Krebs-Ringer Bicarbonate Solution Research Articles

Heterogeneity in endothelium-derived nitric oxide-mediated relaxation of different sized pulmonary arteries of newborn lambs.

Endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO) plays a pivotal role in regulating pulmonary circulation. To determine whether there is a heterogeneity in EDNO-mediated responses of different sized pulmonary vessels, we studied small and large isolated pulmonary arteries of newborn lambs (diameter, 0.4-0.7 and 1.5-2.5 mm, respectively). The isometric tension of vessel rings were recorded while suspended in organ chambers filled with modified Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution (95% O2-5% CO2, 37 degrees C). In vessels preconstricted with norepinephrine, acetylcholine and bradykinin induced a greater relaxation of small pulmonary arteries than of large pulmonary arteries. Acetylcholine, bradykinin, and nitric oxide also induced a greater increase in cGMP content in small arteries than in large ones. The responses to acetylcholine and bradykinin were endothelium-dependent and inhibited by nitro-L-arginine, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. In vessels without endothelium, the response to nitric oxide was inhibited by 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase. The activity of soluble guanylyl cyclase of small arteries was greater than that of large arteries under basal conditions and after stimulation with S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, a nitric oxide donor. These results demonstrate that heterogeneity exists in EDNO-mediated relaxation of small and large pulmonary arteries in newborn lambs. A difference in the soluble guanylate cyclase activity of vascular smooth muscle may have contributed to this phenomenon.

Retinal arterial tone is controlled by a retinal-derived relaxing factor.

The present study provides evidence that retinal tissue may profoundly influence the retinal arterial smooth muscle cell tone by releasing an unknown retinal relaxing factor. Isolated bovine retinal arteries with and without adhering retinal tissue were mounted in a wire myograph for isometric tension recordings. The maximal contraction induced by prostaglandin F2alpha was 0.95+/-0.7 mN (n=6) in the presence and 5.15+/-0.76 mN (n=6) in the absence of adhering retinal tissue. The contractions induced by U-46619, serotonin, and endothelin-1 were similarly blocked in the presence of retinal tissue. The K+ 120 mmol/L-induced contraction was not significantly affected (2.8+/-0.7 mN, n=6, in the presence and 3. 6+/-0.7 mN, n=6, in the absence of retinal tissue). Placing a piece of bovine retinal tissue in the proximity of a contracted (ie, with prostaglandin F2alpha) retinal artery induced a complete relaxation of the retinal vessel, suggesting the involvement of a diffusible chemical vasorelaxant. Also porcine, canine, and ovine retinal tissue completely relaxed the contracted (with prostaglandin F2alpha) bovine retinal artery. Other smooth muscle preparations, including rat mesenteric and renal arteries and rat main bronchi, also relaxed with the application of a piece of bovine retinal tissue. Incubation of bovine retinas in a Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution yielded a solution that relaxed isolated precontracted bovine retinal arteries, confirming the involvement of a diffusible chemical messenger. Hexane extraction, heating the solution to 70 degrees C, or treatment with trypsin did not alter the relaxing properties of the incubation solution. The characteristics of the retinal relaxing factor do not correspond with those of nitric oxide, prostanoids, adenosine, acetylcholine, or any other of the known vasoactive neurotransmitters released from the retina. Our results suggest that retinal arterial tone is controlled by a diffusible, hydrophilic, and heat-stable relaxing factor that does not correspond with a known vasoactive molecule formed within the retina.

An MN9 antigenic molecule, equatorin, is required for successful sperm-oocyte fusion in mice.

The acrosome plays an important role in fertilization. This study was designed to examine the role and behavior of a molecule, equatorin (the antigenic molecule of the monoclonal antibody mMN9), localized at the equatorial segment of the acrosome. In vitro fertilization (IVF) investigation was conducted to examine the role of this molecule, by assessing the effect of mMN9 in TYH medium (a modified Krebs Ringer bicarbonate solution) containing mMN9 at 0 (control), 25, 50, and 100 microg/ml. Under these conditions, the IVF investigation was divided into two experiments: 1) the zona pellucida (zona)-intact experiment, in which capacitated sperm inseminated cumulus- and zona-intact oocytes; and 2) the zona-free experiment, in which acrosome-reacted sperm inseminated zona-free oocytes. It was found that mMN9 did not affect sperm motility, zona binding, or zona penetration, but it significantly inhibited fertilization, reducing the rates of pronucleus and two-cell embryo formation in both the zona-intact and zona-free oocyte experiments. In addition, when judged at 5 h after insemination in the zona-intact experiment, nearly half of the unfertilized oocytes had accumulated sperm in the perivitelline space (perivitelline sperm), and concurrently we confirmed by electron microscopy the presence of many unreleased cortical granules preserved beneath the oolemma, indicating no occurrence of sperm-oocyte fusion. Confocal laser scanning light microscopy with indirect immunofluorescence demonstrated that equatorin was localized at the equatorial segment in both capacitated and perivitelline sperm (acrosome-reacted sperm). These results suggest that equatorin that is preserved at the equatorial segment is involved in the process of sperm-oocyte fusion in mice.

EFFECT OF DESFLURANE AND HALOTHANE ON PHENYLEPHRINE-INDUCED CONTRACTION IN ISOLATED RAT AORTIC SMOOTH MUSCLE

Introduction. The local interaction between desflurane and sympathetic agonists remains unclear. An increase in desflurane concentration results in sympathetic activation which is not fully inhibited by blockade of airway irritation [1]. In vivo studies on chronically instrumented animals demonstrate a reduced systemic vascular resistance. Therefore, we compared the direct interaction of desflurane and halothane with phenylephrine (PE) in an isolated vascular smooth muscle preparation. A second series of experiments investigated the influence of nitric oxide (NO) inhibition on the effect of desflurane on a similar preparation. Methods. 36 300-400 gram male Wistar rats were studied. Endothelial-free 3 mm thoracic aortic rings were suspended from a force transducer in oxygenated modified Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution at 37[degree sign]C. A dose-response curve was constructed for each preparation using 10-7 M, 10-6 M and 10-5 M PE and repeated in the presence of both 2 MAC desflurane and halothane (n=16). A second series of experiments examined the effect of 1, 2 and 3 MAC desflurane and halothane on 10-6 M PE contractions (n=12). Finally, we examined the effect of a NO antagonist, NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) on contractions of an endothelial-intact preparation in the presence of desflurane (n=8). Statistical analysis was with the paired two-tailed student's t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. Results. Contractions were significantly greater at 10-6 and 10 (-5) M PE in the presence of 2 MAC desflurane (p<0.05) (Figure 1). ANOVA demonstrated a significant difference between the desflurane and halothane data (p=0.03). 1 and 2 MAC desflurane significantly increased contraction amplitude in response to 10 (-6) M PE (p<0.05). Halothane significantly reduced contraction amplitude at 3 MAC (p<0.05). ANOVA revealed a significant difference between the two curves (p=0.02). In the presence of L-NNA, desflurane had a greater effect (Figure 2).Figure 1Figure 2Discussion. Desflurane may cause local catecholamine release from nerve endings which may explain the interaction with phenylephrine. NO inhibition appears to increase the effect. This study may have implications for anaesthetic management of vasopressor-dependent or septic patients.

The effect of 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3- a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) and charybdotoxin (CTX) on relaxations of isolated cerebral arteries to nitric oxide

The mechanism underlying smooth muscle relaxations of cerebral arteries in response to nitric oxide is still not completely understood. The present study was designed to determine the role of soluble guanylate cyclase in the relaxations to a nitric oxide/nucleophile complex, diethylaminodiazen-1-ium-1,2-dioate (DEA-NONOate). Rings of canine middle cerebral arteries without endothelium were suspended in Krebs–Ringer bicarbonate solution for isometric tension recording. The levels of guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) were measured by radioimmunoassay technique. During contractions to uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP), DEA-NONOate (10 −10 to 10 −5 M) caused concentration-dependent relaxations. Measurements of cyclic GMP levels in cerebral arterial wall demonstrated that DEA-NONOate is a potent stimulator of guanylate cyclase and subsequent formation of cyclic GMP. Increasing concentrations of a selective soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo[4,3- a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), caused concentration-dependent reduction of both cyclic GMP production and relaxations to DEA-NONOate. Interestingly, in the presence of the highest concentration (3×10 −6 M) of ODQ, production of cyclic GMP in response to 10 −6 M of DEA-NONOate was abolished, whereas the same concentration of DEA-NONOate caused almost complete relaxation, suggesting that mechanisms independent of cyclic GMP production may mediate relaxing effect of high concentration of a nitric oxide donor. A selective Ca 2+-activated potassium channel blocker charybdotoxin (CTX) significantly reduced relaxations to DEA-NONOate resistant to ODQ, supporting the idea that in cerebral arteries nitric oxide may activate potassium channels independently of cyclic GMP. The results of our study suggest that under physiological conditions, guanylate cyclase is a key mediator of cerebral arterial relaxations to nitric oxide. However, under pathological conditions associated with induction of nitric oxide synthase and increased biosynthesis of nitric oxide (e.g., cerebral ischemia, inflammation, sepsis), mechanisms other than formation of cyclic GMP may be activated.

Effect of ethanol on human placental vessels

Coronary vasospasms have been reported in the early stages of cardiomyopathy in the Syrian cardiomyopathic hamster (CM; BIO-TO2 strain). It has been proposed these alterations could lead to ischemic heart disease and heart failure. However, the cause of these coronary abnormalities has not been established. In this study, we evaluated coronary hemodynamic to assess the role of Ang-II, reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide (NO) in the development of these alterations in CM of 1, 2, and 6 months of age.Excised hearts from control (CT) and CM were retroperfused with Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution (KRB), and coronary resistance (CR) was determined. The experimental protocol involved sequential infusions of the thromboxane analog U46619 (THX, 0.1 μmol/L), bradykinin (BKN, 10 μmol/L), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 10 μmol/L). Similar experiments were conducted after treatment of hearts with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 μmol/L). Basal CR increased with age, but no significant differences were observed between CT and CM. Reactivity to THX was increased (69%, P < .05) in 2-month-old CM when compared with CT. This effect was observed concomitantly with a significant reduction (53%, P < .05) in BKN-induced relaxation. The reduction in BKN-dependent relaxation was prevented by treatment for 1 month with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (1 g·kg·day), or losartan, an Ang II type 1 receptor blocker (10 mg·kg·day). Losartan also prevented the THX-induced increased reactivity in 2-month-old CM. The BKN-induced relaxation occurred through an L-NAME–sensitive pathway that was impaired with age. SNP dilation was preserved in all animal groups.Our results strongly implicate vascular renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) and oxidative stress in endothelial dysfunction and increased reactivity in the early stages of cardiomyopathy in CM. These findings could be relevant to understand the etiology of cardiovascular disorders, in particular, in patients with sarcoglycanopathies.

Endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to acetylcholine in pregnant guinea-pig uterine artery.

Recently, strong evidence has suggested that nitric oxide (NO) synthesis is significantly increased in the uterine artery during pregnancy, which may mediate the increased blood flow to the uterus that is characteristic of pregnancy. We therefore investigated the nature of the mediators of acetylcholine (ACh)-induced relaxation in pregnant guinea-pig uterine arterial rings. ACh (0.1 nM to 60 microM) induced endothelium-dependent relaxation of phenylephrine-precontracted pregnant guinea-pig uterine artery. N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (3-30 microM) antagonized the effect of ACh, with suppression of maximal ACh-induced relaxation, in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibition of relaxation by N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (10 microM) was significantly overcome by L-arginine (10 microM), but not by D-arginine (100 microM). On the contrary, the administration of indomethacin (10 microM) and diethylcarbamazine (100 microM) did not modify the relaxation of guinea-pig uterine artery induced by ACh. The ACh-evoked relaxation was unaltered when K+-rich Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution was used to induce tone instead of phenylephrine, or when a nonselective blocker of K+ channels, 4-aminopyridine (6 mM), was applied to phenylephrine-precontracted segments. It is concluded that the relaxation induced by ACh in pregnant guinea-pig uterine artery can be explained entirely by the release of NO from vascular endothelial cells, without involvement of other endothelium-derived relaxing factors, similar to that previously reported for non-pregnant guinea-pig uterine artery. Thus, it seems that increased activity of NO synthase during pregnancy is without significant influence on the ACh action on uterine artery.

Direct effects of triiodothyronine on human internal mammary artery and saphenous veins

Objective: Thyroid hormone (3,5,3′-triiodo-L-thyronine) is under investigation as a positive inotrope and vasodilator for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This study determined the direct effects of triiodothyronine on human blood vessels. Design: Prospective, controlled, in vitro study. Setting: Laboratory facility in a university teaching hospital. Participants: Small excess segments of internal mammary arteries or saphenous veins were obtained from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Interventions: Vessel segments were cut into rings to measure isometric tension development in isolated tissue baths containing Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution at 37°C. Rings were prestretched in vitro to resting tensions analogous to mean arterial or central venous pressures in vivo and then constricted with potassium or phenylephrine. Rings were exposed to increasing concentrations of triiodothyronine (4 × 10 −12to 1 × 10 −4 mol/L) to obtain dose-response curves. Measurements and Main Results: High concentrations (≥3.3 × 10 −5 mol/L) of triiodothyronine produced dose-dependent relaxation of preconstricted rings. The relaxation was not selective for arteries or veins at arterial resting tensions, and with either potassium or phenylephrine as a vasoconstrictor. Propranolol had little effect on subsequent triiodothyronineinduced relaxation of potassium-constricted rings at resting arterial tensions. Conclusions: Triiodothyronine, in supraphysiological and suprapharmacological concentrations, dilates preconstricted rings of human blood vessels in vitro; however, triiodothyronine had no demonstrable vasomotor effects on human internal mammary artery or saphenous vein in clinically relevant concentrations (10 −9 to 10 −8 mol/L). Triiodothyronine administration in vivo most likely has little direct effect on the tone of human vascular smooth muscle, particularly coronary artery bypass conduits.

Role of potassium channels in relaxations of canine middle cerebral arteries induced by nitric oxide donors.

The mechanisms underlying smooth muscle relaxations of cerebral arteries in response to nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) are still not completely understood. The present study was designed to determine the role of potassium channels in the relaxations to NO donors 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), as well as 8-bromo-3',5' -cGMP (a synthetic analogue of cGMP) and zaprinast (a selective cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor). Rings of canine middle cerebral asteries without endothelium were suspended in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution for isometric tension recording. The levels of cGMP were measured by radioimmunoassay. Relaxations to NO donors 8-bromo-cGMP and zaprinast were studied in the presence and in the absence of K+ channel blockers charybdotoxin (large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels), glyburide (ATP-sensitive K+ channels), 4-aminopyridine (delayed rectifier K+ channels), and BaCl2 (multiple types of K+ channels). Concentration-dependent relaxations caused by NO donors (SIN-1 and SNP) were significantly reduced in arteries treated with BaCl2 (3 x 10(-4) mol/L) or charybdotoxin (3 x 10(-8) mol/L). Relaxations to 8-bromo-cGMP were not affected by the same concentrations of BaCl2 and charybdotoxin; however, they were reduced by higher concentrations of BaCl2 (3 x 10(-3) mol/L) or charybdotoxin (10(-7) mol/L). Zaprinast-induced relaxations were significantly reduced by BaCl2 (3 x 10(-4) mol/L) or charybdotoxin (3 x 10(-8) mol/L). Glyburide (10(-5) mol/L) and 4-aminopyridine (10(-3) mol/L) did not alter the relaxations to SIN-1 or SNP. The production of cGMP stimulated by SIN-1 in the vascular smooth muscle was not affected by BaCl2 (3 x 10(-3) mol/L) or charybdotoxin (10(-7) mol/L). These results indicate that in canine middle cerebral arteries, a significant portion of relaxations to NO liberated from nitrovasodilators is mediated by large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels. Other K+ channels, sensitive to BaCl2, may also be involved in the mechanism of relaxations induced by NO.

Active 22Na+ transport by the intact lung during early postnatal life

The lung relies upon epithelial active transport of Na+ to aid in the clearance of fluid from its air spaces. Because it is unknown whether the rate of active Na+ transport by the distal lung epithelium varies during early postnatal age, we performed studies in young guinea pigs (7 and 30 days after birth). We used a single pass isolated perfused lung model in which a Krebs Ringer bicarbonate solution containing 22Na+, [14C]sucrose, and FITC-dextran was placed into the air spaces of the lungs, and apparent permeability-surface area (PS) products were calculated after determining the changes in lung weight and the concentrations of the isotopes in the vascular effluent. The PS product for 22Na+, but not [14C]sucrose, decreased significantly at both ages when amiloride was infused (final concentration of 10(-4) M). Amiloride also decreased the rate of fluid clearance, as assessed by changes in organ weight, at both ages. Although the absolute rate of amiloride-sensitive 22Na+ transport increased with age, morphometric measurement of the alveolar region demonstrated that the rate of amiloride-sensitive 22Na+ transport per unit alveolar surface area was similar. These data indicate that although the guinea pig lung undergoes significant growth shortly after birth, the rate of amiloride-sensitive active Na+ transport per unit surface area remains constant. Since a component of weight loss was insensitive to amiloride, these in vivo studies suggest that the amiloride-insensitive Na+ transport pathways previously identified in cultured lung epithelium exist in the intact lung.

Platelet-activating factor induces histamine release from human skin mast cells in vivo, which is reduced by local nerve blockade

Background: Intradermal injection of platelet-activating factor (PAF) causes wheal and flare reactions, which are inhibited by antihistamines. However, PAF does not release histamine from human dispersed skin mast cells in vitro. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent and possible mechanisms of PAF-induced histamine release in human skin in vivo with the use of dermal microdialysis. Methods: Hollow dialysis fibers were inserted into the upper dermis in forearm skin and each fiber was perfused with Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution at a rate of 3.0 μl/min. PAF (4.5 to 36 μmol/L), lyso-PAF (36 μmol/L), vehicle (negative control), and codeine 750 or 250 μmol/L (positive control) were injected intradermally above separate fibers. Dialysate was collected in 2-minute fractions for 20 minutes and histamine analyzed spectrofluorometrically. Results: PAF, but not lyso-PAF, caused statistically significant dose-related histamine release and wheal and flare reactions. Intradermal mepivacaine administration significantly abrogated flare reactions by PAF and codeine and inhibited histamine release and wheal reactions by PAF but not by codeine. Long-term topical capsaicin administration inhibited histamine release and wheal reactions by PAF but not by codeine. It inhibited flare reactions induced by both compounds. PAF did not release histamine from blood basophils. Conclusions: These data suggest that PAF induced histamine release from mast cells in intact human skin indirectly via neurogenic activation. Further, on the intradermal injection of PAF histamine release and the skin responses, the wheal and the flare, are differentially regulated by neurogenic components. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997;99:640-7.)

Further cholinergic aspects of carotid body chemotransduction of hypoxia in cats.

From the 1930s into the 1970s, the role of acetylcholine (ACh) in the carotid body's chemotransduction of hypoxia was debated. Since the late 1970s, the issue has been pursued only intermittently or not at all. The purpose of this study was to test again with a new preparation the hypothesis that ACh is an excitatory neurotransmitter in the cat carotid body's chemotransduction of hypoxia. We tested the effect of the specific nicotinic blocker mecamylamine and the muscarinic blocker of all five muscarinic receptors, atropine. We further tested the effects of M1 and M2 muscarinic-receptor blockers. The carotid body region was selectively perfused with hypoxic Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate (KRB) solutions that were blocker free or contained varying doses of the blockers. Both mecamylamine and atropine reduced the response to hypoxic KRB in a dose-related manner. The M2 muscarinic-receptor blockers gallamine and AFDX 116 increased the response to hypoxic KRB, whereas the M1 muscarinic-receptor blocker pirenzepine reduced the response to hypoxic KRB. These data are consistent with an excitatory role for ACh in the carotid body chemotransduction of hypoxia in the cat.

Active &lt;SUP&gt;22&lt;/SUP&gt;Na&lt;SUP&gt;+&lt;/SUP&gt; transport by the intact lung during early postnatal life

The lung relies upon epithelial active transport of Na+ to aid in the clearance of fluid from its air spaces. Because it is unknown whether the rate of active Na+ transport by the distal lung epithelium varies during early postnatal age, we performed studies in young guinea pigs (7 and 30 days after birth). We used a single pass isolated perfused lung model in which a Krebs Ringer bicarbonate solution containing 22Na+, [14C]sucrose, and FITC-dextran was placed into the air spaces of the lungs, and apparent permeability-surface area (PS) products were calculated after determining the changes in lung weight and the concentrations of the isotopes in the vascular effluent. The PS product for 22Na+, but not [14C]sucrose, decreased significantly at both ages when amiloride was infused (final concentration of 10(-4) M). Amiloride also decreased the rate of fluid clearance, as assessed by changes in organ weight, at both ages. Although the absolute rate of amiloride-sensitive 22Na+ transport increased with age, morphometric measurement of the alveolar region demonstrated that the rate of amiloride-sensitive 22Na+ transport per unit alveolar surface area was similar. These data indicate that although the guinea pig lung undergoes significant growth shortly after birth, the rate of amiloride-sensitive active Na+ transport per unit surface area remains constant. Since a component of weight loss was insensitive to amiloride, these in vivo studies suggest that the amiloride-insensitive Na+ transport pathways previously identified in cultured lung epithelium exist in the intact lung.

Octreotide acetate inhibits motility in the rabbit distal colon.

Octreotide, the long-acting somatostatin analogue, has been reported to modulate gastrointestinal motility in both animals and humans. A role in colonic peristalsis and a possible clinical application in common disorders, such as chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, have not been evaluated. It has been previously suggested that octreotide promotes the descending relaxation of the peristaltic reflex arc. We hypothesized that this effect may involve inhibition of the motility index (MI) of the distal colon. To test this proposal, we studied peristalsis in isolated rabbit colons and also in the intact distal colons of anesthetized rabbits undergoing octreotide administration. Left colons of New Zealand white rabbits were harvested, placed in an isolated organ chamber and perfused with Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution via the inferior mesenteric artery. In a separate preparation, the colons were left in situ. Motility was quantified with a 6-port continuous infusion manometry catheter. The MI (mm Hg/min) was calculated by integration of the area of the digitalized signal (8/s), which reflected high-pressure peaks of different magnitudes. High-pressure waves were defined as > 20 mm Hg. Octreotide was infused via the inferior mesenteric artery in the isolated specimen or the lateral ear vein in the anesthetized animals in concentrations of 10(-12) to 10(-6) M. Octreotide inhibited high-pressure waves in a dose-dependent manner. These effects resulted in a decreased MI, with the maximum inhibition of 24.6% at 10(-11) M (p < 0.05 by ANOVA). At that concentration, the number of peaks > 20 mm Hg were reduced by 62.2%. The data indicate that octreotide decreases the MI by inhibition of high-pressure waves in the distal rabbit colon. These findings are consistent with the proposal that somatostatin may augment descending relaxation of the peristaltic reflex arc. This effect is independent of neural modulation.

Effects of acute hyperoxic exposure on solute fluxes across the blood-gas barrier in rat lungs.

We investigated effects of acute hyperoxia on solute transport from air space to vascular space in isolated rat lungs. Air spaces were filled with Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution containing fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran (FD-20; mol wt 20,000) and either 22Na+ and [14C]sucrose, or D-[14C]glucose and L-[3H]glucose. Apparent permeability-surface area products for tracers over time (up to 120 min) were calculated for isolated perfused lungs from control rats (room air) and rats exposed to > 95% O2 for 48 or 60 h immediately postexposure. After O2 exposures, mean fluxes for [14C]sucrose and FD-20 were significantly higher than in room-air control lungs. However, amiloride-sensitive Na+ and active D-glucose fluxes were unchanged after hyperoxic exposure. Therefore, it is unlikely that decreases in net solute transport in this lung-injury model contributed to pulmonary edema resulting from O2 toxicity. Increased net solute transport shown to help resolve pulmonary edema after acute hyperoxic exposure must therefore begin during the recovery period. In summary, our data show increases in passive solute fluxes but no changes in active solute fluxes immediately after acute hyperoxic lung injury.

Stage-dependent development of rat 1-cell embryos in a chemically defined medium after fertilization in vivo and in vitro.

The present study was conducted to examine the development of rat 1-cell embryos cultured in a chemically defined medium (mR1ECM) soon after penetration of eggs in vivo or in vitro. When eggs were recovered from naturally mated females at 0600-0900 h on the following day, no penetrated eggs with male pronuclei were observed. However, the percentage of pronuclear eggs had increased significantly at 1000-1100 h (17%) and 1200-1300 h (65%). When penetrated eggs recovered at 0600-0900 h were cultured in mR1ECM, blastocyst formation (22-46%) was significantly less frequent than in those (79-93%) recovered at 1000-1300 h. After collection at 0600-0800 h, preculture of penetrated eggs in modified Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution (mKRB) for up to 1200-1300 h improved their development to the blastocyst stage from 42% to 78%. Pronuclei were formed in almost all (98-100%) of the penetrated eggs examined after 6-20 h of insemination in mKRB. When penetrated eggs were transferred from mKRB into mR1ECM after 4-30 h of insemination, the percentages (47-64%) of blastocyst formation were significantly higher than those (1-20%) for eggs transferred after 1-3 h or after 40 h of insemination. When a total of 70 morulae or early blastocysts that had been produced by in vitro fertilization and developed in vitro were transferred to 7 pseudopregnant rats, 5 recipients into which 48 embryos had been transferred maintained their pregnancies and 25% of the embryos developed into late fetuses or pups. The results of the present study indicate that rat 1-cell embryos recovered from oviducts before pronuclear formation, or produced by in vitro fertilization, can develop to the blastocyst stage in vitro and that one or more factors in mKRB are necessary to maintain their development in mR1ECM.

Prostaglandins E2 and I2 cause greater relaxations in pulmonary veins than in arteries of newborn lambs.

Prostaglandins E2 (PGE2) and I2 (PGI2) are important vasoactive mediators in pulmonary vessels. The present study was designed to determine whether the responses of pulmonary arteries to these prostanoids are different from those of veins in newborn lambs. Fourth-generation pulmonary arterial and venous rings without endothelium were suspended in organ chambers filled with modified Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution (95% O2-5% CO2, 37 degrees C), and their isometric force was measured. During contraction with endothelin-1 or U-46619 (indomethacin was present to eliminate the possible involvement of endogenous cyclooxygenase products), PGE2, PGI2, and carbacyclin (a stable analogue of PGI2) induced greater relaxations in veins than in arteries. In both vessel types, relaxations induced by PGE2 were greater than those induced by PGI2 or carbacyclin. Forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, also induced greater relaxation of veins than of arteries. Relaxation induced by 8-bromoadenosine 3',5' -cyclic monophosphate, an analogue of adenosine 3',5' -cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), was comparable in both vessel types. Radioimmunoassay revealed that the basal and calcium ionophore A-23187-induced releases of PGE2 or 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha (the stable breakdown product of PGI2) were similar between arteries and veins. Measurement of cAMP (in the presence of isobutylmethylxanthine) showed that PGE2 and forskolin induced greater increase in cAMP in veins than in arteries. Our results demonstrate that PGE2 and PGI2 are more potent vasodilators in pulmonary veins than in arteries in newborn lambs. A difference in the activity of adenylate cyclase may contribute to the differential responses to PGE2 and PGI2 between pulmonary arteries and veins. Furthermore, PGE2 appears play an more important role than does PGI2 in modulating pulmonary vascular tone of newborn lambs.

Effects of halothane, isoflurane and sevoflurane on ischemia-reperfusion injury in the perfused liver of fasted rats.

Although intraoperative ischemia-reperfusion of the liver generally occurs under general anesthesia, little is known about the direct effect of anesthetic agents on hepatic injury due to this phenomenon. The effect of volatile anesthetics on ischemia-reperfusion injury was studied using isolated liver perfusion. The liver was isolated from 24-h-fasted male Sprague-Dawley rats and perfused through the portal vein with a modified Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution in a recirculating perfusion-aeration system. Ischemia was induced by reducing the baseline perfusion pressure from 1.2 to 0.2 kPa followed by reperfusion to baseline level. The ischemia-reperfusion injury was assessed by LDH release from the perfused liver. We studied the effect of halothane, isoflurane and sevoflurane on the ischemia-reperfusion injury during 20 min of control conditions, exposure of the liver to 60 min of ischemia and reperfusion for 90 min. Ischemia was evident by reduced portal vein flow and oxygen consumption, and caused an increase in lactate production. Reperfusion caused a transient reduction in lactate production and a significant increase in LDH release. All anesthetics reduced hepatic oxygen consumption and increased the net lactate production during control conditions. Volatile anesthetics also significantly attenuated LDH release during reperfusion. The suppression of LDH release was observed even when isoflurane was administered during the reperfusion period, but not when it was administered only during ischemia. These results indicate that volatile anesthetics may protect the fasted liver from early, neutrophil-independent, ischemia-reperfusion injury by acting during the reperfusion phase.

Endothelium-derived factors and hyperpolarization of the carotid artery of the guinea-pig.

1. Transmembrane potentials were recorded from isolated carotid arteries of the guinea-pig superfused with modified Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution. Smooth muscle cells were impaled from the adventitial side with intracellular glass microelectrodes filled with KCl (30-80 M omega). 2. Acetylcholine (1 microM) in the presence of inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase, (N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG) 100 microM) and cyclo-oxygenase, (indomethacin 5 microM) induced an endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (-18.9 +/- 1.6 mV, n = 15). 3. In the presence of these two inhibitors, S-nitroso-L-glutathione (10 microM), sodium nitroprusside (10 microM), 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1, 10 microM) and iloprost (0.1 microM) induced endothelium-independent hyperpolarizations of the smooth muscle cells (respectively: -16.0 +/- 2.3, -16.3 +/- 3.4, -12.8 +/- 2.0 and -14.5 +/- 1.5 mV, n = 4-6). 4. The addition of glibenclamide (1 microM) did not influence the acetylcholine-induced L-NOARG/ indomethacin-resistant hyperpolarization (-18.0 +/- 1.8 mV, n = 10). In contrast, the responses induced by S-nitroso-L-glutathione, sodium nitroprusside, SIN-1 and iloprost were abolished (changes in membrane potential: -0.8 +/- 1.1, 1.3 +/- 3.9, 4.5 +/- 4.6 and 0.3 +/- 0.8 mV respectively, n = 4-5). 5. In the presence of NO synthase and cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors, charybdotoxin (0.1 microM) or apamin (0.5 microM) did not influence the hyperpolarization produced by acetylcholine. However, in the presence of the combination of charybdotoxin and apamin, the acetylcholine-induced L-NOARG/indomethacin-resistant hyperpolarization was converted to a depolarization (4.4 +/- 1.2 mV, n = 20) while the endothelium-independent hyperpolarizations induced by S-nitroso-L-glutathione, sodium nitroprusside, SIN-1 and iloprost were not affected significantly (respectively: -20.4 +/- 3.4, -22.5 +/- 4.9, -14.5 +/- 4.7 and -14.5 +/- 0.5 mV, n = 4-5). 6. In the presence of the combination of charybdotoxin and apamin and in the absence of L-NOARG and indomethacin, acetylcholine induced a hyperpolarization (-19.5 +/- 3.7 mV, n = 4). This hyperpolarization induced by acetylcholine was not affected by the addition of indomethacin (-18.3 +/- 4.6 mV, n = 3). In the presence of the combination of charybdotoxin, apamin and L-NOARG (in the absence of indomethacin), acetylcholine, in 5 out of 7 vessels, still produced hyperpolarization which was not significantly smaller (-9.1 +/- 5.6 mV, n = 7) than the one observed in the absence of L-NOARG. 7. These findings suggest that, in the guinea-pig isolated carotid artery, the endothelium-independent hyperpolarizations induced by NO donors and iloprost involve the opening of KATP channels while the acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (resistant to the inhibition of NO-synthase and cyclo-oxygenase) involves the opening of Ca(2+)-activated potassium channel(s). Furthermore, in this tissue, acetylcholine induces the simultaneous release of various factors from endothelial origin: hyperpolarizing factors (NO, endothelium derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) and prostaglandins) and possibly a depolarizing factor.

Endothelial effects of hemostatic devices for continuous cardioplegia or minimally invasive operations

Improvements in myocardial protection may include the continuous delivery of normothermic blood cardioplegia. Technical aids are required for optimal visualization of the operative field during the performance of coronary anastomoses if cardioplegia is to be given continuously or during minimally invasive operations. However, the effects of the different hemostatic devices on coronary endothelial function are unknown. We compared the effects on endothelial function of two commonly used hemostatic techniques, coronary clamping and gas jet insufflation, with those of a technique using extravascular balloon occlusion to mimic systolic luminal closure by the surrounding myocardium. The three techniques were applied for 15 minutes on porcine epicardial coronary arteries from explanted hearts. For coronary clamping, standard bulldog clamps were used. Gas jet insufflation was applied by blowing oxygen (12 L/min) tangentially at a 45-degree angle 1 cm away from a 3-mm arteriotomy. Extravascular balloon occlusion was achieved with a needle-tipped silicone loop, the midportion of which, once positioned beneath the coronary artery, was inflated to push a myocardial "cushion" against the back of the vessel until its occlusion. Control rings were taken from the same coronary artery. The endothelial function of control and instrumented arterial rings was then studied in organ chambers filled with modified Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution. Contractions to potassium chloride and prostaglandin F2 alpha and endothelium-independent relaxation to sin-1, a nitric oxide donor, were unaffected in all groups. Endothelium-dependent relaxation to serotonin was impaired after clamping and preserved after gas jet insufflation and extravascular balloon occlusion. Maximal endothelium-dependent relaxation to serotonin was as follows: for coronary clamping, 63% +/- 6% versus 87% +/- 3% in controls; for gas jet insufflation, 67% +/- 12% versus 88% +/- 7%; and for extraluminal balloon occlusion, 79% +/- 6% versus 85% +/- 5%. Whereas commonly used hemostatic devices may impair endothelial function, extravascular balloon occlusion appears to achieve effective hemostasis while preserving endothelial integrity.