Non-selective Β-adrenoceptor Agonist Research Articles

Lactobacillus plantarum Enhanced the Cardioprotective Efficacy of Arctiin in Isoproterenol Cardiac Injury in BALB/c Mice

Background Isoproterenol is a drug used for the treatment of bradycardia that has many side effects due to its non-selective β-adrenoceptor agonist properties. Aim In this study, we evaluated an in vivo experimental model for isoproterenol (ISO) cardiac injury using BALB/c mice and protective treatment with a combined optimized dose of Arctiin (AR) and Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) (ARLP; 30 mg/kg b.w. AR and viable 106 CFU/mL LP p.o.) together. Introduction Isoproterenol causes cardiac injury in many instances. Arctiin is a naturally occurring lignin glycoside present in many herbal medicinal plants that has many beneficial effects for humans. Lactobacillus plantarum is yet another beneficial probiotic that benefits largely to humans. Materials and Methods Male BALB/c mice in appropriate groups (6 animals each) were treated with ARLP for 7 days with ISO administration (100 mg/kg i.p.) on days 5 and 6. On the 8th day, animals were sacrificed. Serum and heart samples were collected for further processing. CK-MB, cardiac troponin, AST, ALT, LDH, GST, GPx, CAT, SOD, GSH, GSSG, MDA, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), TNF-α, and IL-6 by ELISA and gene expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were estimated in samples. Results Mice administered with ISO showed a prominent rise in the serum marker enzyme activities and tissue oxidative stress markers (MDA and GSSG). Furthermore, marked reductions in body weight and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels were noticed in ISO toxicity. Alterations in proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and Nrf2 levels by RT-PCR were analyzed. Histopathology of the heart also indicated cardiac injury in ISO-intoxicated mice. ARLP pretreatment prevented all these cardiac injuries and exerted significant ( p ≤ 0.05) prophylactic protection toward cardiac tissue. Further, we analyzed the possible interactions between AR and LP in vitro, to understand the influence of ARonLP, which showed no significant suppressive/antibacterial activity on LP. Conclusion In conclusion, ARLP exerts a strong cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory activity in cardiovascular injury.

Activation of β-Adrenoceptors Promotes Lipid Droplet Accumulation in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells via cAMP/PKA/EPAC Pathways

Physiologically, β-adrenoceptors are major regulators of lipid metabolism, which may be reflected in alterations in lipid droplet dynamics. β-adrenoceptors have also been shown to participate in breast cancer carcinogenesis. Since lipid droplets may be seen as a hallmark of cancer, the present study aimed to investigate the role of β-adrenoceptors in the regulation of lipid droplet dynamics in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Cells were treated for up to 72 h with adrenaline (an endogenous adrenoceptor agonist), isoprenaline (a non-selective β-adrenoceptor agonist) and salbutamol (a selective β2-selective agonist), and their effects on lipid droplets were evaluated using Nile Red staining. Adrenaline or isoprenaline, but not salbutamol, caused a lipid-accumulating phenotype in the MCF-7 cells. These effects were significantly reduced by selective β1- and β3-antagonists (10 nM atenolol and 100 nM L-748,337, respectively), indicating a dependence on both β1- and β3-adrenoceptors. These effects were dependent on the cAMP signalling pathway, involving both protein kinase A (PKA) and cAMP-dependent guanine-nucleotide-exchange (EPAC) proteins: treatment with cAMP-elevating agents (forskolin or 8-Br-cAMP) induced lipid droplet accumulation, whereas either 1 µM H-89 or 1 µM ESI-09 (PKA or EPAC inhibitors, respectively) abrogated this effect. Taken together, the present results demonstrate the existence of a β-adrenoceptor-mediated regulation of lipid droplet dynamics in breast cancer cells, likely involving β1- and β3-adrenoceptors, revealing a new mechanism by which adrenergic stimulation may influence cancer cell metabolism.

The role of l-cysteine/Hydrogen sulfide pathway on β3-Adrenoceptor- induced relaxation in mouse gastric fundus

In this study, we investigated the possible role of the l-cysteine/hydrogen sulfide pathway in β3-adrenoceptors-mediated relaxation in isolated mouse gastric fundus tissue. l-cysteine (endogenous H2S; 10−6-10−2 M), sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS; exogenous H2S; 10−6-10−3 M), selective β3-adrenoceptors agonist BRL 37344 (10−9-10−4 M) and non-selective β-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline (10−9-10−4 M) produced concentration-dependent relaxation in mouse gastric fundus. The non-selective β-adrenoceptors antagonist propranolol (10−6 M) inhibited the relaxant response to isoprenaline but not to BRL 37344. On the other hand, the selective β3-adrenoceptors antagonist SR 59230A (10−5 M) inhibited the relaxant responses to BRL 37344. In addition, cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE) inhibitor D,L-propargylglycine (PAG, 10−2 M), cystathionine-beta-synthase inhibitor (CBS) aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA, 10−2 M), and the combination of these inhibitors significantly reduced the relaxant responses induced by l-cysteine and BRL 37344. Pre-incubation of gastric fundal strips with propranolol (10−6 M) and SR 59230A (10−5 M) did not affect relaxations to l-cysteine and NaHS. Also, the existence of CSE, CBS, 3-mercaptopurivate sulfur transferase (3-MST) enzymes and β3-adrenoceptors were detected in gastric fundal tissue. Furthermore, basal H2S release was detected in the measurements. H2S level increased in the presence of l-cysteine, NaHS, and BRL 37344. The increase in H2S level by l-cysteine and BRL 37344 decreased significantly with PAG and AOAA enzyme inhibitors. These results suggest that endogenous H2S is synthesized from l-cysteine at least by CBS and CSE enzymes. Also, β3-adrenoceptors are found in the mouse stomach fundus and mediate BRL 37344-induced relaxations, and l-cysteine/hydrogen sulfide pathway plays a partial role in β3-adrenoceptors-mediated relaxation in mouse gastric fundus tissue.

Effect of β1 /β2 -adrenoceptor blockade on β3 -adrenoceptor activity in the rat cremaster muscle artery.

The physiological role of vascular β3 -adrenoceptors is not fully understood. Recent evidence suggests cardiac β3 -adrenoceptors are functionally effective after down-regulation of β1 /β2 -adrenoceptors. The functional interaction between the β3 -adrenoceptor and other β-adrenoceptor subtypes in rat striated muscle arteries was investigated. Studies were performed in cremaster muscle arteries isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats. β-adrenoceptor expression was assessed through RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. Functional effects of β3 -adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists and other β-adrenoceptor ligands were measured using pressure myography. All three β-adrenoceptor subtypes were present in the endothelium of the cremaster muscle artery. The β3 -adrenoceptor agonists mirabegron and CL 316,243 had no effect on the diameter of pressurized (70 mmHg) cremaster muscle arterioles with myogenic tone, while the β3 -adrenoceptor agonist SR 58611A and the nonselective β-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline caused concentration-dependent dilation. In the presence of β1/2 -adrenoceptor antagonists nadolol (10 μM), atenolol (1 μM) and ICI 118,551 (0.1 μM) both mirabegron and CL 316,243 were effective in causing vasodilation and the potency of SR 58611A was enhanced, while responses to isoprenaline were inhibited. The β3 -adrenoceptor antagonist L 748,337 (1 μM) inhibited vasodilation caused by β3 -adrenoceptor agonists (in the presence of β1/2 -adrenoceptor blockade), but L 748,337 had no effect on isoprenaline-induced vasodilation. All three β-adrenoceptor subtypes were present in the endothelium of the rat cremaster muscle artery, but β3 -adrenoceptor mediated vasodilation was only evident after blockade of β1/2 -adrenoceptors. This suggests constitutive β1/2 -adrenoceptor activity inhibits β3 -adrenoceptor function in the endothelium of skeletal muscle resistance arteries.

BRL37344 stimulates GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle via β2-adrenoceptors without causing classical receptor desensitization.

The type 2 diabetes epidemic makes it important to find insulin-independent ways to improve glucose homeostasis. This study examines the mechanisms activated by a dual β2-/β3-adrenoceptor agonist, BRL37344, to increase glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and its effects on glucose homeostasis in vivo. We measured the effect of BRL37344 on glucose uptake, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation, cAMP levels, β2-adrenoceptor desensitization, β-arrestin recruitment, Akt, AMPK, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation using L6 skeletal muscle cells as a model. We further tested the ability of BRL37344 to modulate skeletal muscle glucose metabolism in animal models (glucose tolerance tests and in vivo and ex vivo skeletal muscle glucose uptake). In L6 cells, BRL37344 increased GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake only by activation of β2-adrenoceptors, with a similar potency and efficacy to that of the nonselective β-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline, despite being a partial agonist with respect to cAMP generation. GLUT4 translocation occurred independently of Akt and AMPK phosphorylation but was dependent on mTORC2. Furthermore, in contrast to isoprenaline, BRL37344 did not promote agonist-mediated desensitization and failed to recruit β-arrestin1/2 to the β2-adrenoceptor. In conclusion, BRL37344 improved glucose tolerance and increased glucose uptake into skeletal muscle in vivo and ex vivo through a β2-adrenoceptor-mediated mechanism independently of Akt. BRL37344 was a partial agonist with respect to cAMP, but a full agonist for glucose uptake, and importantly did not cause classical receptor desensitization or internalization of the receptor.

Role of transglutaminase 2 in A1 adenosine receptor- and β2-adrenoceptor-mediated pharmacological pre- and post-conditioning against hypoxia-reoxygenation-induced cell death in H9c2 cells

Pharmacologically-induced pre- and post-conditioning represent attractive therapeutic strategies to reduce ischaemia/reperfusion injury during cardiac surgery and following myocardial infarction. We have previously reported that transglutaminase 2 (TG2) activity is modulated by the A1 adenosine receptor and β2-adrenoceptor in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. The primary aim of this study was to determine the role of TG2 in A1 adenosine receptor and β2-adrenoceptor-induced pharmacological pre- and post-conditioning in the H9c2 cells. H9c2 cells were exposed to 8h hypoxia (1% O2) followed by 18h reoxygenation, after which cell viability was assessed by monitoring mitochondrial reduction of MTT, lactate dehydrogenase release and caspase-3 activation. N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA; A1 adenosine receptor agonist), formoterol (β2-adrenoceptor agonist) or isoprenaline (non-selective β-adrenoceptor agonist) were added before hypoxia/reoxygenation (pre-conditioning) or at the start of reoxygenation following hypoxia (post-conditioning). Pharmacological pre- and post-conditioning with CPA and isoprenaline significantly reduced hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cell death. In contrast, formoterol did not elicit protection. Pre-treatment with pertussis toxin (Gi/o-protein inhibitor), DPCPX (A1 adenosine receptor antagonist) or TG2 inhibitors (Z-DON and R283) attenuated the A1 adenosine receptor-induced pharmacological pre- and post-conditioning. Similarly, pertussis toxin, ICI 118,551 (β2-adrenoceptor antagonist) or TG2 inhibition attenuated the isoprenaline-induced cell survival. Knockdown of TG2 using small interfering RNA (siRNA) attenuated CPA and isoprenaline-induced pharmacological pre- and post-conditioning. Finally, proteomic analysis following isoprenaline treatment identified known (e.g. protein S100-A6) and novel (e.g. adenine phosphoribosyltransferase) protein substrates for TG2. These results have shown that A1 adenosine receptor and β2-adrenoceptor-induced protection against simulated hypoxia/reoxygenation occurs in a TG2 and Gi/o-protein dependent manner in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts.

Isoproterenol exacerbates hyperglycemia and modulates chromium distribution in mice fed with a high fat diet

Background and purposeIsoproterenol (ISO), a nonselective β-adrenoceptor agonist for treating bradycardia and asthma, has been proposed to raise blood glucose level. Little is known regarding the relationship between ISO treatment, the induced chromium (Cr) redistribution, and changes in glucose metabolism. We aimed to characterize the effects of a single dose of ISO on glucose homeostasis and Cr level changes in an obesity mouse model. MethodsMice (C57BL6/j strain) were first fed for a continuous period of 12 weeks with either a high fat diet (HFD), to develop an obesity animal model, or a standard diet (SD), to develop a lean animal model as controls. These groups were each separated into two subgroups to receive either a single dose of ISO or saline (control). We measured in vivo their metabolic parameters, fasting glucose level, area under the curve (AUC) for glucose level time profile, insulin level time profile, insulin sensitivity index, and chromium distribution. ResultsAfter a single dose of ISO, the SD-fed mice had slightly higher blood glucose levels compared with the SD controls, when the level was measured 30 and 60min after injection. By contrast, the ISO-treated HFD-fed mice had significantly higher blood glucose levels and AUC during the entire 120min following one administration compared with the HFD control group. Additionally, they had a substantially lower HOMA-IR index, whereas insulin levels remained unchanged. The Cr level in their bones and liver was decreased, and loss of Cr through urinary excretion was elevated. ConclusionThe results demonstrated that ISO exacerbated hyperglycemic syndrome in the obesity animal model. ISO induced a net negative Cr balance as a result of increased urinary excretion, leading to Cr mobilization that was not desirable to overcome the hyperglycemia.

Reciprocal regulation of β2-adrenoceptor-activated cAMP response-element binding protein signalling by arrestin2 and arrestin3

Activation of Gs coupled receptors (e.g. β2-adrenoreceptor (β2AR)) expressed within the uterine muscle layer (myometrium), promotes intracellular cAMP generation, inducing muscle relaxation through short-term inhibition of contractile proteins, and longer-term modulation of cellular phenotype to promote quiescence. In the myometrium cAMP-driven modulation of cell phenotype is facilitated by CREB activity, however despite the importance of CREB signalling in the promotion of myometrial quiescence during pregnancy, little is currently known regarding the molecular mechanisms involved. Thus, we have characterised β-adrenoceptor-stimulated CREB signalling in the immortalised ULTR human myometrial cell line.The non-selective β-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline induced time- and concentration-dependent CREB phosphorylation, which was abolished by the β2AR selective antagonist ICI118,551. β2AR-stimulated CREB phosphorylation was mediated through a short-term PKA-dependent phase, and longer-term Src/p38 MAPK-dependent/PKA-independent phase. Since in model cells, arrestin2 can facilitate β2AR-mediated Src/p38 recruitment, we examined whether CREB signalling was activated through a similar process in myometrial cells. Depletion of arrestin2 attenuated p38 phosphorylation, whilst arrestin3 depletion enhanced and prolonged isoprenaline-stimulated p38 signals, which was reversed following inhibition of Src. Knockdown of arrestin2 led to enhanced short-term (up to 10min), and attenuated longer-term (>10min) isoprenaline-stimulated CREB phosphorylation. Contrastingly, removal of arrestin3 enhanced and prolonged isoprenaline-stimulated CREB phosphorylation, whilst depletion of both arrestins abolished CREB signals at time points >5min.In summary, we have delineated the molecular mechanisms coupling β2AR activity to CREB signalling in ULTR myometrial cells, revealing a biphasic activation process encompassing short-term PKA-dependent, and prolonged Src/arrestin2/p38-dependent components. Indeed, our data highlight a novel arrestin-mediated modulation of CREB signalling, suggesting a reciprocal relationship between arrestin2 and arrestin3, wherein recruitment of arrestin3 restricts the ability of β2AR to activate prolonged CREB phosphorylation by precluding recruitment of an arrestin2/Src/p38 complex.

Epinephrine increases contextual learning through activation of peripheral β2-adrenoceptors.

Phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase knockout (Pnmt-KO) mice are unable to synthesize epinephrine and display reduced contextual fear. However, the precise mechanism responsible for impaired contextual fear learning in these mice is unknown. Our aim was to study the mechanism of epinephrine-dependent contextual learning. Wild-type (WT) or Pnmt-KO (129x1/SvJ) mice were submitted to a fear conditioning test either in the absence or in the presence of epinephrine, isoprenaline (non-selective β-adrenoceptor agonist), fenoterol (selective β2-adrenoceptor agonist), epinephrine plus sotalol (non-selective β-adrenoceptor antagonist), and dobutamine (selective β1-adrenoceptor agonist). Catecholamines were separated by reverse-phase HPLC and quantified by electrochemical detection. Blood glucose was measured by coulometry. Re-exposure to shock context induced higher freezing in WT and Pnmt-KO mice treated with epinephrine and fenoterol than in mice treated with vehicle. In addition, freezing response in Pnmt-KO mice was much lower than in WT mice. Freezing induced by epinephrine was blocked by sotalol in Pnmt-KO mice. Epinephrine and fenoterol treatment restored glycemic response in Pnmt-KO mice. Re-exposure to shock context did not induce a significant difference in freezing in Pnmt-KO mice treated with dobutamine and vehicle. Aversive memories are best retained if moderately high plasma epinephrine concentrations occur at the same moment as the aversive stimulus. In addition, epinephrine increases context fear learning by acting on peripheral β2-adrenoceptors, which may induce high levels of blood glucose. Since glucose crosses the blood-brain barrier, it may enhance hippocampal-dependent contextual learning.

Increased Rho-kinase-mediated prostate contractions associated with impairment of β-adrenergic-cAMP-signaling pathway by chronic nitric oxide deficiency

Impairment of nitric oxide (NO) – cyclic GMP signaling pathway is likely to contribute to human begnin prostate hyperplasia (BPH). In the present study we have used a model of chronic NO synthesis inhibition to evaluate the functional alterations of prostate smooth muscle (PSM) machinery, and involvement of Rho-kinase pathway. Wistar rats were treated with the NO inhibitor Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 20mg/kg/day; 4 weeks), after which contractile responses to phenylephrine (α1-adrenoceptor agonist; 1nM to 100µM), carbachol (muscarinic agonist; 1nM to 1mM) and α,β-methylene ATP (P2X receptor agonist; 1–10µM), as well as to electrical-field stimulation (EFS; 1–32Hz) were evaluated. PSM relaxations to isoproterenol (non-selective β-adrenoceptor agonist, 0.1nM to 10µM) and sodium nitroprusside (NO donor, 1nM to 10mM) were also evaluated. The ratio prostate weight/body weight was 22% greater (P<0.05) in L-NAME compared with control group. The PSM contractions to phenylephrine, carbachol and α,β-methylene ATP were higher in L-NAME (Emax: 3.85±0.25, 3.52±0.35 and 2.03±0.2mN, respectively) compared with control group (Emax: 3.08±0.17, 2.37±0.18 and 1.57±0.18mN, respectively). The PSM contractions induced by EFS were also significantly greater in L-NAME group. Prior incubation with the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y27632 (1µM) fully reversed the enhanced contractions to phenylephrine and carbachol. Isoproterenol-induced PSM relaxations were 34% lower in L-NAME group, which was associated with reduced levels of cAMP in prostate tissue. The relaxations to sodium nitroprusside remained unaltered in L-NAME group. In summary, chronic NO deficiency leads to increased Rho-kinase-mediated PSM contractile responses accompanied by impairment of β-adrenergic-cAMP-signaling pathway.

The novel β3-adrenoceptor agonist mirabegron reduces carbachol-induced contractile activity in detrusor tissue from patients with bladder outflow obstruction with or without detrusor overactivity

β3-Adrenoceptors are major players in detrusor relaxation and have been suggested as a new putative target for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome. We determined the effects of mirabegron (YM178), a novel β3-adrenoceptor agonist, on carbachol-induced tone in isolated human detrusor preparations from patients with bladder outflow obstruction (BOO) with and without detrusor overactivity (DO), and from patients with normal bladder function. We compared the effects to those of isoprenaline, a non-selective β-adrenoceptor agonist. Detrusor specimens were obtained from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia undergoing cystoscopy and from patients undergoing radical prostatectomy/cystectomy (in total 33 donors). Detrusor contractility was evaluated by organ bath studies and strips were incubated with carbachol (1μM) to induce and enhance tension. Both mirabegron and isoprenaline reduced carbachol-induced tone in tissues from all groups. Isoprenaline decreased tension with higher potency than mirabegron in normal, BOO and BOO+DO detrusor strips with pIC50 values of 7.49±0.16 vs. 6.23±0.26 (P=0.0002), 6.89±0.34 vs. 6.04±0.31 (P=0.01), and 6.57±0.20 vs. 5.41±0.08 (P<0.0001, n=4), respectively. The maximal relaxant effect of isoprenaline and mirabegron in the normal, BOO and BOO+DO detrusor was 37.7±14.4% and 36.1±23.3%, 14.4±12.2% vs. 33.4±21.0% and 18.3±10.0% vs. 28.3±12.2% (n=4, P>0.05), respectively. Mirabegron and isoprenaline reduced carbachol-induced tone in both normal bladders and obstructed bladder with and without DO. Isoprenaline had higher potency than mirabegron, but the efficacy of mirabegron effect was the same as that of isoprenaline.

On the improvement of inhibitory response control and visuospatial attention by indirect and direct adrenoceptor agonists.

RationaleThe clinical efficacy of the monoamine and noradrenaline transporter inhibitors methylphenidate and atomoxetine in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder implicates noradrenergic neurotransmission in modulating inhibitory response control processes. Nonetheless, it is unclear which adrenoceptor subtypes are involved in these effects.ObjectivesThe present study aimed at investigating the effects of adrenoceptor agonists on inhibitory response control as assessed in the rodent 5-choice serial reaction time task, a widely used translational model to measure this executive cognitive function.ResultsConsistent with the previous reported effects of atomoxetine, the noradrenaline transporter inhibitor desipramine improved inhibitory response control, albeit the effect size was smaller compared to that of atomoxetine. Methylphenidate exerted a bimodal effect on inhibitory response control. Interestingly, the preferential β2-adrenoceptor agonist clenbuterol improved inhibitory response control. Moreover, clenbuterol improved visuospatial attention in the task, an effect that was also observed with the preferential β1-adrenoceptor agonist dobutamine. By contrast, although the preferential α1-adrenoceptor and α2-adrenoceptor agonists (phenylephrine and clonidine, respectively) and the non-selective β-adrenoceptor agonist (isoprenaline) were found to alter inhibitory response control, this was probably secondary to the simultaneous increments in response latencies and omissions observed at effective doses.ConclusionsTaken together, these findings further strengthen the notion of noradrenergic modulation of inhibitory response control and attentional processes and particularly reveal the involvement of β2-adrenoceptors therein.

Combined inhibition of nitric oxide and vasodilating prostaglandins abolishes forearm vasodilatation to systemic hypoxia in healthy humans

We tested the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO) and vasodilating prostaglandins (PGs) contribute independently to hypoxic vasodilatation, and that combined inhibition would reveal a synergistic role for these two pathways in the regulation of peripheral vascular tone. In 20 healthy adults, we measured forearm blood flow (Doppler ultrasound) and calculated forearm vascular conductance (FVC) responses to steady-state (SS) isocapnic hypoxia (O₂ saturation ~85%). All trials were performed during local α- and β-adrenoceptor blockade (via a brachial artery catheter) to eliminate sympathoadrenal influences on vascular tone and thus isolate local vasodilatory mechanisms. The individual and combined effects of NO synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition were determined by quantifying the vasodilatation from rest to SS hypoxia, as well as by quantifying how each inhibitor reduced vascular tone during hypoxia. Three hypoxia trials were performed in each subject. In group 1 (n = 10), trial 1, 5 min of SS hypoxia increased FVC from baseline (21 ± 3%; P < 0.05). Infusion of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) for 5 min to inhibit NOS during continuous SS hypoxia reduced FVC by -33 ± 3% (P < 0.05). In Trial 2 with continuous NOS inhibition, the increase in FVC from baseline to SS hypoxia was similar to control conditions (20 ± 3%), and infusion of ketorolac for 5 min to inhibit COX during continuous SS hypoxia reduced FVC by -15 ± 3% (P < 0.05). In Trial 3 with combined NOS and COX inhibition, the increase in FVC from baseline to SS hypoxia was abolished (~3%; NS vs. zero). In group 2 (n = 10), the order of NOS and COX inhibition was reversed. In trial 1, five minutes of SS hypoxia increased FVC from baseline (by 24 ± 5%; P < 0.05), and infusion of ketorolac during SS hypoxia had minimal impact on FVC (-4 ± 3%; NS). In Trial 2 with continuous COX inhibition, the increase in FVC from baseline to SS hypoxia was similar to control conditions (27 ± 4%), and infusion of L-NAME during continuous SS hypoxia reduced FVC by -36 ± 7% (P < 0.05). In Trial 3 with combined NOS and COX inhibition, the increase in FVC from baseline to SS hypoxia was abolished (~3%; NS vs. zero). Our collective findings indicate that (1) neither NO nor PGs are obligatory to observe the normal local vasodilatory response from rest to SS hypoxia; (2) NO regulates vascular tone during hypoxia independent of the COX pathway, whereas PGs only regulate vascular tone during hypoxia when NOS is inhibited; and (3) combined inhibition of NO and PGs abolishes local hypoxic vasodilatation (from rest to SS hypoxia) in the forearm circulation of healthy humans during systemic hypoxia.

Ureteral Selectivity of Intravenous β-Adrenoceptor Agonists in Pig Model of Acute Ureteral Obstruction: Comparison of KUL-7211, a Selective β 2/β 3 Agonist, With Isoproterenol, Terbutaline, and CL-316243

To compare the potency and ureteral selectivity of the selective β(2)/β(3)-adrenoceptor agonist KUL-7211 with those of the nonselective β-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol, selective β(2)-adrenoceptor agonist terbutaline, and selective β(3)-adrenoceptor agonist CL-316243, we performed the study using an isolated porcine ureter and a porcine model of acute unilateral ureteral obstruction. The effects of the drugs on the 80-mM KCl-induced contraction of the ureteral segments isolated from male pigs were evaluated using a functional experimental technique. Anesthetized male miniature pigs with complete obstruction of the left lower ureter were used to evaluate the effects of the cumulative intravenous drug administration on the elevated intraureteral pressure and mean blood pressure. The KCl-induced contractions in the isolated ureter were concentration-dependently attenuated by KUL-7211, isoproterenol, terbutaline, and CL-316243, with a rank order of potency of 6.26, 6.98, 5.41, and 5.41, respectively. In the anesthetized pigs, all 4 drugs reduced the unilateral ureteral obstruction-induced elevated intraureteral pressure in a dose-dependent manner, with KUL-7211 reducing it with a lower hypotensive effect than either isoproterenol or terbutaline. The ureteral selectivity (defined as the ratio of the effective dose to decrease the mean blood pressure by 25% to the effective dose to decrease the intraureteral pressure by 50%) of KUL-7211 (1.5) was significantly greater than that of isoproterenol (0.04) or terbutaline (0.43). The present results have demonstrated that in pigs, KUL-7211 is a potent ureteral relaxant with a relatively small hypotensive effect. A selective β(2)/β(3)-adrenoceptor agonist, such as KUL-7211, warrants additional investigation as a potentially useful drug for the promotion of stone passage in patients with urolithiasis.

Evaluation of the role of superoxide anions in endotoxin-induced impairment of β-adrenoceptor-mediated vasodilation in equine digital veins

To investigate the role of superoxide anions in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced impairment of beta-adrenoceptor-mediated equine digital vein (EDV) vasodilation. EDVs isolated from forelimbs of 24 healthy adult horses. Endothelium-intact or endothelium-denuded EDV rings were incubated with or without LPS (10 microg/mL) of Escherichia coli (O55:B5) for 4 hours. Cumulative concentration-relaxation curves resulting from administration of isoprenaline, a nonselective beta-adrenoceptor agonist, or from administration of SR 58611A, a selective beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonist, were recorded in phenylephrine-preconstricted EDVs in the absence or the presence of superoxide dismutase (200 U/mL). Isoprenaline-induced relaxation was also evaluated with or without the cyclooxygenase inhibitors indomethacin (10 microM) and NS-398 (10 microM). Isoprenaline and SR 58611A induced concentration-dependent relaxation of EDV rings, which was inhibited by LPS exposure. Superoxide dismutase abolished the inhibitory effect of LPS on the isoprenaline- and SR 58611A-mediated relaxation. Pretreatment of the LPS-treated EDVs with indomethacin or NS-398 restored the isoprenaline-mediated relaxation and abolished the LPS-induced impairment to a similar extent as superoxide dismutase. Results supported a role of superoxide anions in the LPS-induced impairment of beta-adrenoceptor-mediated EDV vasodilation. The LPS-induced oxidative stress in EDVs may contribute to vascular dysfunctions associated with laminitis in horses.

Testosterone-augmented contractile responses to α1- and β1-adrenoceptor stimulation are associated with increased activities of RyR, SERCA, and NCX in the heart

We hypothesized that testosterone at physiological levels enhances cardiac contractile responses to stimulation of both alpha(1)- and beta(1)-adrenoceptors by increasing Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and speedier removal of Ca(2+) from cytosol via Ca(2+)-regulatory proteins. We first determined the left ventricular developed pressure, velocity of contraction and relaxation, and heart rate in perfused hearts isolated from control rats, orchiectomized rats, and orchiectomized rats without and with testosterone replacement (200 microg/100 g body wt) in the presence of norepinephrine (10(-7) M), the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (10(-6) M), or the nonselective beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline (10(-7) M) in the presence of 5 x 10(-7) M ICI-118,551, a beta(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist. Next, we determined the amplitudes of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration transients induced by electrical stimulation or caffeine, which represent, respectively, Ca(2+) release via the ryanodine receptor (RyR) or releasable Ca(2+) in the SR, in ventricular myocytes isolated from the three groups of rats. We also measured (45)Ca(2+) release via the RyR. We then determined the time to 50% decay of both transients, which represents, respectively, Ca(2+) reuptake by sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) and removal via the sarcolemmal Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX). We correlated Ca(2+) removal from the cytosol with activities of SERCA and its regulator phospholamban as well as NCX. The results showed that testosterone at physiological levels enhanced positive inotropic and lusitropic responses to stimulation of alpha(1)- and beta(1)-adrenoceptors via the androgen receptor. The increased contractility and speedier relaxation were associated with increased Ca(2+) release via the RyR and faster Ca(2+) removal out of the cytosol via SERCA and NCX.

Propranolol promotes Egr1 gene expression in cardiomyocytes via β-adrenoceptors

Recent research has revealed that propranolol, a β-adrenoceptor antagonist, causes extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) cascade activation, nuclear translocation of phospho-ERK and increased transcriptional activity in cultured cell lines. Given the importance of β-adrenoceptor antagonists in the treatment of heart failure, we evaluated the capability of propranolol of promoting the ERK-dependent gene expression at the cardiomyocyte level. To this end, the gene expression of the early growth response factor 1 (Egr1), a well-recognized indicator of nuclear extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation, was assessed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR in vivo as well as in vitro experiments. Propranolol, administered at the dose of 10 mg/kg/day in C57BL/6 mice, caused a ≈ 19-fold increase of Egr1 mRNA expression in left ventricular myocardium along with a ≈ 2.1-fold increase of Egr1 protein expression. Isoproterenol, a nonselective β-adrenoceptor agonist, also increased Egr1 mRNA and protein expression but to a lesser degree. Remarkably, isoproterenol administration was associated with the development of cardiac hypertrophy, whereas propranolol-treated mice showed a completely normal cardiac morphology. The effect of propranolol on Egr1 mRNA expression was abrogated in mice lacking β 1- and β 2-adrenoceptors indicating that propranolol increases Egr1 mRNA expression in a β-adrenoceptor-dependent manner. The role of β-adrenoceptors was further confirmed by showing that propranolol was able to increase Egr1 mRNA and protein levels in cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes. Collectively, these results indicate that propranolol promotes Egr1 gene expression in cardiomyocytes via β-adrenoceptors with a mechanism which is independent of its ability to antagonize the effects of catecholamines. It is also suggested that cardiomyocyte growth and Egr1 gene overexpression are not obligate processes.

β-adrenoceptor agonists downregulate adiponectin, but upregulate adiponectin receptor 2 and tumor necrosis factor-α expression in adipocytes

Recently, the insulin-sensitizing adipokine adiponectin and the insulin resistance-inducing adipokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were reported to inhibit each other's production in adipocytes. We investigated the effects of two β 3-adrenoceptor agonists, 5-[(2R)-2-[[(2R)-2-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]amino]propyl]-1,3-benzodioxole-2,2-dicarboxylate (CL-316,243) and (±)-(R ⁎,R ⁎)-[4-[2-[[2-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]amino]propyl]phenoxy]acetic acid (BRL37344), on the gene expression of adiponectin, two adiponectin receptors, and TNF-α in adipose tissues of C57BL/6J mice. CL-316,243 and BRL37344 downregulated adiponectin, but upregulated adiponectin receptor 2 (not receptor 1) in epididymal or/and subcutaneous white adipose tissues and in brown adipose tissue. TNF-α expression was upregulated only in epididymal adipose tissue. To further explore these effects, we treated differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes with the non-selective β-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol. As a result, adiponectin receptor 2 (but not receptor 1) gene expression and TNF-α protein expression increased, but gene expression and secretion of adiponectin decreased. The upregulation of adiponectin receptor 2 by isoproterenol is most likely via β 2,β 3-adrenoceptors, adenylyl cyclases, and protein kinase A (PKA). However, the accompanying activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) may inhibit this upregulation. Our results suggest that upregulation of TNF-α and downregulation of adiponectin by β-adrenoceptor activation may contribute to the pathogenesis of catecholamine-induced insulin resistance, and that upregulation of adiponectin receptor 2 may be a feedback result of reduced adiponectin.

Activation of α 2-adrenoceptors is necessary to induce nitric oxide release in isoprenaline-induced relaxation

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the contractile agent on the relaxation induced by isoprenaline and the contribution of nitric oxide (NO) and cGMP to this relaxation. These studies were conducted in intact endothelium or denuded aortas contracted with the EC 50 of norepinephrine (NE) or phenylephrine (Phe), and the relaxation induced by isoprenaline (non-selective β-adrenoceptor agonist) or forskolin (activator of adenylyl-cyclase) was studied. The maximum effect (Emax) and pD 2 were analysed. Isoprenaline and forskolin-induced relaxation were not changed by the endothelium removal in both NE and Phe-contracted aortas. However, l-NAME reduced the relaxation induced by isoprenaline (Emax from 94.48±2.30%, n=7 to 66.17±11.73%, n=7; pD 2 from 7.56±0.10 to 6.08±0.15) only in NE-contracted aortas. The pD 2 of isoprenaline was also reduced by ODQ (6.57±0.13), but not the Emax. The inhibitory effects of l-NAME and ODQ were reversed by yohimbine. l-NAME, ODQ and oxyhemoglobin had no effect on the relaxation induced by isoprenaline in Phe-contracted aortas. Taken together, these results suggest that norepinephrine, a non-selective α-adrenoceptor agonist can also activate α 2-adrenoceptors sensitive to yohimbine in the endothelial cells, activating the NO-synthase and cGMP production which would potentiate the relaxation induced by isoprenaline. However, this pathway is not activated with Phe, the selective α 1-adrenoceptors agonist.

Marked Reutilization of Free Fatty Acids during Activated Lipolysis in Human Skeletal Muscle

Release of glycerol and free fatty acids (FFA) was investigated in human skeletal muscle strips. In the basal state, glycerol and FFA were released at almost equimolar rates (0.3 nmol/ng tissue.90 min). A nonselective beta-adrenoceptor agonist, isoprenaline, caused a concentration-dependent stimulation of glycerol release, whereas FFA release was unaffected. Basal and isoprenaline-induced glycerol release correlated positively with the age of the donors (r = 0.5, P < 0.005) but not with their body mass index (P > or = 0.4). Biochemical experiments with hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) showed that most enzyme activity was both in the cytosol and mitochondrial fraction and that it constituted the common long and active form of the protein. Electron microscopy studies in rat skeletal muscle using labeled highly specific HSL antibodies verified the cytosolic location of HSL and, furthermore, indicated an accumulation of HSL-adjoining mitochondria. These results suggest that FFA produced in myocytes during catecholamine-induced lipolysis are retained by the muscle and, therefore by inference, reused. It is conceivable that efficient hydrolysis of acylglycerol by HSL located in the cytosol as well as near the mitochondria may facilitate mitochondrial FFA oxidation. In addition, muscle lipolysis activity increases during aging and may be independent of total body fat.