Protective effects of prostaglandin E1 on human umbilical vein endothelial cell injury induced by hydrogen peroxide

Aim:

To investigate the protective effects of prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁) against H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Methods:

HUVECs were pretreated with PGE₁ (0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 μmol/L) for 24 h and exposed to H₂O₂ (200 μmol/L) for 12 h, and cell viability was measured by the MTT assay. LDH, NO, SOD, GSH-Px, MDA, ROS, and apoptotic percentage were determined. eNOS expression was measured by Western blotting and real-time PCR.

Results:

PGE₁ (0.25−1.00 μmol/L) was able to markedly restore the viability of HUVECs under oxidative stress, and scavenged intracellular reactive oxygen species induced by H₂O₂. PGE₁ also suppressed the production of lipid peroxides, such as MDA, restored the activities of endogenous antioxidants including SOD and GSH-Px, and inhibited cell apoptosis. In addition, PGE₁ significantly increased NO content, eNOS protein, and mRNA expression.

Conclusion:

PGE₁ effectively protected endothelial cells against oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂, an activity that might depend on the up-regulation of NO expression.     

Cytotoxic enzyme release and oxygen centered radical formation in human neutrophils are selectively inhibited by E-type prostaglandins but not by PGI2

Summary The action of PGE₁, PGE₂, PGI₂ and iloprost on superoxide anion generation, lysosomal enzyme release, and changes of Ca²⁺ fluxes in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) was studied in vitro. Both PGE-type compounds were equipotent inhibitors of FMLP-and PAF-stimulated superoxide anion generation, -glucuronidase release (IC₅₀ 3–5 mol/l) and Ca²⁺ influx while PGI₂ and iloprost were ineffective at concentrations up to 10 mol/l. These inhibitory actions of PGE₁ and PGE₂ were paralleled by an increase in cAMP level of the PMN while no change occurred with PGI₂ and iloprost. None of the prostaglandins affected the initial intracellular Ca²⁺ liberation after challenge with FMLP or PAF. Preincubation of PMN with PGE₁ and PGE₂ but not with iloprost resulted in subsequent desensitization against a second administration of these compounds. None of the compounds affected PMN activation produced by arachidonic acid or calcimycin (A 23187).These data demonstrate that PGE-type compounds are effective inhibitors of receptor-mediated (PAF, FMLP) activation of human PMN while prostacyclins are considerably less potent. This suggests that the inhibitory prostaglandin receptor on human PMN belongs to the E-type being functionally different from the inhibitory prostaglandin receptor on human platelets. These results suggest that compounds, such as PGE₁ and PGE₂ might be superior to prostacyclins to prevent PMN-associated generation of reactive oxygen species and lysosomal enzyme release in situations with endogenous PMN activation, i. e. inflammatory reactions. Send offprint requests to K. Schrör at the above address     

Effect of furosemide on angiotensin II-mediated prostaglandin I2 production in hypertensive subjects

Summary The role of angiotensin II (AII) in Prostaglandin I₂ (PGI₂) production following furosemide has been examined in a placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Furosemide 20 mg was injected intravenously in eight hypertensive subjects already treated with oral captopril 25 mg or a matching placebo. Urinary excretion of 6-keto-PGF₁ (a metabolite of PGI₂) and PGE₂, PRA and AII was increased following furosemide without captopril pretreatment. The rises in urinary 6-keto-PGF₁ and PGE₂, and plasma AII after furosemide were prevented by the captopril pretreatment. Urinary volume, sodium and furosemide were not affected by captopril. The data indicate that the effect of furosemide on PGI₂ production, as reflected by the urinary excretion of 6-keto-PGF₁, was mediated by an action of AII.     

Prostanoid EP1 receptor as the target of (?)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate in suppressing hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro

Aim:

To investigate the effects of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an active compound in green tea, on prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂)-induced proliferation and migration, and the expression of prostanoid EP₁ receptors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.

Methods:

HCC cell line HepG2, human hepatoma cell lines MHCC-97L, MHCC-97H and human hepatocyte cell line L02 were used. Cell viability was analyzed using MTT assay. PGE₂ production was determined with immunoassay. Wound healing assay and transwell filter assay were employed to assess the extent of HCC cell migration. The expression of EP₁ receptor and Gq protein were examined using Western blot assay.

Results:

PGE₂ (4-40000 nmol/L) or the EP₁ receptor agonist ONO-DI-004 (400-4000 nmol/L) increased the viability and migration of HepG2 cells in concentration-dependent manners. EGCG (100 μg/mL) significantly inhibited the viability and migration of HepG2 cells induced by PGE₂ or ONO-DI-004. HepG2 cells secreted an abundant amount of PGE₂ into the medium, and EGCG (100 μg/mL) significantly inhibited the PGE₂production and EP₁ receptor expression in HepG2 cells. EGCG (100 μg/mL) also inhibited the viability of MHCC-97L cells, but not that of MHCC-97H cells. Both EGCG (100 μg/mL) and EP₁ receptor antagonist ONO-8711 inhibited PGE₂ 4 μmol/L and ONO-DI-004 400 nmol/L-induced growth and migration of HepG2 cells. Both EGCG (100 μg/mL) and ONO-8711 210 nmol/L inhibited PGE₂- and ONO-DI-004-induced EP₁ expression. EGCG and ONO-8711 had synergistic effects in inhibiting EP₁ receptor expression. PGE₂, ONO-DI-004, ONO-8711, and EGCG had no effects on Gq expression in HepG2 cells, respectively.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that the anti-HCC effects of EGCG might be mediated, at least partially, through the suppressing EP₁ receptor expression and PGE₂ production.     

Pharmacological preconditioning by diazoxide downregulates cardiac L-type Ca2+ channels

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pharmacological preconditioning (PPC) with mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K⁺ (mitoK_ATP) channel openers such as diazoxide, leads to cardioprotection against ischaemia. However, effects on Ca²⁺ homeostasis during PPC, particularly changes in Ca²⁺ channel activity, are poorly understood. We investigated the effects of PPC on cardiac L-type Ca²⁺ channels.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

PPC was induced in isolated hearts and enzymatically dissociated cardiomyocytes from adult rats by preincubation with diazoxide. We measured reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and Ca²⁺ signals associated with action potentials using fluorescent probes, and L-type currents using a whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Levels of the α_1c subunit of L-type channels in the cellular membrane were measured by Western blot.

KEY RESULTS

PPC was accompanied by a 50% reduction in α_1c subunit levels, and by a reversible fall in L-type current amplitude and Ca²⁺ transients. These effects were prevented by the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), or by the mitoK_ATP channel blocker 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD). PPC signficantly reduced infarct size, an effect blocked by NAC and 5-HD. Nifedipine also conferred protection against infarction when applied during the reperfusion period. Downregulation of the α_1c subunit and Ca²⁺ channel function were prevented in part by the protease inhibitor leupeptin.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

PPC downregulated the α_1c subunit, possibly through ROS. Downregulation involved increased degradation of the Ca²⁺ channel, which in turn reduced Ca²⁺ influx, which may attenuate Ca²⁺ overload during reperfusion.     

Phosphorylated derivatives of phloretin inhibit cyclic AMP accumulation in neuronal and glial tumor cells in culture

Summary The potencies of polyphloretin phosphate, di-4-phloretin phosphate, 4-phloretin phosphate and phloretin to inhibit the stimulation of cAMP accumulation by prostaglandins, isoproterenol and adenosine were studied in 2 clonal cell lines of CNS origin. The sequence of potency to inhibit PGE₁ effects was the same in neuroblastoma (N4TG3) and human astrocytoma cells (1321N1): di-4-phloretin phosphate > polyphloretin phosphate > phloretin >4-phloretin phosphate. The inhibition of PGE₁ stimulated cAMP accumulation by the most prostaglandin-specific inhibitor di-4-phloretin phosphate was rapidly established after its addition, fully reversible after a 30 min preincubation period and independent of the presence of calcium. Kinetic studies of the inhibition of PGE₁ effects by di-4-phloretin-phosphate suggest a different type of inhibition in 1321N1 and N4TG3 cells.The following abbreviations are used in this report PPP polyphloretin phosphate - MPP 4-phloretin phosphate - DPP di-4-phloretin phosphate - IBMX 3-isobutyl-methylxanthine - TCA trichloroacetic acid - HEPES N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N-2-ethanesulfonic acid - EGTA Ethylenglycol-bis (-amino ethylether) N,N-tetraacetic acid - PGE₁ Prostaglandin E₁ - ¹²⁵J-TME ScAMP (¹²⁵J) 2-O-succinyl cyclic AMP tyrosine methyl ester     

Eicosapentaenoic acid suppression of systemic inflammatory responses and inverse up-regulation of 15-deoxyΔ12,14 Prostaglandin J2 production

Background and Purpose

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has been shown to suppress immune cell responses, such as cytokine production and downstream PG production in vitro. Studies in vivo, however, have used EPA as a minor constituent of fish oil with variable results. We investigated the effects of EPA on systemic inflammatory responses as pure EPA has not been evaluated on immune/inflammatory responses in vivo.

Experimental Approach

Rabbits were administered polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) i.v. before and after oral treatment with EPA for 42 days (given daily). The responses to IL-1β and TNF-α were also studied. Immediately following administration of poly I:C, body temperature was continuously monitored and blood samples were taken. Plasma levels of IL-1β, PGE₂ (PGE₂), and 15-deoxy-Δ^12,14-PGJ₂ (15d-PGJ₂) were measured by enzyme immunoassay.

Key Results

Following EPA treatment, the fever response to poly I:C was markedly suppressed compared with pretreatment responses. This was accompanied by a parallel reduction in the poly I:C-stimulated elevation in plasma levels of IL-1β and PGE₂. Paradoxically, the levels of 15d-PGJ₂ were higher following EPA treatment. EPA treatment did not significantly alter the fever response or plasma levels of PGE₂ in response to either IL-1β or TNF-α.

Conclusion and Implications

Oral treatment with EPA can suppress immune/inflammatory responses in vivo via a suppression of upstream cytokine production resulting in a decreased fever response and indirectly reducing circulating levels of PGE₂. EPA also enhances the production of the cytoprotective prostanoid 15d-PGJ₂ indicating the therapeutic benefit of EPA.     

Myrtucommulone,a natural acylphloroglucinol,inhibits microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1

Background and purpose:

The selective inhibition of prostaglandin (PG)E₂ formation via interference with microsomal PGE₂ synthase (mPGES)-1 could have advantages in the treatment of PGE₂-associated diseases, such as inflammation, fever and pain, compared with a general suppression of all PG biosynthesis, provided by inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and 2. Here, we addressed whether the naturally occurring acylphloroglucinol myrtucommulone (MC) from Myrtus communis L. (myrtle) affected mPGES-1.

Experimental approach:

The effect of MC on PGE₂ formation was investigated in a cell-free assay by using microsomal preparations of interleukin-1β-stimulated A549 cells as the source of mPGES-1, in intact A549 cells, and in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human whole blood. Inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 activity in cellular and cell-free assays was assessed by measuring 12(S)-hydroxy-5-cis-8,10-trans-heptadecatrienoic acid and 6-oxo PGF_1α formation.

Key results:

MC concentration-dependently inhibited cell-free mPGES-1-mediated conversion of PGH₂ to PGE₂ (IC₅₀ = 1 µmol·L⁻¹). PGE₂ formation was also diminished in intact A549 cells as well as in human whole blood at low micromolar concentrations. Neither COX-2 activity in A549 cells nor isolated human recombinant COX-2 was significantly affected by MC up to 30 µmol·L⁻¹, and only moderate inhibition of cellular or cell-free COX-1 was evident (IC₅₀ > 15 µmol·L⁻¹).

Conclusions and implications:

MC is the first natural product to inhibit mPGES-1 that efficiently suppresses PGE₂ formation without significant inhibition of the COX enzymes. This provides an interesting pharmacological profile suitable for interventions in inflammatory disorders, without the typical side effects of coxibs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.     

Determination of peripheral plasma prostanoid concentration: An unreliable index of ‘in vivo’ prostanoid activity

Summary Plasma concentrations of PGE₂, PGF₂, 6-keto-PGF₁ and TxB₂ were determined in 4 healthy volunteers by gas chromatography-negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry. TxB₂ concentrations in all volunteers increased with time during blood collection, increases occurred more sporadically in the case of PGE₂, PGF₂ and 6-keto-PGF₁. Rapid changes in plasma prostanoid concentrations within a sampling series were unpredictable and were inexplicable. The measured plasma prostanoid concentrations apparently depended on the sampling conditions, which could not be adequately standardized and controlled. However, very short term changes in plasma prostanoid levels cannot be excluded.     

The antipyretic effect of dipyrone is unrelated to inhibition of PGE(2) synthesis in the hypothalamus

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces fever through two parallel pathways; one, prostaglandin (PG)-dependent and the other, PG-independent and involving endothelin-1 (ET-1). For a better understanding of the mechanisms by which dipyrone exerts antipyresis, we have investigated its effects on fever and changes in PGE₂ content in plasma, CSF and hypothalamus induced by either LPS or ET-1.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Rats were given (i.p.) dipyrone (120 mg·kg⁻¹) or indomethacin (2 mg·kg⁻¹) 30 min before injection of LPS (5 µg·kg⁻¹, i.v.) or ET-1 (1 pmol, i.c.v.). Rectal temperature was measured by tele-thermometry. PGE₂ levels were determined in the plasma, CSF and hypothalamus by elisa.

KEY RESULTS

LPS or ET-1 induced fever and increased CSF and hypothalamic PGE₂ levels. Two hours after LPS, indomethacin reduced CSF and hypothalamic PGE₂ but did not inhibit fever, while at 3 h it reduced all three parameters. Three hours after ET-1, indomethacin inhibited the increase in CSF and hypothalamic PGE₂ levels but did not affect fever. Dipyrone abolished both the fever and the increased CSF PGE₂ levels induced by LPS or ET-1 but did not affect the increased hypothalamic PGE₂ levels. Dipyrone also reduced the increase in the venous plasma PGE₂ concentration induced by LPS.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These findings confirm that PGE₂ does not play a relevant role in ET-1-induced fever. They also demonstrate for the first time that the antipyretic effect of dipyrone was not mechanistically linked to the inhibition of hypothalamic PGE₂ synthesis.     

The effect of prostaglandin E1 during cardiopulmonary bypass on renal function after cardiac surgery

Summary We have evaluated the effect of prostaglandin E₁(PGE₁) on renal function after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass in 20 patients, ten of whom received 0.02 g·kg^–1·min^–1 of PGE₁ by infusion into the oxygenator during bypass; ten patients served as controls.Serum ₂-microglobulin fell significantly and urine ₂-microglobulin increased significantly after surgery in both groups. Urine N-acetyl--D-glucosaminidase was high after surgery in both groups, but it was significantly lower in the PGE₁ group. Free water clearance fell significantly on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th postoperative days compared with preoperative values in the control but not in the PGE₁ group.These results suggest that PGE₁ may prevent renal dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass.     

The antinociceptive effect of intracerebroventricularly administered prostaglandin E1 in the rat

It is generally accepted that prostaglandins (PGs) are nociceptive substances. However, earlier studies from this laboratory indicated that morphine analgesia, in the rat, was not only serotonin mediated, but involved PGs as well. Several PG synthesis inhibitors were shown to inhibit morphine analgesia and PGE₁ was shown to potentiate the antinociceptive effect of morphine. Intraperitoneal administration of PGE₁, but not PGE₂ and PGF₂, elicited antinociceptive effect per se, by the radiant heat method. The present study was undertaken to confirm the antinociceptive action of PGE₁, after intracerebroventricular administration, against nociceptive impulses induced by radiant heat, pressure, and high frequency electric current. PGE₁ produced a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect by the radiant heat and pressure methods. It potentiated the antinociceptive action of morphine by the electrical stimulation method. The antinociceptive action of PGE₁ was not evident in 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine-pretreated rats, suggesting that this effect is serotonin mediated. The present study thus confirms the antinociceptive action of PGE₁ and suggests that, unlike its peripheral action, the central action of PGE₁ results in suppression of nociceptive responses which may be serotonin mediated.     

Metabolism and pharmacokinetics of prostaglandin E1 administered by intravenous infusion in human subjects

In a single-blind, randomized, two-way crossover study with 12 healthy male volunteers, 60 g of prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁) or placebo was administered by intravenous infusion during a 120-min period. PGE₁, 13,14-dihydro-PGE₁ (PGE₀) and 15-keto-PGE₀ plasma concentrations were measured by a highly specific and sensitive GC-MS/MS method.Endogenous PGE₁ plasma concentrations ranged between 1.2 and 1.8 pg·ml^–1. Endogenous PGE₀ and 15-keto-PGE₀ plasma concentrations varied from 0.8 to 1.3 pg·ml^–1 and from 4.2 to 6.0 pg/ml respectively. During intravenous infusion of PGE₁, plasma PGE₁ concentrations rose to a level twice as high as during the placebo infusion. In contrast, PGE₀ plasma concentrations were 8 times higher during PGE₁ infusion than during placebo infusion, and 15-keto-PGE₀ plasma concentrations were 20 times higher.The new analytical method has thus been useful to describe the pharmacokinetics of PGE₁ and its metabolites PGE₀ and 15-keto-PGE₀, during and after intravenous infusion of PGE₁.     

Ca2+ signals evoked by histamine H1 receptors are attenuated by activation of prostaglandin EP2 and EP4 receptors in human aortic smooth muscle cells

Background and Purpose

Histamine and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), directly and via their effects on other cells, regulate the behaviour of vascular smooth muscle (VSM), but their effects on human VSM are incompletely resolved.

Experimental Approach

The effects of PGE₂ on histamine-evoked changes in intracellular free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) and adenylyl cyclase activity were measured in populations of cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). Selective ligands of histamine and EP receptors were used to identify the receptors that mediate the responses.

Key Results

Histamine, via H₁ receptors, stimulates an increase in [Ca²⁺]_i that is entirely mediated by activation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors. Selective stimulation of EP₂ or EP₄ receptors attenuates histamine-evoked Ca²⁺ signals, but the effects of PGE₂ on both Ca²⁺ signals and AC activity are largely mediated by EP₂ receptors.

Conclusions and Implications

Two important inflammatory mediators, histamine via H₁ receptors and PGE₂ acting largely via EP₂ receptors, exert opposing effects on [Ca²⁺]_i in human ASMCs.     

Selectivity profiling of the novel EP2 receptor antagonist,PF-04418948, in functional bioassay systems: atypical affinity at the guinea pig EP2 receptor

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Understanding the role of the EP₂ receptor has been hampered by the lack of a selective antagonist. Recently, a selective EP₂ receptor antagonist, PF-04418948, has been discovered. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the selectivity profile of PF-04418948 for the EP₂ receptor over other EP receptors using a range of isolated tissue systems.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

PF-04418948 was profiled on a range of isolated tissues to assess its EP receptor potency and selectivity: ONO-DI-004-induced contraction of guinea pig trachea (EP₁); ONO-AE1-259 and PGE₂- induced relaxation of mouse and guinea pig trachea (EP₂); PGE₂-induced depolarization of guinea pig isolated vagus (EP₃); PGE₂-induced relaxation of human and rat trachea (EP₄). PF-04418948 was also profiled in functional murine TP, IP, DP and FP receptor assays.

KEY RESULTS

In bioassay systems, where assessment of potency/selectivity is made against the ‘native’ receptor, PF-04418948 only acted as an antagonist of EP₂ receptor-mediated events. PF-04418948 competitively inhibited relaxations of murine and guinea pig trachea induced by ONO-AE1-259 and PGE₂ respectively. However, the affinity of PF-04418948 was not equal in the two preparations.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Using a wide range of bioassay systems, we have demonstrated that PF-04418948 is a selective EP₂-receptor antagonist. Interestingly, an atypically low affinity was found on the guinea pig trachea, questioning its utility as an EP₂ receptor assay system. Nevertheless, this compound should be an invaluable tool for investigating the biological activity of PGE₂ and the role of EP₂ receptors in health and disease.     

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of diclofenac in normal and Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritic rats

Aim:

To characterize pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of diclofenac in Freund''s complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritic rats using prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) as a biomarker.

Methods:

The pharmacokinetics of diclofenac was investigated using 20-day-old arthritic rats. PGE₂ level in the rats was measured using an enzyme immunoassay. A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model was developed to illustrate the relationship between the plasma concentration of diclofenac and the inhibition of PGE₂ production. The inhibition of diclofenac on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PGE₂ production in blood cells was investigated in vitro.

Results:

Similar pharmacokinetic behavior of diclofenac was found both in normal and FCA-induced arthritic rats. Diclofenac significantly decreased the plasma levels of PGE₂ in both normal and arthritic rats. The inhibitory effect on PGE₂ levels in the plasma was in proportion to the plasma concentration of diclofenac. No delay in the onset of inhibition was observed, suggesting that the effect compartment was located in the central compartment. An inhibitory effect sigmoid I_max model was selected to characterize the relationship between the plasma concentration of diclofenac and the inhibition of PGE₂ production in vivo. The I_max model was also used to illustrate the inhibition of diclofenac on LPS-induced PGE₂ production in blood cells in vitro.

Conclusion:

Arthritis induced by FCA does not alter the pharmacokinetic behaviors of diclofenac in rats, but the pharmacodynamics of diclofenac is slightly affected. A PK-PD model characterizing an inhibitory effect sigmoid I_max can be used to fit the relationship between the plasma PGE₂ and diclofenac levels in both normal rats and FCA-induced arthritic rats.     

Nonexocytotic noradrenaline release and ventricular fibrillation in ischemic rat hearts

In myocardial ischemia, nonexocytotic noradrenaline release has been identified as underlying mechanism of ischemia-evoked noradrenaline release. Nonexocytotic noradrenaline release can be suppressed by inhibitors of the neuronal noradrenaline carrier (uptake), such as desipramine. Utilizing this pharmacological intervention the role of local noradrenaline release in the genesis of ischemia-induced ventricular arrhythmias was studied. Regional ischemia was induced in rat isolated perfused hearts by ligature of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and the venous effluent obtained during the first 2 min of reperfusion was used to measure the release of endogenous noradrenaline by high-performance liquid chromatography methods. Coronary occlusion caused ventricular fibrilation in a well reproducible manner with an incidence of 70 to 80% during a 30 min observation period. Blockade of uptake, by desipramine decreased the occurrence of ischemia-induced ventricular fibrillation to 60% (0.01 mol/1) or 20% (0.1 mol/l), and ventricular fibrillation was completely suppressed by 1 mol/l desipramine. Likewise, desipramine (0.01–1 mol/l) concentration-dependently reduced endogenous noradrenaline release during 30 min of regional myocardial ischemia. Nisoxetine, a structurally unrelated inhibitor of uptake,, also suppressed ischemia-evoked ventricular fibrillation.In contrast to its antifibrillatory effect during regional myocardial ischemia, desipramine precipitated arrhythmias when ventricular fibrillation was induced by perfusing normoxic hearts with exogenous noradrenaline. Combination of desipramine (0.1 mol/1) with exogenous noradrenaline (0.01 to 1 mol/l) increased the incidence of ventricular fibrillation compared to noradrenaline perfusion alone. Under these conditions, uptake₁-blockade is known to increase the extracellular concentration of the perfused noradrenaline. Finally, in the isolated, spontaneously beating papillary muscle of the left rat heart, desipramine (0.1 and 1.0 mol/l) had no effect on the upstroke velocity of action potentials, the action potential duration and the effective refractory period.In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that nonexocytotic noradrenaline release is an important mediator of ischemia-induced ventricular fibrillation in isolated hearts of the rat. It is also documented that uptake, inhibitors such as desipramine reveal their effects on ventricular fibrillation secondary to their action on transmembrane noradrenaline transport.     

AKAP-dependent sensitization of Cav3.2 channels via the EP4 receptor/cAMP pathway mediates PGE2-induced mechanical hyperalgesia

Background and Purpose

The Ca_v3.2 isoform of T-type Ca²⁺ channels (T channels) is sensitized by hydrogen sulfide, a pro-nociceptive gasotransmitter, and also by PKA that mediates PGE₂-induced hyperalgesia. Here we examined and analysed Ca_v3.2 sensitization via the PGE₂/cAMP pathway in NG108-15 cells that express Ca_v3.2 and produce cAMP in response to PGE₂, and its impact on mechanical nociceptive processing in rats.

Experimental Approach

In NG108-15 cells and rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, T-channel-dependent currents (T currents) were measured with the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The molecular interaction of Ca_v3.2 with A-kinase anchoring protein 150 (AKAP150) and its phosphorylation were analysed by immunoprecipitation/immunoblotting in NG108-15 cells. Mechanical nociceptive threshold was determined by the paw pressure test in rats.

Key Results

In NG108-15 cells and/or rat DRG neurons, dibutyryl cAMP (db-cAMP) or PGE₂ increased T currents, an effect blocked by AKAP St-Ht31 inhibitor peptide (AKAPI) or KT5720, a PKA inhibitor. The effect of PGE₂ was abolished by RQ-00015986-00, an EP₄ receptor antagonist. AKAP150 was co-immunoprecipitated with Ca_v3.2, regardless of stimulation with db-cAMP, and Ca_v3.2 was phosphorylated by db-cAMP or PGE₂. In rats, intraplantar (i.pl.) administration of db-cAMP or PGE₂ caused mechanical hyperalgesia, an effect suppressed by AKAPI, two distinct T-channel blockers, NNC 55-0396 and ethosuximide, or ZnCl₂, known to inhibit Ca_v3.2 among T channels. Oral administration of RQ-00015986-00 suppressed the PGE₂-induced mechanical hyperalgesia.

Conclusion and Implications

Our findings suggest that PGE₂ causes AKAP-dependent phosphorylation and sensitization of Ca_v3.2 through the EP₄ receptor/cAMP/PKA pathway, leading to mechanical hyperalgesia in rats.