Presence Of Glibenclamide Research Articles

Potentiation of Quantal Catecholamine Secretion by Glibenclamide: Evidence for a Novel Role of Sulphonylurea Receptors in Regulating the Ca2+Sensitivity of Exocytosis

Electrochemical detection of quantal catecholamine release from PC-12 cells revealed that glibenclamide, an inhibitor of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels, potentiated Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis evoked by raised extracellular [K(+)] and by exposure of cells to caffeine. Glibenclamide was without effect on voltage-gated Ca(2+) currents, membrane potential, or rises of [Ca(2+)](i) evoked by either raised extracellular [K(+)] or caffeine. The dependence of K(+)-evoked secretion on extracellular Ca(2+) was shifted leftward in the presence of glibenclamide, with a small increase in the plateau level of release, suggesting that glibenclamide primarily increased the Ca(2+) sensitivity of the exocytotic apparatus. Enhancement of secretion by glibenclamide was reversed by pinacidil and cromakalim, indicating that the effects of glibenclamide were mediated via an action on a sulfonylurea receptor. These results demonstrate that sulfonylurea receptors can modulate Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis via a mechanism downstream of Ca(2+) influx or mobilization.

MODULATION OF A2AADENOSINE RECEPTOR(S) BY K+ATPCHANNELS IN BOVINE BRAIN STRIATAL MEMBRANES

The modulation of adenosine receptor with K+ATPchannel blocker, glibenclamide, was investigated using the radiolabeled A2A-receptor selective agonist [3H]CGS 21680. Radioligand binding studies in bovine brain striatal membranes (BBM) indicated that unlabeled CGS 21680 displaced the bound [3H]CGS 21680 in a concentration-dependent manner with a maximum displacement being approximately 65% at 10−4m. In the presence of 10−5m glibenclamide, unlabeled CGS 21680 increased the displacement of bound [3H]CGS 21860 by approximately 28% at 10−4m. [3H]CGS 21680 bound to BBM in a saturable manner to a single binding site (Kd=10.6±1.71n m; Bmax=221.4±6.43fmol/mg of protein). In contrast, [3H]CGS 21680 showed saturable binding to two sites in the presence of 10−5m glibenclamide; (Kd=1.3± 0.22n m; Bmax=74.3±2.14fmol/mg protein; and Kd=8.9±0.64n m; Bmax=243.2±5.71fmol/mg protein), indicating modulation of adenosine A2Areceptors by glibenclamide. These studies suggest that the K+ATPchannel blocker, glibenclamide, modulated the adenosine A2Areceptor in such a manner that [3H]CGS 21680 alone recognizes a single affinity adenosine receptor, but that in the presence of glibenclamide it binds to two sites. These studies provide further insight into the interactions between K+ATPchannels and adenosine receptors.

Endothelium is involved in the vasorelaxation by an ATP-sensitive K + channel opener, NIP-121

Possible involvement of endothelium was examined in the vasorelaxation of rat aorta in response to NIP-121 ((+)-7,8-dihydro-6,6-dimethyl-7-hyroxy-8-(2-oxo-1-piperidinyl)-6 H-pyrano[2,3- f]benz-2,1,3-oxadiazole), an ATP-sensitive K + (K ATP) channel opener. The NIP-121-induced vasorelaxation was greater in endothelium-intact preparations than in endothelium-denuded ones. In the presence of glibenclamide, which inhibits K ATP channels, NIP-121-induced vasorelaxations were of a similar extent in both endothelium-intact and -denuded preparations. These findings suggest that the presence of endothelium plays a role in the vasorelaxation in response to K ATP channel openers.

Nicorandil, its denitrated metabolite, SG-86 and naturally occurring vasodilators synergistically interact on adenosine-induced vasodepression in rats: special reference to adrenomedullin.

To investigate synergistic effects among nicorandil, its main metabolite, SG-86 and endogenous vasodilators such as adrenomedullin (ADM), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), the effects of ADM, VIP and CGRP as well as nicorandil and SG-86 alone, and their low-dose combination were examined on adenosine-induced vasodepression in anesthetized rats. Single bolus i.v. injections of adenosine (3-100 micrograms/kg) caused a dose-dependent reduction of arterial blood pressure, accompanied by slight decreases (except for 100 micrograms/kg) in heart rate. i.v. infusion of nicorandil (10 micrograms/kg/min), SG-86 (100 micrograms/kg/min) ADM (1 ng/kg/min), VIP (30 ng/kg/min) or CGRP (1 ng/kg/min) alone, or the low-dose combination of either nicorandil (1 microgram/kg/min), and SG-86 (10 micrograms/kg/min) or either nicorandil or SG-86 and endogenous vasodilators, significantly potentiated the vasodepression produced by bolus i.v. adenosine, but not that by bolus i.v. acetylcholine (0.1 microgram/kg). The observed enhancement did not occur in the presence of glibenclamide (20 mg/kg i.v.). The present results indicate that nicorandil, SG-86 and endogenous vasodilators reciprocally interact, partly in link with KATP channels in vascular smooth muscle.

Measurements of mitochondrial K+ fluxes in whole rat hearts using 87Rb-NMR.

The rubidium efflux from hypothermic rat hearts perfused by the Langendorff method at 20 degreesC was studied. At this temperature 87Rb-NMR efflux experiments showed the existence of two 87Rb pools: cytoplasmic and mitochondrial. Rat heart mitochondria showed a very slow exchange of mitochondrial Rb+ for cytoplasmic K+. After washout of cytosolic Rb+, mitochondria kept a stable Rb+ level for >30 min. Rb+ efflux from mitochondria was stimulated with 0.1 mM 2, 4-dinitrophenol (DNP), by sarcolemmal permeabilization and concomitant cellular energy depletion by saponin (0.01 mg/ml for 4 min) in the presence of a perfusate mimicking intracellular conditions, or by ATP-sensitive K (KATP) channel openers. DNP, a mitochondrial uncoupler, caused the onset of mitochondrial Rb+ exchange; however, the washout was not complete (80 vs. 56% in control). Energy deprivation by saponin, which permeabilizes the sarcolemma, resulted in a rapid and complete Rb+ efflux. The mitochondrial Rb+ efflux rate constant (k) decreased in the presence of glibenclamide, a KATP channel inhibitor (5 microM; k = 0.204 +/- 0.065 min-1; n = 8), or in the presence of ATP plus phosphocreatine (1.0 and 5.0 mM, respectively; k = 0.134 +/- 0.021 min-1; n = 4) in the saponin experiments (saponin only; k = 0.321 +/- 0.079 min-1; n = 3), indicating the inhibition of mitochondrial KATP channels. Thus hypothermia in combination with 87Rb-NMR allowed the probing of the mitochondrial K+ pool in whole hearts without mitochondrial isolation.

Effects of Nicorandil on Experimentally Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats: A Possible Role of KATP Channels

The anti-ulcer effects of nicorandil [N-(2-hydroxyethyl)nicotinamide nitrate ester] were examined on water-immersion plus restraint stress-induced and aspirin-induced gastric ulcers in rats, compared with those of cimetidine. Nicorandil (3 and 10 mg/kg) given orally to rats dose-dependently inhibited the development of acid-related damage (water-immersion- and aspirin-induced gastric lesions) in the models. Cimetidine (50 mg/kg, p.o.) also had anti-ulcer effects in the same models. However, in the presence of glibenclamide (20 mg/kg, i.v.), an antagonist of KATP channels, nicorandil did not inhibit the formation of gastric lesions. Nicorandil (10 mg/kg) given intraduodenally (i.d.), like cimetidine (50 mg/kg), significantly reduced the volume of the gastric content, total acidity and total acid output in the pylorus ligation model. Glibenclamide reversed the changes caused by i.d. nicorandil. I.v. infusion of nicorandil (20 μg/kg per min) significantly increased gastric mucosal blood flow, without affecting blood pressure and heart rate, but the increase in the blood flow was not observed after i.v. treatment with glibenclamide (20 mg/kg). These results indicate that nicorandil administered orally to rats produces the anti-ulcer effect by reducing the aggressive factors and by enhancing the defensive process in the mucosa through its KATP-channel-opening property.

Glibenclamide, an antagonist of ATP sensitive K + channels, blocks free radical generation in the rat myocardium

The present study examined the effect of glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive K + (K ATP) channels antagonist, on the potassium chloride (KCl)-induced hydroxyl free radical ( ⋅OH) generation. Sodium salicylate in Ringer's solution (0.5 nmol/ μl per min) was infused directly through a microdialysis probe to detect the generation of ⋅OH as reflected by the formation of dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) in the myocardium of anesthetized rat. The high concentration of KCl (70 mM) significantly increased the level of 2,3- and 2,5-DHBA by the action of depolarization by KCl. However, in the presence of glibenclamide (10 μM), KCl failed to increase the 2,3- and 2,5-DHBA formation. Moreover, when allopurinol (10 mg/kg), a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, was administered by i.v. injection, the elevation of DHBA was not observed. These results suggest that openings of cardiac K ATP channel by depolarization evokes ⋅OH generation via xanthine oxidase reaction.

Adrenomedullin synergistically interacts with endogenous vasodilators in rats: a possible role of KATP channels

To examine synergistic interactions among naturally occurring vasodilators, we investigated the effects of i.v. infusion of adrenomedullin (ADM) alone and in combination with low-dose vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on adenosine-induced vasodepression in rats. I.v. infusion of the combination of low-dose ADM (0.1 ng kg−1 min−1) and VIP (3 ng kg−1 min−1), as well as that of ADM (1 ng kg−1 min−1) alone, significantly enhanced the vasodepressor responses to bolus i.v. doses of adenosine (3–100 μg kg−1), but not those to acetylcholine (0.1 μg kg−1). The observed potentiation did not occur in the presence of glibenclamide (20 mg kg−1 i.v.), an antagonist of KATP channels. Simultaneous i.v. infusion of low-dose ADM and CGRP (0.1 ng kg−1 min−1) failed to enhance the effects of adenosine as well as acetylcholine. In the whole-cell voltage clamp experiments using single cells of the rat mesenteric artery, ADM (10−11–10−7 M) as well as CGRP (10−11–10−7 M) produced increases of inward current in a concentration-dependent manner. The ADM-induced current was not affected by iberiotoxin, a specific blocker of large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels, but suppressed markedly by glibenclamide and CGRP(8–37), a selective antagonist of CGRP1 receptors. From the results, we conclude that several naturally occurring vasodilators involving ADM synergistically interact, probably in link with KATP channels, and furthermore that ADM may act, in part through CGRP1 receptor activation.

Renal microvascular actions of calcitonin gene-related peptide.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a potent vasodilator that is suggested to act via ATP-sensitive K channels (KATP). In the present study, we examined the actions of CGRP on pressure- and angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction, using the in vitro perfused hydronephrotic rat kidney. Elevated pressure (from 80 to 180 mmHg) and 0.1 nM angiotensin II elicited similar decreases in afferent diameter in this model. CGRP inhibited myogenic reactivity in a concentration-dependent manner, completely preventing pressure-induced constriction at 10 nM (95 +/- 10% inhibition). These effects were partially attenuated by 10 microM glibenclamide (62 +/- 16% inhibition, P = 0.025), indicating both KATP-dependent and -independent actions of CGRP. In contrast, 10 nM CGRP inhibited angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction by only 54 +/- 11%, and this action was not affected by glibenclamide (41 +/- 11%, P = 0.31). CGRP also inhibited the efferent arteriolar response to angiotensin II in the absence and presence of glibenclamide. Pinacidil (1.0 microM), a KATP opener also preferentially inhibited pressure- vs. angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction (97 +/- 5 and 59 +/- 13% inhibition, respectively; P = 0.034). We conclude that the renal vasodilatory mechanisms of CGRP are pleiotropic and involve both KATP-dependent and -independent pathways. The effectiveness of CGRP in opposing renal vasoconstriction and the role of KATP in this action appear to depend on the nature the underlying vasoconstriction. We suggest that this phenomenon reflects an inhibition of KATP activation by angiotensin II.

Negative Inotropic Action of Alpha-1A Adrenoceptor Blocking Agents: Role of Adenosine and ATP-Sensitive K + Channels

1. The effects of α 1 adrenoceptor blocking agents doxazosin, indoramin, 5-methylurapidil, niguldipine, WB-4101 and chloroethylclonidine (CEC) on the force of contraction ( F c), velocity of contraction (+ dF/dt) and relaxation (− dF/dt) of guinea pig papillary muscles were studied. 2. All examined substances were applied in a wide concentration range (0.01–30.0 μM) for at least 30 min at each concentration. Only α 1a blockers [i.e., niguldipine (0.01–0.3 μM), 5-methylurapidil (1–30 μM) and WB-4101 (1–30 μM)] showed a concentration-dependent negative inotropic action. 3. This effect was significantly attenuated in the presence of glibenclamide (1 μM) and almost completely abolished by 1,3-dipropyl-8- p-sulfophenylxanthine (1 μM), an antagonist of adenosine receptors with a slight selectivity for the A 1 subtype. 4. Pretreatment with dibenamine, an irreversible blocker of α 1 adrenoceptors (0.6 μM for 40 min), abolished this effect, whereas pretreatment with CEC, an irreversible blocker of α 1b adrenoceptors (1 μM for 20 min), and pertussis toxin (10 μg/kg IP, 4 to 5 days before experiments) diminished it. 5. The α 1a adrenoceptor blocking agents in the presence of the unblocked α 1b adrenoceptor trigger the negative inotropic action, which seems to include adenosine receptor stimulation and activation of ATP-sensitive K + channels (K ATP) through an inhibitory G protein.

Shortening of Monophasic Action Potential Duration During Hyperkalemia and Myocardial Ischemia in Anesthetized Dogs

The elevation of the myocardial extracellular potassium concentration ([K+]0) is known to shorten action potential duration, which may lead to the occurrence of arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to compare the mechanisms responsible for the shortening of monophasic action potential duration (MAPD) in hyperkalemic and myocardial ischemic hearts in anesthetized dogs. During a venous infusion of KC1 for 5 min, [K+]0 was increased and MAPD was significantly shortened. The ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel blocker glibenclamide did not affect the shortening of MAPD during KCl-infusion, indicating that KATP channels are not involved in this mechanism. During 5-min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery, [K+]O was increased, myocardial pH was decreased and MAPD was shortened. Glibenclamide completely abolished the shortening of MAPD, while partial elevation of [K+]o remained even in the presence of glibenclamide. This suggests that the shortening of MAPD is dependent mainly on the activation of KATP channels. Both models in the present study demonstrate that different types of potassium channels are involved in the regulation of action potential duration.

Glibenclamide suppresses stretch-activated ANP secretion: involvements of K+ATP channels and L-type Ca2+ channel modulation.

The mechanism by which glibenclamide regulates mechanically activated atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion was investigated using isolated perfused rat atria. A reduction in atrial pressure from an experimentally imposed distending pressure stimulated the secretion of ANP and caused concomitant translocation of extracellular fluid (ECF) into the atrial lumen. The activation of ANP secretion and ECF translocation were closely correlated with atrial volume changes and the increase in ANP secretion was a function of the ECF translocation. Glibenclamide (1, 10, 100 microM), an ATP-sensitive K+ (K+ATP) channel blocker, had no effect on the basal secretion of ANP, suppressed the stimulation of stretch-activated ANP secretion in a dose-dependent manner, but not the translocation of the ECF. Glipizide (100 microM) and tolbutamide (100 microM), other K+ATP channel blockers, had similar effects to those of glibenclamide. Suppression by glibenclamide (100 microM) of the stretch-induced ANP secretion was not observed in atria that had been pretreated with pinacidil (200 microM), an ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener: pinacidil alone had no effect on ECF translocation and ANP secretion. Furthermore, blocking Ca2+ influx by using the Ca2+ channel blocker diltiazem (10 nM), or a Ca2+-depleted medium prevented the suppression of stretch-induced ANP secretion by glibenclamide. In other experiments, atrial distension produced a slight membrane depolarization of cardiomyocytes; this was accentuated in the presence of glibenclamide. Furthermore, in single cardiomyocytes, glibenclamide increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in a dose-dependent manner. From these results, we suggest that glibenclamide suppresses atrial release of ANP by blocking K+ATP channels and increasing Ca2+ influx and that the K+ATP channels are associated with the regulation of the mechanically activated ANP secretion from the atria.

Contribution of ATP-sensitive potassium channels to hypoxic hyperpolarization in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons in vitro.

To investigate the mechanism of generation of the hypoxia-induced hyperpolarization (hypoxic hyperpolarization) in hippocampal CA1 neurons in rat tissue slices, recordings were made in current-clamp mode and single-electrode voltage-clamp mode. Superfusion with hypoxic medium produced a hyperpolarization and corresponding outward current, which were associated with an increase in membrane conductance. Reoxygenation produced a further hyperpolarization, with corresponding outward current, followed by a recovery to the preexposure level. The amplitude of the posthypoxic hyperpolarization was always greater than that of the hypoxic hyperpolarization. In single-electrode voltage-clamp mode, it was difficult to record reproducible outward currents in response to repeated hypoxic exposure with the use of electrodes with a high tip resistance. The current-clamp technique was therefore chosen to study the pharmacological characteristics of the hypoxic hyperpolarization. In 60-80% of hippocampal CA1 neurons, glibenclamide or tolbutamide (3-100 microM) reduced the amplitude of the hypoxic hyperpolarization in a concentration-dependent manner by up to approximately 70%. The glibenclamide or tolbutamide concentrations producing half-maximal inhibition of the hypoxic hyperpolarization were 6 and 12 microM, respectively. The chord conductance of the membrane potential between -80 and -90 mV in the absence of glibenclamide (30 microM) or tolbutamide (100 microM) was 2-3 times greater than that in the presence of glibenclamide or tolbutamide. In contrast, the reversal potential of the hypoxic hyperpolarization was approximately -83 mV in both the absence and presence of tolbutamide or glibenclamide. In approximately 40% of CA1 neurons, diazoxide (100 microM) or nicorandil (1 mM) mimicked the hypoxic hyperpolarization and pretreatment of these drugs occluded the hypoxic hyperpolarization. When ATP was injected into the impaled neuron, hypoxic exposure could not produce a hyperpolarization. The intracellular injection of the nonhydrolyzable ATP analogue 5'-adenylylimidodiphosphate lithium salt reduced the amplitude of the hypoxic hyperpolarization. Furthermore, application of dinitrophenol (10 microM) mimicked the hypoxic hyperpolarization, and the dinitrophenol-induced hyperpolarization was inhibited by either pretreatment of tolbutamide or intracellular injection of ATP, indicating that the hypoxic hyperpolarization is highly dependent on intracellular ATP. It is therefore concluded that in the majority of hippocampal CA1 neurons, exposure to hypoxic conditions resulting in a reduction in the intracellular level of ATP leads to activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels with concomitant hyperpolarization.

Preconditioning

Preconditioning

Simultaneous recording of ATP-sensitive K+ current and intracellular Ca2+ in anoxic rat ventricular myocytes. Effects of glibenclamide.

We investigated the temporal relationship between the adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K current (KATP current), hypoxic shortening and Ca accumulation in cardiomyocytes exposed to anoxia or metabolic inhibition. Whole-cell, patch-clamp experiments were performed with nonstimulated isolated rat heart ventricular muscle cells loaded with the Ca-sensitive fluorescent dye 1-[2-(5-carboxyoxazol-2-yl)-6-aminobenzofuran-5-oxy]-2-(2'- amino-5'-methylphenoxy) ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (fura-2) via the patch pipette. After approximately 8 min anoxia, the KATP current started to rise and reached a maximum of 21.3 +/- 3.7 nA (n = 5, recorded at 0 mV clamp potential) within 1-3 min. At that time hypoxic contracture also occurred. Resting cytoplasmic free calcium (Cai) did not change significantly before hypoxic shortening. After hypoxic contracture, the KATP current decreased and Cai started to rise, reaching about 1 micromol/l. The presence of glibenclamide (10 micromol/l) in the bath reduced the anoxia-induced KATP current by more than 50%, but did not significantly influence the time dependence of current, hypoxic shortening and Cai, or the magnitude of Cai. Metabolic inhibition with 1.5 mmol/l CN resulted in KATP current increase and hypoxic shortening, occurring somewhat earlier than under anoxia, but all other parameters were comparable. In non-patch-clamped cells loaded with fura-2 AM ester and field-stimulated with 1 Hz, 1 micronol/l glibenclamide had no significant effect on the magnitude of the Cai increase caused by exposure of the cells to 1.5 mmol/l CN-. After CN- wash-out in non-patch-clamped cells, Cai declined, oscillated and finally returned to control values. It can be concluded that glibenclamide inhibits anoxia-induced KATP currents only partially and has no significant effect on anoxia-induced rise in resting Cai.

Tilisolol hydrochloride dilates coronary arteries through an ATP-sensitive K+-channel opening mechanism in dogs

Tilisolol is a beta-blocking agent with vasodilatory properties that was recently shown to possess a potassium (K+) channel opening activity. We investigated whether tilisolol has vasodilatory effects on coronary circulation in dogs. Mongrel dogs were chronically instrumented for measurements of circumflex coronary artery diameter (CoD) and coronary blood flow (CBF). We compared the effects of tilisolol on dog coronary arteries with those of two beta-blockers, propranolol and arotinolol. Both propranolol (1 mg/kg, intravenously, i.v.) and arotinolol (0.25 mg/kg, i.v.) decreased CoD and increased coronary vascular resistance (CVR). Tilisolol (2 mg/kg, i.v.) decreased CVR but had no significant effect on CoD. To investigate the mechanism of the coronary action of tilisolol, we examined differences in the response to tilisolol in the absence and presence of glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker. Tilisolol (1,2,4, and 8 mg/kg, i.v.) produced a dose-dependent decrease in CVR without glibenclamide, whereas pretreatment with glibenclamide significantly suppressed this effect. Without glibenclamide, tilisolol had no significant effect on CoD at doses of 1-4 mg/kg (i.v.). However, at the higher dose of 8 mg/kg (i.v.), tilisolol significantly increased CoD (1.00 +/- 0.15%, p < 0.01). After pretreatment with glibenclamide, tilisolol (1-8 mg/kg, i.v.) produced a significant decrease in CoD. Therefore, we concluded that tilisolol exerts its vasodilatory effect on the coronary circulation through an ATP-sensitive K+ channel opening mechanism, and that its vasodilatory action is more prominent in coronary resistance vessels than in large coronary arteries.

Effects of glibenclamide on the regional haemodynamic actions of alpha-trinositol and its influence on responses to vasodilators in conscious rats.

1. In conscious rats, alpha-trinositol (D-myo-inositol-1, 2, 6 triphosphate; 5-80 mg kg-1 h-1 infusion) caused dose-dependent hypotension, tachycardia and hyperaemic dilatation in renal, mesenteric and hindquarters vascular beds. These effects were accompanied by inhibition of the renal vasodilator effects of acetylcholine (ACh), and of the mesenteric vasodilator effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and, particularly, of levcromakalim (LCK). 2. In the light of the latter finding, in a second experiment, we assessed the influence of the KATP channel inhibitor, glibenclamide (20 mg kg-1), on resting haemodynamics, on responses to ACh, bradykinin (BK), SNP and LCK, on the haemodynamic action of alpha-trinositol, and on the effects of the latter on responses to the vasodilators, over a period of 3 days. 3. In the presence of saline, glibenclamide caused a reproducible pressor effect, accompanied by renal, mesenteric, and hindquarters vasoconstrictions on all 3 experimental days; these effects were unrelated to changes in blood glucose. In the presence of glibenclamide, only the hindquarters vasodilator response to BK, and all the cardiovascular actions of LCK were inhibited. 4. On the first experimental day, the hindquarters vasodilator effect of alpha-trinositol was substantially inhibited by glibenclamide, the renal vasodilatation less so, and the mesenteric vasodilatation not at all. However, over the subsequent two days, the mesenteric vasodilator effect of alpha-trinositol became increasingly sensitive to glibenclamide. 5. In the presence of alpha-trinositol and glibenclamide, on the first experimental day, the inhibition of the renal vasodilator effect of ACh was no greater than with alpha-trinositol alone in the first experiment. Moreover, on the third experimental day, both before and after glibenclamide, the inhibition by alpha-trinositol of the renal vasodilator response to ACh was less than on the first experimental day. Similarly, the alpha-trinositol-induced inhibition of the mesenteric vasodilator effect of SNP, and of the hindquarters vasodilator action of BK, waned over the 3 experimental days. The inhibition of the cardiovascular effects of LCK were similar on all 3 experimental days, but no greater in the presence of alpha-trinositol and glibenclamide than with glibenclamide alone. 6. These results indicate that KATP channels are involved in the maintenance of resting vasodilator tone in renal, mesenteric and hindquarters vascular beds. However, although additional activation of KATP channels is responsible for all the haemodynamic effects of LCK, it contributes only to the hindquarters vasodilator action of BK and is not involved in any of the responses to ACh or SNP. The hindquarters, renal and mesenteric vasodilator effects of alpha-trinositol may involve (in the same rank order) activation of KATP channels, probably through an indirect mechanism. However, it is unlikely that direct or indirect interaction of alpha-trinositol with KATP channels explains the ability of the drug to inhibit the renal vasodilator action of ACh, or the mesenteric vasodilator effects of SNP or LCK.

Role of ATP-sensitive K+ channels in cGMP-mediated pial artery vasodilation.

The present study was designed to investigate the role of ATP-sensitive K+ channels in guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP)-mediated pial artery vasodilation in newborn pigs equipped with a closed cranial window. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (10(-8), 10(-6) M), a nitrovasodilator, elicited pial artery dilation that was attenuated by the ATP-sensitive K+ channel antagonist glibenclamide (10(-6) M). On a percentage basis, these responses were 25 +/- 1% for the presence of SNP (10(-6) M) alone, whereas 15 +/- 1% dilation was observed for SNP (10(-6) M) in the presence of glibenclamide (n = 5 pigs). Dilation produced by the cGMP analogue, 8-BrcGMP (10(-8), 10(-6) M), was similarly attenuated by glibenclamide. SNP-induced pial dilation was accompanied by increased cortical periarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cGMP levels, and these biochemical changes were blocked by the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, LY-83583 (10(-5) M). SNP (10(-6) M) alone increased CSF cGMP concentration from 407 +/- 14 to 956 +/- 41 fmol/ml, whereas SNP in the presence of LY-83583 yielded a CSF cGMP concentration of 340 +/- 13, which was no different from the control value of 335 +/- 23 fmol/ml (n = 5 pigs). SNP-induced pial dilation was blunted by LY-83583, whereas 8-BrcGMP-induced dilation was unchanged. Cromakalim (10(-8), 10(-6) M), an ATP-sensitive K+ channel agonist, produced dilation that was blocked by glibenclamide (24 +/- 1 vs. 5 +/- 1% for cromakalim 10(-6) M, in the absence and presence of glibenclamide, respectively, n = 5). These data indicate that activation of ATP-sensitive K+ channels contribute to cGMP-mediated pial artery dilation.

Investigation of the effects of 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid (NPPB) on membrane currents in rat portal vein.

1. The effects of 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid (NPPB) were investigated on evoked and spontaneous currents in freshly-isolated cells from the rat portal vein by use of conventional whole-cell recording and perforated-patch techniques. 2. At a holding potential of -60 mV in potassium-free, caesium-containing solutions, NPPB (10 microM) inhibited calcium (Ca)-sensitive chloride currents (ICl(Ca)) evoked by caffeine (10 mM) and by noradrenaline (10 microM) by 58% and 96%, respectively. 3. At a holding potential of -2 mV in potassium (K)-containing solutions, NPPB (10 microM) inhibited charybdotoxin-sensitive K-currents (IBK(Ca)) induced by noradrenaline (10 microM) and acetylcholine (10 microM) by approximately 90%. In contrast, IBK(Ca) induced by caffeine (10 mM) was unaffected in the presence of NPPB (10 microM). Conversely, IBK(Ca) elicited by caffeine (2 mM) was reduced by approximately 50% whereas IBK(Ca) evoked by noradrenaline (50 microM) was not significantly inhibited by NPPB. 4. In K-containing solutions, NPPB (10 microM) abolished spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) and induced a slowly-developing outward K-current. Bath application of glibenclamide (10 microM) abolished the outward current but did not antagonize the inhibitory effects of NPPB on STOCs or on IBK(Ca) evoked by noradrenaline. 5. In caesium-containing solutions, NPPB (30 microM) inhibited voltage-sensitive Ca-currents. 6. In Ca-free, K-containing solutions and in the presence of glibenclamide (5 microM), IBK(Ca) induced by 20 microM NS1619 was enhanced by NPPB (10 microM). 7. It is concluded that NPPB inhibits agonist-induced ICl(Ca) in rat portal vein smooth muscle. However, this agent also inhibits agonist-evoked IBK(Ca) and STOCs. Moreover, NPPB inhibits voltage-sensitive Ca-currents and stimulates a glibenclamide-sensitive K-current and IBK(Ca). The effects of this agent on evoked ICl(Ca) and IBK(Ca) and on STOCs probably involves an inhibitory action on intracellular Ca-stores.

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF MONENSIN ON ATRIAL AND VENTRICULAR MUSCLE PREPARATIONS OF GUINEA-PIG HEART

The effects of monensin (10 µmol/L) alone and in presence of verapamil (3 µmol/L) or ouabuin (1 µmol/L) or glibenclamide (10 µmol/L) or BaCl2 separately were studied on the electrophysiological properties represented by force of contraction, duration of action potential, and membrane resting potential of isolated atrial and ventricular muscle of guinea –pig heart. Monensin induced a transient increase in the force of contraction of atrial and ventricular muscles. It caused a decrease in action potential duration of papillary muscle, this effect was reversed by glibenclamide. Monensin increased the action potential duration of atrial muscle in absence or presence of glibenclamide. In presence of ouabain monensin induced a significant depolarization of resting membrane potential in both atrial and ventricular muscles. Verapanil did not antagonize the effects monensin. Monensin induced an increase in Na+ a transient increase in Ca2+ and a decrease in K+ contents of atrial and ventricular tissues. From the data of the present work it could be concluded that, Na+ pumped out the cell by Na+/K+ pump was less in atria then in ventricles in presence of moninsin. Less consumption of intracellular ATP in ventricular cells than in atrial cells, thus the ATP of ventricular cells did not reach the critical concentration level which open ATP dependent K+ channels, The study also showed absence of Na+ dependent K+ channels in guinea-pig atria.