Low Concentrations Of Indomethacin Research Articles

Experimental and in silico investigation on the interaction of indomethacin with bovine serum albumin: Effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant monomers on the binding

This paper describes the interaction of indomethacin with bovine serum albumin (BSA) using experimental and computational approaches. Inner filter effect (IFE) had significantly impacted the fluorescence results as uncorrected data shown the considerable involvement of tyrosine residues which became very low after correcting the data with the former, thus, only the tryptophan residues were found to be associated with fluorescence quenching. Analyses of the corrected data suggested that there was 1:1 strong binding between BSA and indomethacin that taken place via static quenching mechanism. The binding was exothermic in nature and energetically favorable with ordering of the system. The binding of indomethacin remained almost unchanged in presence of low amount of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactants monomers while it significantly diminished when the concentration of SDS monomers increased. Low concentrations of indomethacin didn’t affect the secondary structure of BSA, however, high concentrations led to the partial unfolding of the protein. Molecular docking along with molecular dynamics simulation results explained that this drug molecule occupied new binding site with strong binding affinity of −8.35 kcal/mol, which is oriented in the interface between domain 1 and domain 2. The interaction was facilitated by both hydrophobic forces as well as hydrogen bonding.

An investigation into the possibility of molecular inclusion complexation of indomethacin with starch by the alkaline method

Starch systems containing indomethacin were prepared by the alkaline method and characterized in order to investigate the potential of this method to produce amylose molecular inclusion complexes as targeted and controlled drug delivery carriers. Three types of starches with different amylose/amylopectin composition were used to prepare the systems. Their structure was probed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy, whereas their morphology was investigated by Optical microscopy and Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Raman spectroscopy revealed the presence of p-chlorobenzoic acid, the degradation product of the alkaline hydrolysis of indomethacin in the matrix of the starch systems. The results were confirmed by XRD measurements and the degree of crystallinity of the starch systems ranged from 35 to 90%. In vitro release testing of indomethacin from the starch systems in the simulated gastric and small intestine fluid showed very low concentrations of indomethacin. CLSM micrographs and optical microscopic examination revealed the presence mostly of the p-chlorobenzoic acid, in the matrix of the starch systems, rather than of indomethacin. The results, in general, indicated that the p-chlorobenzoic acid molecules were either included in the amylose helices or they have been entrapped between the helices of the complexed amylose whereas the few indomethacin molecules present in the starch matrix probably were also mechanically entrapped.

Indomethacin induces differential effects on in vitro endochondral ossification depending on the chondrocyte's differentiation stage.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the abnormal formation of bone in soft tissues and is a frequent complication of hip replacement surgery. Heterotopic ossifications are described to develop via endochondral ossification and standard treatment is administration of indomethacin. It is currently unknown how indomethacin influences heterotopic ossification on a molecular level; therefore, we aimed to determine whether indomethacin might influence heterotopic ossification via impairing the chondrogenic phase of endochondral ossification. Progenitor cell models differentiating in the chondrogenic lineage (ATDC5, primary human bone marrow stem cells and ex vivo periosteal agarose cultures) were treated with increasing concentrations of indomethacin and a decrease in gene- and protein expression of chondrogenic and hypertrophic markers (measured by RT-qPCR and immunoblotting) as well as decreased glycosamino-glycan content (by alcian blue histochemistry) was observed. Even when hypertrophic differentiation was provoked, the addition of indomethacin resulted in decreased hypertrophic marker expression. Interestingly, when mature chondrocytes were treated with indomethacin, a clear increase in collagen type 2 expression was observed. Similarly, when ATDC5 cells and bone marrow stem cells were pre-differentiated to obtain a chondrocyte phenotype and indomethacin was added from this time point onward, low concentrations of indomethacin also resulted in increased chondrogenic differentiation. Indomethacin induces differential effects on in vitro endochondral ossification, depending on the chondrocyte's differentiation stage, with complete inhibition of chondrogenic differentiation as the most pronounced action. This observation may provide a rational behind the elusive mode of action of indomethacin in the treatment of heterotopic ossifications. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:847-857, 2017.

Mechanisms underlying the contraction induced by bradykinin in the guinea pig epithelium-denuded trachea.

This study investigates some of the mechanisms by which bradykinin (BK) triggers contraction of epithelium-denuded strips of guinea pig trachea (GPT). Cumulative or single additions of BK, T-BK, L-BK, or ML-BK in the presence of captopril (30 microM) produced graded GPT contractions with the following rank order of potency (EC50 level): T-BK (31.3 nM) > BK (40.0 nM) > L-BK (56.0 nM) > ML-BK (77.0 nM). BK-induced contraction (100 nM) in GPT was completely inhibited by either HOE 140 or NPC 17731 with mean IC50 values of 17 and 217 nM, respectively. Addition of BK (100 nM) at 30 min intervals, induced progressive tachyphylaxis, which was complete after 4 h. The tachyphylaxis induced by BK was unaffected by L-NOARG (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, 100 microM) or valeryl salicylate (a cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibitor, 30 microM), but was prevented by a low concentration of indomethacin, diclofenac (non-selective COX inhibitors, 3 nM each) or by NS 398 (a COX-2 inhibitor, 10 nM). Furthermore, higher concentrations of indomethacin, diclofenac, phenidone (a lypooxygenase (LOX) and COX inhibitor), or NS 398, caused graded inhibition of BK-induced contraction, with mean IC50 values of 0.28, 0.08, 46.37, and 0.15 microM, respectively. Together, these results suggest that BK-induced contraction in GPT involves activation of B2 receptors and release of prostanoids from COX-2 pathway. Furthermore, the tachyphylaxis induced by BK was insensitive to the nitric oxide and COX-1 inhibitors, but was prevented by non-selective and selective COX-2 inhibitors, indicating a mediation via COX-2-derived arachidonic acid metabolites.

The effects of aging, antiinflammatory drugs, and ultrasound on the in vitro response of tendon tissue.

We investigated the effects of aging and various treatments on rat patellar tendon using an in vitro model. In the first part of the study, the 3H-thymidine and 3H-proline incorporation rates at 12 and 24 hours were determined in transected patellar tendon explants from young (21 days), intermediate age (8 to 10 weeks), and older (4 to 6 months) rats. In the second part, the same incorporation rates were measured in the older tendon explants in response to treatment with control medium, medium with a high and low concentration of indomethacin, and medium with a high and low concentration of dexamethasone. Finally, the effects of ultrasound treatment were measured and compared with a sham ultrasound treatment. The results indicated an age-dependent response of the tendon. The youngest specimens consistently showed the highest incorporation rates. The addition of a high concentration of dexamethasone resulted in a small negative effect on the 3H-thymidine incorporation. Ultrasound and indomethacin had no significant effects. This study indicates that aging is associated with a lower metabolic activity of tendon. In this model, currently used treatment methods failed to result in direct positive effects on tendon tissue, and a high concentration of dexamethasone appeared to have a small negative effect.

Prostaglandin G/H synthase (PGHS)-2 expression in bovine myometrium: influence of steroid hormones and PGHS inhibitors.

Prostaglandins (PGs) are important mediators regulating uterine functions during the reproductive process. The objective of this study was to examine, in myocytes from the circular and longitudinal layers of bovine myometrium, the relative levels of mRNA and proteins corresponding to the gene expression of key enzymes (phospholipase A2; prostaglandin G/H synthase-1 [PGHS-1]; prostaglandin G/H synthase-2 [PGHS-2]; prostaglandin I2 synthase) involved in PG biosynthesis. We examined the influence of estradiol-17beta and progesterone on the expression and activity of these enzymes. Treatment of myocytes with progesterone (P4: 10 nM, 24 h) in the absence or presence of estradiol-17beta (E2: 1 nM, 72 h) suppressed PG biosynthesis by approximately 60% in both myometrial layers. No significant effect was observed after E2 treatment. The combined effect of E2 and P4 on PG accumulation was correlated with the modulation of PGHS-2 protein and mRNA levels in the two myometrial layers without affecting other enzymes of the PG cascade. Selective or nonselective inhibition of PGHS activity with CGP 28238 (PGHS-2-specific; a product from Ciba-Geigy: 6-[2, 4-difluorophenoxy]-5-methyl-sulfonylamino-1-indanone) or indomethacin (PGHS-1 and -2) reduced prostacyclin accumulation (measured as 6-keto-PGF1alpha in the culture medium) in a dose-dependent manner in the two myometrial layers. A significant inhibitory effect was obtained at a low concentration of indomethacin (1 nM, p < 0.05) compared to CGP 28238 (10 nM, p < 0. 05). In both myometrial layers, the maximal effect of indomethacin and/or CGP 28238 on PG accumulation was observed at 100 nM and represented 85% and 65% inhibition, respectively. In the presence of phorbol 12-myristate (100 nM), CGP 28238 (10 nM) significantly suppressed PGHS-2 mRNA level by 44.80 +/- 7.67% (p < 0.01) and 27.83 +/- 7.62% (p < 0.05) in the longitudinal and circular layer, respectively. In contrast, indomethacin did not have any significant effect. These data constitute the first quantitative analysis of key enzymes involved in PG biosynthesis in separated myometrial layers. Furthermore, the results provide interesting information on the CGP 28238 drug modulating both enzymatic activity and mRNA expression of PGHS-2.

The role of cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 in lipopolysaccharide and interleukin-1 stimulated enterocyte prostanoid formation.

Lipopolysaccharide is an inflammatory agent and interleukin-1 is a cytokine. Their pro-inflammatory effects may be mediated by prostanoids produced by inducible cyclooxygenase-2. The aim of this study was to determine the prostanoids produced by lipopolysaccharide and interleukin-1 stimulated enterocytes through the cyclooxygenase-1 and 2 pathways. Cultured enterocytes were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or interleukin-1beta with and without cyclooxygenase inhibitors. Low concentrations of indomethacin and valerylsalicylic acid (VSA) were evaluated as cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitors and their effects compared with the effects of a specific cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, SC-58125. Prostaglandin E2, 6-keto prostaglandin F1alpha, prostaglandin D2 and leukotriene B4 levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. Immunoblot analysis using isoform-specific antibodies showed that the inducible cyclooxygenase enzyme (COX-2) was expressed by 4 h in LPS and IL-1beta treated cells while the constitutive COX-1 remained unaltered in its expression. Interleukin-1beta and lipopolysaccharide stimulated the formation of all prostanoids compared with untreated cells, but failed to stimulate leukotriene B4. Indomethacin at 20 microM concentration, and VSA inhibited lipopolysaccharide and interleukin 1beta stimulated prostaglandin E2, but not 6-keto prostaglandin F1alpha formation. SC-58125 inhibited lipopolysaccharide and interleukin-1beta stimulated 6-keto prostaglandin F1alpha but not prostaglandin E2 release. The specific cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor also inhibited lipopolysaccharide produced prostaglandin D2 but not interleukin-1beta stimulated prostaglandin D2. While SC-58125 inhibited basal 6-keto prostaglandin-F1alpha formation it significantly increased basal prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin D2 formation. As SC-58125 inhibited lipopolysaccharide and interleukin-1beta induced 6-keto prostaglandin F1alpha production but not prostaglandin E2 production, it suggests that these agents stimulate prostacyclin production through a cyclooxygenase-2 mediated mechanism and prostaglandin E2 production occurs through a cyclooxygenase-1 mediated mechanism. Prostaglandin D2 production appeared to be variably produced by cyclooxygenase-1 or cyclooxygenase-2, depending on the stimulus.

Nitric oxide pathway‐mediated relaxant effect of bradykinin in the guinea‐pig isolated trachea

1. The effects of two nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis-inhibitors NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG) and NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) on the relaxation induced by bradykinin (BK, 100 nM), isoprenaline (Iso, 1 microM) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 1 microM) were investigated in epithelium-intact strips of guinea-pig isolated trachea. 2. Relaxations induced by BK (100 nM) in guinea-pig tracheal strips under spontaneous tone were inhibited in a concentration-related manner by L-NOARG and L-NMMA (1 to 100 microM), with IC50s (and 95% confidence limits) of 9.1 (6.9-11.6) microM and 7.0 (4.2-12.3) microM, respectively. However, at the maximal concentration (100 microM) used, neither of these drugs inhibited completely BK-induced relaxation (maximal inhibition of 74 +/- 7 and 67 +/- 7%, respectively). On the other hand, D-NMMA, the D-enantiomer of L-NMMA, up to 100 microM failed to inhibit BK-induced relaxation. The relaxation induced by Iso (1 microM) and SNP (1 microM) were not affected by either L-NOARG or L-NMMA (30 microM). 3. The inhibition of BK-induced relaxation caused by L-NOARG and L-NMMA was partially reversed by addition of excess of L-arginine but not D-arginine (1 mM). 4. Like L-NOARG and L-NMMA, methylene blue (10 microM), an agent that inhibits the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by NO, also significantly inhibited BK-induced relaxation, leaving responses to Iso unaffected. 5. Indomethacin (0.3 nM to 10 nM), a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, concentration-dependently inhibited BK-mediated relaxation, with an IC50 of 2.6 (1.7-3.8) nM, without affecting Iso and SNP-mediated relaxant responses. 6. A combination of a very low concentration of indomethacin (1 nM) and either L-NOARG or L-NMMA (100 microM) changed the response of tracheal preparations to BK (100 nM) from a relaxation to a sustained contraction. 7. These findings indicate that BK-induced relaxation in guinea-pig trachea is mediated jointly by the release of NO or a NO-related substance and a prostanoid, probably prostaglandin E2.

Contribution of endogenous prostaglandins to excitation of the myenteric plexus of guinea-pig ileum: Are adrenergic factors involved?

The role of endogenous prostaglandins (PGs) in the nicotine-induced contraction and release of ACh was investigated in the isolated guinea-pig ileum. A low concentration of indomethacin (IND 2.8 μM) inhibited the contraction and ACh release induced by nicotine. These inhibitory effects of IND were reversed by PGE2 at concentrations which are thought to be released spontaneously. SC-19220, a PG receptors antagonist, also inhibited the contraction and ACh release induced by nicotine. Unlike the nicotine-induced release of ACh, the potassium-induced release of ACh was unaffected by IND and SC-19220. IND was as potent in inhibiting the responses to cholinergic nerve stimulation by nicotine after treatment of the preparations with antiadrenergic agents. It is concluded that the inhibitory effect of IND does not depend on the functional integrity of adrenergic neurons and that endogenous PGs contribute directly to the modulation of myenteric plexus excitability by nicotine.

Inhibition of purified glutathione S-transferases by indomethacin

Soluble rat liver glutathione S-transferases have been purified and a previously undescribed peak was observed. This peak contained glutathione S-transferase activity which was extensively inhibited by indomethacin. Glutathione conjugation of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene by this isozyme, designated glutathione S-transferase VII, was inhibited 44 and 68% at indomethacin concentrations of 0.20 and 1.00 μM, respectively. The other six basic glutathione S-transferase isozymes were relatively unaffected by low concentrations of indomethacin. The pharmacological significance of this inhibition by indomethacin is largely dependent on the role of the glutathione S-transferase VII in leukotriene synthesis.

The in vitro effect of indomethacin on basal bone resorption, on prostaglandin production and on the response to added prostaglandins

Mouse calvaria were maintained in organ culture without serum additives. Basal active resorption, as measured by 45Ca and hydroxyproline release, was significantly inhibited to 74% control levels by indomethacin (1.4 × 10 −7 M). Prostaglandin F and prostaglandin E 2 production, determined by radioimmunoassay, were both significantly lowered by this concentration of indomethacin. DNA, protein and hydroxyproline synthesis, as indices of cell toxicity, were unaffected by low concentrations of indomethacin, while concentrations of 1.4 × 10 −6M inhibited protein synthesis (p<0.005). In the presence of indomethacin (1.4 × 10 −7M) both PGE 2 and PGF 2α stimulated resorption in a dose-dependent manner, with PGE 2 being the more potent. Neither prostaglandin affected hydroxyproline synthesis at low concentrations, but PGE 2 had a marked inhibitory action at a higher concentration (10 −6M). In combination, the effects of PGE 2 and PGF 2α showed no evidence of synergism or any antagonistic action. The study shows that in vitro calcium and hydroxyproline resorption in the unstimulated mouse calvaria are inhibited by indomethacin at concentrations measured in serum during human therapy. The decreased PGF and PGE 2 production associated with this decreased bone resorption in the presence of non-toxic concentrations of indomethacin would suggest a role for these prostaglandins in maintaining the basal resorption of cultured bone.

Effects of norepinephrine and other pharmacological agents on prostaglandin E 2 release by rabbit and bovine irides

We have investigated: (a) synthesis and release of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2) and the effects of norepinephrine (NE) and other pharmacological agents thereon in rabbit and bovine irides; (b) the role of Ca 2+ and the type of adrenergic receptors involved in PGE 2 release by rabbit iris; (c) the structural requirement for catecholamine stimulation of PGE 2 release by rabbit iris. Irides were incubated in Krebs-Ringer buffer (pH 7·4) in the absence and presence of pharmacological agents at 37°C for 20 min. PGE 2 in the medium was quantitated by radioimmunoassy; or by means of radiometric and chromatographic methods when [1- 14C]-arachidonic acid was employed as precursor. Analysis of tissue PGE 2 at the start of incubation revealed that rabbit and bovine irides contained about 185 and 18 ng/g tissue, respectively. During 15 min of incubation the release of PGE 2 from rabbit and bovine irides was approximately 1100 and 14 ng/g tissue, respectively. We found that the rabbit iris and iris microsomes synthesize PGE 2, both from endogenous and exogenous arachidonate pools, at a rate several times as high as that of bovine. Release of PGE 2 by irides from both species is time-dependent; the stimulatory effects of NE on PGE 2 release by irides from rabbit are more pronounced than those of the bovine; and the NE-induced release of PGE 2 was abolished by low concentrations of indomethacin (1·5 μ m). Synthesis and the effect of NE on PGE 2 release by irides from albino and pigmented rabbit eyes are similar. It is concluded that the differences observed in the synthesis of PGE 2 and the effect of NE on its release by rabbit and bovine irides are due to species differences. NE stimulation of PGE 2 release by rabbit iris is probably mediated through α-adrenoceptors and maximal adrenergic stimulation requires the presence of Ca 2+. Ca 2+-ionophore A23187 significantly increased PGE 2 release. These data suggest that the control step in PG synthesis, that is the release of free arachidonate from membrane phospholipids, could be involved in the NE-induced PG synthesis in this tissue. The structural studies revealed that both the catechol nucleus and the ethylamine polar-side chain are required for catecholamine activation of PG release by the rabbit iris. Thus normetanephrine significantly stimulated PGE 2 release by the rabbit iris and iris microsomes; 3-methoxy, 4-hydroxy mandelic acid had no effect; and catechol at 50 μ m inhibited PGE 2 release by more than 50%. Catecholamines and adrenergic drugs are routinely employed therapeutically to lower intraocular pressure in the eye, and a catecholamine-induced increase in PG synthesis may play a significant role in mediating the pharmacological effects of these therapeutic agents.

Measuring platelet and leucocyte aggregation/adhesion responses in very small volumes of whole blood

A technique is described by which leucocyte and platelet aggregation may be measured in 100 μl (or less) of citrated whole blood. The blood is first diluted in a balanced salt solution and aggregation responses measured with an electronic aggregometer. Leucocytes may be aggregated with substances such as the chemotactic peptide f-met-leu-phe, and platelets with the conventional agents such as ADP or collagen. The response of the leucocytes to f-met-leu-phe is very sensitive to the inhibitory activity of mepacrine. The aggregation of platelets, but not leucocytes, is blocked by low concentrations of indomethacin. The technique is useful for drug screening, diagnostic purposes, and investigating platelet and leucocyte pharmacology and physiology.

Dependence of histamine-evoked nociception on prostaglandin release.

Intraarterial injection of histamine into the isolated perfused rabbit ear causes a reflex fall in mean arterial blood pressure by stimulation of perivascular pain receptors. This effect is reduced by a low concentration of indomethacin (1 microgram/ml). The histamine H1-receptor antagonist mepyramine (10 micrograms/ml) reduced the effect of histamine. However, it also reduced the effect of acetylcholine. The histamine H2-receptor antagonist cimetidine (3-10 micrograms/ml) did not reduce the effect of histamine. Exogenously applied phospholipase A2 did not stimulate pain receptors on its own but enhanced the algesic effect of histamine, acetylcholine or bradykinin. This enhancement was abolished by indomethacin. Prostacyclin also enhanced the effect of histamine. The results suggest that histamine releases prostaglandins (E-type and prostacyclin) which in turn render the 'pain receptors' more sensitive to histamine. This effect may be of importance in inflammatory pain in that the effect of algogens (including histamine) is enhanced by an increased phospholipase A2-mediated synthesis of prostaglandins. Not only endogenously activated phospholipase A2 is able to split off prostaglandin precursors followed by subsequent generation of prostaglandins but also exogenously administered phospholipase A2 is able to induce the release of pain-enhancing prostaglandins.

The activation of phosphatidylinositol-hydrolyzing phospholipase A2 during prostaglandin synthesis in transformed mouse BALB/3T3 cells.

To investigate the type of phospholipase activated by agents that stimulate prostaglandin synthesis, we used transformed mouse cells whose phospholipids were doubly labeled with [14C]inositol and [3H]arachidonic acid. [14C]Inositol was incorporated mostly into the phosphatidylinositol and [3H]arachidonic acid was distributed into the various phospholipids. When these cells were incubated with bradykinin, a stimulator of prostaglandin synthesis, the release of 3H radioactivity from cellular phospholipids and the synthesis of prostaglandin were initiated within seconds and reached a maximum in 40 to 70 s. Analysis of the intracellular lipids revealed a concomitant increase of radioactivity associated with lysophosphatidylinositol, which was detectable within 5 s of incubation with bradykinin and reached a maximum between 40 and 70 s. Lysophosphatidylinositol which could be formed either from a phospholipase A1 or phospholipase A2 reaction, was identified by its chromatographic properties and conversion to glycerophosphorylinositol. We found that the 3H/14C ratio of purified lysophosphatidylinositol was 1/11 of that of phosphatidylinositol, which indicated that lysophosphatidylinositol formed in response to bradykinin is 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylinositol and most probably is formed from a phospholipase A2 deacylation of phosphatidylinositol (a phospholipase A1 deacylation would result in the formation of lysophosphatidylinositol of a 3H/14C ratio similar to phosphatidylinositol). Furthermore, we did not detect between control and stimulated cells any significant difference in the level of several phospholipase C metabolites including inositol phosphate, diglyceride, and phosphatidic acid. These results suggest that phospholipase C is probably not activated. The formation of lysophosphatidylinositol was also stimulated by thrombin and ionophore A23187, both activators of prostaglandin synthesis. Dexamethasone, a lipase inhibitor, inhibited the appearance of lysophosphatidylinositol, whereas aspirin and low concentrations of indomethacin, the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, did not inhibit. The results presented in ths paper provide evidence that a phospholipase A2-hydrolyzing phosphatidylinositol is activated when intact cells are stimulated for prostaglandin synthesis.

Rapid acylation and deacylation of arachidonic acid into phosphatidic acid of horse neutrophils.

Horse neutrophils incorporate exogenous [14C]arachidonate into phosphatidic acid very rapidly. This acylation of phosphatidate with arachidonate is followed quickly and spontaneously by its deacylation. This transient formation of arachidonyl-phosphatidate, which reflects a rapidly turning over pool of arachidonate-associated lipid, is not observed with stearic acid or other phospholipids or triglycerides. Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinosinositol, and triglycerides are slowly but increasingly labeled with time. Ionophore A23187 (10 microM) stimulates the extent of labeling of phosphatidate while decreasing the labeling of all the other phospholipids and triglycerides. Phosphatidate is not transiently labeled with [14C]stearate of (32P)orthophosphate, either in the presence or absence of ionophore A23187. When cells are prelabeled for 2 h with very high quantities of (32P)orthophosphate a very substantial fraction (i.e. 20 to 30%) of the phospholipid radioactivity is associated with phosphatidic acid. However, on addition of exogenous arachidonate, there is no increase in [32P]phosphatidate in these prelabeled cells. Thus, the entire phosphatidate molecule does not appear to be turned over during the process described above. Inhibitors of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase activities such as BW755C, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, and low concentrations of indomethacin do not affect the labeling of phospholipids. However, eicosatetraynoic acid, an analog of arachidonate, and high concentration (0.1 mM) of indomethacin can block [14C]arachidonate incorporation into lipids. The rapid turnover of the 2-acyl position in phosphatidate might be related to a specific process of fatty acid mobilization within neutrophils.

The interaction between indomethacin and contractile agents on human isolated airway muscle.

1 Concentration-effect curves to acetylcholine and histamine were produced in fresh human bronchial muscle (2 to 4 h after removal from the patients) and in preparations previously stored at 4 degrees C for 12 h. 2 Sensitivities of fresh human airway muscle preparations to acetylcholine (pD2 value, 5.89 +/- 0.03; n = 4) and histamine (pD2 values, 5.41 +/- 0.03; n = 13) were similar. There was no significant difference in the sensitivities of stored preparations (acetylcholine: pD2 value, 5.70 +/- 0.06; n = 23 and histamine: pD2 value, 5.44 +/- 0.07; n = 16) when compared to the fresh preparations. 3 Indomethacin did not significantly change the basal tone in preparations of either fresh or stored human airway muscle. 4 A low concentration of indomethacin (0.17 muM) significantly reduced responsiveness and sensitivity to histamine in stored bronchi but not in fresh bronchi. The acetylcholine concentration-effect curves were unaltered by exposure to this concentration of indomethacin in either fresh or stored tissues. High concentrations (1.7 muM and 17 muM) depressed the maximal responsiveness of the bronchi to both agonists. 5 These results suggest indirectly that the regulatory role of prostaglandins in human airway muscle may be different from that in other species.

Arachidonic acid metabolism in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-1) cells

Rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-1) cells metabolized arachidonic acid through more than one enzymatic pathway. The major cyclooxygenase product was prostaglandin (PG) D 2 as established by chromatographic and chemical behavior and the effect on platelet aggregation. PGD 2 formation from exogenous arachidonic acid was inhibited by indomethacin, 1 μg/ml. RBL-1 incubated with exogenous arachidonic acid also formed SRS-A the synthesis of which was not inhibited by indomethacin. However, the SRS-A activity was blocked by the specific receptor antagonist FPL 55712. [ 14C]arachidonic acid was effectively incorporated into the phospholipids of RBL-1 cells. Challenge of such prelabelled cells or unlabelled cells with A 23187 caused release of PGD 2, SRS-A and another presently unidentified product. However, with A 23187 as a stimulus, the RBL-1 cyclo-oxygenase could not be blocked by low concentrations of indomethacin. This work further substantiates our earlier findings that SRS-A formed from arachidontic acid is not a cyclooxegenase product.

Stimulation of microsomal prostaglandin synthesis by a vasoactive material isolated from blood plasma

Stimulation of prostaglandin synthesis by a material with coronary vasoconstrictor activity extracted from blood plasma was examined. The vasoactive material decreased the Km for arachidonate in the overall synthesis of prostaglandins by rabbit renal microsomal preparations but did not change Vmax. Increases in prostaglandin synthesis caused by the vasoactive material and L-tryptophan or L-epinephrine were additive or synergistic, whereas increases produced by the vasoactive material and hemin or hemoglobin were not. However, hemin and hemoglobin stimulated synthesis of all prostaglandins equally whereas the active material increased the synthesis of prostaglandin F 2α at the expense of other prostaglandins, both in the presence and absence of heme compounds. The increase in prostaglandin F 2α with respect to the other prostaglandins occurred in the presence of reduced glutathione. The vasoactive material attenuated inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis induced by indomethacin or aspirin but not that produced by 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid. The interaction of the vasoactive material and indomethacin was competitive whereas hemin attenuated the effects of only low concentrations of indomethacin. Epinephrine enhanced indomethacin inhibition. These data indicate that mode of action of the vasoactive material in prostaglandin synthesis is unlike that of glutathione, aromatic amines, or heme containing compounds.

Smooth muscle sensitization induced by colchicine: is it an in vitro property of antitubulin agents?

Colchicine 0.1 microgram/ml induces a reversible increase of guinea-pig isolated ileum contractions (50 to 60% of maximal contractions) to acetylcholine, nicotine and PGE2. At 1 microgram/ml, it induces an irreversible increase of similar contractions to acetylcholine and 5-hydroxytryptamine. Low concentrations of indomethacin are able to reduce or even to abolish this increase. This smooth muscle sensitization could be related to the ability of colchicine to stimulate prostaglandin biosynthesis. Vinblastine has been described to induce a similar in vitro sensitization of guinea-pig isolated ileum. This effect might be also a non-specific property of antitubulin agents. The relationships between such an in vitro sensitization and the clinical effects of colchicine, including diarrhea, remain unclear.