent Pathways in Ethanol‐Induced Anxiolytic Effects in Rats

Nitric oxide (NO) is a neuromodulator and an intercellular and retrograde messenger that mediates several functions in the central nervous system. The effects of ethanol (EtOH) on neuronal NO-dependent pathways have been the focus of recent research. Most studies have concentrated on the actions of chronic EtOH exposure. In this study, we examined the role of NO-dependent pathways in the acute actions of EtOH. We used the elevated plus-maze test to study the role of NO-dependent pathways in the behavior of rats treated with acute EtOH. We tested the effects of 7-nitroindazole, a reversible competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. We also studied the effects of the cyclic guanylate monophosphate (cGMP) analog, 8-Bromoguanosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate sodium salt, and the NO donors S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine or sodium nitroprusside. When injected by either intraperitoneal (6 mg/kg) or intrahippocampal (20 nmol) routes, 7-nitroindazole increased the percentage of open arm entries and time spent in open arms for rats injected with EtOH (1.0 g/kg, ip). This dose of EtOH did not produce an anxiolytic effect when administered alone. Additional experiments were performed with a dose of 1.2 g/kg of EtOH (ip), which produced an anxiolytic effect. Intrahippocampal administration of the cGMP analog, 8-Bromoguanosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate sodium salt (40 nmol), or the NO donors S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (20 or 40 nmol) or sodium nitroprusside (20 or 40 nmol) blocked the anxiolytic effect of this dose of EtOH. These results indicate that inhibition of NO-dependent pathways enhances, whereas stimulation of these pathways decreases, the efficacy of EtOH to produce anxiolytic effects in rats. We postulate that NO-dependent increases in guanylate cyclase activity and cGMP levels oppose the anxiolytic effects produced by acute EtOH administration.

Role of Nitric Oxide-Dependent Pathways in Ethanol-Induced Anxiolytic Effects in Rats

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) is a neuromodulator and an intercellular and retrograde messenger that mediates several functions in the central nervous system. The effects of ethanol (EtOH) on neuronal NO-dependent pathways have been the focus of recent research. Most studies have concentrated on the actions of chronic EtOH exposure. In this study, we examined the role of NO-dependent pathways in the acute actions of EtOH. Methods: We used the elevated plus-maze test to study the role of NO-dependent pathways in the behavior of rats treated with acutc EtOH. We tested the effects of 7-nitroindazole, a reversible competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthasc. We also studicd the effects of the cyclic guanylate monophosphate (cGMP) analog, 8-Bromoguanosine cyclic 3′, 5′-monophosphate sodium salt, and the NO donors S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine or sodium nitroprusside. Results: When injected by either intraperitoneal (6 mg/kg) or intrahippocampal (20 nmol) routes, 7-nitroindazole increased the percentage of open arm entries and time spent in open arms for rats injected with EtOH (1.0 g/kg, ip). This dose of EtOH did not produce an anxiolytic effect when administered alone. Additional experiments were performed with a dose of 1.2 g/kg of EtOH (ip), which produced an anxiolytic effcct. Intrahippocampal administration of the cGMP analog, 8-Bromoguanosine cyclic 3′3′-monophosphate sodium salt (40 nmol), or the NO donors S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (20 or 40 nmol) or sodium nitroprusside (20 or 40 nmol) blocked the anxiolytic effect of this dose of EtOH. Conclusions: These results indicate that inhibition of NO-dependent pathways enhances, whereas stimulation of these pathways decreases, the efficacy of EtOH to produce anxiolytic effects in rats. We postulate that NO-dependent increases in guanylate cyclase activity and cGMP levels oppose the anxiolytic effects produced by acute EtOH administration.

Ascorbate and dehydroascorbate modulate nitric oxide-induced vasodilations of rat coronary arteries.

Soluble guanylyl cyclase (GC) is a heme-containing protein that is a predominant target of nitric oxide (NO). This study examined whether the reductant, ascorbate (ASC), the oxidant, dehydroascorbate (DHAA), or other redox agents modulated the sensitivity of isolated rat coronary arteries to NO-induced vasodilations. Based on NO measurements with a NO-sensitive electrode, NO dilated the arteries with a pEC50 of 8.24 +/- 0.05. The potency of NO was significantly enhanced in the presence of ASC (pEC50 = 8.70 +/- 0.02) but was diminished in the presence of DHAA (pEC50 = 7.91 +/- 0.15). The potency of NO was not affected by other redox agents including dithiothreitol, beta-mercaptoethanol, diamide, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, ferricyanide, or ferrocyanide. Experiments involving the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) analog, 8-Br-cGMP, and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, isobutyl-methylxanthine, indicated that neither ASC nor DHAA has an effect on the degradation or potency of cGMP. ASC and DHAA also failed to affect vasodilations induced by diltiazem or forskolin. However, ASC and DHAA affected the potency of NO in human mesenteric arteries. The results are consistent with other evidence that ASC and DHAA affect the redox state of GC, and through this modulate arterial sensitivity to NO. This suggests that the regulation of the redox state of GC may be an additional site of modulation of the NO/cGMP pathway.

Hyperosmolarity reduces the relaxing potency of nitric oxide donors in guinea-pig trachea.

1. Non-responders to inhaled nitric oxide treatment have been observed in various patient groups. The bronchodilatory effect of inhaled nitric oxide was attenuated when the airway lumen was rendered hyperosmolar in an in vivo study on rabbits. We used a guinea-pig tracheal perfusion model to investigate the effects of increased osmolarity (450 mOsm, NaCl added) on the relaxing potency of the nitric oxide donors sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and (+/-)-S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP). 2. Under iso-osmolar conditions SNP relaxed the carbachol (CCh, 1 microM) contracted trachea by 83+/-3%. After pretreatment with intraluminal hyperosmolarity SNP relaxed the CCh-contracted trachea by only 31+/-7% (P<0.05). When the trachea was contracted to the same extent under untreated and hyperosmolar conditions, the untreated trachea was completely relaxed by SNP but, after hyperosmolar pretreatment, SNP could no longer relax the trachea. 3. SNAP relaxed the CCh contracted trachea by 27+/-5%. After pretreatment with intraluminal hyperosmolarity, SNAP relaxed the trachea by 11+/-4%, which was less than in the iso-osmolar control (P<0.05). 4. Extraluminal hyperosmolarity did not affect carbachol elicited contraction, and SNP administered externally during extraluminal hyperosmolarity was able to relax the trachea (P<0.05). 5. The cell permeable guanosine 3'5'-cyclic monophosphate analogue 8-Br-cGMP relaxed the CCh contracted trachea in both iso-osmolar (P<0.05) and hyperosmolar conditions (P<0.05). 6. The relaxant effect of nitric oxide donors on tracheal smooth muscle is markedly reduced when the airway epithelium is exposed to hyperosmolar solution.

Mice deficient in endothelial nitric oxide synthase exhibit a selective deficit in hippocampal long-term potentiation

Long-term potentiation, a persistent increase in synaptic efficacy, may require a retrograde signal originating in the postsynaptic cell that induces an increase in presynaptic neurotransmitter release. We have constructed a mouse homozygous for a targeted null mutation in the endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase and report that long-term potentiation in the CA1 region of these mice is entirely absent under weak stimulation conditions. Application of a membrane-permeant guanosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate analogue during tetanus fails to compensate for this deficit, suggesting that nitric oxide produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase may affect long-term potentiation through a cascade that does not include guanylyl cyclase. We also report that strong tetanic stimulation can induce robust long-term potentiation in these mice which is not blocked by pharmacological inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase. Furthermore, mice lacking endothelial nitric oxide synthase show no shift in the frequency–response curve for the induction of long-term potentiation. Basal synaptic transmission, paired-pulse facilitation and the electrical properties of CA1 cells in these mice were similar to controls. These results support a selective role for endothelial nitric oxide synthase in long-term potentiation, but also demonstrate that nitric oxide synthase is not involved in this process under all conditions.

Nitric oxide inhibits the positive chronotropic and inotropic responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation in the isolated guinea-pig atria

This study was designed to determine whether nitric oxide (NO) modulates the positive chronotropic and inotropic (in paced atria) responses to cardiac sympathetic nerve stimulation (SNS) in the isolated guinea-pig double atrial/right stellate ganglion preparation. The ganglion was stimulated at 1, 2, 3 and 5 Hz at constant voltage and the changes in heart rate or force of contraction were measured. The selective neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) inhibitors TRIM (1-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl) imidazole; 100 μM) and 7-NiNa (Na + salt of 7-nitroindazole; 100 μM) significantly enhanced the positive chronotropic and inotropic responses to SNS. Similar results for heart rate were seen with the non-isoform-selective NOS inhibitor Nωnitro- l-arginine ( l-NA; 100 μM). All effects were reversed with l-arginine (1 mM). The NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 100 μM) increased baseline heart rate and force of contraction, and attenuated the positive chronotropic and inotropic responses to SNS. SNP also decreased the positive chronotropic response to bath-applied noradrenaline (NA; 1 μM). In contrast, 7-NiNa did not alter the increase in heart rate with bath-applied NA (0.1 or 1 μM). The guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ (10 μM) enhanced (mimicking nNOS inhibition) and the cyclic GMP (guanosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate) analogue 8-Br-cGMP (8-bromoguanosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate; 1 mM) attenuated (mimicking exogenous NO) the positive inotropic response to SNS. Taken together, these results are consistent with endogenous NO, synthesized from nNOS, inhibiting the positive chronotropic and inotropic responses evoked by cardiac SNS via a cyclic GMP-dependent pathway.

Antisteroidogenic action of nitric oxide on human corpus luteum in vitro: mechanism of action.

To analyze the mechanism by which nitric oxide (NO) exerts its antisteroidogenic action, human luteal cells were cultured during 24 and 48 h with L-arginine (L-Arg, 1 mmol/L); 1,2(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)imidazole (TRIM) (50 micromol/L and 1 mmol/L) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) analog (8-Br-cGMP, 1 mmol/L). Estradiol, nitrite, and P450 AROM activity were determined in culture media. Total cGMP concentration was evaluated in the cells and culture media by radioimmunoassay, and NADPH diaphorase was used as a histochemical marker for NO synthase (NOS) activity. During the corpus luteum (CL) life-span, NO affected estradiol secretion in an age-dependent manner, with an inhibition in mid-CL (37%; p < 0.05) in agreement with our previous results, and no significant modification in early and late CL. Basal nitrite concentration in 24 and 48 h of midluteal cell cultures (42 and 93 pmol/10(6) cells, respectively) was increased by L-Arg (53% and 88%) and inhibited by the two TRIM concentrations; also, an intense diaphorase reactivity was observed in endothelial cells and luteal parenchyma. Total cGMP was not detected in cell cultures and 8-Br-cGMP did not modify estradiol secretion, whereas aromatase activity was strongly inhibited by L-Arg (70%, p < .05). These results suggest that both NOS isoforms are active in midluteal cells, and the mechanism of action for NO on in vitro estradiol secretion may be an inhibition of P450 AROM activity.

Selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors modulate the activity of alveolar macrophages from sensitized guinea-pigs.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of selective phosphodiesterase (PDE)3 and PDE4 inhibitors on arachidonate release by alveolar macrophages from sensitized and challenged guinea-pigs. Guinea-pigs were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin administered by aerosol. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed 48 h later and the PDE and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) contents of or the arachidonate release from alveolar macrophages, stimulated in vitro with N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP), were evaluated. PDE3 and PDE4 activities were detected in preparations of macrophage lysate from sensitized challenged and sensitized control animals. Oral pretreatment, prior to antigen challenge in sensitized guinea-pigs, with rolipram or Ro 20-1724 (PDE4 inhibitors) but not milrinone (PDE3 inhibitor) significantly reduced the arachidonate release from alveolar macrophages. In vitro incubation of alveolar macrophages from challenged guinea-pigs with Ro 20-1724 or the cAMP analogue dibutyryl cAMP (db-cAMP) but not milrinone or the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) analogue 8-bromo-cGMP (8-br-cGMP) significantly reduced arachidonate release. Incubation of the cells with a combination of milrinone plus rolipram or Ro 20-1724 elicited a marked and significant reduction in arachidonate release by alveolar macrophages stimulated with fMLP. In conclusion, these data show that phosphodiesterase-4 isoenzyme may regulate the release of inflammatory mediators such as arachidonate from macrophages through an increase in intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate. This suggests that phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors have potential in the treatment of inflammatory disorders of the lung.

Nitric oxide inhibits stress-induced endothelial cell apoptosis.

To determine a mechanism by which nitric oxide alters induction of stress-induced endothelial cell apoptosis in vitro. Apoptosis is a form of cellular suicide that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Prospective, controlled trial. Research laboratory of a large, academic medical center. Cultured primary porcine aortic endothelial cells. Cells were treated with a range of doses of agents that either spontaneously generate nitric oxide (S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine [SNAP] or (Z)-1-[2-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-ammonioethyl)amino]diazen-1- ium-1,2-diolate [DETA-NO]) or block nitric oxide production (Nomega-methyl-L-arginine [L-NMA]). The ability of these agents to alter the rate of cell death by apoptosis (induced by the sequence stimuli lipopolysaccharide [LPS] followed by sodium arsenite) was measured. Mechanistic studies included examining the ability of: a) nitric oxide "donors" to alter nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) DNA binding activity and the level of IkappaBalpha accumulation; and b) a stable cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) analog (8-bromo-cGMP) to mimic the effect of nitric oxide donors. The sequence LPS/sodium arsenite increased the rate of endothelial cell apoptosis (47.4%, p< .05 vs. control), as measured by fluorescent-activated cell scanning using annexin V/propidium iodide staining. DETA-NO generated nitric oxide (as indicated by an increase in the concentration of the stable end-products of nitric oxide metabolism) and decreased the rate of endothelial cell apoptosis (20.6% at a dose of 2 mM, p=.0001 vs. control). DETA-NO also decreased NF-kappaB DNA binding activity and the apparent accumulation of its endogenous inhibitor, IkappaBalpha. The 8-bromo-cGMP did not mimic the effects of nitric oxide donors (DETA-NO) on apoptosis. These data suggest that exogenous nitric oxide can block stress-induced endothelial cell apoptosis in vitro. The mechanistic studies are consistent with our hypothesis that inhibitors of NF-kappaB DNA binding activity are associated with protection against apoptosis-inducing stimuli. The results do not support a role for cGMP in mediating the protective effect of DETA-NO in our model.

Release of proteins and polysaccharides from the albumen gland of the freshwater snail Helisoma duryi: effect of cAMP and brain extracts.

The albumen gland is a compound tubular exocrine gland found in the female reproductive tract of freshwater pulmonate snails such as Helisoma duryi. It secretes a perivitelline fluid, composed of protein and polysaccharide complexes, and coats each fertilized egg. A 288-kDa native glycoprotein, composed of several 66-kDa subunits, was identified in soluble extracts of albumen gland. Forskolin stimulates the release of secretory granules, containing both proteins and polysaccharides, from the cytoplasm of the glandular cells. An acid extract of the central nervous system or the adenosine-3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) analogue 8-bromo cAMP, stimulates protein secretion from the gland. Pretreatment of the albumen gland with cAMP antagonist (Rp isomer of cAMP) inhibits the stimulatory effect of a brain extract. Digestion of brain extract with proteolytic enzymes abolishes its activity, suggesting the factor from the brain is peptidergic. The neuroactive agents serotonin, Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-amide, Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-amide, small cardioactive peptide B, and caudodorsal cell hormone were also tested for potential secretion-promoting ability. Brain extracts were partially purified with a Sep-Pak C18 reverse-phase cartridge and indicate the peptide is relatively hydrophobic. These results suggest that a brain peptide promotes the secretion of perivitelline fluid, and this is mediated by the adenylate cyclase/cAMP signal transduction pathway.

Type II protein kinase A regulates CFTR in airway, pancreatic, and intestinal cells.

The type of protein kinase A (PKA) responsible for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) activation was determined with adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate analogs capable of selectively activating type I or type II PKA. The type II-selective pair stimulated chloride efflux in airway, pancreatic, and colonic epithelial cells; the type I-selective pair only stimulated a calcium-dependent efflux in airway cells. The type II-selective analogs activated larger increases in CFTR-mediated current than did the type I-selective analogs. Measurement of soluble PKA activity demonstrated similar levels stimulated by type I- and type II-selective analogs, creating an apparent paradox regarding PKA activity and current generated. Also, addition of forskolin after the type I-selective analogs resulted in an increase in current; little increase was seen after the type II-selective analogs. Measurement of insoluble PKA activity stimulated by the analogs resolved this paradox. Type II-selective analogs stimulated three times as much insoluble PKA activity as the type I-selective pair, indicating that differential activation of PKA in cellular compartments is important in CFTR regulation.

Immunohistochemical localization of GABA bR1 in the rat CNS

Intracellular recordings were obtained from rat neostriatal slices. Bath-applied dopamine (1–10 μM) produced a reversible inhibition of the action potentials evoked by direct stimulation and a decrease in the amplitude of the intrastriatally evoked depolarizing postsynaptic potentials. No change in membrane potential was detected during the application of 1–10 μM dopamine. Dopamine application also produced a decrease in anomalous rectification in the depolarizing direction. This subthreshold inward rectification was abolished by tetrodotoxin, but not by calcium-free and cadmium (0.1–1 mM)-containing solutions. The dopamine-induced decrease in excitatory postsynaptic potential amplitude was evident at resting membrane potential or at more positive levels, but was absent at hyperpolarized values of the membrane potential. Addition of bicuculline (50–500 μM) to the medium did not affect the inhibitory action of dopamine. The inhibitory action of dopamina also persisted in calcium-free and cadmium-containing solutions. The adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate analogue, 8-bromo-adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (0.1–1 mM), mimicked the effects produced by D1 receptor activation. Bath application of 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine (SKF 38393) (1–10 μM), a selective D1 dopaminergic agonist, mimicked the effects of micromolar concentrations of dopamine. The D2 dopaminergic agonists,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a,9-octahydro-5-n-propyl-2H-pyrazolo-3,4-g-quinoline (LY 171555) and bromocriptine (both at 10 nM-10 μM), had no effects on neostriatal cells. The inhibition induced by micromolar doses of dopamine or SKF 38393 was antagonized by bath applications of R-( + )-8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepin-7-ol (SCH 23390; 0.1–10 μM), a D1-selective antagonist, but not by sulpiride (10nM–10μM), a D2 antagonist.We conclude that the inhibitory effect of dopamine on rat striatal neurons is postsynaptically mediated by the activation of D1 dopaminergic receptors via the reduction of a voltage-dependent tetrodotoxin sensitive inward conductance.

Downregulation of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Gene Transcription by Nitric Oxide

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role not only in the regulation of blood vessel tone, but also in the growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). The precise mechanism involved in the inhibition of VSMC growth by NO is not known. To further explore the effect of NO on VSMC growth, we examined the effect of NO on the expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1-R) that is important for hypertrophy and hyperplasia of VSMC. S-nitroso acetyl DL-penicillamine (SNAP; 200 micromol/L), a potent NO donor, suppressed expression level of AT1-R mRNA by 90% and AT1-R number by 60% after 24 hours of stimulation. The suppressive effect was dose-dependent. Actinomycin D, which is an inhibitor of gene transcription, did not affect the decrease of AT1-R mRNA by NO. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) analogue, 8 bromo-cGMP, did not affect AT1-R mRNA level. Deletion mutants of the promoter region of rat AT1a-R gene were fused to luciferase reporter gene and introduced to VSMC. Transfected cells were stimulated with SNAP, and luciferase activity was measured. Inhibitory effect of NO was still observed in the shortest deletion mutant that contained 61 bp upstream from transcription start site. In this DNA segment, two DNA binding protein were observed by gel mobility shift assay, and one of these binding proteins was decreased on stimulation by NO. NO downregulates AT1-R gene expression independently of cGMP. A DNA binding protein that binds to the proximal promoter region of AT1-R gene may be responsible for this inhibitory effect. The inhibition of AT1-R gene expression may be implicated in the anti-atherogenic property of NO.

Role of potassium channels in the nitrergic nerve stimulation‐induced vasodilatation in the guinea‐pig isolated basilar artery

1. We studied the effects of various K+ channel blockers on the vasodilator responses of guinea-pig isolated basilar arteries to nitrergic nerve stimulation, the nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and the membrane permeable guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) analogue 8-bromo-cyclic GMP (8-Br-cyclic GMP). 2. In endothelium-denuded preparations which were contracted with prostaglandin F2alpha (1 microM), electrical field stimulation (EFS, 10 Hz for 30 s) produced a vasodilatation which was totally blocked by the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester L-NAME; 100 microM) (n=3) and by the selective NO-sensitive guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; 1 microM) (n=4). The vasodilator response to SNP (100 nM) was not reduced by L-NAME but was abolished by ODQ (1 microM) (n=4). 3. EFS-elicited vasodilatation was partly but significantly reduced by the non-selective K+ channel blockers tetraethylammonium (TEA, 1 and 3 mM) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 3 mM), and by the large-conductance calcium-activated K+ channel (K(Ca) channel) blockers charybdotoxin (ChTX, 150 nM) and iberiotoxin (IbTX, 30 and 100 nM). In contrast, the ATP-sensitive K+ channel (K(ATP) channel) blocker glibenclamide (1-10 microM) and the small-conductance K(Ca) channel blocker apamin (100-500 nM) did not affect EFS-induced vasodilatation. 4. The vasodilator response elicited by SNP (10-100 nM) was significantly reduced by TEA (3 mM) and ChTX (150 nM) but not by apamin (500 nM) or glibenclamide (1 microM). The vasodilatation elicited by 8-Br-cyclic GMP (100 microM) was also reduced by TEA (3 mM) and ChTX (150 nM). 5. The results indicate that the vasodilatations induced by nitrergic nerve stimulation and the NO donor SNP in endothelium-denuded guinea-pig basilar artery depend on the formation of intracellular cyclic GMP. The increased cyclic GMP level activates large-conductance K(Ca) channels which partly mediate the vasodilator response. Neither K(ATP) channels nor apamin-sensitive small-conductance K(Ca) channels are involved in nitrergic transmitter-mediated vasodilatation.

Calcium-dependent DNA damage and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-independent glycogen phosphorylase activation in an in vitro model of acetaminophen-induced liver injury.

Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol [APAP]) hepatotoxicity is a process characterized by Ca2+ deregulation. Cellular functions utilizing Ca2+ as a second messenger molecule affect both cytosolic and nuclear signal transduction. Many studies have independently shown Ca2+-related effects on target molecules in response to toxic doses of APAP; however, the primary Ca2+ target resulting in liver necrosis has not been determined. We hypothesize that Ca2+-dependent DNA damage is a critical event in liver necrosis caused by alkylating hepatotoxins. In this study, Ca2+-dependent endonuclease activity was determined from DNA single-strand lesions measured by fluorometric analysis of DNA unwinding. The status of cytosolic Ca2+ was determined by measuring Ca2+-dependent activation of glycogen phosphorylase a. Primary cultures of mouse hepatocytes exposed to a toxic concentration of APAP showed twofold and greater increases in glycogen phosphorylase a stimulation at 6 hours, which was reversible with Ca2+-chelating agents. Cell death was preceded by a large decline in intact, double-stranded DNA. Following toxic administration of APAP, the percentage of total double-stranded DNA was significantly reduced by 2 hours. At 6 and 24 hours, genomic integrity was compromised by 26% and 37%, respectively, compared with untreated controls. Hepatotoxic effects of APAP-mediated Ca2+ deregulation were confirmed in both primary mouse hepatocytes and the human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cell line by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and tetrazolium reduction using the 3-4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide thiazol blue(MTT) assay. The Ca2+ chelator, ethylene glycol-bis (beta-aminoethyl ether) N',N',N', N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), blocked APAP-induced phosphorylase a activation and necrotic cell death, but failed to inhibit phosphorylase a activation by the adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) analogue, dibutyryl cAMP, indicating little or no contribution of the cAMP pathway to phosphorylase a stimulation during APAP-induced necrotic death. Results with these in vitro models of liver injury are interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that increased Ca2+ availability plays a major role in the progression of APAP-dependent cellular necrosis, and that the nucleus is a critical target for APAP hepatotoxicity.

Obligatory role of NO in glutamate-dependent hyperemia evoked from cerebellar parallel fibers

Electrical stimulation of cerebellar parallel fibers (PF) increases cerebellar blood flow (BFcrb), a response that is attenuated by glutamate receptor antagonists and NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors. We investigated whether administration of NO donors could counteract attenuation by NOS inhibitors of vasodilation produced by PF stimulation. In halothane-anesthetized rats the cerebellar cortex was exposed and superfused with Ringer solution. PF were stimulated with microelectrodes (100 microA, 30 Hz), and BFcrb was recorded by a laser-Doppler probe. During Ringer superfusion, PF stimulation increased BFcrb by 56 +/- 7% and hypercapnia by 72 +/- 5% (n = 5). Superfusion with the nonselective NOS inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, 1 mM) reduced resting BFcrb and attenuated the response to PF stimulation (-47 +/- 5%) and hypercapnia (-46 +/- 7%; PCO2 = 50-60 mmHg). After L-NNA, superfusion with the NO donors 3-morpholinosydnonimine (100 microM, n = 5) or S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (5 microM, n = 5) reestablished resting BFcrb (P > 0.05 vs. before L-NNA) and reversed L-NNA-induced attenuation of the response to hypercapnia (P > 0.05 vs. before L-NNA) but not PF stimulation (P > 0.05 vs. after L-NNA). Similar results were obtained when NOS activity was inhibited with the inhibitor of neuronal NOS 7-nitroindazole (50 mg/kg i.p.). Like NO donors, the guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate analog 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (n = 5), administered after L-NNA, restored resting BFcrb and counteracted inhibition of the response to hypercapnia but not PF stimulation. In contrast to NO donors and 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, the NO-independent vasodilator papaverine (100 microM, n = 5) had no effect on attenuation of responses to PF stimulation or hypercapnia. Thus NO donors are unable to reverse the effect of NOS inhibition on vasodilation produced by PF stimulation. The data support the hypothesis that the vascular response to PF stimulation, at variance with hypercapnia, requires NOS activation and NO production. Thus NO plays an obligatory role in vasodilation produced by increased functional activity in cerebellar cortex.

Role of PACAP in the relationship between cAMP and opioids in hypoxia-induced pial artery vasodilation.

The opioids methionine enkephalin and leucine enkephalin contribute to hypoxic pial artery dilation in the newborn pig, and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) analogs have been shown to elevate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opioid concentration. The present study was designed to investigate the contribution of cAMP to hypoxic dilation and to determine whether an endogenous activator of adenylate cyclase, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP), could modulate the cAMP-induced release of opioids to contribute to hypoxic pial dilation in piglets equipped with closed cranial windows. An alpha level of P < 0.05 was considered significant in all statistical tests. Moderate and severe hypoxia (PO2 approximately 35 and 25 mmHg, respectively) induced pial artery dilation that was attenuated by the Rp diastereomer of 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphothioate (Rp-8-BrcAMPS), a cAMP antagonist (24 +/- 1 and 36 +/- 2% vs. 21 +/- 1 and 30 +/- 1% for moderate hypoxia and 34 +/- 1 and 46 +/- 2% vs. 24 +/- 1 and 32 +/- 1% for severe hypoxia before and after Rp-8-BrcAMPS, respectively). These responses were associated with an increased CSF cAMP (1,046 +/- 25, 1,366 +/- 28, and 1,735 +/- 47 fmol/ml for control, moderate, and severe hypoxia, respectively). Hypoxic pial dilation was also accompanied by an increase in CSF methionine enkephalin (1,101 +/- 62, 3,283 +/- 119, and 3,835 +/- 129 pg/ml for control, moderate, and severe hypoxia, respectively). Hypoxic dilation additionally increased CSF PACAP (1,727 +/- 86, 2,268 +/- 157, and 7,980 +/- 238 pg/ml for control, moderate, and severe hypoxia, respectively). PACAP (10(-8) and 10(-6) M) elicited pial dilation that was associated with increased CSF cAMP and blunted by Rp-8-BrcAMPS. PACAP-induced dilation was also accompanied by increases in the opioid methionine enkephalin (1,059 +/- 23, 1,483 +/- 34, and 2,108 +/- 77 pg/ml for control and 10(-8) and 10(-6) M PACAP, respectively). These data show that cAMP contributes to hypoxic pial artery dilation. Hypoxia increases CSF PACAP, whereas PACAP elevates CSF opioid concentration. These data, therefore, suggest that PACAP modulates cAMP-induced opioid release, thereby contributing to hypoxic pial dilation.

Opioid peptide receptor stimulation reverses beta-adrenergic effects in rat heart cells.

Opioid peptide receptor (OPR) agonists are co-released with the beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) agonist norepinephrine (NE) from nerve terminals in the heart during sympathetic stimulation. Whereas recent studies indicate that OPR and beta-AR coexist on the surface of cardiac myocytes, whether significant "cross talk" occurs between OPR and beta-AR signaling cascades within heart cells is unknown. In the present study we demonstrate a marked effect of delta-OPR stimulation to modulate beta-adrenergic responses in single isolated rat ventricular myocytes. Nanomolar concentrations (10(-8) M) of the OPR agonist leucine enkephalin (LE), a naturally occurring delta-opioid peptide, inhibited NE-induced increases in sarcolemmal L-type Ca2+ current, cytosolic Ca2+ transient, and contraction. The antiadrenergic effect of LE was pertussis toxin sensitive and abolished by naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist. In contrast, LE was unable to inhibit the positive inotropic effects induced by equipotent concentrations of 8-(4 chlorophenylthio)-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, a cell-permeant adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate analog, or by the non-receptor-induced increase in contraction by elevated bathing Ca2+ concentration. These results indicate that an interaction of the OPR and beta-AR systems occurs proximal to activation of the adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-dependent protein kinase of the beta-AR intracellular signaling pathway. This modulation of beta-adrenergic effects by OPR activation at the myocyte level may have important implications in the regulation of cardiac Ca2+ metabolism and contractility, particularly during the myocardial response to stress.

Isoflurane and halothane attenuate endothelium-dependent vasodilation in rat coronary microvessels.

Volatile anesthetics attenuate endothelium-dependent vasodilation but the mechanism of attenuation remains controversial. The present study examines the mechanism of isoflurane- and halothane-mediated attenuation of endothelium-dependent vasodilation in Wistar rat coronary microvessels of about 100 microns internal diameter. The vessels were studied in vitro in a pressurized (40 mm Hg), no-flow state using video microscopy. After preconstriction of the vessels with the thromboxane analog U46619 1 microM, concentration response curves to acetylcholine (ACh), the calcium ionophore A23187, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), or the stable cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) analog 8-bromo-cGMP (Br-cGMP) were obtained in the presence of 0% (control), 1% or 2% isoflurane, or 1% or 2% halothane. Isoflurane 1% and 2% significantly attenuated vasodilation to ACh and A23187. Isoflurane 2%, but not 1%, attenuated vasodilation to SNP. Vasodilation to Br-cGMP was not affected by isoflurane. Halothane attenuated vasodilation to ACh, but had no effect on vasodilation to A23187, SNP, or Br-cGMP. We conclude that isoflurane attenuates endothelium-dependent vasodilation by impairing at least two distinct steps in the nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP pathway, the first being between endothelial increase of calcium and smooth muscle guanylate cyclase and the second being inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase activity. These two steps appear to have different sensitivities to the effect of isoflurane. Halothane has an effect at the endothelial receptor level, but not any distal steps in the NO-cGMP pathway.

Isoflurane and Halothane Attenuate Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation in Rat Coronary Microvessels

Volatile anesthetics attenuate endothelium-dependent vasodilation but the mechanism of attenuation remains controversial. The present study examines the mechanism of isoflurane- and halothane-mediated attenuation of endothelium-dependent vasodilation in Wistar rat coronary microvessels of about 100 micro m internal diameter. The vessels were studied in vitro in a pressurized (40 mm Hg), no-flow state using video microscopy. After preconstriction of the vessels with the thromboxane analog U46619 1 micro M, concentration response curves to acetylcholine (ACh), the calcium ionophore A23187, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), or the stable cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) analog 8-bromo-cGMP (Br-cGMP) were obtained in the presence of 0% (control), 1% or 2% isoflurane, or 1% or 2% halothane. Isoflurane 1% and 2% significantly attenuated vasodilation to ACh and A23187. Isoflurane 2%, but not 1%, attenuated vasodilation to SNP. Vasodilation to Br-cGMP was not affected by isoflurane. Halothane attenuated vasodilation to ACh, but had no effect on vasodilation to A23187, SNP, or Br-cGMP. We conclude that isoflurane attenuates endothelium-dependent vasodilation by impairing at least two distinct steps in the nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP pathway, the first being between endothelial increase of calcium and smooth muscle guanylate cyclase and the second being inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase activity. These two steps appear to have different sensitivities to the effect of isoflurane. Halothane has an effect at the endothelial receptor level, but not any distal steps in the NO-cGMP pathway. (Anesth Analg 1997;84:278-84)