High Concentrations Of Noradrenaline Research Articles

Upregulations of α1 adrenergic receptors and noradrenaline synthases in the medial prefrontal cortex are associated with emotional and cognitive dysregulation induced by post-weaning social isolation in male rats

Early-life social isolation induces emotional and cognitive dysregulation, such as increased aggression and anxiety, and decreases neuron excitability in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). The noradrenergic system in the mPFC regulates emotion and cognitive function via α1 or α2A adrenergic receptors, depending on noradrenaline levels. However, social isolation-induced changes in the mPFC noradrenergic system have not been reported. Here, male Wistar rats received post-weaning social isolation for nine consecutive weeks and were administered behavioral tests (novel object recognition, elevated plus maze, aggression, and forced swimming, sequentially). Protein expression levels in the mPFC noradrenergic system (α1 and α2A adrenergic receptors, tyrosine hydroxylase, and dopamine-β-hydroxylase used as indices of noradrenaline synthesis and release) were examined through western blotting. Social isolation caused cognitive dysfunction, anxiety-like behavior, and aggression, but not behavioral despair. Socially-isolated rats exhibited increased protein levels of the α1 adrenergic receptor, tyrosine hydroxylase, and dopamine-β-hydroxylase in the mPFC; there was no significant difference between the groups in the α2A adrenergic receptor expression levels. Preferential activation of the α1 adrenergic receptor caused by high noradrenaline concentration in the mPFC may be involved in social isolation-induced emotional and cognitive regulation impairments. Targeting the α1 adrenergic receptor signaling pathway is a potential therapeutic strategy for psychiatric disorders with symptomatic features such as emotional and cognitive dysregulation.

PS-B02-5: NICORANDIL SUPPRESSES ISCHEMIA-INDUCED CARDIAC NOREPINEPHRINE ENHANCEMENT AND VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIAS IN PRESSURE OVERLOAD-INDUCED HYPERTROPHIC HEARTS.

Objective: Ventricular arrhythmias are a common cause of sudden death in acute myocardial infarction (MI) and hypertension is a major risk factor of MI. Nicorandil, an ATP sensitive potassium channel (KATP) opener, is usually used in the treatment of acute MI. KATP expresses in nerve terminals as well as cardiomyocytes and KATP in nerve terminals regulates norepinephrine release. The effects of nicorandil on ischemic myocyte are fully defined. On the other hand, the roles of nicorandil on ischemic norepinephrine release in hypertrophic cardiac tissue has remained unexplored. We examined whether nicorandil suppressed interstitial norepinephrine level and ventricular arrhythmia during acute ischemia in chronic pressure overload-induced hypertrophic hearts. Design and Methods: Rats were divided into two groups: abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) group and sham-operated (Sham) group. Four weeks after constriction, cardiac geometry and function were examined using echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements, and cardiac tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius Red for histological examinations. In other rats, 4 weeks after constriction myocardial ischemia was induced by the left anterior descending artery occlusion for 100 minutes in the presence or absence of intravenous infusion of nicorandil. Cardiac interstitial norepinephrine concentration in ischemic region was measured using the microdialysis method. Ventricular arrhythmias were monitered by ECG during whole ischemic period. Results: Four weeks after constriction, remarkable left ventricular wall thickening and diastolic dysfunction were observed in AAC group. In histological examination, remarkable myocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis were observed in AAC group. Before ischemia, ventricular arrhythmia was not found in both groups. Number of ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, was increased in early ischemic period (−20 min) in both groups, and was grater in AAC group. Before ischemia, interstitial norepinephrine concentration in cardiac tissue was higher level in AAC group than in Sham group, and ischemia increased norepinephrine concentration in both groups. Nicorandil administration in ischemic period significantly suppressed the number of ventricular arrhythmias and abolished the ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation without hemodynamic alterations in hypertrophic hearts. Nicorandil also attenuated epinephrine enhancement in acute ischemic period in hypertrophic hearts. Conclusion: Ischemia-induced ventricular arrhythmias were more frequent and severe in hypertrophic hearts and associated with high interstitial norepinephrine concentration. Nicorandil suppressed ischemia-induced interstitial norepinephrine release by neuronal KATP opening, which attenuated ventricular arrhythmias in pressure overload-induced hypertrophic hearts.

Effects of the Rho Kinase Inhibitor Fasudil on Adrenergic Contractions of Rat Aorta and Mouse Spleen

G‐protein coupled receptors such as α1‐adrenergic receptors (AR) are linked via the G‐protein Gq/G11 to both Ca2+ entry and release of Ca2+ from stores, but can also activate the small GTP binding protein RhoA and Rho kinase to produce contractions involving Ca2+ sensitization. In rat portal vein, tonic but not phasic components of contractions to the α1‐AR agonist phenylephrine involve predominantly the α1B‐AR subtype, and are at least partly mediated by mechanisms involving Rho kinase sensitive to fasudil (Alsufyani & Docherty, 2021). In this study we examined the involvement of Rho Kinase in contractions involving α1‐AR in two further tissues to investigate the predominant α1‐AR subtype involved. We have examined the Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil in rat aorta and mouse spleen, tissues containing multiple α1‐AR subtypes. Male Wistar rats (250‐300g) and C57 mice were killed by CO2 overdose and cervical dislocation, and rat aortic rings and mouse spleens were mounted in organ baths under 0.5 g tension, and bathed with Krebs‐Henseleit solution at 37oC. Tissues were contracted with cumulative additions of norepinephrine (NE) in 0.5 log unit increments, over the concentration range 10‐8‐10‐3M. Both α2‐ and α1‐ARs mediate contractions of mouse spleen and the major α1‐AR involved is the α1B‐adrenoceptor, and this receptor interacts with an α1D‐AR at low, and an α1A‐AR at high, NE concentrations (Alsufyani et al., 2021). In mouse spleen, fasudil (3 μM) reduced contractions to both low and high concentrations of NE. In rat aorta, contractions to NE are reported to be mediated by two subtypes of α1‐AR: α1B‐ and α1D‐ARs, with responses to low but not high concentrations of NE being sensitive to the antagonist BMY7378. Responses to high concentrations of NE in rat aorta are sensitive to the non‐selective α1‐AR antagonist prazosin and the putative α1B‐AR antagonist cyclazosin. Fasudil (3 and 10 μM) significantly reduced contractions to both low and high concentrations of NE in rat aorta in a dose dependent manner in terms of maximum response. It is concluded that α1‐AR mediated contractions to NE in both rat aorta and mouse spleen are sensitive to non‐competitive block by the Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil in concentrations of 3‐10 μM. Although multiple subtypes of α1‐adrenoceptor are involved in contractions of both rat aorta and mouse spleen, the evidence suggests that, as previously reported in rat portal vein, α1B‐adrenoceptors are most likely linked to the Rho kinase pathwayAlsufyani HA & Docherty, J.R. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2021 Jun;99(6):654‐659. Alsufyani HA, et al. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2021 Dec;129(6):416‐426.

PD11-07 MIRABEGRON INHIBITS NEUROGENIC AND α 1 -ADRENERGIC HUMAN PROSTATE SMOOTH MUSCLE CONTRACTIONS, WITH SIMILAR PHARMACOLOGIC PATTERNS AS α 1 -BLOCKERS

You have accessJournal of UrologyBenign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Basic Research & Pathophysiology (PD11)1 Sep 2021PD11-07 MIRABEGRON INHIBITS NEUROGENIC AND α1-ADRENERGIC HUMAN PROSTATE SMOOTH MUSCLE CONTRACTIONS, WITH SIMILAR PHARMACOLOGIC PATTERNS AS α1-BLOCKERS Ru Huang, Yuhan Liu, Bingsheng Li, Ruixiao Wang, Alexander Tamalunas, Raphaela Waidelich, Frank Strittmatter, Christian G. Stief, and Martin Hennenberg Ru HuangRu Huang More articles by this author , Yuhan LiuYuhan Liu More articles by this author , Bingsheng LiBingsheng Li More articles by this author , Ruixiao WangRuixiao Wang More articles by this author , Alexander TamalunasAlexander Tamalunas More articles by this author , Raphaela WaidelichRaphaela Waidelich More articles by this author , Frank StrittmatterFrank Strittmatter More articles by this author , Christian G. StiefChristian G. Stief More articles by this author , and Martin HennenbergMartin Hennenberg More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000001986.07AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Mirabegron inhibits detrusor smooth muscle contractions and is available for treatment of overactive bladder. Consequently, its effects on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of bengin prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were subject of recent trials. However, available results are not yet conclusive, and effects of mirabegron on human prostate smooth muscle contraction are hardly characterized. Voiding symptoms suggestive of BPH may be driven by increased prostate smooth muscle tone. Here, we examined effects of mirabegron on contractions of human prostate tissues. METHODS: Human prostate tissues were obtained from radical prostatectomy. Contractions were studied in an organ bath. Comparisons were performed between whole groups (one-way ANOVA), and at single frequencies and agonist concentrations (multivariate analysis). RESULTS: Electric field stimulation (EFS) induced neurogenic, frequence-dependent contractions, while agonists induced concentration-dependent contractions. Mirabegron (10 µM) inhibited EFS-induced contractions (p <0.001 for controls vs. mirabegron between whole groups), which was observed at different frequencies and reflected by reduced Emax values calculated by curve fitting (contractions in controls 84±11% of KCl-induced contractions, but 14±2% after mirabegron, p <0.01). Miragebron increased the EC50 values for noradrenaline (controls 0.55±0.32 µM, mirabegron 5.1±2.4 µM, p <0.004), resulting in rightshifts of concentration response curves for noradrenaline-induced contractions (p <0.001) and in reduced contractions up to 10 µM noradrenaline, but in recovery at higher noradrenaline concentrations and unchanged Emax values. Similarly, EC50 values for the α1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine were increased by mirabegron (controls 7.4±4.1 µM, mirabegron 29.2±8.9 µM, p=0.05), resulting in rightshifts of concentration response curves for phenylephrine (p <0.001) and in reduced contractions up to 30 µM phenylephrine, but in recovery at higher phenylephrine concentrations and in unchanged Emax values. Mirabegron slightly reduced contractions induced by the thromboxane A2 analog U46619 (p <0.03), without changing EC50 values. Contractions induced by endothelin-1 remained unchanged by mirabegron. CONCLUSIONS: Mirabegron inhibits neurogenic and α1-adrenergic smooth muscle contractions in the human prostate. Surprisingly, the pharmacologic pattern is similar to that of α1-blockers, including rightshifts of α1-adrenergic concentration response curves, reduced Emax values for neurogenic contractions, and lacking or small effects on non-adrenergic contractions. Source of Funding: China Scholarship Council (CSC) © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e200-e200 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Ru Huang More articles by this author Yuhan Liu More articles by this author Bingsheng Li More articles by this author Ruixiao Wang More articles by this author Alexander Tamalunas More articles by this author Raphaela Waidelich More articles by this author Frank Strittmatter More articles by this author Christian G. Stief More articles by this author Martin Hennenberg More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Influence of urokinase gene knockout on tissue levels of biogenic amines in mice with melanoma.

e22109 Background: The plasminogen activation system and biogenic amines are involved in melanoma pathogenesis, but currently, the mutual influence of the components of these systems on each other is unknown. The purpose of the study was to reveal the dynamics of biogenic amines in the brain and intact and tumorous skin (B16/F10 melanoma) in C57BL/6-PlautmI.IBug-ThisPlau6FDhu/GFDhu mice with uPA gene knockout. Methods: The study included male and female C57BL/6-PlautmI.IBug-This Plau6FDhu/GFDhu mice, n = 38; the comparison group included C57BL/6 mice without uPA gene knockout, n = 61. Melanoma was transplanted under the skin of the back. Levels of biogenic amines were measured in tissues taken in week 3 of carcinogenesis by ELISA using standard test systems (Cusabio, China). Results: The total content of biogenic amines was elevated in tissues of intact C57BL/6-PlautmI.IBug-ThisPlau6FDhu/GFDhu mice: in the skin – due to the noradrenaline (NA) rise by 4.8 times in males and by 4.9 times in females, histamine (H) – by 3.6 times in males and 1.6 times (p &lt; 0.05) in females, serotonin (5HT) by 3.4 times in males and 8.3 times in females; in the brain – due to the NA rise by 3.5 times in males and 3.2 times in females, dophamine by 2.1 times in males and 2.9 times in females, while H levels declined. Distinctive features of the melanoma development in C57BL/6-PlautmI.IBug-ThisPlau6FDhu/GFDhu mice included: lower levels of adrenaline with high NA concentrations and an enhanced synthesis and inactivation of 5HTin the brain. The content of catecholamines in the tumor nodes was the same as in C57BL/6 mice, with a high concentration of H recorded in the tumor and skin, together with a high 5HT level in the skin. Conclusions: The uPA gene knockout limits the development of stress at the central regulatory and peripheral effector levels, and modulates the immune antitumor response by increasing serotonergic mediation in the brain and increasing serotonin and histamine levels in the skin of mice with B16/F10 melanoma.

Detection of a High-Turnover Serotonin Circuit in the Mouse Brain Using Mass Spectrometry Imaging.

SummaryMonoamine neurotransmitters are released by specialized neurons regulating behavioral, motor, and cognitive functions. Although the localization of monoaminergic neurons in the brain is well known, the distribution and kinetics of monoamines remain unclear. Here, we generated a murine brain atlas of serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE) levels using mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). We found several nuclei rich in both 5-HT and a catecholamine (DA or NE) and identified the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT), where 5-HT and NE are co-localized. The analysis of 5-HT fluctuations in response to acute tryptophan depletion and infusion of isotope-labeled tryptophan in vivo revealed a close kinetic association between the raphe nuclei, PVT, and amygdala but not the other nuclei. Our findings imply the existence of a highly dynamic 5-HT-mediated raphe to PVT pathway that likely plays a role in the brain monoamine system.

Electric stimulation of ears accelerates body weight loss mediated by high-fat to low-fat diet switch accompanied by increased white adipose tissue browning in C57BL/6\u2009J mice

BackgroundWeight reduction frequently occurs in patients receiving vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy. Therefore, we hypothesized that during dietary intervention for weight loss, auricular electric stimulation (AES), an alternative of VNS, accelerates weight loss by increasing white adipose tissue (WAT) browning and increases energy expenditure.MethodsC57BL/6J male mice were fed a high-fat diet for 5 wk. to induce obesity, then switched to a low-fat diet for 5 wk. and allocated into 3 groups to receive 2 Hz electric stimulation on ears, electrode clamps only, or nothing (AES, Sham and Ctrl, respectively).ResultsSwitching to a low-fat diet reduced body weight progressively in all 3 groups, with the greatest reduction in the AES group. In accordance with a mild decrease in feed intake, hypothalamus mRNA levels of Npy, AgRP tended to be reduced, while Pomc tended to be increased by AES. Mice in the AES group had the highest concentrations of norepinephrine in serum and inguinal WAT, and expression levels of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) and tyrosine hydroxylase in inguinal WAT. Furthermore, their subcutaneous adipocytes had multilocular and UCP-1+ characteristics, along with a smaller cell size.ConclusionAES, by increasing WAT browning, could be used in conjunction with a low-fat diet to augment weight loss in addition to suppressing appetite.

Inflammation and exercise: Inhibition of monocytic intracellular TNF production by acute exercise via β2-adrenergic activation

Regular exercise is shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects, yet the effects of acute exercise on cellular inflammatory responses and its mechanisms remain unclear. We tested the hypothesis that sympathoadrenergic activation during a single bout of exercise has a suppressive effect on monocytic cytokine production mediated by β2 adrenergic receptors (AR). We investigated the effects of 20-min moderate (65–70% VO2 peak) exercise-induced catecholamine production on LPS-stimulated TNF production by monocytes in 47 healthy volunteers and determined AR subtypes involved. We also examined the effects of β-agonist isoproterenol and endogenous β- and α-agonists epinephrine and norepinephrine, and receptor-subtype-specific β- and α-antagonists on TNF production in a series of in vitro investigations. LPS-stimulated TNF production by peripheral blood monocytes was determined intracellularly by flow cytometry, using an intracellular protein transport inhibitor. Percent TNF-producing monocytes and per-cell TNF production with and without LPS was suppressed by exercise with moderate to large effects, which was reversed by a β2-AR antagonist in spite that plasma TNF levels did not change. This inhibitory response in TNF production by exercise was mirrored by β-AR agonists in an agonist-specific and dose-dependent manner in vitro: similar isoproterenol (EC50=2.1–4.7×10−10M) and epinephrine (EC50=4.4–10×10−10M) potency and higher norepinephrine concentrations (EC50=2.6–4.3×10−8M) needed for the effects. Importantly, epinephrine levels observed during acute exercise in vivo significantly inhibited TNF production in vitro. The inhibitory effect of the AR agonists was abolished by β2-, but not by β1- or α-AR blockers. We conclude that the downregulation of monocytic TNF production during acute exercise is mediated by elevated epinephrine levels through β2-ARs. Decreased inflammatory responses during acute exercise may protect against chronic conditions with low-grade inflammation.

The Effects of Oral Quercetin Supplementation on Splanchnic Glucose Metabolism in 1-Week-Old Calves Depend on Diet after Birth1–3

Background: Inadequate colostrum supply results in insufficient intake of macronutrients and bioactive factors, thereby impairing gastrointestinal development and the maturation of glucose metabolism in neonatal calves. The flavonoid quercetin has been shown to have health-promoting properties, including effects in diabetic animals. However, quercetin interacts with intestinal glucose absorption and might therefore exert negative effects in neonates.Objective: We evaluated the interaction between neonatal diet and quercetin feeding on splanchnic glucose metabolism in neonatal calves.Methods: Calves (n = 28) were assigned to 4 groups and fed either colostrum or a milk-based formula on days 1 and 2 and supplemented daily with 148 μmol quercetin aglycone/kg body weight [colostrum with quercetin (CQ+)/formula with quercetin (FQ+)] or without this substance [colostrum without quercetin (CQ−)/formula with quercetin (FQ−)] from days 2–8. From day 3 onward, all calves received milk replacer. A xylose absorption test was performed on day 3, and on day 7, blood samples were collected to study glucose first-pass uptake after [13C6]-glucose feeding and intravenous [6,6-2H2]-glucose bolus injection. Plasma concentrations of metabolites and hormones were measured by taking additional blood samples. A biopsy specimen of the liver was harvested on day 8 to measure the mRNA expression of gluconeogenic enzymes.Results: Higher postprandial plasma concentrations of glucose, lactate, urea, adrenaline, noradrenaline, insulin, and glucagon on day 7 in colostrum-fed calves indicate that metabolic processes were stimulated. Postabsorptive xylose and glucose plasma concentrations each increased by an additional 26%, and splanchnic glucose turnover decreased by 35% in colostrum-fed calves, suggesting improved glucose absorption and lower splanchnic glucose utilization in colostrum-fed calves. Quercetin supplementation resulted in higher noradrenaline concentrations and enhanced peak absorption and oxidation of [13C6]-glucose by 10%. Liver mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase mRNA abundance was reduced by 34% in colostrum-deprived calves.Conclusions: Feeding colostrum during the first 2 d of life is crucial for maturation of splanchnic glucose metabolism in calves. Supplementing quercetin improves gastrointestinal absorption capacity, particularly in colostrum-deprived calves.

Deletion of muscarinic type 1 acetylcholine receptors alters splenic lymphocyte functions and splenic noradrenaline concentration

The existence of interactions between the immune and the sympathetic nervous systems is well established. Noradrenaline can promote or inhibit the immune response, and conversely, the immune response itself can affect noradrenaline concentration in lymphoid organs, such as the spleen. It is also well known that acetylcholine released by pre-ganglionic neurons can modulate noradrenaline release by the postsynaptic neuron. The spleen does not receive cholinergic innervation, but it has been reported that lymphocytes themselves can produce acetylcholine, and express acetylcholine receptors and acetylcholinesterase. We found that the spleen of not overtly immunized mice in which muscarinic type 1 acetylcholine receptors have been knocked out (M1KO) has higher noradrenaline concentrations than that of the wildtype mice, without comparable alterations in the heart, in parallel to a decreased number of IgG-producing B cells. Splenic lymphocytes from M1KO mice displayed increased in vitro-induced cytotoxicity, and this was observed only when CD4+ T cells were present. In contrast, heterozygous acetylcholinesterase (AChE+/−) mice, had no alterations in splenic noradrenaline concentration, but the in vitro proliferation of AChE+/− CD4+ T cells was increased. It is theoretically conceivable that reciprocal effects between neuronally and non-neuronally derived acetylcholine and noradrenaline might contribute to the results reported. Our results emphasize the need to consider the balance between the effects of these mediators for the final immunoregulatory outcome.

Acute exercise improves motor memory: Exploring potential biomarkers

We have recently shown that a single bout of acute cardiovascular exercise improves motor skill learning through an optimization of long-term motor memory. Here we expand this previous finding, to explore potential exercise-related biomarkers and their association with measures of motor memory and skill acquisition. Thirty-two healthy young male subjects were randomly allocated into either an exercise or control group. Following either an intense bout of cycling or rest subjects practiced a visuomotor tracking task. Motor skill acquisition was assessed during practice and retention 1h, 24h and 7days after practice. Plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and lactate were analyzed at baseline, immediately after exercise or rest and during motor practice. The exercise group showed significantly better skill retention 24h and 7days after acquisition. The concentration of all blood compounds increased significantly immediately after exercise and remained significantly elevated for 15min following exercise except for BDNF and VEGF. Higher concentrations of norepinephrine and lactate immediately after exercise were associated with better acquisition. Higher concentrations of BDNF correlated with better retention 1h and 7days after practice. Similarly, higher concentrations of norepinephrine were associated with better retention 7days after practice whereas lactate correlated with better retention 1h as well as 24h and 7days after practice. Thus, improvements in motor skill acquisition and retention induced by acute cardiovascular exercise are associated with increased concentrations of biomarkers involved in memory and learning processes. More mechanistic studies are required to elucidate the specific role of each biomarker in the formation of motor memory.

Stress response of wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) during capture–release health assessment studies

There is a growing concern about the impacts of stress in marine mammals as they face a greater array of threats. The stress response of free-ranging dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) was examined by measuring their physiologic response to capture and handling. Samples were collected from 168 dolphins during capture–release health assessments 2003–2007 at two study sites: Charleston, SC (CHS) and the Indian River Lagoon, FL (IRL). Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, aldosterone (ALD) and catecholamines (epinephrine (EPI), norepinephrine (NOR), dopamine (DA)), were measured in blood and cortisol in urine. Mean time to collect pre-examination samples after netting the animals was 22min; post-examination samples were taken prior to release (mean 1h 37min). EPI and DA concentrations decreased significantly with increased time to blood sampling. ACTH and cortisol levels increased from the initial capture event to the post-examination sample. EPI concentrations increased significantly with increasing time to the pre-examination sample and decreased significantly with time between the pre- and post-examination sample. Cortisol concentrations increased between the pre- and post-examination in CHS dolphins. Age- and sex-adjusted mean pre-examination values of catecholamines were significantly higher in CHS dolphins; ALD was higher in IRL dolphins. Significant differences related to age or sex included higher NOR concentrations in males; higher ALD and urine cortisol levels in juveniles than adults. Wild dolphins exhibited a typical mammalian response to acute stress of capture and restraint. Further studies that relate hormone levels to biological and health endpoints are warranted.

Characterization of anti-inflammatory responses of norepinephrine in hepatitis induced by LPS: Effects on expression of IL-6, TNF-α and iNOS in liver of mice

Under septic conditions, Kupffer cells produce pro-inflammatory mediators which contribute to hepatic dysfunction, and whose levels can be modulated by endogenous factors including neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine (NE). We investigated the ability of NE to suppress Kupffer cell activation, in particular its effects on induction and activity of the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (NOSII), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). In the present study used twenty one male NMRI mice (25 ± 5 g) that they divided into tree groups (n = 7). Negative control (normal saline), positive control (LPS), NE (∼100 nM) is injected through the mouse tail vein 30 minutes before inducts inflammation by LPS (5 mg/kg for intraperitoneal). Changes in the levels of expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and iNOS genes in the liver induced by LPS injection for two hours studied by a semi quantitative RT-PCR method. The results showed that administration of LPS increased hepatic TNF-α, IL-6 and iNOS mRNAs. NE (∼100 nM) reduces TNF-α, IL-6 and iNOS mRNA levels two hours after the injection. The most important have remarked effect norepinephrine in reducing iNOS; on the other hand, NE has a better influence on iNOS in liver tissue. These results indicate that high concentration of NE effectively suppress LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-6 and iNOS expression from liver tissue, suggesting that the down regulatory effect of NE on pro-inflammatory cytokine may represent a mechanism responsible for their beneficial effects in preventing inflammatory responses and tissue damage in sepsis.

181 Elucidating The Role Of β3-receptors In Perivascular Adipose Tissue

IntroductionPerivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) has been shown by various studies to have an anti-contractile effect on the arteries it surrounds. The mechanism by which PVAT exerts its anti-contractile effect is...

The effects of stress hormones on growth of selected periodontitis related bacteria

The focus of this study was to examine in vitro the effects of stress hormones (catecholamines: epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and hydrocortisone: cortisol) on the growth of four anaerobic species of periodontitis-related bacteria (Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Tannerella forsythia) and one facultative anaerobic species (Eikenella corrodens).Bacterial growth was determined by two different methods: fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and the viable count by culture method. To simulate stress, each single strain was grown in a special growth medium with three different concentrations of each hormone, using an anaerobic chamber at 37 °C.Growth of F. nucleatum increased in the presence of all stress hormones. Growth of P. gingivalis was not significantly influenced by any hormone. Growth of P. intermedia and E. corrodens was inhibited by almost all stress hormones tested. Both methods of analysis revealed that the highest concentrations of norepinephrine and cortisol increased the growth of T. forsythia. Different hormones have a different effect on the growth of periodontitis-related bacteria in vitro. It appears that bacterial viability is more strongly influenced than is bacterial metabolic activity. The growth of F. nucleatum particularly and partially of T. forsythia is increased by several stress hormones and may have an additional negative impact on periodontal disease.

A natural immune modulator attenuates stress hormone and catecholamine concentrations in polymicrobial peritonitis

Activated hexose correlated compound (AHCC), derived from shiitake mushrooms, increases resistance to infection in immunocompromised hosts with positive effects on dendritic cells, natural killer cell function and interleukin 12 production. It may also be attenuating the systemic inflammatory response by regulating the secretion of cortisol and norepinephrine (NE). Female Swiss-Weber mice were pretreated with AHCC (Amino Up Chemical Co., Sapporo, Japan) or water by gavage for 10 days before undergoing cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Peritoneal exudate cells and blood samples were harvested at 4 hours and 24 hours following CLP. Plasma and peritoneal concentrations of cortisol and NE were obtained using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Peritoneal bacteria were quantified by colony counts after 4 hours and 24 hours. Significance was denoted by a p < 0.05. Plasma and peritoneal cortisol concentrations were increased 4 hours after CLP compared with normal controls, with no difference between the pretreated groups. Concentrations of cortisol decreased from 4 hours to 24 hours after CLP with AHCC (plasma, p = 0.009; peritoneal, p < 0.001), and peritoneal cortisol at 24 hours was lower with AHCC as compared with water (p = 0.028). There was no change in plasma or peritoneal NE concentrations at 4 hours. At 24 hours, higher concentrations of NE were detected in both plasma and peritoneal fluid, with lower plasma concentrations in those gavaged with AHCC (p = 0.015). There was no significant difference in peritoneal bacteria counts. Enhanced immune function observed with AHCC could be caused by attenuated concentrations of stress hormones and catecholamines.

Diminished Contractile Responses of Isolated Conduit Arteries in Two Rat Models of Hypertension

Hypertension is accompanied by thickening of arteries, resulting in marked changes in their passive and active mechanical properties. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the large conduit arteries from hypertensive individuals may not exhibit enhanced contractions in vitro, as is often claimed. Mechanical responses to vasoconstrictor stimuli were measured under isometric conditions using ring arterial segments isolated from spontaneously hypertensive rats, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-treated Wistar rats, and untreated Wistar rats serving as normotensive control. We found that thoracic aortas from both types of hypertensive rats had a greater sensitivity but diminished maximal developed tension in response to noradrenaline, when compared with that from normotensive rats. In superior mesenteric arteries, the sensitivity to noradrenaline was similar in all examined rat groups but in L-NAME-treated rats, these arteries exhibited decreased active force when stimulated with high noradrenaline concentrations, or with 100 mM KCl. These results indicate that hypertension leads to specific biomechanical alterations in diverse arterial types which are reflected in different modifications in their contractile properties.

Sympathetic nerve fiber repulsion: testing norepinephrine, dopamine, and 17β‐estradiol in a primary murine sympathetic neurite outgrowth assay

Loss of sympathetic nerve fibers (SNFs) occurs in inflamed tissue; and select semaphorins, upregulated during inflammation, stimulate repulsion/loss of SNFs. However, it is unknown whether other factors released locally in inflamed tissue, such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and 17β-estradiol, are also repellent. In order to study the effects of hormones on SNF repulsion, an SNF outgrowth assay was used. The repellent activity of semaphorins 3C was weaker than of semaphorin 3F. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) repelled nerve fibers with moderate to strong effects (from 0-100% repulsion). High concentrations of dopamine and norepinephrine (10(-6) M) induced weak but significant nerve fiber repulsion (up to 20%). Norepinephrine at 10(-8) M was comparable with 10(-6) M at inducing nerve fiber outgrowth. Stimulation with low concentrations of 17β-estradiol (10(-10) M, but not 10(-8) M) repelled SNFs. These results demonstrate that not only specific axon guidance molecules, such as semaphorins 3F and 3C, but also hormonal factors and TNF-α influence SNF repulsion and outgrowth.

Noradrenergic ‘Tone’ Determines Dichotomous Control of Cortical Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity

Norepinephrine (NE) is widely distributed throughout the brain. It modulates intrinsic currents, as well as amplitude and frequency of synaptic transmission affecting the ‘signal-to-noise ratio’ of sensory responses. In the visual cortex, α1- and β-adrenergic receptors (AR) gate opposing effects on long-term plasticity of excitatory transmission. Whether and how NE recruits these plastic mechanisms is not clear. Here, we show that NE modulates glutamatergic inputs with different efficacies for α1- and β-AR. As a consequence, the priming of synapses with different NE concentrations produces dose-dependent competing effects that determine the temporal window of spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP). While a low NE concentration leads to long-term depression (LTD) over broad positive and negative delays, a high NE concentration results in bidirectional STDP restricted to very narrow intervals. These results indicate that the local availability of NE, released during emotional arousal, determines the compound modulatory effect and the output of STDP.

Neurotransmitter modulation and supraspinal fatigue

An important aspect of central fatigue is supraspinal fatigue, or fatigue originating from an insufficient output from the motor cortex. One possible underlying mechanism is that this reaction is evoked...