Histamine-induced Bronchoconstriction In Guinea Pigs Research Articles

Pharmacological screening of Acalypha indica L.: Possible role in the treatment of asthma

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAcalypha indica Linn (Euphorbiaceae), a popular traditional medicine, is an erect herb found throughout various parts of India. In Ayurveda, Acalypha indica was commonly used in asthma and allergy. However, no attempts were made in past to validate the antiasthmatic potential of Acalypha indica.Aim of the study: The present study was aimed to assess the anti-asthmatic potential of ethanolic extracts of Acalypha indica leaves (EAIL) using various experimental animal models. Materials and methodsEAIL was analyzed using different screening methods such as acetylcholine and histamine-induced contraction of goat tracheal chain, clonidine-induced catalepsy in mice, milk-induced leucocytosis and eosinophilia in mice, clonidine-induced mast cell degranulation in rats, passive paw anaphylaxis in rats, histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs, and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced histopathological alterations in mice. ResultsData received in the present study showed that EAIL drastically antagonized acetylcholine and histamine-induced contraction of goat tracheal chain, suggesting its anticholinergic and antihistaminic activity respectively. The duration of immobility, produced by clonidine, was found to be decreased in mice which showed its H1 receptor blocking activity. In milk-induced leucocytosis and eosinophilia in mice, EAIL significantly reduced the number of leucocytes and eosinophils suggesting its adaptogenic and anti-allergic potential. Inhibition of clonidine-induced mast cell degranulation in rats displayed its mast cell stabilizing potential. Reduction of paw edema in passive paw anaphylaxis exhibited antianaphylactic activity of EAIL. Guinea pigs were protected from histamine-induced bronchoconstriction by EAIL which revealed its bronchodilator potential. Furthermore, the histopathological architecture of lung tissue was near to normal. ConclusionOur results contribute towards validation of the traditional use of Acalypha indica in the treatment of asthma due to the presence of a wide range of phytoconstituents. Hence our investigation revealed that EAIL possessed strong antiasthmatic property by virtue of various mechanisms.

EVALUATION OF ANTI-ASTHMATIC ACTIVITY OF CAPPARIS DECIDUA

Objective: The present study was conducted to determine the anti-asthmatic activity of Capparis decidua.Methods: The acute oral toxicity study was conducted as per OECD guidelines, and the extract was proved to be safe up to the dose of 2000 mg/kg.The anti-asthmatic activity of C. decidua was evaluated using various experimental models such as histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guineapigs and milk-induced leukocytosis in mice, histamine-induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs, studies on pre convulsive time and milk-inducedleukocytosis in mice, studies on blood.Results: Antihistaminic drugs Chlorpheniramine maleate and ethanolic extract of C. decidua significantly protected the guinea pigs against histamineinducedbronchospasm. The ethanolic section of C. decidua has dramatically prolonged the latent period of convulsions compared to control. Ethanolicextract of C. decidua suppresses the milk-induced leukocytosis by stabilizing the oxidative stress in the surrounding tissue.Conclusion: The results obtained in the above study suggest the ethanolic extract of C. decidua possesses significant anti-asthmatic activity.

Cryptolepine, the major alkaloid of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schlechter (Apocynaceae), attenuates early and late-phase symptoms of asthma

Aqueous root extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta has been used traditionally to treat many upper respiratory tract disorders. Besides its well-known broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, we had reasoned that cryptolepine can directly attenuate the symptoms of asthma. Therefore, this study evaluates cryptolepine, the main compound of the aqueous extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, on early and late-phase symptoms of asthma attack. In the early phase study, isolated cryptolepine was evaluated on its ability to reverse histamine-induced bronchoconstriction and reduce histamine release from mast cells and bronchial mucus secretion. In the late phase study, cryptolepine was evaluated on its ability to affect airway inflammation and hypersensitivity as well as its ability to attenuate airway remodeling induced by ovalbumin. In the early asthma phase study, Cryptolepine (10–100 mg/kg) significantly and dose dependently inhibited Histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs. The protection lasted beyond 24 h. It also decreased the volume and optical density of bronchial secretions in mice. Cryptolepine (10–100 µg /mL) stabilized mesentery mast cells in vitro against Compound 48/80 -induced degranulation. In the late phase study, cryptolepine (10–100 mg/kg) prevented ovalbumin-induced airway obstruction and basal membrane smooth muscle hypertrophy. It significantly reduced systemic leukocytosis and inflammatory cell infiltration into airways in antigen-sensitized animals. Using the skin prick test, cryptolepine reduced the hypersensitivity to allergen challenge in antigen-sensitized animals. Cryptolepine's effects in the late phase was similar to dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) used as standard drug. Cryptolepine attenuates both early and late phase symptoms of asthma. It reduces bronchospasms, bronchial secretions, airway remodeling and hypersensitivity. This gives scientific credence to the traditional usage of cryptolepis extracts in upper respiratory tract disorders.

Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and In Silico ADMET Studies of 1,8-Naphthyridine Derivatives as an H1-receptor Inhibitor

In the present study, 1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid derivatives (5a1, 5a2, 5b1, and 5b2) were designed, synthesized, and screened for their in vitro H1-antihistaminic activity. H1R inhibitory activity of the synthesized derivatives was calculated by the modified Van Arman technique, histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs. A good bronchorelaxant effect of compounds was observed in histamine-contracted guinea pig tracheal chain through H1-receptor antagonism. In addition, the hypothetically resulted compounds are checked for their reliability on other in silico drug designing online web services like SwissADME predictor. In silico ADMET analysis results show that all the derivatives had negligible toxicity, good absorption, and solubility profile. These compounds may serve as possible lead for establishing safe and effective antihistaminic agent(s).

Evaluation of the protective and ameliorative properties of Garcinia kola on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs

Background:Garcinia kola is popularly used in African traditional medicine for the relief of acute bronchoconstrictive episodes.Objective:In this study, we examined the anti-asthmatic and morphological effects of the ethanol extract of G. kola in animal model.Materials and Methods:Guinea pigs were sensitized with ovalbumin and then given doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg/day for 21 consecutive days. Theophylline (10 mg/kg/day) was used as a standard. At the end of the exposure, the animals were exposed to 0.2% histamine aerosol in a chamber. Lymphocyte count, bronchial histology and morphometry were done.Results:Compared with non-sensitized controls, 200 mg/kg/day dose of the extract significantly (P < 0.05) increased the time taken for onset of preconvulsive dyspnea while the dose of 400 mg/kg/day significantly (P < 0.01) reduced bronchial wall thickness. Lymphocytes counts were not significantly affected but the bronchi of extract-treated animals were histologically clearer of lesions visible in the sensitized.Conclusion:These protective and ameliorative properties lend credence to the use of G. kola in ethnomedicine.

Preclinical Efficacy and Safety Pharmacology of SUN-1334H, a Potent Orally Active Antihistamine Agent

These studies aimed to outline the in vitro and in vivo histamine H(1) receptor antagonistic activity and safety pharmacology of SUN-1334H, a new potent antihistamine agent under clinical development. In vitro antihistamine activity and selectivity of SUN-1334H was evaluated in a panel of receptor and enzyme assays and functional assays using isolated tissues. In vivo antihistamine and antiallergy efficacy were assessed following oral administration of SUN-1334H in histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs, skin wheal in beagle dogs and ovalbumin-induced rhinitis (sneezing, vascular permeability and intranasal pressure) in guinea pigs. Cardiovascular safety was assessed by CHO-K1/human ether-à-go-go related gene (hERG) K(+) current assay, dog telemetry and guinea-pig ECG. CNS safety was assessed by functional observational battery in rats and pentobarbital-induced sedation and pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions in mice. The effect on intestinal motility was assessed in rats. In vitro receptor binding assays showed that SUN-1334H had high histamine H(1) receptor binding affinity with an inhibition constant value of 9.7 nmol/L and either no or insignificant affinity with a panel of receptors and enzymes. In functional assays, SUN-1334H caused potent inhibition of histamine-induced contractions of isolated guinea-pig ileum with an IC(50) (half the maximal inhibitory concentration) of 0.198 micromol/L. In contrast, SUN-1334H had no significant effect on isolated tissue contractions induced by cholinergic, H(2)-histaminergic, serotonergic, adrenergic receptor agonists or BaCl(2). In studies of animal models of histamine-mediated disorders, SUN-1334H potently inhibited histamine-induced bronchospasm over 24 hours following oral administration and completely suppressed histamine-induced skin wheal in beagle dogs and ovalbumin-induced rhinitis in guinea pigs. In CHO-K1/hERG cells, SUN-1334H did not modulate hERG K(+)-currents at concentrations as high as 100 micromol/L. Cardiovascular and CNS function and intestinal motility were not altered at doses several-fold greater than those required for efficacy, indicating a good safety profile of the drug. SUN-1334H is a potent, orally active, highly selective H(1) receptor antagonist with a long duration of action in its preclinical profile. It has potential for the treatment of disorders involving histamine as a mediator.

Bronchoprotective effects of KF-19514 and cilostazol in guinea pigs in vivo

It has been shown that inhibitors of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase III and IV have a bronchodilator effect. We compared the effects of a selective phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, 6-[4-(1-cyclohexyl-1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)butoxy]-3,4-dihydro-2(1 H)-quinolinone (cilostazol) and a phosphodiesterase I/IV inhibitor, 5-phenyl-3-(3-pyridil) methyl-3 H-imidazo[4,5- c][1,8]naphthyridin-4(5 H)-one (KF-19514) on antigen- and histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs in vivo. Intravenous administration of cilostazol and KF-19514 inhibited histamine- and antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in a dose-dependent manner. When assessing the resulting ED 50 values, the activity of KF-19514 against antigen-induced bronchoconstriction was stronger than its antagonism of histamine-induced bronchoconstriction (0.004 vs. 0.056 mg/kg), while those of cilostazol were contrary (0.835 vs. 0.031 mg/kg). These results suggest that although both inhibitors of phosphodiesterase III and phosphodiesterase IV have a bronchodilator or bronchoprotective effect, phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors such as KF-19514 may be more useful for asthma treatment because KF-19514 had an anti-allergic effect in addition to the functional bronchodilator activity.

Pretreatment with aerosolized capsaicin potentiates histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs.

The aim of the present study was to examine whether endogenous neuropeptides released from sensory nerves can potentiate airway responsiveness to histamine. Total pulmonary resistance (RL) was measured to assess the bronchial responsiveness to increasing doses of histamine (1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10 micrograms/kg) administered intravenously in 29 anesthetized and artificially ventilated guinea pigs. Pretreatment with aerosolized capsaicin (3 micrograms/ml for 15 to 60 s) 30 min before obtaining the dose-response to histamine significantly potentiated percent increase in RL caused by each dose of intravenously administered histamine. Pretreatment with substance P (0.5 ml/kg of 10(-5) M) administered intravenously also potentiated the airway responsiveness to histamine. As assessed by the amount of extravasation of Monastral blue pigments, both capsaicin aerosol and substance P injected intravenously induced increased vascular permeability in the tracheal mucosa. These findings suggest that endogenous neuropeptides, especially tachykinin such as substance P, can induce airway hyperresponsiveness to nonspecific stimuli and play a possible role in producing airway hyperresponsiveness in bronchial asthma.

Possible roles of the peripheral vagal nerve in histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea-pigs

Although the importance of the vagal nerve in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma has been reported, its precise contribution is still not fully understood. To shed more light on this area, we evaluated the possible contribution of vagal reflex in histamine-induced bronchoconstriction (HIB), and decided the site of action of histamine on the vagal nerve. For this purpose, we studied the effects of the bilateral cervical vagotomy, hexamethonium (2 mg.kg-1) or tetrodotoxin (0.5 mg.kg-1) on HIB (8 micrograms.kg-1, iv) in anaesthetized and mechanically-ventilated guinea-pigs. We also studied whether or not atropine (1 mg.kg-1) decreases HIB after vagotomy, including either the treatment of hexamethonium or tetrodotoxin. Airway responses were assessed by measurement of pulmonary resistance. The following results were obtained; 1) the response to histamine was significantly enhanced by the vagotomy, hexamethonium or tetrodotoxin; 2) propranolol increased HIB, and HIB was further enhanced by the vagotomy in the animals treated with propranolol; 3) atropine significantly suppressed HIB after the vagotomy, hexamethonium or tetrodotoxin. These results suggest that the postganglionic vagal nerve plays an excitatory role in HIB through the release of acetylcholine from the nerve terminals. It is also suggested that the vagal reflex mainly exhibits an inhibitory role in the HIB of guinea-pigs, presumably by the action of the nonadrenergic inhibitory nervous system.

Possible roles of the peripheral vagal nerve in histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea-pigs.

Although the importance of the vagal nerve in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma has been reported, its precise contribution is still not fully understood. To shed more light on this area, we evaluated the possible contribution of vagal reflex in histamine-induced bronchoconstriction (HIB), and decided the site of action of histamine on the vagal nerve. For this purpose, we studied the effects of the bilateral cervical vagotomy, hexamethonium (2 mg.kg-1) or tetrodotoxin (0.5 mg.kg-1) on HIB (8 micrograms.kg-1, iv) in anaesthetized and mechanically-ventilated guinea-pigs. We also studied whether or not atropine (1 mg.kg-1) decreases HIB after vagotomy, including either the treatment of hexamethonium or tetrodotoxin. Airway responses were assessed by measurement of pulmonary resistance. The following results were obtained; 1) the response to histamine was significantly enhanced by the vagotomy, hexamethonium or tetrodotoxin; 2) propranolol increased HIB, and HIB was further enhanced by the vagotomy in the animals treated with propranolol; 3) atropine significantly suppressed HIB after the vagotomy, hexamethonium or tetrodotoxin. These results suggest that the postganglionic vagal nerve plays an excitatory role in HIB through the release of acetylcholine from the nerve terminals. It is also suggested that the vagal reflex mainly exhibits an inhibitory role in the HIB of guinea-pigs, presumably by the action of the nonadrenergic inhibitory nervous system.

Influence of tidal volume on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs

The effects of tidal volume amplitude on bronchopulmonary reactivity were investigated in three groups of 14 anesthetized paralyzed mechanically ventilated guinea pigs. Animals of group 1 served as control; in animals of group 2, both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems were blocked; in animals of group 3, only the parasympathetic system was blocked. In each group, the animals were randomly divided into two subgroups characterized by their ventilatory pattern: rate of 60/min with a 6-ml/kg tidal volume or rate of 40/min with a 9-ml/kg tidal volume. Bronchopulmonary reactivity to infused histamine was assessed by the respiratory compliance and conductance values measured during bronchoconstriction and expressed as a percentage of the corresponding basal values. In group 1 the animals ventilated with a 9-ml/kg tidal volume were found significantly less reactive than those ventilated with a 6-ml/kg tidal volume. This difference was abolished in groups 2 and 3. These results demonstrate that the effects of increased tidal volume on bronchopulmonary reactivity are vagally mediated and suggest that the decrease observed in histamine-induced bronchoconstriction is mainly due to reflex effects evoked by stretch receptor stimulation.

Contribution of the vagal nerve on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea-pigs

Recently, it has been suggested that the peripheral vagal nerve might participate in the bronchoconstriction locally in addition to the concept of "vagal reflex". We investigated the contribution of the vagal nerve on the modulation of airway responses to histamine (8 micrograms/kg, iv) in anesthetized and mechanically ventilated guinea-pigs. Airway responses were assessed by measurement of pulmonary resistance (RL). To determine whether the vagal nerve mediates excitatory effects by "vagal reflex" in guinea-pigs, we investigated the effects of vagotomy or hexamethonium (2 mg/kg, iv). Increase in RL induced by histamine was significantly enhanced after the vagotomy or the treatment of hexamethonium. Histamine-induced bronchoconstriction was also enhanced by the vagotomy in the animals after the administration of propranolol (1 mg/kg, iv). To determine whether the peripheral vagal nerve may play any role in the vagotomized animals, we investigated the effect of atropine (1 mg/kg, iv). Atropine reduced histamine-induced bronchoconstriction significantly in the vagotomized guinea-pigs or in the animals treated with hexamethonium. We conclude that the vagal nerve mainly exerts on inhibitory role through the central nervous system, and that the peripheral vagal nerve distal to ganglion plays an excitatory effects by releasing acetylcholine from the terminals in histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea-pigs.

Influence of body temperature on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs

The effects of body temperature on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction were investigated in anesthetized, paralyzed, and mechanically ventilated guinea pigs. Four groups of guinea pigs were studied with constant body temperatures of 40, 38, 35, and 32 degrees C, respectively. Histamine was infused for 5 min at a rate of 50 ng.kg-1.s-1. Body cooling from 40 to 32 degrees C augmented the bronchomotor responses to histamine, which eventually rose almost fourfold. The enhancement of histamine-induced bronchoconstriction induced by body cooling was not suppressed by pretreating guinea pigs with 5 mg/kg hexamethonium or 5 mg/kg hexamethonium plus 3 mg/kg atropine; neither was the enhancement of histamine-induced bronchoconstriction suppressed in pithed guinea pigs, demonstrating that the autonomic nervous system is not involved in potentiating bronchoconstriction at low body temperatures. These results suggest that, at low body temperatures, increased airway responsiveness to histamine may be because of some direct effect of temperature on bronchial airway smooth muscle.

Effects of rilmenidine on bronchomotor responses in the guinea pig

This study compares the effects of 2 α 2-adrenergic agonists, rilmenidine (S 3341) and clonidine, on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction (HIB) in guinea pigs. Clonidine has previously been shown to potentiate HIB in guinea pigs. The study was conducted in anesthetized, paralyzed and ventilated guinea pigs. Six groups of at least 6 guinea pigs were pretreated with saline, rilmenidine (0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/kg intravenously) or clonidine (0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg intravenously), respectively. Conductance, dynamic compliance and static compliance of the respiratory system were measured before and during histamine infusion (80 ng/kg/s) and expressed as percent variation. Clonidine potentiated HIB as previously reported. In contrast, rilmenidine potentiated HIB only at the dose of 1 mg/kg. As it is well known that HIB is influenced by adrenergic outflow, these results suggest that rilmenidine has less inhibitory effect than clonidine on adrenal secretion.

Leukotriene D4 potentiates histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea-pigs.

Histamine concentration-response curves performed on isolated airways smooth muscle preparations were unaffected by threshold constrictor concentrations of LTD4 (194 +/- 34 pM for parenchymal strips and 1940 +/- 480 pM for isolated trachea, respectively). In contrast, LTD4, when administered between 2 and 60 s beforehand, potentiated bronchoconstrictor responses to histamine in anaesthetized, artificially ventilated guinea-pigs. Doses of LTD4, which did not produce direct effects on airways resistance, potentiated histamine-induced bronchoconstriction to a lesser degree than those having small direct effects. This potentiation was prevented by bilateral vagotomy. In addition, the antagonists atropine (100 micrograms/kg), FPL55712 (5 mg/kg) and indomethacin (1 mg/kg) effectively prevented the interaction. It is suggested that the interaction between LTD4 and histamine involves a specific leukotriene receptor, possibly linked to the generation of a cyclo-oxygenase metabolite and requires intact cholinergic innervation of airways smooth muscle. Furthermore, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that LTD4 may be a mediator of bronchial hyperreactivity.

Effect of the antitussive glaucine on bronchomotor tone in man.

In view of the observation that the antitussive agent glaucine prevents histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs we investigated this agent for a possible peripheral action in man, using a new method for measuring changes in bronchomotor tone. The forced airflow oscillation method was used to determine respiratory resistance (Rrs) over a range of lung volumes (VL) in seven healthy supine subjects. Computer analysis of the hyperbolic relationship between Rrs and VL was used to determine the asymptotic resistance and yield estimates of lower airways conductance (Glaw). Specific lower airways conductance (sGlaw) was expressed as the slope of the linear plot of Glaw against VL and is a sensitive index of bronchomotor tone. After baseline measurements of sGlaw subjects received placebo or 60 mg glaucine orally according to a double-blind crossover protocol. Histamine, 500 micrograms, was inhaled 45 minutes later. Measurements of sGlaw were repeated every 10 minutes for two hours. Although there was a trend towards bronchodilatation after glaucine administration (sGlaw = 130% of baseline) there was no significant difference from the effect of placebo (sGlaw = 89% of baseline). After inhalation of histamine sGlaw fell to 26% of baseline after both glaucine and placebo (p less than 0.01). In a further study three subjects received glaucine and placebo according to an identical protocol except that the histamine was omitted. Again the increase in sGlaw failed to achieve significance. Glaucine does not affect the bronchoconstrictor response to histamine in man and there is no convincing evidence of an effect on resting bronchomotor tone.