Electrically-evoked Tritium Overflow Research Articles

Endothelial dysfunction impairs vascular neurotransmission in tail arteries

The present study intends to clarify if endothelium dysfunction impairs vascular sympathetic neurotransmission. Electrically-evoked tritium overflow (100 pulses/5 Hz) was evaluated in arteries (intact and denuded) or exhibiting some degree of endothelium dysfunction (spontaneously hypertensive arteries), pre-incubated with [3H]-noradrenaline in the presence of enzymes (nitric oxide synthase (NOS); nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase; xanthine oxidase; cyclooxygenase; adenosine kinase) inhibitors and a nucleoside transporter inhibitor. Inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase with L-NIO dihydrochloride reduced tritium overflow in intact arteries whereas inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase with Nω-Propyl-L-arginine hydrochloride was devoid of effect showing that only endothelial nitric oxide synthase is involved in vascular sympathetic neuromodulation. Inhibition of enzymes involved in reactive oxygen species or prostaglandins production with apocynin and allopurinol or indomethacin, respectively, failed to alter tritium overflow. A facilitation or reduction of tritium overflow was observed in the presence of 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) or of 5-iodotubericidin, respectively, but only in intact arteries. These effects can be ascribed to a tonic inhibitory effect mediated by A1 receptors. In denuded and hypertensive arteries, 7-(2-phenylethyl)-5-amino-2-(2-furyl)-pyrazolo-[4,3-e]-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-c] pyrimidine (SCH 58261) reduced tritium overflow, suggesting the occurrence of a tonic activation of A2A receptors. When endogenous adenosine bioavailability was increased by the nucleoside transporter inhibitor, S-(4-Nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine, tritium overflow increased in intact, denuded and hypertensive arteries. Among the endothelium-derived substances studied that could alter vascular sympathetic transmission only adenosine/adenosine receptor mediated mechanisms were clearly impaired by endothelium injury/dysfunction.

Noradrenaline release in rodent tissues is inhibited by interleukin-1β but is not affected by urotensin II, MCH, NPW and NPFF

We studied whether noradrenaline release is affected by interleukin-1β and the neuropeptides urotensin II, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), neuropeptide W (NPW) and neuropeptide FF (NPFF). Rodent tissues preincubated with [3H]noradrenaline were superfused, and the effect of peptides on the electrically-evoked tritium overflow (“noradrenaline release”) was studied. In mouse brain cortex, interleukin-1β at 0.3nM and the prostaglandin E2 analogue sulprostone at 3nM inhibited noradrenaline release by about 40%; the effect of interleukin-1β developed gradually, whereas the effect of sulprostone occurred promptly. Urotensin II at 0.001–1µM did not affect noradrenaline release in rat kidney cortex, whereas 0.01µM angiotensin II increased it (positive control). MCH at 0.01–1µM did not alter noradrenaline release in the rat brain cortex, and NPW 1µM did not affect noradrenaline release in the mouse hypothalamus or hippocampus. In each model, 0.1µM sulprostone inhibited noradrenaline release (positive control). NPFF and the NPFF2 receptor agonist dNPA (1µM) did not affect noradrenaline release in the mouse atria; the inhibitory effect of the δ opioid receptor agonist 1µM DPDPE on noradrenaline release in this tissue was not altered by NPFF or dNPA at 0.32µM but was counteracted by the δ opioid antagonist naltrindole at 0.001µM. In conclusion, interleukin-1β inhibits noradrenaline release in the mouse cortex; the effect develops gradually, suggesting that it affects protein biosynthesis. Noradrenergic neurons in various tissues from rodents are devoid of presynaptic receptors for urotensin II, MCH, NPW and NPFF. Finally, an interaction between a δ opioid agonist and NPFF could not be detected.

Mutual interactions of the presynaptic histamine H 3 and prostaglandin EP 3 receptors on the noradrenergic terminals in the mouse brain

We studied whether interactions between the presynaptic histamine H 3 and prostaglandin EP 3 receptors on the noradrenergic neurons of the mouse brain cortex occur. Cerebral cortex slices from the mouse (and, in few experiments, from the rat) were preincubated with [ 3H]noradrenaline and then superfused with a physiological salt solution. Tritium overflow was evoked electrically, either at 0.3 or 3 Hz (2 min) (standard stimulation protocol) or at 100 Hz (eight pulses) (stimulation protocol under which almost no activation of the presynaptic α 2-adrenoceptors by endogenous noradrenaline occurs). In another set of experiments, Ca 2+ ions were introduced into Ca 2+-free K +-rich medium containing tetrodotoxin to evoke tritium overflow. The electrically-evoked tritium overflow (0.3 Hz) was inhibited by histamine or the H 3 receptor agonist imetit, acting via H 3 receptors, and by prostaglandin E 2 or the EP 3 receptor agonist sulprostone, acting via EP 3 receptors. When histamine or imetit was given first (at concentrations causing the maximum effect at H 3 receptors), the effect of prostaglandin E 2 on the evoked tritium overflow was attenuated by 5–10%. When prostaglandin E 2 or sulprostone was given first (at concentrations causing the maximum effect at EP 3 receptors), the effect of histamine or imetit on the evoked overflow was attenuated by almost 50%. The previous administration of prostaglandin E 2 also blunted the effect of histamine on the evoked tritium overflow evoked at 3 Hz; the degree of attenuation was identical when the current strength was 25 mA or was increased to 100 or 200 mA in order to partially compensate for the inhibitory effect of prostaglandin E 2 on the evoked overflow. In addition, prostaglandin E 2 attenuated the effect of histamine when tritium overflow was evoked (i) by 100 Hz, eight pulses or (ii) by Ca 2+ ions or (iii) when rat (instead of mouse) brain cortex slices were used. An interaction of prostaglandin E 2 or sulprostone with the H 3 receptor recognition site could be excluded since both prostanoids did not affect the specific binding of the H 3 agonist radioligand [ 3H]N α -methylhistamine to rat brain cortex membranes. In conclusion, mutual interactions occur between the presynaptic H 3 and EP 3 receptors involved in the inhibition of noradrenaline release in the mouse brain cortex. Pre-activation of the H 3 receptor slightly attenuates the EP 3 receptor-mediated effect whereas pre-activation of the EP 3 receptor more markedly attenuates the H 3 receptor-mediated effect. The interactions may occur between the receptors themselves or at a step behind the receptors (e.g., at the level of G proteins). The physiological significance of these interactions may be to limit the total extent of inhibition of noradrenaline release in a scenario under which both receptors are activated simultaneously.

Modulation of noradrenaline release from the sympathetic nerves of the human saphenous vein and pulmonary artery by presynaptic EP3- and DP-receptors.

1. Spirally cut strips of the human saphenous vein and pulmonary artery were used to determine the pharmacological properties of the presynaptic prostanoid receptors involved in the modulation of sympathetic [3H]-noradrenaline release. Strips preincubated with [3H]-noradenaline were superfused with physiological salt solution containing inhibitors of uptake1 and uptake2 and rauwolscine to eliminate involvement of presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors. Tritium overflow was evoked by transmural electrical stimulation (standard frequency: 2 Hz). 2. In the saphenous vein, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) inhibited the electrically-evoked tritium overflow; at the highest concentration investigated, tritium overflow was inhibited by more than 75% and the pEC50 value was 7.00. These effects were mimicked by prostaglandin E1, the EP1/EP3 receptor agonist, sulprostone and the EP2/EP3 receptor agonist, misoprostol with the rank order (pEC50): sulprostone (8.60) > PGE1 (7.25) > misoprostol (6.96). This rank order of potency suggests that the inhibitory effect of the drugs is mediated by presynaptic EP3-receptors. In contrast, PGF2 alpha did not inhibit evoked tritium overflow; the IP/EP1 receptor agonist iloprost and the stable thromboxane A2 analogue U 46619 (9, 11-dideoxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-epoxy-methanoprostaglandin F2 alpha) produced inhibition only at concentrations above 1 microM. 3. The EP1-receptor antagonist, AH 6809 (6-isopropoxy-9-oxoxanthene-2-carboxylic acid) had no effect on the evoked tritium overflow nor did it modify the inhibitory effect of PGE2, further excluding involvement of inhibitory presynaptic EP1-receptors. 4. PGD2 caused a facilitation of evoked tritium overflow in the saphenous vein; this facilitation is probably mediated by presynaptic DP-receptors, since it was abolished by the selective DP-receptor antagonist, BW A868C (3-benzyl-5-(6-carboxyhexyl)-1-(2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxyethylamino)hydantoin).5. In the pulmonary artery, sulprostone (pECm value 8.35), misoprostol (7.70) and PGE2 (6.80)inhibited electrically-evoked tritium overflow. This rank order of potency is consistent with the involvement of inhibitory presynaptic EP3-receptors.6. These results suggest that the sympathetic nerve fibres of both human saphenous vein and pulmonary artery are endowed with presynaptic inhibitory EP3 receptors. The EP3-receptors do not interact with the alpha 2-autoreceptors. In addition, the human saphenous vein seems to be endowed with presynaptic facilitatory DP-receptors.

Subclassification of release-regulating alpha 2-autoreceptors in human brain cortex.

1. Release-regulating alpha 2-autoreceptors in human brain were characterized pharmacologically in cortical slices from patients undergoing neurosurgery to remove subcortical tumours; the slices were prelabelled with [3H]-noradrenaline ([3H]-NA) and stimulated electrically (3 Hz, 2 ms, 24 mA) under superfusion conditions. 2. The stimulus-evoked tritium overflow was almost totally Ca(2+)-dependent and tetrodotoxin-sensitive. 3. Clonidine and oxymetazoline 0.01 to 1 microM inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the evoked overflow of tritium. The two drugs were equipotent (EC50 = 0.03 microM) and their maximal effect was approx. 45%. Phenylephrine and methoxamine, up to 1 microM, did not affect tritium overflow. 4. Yohimbine (0.01-0.1 microM) shifted the concentration-response curve of clonidine to the right. The calculated pA2 value was 8.29. 5. Prazosin and 2-[2-[4-(o-methoxyphenyl)piperazine-1-yl]ethyl]-4,4- dimethyl-1,3(2H,4H)-isoquinolinedione (AR-C 239), tested at 0.3 microM, did not modify the concentration-response curve of clonidine. 6. The effect of clonidine was antagonized by (+)-mianserin (pA2 = 7.74), but not by up to 0.3 microM of the (-)-enantiomer. The concentration-response curve of clonidine was shifted to the right by the novel alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, 5-chloro-4-(1-butyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-3-yl)-thiazole-2-ami ne (Z)-2-butenedioate (1:1) salt (ORG 20350) (pA2 = 7.55). 7. Yohimbine, (+)-mianserin and ORG 20350, but not prazosin and (-)-mianserin, increased the electrically-evoked tritium overflow, suggesting that autoreceptors may be tonically activated by endogenous NA. 8. Desipramine (1 microM) increased evoked tritium overflow from human cortex slices. The effect of clonidine (0.01- 1 g1M) on the evoked overflow of tritium was reduced in presence of 1 muM desipramine.9. It is proposed that autoregulation of NA release can occur in human cerebral cortex. The process involves activation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors which may be either the alpha2X or the alpha2D subtype.

Inhibition of noradrenaline release in the rat vena cava via prostanoid receptors of the EP3-subtype.

1. In segments of the rat vena cava preincubated with [3H]-noradrenaline and superfused with physiological salt solution (containing desipramine and corticosterone), we studied the effects of prostaglandins of the D, E and F series, of a prostacyclin analogue and a thromboxane-mimetic and of subtype-selective prostaglandin E-receptor (EP-receptor) ligands on the electrically (0.66 Hz)-evoked tritium overflow. 2. The electrically-evoked tritium overflow was inhibited by prostaglandin E2 (maximum inhibition by about 80%; pIC40 7.49). The effect of prostaglandin E2 was not affected by rauwolscine, which, by itself, increased the evoked overflow; the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist was added to the superfusion medium in all subsequent experiments. Indomethacin failed to affect either the evoked tritium overflow or its inhibition by prostaglandin E2. 3. The inhibitory effect of prostaglandin E2 on the electrically-evoked tritium overflow was not altered by the EP1-receptor antagonist. AH 6809 (6-isopropoxy-9-oxoxanthene-2-carboxylic acid) at a concentration at least 30 fold higher than its pA2 value at EP1-receptors. The following compounds mimicked the effect of prostaglandin E2 showing the following rank order of potencies: misoprostol (EP2-/EP3-receptor agonist) congruent to sulprostone (EP1-/EP3-receptor agonist) congruent to prostaglandin E1 = prostaglandin E2 >> iloprost (EP1-/IP-receptor agonist) = prostaglandin F2 alpha. The evoked overflow was not affected by high concentrations of prostaglandin D2 or the thromboxane-mimetic U46619 (9,11-dideoxy-11 alpha, 9 alpha-epoxy-methano-prostaglandin F2 alpha). 4. The present results suggest that the postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibres innervating the rat vena cava are endowed with presynaptic EP3-receptors.They are not tonically activated by endogenously formed products of cyclo-oxygenase and do not interact with the presynaptic M2-adrenoceptors.

Evidence for M1 muscarinic cholinoceptors mediating facilitation of noradrenaline release in guinea-pig carotid artery.

The muscarinic agonists acetylcholine (1-50 mumol/l), carbachol (1-10 mumol/l) and McN-A-343 (1-50 mumol/l, selective for M1 receptors) increased, in a concentration-dependent manner, the electrically-evoked tritium overflow from guinea-pig carotid arteries preincubated with [3H]-noradrenaline. The increase caused by acetylcholine was not modified by hexamethonium (300 mumol/l) but was reduced by the muscarinic receptor antagonists methylatropinium (0.5 and 1 nmol/l, non-selective), pirenzepine (1 and 5 nmol/l, M1-selective), methoctramine (1 and 5 mumol/l, M2-selective) and p-fluoro-hexahydro-sila-difenidol (0.1-1 mumol/l, M3-selective). The order of potencies (expressed as negative logarithms of concentrations that reduced by 50% the facilitatory effect of acetylcholine) was: methyl-atropinium (9.93) > pirenzepine (8.83) > p-fluoro-hexahydro-siladifenidol (6.81) > or = methoctramine (6.20). These results demonstrate the existence of facilitatory M1 receptors modulating noradrenaline release in blood vessels.

Role of adenylate cyclase in modulatory effect of neuropeptide Y on [ 3H]noradrenaline release in guinea-pig vas deferens

1. 1. The effect of neuropeptide Y (NPY) on [ 3H]noradrenaline ([ 3H]NA) release-evoked by 5-Hz electrical stimulation or 5 μm calcium ionophore A 23187 was studied in vitro in guinea-pig vas deferens. 2. 2. The evoked tritium overflow (which reflected [ 3H]NA release) was determined by liquid scintillation spectrometry. 3. 3. NPY, 1 μM, reduced electrically-evoked tritium overflow. NPY reduction was more pronounced upon 20-sec, 3 msec continuous stimulation (73.2 ± 4.4%) and upon 5-min, 1 msec intermittent stimulation (47.8 ± 2.4%) as compared to the reduction upon 5-min, 1 msec continuous stimulation (24.3 ± 3.8%). Forskolin (0.1-1 μM) and theophylline (0.65–1.25 mM)dose-dependently diminished this NPY reducing effect. 4. 4. NPY, 1 μM, reduced A 23187-evoked tritium overflow by 52.3 ± 7.1%. Forskolin (5 μM) and theophylline (1.25 mM) significantly decreased the effect of NPY. 5. 5. It is concluded that in guinea-pig vas deferens NPY reduces [ 3H]NA release through affecting adenylate cyclase and the processes responsible for calcium mobilization.

Involvement of adenylate cyclase and protein kinase C in the ?2-adrenoceptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine release in rat hypothalamic slices

In superfused rat hypothalamic slices prelabelled with [3H]-noradrenaline, the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist UK 14304 inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the electrically-evoked release of tritium. This inhibition was antagonized by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor blocking agent idazoxan, which by itself increased the electrically-evoked tritium overflow. Exposure to forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator, increased the electrically-evoked release of [3H]-noradrenaline. In the presence of forskolin (1 mumol/l), both the inhibitory effect of UK 14304 and the increasing effect of idazoxan on the electrically-evoked release of [3H]-noradrenaline were less pronounced than in the absence of the adenylate cyclase activator. Exposure to forskolin and to the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine shifted to the right the concentration-effect curve for UK 14304 in a similar manner as that observed in the presence of forskolin alone. Exposure to phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (0.01-10 mumol/l), a drug which activates protein kinase C, increased the electrically-evoked release of [3H]-noradrenaline. In the presence of phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (0.1 and 1 mumol/l), the concentration effect curve for UK 14304 on tritium overflow was significantly shifted to the right. The increasing effect of idazoxan on tritium overflow was significantly less pronounced in the presence of 1 mumol/l phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate. In superfused rat hypothalamic slices prelabelled with [3H]-5-hydroxytryptamine, the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist UK 14304 significantly inhibited the electrically-evoked release of tritium. Exposure to forskolin increased in a concentration-dependent manner [3H]-5-hydroxytryptamine overflow, but did not modify the UK 14304-mediated inhibition. Exposure to 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine enhanced the electrically-evoked release of [3H]-5-hydroxytryptamine. In the presence of both forskolin (1 mumol/l) and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (1 mmol/l), the concentration-response curve for UK 14304 was significantly shifted to the right. Exposure to phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (0.01-10 mumol/l) enhanced in a concentration-dependent manner the electrically-evoked overflow of [3H]-5-hydroxytryptamine. In the presence of phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (0.1 and 1 mumol/l), UK 14304 was significantly less potent to inhibit tritium release than in the absence of the protein kinase C activator. It is concluded that both cyclic AMP and phosphoinositide turnover are involved in the modulation of noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine release by presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors in rat hypothalamic slices. However, these interactions do not represent definitive proof for a cause-effect relationship for the second messengers mediating the alpha 2-adrenoceptor induced inhibition of transmitter release either as autoreceptor or as heteroreceptor.

In vitro effect of the racemic mixture and the (-)enantiomer of N-n-propyl-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-piperidine (3-PPP) on postsynaptic dopamine receptors and on a presynaptic dopamine autoreceptor.

The racemic mixture and the (-)enantiomer of the putative dopamine autoreceptor agonist 3-PPP were investigated in vitro using dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase in homogenates of rat striatum as a model for a postsynaptic D1-receptor type and inhibition of electrically-evoked tritium overflow from rat striatal slices preincubated with [3H]choline and [3H]dopamine as a model for a postsynaptic D2- and a presynaptic dopamine autoreceptor type, respectively. In contrast, to apomorphine, neither the racemic mixture nor the (-)enantiomer exerted any effect, suggesting agonistic properties in all three receptor models. However, both (+/-)3-PPP and (-)3-PPP were weak antagonists at postsynaptic D1- and D2-receptors. The results of the present investigation suggest that the in vivo effects of 3-PPP are either the result of metabolic activation or that this drug activates an other dopamine autoreceptor type, pharmacologically different from that one modulating dopamine release.

Failure of exogenous serotonin to inhibit the release of 3H-serotonin induced by electrical field stimulation in superfused goldfish brain slices

1. 1. Goldfish brain slices preloaded with 3H-serotonin were superfused with a solution of Krebs-Ringer phosphate at 30°C in the presence of 1 μM fluoxetine, a serotonin uptake blocker. 2. 2. The effects of exogenous serotonin, Ca 2+ absence and Ca 2+ chelation on basal and electrically-evoked tritium overflow were investigated. 3. 3. Exogenous 1 or 10 μM serotonin did not alter the stimulated tritium overflow, but this was reduced to 44% and to 31% of the control value when the superfusion was performed in Ca 2+-free and in Ca 2+-free-EGTA conditions. 4. 4. Neither Ca 2+ absence, Ca 2+ chelation or 1 μM exogenous serotonin altered basal tritium efflux; however, the latter was significantly increased when the superfusion was performed in the presence of 10 μM serotonin.