Enhancement of physiological finger tremor by intravenous isoprenaline infusions in man: evaluation of its role in the assessment of beta-adrenoceptor antagonists.

Graded intravenous isoprenaline infusions produce dose-related increases in finger tremor. The dose-response curves constructed with intra-arterial or intravenous isoprenaline behave similarly in the presence of both atenolol 50 mg and propranolol 40 mg. In Five subjects, practolol 120 mg, atenolol 50 mg, propranolol 40 mg and sotalol 200 mg reduced exercise heart rate by 20.2 +/- 2.3, 21.4 +/- 1.8, 17.4 +/- 2.5, 23.9 +/- 3.6% respectively: the differences were not significant. The corresponding dose-ratios for reduction of an isoprenaline tachycardia were 2.8, 2.3, 19.1 and 16.9 respectively. At doses which had comparable effects on an exercise tachycardia, the non-selective beta-adrenoceptor antagonists, propranolol 40 mg and sotalol 200 mg, attenuated the finger response to isoprenaline (dose ratios 33.3 and greater than 25.0 respectively) more than the beta 1-selective adrenoceptor antagonists, practolol 120 mg and atenolol 50 mg (dose ratios 1.0 and 2.3 respectively). In two out of five subjects, dose-response curves could not be constructed with sotalol, either at a dose of 200 or 100 mg. The enhancement of physiological finger tremor by intravenous infusions of isoprenaline may be useful in the investigation of beta 2-adrenoceptors and their antagonists in man.     

Characterization of the beta-adrenoreceptors which mediate the isoprenaline-induced changes in finger tremor and cardiovascular function in man

Summary We have studied the contribution of beta₁- and beta₂-adrenoceptors to the isoprenaline-induced changes in heart rate, blood pressure, forearm blood flow, peripheral vascular resistance, and finger tremor. This was achieved by a comparison of the effects of atenolol 50 mg, ICI 118551 25 mg, propranolol 80 mg, atenolol 50 mg combined with ICI 118551 25 mg, propranolol 80 mg combined with ICI 118551 25 mg, and placebo.Atenolol 50 mg and ICI 118551 25 mg caused similar attenuations in the isoprenaline-induced changes in heart rate and diastolic blood pressure, but the responses after the combination of atenolol and ICI 118551 were similar to those after propranolol 80 mg.There was no difference in the forearm blood flow responses to isoprenaline after atenolol 50 mg and ICI 118551, but atenolol 50 mg did not reduce peripheral vascular resistance compared with placebo. Both responses after treatment with atenolol combined with ICI 118551 were similar to those after propranolol 80 mg.Finger tremor responses to isoprenaline were antagonized by ICI 118551 alone and in combination with propranolol and atenolol but not by atenolol alone, suggesting that the response is beta₂-adrenoceptor-mediated.We conclude that the cardiovascular responses to isoprenaline are mediated by both beta₁- and beta₂-adrenoceptors, whereas the finger tremor response is mediated by beta₂-adrenoceptors.     

The comparative effects of ICI 118551 and propranolol on essential tremor.

1. The effects of the selective beta 2-adrenoceptor antagonist ICI 118551 on essential tremor, heart rate and blood pressure were compared with those of propranolol. 2. ICI 118551 (150 mg daily for 7 days) and propranolol (120 mg daily for 7 days) were about equally effective in reducing essential tremor (by about 40%) and were more effective than placebo. 3. When compared with the effect of placebo, propranolol reduced blood pressure and exercise heart rate whereas ICI 118551 had no significant effect on blood pressure and produced a small but significant reduction in exercise-induced tachycardia. 4. ICI 118551 may be useful in the management of essential tremor while having fewer cardiovascular side-effects than non-selective beta-adrenoceptor antagonists.     

Interaction of orally administered metoprolol,practolol and propranolol with isoprenaline in asthmatics

Summary In a single-blind study eight patients with asthma received on five different days, in randomized order, doses of: propranolol 40 mg, metoprolol 50 mg and 100 mg (a new selective beta₁-blocking agent with no intrinsic activity), practolol 200 mg or placebo. The beta₁-blocking potency of the selective drugs at these dose levels was higher than or equal to that of propranolol. The effects on heart rate, blood pressure, ventilatory capacity (FEV₁) and skeletal muscle tremor were studied at rest and during infusion of increasing doses of isoprenaline. There was a slight decrease in FEV₁ after propranolol and both doses of metoprolol. After the placebo, isoprenaline produced a dose-dependent increase in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, FEV₁ and tremor, and lowered the diastolic blood pressure. Propranolol almost completely blocked the effects of all doses of isoprenaline on heart rate, FEV₁ and tremor, and, to a lesser extent, any change in systolic and diastolic pressure. The two doses of metoprolol and practolol did not inhibit the effect of isoprenaline on FEV₁. The effect of metoprolol and practolol on the isoprenaline-induced increase of heart rate indicated their selectivity for beta₁-receptors. The increase in tremor during infusion of isoprenaline was blocked by propranolol, but not by the selective beta₁-blockers, which implies that the induction of tremor was a beta₂-effect. The effect of isoprenaline on FEV₁ was not inhibited by selective beta₁-blocking agents, and so, when combined with beta₂-stimulators, they may be given to asthmatic patients.     

Morphine and supraspinal inhibition of spinal neurones: evidence that morphine decreases tonic descending inhibition in the anaesthetized cat.

1 The effects of adrenoceptor blocking drugs on the metabolic responses to adrenaline infusion (1 microgram kg-1 min-1) have been studied in the anaesthetized, fasted cat. 2 Propranolol, in doses (0.25 or 1 mg/kg) which prevented completely adrenaline-induced tachycardia, reduced but did not abolish adrenaline-induced hyperglycaemia. 3 Phentolamine infusion, at a rate (15 micrograms kg-1 min-1 after a priming dose of 2.5 mg/kg) which reversed the pressor effect of adrenaline, reduced but did not abolish adrenaline-induced hyperglycaemia. 4 The continuous infusion of a combination of phentolamine (15 micrograms kg-1 min-1 after a priming dose of 2.5 mg/kg) and propranolol (5 micrograms kg-1 min-1 after a priming dose of 0.25 mg/kg) prevented completely the hyperglycaemia response to adrenaline infusion over a 6 h period. 5 The increase in blood lactate concentration produced by adrenaline was prevented completely by the combined infusion of propranolol and phentolamine but was not modified by phentolamine alone.     

BW A575C, a chemically novel agent with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and beta-adrenoceptor-blocking properties.

BW A575C (N-(1-(S)-carboxy-5-[4(3-isopropylamino-2-(R, S)-hydroxypropoxy)indole-2- carboxamido]pentyl)-(R, S)-alanyl-(S)-proline) is a chemically novel agent which exhibits in a single molecule both angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and beta-adrenoceptor-blocking properties. BW A575C produced a competitive blockade of heart rate responses to isoprenaline in a guinea-pig right atrial preparation (pKB 7.18 +/- 0.05, cf. pindolol 8.9 +/- 0.7). BW A575C inhibited a partially purified preparation of ACE obtained from rabbit lung (IC50 10.7 +/- 2.1 nM, cf. enalaprilat, 4.4 +/- 0.8 nM). Intravenous administration of BW A575C (1-100 micrograms kg-1 min-1) to the pithed rat inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion both angiotensin I-induced pressor responses and isoprenaline-induced tachycardia. Dose-ratios obtained from such studies demonstrated that, in this preparation, BW A575C was approximately 100 times more active as an ACE inhibitor than as a beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent. Intravenous administration of BW A575C (1 mg kg-1) to the conscious rat inhibited angiotensin I-induced pressor responses, being approximately equipotent to enalapril and 10 times more potent than captopril. At the same dose, BW A575C had a similar duration of action as an ACE inhibitor to enalapril. Intravenous administration of BW A575C (1 mg kg-1) to either conscious dogs or rats inhibited both angiotensin I-induced pressor responses and isoprenaline-induced heart rate responses. Dose-ratios obtained from such studies demonstrated that in these species, BW A575C was 2-10 times more active as an ACE inhibitor than as a beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent.     

Exercise-induced hand tremor: a possible test for beta 2-adrenoceptor selectivity in man?

The effects of intravenous doses of propranolol, sotalol, timolol, atenolol and placebo on exercise-induced tachycardia and exercise-induced increases in hand tremor were assessed in four healthy volunteers. All active drugs produced significant reductions in exercise-induced tachycardia. Exercise caused consistent significant increases in hand tremor which were blocked by the three non-cardioselective drugs but not by atenolol or placebo. The blockade of exercise-induced hand tremor is suggested as a possible test for the assessment of the selectivity of beta-adrenoceptor blockade in man.     

5-Carboxamidotryptamine is a selective agonist at 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors mediating vasodilatation and tachycardia in anaesthetized cats.

We have attempted to characterize the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors mediating bronchoconstriction, vasodilatation, vasodepression and tachycardia in anaesthetized cats following bilateral vagosympathectomy and beta-adrenoceptor blockade with propranolol. 5-HT (1-100 micrograms/kg-1 i.v.) caused dose-related bronchoconstriction and tachycardia but variable and complex effects on diastolic blood pressure and carotid arterial vascular resistance. In contrast, 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT; 0.01-1 micrograms kg-1 i.v.) caused consistent, dose-related decreases in diastolic blood pressure and carotid arterial vascular resistance and increases in heart rate. 5-CT did not cause bronchoconstriction. The 5-HT-induced bronchoconstriction was dose-dependently antagonized by methiothepin, methysergide and ketanserin (10-100 micrograms kg-1 i.v.). The highest doses used of these antagonists did not antagonize bronchoconstriction induced by prostaglandin F2 alpha. The high potency of all three antagonists indicate a 5-HT2-receptor mediated effect. The 5-HT- and 5-CT-induced tachycardia as well as the 5-CT-induced vasodepressor and carotid arterial vasodilator responses were dose-dependently antagonized by low doses of methiothepin (10-100 micrograms kg-1 i.v.) and by high doses of methysergide (100-1000 micrograms kg-1 i.v.) but were little affected by ketanserin in doses up to 1000 micrograms kg-1 i.v. These selective effects of 5-CT appear to be mediated by '5-HT1-like' receptors.     

Heart rate and blood pressure responses to intravenous boluses of isoprenaline in the presence of propranolol, practolol and atropine.

Six healthy subjects were studied on two occasions. Graded bolus injections of isoprenaline sulphate were given intravenously and control dose-response curves were drawn for the changes in heart rate and blood pressure. In a random order each subject received an intravenous infusion of either propranolol or practolol and further dose-response curves were constructed PRE- and POST-atropine (0.04 mg/kg). Exercise tachycardia was reduced 26.1 +/- 2.7% by propranolol and this was not significantly different from the reduction by practolol (21.2 +/- 1.9%). Propranolol attenuated the isoprenaline tachycardia (dose ratio 43.7) and after atropinisation the dose ratio was not significantly altered (41.1). Practolol also attenuated the isoprenaline tachycardia (dose ratio 4.4) but after atropinisation the dose ratio was significantly increased to 8.8, though this remained significantly less than the dose ratio for propranolol. At a heart rate increase of 25 beats/min, the isoprenaline-induced control fall in mean blood pressure was 9-11 mm Hg. After propranolol administration this fall was converted to a small increase of + 2.3 +/- 1.3 mm Hg. Following practolol, however, the mean blood pressure reduction was 19.7 +/- 2.9 mm Hg. Practolol did not significantly block the isoprenaline-induced fall in diastolic pressure. The difference in potency of propranolol and practolol, demonstrated by their effect on isoprenaline induced tachycardia at doses shown to have equal effects on exercise tachycardia, is contributed to but not fully explained by the reflex withdrawal of cardiac vagal tone which occurs with cardioselective but not non-selective antagonists.     

Reversal of clonidine-induced hypotension by beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs

The interaction between clonidine, propranolol and sotalol was investigated using conscious normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rabbits as well as conscious normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. Clonidine (20 micrograms/kg) administration into the marginal ear vein of rabbits produced persistent hypotension and bradycardia. In propranolol (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.)-pretreated animals, clonidine-induced hypotension was prevented. In rats, daily oral or subcutaneous clonidine as well as propranolol produced hypotension and bradycardia. Significant antagonism of the observed hypotensive effects resulted when clonidine was given to propranolol-pretreated animals or when propranolol was added to the treatment regimen of animals being maintained on clonidine. No antagonism between sotalol and clonidine was demonstrable. In view of the known central site of action of clonidine, and the failure of sotalol to antagonize clonidine-induced hypotension it would appear that the central nervous system is a possible site of the observed drug interaction.     

Physiological response to propranolol and diazepam in chronic anxiety

1 Twelve chronically anxious psychiatric out-patients, comprising six with somatic anxiety and six with psychic anxiety, were treated with (±)-propranolol, diazepam and placebo for one week each in flexible dosage using a balanced cross-over experimental design.

2 After each treatment, in addition to ratings completed by patient and psychiatrist, finger tremor, EEG, averaged auditory evoked response, skin conductance, heart and respiratory rate were measured.

3 Diazepam significantly increased the amount of fast activity (13.5-26 Hz) in the EEG but produced few peripheral effects apart from a reduction in finger tremor.

4 Propranolol had no central physiological effects but reduced both pulse rate and finger tremor.

5 The physiological effects of propranolol in chronic anxiety are different from those of diazepam and therapeutic benefit appears to be due to a direct effect on certain somatic symptoms.

     

Assessment of airways, tremor and chronotropic responses to inhaled salbutamol in the quantification of beta 2-adrenoceptor blockade.

1. The purpose of the study was to assess and compare the effects of inhaled salbutamol on heart rate (HR), finger tremor (Tr) and specific airways conductance (sGaw) in the measurement of beta 2-adrenoceptor blockade in normal subjects. 2. Five healthy volunteers were given oral doses of atenolol 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg (A50, A100, A200), propranolol 40 mg (P40) or identical placebo (P1) in a single-blind crossover design. 3. Three hours after drug ingestion, dose-response curves were constructed using cumulative doses of inhaled salbutamol: 200 micrograms, 700 micrograms, 1700 micrograms, 3200 micrograms, 6200 micrograms. HR, Tr and sGaw were measured at each dose increment, made every 20 min. 4. Increasing doses of atenolol were associated with progressive reduction in salbutamol induced beta-adrenoceptor responses. The greatest attenuation occurred with propranolol. These effects on beta-adrenoceptor responses were similar for HR, Tr and sGaw. Geometric mean dose ratios (compared with placebo) for A50, A100, A200 and P40 were as follows HR: 1.98, 2.75, 4.29; Tr: 1.60, 3.78, 6.34, 80.50; sGaw: 1.08, 4.35, 12.30, 66.0 (no dose ratio was obtained for HR with P40). 5. These results showed that atenolol and propranolol attenuated the effects of salbutamol on HR to a similar degree as Tr and sGaw. Furthermore, the variability was least in the measurement of chronotropic responses, suggesting that this may be used to quantify beta 2-adrenoceptor antagonism. The beta 1-adrenoceptor selectivity of atenolol was a dose-dependent phenomenon, although the beta 2-adrenoceptor blockade of A200 was much less than with P40.     

Systemic haemodynamics of dihydropyridine derivatives in conscious pigs with or without propranolol

The systemic haemodynamic effects of a 10 min i.v. infusion of three dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel blockers, nifedipine (1, 2 and 4 micrograms.kg-1.min-1), nisoldipine (0.5, 1 and 2 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) and nimodipine (1, 2 and 4 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) were studied in instrumented conscious pigs with or without a propranolol-induced beta-adrenoceptor blockade (0.5 mg.kg-1 bolus followed by 0.5 mg.kg-1.h-1). Initial experiments showed that the solvent used for the Ca2+ channel blockers had no haemodynamic effects and that the effects of propranolol wer constant during a 30 min period. Nisoldipine, nimodipine and nifedipine elicited qualitatively similar effects, causing a dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance. These effects were accompanied by a reflex-mediated increase in heart rate, cardiac output and left ventricular rate of rise in pressure (LVdP/dtmax). Nisoldipine was about 2-3 times more potent than the other two drugs. Propranolol did not modify the vasodilation induced by the Ca2+ channel blockers but attenuated the increase in heart rate, cardiac output and LVdP/dtmax. In view of the reflex-tachycardia and the absence of negative inotropic actions, these Ca2+ channel blockers can be combined with beta-adrenoceptor antagonists without further compromising the left ventricular pump function.     

Bisoprolol improves perfusion of ischaemic myocardium in anaesthetized pigs.

1. The ability of the cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist bisoprolol ((+/-)-1-[4-(2-isopropoxyethoxymethyl)-phenoxy]-3-isopropyl-amino -2-propanol hemifumarate, EMD 33512) to suppress isoprenaline-induced increases in heart rate and maximal rate of rise in left ventricular pressure (LVdP/dtmax) was studied in 6 anaesthetized pigs given 4 cumulative doses (16, 64, 256 and 1024 micrograms kg-1). Bisoprolol was about 2 times more effective in suppressing isoprenaline-induced increases in LVdP/dtmax than those in heart rate. 2. In 8 animals which had a partial stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LADCA), the effects of 3 consecutive doses (50, 200 and 750 micrograms kg-1) of bisoprolol were studied on systemic haemodynamics, regional myocardial perfusion and function. The effects of the drug were compared with those obtained in a group of 9 animals with LADCA stenosis which did not receive any treatment. 3. The lowest dose of bisoprolol (50 micrograms kg-1) increased perfusion of the ischaemic myocardium (which had been reduced from 123 +/- 20 ml min-1 100 g-1 to 42 +/- 11 ml min-1 100 g-1) by 21 +/- 10 ml min-1 100 g-1 (P less than 0.05). In particular the subendocardial layers, which were most severely affected by the stenosis (a decrease from 128 +/- 19 ml min-1 100 g-1 to 20 +/- 6 ml min-1 100 g-1) benefited from the administration of the drug (an increase of 30 +/- 10 ml min-1 100 g-1). Perfusion of the subepicardium was not significantly affected. With the higher dose only a minor additional improvement in perfusion of the ischaemic myocardium was observed. 4. The negative chronotropic response is the most likely factor leading to the improvement in perfusion. 5. Myocardial wall thickening, which decreased from 41 +/- 2% to 9 +/- 4% (P less than 0.05) due to the hypoperfusion, did not improve after administration of the drug. This lack of improvement may possibly be due to the duration of ischaemia before and the magnitude of the flow deficit after bisoprolol administration. 6. Between 15 and 60 min of ischaemia, 5 of the 9 untreated animals had an episode of ventricular fibrillation compared with only 1 of the 8 animals treated with bisoprolol, in spite of an initially larger flow reduction in the treated animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Fentanyl-induced airway hyperreactivity in the guinea pig

The bronchopulmonary effects of fentanyl were studied in mechanically ventilated, paralyzed guinea pigs that had been anaesthetized with pentobarbitone sodium. Fentanyl did not alter the resting bronchial tone but enhanced the bronchoconstrictor effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine in a dose-related manner. The enhancement induced by 20 micrograms kg-1 fentanyl was suppressed by pretreatments with 0.5 mg kg-1 naloxone or 5 mg kg-1 propranolol, but did not change after 3 mg kg-1 atropine. The bronchoconstrictor responses to histamine were also enhanced by 20 micrograms kg-1 fentanyl. These results suggest that fentanyl-induced airway hyperreactivity is not mediated by an increase in vagal tone but is due to a reduction in the central sympathetic drive and/or in the levels of circulating catecholamines, which occurs through stimulation of opiate receptors.     

Role of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors in catecholamine-induced hyperglycaemia, lipolysis and insulin secretion in conscious fasted rabbits.

1. In conscious fasted rabbits an intravenous infusion of clonidine (2 micrograms kg-1 min-1) induced hyperglycaemia. The increase in blood glucose was accompanied by an inhibition of insulin secretion and basal lipolysis. 2. Yohimbine infused at a rate of 20 micrograms kg-1 min-1 suppressed clonidine-induced hyperglycaemia and blocked the inhibitory effect on insulin secretion mediated by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist. 3. The intravenous infusion of amidephrine (10 micrograms kg-1 min-1) induced an increase in insulin secretion in the absence of patent hyperglycaemia. Prazosin, 0.3 mg kg-1 s.c. selectively antagonized the effect of amidephrine on insulin secretion. 4. Isoprenaline infusion (4.4 micrograms kg-1 min-1) evoked a significant increase in blood glycerol and immunoreactive insulin plasma levels. Both responses were clearly attenuated when alpha 2-adrenoceptors were simultaneously stimulated by selective (clonidine) and less selective (phenylephrine, 20 micrograms kg-1 min-1) agonists. 5. Amidephrine infusion did not induce appreciable changes in blood glycerol nor did it modify, isoprenaline-induced lipolytic response. 6. Simultaneous infusion of isoprenaline and amidephrine induced a remarkable increase in insulin secretion. 7. It is concluded that in normal fasted rabbits stimulation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors depresses basal and beta-adrenoceptor mediated lipolysis and insulin secretion. On the other hand, selective stimulation of alpha 1-adrenoceptors does not affect lipolysis but induces insulin release. Simultaneous stimulation of alpha 1- and beta-adrenoceptors potentiates the insulin secretory response.     

Comparison of the haemodynamic profiles of elgodipine and nicardipine in the anaesthetized dog.

1. The haemodynamic profile of elgodipine (1-30 micrograms kg-1, i.v.), a new dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, has been compared directly with that of nicardipine (1-30 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) in chloralose-anaesthetized dogs. 2. Nicardipine produced dose-related systemic, pulmonary and coronary vasodilatation accompanied by reflex tachycardia, inotropy and increases in cardiac output and myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2). Elgodipine had similar vasodilator and hypotensive properties to nicardipine but produced less reflex inotropy, little or no reflex tachycardia and did not increase MVO2. 3. Both calcium antagonists were retested in a separate group of anaesthetized dogs pretreated with propranolol (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) and atropine (0.3 mg kg-1, i.v.) to abolish reflex autonomic tone to the heart and thus reveal the direct cardiac effects of each compound. Under these conditions both elgodipine and nicardipine decreased heart rate and cardiac contractility and slowed atrio-ventricular conduction. Elgodipine was approximately ten times more potent than nicardipine as a decelerator agent and slightly more potent in depressing cardiac contractility and increasing PR interval duration. Elgodipine, unlike nicardipine, slightly reduced the QTc interval of the electrocardiogram. Therefore, the potent decelerator effect of elgodipine, which was present throughout the dose-range, appears to be largely responsible for the suppression of reflex tachycardia observed when the baroreflex is functional. 4. Elgodipine is a potent systemic and coronary vasodilator with more marked direct cardiac effects than nicardipine, particularly with respect to slowing of heart rate. The ability of elgodipine to increase coronary blood flow without significant reflex tachycardia or increases in MVO2 suggests that this compound will have a more favourable effect on myocardial oxygen supply/demand balance than nicardipine. The haemodynamic profile of elgodipine may be suitable for the treatment of angina.     

Studies on the blood pressure of beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs, particularly in relation to the mechanism of the pressor action induced by beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs in rats (author's transl)

Several investigators have confirmed that beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs produced a sustained pressor action in anesthetized rats. However, the mechanism of the pressor action has not been sufficiently explored. The following studies were done to further investigate the mechanism. (a) effects of pindolol, carteolol, propranolol, alprenolol, practolol and acebutolol (0.015-0.3 mumole/kg i.v.) on blood pressure of anesthetised rats, b) effects of these drugs on the positive chronotropic action and vasodilation induced by isoprenaline (0.1 microgram/kg i.v.) in anesthetized rats, c) effects of these drugs on the increase in heart rate and contractile force of isolated rat and guinea pig atria induced by isoprenaline, d) effects of these drugs on the relaxation of isolated guinea pig trachea induced by isoprenaline. From these experiments, the magnitude of the pressor action of beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs in anesthetized rats was found to be more closely related to the magnitudes of inhibition produced by beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs on isoprenaline-induced relaxation of isolated guinea pig trachea and on isoprenaline-induced vasodilation in anesthetized rats than to those on isoprenaline-induced positive chronotropic and inotropic actions of isolated atria.     

Allopurinol and amlodipine improve coronary vasodilatation after myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion in anaesthetized dogs.

1. We have assessed the effect of allopurinol, amlodipine and propranolol pretreatment on both endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent coronary vasodilatation in vivo, by comparing pre-ischaemic responses with those measured after 60 min of coronary artery occlusion and 30 min of reperfusion in anaesthetized dogs. 2. In 15 untreated dogs ischaemia and reperfusion attenuated the increases in coronary blood flow produced by either acetylcholine (0.01-0.05 micrograms kg-1, i.a.) or glyceryl trinitrate (0.05-0.2 micrograms kg-1, i.a.), to an average of 39 +/- 4% and 42 +/- 5% of the pre-ischaemic control response, respectively (both P < 0.05). 3. In 5 dogs treated with allopurinol (25 mg kg-1, orally, 24 h previously, plus 50 mg kg-1, i.v., 5 min before occlusion), the increases in coronary blood flow after ischaemia and reperfusion (acetylcholine: 78 +/- 12%, glyceryl trinitrate: 60 +/- 3% of pre-ischaemic response) were significantly larger than post-ischaemic responses in untreated dogs (both P < 0.05). 4. Similarly, amlodipine treatment (3 micrograms kg-1 min-1, i.v., starting 90 min before occlusion) in 5 dogs improved post-ischaemic increases in blood flow (acetylcholine: 58.5%, glyceryl trinitrate: 66 +/- 6% of pre-ischaemic response, significantly greater than post-ischaemic responses in untreated dogs, P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of intravenous mu and kappa opioid receptor agonists on sensory responses of convergent neurones in the dorsal horn of spinalized rats.

1. Electrophysiological experiments have been performed to assess the effects of intravenously administered mu and kappa opioid agonists on the responses to noxious thermal and mechanical and non-noxious tactile stimuli of single convergent neurones in laminae III-VI of the dorsal horn of spinalized rats anaesthetized with alpha-chloralose. 2. The mu receptor agonists tested were fentanyl (1-16 micrograms kg-1) and morphine (0.5-16 mg kg-1) and the kappa-receptor agonists U-50,488 (1-16 mg kg-1) and tifluadom (0.1-1.6 mg kg-1). Multiple drug tests were made on each cell so that compounds could be compared under closely comparable conditions. 3. In one protocol, thermal and mechanical nociceptive responses of matched amplitudes were elicited alternately. Both mu and kappa agonists dose-dependently reduce the neuronal responses. Thermal nociceptive responses were as sensitive to the kappa agents as were the mechanical nociceptive responses; the mu agonists similarly reduced both types of response in parallel. 4. In another protocol, nociceptive and non-nociceptive responses were elicited alternately to permit the degree of selective antinociception to be assessed. The mu agonists were scarcely selective, fentanyl reducing nociceptive only slightly (but significantly at 4-16 micrograms kg-1) more than non-nociceptive responses. The kappa-opioid agonist U50,488 reduced tactile responses somewhat more than nociceptive responses. 5. The spontaneous discharge of these cells with ongoing activity was reduced to a significantly greater degree than the evoked responses; this is likely to have contributed to the non-selectivity of the reduction of the evoked responses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)