Activation of osteoblastic functions by a mediator of pain, bradykinin

We investigated the effects of bradykinin (BK) on the production of interleukin (IL)-6 and prostaglandin PGE(2), whose molecules are capable of stimulating the development of osteoclasts from their hematopoietic precursors as well as the signal transduction systems involved, in human osteoblasts (SaM-1 cells). BK receptors B1 (B1R) and B2 (B2R) were expressed in SaM-1 and osteosarcoma (SaOS-2, HOS, and MG-63) cells. Treatment of SaM-1 cells with BK increased the synthesis of both IL-6 and PGE(2) and the increase in both was blocked by HOE140 (B2R antagonist), but not by Des-Arg(9)-[Leu(8)]-BK (B1R antagonist). U-73122, a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, suppressed BK-induced IL-6 and PGE(2) synthesis in SaM-1 cells. In addition, BK caused an increase in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i), which was inhibited by pretreatment with HOE140 or 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) receptor (IP(3)R) blocker. Furthermore, both SB203580 (an inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase [MAPK]) and PD98059 (an inhibitor of MEK, upstream of ERK) attenuated the BK-induced IL-6 and PGE(2) synthesis. BK treatment resulted in the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, and 2-APB could suppress BK-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2. These findings suggest that BK increased both IL-6 and PGE(2) synthesis in osteoblastic cells via B2R and that PLC, IP(3)-induced [Ca(2+)]i, MEK, and MAPKs were involved in the signal transduction in these cells.     

Human synovial fibroblasts: the relationships between cyclic AMP, bradykinin, and prostaglandins.

Human synovial fibroblasts in culture respond to bradykinin (8 X 10(-9) M) with an increment in intracellular cyclic AMP concentration. These bradykinin (BK) concentrations are comparable to levels of the nonapeptide found in pathological synovial effusions. The cyclic AMP response to BK is enhanced by a heat stable factor(s) in fetal calf serum (FCS) and by the addition of arachidonic acid (AA) to monolayer cultures incubated in serum-free media. Synovial fibroblasts initially treated with BK are refractory to rechallenge with this agent as measured by the absence of an increment in cyclic AMP. These BK refractory cells do respond with significant increment in cyclic AMP to challenge with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). Cells that have become refractory to PGE1 stimulation respond to BK. this suggests that a receptor or activator system different from the one for PGE1 and PGE2 exists for BK. When both BK and PGE1 are incubated together with synovial fibroblasts, the cyclic AMP response elicited is more than additive as compared to the response of each hormone separately. Indomethacin (IM) inhibits the BK evoked cyclic AMP response unless cell cultures are pretreated with PGE1. The PGE1 analog, 7-oxa-13-prostynoic acid, is a better inhibitor of the cyclic AMP response induced by BK than by PGE1. BK does not elicit a cyclic AMP response solely by elaborating PGE1, yet the prostaglandin pathway and its products seem to have a role in the degree of the cyclic AMP response to BK challenge.     

Mechanisms underlying the relaxation response induced by bradykinin in the epithelium-intact guinea-pig trachea in vitro

In this study, we investigated some of the signalling pathways involved in bradykinin (BK)-induced relaxation in epithelium-intact strips of the guinea-pig trachea (GPT + E). BK induced time- and concentration-dependent relaxation of GPT + E. Similar responses were observed for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) or the combination of subthreshold concentrations of BK plus PGE2. The nonselective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors indomethacin or pyroxicam, or the selective COX-2 inhibitors DFU, NS 398 or rofecoxib, but not the selective COX-1 inhibitor SC 560, all abolished BK-induced relaxation. The tyrosine kinase inhibitors herbimycin A and AG 490 also abolished BK-induced relaxation in GPT + E. The nonselective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor 7-NINA concentration-dependently inhibited BK effects. BK-induced relaxation was prevented by the selective antagonists for EP3 (L 826266), but not by EP1 (SC 19221), EP1/EP2 (AH 6809) or EP4 (L161982) receptor antagonists. Otherwise, the selective inhibitors of protein kinases A, G and C, mitogen-activated protein kinases, phospholipases C and A2, nuclear factor-kappaB or potassium channels all failed to significantly interfere with BK-mediated relaxation.BK caused a marked increase in PGE2 levels, an effect that was prevented by NS 398, HOE 140 or AG 490. COX-2 expression did not differ in preparations with or without epithelium, and it was not changed by BK stimulation. However, incubation with BK significantly increased the endothelial NOS (eNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS) expression, independent of the epithelium integrity. Our results indicate that BK-induced relaxation in GPT + E depends on prostanoids (probably PGE2 acting via EP3 receptors) and NO release and seems to involve complex interactions between kinin B2 receptors, COX-2, nNOS, eNOS and tyrosine kinases.     

Characterization of the PGE2 receptor subtype in bovine chondrocytes in culture.

1. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is an autacoid that decreases proteoglycan synthesis, increases metalloprotease production by cultured chondrocytes, and can modulate some of the actions of interleukin-1 on cartilage. The objective of the present study was to characterize the subtype of prostaglandin E2 receptor present in bovine chondrocytes in culture. 2. Primary cultures of articular chondrocytes were prepared from slices of bovine carpal cartilage by sequential digestion with type III hyaluronidase, trypsin, type II collagenase, followed by overnight incubation in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) with type II collagenase, washing, and seeding at a density of 2 x 10(5) cells cm-2 in DMEM with 10% foetal bovine serum. 3. PGE2 and carbaprostacyclin induced dose-dependent increases in intracellular cyclic AMP in bovine chondrocytes in culture. The potencies of these compounds were different, and maximal doses of PGE2 and carbaprostacyclin had an additive effect. PGD2 induced a small increase in intracellular cyclic AMP only at a high concentration (10(-5) M). 4. PGE2 was more potent that the EP2 agonist 11-deoxy-PGE1 at inducing increases in intracellular cyclic AMP. The EP2 agonist butaprost, however, induced only a small increase at a concentration of 10(-5)M. 17-Phenyl-PGE2 (EP1 agonist), sulprostone and MB 28767 (15S-hydroxy-9-oxo-16-phenoxy-omega-tetranorprost-13E-enoic acid) (EP3 agonists) did not induce an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP at concentrations up to 10(-5)M. 5. The EP4 antagonist AH 23848B ([1 alpha(Z),2 beta, 5 alpha]-(+/-) -7-[5-[[(1,1'-biphenyl)-4-yl]methoxyl-2-(4-morpholinyl) -3-oxocyclopentyl]-5-heptenoic acid) antagonized PGE2 but not carbaprostacyclin effects on intracellular cyclic AMP. The Schild plot slope was different from 1 but this could be due to an interaction of PGE2 with IP receptors in high doses. The exact nature of the antagonism by compound AH 23848B could not be definitely established in these experimental conditions. 6. Neither PGE2 nor any of its analogues inhibited the increase in intracellular cyclic AMP induced by forskolin, and pertussis toxin did not alter the response to PGE2, suggesting that no Gi-coupled PGE2 receptors are present in these cells. Stimulation with PGE2 did not induce significant increases in intracellular inositol-trisphosphate levels nor increases in intracellular free calcium as determined by confocal microscopy, suggesting the absence of phospholipase-C-coupled or of calcium channel-coupled PGE2 receptors in bovine chondrocytes in these experimental conditions. 7. These results show for the first time that bovine chondrocytes in culture present a functional PGE2 receptor that has some pharmacological characteristics of an EP4 subtype, as well as an IP receptor.     

Involvement of endogenous nitric oxide in the mechanism of bradykinin-induced peripheral hyperalgesia.

1. When NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 0.1-10 nmol) or NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 10 nmol-1 mumol) was intradermally administered with bradykinin (BK, 3 nmol) into the instep of rat hind-paws, a dose-related suppression of BK-induced hyperalgesia, assessed by the paw-pressure test, was produced. 2. L-Arginine (1 mumol) but not D-arginine (1 mumol) reversed the suppressive effects of L-NAME (10 nmol) and L-NMMA (1 mumol) on BK-induced hyperalgesia. 3. Concomitant intradermal administration of BK (3 nmol) with haemoglobin (1 nmol) significantly suppressed BK-induced hyperalgesia in the paw-pressure test. The BK-induced hyperalgesia was abolished by concomitant intradermal administration of either a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, methylene blue (10 nmol), or LY83583 (1 nmol). In addition, KT5823 (1 nmol) or Rp-8-bromoguanosine-3':5'-cyclic monophosphothioate (Rp-8-Br-cGMPS; 1 nmol), an inhibitor of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase, also significantly suppressed BK-induced hyperalgesia. 4. The carrageenin-induced hyperalgesia was significantly attenuated by L-NAME in a dose-dependent manner. 5. L-Arginine (1 mumol), sodium nitroprusside (1 mumol), dibutyryl cyclic GMP (1 mumol) or 8-bromo cyclic GMP (1 mumol) all failed to produce any significant relieving effect on the nociceptive threshold of rodent hind-paws. Concomitant administrations of each agent with a sub-threshold dose (0.1 nmol) of BK induced significant hyperalgesia. 6. Rp-adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphothioate (Rp-cAMPS; 1 nmol), an inhibitor of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, significantly suppressed BK-induced mechanical hyperalgesia. Concomitant administration of forskolin (1 nmol) with 8-bromo cyclic GMP (100 nmol) induced significant hyperalgesia. 7. In the superfusion experiment of a blister base on the instep of rodent hind-paws, intradermally administered BK (3 nmol) significantly increased the outflow of both cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP from the blister base. Concomitant administrations of L-NAME (10 nmol) with BK significantly reduced the BK-induced outflow of cyclic GMP without affecting the cyclic AMP content. 8. These results suggest that the NO-cyclic GMP pathway is involved in the mechanism of BK-induced hyperalgesia, and an activation of both cyclic GMP-and cyclic AMP-second messenger system plays an important role in the production of peripherally induced mechanical hyperalgesia.     

Interaction of prostaglandin E2 and bradykinin in the induction of afferent splanchnic nerve discharges in cats

In anesthetized cats, the administration of either bradykinin (BK) (0.3-3 micrograms/kg) or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (1-30 micrograms/kg) into the cranial mesenteric artery dose-dependently evoked the firing discharge in the proximal end of the afferent greater splanchnic nerves with a latency of about 10 sec, the pronounced contraction of the longitudinal muscle of the jejunum, and changes in blood pressure. PGE2 at the doses of 1-10 micrograms-kg i.a. potentiated the BK (1 microgram/kg i.a.)-induced firing discharge of the afferent splanchnic nerves of which latency was also shortened, but did not alter the BK-induced jejunal contraction and blood pressure change. However, trimoprostil (30 micrograms/kg i.a.), a trimethyl PGE2 derivative, did not change all of these responses to BK. Aspirin at 50 mg/kg i.v. markedly prevented the BK-induced nerve discharges, but not the BK-induced jejunal contraction. These results taken together indicate that PGE2 may be involved in the facilitatory response of afferent splanchnic nerve discharges to BK, but not involved in the BK-induced jejunal contraction and blood pressure change. The findings on trimoprostil present the possibility that derivatization of PGE2 could modify its inherent ability to produce adverse side-effects.     

Glucocorticoids: Effects on prostaglandin release,cyclic AMP levels and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblast tissue cultures

Summary Glucocorticoids (GCs) reduced cyclic AMP levels and inhibited glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis in secondary embryonic mouse fibroblast cultures, when cells were incubated for short periods (30 min). The order of potency was dexamethasone > prednisolone > hydrocortisone. The effect was more marked, when cyclic AMP levels and GAG synthesis were increased by addition of PGE₁.Glucocorticoids exerted no longer an inhibitory effect on cyclic AMP and GAG synthesis in cultures pretreated for 48 h with the steroids. Addition of PGE₁ caused a stronger rise in cyclic AMP and GAG synthesis than in controls without GC-preincubation. This enhancement was even more pronounced, when PGE₁ was added together with the GCs.The reversal of the inhibitory effect of the GCs into a potentiating effect following preincubation correlated to a reduction of endogenous PGE formation in the cultures. Short-term treatment with GCs did not reduce endogenous PGE levels, but prolonged incubation markedly decreased PGE levels. PGE formation recovered following addition of fresh medium after the 48 h incubation with the steroids, but the amount of PGE formed remained significantly lower than in untreated cultures. Non-glucocorticoid steroid hormones did not decrease PGE levels.The results indicate that the apparent loss of inhibitory activity of GCs on cyclic AMP and GAG synthesis observed after prolonged incubation may result from a reduction of endogenous PGE formation which renders the cells more sensitive to the stimulatory effect of exogenous PGE₁.with technical assistance of I. Klappstein     

Bradykinin induces a B2 receptor-mediated calcium signal linked to prostanoid formation in human gingival fibroblasts in vitro.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of bradykinin (BK) on the level of cytoplasmic-free Ca2+, [Ca2+]i, in human gingival fibroblasts and its relation to BK-induced prostanoid formation. BK, but not des-Arg9-BK, induced a significant rapid (within seconds) and transient increase in [Ca2+]i, that was not dependent on extracellular Ca2+. The stimulatory effect of BK was seen in concentrations at or above 10(-8) M, with the most pronounced effect at 10(-6) M. D-Arg0-Hyp3-Thi5,8-DPhe7-BK, a BK B2 receptor antagonist, but not des-Arg9-Leu8-BK, a BK B1 receptor antagonist, blocked BK-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. The BK B2 receptor antagonist also significantly reduced BK-induced PGE2 formation. When extracellular Ca2+ in the incubation medium was depleted, either by addition of EGTA or by omission of Ca2+ addition, BK still caused a significant stimulation of PGE2 formation. The calcium ionophores A23187 and ionomycin, similar to BK, caused a burst of PGE2 formation. The two phorbol esters phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate and 4-beta-phorbol-didecanoate positively amplified calcium ionophore A23187-induced PGE2 formation. The results indicate that BK-induced PGE2 formation in gingival fibroblasts is coupled to an increase in [Ca2+]i mediated by the BK B2 receptor, and which is independent of extracellular Ca2+.     

Regulation of Ca2+-dependent cyclic AMP accumulation and Ca2+ metabolism in intact pituitary tumor cells by modulators of prolactin production

The responsiveness of anterior pituitary tumor (GH3) cells to promoters of prolactin secretion and/or synthesis and cyclic AMP accumulation was studied as a function of cellular Ca2+ content. GH3 cells exposed to media containing 1 mM ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid were reduced 7-fold in Ca2+ content without loss of viability. Preparations of Ca2+-depleted cells were largely unchanged in cyclic AMP content when challenged by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), whereas cells which were subsequently restored at optimal Ca2+ (0.5 mM) responded to the hormone with 2- to 3-fold increases in cyclic AMP content. The decreased responsiveness of Ca2+-depleted cells to TRH was not influenced by phosphodiesterase inhibitors, incubation time, or hormone concentration. TRH-dependent cyclic AMP accumulation was markedly potentiated by forskolin in Ca2+-restored, but not in Ca2+-depleted, cell preparations. Forskolin extended the time period during which cyclic AMP accumulated in response to TRH without altering the TRH concentration dependency of the cells. Varying increases in GH3 cyclic AMP content occurred in response to other hormones or agents which enhance prolactin secretion and/or synthesis. In Ca2+-restored cells, cyclic AMP content was increased 2-fold by prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and epidermal growth factor (EGF), 10- to 15-fold by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and 6-fold by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA); the capacity of Ca2+-depleted cells, however, to accumulate cyclic AMP in response to PGE1, EGF, and VIP was greatly reduced. Accumulation of cyclic AMP following short-term incubations with cholera toxin similarly was dependent on Ca2+. Exposure of GH3 cells preloaded with 45Ca to TRH, PGE1, EGF, PMA, or VIP resulted in losses of cell-associated 45Ca. Pretreatment with these agents resulted in a decreased capacity of the cells to accumulate 45Ca from the extracellular medium. The results of this study support the hypothesis that various putative humoral regulators of prolactin secretion and/or synthesis act on GH3 cells to alter intracellular Ca2+ metabolism which in turn results in an increased cyclic AMP content through stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity.     

Bradykinin stimulates production of inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate in cultured mesangial cells of the rat via a BK2-kinin receptor.

1. Using [125I-Tyr0]-BK, as radiolabelled ligand, and various agonists and antagonists of bradykinin (BK) we identified a single class of specific BK2-binding sites in mesangial cell membranes (Bmax = 73 fmol mg-1 protein and Kd = 3.7 nM). 2. Following the addition of 0.1 microM BK, inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate (IP3) formation increased within 20 s from a basal level of 64 to a maximal value of 175 pmol mg-1 protein. 3. Incubation in a Ca(2+)-free medium did not change IP3 production but a 5 min preincubation with 1 mM EGTA completely prevented the BK-induced IP3 formation, suggesting that IP3 formation is partly dependent on extracellular calcium. 4. The BK2 antagonist D-Arg-Hyp3-D-Phe7-BK (10 microM) but not the BK1 antagonist (des-Arg9-Leu8-BK) abolished IP3 production in response to 0.1 microM BK. Pretreatment of mesangial cells with pertussis toxin was without effect on BK-induced IP3 formation, whereas phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate significantly enhanced (by 25%) BK-induced IP3 formation. 5. The present data demonstrate that inositol phosphate breakdown in rat mesangial cells can be mediated via activation of a BK2-kinin receptor and is under negative control of protein-kinase C.     

Contribution of vanilloid receptors to the overt nociception induced by B2 kinin receptor activation in mice

1. The vanilloid receptor (TRPV1) is viewed as a molecular integrator of several nociceptive stimuli. In the present study, we have investigated the role played by TRPV1 in the nociceptive response induced by the peripheral activation of kinin B(2) receptor in mice. 2. The intraplantar (i.pl.) administration of bradykinin (BK) and the selective B(2) agonist Tyr(8)-BK, or the vanilloid agonists resiniferatoxin and capsaicin, into the mouse paw induced a dose-related overt nociception of short duration. The B(2) receptor antagonist Hoe 140 inhibited BK-induced, but not capsaicin-induced, nociceptive response. On the other hand, the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine inhibited both capsaicin- and BK-mediated nociception. 3. Repeated injections of BK or capsaicin produced desensitization to their nociceptive response. Capsaicin desensitization greatly reduced BK-induced nociception, but in contrast, the desensitization to BK increased the capsaicin response. 4. Administration of low doses of capsaicin or acidified saline did not produce nociception when administered alone, but caused a pronounced effect when administered in association with a subthreshold dose of BK. Moreover, the degeneration of the subset of primary afferent fibers, sensitive to capsaicin, abolished both capsaicin- and BK-induced nociception. 5. The inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC), protein kinase C or phospholipase A(2) markedly decreased the nociception caused by BK, but not that of capsaicin. BK administration increased leukotriene B(4) levels in the injected paw. Likewise, BK-induced overt nociception was decreased by lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition. 6. These results demonstrate that BK produces overt nociception mediated by TRPV1 receptor stimulation, via PLC pathway activation and LOX product formation.     

Contribution of nitric oxide, prostanoids and Ca2+-activated K+ channels to the relaxant response of bradykinin in the guinea pig bronchus in vitro

In the guinea pig bronchus with epithelium, pre-contracted with histamine, bradykinin (BK), lysyl-BK, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cromakalim and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine each caused graded relaxation with mean EC50s of 34 nM, 11 nM, 0.1 nM, 0.3 microM and 3.4 microM, respectively. The addition of NO synthase inhibitors N(W)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG), N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine or 7-nitroindazole reduced BK-induced relaxation by 41+/-6%, 59+/-4% and 51+/-2%, respectively. The inhibition of BK response caused by L-NOARG was completely reversed by L-, but not by D-arginine. Methylene blue and 6-(phenylamino)-5,8-quinolinedione (LY 83583) inhibited the BK response by 88+/-5% and 64+/-4%, while 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinolaxin- -one (ODQ) had no effect. However, ODQ almost abolished SNAP-induced relaxation. Indomethacin and the cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitor 5,5-dimethyl-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-(4-methylsulfonyl)phenyl-2(5H)-furanon e (DFU) caused graded inhibtion of BK responses with mean IC50s of 60 nM and 0.6 nM, respectively. Addition of tetraethylammonium (TEA), charybdotoxin (ChTx), or iberotoxin (IbTx) inhibited BK-induced relaxation by 76+/-4%, 30+/-4% and 99+/-1%, respectively, but the relaxations of PGE2 and cromakalim were unaffected. In contrast, 4-aminopyridine, apamin or glibenclamide did not affect BK-induced relaxation. These results indicate that BK-induced epithelium-dependent relaxation in the guinea pig bronchus is partially mediated by release of NO or by NO-related substances, involving an activation of both cyclo-oxygenase 1 (COX-1) and COX-2 enzymes, through a cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-independent mechanism. Furthermore, BK-induced relaxation involves an activation of high-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels highly sensitive to IbTx, and to a lesser extent to ChTx and TEA.     

Effects of nitrovasodilators on platelet cyclic nucleotide levels in rabbit blood; role for cyclic AMP in synergistic inhibition of platelet function by SIN-1 and prostaglandin E1.

Nitrovasodilators increase both cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP in isolated platelets (Maurice DH, Haslam RJ. Mol Pharmacol 1990;37:671-81). To determine whether this occurs in blood, platelet cyclic[3H]GMP and cyclic [3H]AMP were measured in prelabeled rabbit platelets resuspended in modified Tyrode's solution or citrated blood. In the former medium, increases in cyclic [3H]nucleotides in response to nitroprusside (NP) and 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) were maximal by 1 min; in blood, maximal increases were observed only after 10 min and were much smaller. In blood, SIN-1 was more effective than the same concentration of NP. After 10 min, 100 microM SIN-1 increased platelet cyclic[3H )GMP by 475 +/- 58% and cyclic[3H]AMP by 29 +/- 7% (means +/- SEM, 18 experiments). Supraadditive increases in platelet cyclic [3H]AMP in blood were observed when SIN-1 was combined with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). Thus, after 10 min, SIN-1 (100 microM), PGE1 (20 nM), and SIN-1 + PGE1 increased cyclic[3H]AMP by 25 +/- 7, 35 +/- 6, and 130 +/- 17%, respectively (four experiments). In the same experiments, release of platelet [14C]serotonin by platelet-activating factor (PAF) was inhibited by 22 +/- 5, 2 +/- 2, and 61 +/- 5%, respectively. Increases in platelet cyclic[3H]GMP with SIN-1 were unaffected by PGE1. These results suggest that although cyclic GMP may mediate the effects of SIN-1 alone on platelet function, cyclic AMP mediates the synergistic action of SIN-1 and PGE1. M&B 22,948 (a selective cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor) enhanced the increases in platelet cyclic[3H]GMP and cyclic[3H]AMP caused by SIN-1 and also increased the associated inhibition of [14C]serotonin release. M&B 22,948 also augmented the synergistic increases in cyclic[3H]AMP and inhibition of platelet function caused by SIN-1 + PGE1. The results show that a selected nitrovasodilator (e.g., SIN-1), a prostaglandin and a cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor can exert synergistic effects on platelets in blood. This may be relevant to the pharmacologic management of thromboembolic disease.     

Preventive effects of theophylline on anaphylactic shock in rats

Anaphylactic shock was induced by administration of ovalbumin to sensitized rats. Preventive effects of theophylline on anaphylactic shock were examined with regard to the relationship between cyclic AMP and prostaglandin (PG) E2 in lung tissue, and plasma histamine. During anaphylactic shock, levels of cyclic AMP content and PGE2 content in lung tissue decreased, while plasma histamine content increased. Theophylline increased levels of cyclic AMP content and PGE2 content in lung tissue, in a dose dependent manner, and pretreatment of animals with theophylline prevented the onset of anaphylactic shock. Pretreatment with indomethacin abolished the preventive effects of theophylline on anaphylactic shock, and the effect of theophylline on the cyclic AMP content. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (DBcyclic AMP) increased PGE2 content in lung tissue, in a dose dependent manner, and also prevented the onset of anaphylactic shock. These effects of DBcyclic AMP were inhibited by the pretreatment with indomethacin, and here, cyclic AMP in lung tissue was maintained at a high level. In the group in which anaphylactic shock was prevented with these interventions, PGE2 content in lung tissue was significantly high in all cases. In addition PGE2 infusion prevented anaphylactic shock. These data suggest that theophylline increases cyclic AMP levels in lung tissue only in the presence of endogenous PG, that increased cyclic AMP content in lung tissue subsequently increases PGE2 content in lung tissue, and that the preventive effects of theophylline on anaphylactic shock result from increased PGE2 content in lung tissue.     

The role of the epithelium in modulating the responses of guinea-pig trachea induced by bradykinin in vitro.

1. The effect of removing the epithelium on the responses of the guinea-pig isolated trachea (GPT) to bradykinin (BK) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was investigated. 2. BK (3 pmol-10 nmol) induced dose-related relaxations of the intact (with epithelium), and contracted the rubbed (without epithelium) preparation of GPT. Similar responses were also obtained with PGE2 (0.3-3.0 nmol). 3. Indomethacin (1.4 microM) modified the BK-induced response of intact GPT, from a relaxation to a contraction, but inhibited the BK-induced contraction of the rubbed GPT. 4. There was a significant increase in PGE2 release from the intact GPT following stimulation with BK. 5. Removal of the epithelium from the GPT significantly reduced both basal and BK-induced generation of PGE2. 6. The induction of tone in the rubbed GPT by addition of acetylcholine (ACh) caused BK and PGE2 (0.3 nmol-3 nmol) to produce relaxations of the tissue. 7. Salbutamol (10(-8) M-10(-6) M) reduced the relaxations induced by BK on intact GPT, in a concentration-dependent manner. 8. These results suggest that both tone and an epithelial-dependent cyclo-oxygenase mechanism are important in modulating BK-induced responses of GPT.     

Fasitibant prevents the bradykinin and interleukin 1β synergism on prostaglandin E2 release and cyclooxygenase 2 expression in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes

This study investigates the effect of the selective and potent B(2) receptor antagonist fasitibant (MEN16132) on the proinflammatory effect of bradykinin (BK) and its interaction with interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in human synoviocytes. PGE(2) content was detected in the surnatants and COX-2 and COX-1 gene and protein expression determined in the cells. Radioligand binding ([(3)?H]BK) and BK-induced inositolphosphate experiments were performed. Incubation of synoviocytes with BK induced a sustained production of PGE(2) and transient COX-2 gene expression that were prevented by pretreatment with fasitibant (1 μM, 30 min preincubation). IL-1β increased PGE(2) release and COX-2 expression more than BK alone. The combined treatment of cells with BK and IL-1β induced an even increase of released PGE(2) and COX-2 gene and protein expression indicating a synergistic rather than an additive effect, not related to an increase of B(2) receptors density or its coupling. These potentiating effects of BK on PGE(2) production and increased COX-2 expression produced by IL-1β were B(2)-receptor-mediated as fasitibant could prevent them. None of the treatments induced changes in the COX-1 expression. The synergistic PGE(2) production was abolished by the specific NF-kappaB inhibitor (BAY-117085), whereas specific inhibitors for the p38 (SB203580), JNK (SP600125), and ERK1/2 (PD98059) mitogen-activated protein kinases could prevent the prostanoid release. BK can potentiate the COX-2 gene expression and consequent prostanoid production induced by IL-1β. The prevention of this synergism by fasitibant indicates BK B(2) receptor blockade as an alternative symptomatic therapy for osteoarthritis.     

Desensitization of catecholamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase and down-regulation of beta-adrenergic receptors in rat glioma C6 cells. Role of cyclic AMP and protein synthesis

When exposed to the beta-agonist (-)-isoproterenol, rat glioma C6 cells exhibited a time-and concentration-dependent reduction in isoproterenol responsiveness (desensitization) and a loss of beta-adrenergic receptors (down-regulation). Other agents, such as dibutyryl cyclic AMP, isobutylmethylxanthine, and cholera toxin, all of which elevate intracellular cyclic AMP levels, also induced receptor down-regulation but at a much slower rate than isoproterenol. Loss of beta-receptors was detected with intact cells, cell lysates, and cell membranes. Receptor loss was accompanied by a reduction in isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic AMP production and adenylate cyclase activity. For a given amount of receptor loss, this reduction was much greater with isoproterenol than with other agents. In addition, the concentration of isoproterenol required for half-maximal stimulation of cyclic AMP production was increased in cells treated with isoproterenol but not with isobutylmethylxanthine or dibutyryl cyclic AMP. The affinity of beta-receptors for the agonist was also lower in membranes from cells treated with isoproterenol but not the other agents. Prior treatment of the cells with cycloheximide inhibited receptor loss by isoproterenol but did not prevent desensitization or reduced affinity of beta-receptors for the agonist. Cycloheximide also blocked the loss of receptors induced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP and, in addition, prevented a reduction in agonist-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. We propose that desensitization is mediated in rat glioma C6 cells only by agonists and is not dependent on either cyclic AMP or protein synthesis. Down-regulation can be induced both by agonists and by cyclic AMP and does depend on protein synthesis. Thus, desensitization and down-regulation can occur independently.     

Prostaglandin E(2) increases cyclic AMP and inhibits endothelin-1 production/secretion by guinea-pig tracheal epithelial cells through EP(4) receptors

Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) increased adenosine 3' : 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) formation in tracheal epithelial cells and concomitantly decreased the production/secretion of immunoreactive endothelin (irET). Naturally occurring prostanoids and selective and non-selective EP receptor agonists showed the following rank order of potency in stimulating cyclic AMP generation by epithelial cells: PGE(2) (EP-selective)>16,16-dimethyl PGE(2) (EP-selective)>11-deoxy PGE(2) (EP-selective)>iloprost (IP/EP(1)/EP(3)-selective), butaprost (EP(2)-selective), PGD(2) (DP-selective), PGF(2alpha) (FP-selective). The lack of responsiveness of the latter prostanoids indicated that the prostanoid receptor present in these cells is not of the DP, FP, IP, EP(1), EP(2) or EP(3) subtype. Pre-incubating the cells with the selective TP/EP(4)-receptor antagonists AH23848B and AH22921X antagonized the PGE(2)-evoked cyclic AMP generation. This suggested that EP(4) receptors mediate PGE(2) effects. However, in addition to any antagonistic effects at EP(4)-receptors, both compounds, to a different extent, modified cyclic AMP metabolism. The selective EP(1), DP and EP(2) receptor antagonist (AH6809) failed to inhibit PGE(2)-evoked cyclic AMP generation which confirmed that the EP(2) receptor subtype did not contribute to the change in cyclic AMP formation in these cells. The PGE(2)-induced inhibition of irET production by guinea-pig tracheal epithelial cells was due to cyclic AMP generation and activation of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase since this effect was reverted by the cyclic AMP antagonist Rp-cAMPS. These results provide the first evidence supporting the existence of a functional prostaglandin E(2) receptor that shares the pharmacological features of the EP(4)-receptor subtype in guinea-pig tracheal epithelial cells. These receptors modulate cyclic AMP formation as well as ET-1 production/secretion in these cells.     

Forskolin as an activator of cyclic AMP accumulation and lipolysis in rat adipocytes

Forskolin increased cyclic AMP accumulation in isolated adipocytes and markedly potentiated the elevation of cyclic AMP due to isoproterenol. In adipocyte membranes, forskolin stimulated adenylate cyclase activity at concentrations of 0.1 microM or greater. Forskolin did not affect the EC50 for activation of adenylate cyclase but did increase the maximal effect of isoproterenol. Neither the soluble nor particulate low-Km cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity was affected by forskolin. Low concentrations of forskolin (0.1-1.0 microM), which significantly elevated cyclic AMP levels, did not increase lipolysis, whereas similar increases in cyclic AMP levels due to isoproterenol elevated lipolysis. Forskolin did not inhibit the activation of triacylglycerol lipase by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase or the subsequent hydrolysis of triacylglycerol. Higher concentrations of forskolin (10-100 microM) did increase lipolysis. Both the increased cyclic AMP production and lipolysis due to forskolin were inhibited by the antilipolytic agents insulin and N6-(phenylisopropyl)adenosine. Hypothyroidism reduced the ability of forskolin to stimulate cyclic AMP production and lipolysis. These results indicate that forskolin increases cyclic AMP production in adipocytes through an activation of adenylate cyclase. Lipolysis is activated by forskolin but at higher concentrations of total cyclic AMP than for catecholamines.