Presence Of SCH Research Articles

In vivo and in vitro binding of [125 I]I-R-(+)-TISCH: A dopamine D1 receptor ligand for studying pancreatic β-cell mass.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and insulinoma are mainly affected by the status of pancreatic β-cell mass (BCM). Development of imaging agents for BCM allows to study pancreatic β cells and the relationship between β cells and DM or insulinoma. In this study, we investigated the density of dopamine D1 receptor on the β cells and measured BCM by statistical image processing. The pancreatic uptakes of [125 I]I-R-(+)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-1-(3'-iodopheny1)-3-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine ([125 I]I-R-(+)-TISCH), dopamine D1 receptor tracer, in normal and diabetic rats displayed significant differences at 30 min (1.11 ± 0.08% ID/g vs. 0.63 ± 0.09% ID/g, p < 0.0001). In the presence of SCH23390, the pancreatic uptake of [125 I]I-R-(+)-TISCH at 30 min in normal rats was lower (1.01 ± 0.04% ID/g, p < 0.05). Although the blocking was not complete, [125 I]I-R-(+)-TISCH showed specific binding signals to the pancreas. Furthermore, the uptakes of [125 I]I-R-(+)-TISCH in INS-1 cells were reduced in the presence of SCH23390 at different concentrations. [125 I]I-R-(+)-TISCH displayed a respectable uptake in insulinoma. Overall, [125 I]I-R-(+)-TISCH provided specific binding signals to pancreatic β cells. Although the specific signal may not be sufficient for imaging in vivo, the dopamine D1 receptor can still be considered as a potential target for studying BCM. Further investigation will be required to optimize the ligand.

Schwertmannite catalyze persulfate to remove oxytetracycline from wastewater under solar light or UV-254

Oxytetracycline (OTC) pollution has become an important environmental issue. It is an obvious innovation in the field of OTC degradation to comprehensively explore the effect of Schwertmannite (Sch) catalyzed persulfate to degrade OTC under different light conditions, and apply the optimized parameters to remove OTC from actual aquaculture wastewater. Therefore, the effect of sodium persulfate (PS) on the removal of OTC catalyzed by Sch under solar light and UV-254 irradiation was investigated in this study, and the optimized parameters were applied to the OTC removal from actual aquaculture wastewater. The results showed that when 0.8 g/L Sch was added and the concentration of PS was 350 μmol/L, the removal rate of OTC (40 μmol/L) was 89.8% and 92.3% after 3 h and 6 h reactions in dark conditions, respectively. Furthermore, light significantly enhanced the removal efficiency of OTC. The removal rates of OTC in the Sch + PS + OTC system were 96.8% and 99.1% after 3 h and 6 h reactions under UV-254 irradiation, respectively. In addition, it was shown that light accelerated the removal of total organic carbon (TOC); the TOC removal rates after 3 h and 6 h under UV-254 in the Sch + PS + OTC system were 49.8% and 69.7%, respectively. In actual aquaculture wastewater, the removal rates of OTC after 6 h in the Sch + PS + OTC + UV-254 system were 21.7%, 22.7%, 46.1%, 55.1%, 74.1%, 94.5%, and 98.3%, respectively, when the COD concentrations in wastewater were 10,000 mg/L, 5000 mg/L, 2000 mg/L, 1000 mg/L, 500 mg/L, 200 mg/L, and 100 mg/L. The recovery rate of Sch after the reaction in actual aquaculture wastewater was 70.0–99.8%, and the pH after treatment remained neutral. These findings provide theoretical support for the treatment of OTC-containing wastewater via the advanced oxidation technology catalyzed by Sch.

Synergistic Effect of Uroguanylin and D1 Dopamine Receptors on Sodium Excretion in Hypertension.

BackgroundOral NaCl produces a greater natriuresis and diuresis than the intravenous infusion of the same amount of NaCl, indicating the existence of a gastro‐renal axis. As one of the major natriuretic hormones secreted by both the intestines and the kidney, we hypothesized that renal uroguanylin interacts with dopamine receptors to increase sodium excretion synergistically, an impaired interaction of which may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension.Methods and ResultsIn Wistar‐Kyoto rats, the infusion of uroguanylin or fenoldopam (a D1‐like receptor agonist) induced natriuresis and diuresis. Although subthreshold dosages of uroguanylin or fenoldopam had no effect, the coinfusion of subthreshold dosages of those reagents significantly increased sodium excretion. The coinfusion of an antagonist against D1‐like receptors, SCH23390, or an antagonist against uroguanylin, 2‐methylthioadenosine triphosphate, prevented the fenoldopam‐ or uroguanylin‐mediated natriuresis and diuresis in Wistar‐Kyoto rats. However, the natriuretic effects of uroguanylin and fenoldopam were not observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The uroguanylin/D1‐like receptor interaction was also confirmed in renal proximal tubule cells. In renal proximal tubule cells from Wistar‐Kyoto rats but not spontaneously hypertensive rats, stimulation of either D1‐like receptors or uroguanylin inhibited Na+‐K+‐ATPase activity, an effect that was blocked in the presence of SCH23390 or 2‐methylthioadenosine triphosphate. In renal proximal tubule cells from Wistar‐Kyoto rats, guanylyl cyclase C receptor (uroguanylin receptor) and D1 receptor coimmunoprecipitated, which was increased after stimulation by either uroguanylin or fenoldopam; stimulation of one receptor increased renal proximal tubule cell membrane expression of the other.ConclusionsThese data suggest that there is synergism between uroguanylin and D1‐like receptors to increase sodium excretion. An aberrant interaction between the renal uroguanylin and D1‐like receptors may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

Abstract 349: Gastrin and D1 Dopamine Receptor Interact to Induce Natriuresis and Diuresis

Oral NaCl produces a greater natriuresis and diuresis than the intravenous infusion of the same amount of NaCl. Gastrin is the major gastrointestinal hormone taken up by renal proximal tubule (RPT) cells. We hypothesized that renal gastrin and dopamine receptors interact to synergistically increase sodium excretion, an impaired interaction of which may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. In Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, infusion of gastrin induced natriuresis and diuresis, which was abrogated in the presence of a gastrin (CCK B R; CI-988) or D 1 -like receptor antagonist (SCH23390). Similarly, the natriuretic and diuretic effects of fenoldopam, a D 1 -like receptor agonist, were blocked by SCH23390, as well as by CI-988. However, the natriuretic effects of gastrin and fenoldopam were not observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The gastrin/D 1 -like receptor interaction was also confirmed in RPT cells. In RPT cells from WKY but not SHRs, stimulation of either D 1 -like or gastrin receptor inhibited Na + -K + -ATPase activity, an effect that was blocked in the presence of SCH23390 or CI-988. In RPT cells from WKY and SHRs, CCK B R and D 1 receptor (D 1 R) co-immunoprecipitated, which was increased after stimulation of either D 1 R or CCK B R in RPT cells from WKY rats; stimulation of one receptor increased RPT cell membrane expression of the other receptor, effects that were not observed in SHRs. These data suggest that there is a synergism between CCK B R and D 1 -like receptors to increase sodium excretion. An aberrant interaction between the renal CCK B R and D 1 -like receptors (e.g., D 1 R) may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

Gastrin and D 1 Dopamine Receptor Interact to Induce Natriuresis and Diuresis

Oral NaCl produces a greater natriuresis and diuresis than the intravenous infusion of the same amount of NaCl. Gastrin is the major gastrointestinal hormone taken up by renal proximal tubule (RPT) cells. We hypothesized that renal gastrin and dopamine receptors interact to synergistically increase sodium excretion, an impaired interaction of which may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. In Wistar-Kyoto rats, infusion of gastrin induced natriuresis and diuresis, which was abrogated in the presence of a gastrin (cholecystokinin B receptor [CCKBR]; CI-988) or a D1-like receptor antagonist (SCH23390). Similarly, the natriuretic and diuretic effects of fenoldopam, a D1-like receptor agonist, were blocked by SCH23390, as well as by CI-988. However, the natriuretic effects of gastrin and fenoldopam were not observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The gastrin/D1-like receptor interaction was also confirmed in RPT cells. In RPT cells from Wistar-Kyoto but not spontaneously hypertensive rats, stimulation of either D1-like receptor or gastrin receptor inhibited Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity, an effect that was blocked in the presence of SCH23390 or CI-988. In RPT cells from Wistar-Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats, CCKBR and D1 receptor coimmunoprecipitated, which was increased after stimulation of either D1 receptor or CCKBR in RPT cells from Wistar-Kyoto rats; stimulation of one receptor increased the RPT cell membrane expression of the other receptor, effects that were not observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats. These data suggest that there is a synergism between CCKBR and D1-like receptors to increase sodium excretion. An aberrant interaction between the renal CCK BR and D1-like receptors (eg, D1 receptor) may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

Abstract 341: Synergistic Effects of Renal Dopamine and Gastrin Receptors in Hypertension

Oral NaCl produces stronger natriuresis and diuresis as compared with venous infusion of same amount of NaCl, indicating the existence of renal-gastric axis. Although numerous hormones are secreted in gastrointestinal tract, gastrin is evident one due to its natriuretic effects and taken-up by the renal proximal tubule (RPT) cells. We hypothesize that there is an interaction between gastrin and dopamine receptor in kidney, which synergistically increases sodium excretion, the impaired interaction would be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. In WKY rats, infusion of gastrin, via renal artery, induced natriuresis and diuresis, which was blocked in the presence of CI988, a gastrin receptor blocker. Similarly, the natriuretic and diuretic effect of fenoldopam, a D1-like receptor agonist, was blocked by the D1-like receptor antagonist, SCH23390 , indicating that gastrin and fenoldopam, via individual receptor, play natriuretic and diuretic effects. Our further study found that lower dosages of gastrin or fenoldopam could not induce natriuresis and diuresis alone, while putting together induced natriuretic and diuretic effects. The above-mentioned effects were lost in SHRs. We also found, in the presence of SCH23390 , gastrin-mediated natriuresis and diuresis was partially blocked. Similarly, in the presence of CI988, the natriuretic and diuretic effects of fenoldopam were partially blocked, indicating the interaction between gastrin and D1-like receptor. The gastrin/D1-like receptor interaction was also confirmed in the RPT cells. Stimulation of one receptor increased the expression of the other. Stimulation of either D1-like receptor or gastrin receptor inhibited the Na + -K + -ATPase activity in RPT cells, while in the presence of SCH23390 , the inhibitory effect of gastrin on Na + -K + -ATPase activity was partially blocked. In the presence of CI988, D1-like receptor-mediated inhibitory effect of Na + -K + -ATPase activity in RPT cells was partially inhibited. It indicated the synergistic effect between gastrin and D1-like receptor would increase the sodium excretion in WKY rats; the impaired interaction might be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

Rapid dopaminergic and GABAergic modulation of calcium and voltage transients in dendrites of prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons

The physiological responses of dendrites to dopaminergic inputs are poorly understood and controversial. We applied dopamine on one dendritic branch while simultaneously monitoring action potentials (APs) from multiple dendrites using either calcium-sensitive dye, voltage-sensitive dye or both. Dopaminergic suppression of dendritic calcium transients was rapid (<0.5 s) and restricted to the site of dopamine application. Voltage waveforms of backpropagating APs were minimally altered in the same dendrites where dopamine was confirmed to cause large suppression of calcium signals, as determined by dual voltage and calcium imaging. The dopamine effects on dendritic calcium transients were fully mimicked by D1 agonists, partially reduced by D1 antagonist and completely insensitive to protein kinase blockade; consistent with a membrane delimited mechanism. This dopamine effect was unaltered in the presence of L-, R- and T-type calcium channel blockers. The somatic excitability (i.e. AP firing) was not affected by strong dopaminergic stimulation of dendrites. Dopamine and GABA were then sequentially applied on the same dendrite. In contrast to dopamine, the pulses of GABA prohibited AP backpropagation distally from the application site, even in neurons with natural Cl− concentration (patch pipette removed). Thus, the neocortex employs at least two distinct mechanisms (dopamine and GABA) for rapid modulation of dendritic calcium influx. The spatio-temporal pattern of dendritic calcium suppression described in this paper is expected to occur during phasic dopaminergic signalling, when midbrain dopaminergic neurons generate a transient (0.5 s) burst of APs in response to a salient event.

Enhancement of oral bioavailability of paclitaxel after oral administration of Schisandrol B in rats

Paclitaxel is a substrate of the efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein, and is mainly metabolized by the liver. Schisandrol B (Sch B), one of the active components in Schisandra, has been reported to be able to inhibit the activity of P-gp and CYP3A. It might be possible that Sch B would alter the pharmacokinetic behavior of paclitaxel. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Sch B on the pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel administered orally and intravenously in rats. Paclitaxel were administered to rats orally (30 mg/kg) or intravenously (0.5 mg/kg) with or without the concomitant administration of Sch B (10 or 25 mg/kg). Oral pharmacokinetic parameters of paclitaxel were significantly altered when pretreated with Sch B. There were significant increases in AUC(0-24h) (from 297.7+/-110.3 to 838.9+/-302.1 h*ng/ml; p<0.05) and C(max) (from 51.7+/-20.1 to 136.4+/-35.5 ng/ml; p<0.05) in the presence of Sch B (25 mg/kg). The pharmacokinetic parameters for i.v. paclitaxel were not significantly affected by Sch B in contrast to that of oral administration. Since the presence of Sch B enhanced the systemic exposure of paclitaxel, their pharmacokinetic interaction should be taken into consideration. As the oral bioavailability of paclitaxel was increased about 3-fold in the presence of Sch B, the concomitant use of Sch B may provide a benefit in the oral delivery of paclitaxel.

Sodium-Hydrogen Exchanger Regulatory Factor 1 (NHERF-1) Transduces Signals That Mediate Dopamine Inhibition of Sodium-Phosphate Co-transport in Mouse Kidney

Dopamine inhibited phosphate transport in isolated renal brush border membrane vesicles and in cultured renal proximal tubule cells from wild-type but not from NHERF-1 null mice. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments established that NHERF-1 associated with D1-like receptors. In wild-type mice, dopamine stimulated cAMP accumulation and protein kinase C (PKC) activity in renal proximal tubule cells, an effect that was abolished by SCH-23390, a D1-like receptor antagonist. In NHERF-1 null kidney tissue; however, dopamine failed to stimulate either cAMP accumulation or PKC activity. Infection of proximal tubule cells from NHERF-1 null mice with adenovirus-green fluorescent protein-NHERF-1 restored the ability of dopamine to stimulate cAMP and PKC. Finally, in (32)P-labeled wild-type proximal tubule cells and in opossum kidney cells, dopamine increased NHERF-1 phosphorylation at serine 77 of the PDZ I domain of NHERF-1, a site previously shown to attenuate binding of cellular targets including the Npt2a (sodium-dependent phosphate transporter 2a). Together, these studies establish that NHERF-1 plays a key role in dopamine signaling and is also a downstream target of D1-like receptors in the mouse kidney. These studies suggest a novel role for the PDZ adapter protein NHERF-1 in coordinating dopamine signals that inhibit renal phosphate transport.

Dopamine increases L-type calcium current more in newborn than adult rabbit cardiomyocytes via D1 and β2 receptors

Dopamine is used to treat heart failure, particularly after cardiac surgery in infants, but the mechanisms of action are unclear. We investigated differences in the effect of dopamine on L-type calcium current (I(Ca)) between newborn (NB, 1-4 days) and adult (AD, 3-4 mo) rabbit ventricular myocytes. Myocytes were enzymatically dissociated from NB and AD rabbit hearts. I(Ca) was recorded by using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. mRNA levels of cardiac dopamine receptor type 1 (D1), type 2 (D2), and beta-adrenergic receptors (beta-ARs) were measured by real-time RT-PCR. Dopamine (100 microM) increased I(Ca) more in NB (E(max) 87 +/- 10%) than in AD ventricular cells (E(max) 21 +/- 3%). Further investigation of this difference showed that mRNA levels of the D1 receptor were significantly higher in NB, and, with beta-AR blockade, dopamine increased I(Ca) more in NB than AD cells. Additionally, SKF-38393 (selective D1 receptor agonist) significantly increased I(Ca) by 55 +/- 4% in NB (P < 0.05, n = 4) and by 11 +/- 1% in AD (P < 0.05, n = 6). Dopamine in the presence of SCH-23390 (D1 receptor antagonist) increased I(Ca) in NB cells by 67 +/- 5% and by 22 +/- 2% in AD cells, suggesting a role for beta-AR stimulation. Selective blockade of beta(1)- or beta(2)-receptors (with block of D1 receptors) showed that the beta-AR action of dopamine in the NB was largely mediated via beta(2)-AR activation. Dopamine produces a larger increase in I(Ca) in NB cardiomyocytes compared with ADs. The mechanism of action is not only through beta(2)-ARs but also due to higher expression of cardiac D1 receptor in NB.

The α1-adrenergic receptor not the DA1-dopaminergic receptor mediates cyclosporine–SKF38393 renovascular interaction

In this study, we investigated the effect of acute exposure to cyclosporine A (CyA) on renal vasodilations evoked by the DA(1) dopaminergic agonist SKF38393 and whether dopamine DA(1) receptors are directly involved in the interaction. Changes evoked by CyA in SKF38393 vasodilations were evaluated in phenylephrine-preconstricted isolated perfused rat kidneys in the absence and presence of SCH23390, a DA(1) receptor antagonist. SKF38393 (3 x 10(-8) to 3 x 10(-6) mol) produced dose-dependent reductions in the renal perfusion pressure that were significantly attenuated in tissues pretreated with SCH23390 or CyA. Unlike SKF38393, the vasodilatory action of sodium nitroprusside, a nitrovasodilator, was not altered by CyA. The attenuating effect of CyA on SKF38393 vasodilations was preserved in preparations pretreated with SCH23390, suggesting that sites other than DA(1) receptors may be involved in CyA-SKF38393 interaction. The study was then extended to investigate the possible involvement of renal alpha1-adrenoceptors in the interaction. Blockade of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors by prazosin (30 nmol/L) significantly reduced the vasodilatory effect of SKF38393 and virtually abolished the CyA-induced attenuation of SKF38393 responses. Further, CyA failed to alter SKF38393 vasodilations when the renal tone was raised with prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), a vasoconstrictor whose effect is independent of alpha(1)-adenoceptors. Together, these findings support earlier reports that both DA(1) and alpha(1)-receptors mediate the renal vasodilatory action of SKF38393 and suggest that CyA interacts selectively with the alpha(1)-receptor component to compromise SKF38393 responses.

Critical Involvement of Dopaminergic Neurotransmission in Impulsive Decision Making

Impulsive decision making, apparent as intolerance for reinforcement delay, is prominent in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Commonly prescribed for this condition, amphetamine (Adderall), reduces impulsive decision making; however, the neuropharmacologic mechanism of this effect of amphetamine is unclear. We investigated the involvement of dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission in impulsive decision making in rats, using a delayed reward task. Amphetamine and methylphenidate decreased impulsive decision making, which was mimicked by the selective dopamine reuptake inhibitor GBR 12909 but not by the noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor desipramine. Impulsive choice was increased by the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH-23390 but not the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist eticlopride. The effect of amphetamine on impulsive choice was attenuated by pretreatment with eticlopride, whereas amphetamine retained its effect on impulsivity in the presence of SCH-23390. The alpha2 adrenoceptor agonist clonidine increased impulsivity, but the alpha1 adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine did not affect impulsive decision making. These data demonstrate an important role for dopaminergic neurotransmission in impulsive decision making, whereby tolerance to delay of reinforcement depends on dopamine D1 receptor activation. Activation of dopamine D2 receptors appears to mediate the beneficial effects of amphetamine on impulsive behavior. Noradrenergic neurotransmission may play a minor role in impulsive choice.

Role of G-Protein Coupled Inwardly Rectifying Potassium (GIRK) Channels in ADP-Mediated Thromboxane A2 Generation.

Platelet activation is associated with platelet shape change, fibrinogen receptor activation, platelet aggregation, secretion of granule contents and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activation. Agonist-induced PLA2 activation is important for liberation of arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids, which is then subsequently converted to thromboxane A2 (TXA2) via the sequential effects of cyclo-oxygenase and thromboxane synthase respectively. Thus the generated TXA2 plays a very predominant role in potentiating the effects of other physiological platelet agonists like collagen, thrombin and ADP. ADP-induced TXA2 generation requires co-stimulation of the P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptors, fibrinogen receptor activation and subsequent outside-in signaling. We recently demonstrated that G-protein gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels (GIRKs) are important for P2Y12 receptor-mediated platelet functional responses, namely platelet aggregation, dense granule secretion and Akt phosphorylation. In this study, we evaluated the role of GIRK channels in ADP- mediated TXA2 production in human platelets. ADP-mediated TXA2 generation was inhibited in the presence of SCH23390 and U50488H in a concentration-dependent manner, with maximal inhibition occurring at 10 μM. At these concentrations of GIRK blockers, none of the other P2Y12 receptor-dependent platelet functional responses including aggregation, Akt phosphorylations were affected. We confirmed our findings by performing similar experiments with 2-MeSADP, a potent and selective P2Y1 and P2Y12 agonist. We observed that GIRK channel blockers inhibit 2-MeSADP-mediated TXA2 generation. These results suggest the existence of two different populations of GIRK channels;-one that plays an important role in TXA2 formation (sensitive to low concentrations of the GIRK blockers) and the other population that plays an important role in platelet aggregation (sensitive to higher concentrations of GIRK blocker). Experiments done in the presence of SKF38393, a structurally similar but inactive analog of SCH23390 did not have any effect on ADP or 2-MeSADP-induced TXA2 production in the non-aspirinated platelets. Finally, we also observed that arachidonic acid-induced TXA2 production is not affected by 10 μM concentrations of SCH23390 and U50488H. These data suggest that GIRK channel blockers inhibit TXA2 formation by interfering with agonist-induced PLA2 activation. Based on these findings we conclude that there exist different populations of GIRK channels, one that contributes to ADP- and 2-MeSADP-induced TXA2 and the other that contributes to P2Y12 receptor-dependent platelet functional responses. Also, each of the two populations of GIRK channels has varying susceptibilities to the GIRK channel blockers.

Investigation of the Reduced High-Potential Iron−Sulfur Protein from Chromatium vinosum and Relevant Model Compounds: A Unified Picture of the Electronic Structure of [Fe4S4]2+ Systems through Magnetic and Optical Studies

Magnetization measurements and variable temperature optical spectroscopy have been used to investigate, within the 4-300 K temperature range, the electronic structure of the reduced high-potential iron protein (HiPIP) from Chromatium vinosum and the model compounds (Cat)(2)[Fe(4)S(4)(SR)(4)], where RS(-) = 2,4,6-triisopropylphenylthiolate (1), 2,6-diphenylphenylthiolate (2), diphenylmethylthiolate (3), 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzylthiolate (4, 4'), 2,4,6-triphenylbenzylthiolate (5, 5'), 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylbenzylthiolate (6), and Cat(+) = (+)NEt(4) (1, 2, 3, 4', 5', 6), (+)PPh(4) (4, 5). The newly synthesized 2(2)(-), 3(2)(-), 5(2)(-), and 6(2)(-) complexes are, as 1(2)(-) and 4(2)(-), excellent models of the reduced HiPIPs: they exhibit the [Fe(4)S(4)](3+/2+) redox couple, because of the presence of bulky ligands which stabilize the [Fe(4)S(4)](3+) oxidized core. Moreover, the presence of SCH(2) groups in 4(2)(-), 5(2)(-), and 6(2)(-), as in the [Fe(4)S(4)] protein cores, makes them good biomimetic models of the HiPIPs. The X-ray structure of 2 is reported: it crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pcca with no imposed symmetry and a D(2)(d)()-distorted geometry of the [Fe(4)S(4)](2+) core. Fit of the magnetization data of the reduced HiPIP and of the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 compounds within the exchange and double exchange theoretical framework leads to exchange coupling parameters J = 261-397 cm(-)(1). A firm determination of the double exchange parameters B or, equivalently, the transfer integrals beta = 5B could not be achieved that way. The obtained |B| values remain however high, attesting thus to the strength of the spin-dependent electronic delocalization which is responsible for lowest lying electronic states being characterized by delocalized mixed-valence pairs of maximum spin (9)/(2). Electronic properties of these systems are then accounted for by the population of a diamagnetic ground level and excited paramagnetic triplet and quintet levels, which are respectively J and 3J above the ground level. Optical studies of 1, 2, 4', 5', and 6 but also of (NEt(4))(2)[Fe(4)S(4)(SCH(2)C(6)H(5))(4)] and the isomorph (NEt(4))(2)[Fe(4)S(4)(S-t-Bu)(4)] and (NEt(4))(2)[Fe(4)Se(4)(S-t-Bu)(4)] compounds reveal two absorption bands in the near infrared region, at 705-760 nm and 1270-1430 nm, which appear to be characteristic of valence-delocalized and ferromagnetically coupled [Fe(2)X(2)](+) (X = S, Se) units. The |B| and |beta| values can be directly determined from the location at 10|B| of the low-energy band, and are respectively of 699-787 and 3497-3937 cm(-)(1). Both absorption bands are also present in the 77 K spectrum of the reduced HiPIP, at 700 and 1040 nm (Cerdonio, M.; Wang, R.-H.; Rawlings, J.; Gray, H. B. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1974, 96, 6534-6535). The blue shift of the low-energy band is attributed to the inequivalent environments of the Fe sites in the protein, rather than to an increase of |beta| when going from the models to the HiPIP. The small differences observed in known geometries of [Fe(4)S(4)](2+) clusters, especially in the Fe-Fe distances, cannot probably lead to drastic changes in the direct Fe-Fe interactions (parameter beta) responsible for the delocalization phenomenon. These differences are however magnetostructurally significant as shown by the 261-397 cm(-)(1) range spanned by J. The cluster's geometry, hence the efficiency of the Femicro(3)-S-Fe superexchange pathways, is proposed to be controlled by the more or less tight fit of the cluster within the cavity provided by its environment.

Taurine-induced synaptic potentiation and the late phase of long-term potentiation are related mechanistically

The application of taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) induces a long-lasting increase of synaptic efficacy and axon excitability (LLP-TAU) in rat hippocampal CA1 area. After taurine withdrawal, LLP-TAU lasted at least 3 h. This fact prompted us to assess whether the mechanisms involved in the maintenance of this particular potentiation were similar to those implicated in the late phase of long-term potentiation (L-LTP). In the presence of KN-62, an inhibitor of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, taurine perfusion (10 mM, 30 min) did not affect the induction of LLP-TAU. However, LLP-TAU maintenance was completely suppressed by KT5720, an inhibitor of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Moreover, the late phase of LLP-TAU was blocked by inhibiting protein synthesis with anisomycin. In addition, taurine perfusion increased the phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), although did not affect cAMP levels. These features of LLP-TAU do not appear to be caused by the activation of D1/D5 dopamine receptors, as taurine also induced synaptic potentiation in the presence of SCH23390, an antagonist of this type of receptors. Finally, the late phase of both L-LTP and LLP-TAU occluded mutually. These results suggest that taurine triggers the sequence of some of the molecular events involved in the induction of L-LTP.

Dopaminergic receptors and angiotensinogen gene expression in opossum kidney cells.

To investigate whether expression of the renal angiotensinogen gene is regulated by dopaminergic receptors, we used opossum kidney (OK 27) cells with a fusion gene containing the 5'- flanking regulatory sequence of the rat angiotensinogen gene fused with a human growth hormone (hGH) gene as a reporter [pOGH, angiotensinogen nucleotide (N) -1498/+18], permanently integrated into their genomes. The level of expression of pOGH (angiotensinogen N-1498/+18) in OK 27 was evaluated by the amount of immunoreactive hGH (ir-hGH) secreted into the culture medium. In the absence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), addition of dopamine (10(-13) to 10(-5)M) had minimal effect on the expression of the pOGH (angiotensinogen N-1498/+18) in OK 27 cells. In the presence of IBMX, addition of low concentrations (10(-13) and 10(-7) M) of dopamine stimulated the expression of pOGH angiotensinogen N-1498/+18) in OK 27 cells in a dose-dependent manner, whereas high concentrations (i.e., > 10(-7) M) had minimal effect. The stimulatory effect of dopamine on the expression of pOGH (angiotensinogen N-1498/+18) was inhibited by the presence of SCH-23390 (D1-dopaminergic receptor antagonist) and spiperone (D2-dopaminergic receptor antagonist), but not by ketanserin (5 HT2/5HT1c-serotonergic receptor antagonist). Moreover, the stimulatory effect of dopamine was inhibited by the presence of U-73122 (an inhibitor of phospholipase C and phospholipase A2) or staurosporine (an inhibitor of protein kinase C) or (R)-p-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate (Rp-cAMP[S]; an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase AI and II). Addition of low concentrations (10(-13) to 10(-9)M) of SKF-82958 (D1-dopaminergic receptor agonist) or PPHT (D2-dopaminergic receptor agonist) also stimulated the expression of pOGH (angiotensinogen N-1498/+18). The stimulatory effect of SKF-82958 was inhibited by the presence of SCH-23390 or Rp-cAMP[S], whereas the effect of PPHT was inhibited by the presence of spiperone or staurosporine. These studies demonstrate that the expression of pOGH (angiotensinogen N-1498/+18) in OK 27 cells is modulated by dopaminergic receptor agonists.

Atypical antagonism of D 1-receptor-mediated vasodilator responses in the perfused kidney by SCH23390

Vasodilator responses to dopexamine, fenoldopam and dopamine, which are known to have agonist activity at D 1-dopamine receptors, were examined in the rat isolated perfused kidney preparation. Perfusion pressure was raised by perfusing with the thromboxane TxA 2 analogue, U46619, and vasodilator responses were observed as dose-related falls in perfusion pressure. Propranolol (10 −6 m) and prazosin (10 −6 m) were present thoughout to eliminate gb 2 and α 1-adrenoceptor-mediated responses, respectively. The vasodilator responses were antagonized by SCH23390 (10 −9 m), indicating that they were mediated via D 1-receptors. The displacements of the dose-response curves for fenoldopam, dopexamine and dopamine were, however, non-parallel with significant depression of the maxima to 30.2, 37.9 and 34.3%, respectively. In the presence of SCH23390 (10 −8 m) and prazosin (10 −6 m), dopexamine, isoprenaline and noradrenaline produced dose-related renal vasodilatation. This was antagonized by propranolol indicating a role for β-adrenoceptors. In the case of dopexamine, the maximum response was depressed in the presence of propranolol. The reason for the atypical blockade of vasodilator responses by SCH23390 was investigated. One possibility was the appearance of transient vasoconstrictor responses at higher doses of fenoldopam, dopexamine and dopamine, usually preceding the vasodilatation. The possibility was therefore considered that the vasoconstriction may have opposed the usual vasodilatation at high doses and thus limited the size of the maximum vasodilation in the presence of SCH23390. The vasoconstriction by fenoldopam was not antagonized by S-sulpiride, the D 2-receptor antagonist but was blocked by mianserin and therefore attributed to 5-HT 2 receptor stimulation. In the presence of mianserin, however, the maximum vasodilator response to fenoldopam (in the presence of SCH23390) was not restored. Thus, the 5-HT receptor-mediated vasoconstriction could not explain the atypical antagonism. It was proposed that the depression of maximum response was due to the use of single bolus doses of agonists which in the presence of a high affinity antagonist, such as SCH23390, do not reach equilibrium.

Dopamine receptor-mediated activation of phospholipase C is associated with natriuresis during high salt intake.

Activation of phospholipase C (PLC) is considered to be one of the cellular signaling events involved in dopamine (DA)-mediated natriuresis. In the present study we have examined the role of renal cortical PLC in contributing to the increase in urinary sodium excretion during high sodium intake and its relationship with intrarenal DA synthesis. Rats were given either 1% NaCl (high sodium intake) or tap water (normal sodium intake) to drink for 24 h, and urine was collected over this time period. PLC activity in the renal cortex from these rats was measured by prelabeling cortical slices with myo-[2-3H]inositol and was expressed as fractional release (FR) of inositol (mono-, bis-, and tris-) phosphates. Acute increase in sodium intake produced 93 +/- 8% increase over control in urinary DA excretion. These changes were accompanied by significant increases (30 +/- 8%) in basal FR of inositol phosphates and 243 +/- 40 and 76 +/- 14% increases in urinary sodium and water excretion, respectively. The elevated basal PLC activity in rats with high sodium intake was significantly reduced in the presence of Sch 23390, a selective DA-1 receptor antagonist. Exogenously added DA (3 mM) also produced significant increases in PLC activity, although the magnitudes of increases were different in rats with high (37 +/- 8%) and normal (66 +/- 9%) sodium intake. However, Sch 23390 alone or carbidopa pretreatment did not affect the basal PLC activity in rats maintained on normal sodium intake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of dopamine-receptor antagonists and renal denervation on amino acid-induced hyperfiltration

The mechanism whereby an infusion of amino acids (AA) leads to increments in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) is incompletely understood. Dopamine (DA) is a catecholamine in which known actions at low doses include the ability to increase both GFR and RPF. Furthermore, urinary DA excretion has been shown to be augmented after an oral protein load. We therefore studied the renal hemodynamic response to intravenous infusion of a 10% mixed AA solution in anesthetized euvolemic Wistar-Furth rats in the presence or absence of specific DA1 [Sch 23390 (SCH)] and DA2 [S-sulpiride (S-SP)] receptor antagonists. Infusion of AA in vehicle-pretreated rats resulted in a 28 +/- 8% increase in GFR and a 29 +/- 6% increase in effective ERPF over baseline values. Administration of AA in the presence of SCH also resulted in elevations in both GFR and ERPF by 23 +/- 3% and 26 +/- 6%, respectively. In contrast, when AA were given in the presence of S-SP, the rise in both GFR and ERPF was completely prevented. To examine whether the AA-induced hyperfiltration was due to DA release from renal nerves or enhanced renal tubule DA synthesis, we administered AA to rats in which the left kidney had been chronically denervated while the right kidney remained intact. Infusion of AA led to significant increments in GFR (33 +/- 4%) and ERPF (34 +/- 7%) only in the intact control kidney, whereas GFR and ERPF remained unaltered in the denervated kidney.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biochemical, autoradiographic and pharmacological evidence for the involvement of tubular DA-1 receptors in the natriuretic response to dopexamine hydrochloride

Dopexamine hydrochloride (DPX) is a dopamine analog and it possesses agonistic action at DA-1 receptors and beta 2-adrenoceptors. It also is a weak agonist at DA-2 receptors. In the present study, we have examined the anatomical localization of DPX binding sites in rat kidney and their functional significance in terms of the renal effects of this compound. In receptor-ligand binding studies, [3H]-DPX was found to bind specifically to sections of rat kidney in a time (maximum binding at 60 min), temperature (optimal temperature 25 degrees C) and concentration (highest specific/non-specific ratio at 2 nmol/l) dependent manner. Autoradiographic studies revealed the presence of [3H]-DPX binding sites in renal tubules, glomerulus and various layers of small and large blood vessels. Inhibition studies with SCH 23390, ICI 118.551 and 1-sulpiride showed that DPX binds primarily to DA-1 receptors in tubules, only to beta 2-adrenoceptors in glomerulus and to beta 2-adrenoceptors, DA-1 and DA-2 receptors in blood vessels. Also, DPX caused concentration related increases in cyclic AMP levels in rat kidney membrane particles, which could be completely abolished by a combined presence of SCH 23390 and propranolol suggesting that both binding sites of DPX are linked to adenylate cyclase. In functional studies DPX (1 microgram/kg.min for 30 min) produced a modest fall in blood pressure, pronounced tachycardia and slight but significant increase in renal blood flow (11%). These responses were accompanied by increases in urine output (97%), urinary sodium excretion (89%), and fractional excretion of sodium (132%). There was no change in glomerular filtration rate. Propranolol pretreatment abolished DPX-induced hypotension and tachycardia but seemed to potentiate the natriuretic responses to DPX. On the other hand, SCH 23390, a DA-1 receptor antagonist completely abolished DPX-induced hypotension, natriuresis and diuresis without affecting tachycardia. These results indicate that (1) DPX binds predominantly to DA-1 receptors in renal tubules, to beta 2-adrenoceptors in glomerulus and to beta 2-adrenoceptors, as well as DA-1 and DA-2 receptors in renal blood vessels (2) DPX stimulates cAMP formation in the kidney by activating both DA-1 and beta 2-adrenoceptors and (3) DPX produces natriuresis and diuresis by selectively activating DA-1 receptors located on renal tubules.