Studies on the spasmolytic and uterine relaxant actions of n -ethyl and n -benzyl-1,2-diphenyl ethanolamines: elucidation of the mechanisms of action.

The influence of N -ethyl- and N -benzyl-1,2-diphenyl ethanolamines (compounds E and B, respectively) was examined on the spontaneously contracting rabbit jejunum and the rat uterus together with their influence on the contractions induced by some spasmogens in the guinea-pig ileum and oxytocics and CaCl2in the pregnant rat uterus. Both E and B inhibited the spontaneous contractions of the rabbit jejunum with ID50values of 0.13 and 0.03 micromol ml-1. Their inhibitory activities were not antagonized by alpha- or beta-adrenoceptor blockers but significantly reversed by CaCl2(0.015 micromol ml-1). The compounds also antagonized nicotine, ACh-, histamine-, 5-HT- and CaCl2-induced contractions by 44-100%. Compound E seemed to be several times more potent than B in inhibiting the spontaneous uterine contractions with an ID50of (7 nmol ml-1). Their inhibitory effects were not antagonized by beta2-adrenoceptor or H2-receptor blocking drugs. Both compounds (40 nmol ml-1) antagonized in a competitive manner CaCl2-induced contractions in the K+-depolarised uterus and PGE2and oxytocin-induced uterine contractions. The ID50values were in the range of 1.6-10.7 nmol ml-1. The results suggest that E and B compounds may be considered as putative L-Ca2+channel blockers with certain selectivities. The E compound seemed to be more selective against uterine L-Ca2+channels and the B compound against intestinal smooth muscles. Thus, the compounds may be of potential value in treatment of some colics, the irritant bowel syndrome, dysmenorrhoea and premature deliveries.     

COMPARISON OF THE ATTENUATING EFFECTS OF FOUR β-ADRENOCEPTOR AGONISTS ON RAT ISOLATED UTERUS AND AORTA

1. The ability of four 8-adrenoceptor agonists to attenuate oxytocin (0.2,2 and 20 nmol/L) or KCI (20,40 and 80 mmol/L)-induced Contractions of the uterus (n= 5–8 for each agonist) and the KCI (18 mmol/L)-induced contractions of the aorta (n = 9 for each agonist) from rats, pretreated with oestradiol has been compared. 2. Isoprenaline, salbutamol, terbutaline and procaterol (0.1–10μmol/L) attenuated the contractions of the uterus and the aorta. All four agonists had similar attenuating potencies on the uterus. 3. Procaterol caused the same maximal attenuation (33%) on the aorta as the other β-adrenoceptor agonists and is thus acting as a full β₂-adrenoceptor agonist under these experimental conditions. Isoprenaline and procaterol were much more potent than salbutamol and terbutaline in attenuating the aorta responses. 4. This study showed that isoprenaline and procaterol were potent attenuants on both the uterus and aorta whereas salbutamol and terbutaline were potent uterine but only modest aorta attenuants. This preliminary study indicates that the responsiveness of uterine and vascular tissue to certain β₂-adrenoceptors differs.     

A novel compound N,N-(Z)-N-(E)-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine isolated from Carthamus tinctorius L. and acting by serotonin transporter inhibition

Safflower, the dry flower of Carthamus tinctorius L., has long been applied for empirically treating cerebral ischemia and depression in traditional Chinese medicine. Pathogenesis of major depression involves monoaminergic transmission. The present study assessed whether safflower or its isolate would be effective in functionally regulating monoamine transporter using in vitro screening cell lines. We discovered that safflower insoluble fraction significantly inhibited serotonin uptake in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing serotonin transporter (i.e. S6 cells). This fraction went through an activity-guided isolation and an active ingredient was obtained, which was subsequently elucidated as a novel coumaroylspermidine analog N¹,N⁵-(Z)-N¹⁰-(E)-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine using NMR techniques. Pharmacologically, this compound potently and selectively inhibited serotonin uptake in S6 cells or in synaptosomes, with IC₅₀ of 0.74 ± 0.15 µM for S6 cells or 1.07 ± 0.23 µM for synaptosomes and with a reversible competitive property for the 5HT-uptake inhibition. The potency of it for 5HT uptake was weaker than that of fluoxetine whereas efficacy generally similar for both. Animals treated with this testing compound showed a significant decrease in synaptosomal 5HT uptake capacity. Thus, N¹,N⁵-(Z)-N¹⁰-(E)-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine is a novel serotonin transporter inhibitor, which could improve neuropsychological disorders through regulating serotoninergic transmission.     

CARDIOVASCULAR ACTIVITY OF 14-DEOXY-11, 12-DIDEHYDROANDROGRAPHOLIDE IN THE ANAESTHETISED RAT AND ISOLATED RIGHT ATRIA

The cardiovascular activity of 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (DDA) fromAndrographis paniculata(Burm.f.) Nees (Acanthaceae) was elucidated in anaesthetised Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats and isolated rat right atria. In anaesthetised rats, DDA produced significant falls in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate in a dose-dependent manner with the maximum decrease of 37.6±2.6% and 18.1±4.8%, respectively. The ED₅₀value for MAP was 3.43 mmol kg⁻¹. Pharmacological antagonist studies were done using this dose. The hypotensive action of DDA was not mediated through effects on the α-adrenoceptor, muscarinic cholinergic and histaminergic receptors, for it was not affected by phentolamine, atropine as well as pyrilamine and cimetidine. However, it seems to work via adrenoceptors, autonomic ganglia receptor and angiotensin-converting enzyme, since the hypotensive effect of DDA was negated or attenuated in the presence of propranolol, hexamethonium and captopril. In the isolated right atria, DDA caused negative chronotropic action and antagonised isoproterenol-induced positive chronotropic actions in a non-competitive and dose-dependent manner. These results further supported the bradycardia-inducing and β-adrenoceptor antagonistic properties of DDAin vivo.     

Pharmacokinetics of thrombin-like enzyme from venom of Agkistrodon halys ussuriensis Emelianov determined by ELISA in the rat

A thrombin-like enzyme (TLE) was separated and purified from the venom of a northeast Chinese snake Agkistrodon halys ussuriensis Emelianov. Experiments were performed in rats to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters following an intravenous (i.v.) or a subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of the thrombin-like enzyme. The plasma levels of TLE were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The method exhibited high reproducibility and accuracy in correlating optical densities with TLE concentrations (0.2–30 ng ml⁻¹, r=0.99). The plasma concentration-time course after i.v. administration of 50 μg kg⁻¹ TLE was well fitted by a two-compartment open model. The half-life of the α-phase was 18.0±3.2 min, and that of the β-phase 3.9±0.7 h. The apparent volume of distribution was 1.8±0.5 l kg⁻¹, and clearance was 5.4±0.5 ml min⁻¹ kg⁻¹. When the TLE was injected s.c. at a dose of 0.75 mg kg⁻¹, the changes in plasma concentration were best described by a two-compartment model with a first-order absorption. The maximal plasma level of 51±2.7 ng ml⁻¹ was reached at 5.2±0.5 h. The absorption rate constant was 0.3±0.03 h⁻¹. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) was 2.8±0.8 μg h⁻¹ ml⁻¹.     

Spegatrine及其双聚体Dispegatrine对α-肾上腺素受体的影响

本文比较了从中国萝芙木中提出的盐析碱spegatrine(SP) 及其双聚体dispegatrine(DISP)对α₁和α₂受体亲和力及其效应的影响。结果发现SP和DISP对α受体有亲和力,DISP的作用比SP强一个数量级。DISP对NE引起肛尾肌收缩呈拮抗作用,SP对小剂量NE呈抑制作用,对较大剂量NE表现协同作用,DISP和SP对可乐宁抑制输精管收缩均呈拮抗作用,DISP比SP强3～4倍。表明DISP为非选择性的α受体阻滞剂,而SP为α₂受体阳滞剂,对α₁受体作用性质尚待阐明。     

Inactivation of nitric oxide synthases and cellular nitric oxide formation by N-iminoethyl-

Gossypol, a cottonseed extract, has been shown to have antiproliferative activity in a variety of cancer cell lines. The objective of this study was to determine the inhibitory effects of gossypol on cell proliferation. Five human carcinoma cell lines were evaluated including endometrial (RL95-2), ovarian (SKOV-3), medullary thyroid (TT), and adrenocortical (NCI-H295R and SW-13). Gossypol and the metabolite, apogossypol hexaacetate, were examined at concentrations up to 500 μg ml⁻¹ and the IC₅₀ was determined using the MTT assay. Gossypol and apogossypol hexaacetate produced a dose-dependent growth inhibition in all cellular lines examined. The IC₅₀ for gossypol ranged from 1.3 to 18.9 μM while the IC₅₀ for apogossypol hexaacetate ranged from 5.2 to 9.0 μM. The results indicate that gossypol possesses antiproliferative action toward human carcinoma cells in vitro. These investigations suggest that gossypol may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancer.     

AN IN VITRO STUDY OF INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF GOSSYPOL, A COTTONSEED EXTRACT, IN HUMAN CARCINOMA CELL LINES

Gossypol, a cottonseed extract, has been shown to have antiproliferative activity in a variety of cancer cell lines. The objective of this study was to determine the inhibitory effects of gossypol on cell proliferation. Five human carcinoma cell lines were evaluated including endometrial (RL95-2), ovarian (SKOV-3), medullary thyroid (TT), and adrenocortical (NCI-H295R and SW-13). Gossypol and the metabolite, apogossypol hexaacetate, were examined at concentrations up to 500 μg ml⁻¹ and the IC₅₀ was determined using the MTT assay. Gossypol and apogossypol hexaacetate produced a dose-dependent growth inhibition in all cellular lines examined. The IC₅₀ for gossypol ranged from 1.3 to 18.9 μM while the IC₅₀ for apogossypol hexaacetate ranged from 5.2 to 9.0 μM. The results indicate that gossypol possesses antiproliferative action toward human carcinoma cells in vitro. These investigations suggest that gossypol may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancer.     

Biphasic effects of mianserin and desipramine on serotonin-evoked current and Cl efflux in Xenopus oocytes

Serotonin (5-HT, 1 μM) elicited two phases of Cl⁻ inward current in Xenopus oocytes injected with rat brain mRNA: a transient current (T-current), which was generated rapidly (within 1 min), and a sustained current (S-current), which persisted for 10 min. Each type of 5-HT-evoked response was time-dependent after mRNA injection. The T-current was generated at 20-30 h and the S-current at 30–40 h. Although mianserin at 0.1 μ M completely inhibited the T-current, 10 μ M mianserin was required to suppress the S-current. 5-HT also caused Cl⁻ efflux from oocytes preloaded with ³⁶Cl⁻, Cl⁻ efflux during 1 min, corresponding to the T-current, was inhibited by 0.1 μ M mianserin. A higher concentration of mianserin (10 μ M) was required to block the efflux for 10 min, corresponding to the S-current, as well as the current response. Desipramine selectively inhibited the T-current and Cl⁻ efflux for 1 min. The mechanisms underlying the different sensitivity to mianserin of oocytes injected with rat brain mRNA are discussed.     

N-(4-甲氧羰基-4-邻苯二甲酰亚氨基丁酰基)-N-取代甘氨酸、脯氨酸和焦谷氨酸的合成

报道11个预期有血管紧张素转化酶抑制活性的N-(4-甲氧羰基-4-邻苯二甲酰亚氨基丁酰基)-N-取代甘氨酸(VII_1～9)、脯氨酸(VII₁₀)和焦谷氨酸(VIl₁₁)的合成和鉴定。所有上述化合物以及与VⅡ_1～9相应的叔丁酯(VI_1～9)均未见文献报道。药理初试结果显示，化合物VII₈，VII₉和VI₁₀均有明显降压活性。     

Investigation of the mechanisms underlying the hypophagic effects of the 5-HT and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor,sibutramine, in the rat

1. Sibutramine is a novel 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (serotonin- noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, SNRI) which is currently being developed as a treatment for obesity. Sibutramine has been shown to decrease food intake in the rat. In this study we have used a variety of monoamine receptor antagonists to examine the pharmacological mechanisms underlying sibutramine-induced hypophagia.
2. Individually-housed male Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained on reversed phase lighting with free access to food and water. Drugs were administered at 09 h 00 min and food intake was monitored over the following 8 h dark period.
3. Sibutramine (10 mg kg⁻¹, p.o.) produced a significant decrease in food intake during the 8 h following drug administration. This hypophagic response was fully antagonized by the α₁-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin (0.3 and 1 mg kg⁻¹, i.p.), and partially antagonized by the β₁-adrenoceptor antagonist, metoprolol (3 and 10 mg kg⁻¹, i.p.) and the 5-HT receptor antagonists, metergoline (non-selective; 0.3 mg kg⁻¹, i.p.); ritanserin (5-HT_2A/2C; 0.1 and 0.5 mg kg⁻¹, i.p.) and SB200646 (5-HT_2B/2C; 20 and 40 mg kg⁻¹, p.o.).
4. By contrast, the α₂-adrenoceptor antagonist, RX821002 (0.3 and 1 mg kg⁻¹, i.p.) and the β₂-adrenoceptor antagonist, ICI 118,551 (3 and 10 mg kg⁻¹, i.p.) did not reduce the decrease in food intake induced by sibutramine.
5. These results demonstrate that β₁-adrenoceptors, 5-HT_2A/2C-receptors and particularly α₁-adrenoceptors, are involved in the effects of sibutramine on food intake and are consistent with the hypothesis that sibutramine-induced hypophagia is related to its ability to inhibit the reuptake of both noradrenaline and 5-HT, with the subsequent activation of a variety of noradrenaline and 5-HT receptor systems.

     

EFFECTS OF CHRONIC ETHANOL CONSUMPTION ON α-ADRENERGIC-INDUCED CONTRACTIONS AND ENDOTHELIUM-DEPENDENT RELAXATIONS IN RAT THORACIC AORTA

The effects of chronic oral administration of ethanol (7.2% daily during 24 weeks) on the contractions induced by phenylephrine (Phe) and the endothelium-dependent relaxation responses to acetylcholine (ACh) were studied in rat thoracic aorta. Ethanol pretreatment significantly attenuated the contractile responses to Phe, resulting in parallel shift of the concentration–response curve to the right. EC₅₀values of Phe were 64.6±11.2 and 95.5±8.5 nmol l⁻¹in control and ethanol-fed rats, respectively. On the other hand, either calcium-induced contractions or relaxation responses to ACh and sodium nitroprusside were similar in the vessels of the control and ethanol-treated rats. These results suggest that chronic ethanol ingestion significantly attenuates the α₁-adrenergic-induced contractions but does not affect the relaxation responses mediated by nitric oxide in rat aortic rings.     

Noradrenergic vasoconstriction of pig prostatic small arteries

The current study investigated the distribution of adrenergic nerves and the action induced by noradrenaline (NA) in pig prostatic small arteries. Noradrenergic innervation was visualized using an antibody against dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH), and the NA effect was studied in small arterial rings mounted in microvascular myographs for isometric force recordings. DBH-immunoreactive nerve fibers were located at the adventitia and the adventitia-media border of the vascular wall. Electrical field stimulation (EFS, 1-32 Hz) evoked frequency-dependent contractions that were reduced by guanethidine and prazosin (adrenergic neurotransmission and α₁-adrenoceptors blockers, respectively) and by the α₂-adrenoceptor agonist UK 14,304. The α₂-adrenoceptor antagonist rauwolscine reversed the UK 14,304-produced inhibition. NA produced endothelium-independent contractions that were antagonized with low estimated affinities and Schild slopes different from unity by prazosin and the α_1A-adrenoceptor antagonist N-[2-(2-cyclopropylmethoxyphenoxy)ethyl]-5-chloro-α-α-dimethyl-1H-indole-3-ethanamine (RS 17053). The α_1A-adrenoceptor antagonist 5-methyl-3-[3-[4-[2-(2,2,2,-trifluoroethoxy) phenyl]-1-piperazinyl]propyl]-2,4-(1H)-pyrimidinedione (RS 100329), which also displays high affinity for α_1L-adrenoceptors, and the α_1L-adrenoceptor antagonist tamsulosin, which also has high affinity for α_1A- and α_1D-adrenoceptors, induced rightward shifts with high affinity of the contraction-response curve to NA. The α_1D-adrenoceptor antagonist 8-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]-ethyl]8-azaspiro[4,5]decane-7,9-dione dihydrochloride (BMY 7378) failed to modify the NA contractions that were inhibited by extracellular Ca²⁺ removal and by voltage-activated (L-type) Ca²⁺ channel blockade. These data suggest that pig prostatic resistance arteries have a rich noradrenergic innervation; and NA, whose release is modulated by prejunctional α₂-adrenoceptors, evokes contraction mainly through activation of muscle α_1L-adrenoceptors coupled to extracellular Ca²⁺ entry via voltage (L-type)- and non-voltage-activated Ca²⁺ channels.     

AMELIORIATION OF CHEMICALLY-INDUCED HEPATOCYTE INJURY BY CYCLOSPORINE A

Cyclosporine A, beside its current applications, possesses potential hepatoprotective effects. This study was directed to investigate the effect of Cyclosporine A pretreatment on hepatic injury due to carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) and -galactosamine. Rats were injected by two successive doses of Cyclosporine A (5mgkg⁻¹day⁻¹). Six hours after the second dose, 1mlkg⁻¹of CCl₄was administered i.p. Effects associated with Cyclosporine A pretreatment were examined by using isolated hepatocytes and hepatocytes that were immobilized and continuously perfused. -Galactosamine (5m ) was added directly to the perfusion medium. After isolation, hepatocytes were examined histologically by light and electron microscopy, immobilized and perfused for further metabolic functional activity evaluation. Cyclosporine A pretreatmentin vivoproduced hepatoameliorative effects of various degrees which were statistically significant as manifested by: (1) an increased trypan blue exclusion after CCl₄; (2) an improved ureagenesis after CCl₄; (3) a reduction in the lipid droplets accumulation in the cytoplasm produced by CCl₄administration; (4) well preserved cytoplasmic organelles as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum ER, nuclear chromatin structures that were altered by CCl₄; and (5) an increased hepatocytes survival in the agarose gel matrix, reduction of LD leakage and improvement of ureagenesis after -galactosamine addition to the perfusion medium. The beneficial effect of Cyclosporine A pretreatment in modifying hepatotoxicity of chemical insults merits further studies.     

INVOLVEMENT OF PACAP IN ACID-INDUCED HCO3RESPONSE IN RAT DUODENUMS

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptides (PACAP) stimulate duodenal HCO₃⁻secretion in the rat. The present study was performed to determine whether endogenous PACAP is involved in the mechanism of acid-induced HCO₃⁻response in the duodenum, using a PACAP antagonist, PACAP6-27. Under urethane anaesthetised conditions, a duodenal loop that was made between the pylorus and the area just above the outlet of the common bile duct was perfused with saline, and the HCO₃⁻secretion was measured at pH 7.0 using a pH-stat method and by adding 10 mmHCl. Duodenal HCO₃⁻secretion was significantly stimulated by i.v. administration of PACAP-27 (8 nmol kg⁻¹) as well as vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP: 8 nmol kg⁻¹). The effect of PACAP-27 (8 nmol kg⁻¹) was equivalent to that induced by prostaglandin E₂(300 μg kg⁻¹, i.v.) and significantly suppressed by either PACAP6-27 (40 nmol kg⁻¹, i.v.) or VIP antagonist (Ac-Tyr¹,d-Phe²-VIP: 40 nmol kg⁻¹, i.v.). These peptide antagonists suppressed duodenal HCO₃⁻secretory response to VIP but did not have any effect on either basal or PGE₂-stimulated HCO₃⁻secretion. On the other hand, the duodenal mucosa responded to acidification by increasing HCO₃⁻secretion in a indomethacin-sensitive manner, and this process was also significantly suppressed by both PACAP6-27 and VIP-antagonist. Duodenal damage induced by acid perfusion (100 mmHCl for 4 h) was significantly worsened by PACAP6-27, VIP antagonist as well as indomethacin at the doses that suppressed acid-induced HCO₃⁻secretion. These findings suggest that PACAP may play a role in local modulation of the duodenal mucosal integrity, by mediating the HCO₃⁻secretory response induced by mucosal acidification.     

[125I] N6-p-hydroxyphenylisopropyladenosine,a new ligand for Ri adenosine receptors

Summary N⁶-p-Hydroxyphenylisopropyladenosine (HPIA) has been labelled with carrier-free Na[¹²⁵I] to very high specific activity (2,175 Ci/mmol) and used as an agonist ligand to characterize R_i adenosine receptors in rat cerebral cortex membranes. The binding is saturable, reversible, stereospecific and dependent on protein concentration. The specific binding at 37°C was of high affinity with an equilibrium dissociation constant K_D of 0.48 nmol/l and was saturable with 0.23 pmol of [¹²⁵I]HPIA per mg of protein. The rate constant of association, k₁, was 3.25×10⁸ l mol^–1 min^–1 and that of dissociation, k₂, 0.0110 min^–1 yielding a t_1/2 of 63 min. In competition experiments the (–)isomer of N⁶-phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA) was 16-fold more potent than the (+)isomer in competing for the binding sites. Specific binding was most effectively displaced by N⁶-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA, k_i=0.26 nmol/l), (–)PIA (k_i=0.33 nmol/l) and HPIA (k_i=0.52 nmol/l), whereas 5-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA, k_i-1.42 nmol/l) was less effective. The methylxanthines 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), theophylline and caffeine which have been classified as adenosine antagonists had k_i values between 5–34 mol/l. Binding of [¹²⁵I]HPIA was regulated by guanine nucleotides and divalent cations. The results indicate that [¹²⁵I]HPIA labels R_i adenosine receptors in rat brain membranes.     

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling of the anti-lipolytic and anti-ketotic effects of the adenosine A1-receptor agonist N6-(p-sulphophenyl)adenosine in rats

1. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an integrated pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model for the anti-lipolytic effects of the adenosine A₁-receptor agonist N⁶-(p-sulphophenyl)adenosine (SPA). Tissue selectivity of SPA was investigated by quantification of haemodynamic and anti-lipolytic effects in individual animals.
2. After intravenous infusion of SPA to conscious normotensive Wistar rats, arterial blood samples were drawn for determination of blood SPA concentrations, plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate levels. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored continuously.
3. The relationship between the SPA concentrations and the NEFA lowering effect was described by the indirect suppression model. Administration of SPA at different rates and doses (60 μg kg⁻¹ in 5 min and 15 min, and 120 μg kg⁻¹ in 60 min) led to uniform pharmacodynamic parameter estimates. The averaged parameters (mean±s.e., n=19) were E_max: −80±2% (% change from baseline), EC₅₀: 22±2 ng ml⁻¹, and Hill factor: 2.2±0.2.
4. In another group, given 400 μg kg⁻¹ SPA in 15 min, pharmacodynamic parameters for both heart rate and anti-lipolytic effect were derived within the same animal. The reduction in heart rate was directly related to blood concentration on the basis of the sigmoidal E_max model. SPA inhibited lipolysis at concentrations lower than those required for an effect on heart rate. The EC₅₀ values (mean±s.e., n=6) were 131±31 ng ml⁻¹ and 20±3 ng ml⁻¹ for heart rate and NEFA lowering effect, respectively.
5. In conclusion, the relationship between blood SPA concentrations and anti-lipolytic effect was adequately described by the indirect suppression model. For SPA a 6 fold difference in potency was observed between the effects on heart rate and NEFAs, indicating some degree of tissue selectivity in vivo.

     

A1 adenosine receptor modulation of electrically-evoked contractions in the bisected vas deferens and cauda epididymis of the guinea-pig

1. The effects of adenosine receptor agonists upon both electrically-evoked and phenylephrine-induced contractile responses were investigated in the bisected vas deferens and the cauda epididymis of the guinea-pig. Electrical field-stimulation (10 s trains of pulses at 9 Hz, 0.1 ms duration, supramaximal voltage) elicited biphasic and monophasic contractile responses from preparations of bisected vas deferens and cauda epididymis, respectively; these responses were abolished by tetrodotoxin (300 nM).
2. In the prostatic half of the vas deferens the A₁ selective adenosine receptor agonists, N⁶-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) and (2S)-N⁶-[2-endo-norbornyl]adenosine ((S)-ENBA) and the non-selective A₁/A₂ adenosine receptor agonist, 5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) inhibited electrically-evoked contractions (pIC₅₀±s.e.mean values 6.15±0.24, 5.99±0.26 and 5.51±0.24, respectively). The responses to CPA were blocked by the A₁ adenosine receptor antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine, DPCPX (100 nM).
3. In the epididymal half of the vas deferens NECA potentiated (at ⩽100 nM) and inhibited (at ⩾1 μM) electrically-evoked contractions. In the presence of the non-selective α-adrenoceptor antagonist phentolamine (3 μM), the α₁-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin (100 nM), or at a reduced train length (3 s) NECA inhibited electrically-evoked contractions (pIC₅₀ values 6.05±0.25, 5.97±0.29 and 5.71±0.27, respectively). CPA (at 10 μM) also inhibited electrically-evoked contractions in this half of the vas deferens. In the presence of prazosin (100 nM), CPA also inhibited electrically-evoked contractions (pIC₅₀ 6.14±0.67); this effect was antagonized by DPCPX (30 nM, apparent pK_B 8.26±0.88). In the presence of the P2 purinoceptor antagonist, suramin (300 μM), CPA (up to 1 μM) potentiated electrically-evoked contractions.
4. NECA, CPA and APNEA potentiated electrically-evoked contractions in preparations of cauda epididymis (pEC₅₀ values 7.49±0.62, 7.65±0.74 and 5.84±0.86, respectively), the response to CPA was competitively antagonized by DPCPX (100 nM) with an apparent pK_B value of 7.64±0.64.
5. The α₁-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine elicited concentration-dependent contractile responses from preparations of bisected vas deferens and cauda epididymis. NECA (1 μM) potentiated responses to phenylephrine (⩽1 μM) in the epididymal, but not in the prostatic half of the vas deferens. In preparations of epididymis NECA (1 μM) shifted phenylephrine concentration response curves to the left (4.6 fold). In the presence of a fixed concentration of phenylephrine (1 μM), NECA elicited concentration-dependent contractions of preparations of the epididymal half of the vas deferens and of the epididymis (pEC₅₀ values 7.57±0.54 and 8.08±0.18, respectively). NECA did not potentiate responses to ATP in either the epididymal half of the vas deferens or the epididymis.
6. These studies are consistent with the action of stable adenosine analogues at prejunctional A₁ and postjunctional A₁-like adenosine receptors. The prejunctional A₁ adenosine receptors only inhibit the electrically-evoked contractions of purinergic origin (an effect predominant in the prostatic half of the vas deferens). At the epididymis, where electrically-evoked contractions are entirely adrenergic, the predominant adenosine receptor agonist effect is a potentiation of α₁-adrenoceptor-, but not of ATP-induced contractility.

     

Modulation of IL-1-induced cartilage injury by NO synthase inhibitors: a comparative study with rat chondrocytes and cartilage entities

1. Nitric oxide (NO) is produced in diseased joints and may be a key mediator of IL-1 effects on cartilage. Therefore, we compared the potency of new [aminoguanidine (AG), S-methylisothiourea (SMT), S-aminoethylisothiourea (AETU)] and classical [N^ω-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), N^ω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)] NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors on the inhibitory effect of recombinant human interleukin-1β (rhIL-1β) on rat cartilage anabolism. Three different culture systems were used: (1) isolated chondrocytes encapsulated in alginate beads; (2) patellae and (3) femoral head caps.
2. Chondrocyte beads and cartilage entities were incubated in vitro for 48 h in the presence of rhIL-1β with a daily change of incubation medium to obtain optimal responses on proteoglycan synthesis and NO production. Proteoglycan synthesis was assessed by incorporation of radiolabelled sodium sulphate [Na₂³⁵SO₄] and NO production by cumulated nitrite release during the period of study.
3. Chondrocytes and patellae, as well as femoral head caps, responded concentration-dependently to IL-1β challenge (0 to 250 U ml⁻¹ and 0 to 15 U ml⁻¹ respectively) by a large increase in nitrite level and a marked suppression of proteoglycan synthesis. Above these concentrations of IL-1β (2500 U ml⁻¹ and 30 U ml⁻¹ respectively), proteoglycan synthesis plateaued whereas nitrite release still increased thus suggesting different concentration-response curves.
4. When studying the effect of NOS inhibitors (1 to 1000 μM) on NO production by cartilage cells stimulated with IL-1β (25 U ml⁻¹ or 5 U ml⁻¹), we observed that: (i) their ability to reduce nitrite level decreased from chondrocytes to cartilage samples, except for L-NMMA and AETU; (ii) they could be roughly classified in the following rank order of potency: AETU>L-NMMA⩾SMT>AG⩾L-NAME and (iii) AETU was cytotoxic when used in the millimolar range.
5. When studying the effect of NOS inhibitors on proteoglycan synthesis by cartilage cells treated with IL-1β, we observed that: (i) they had more marked effects on proteoglycan synthesis in chondrocytes than in cartilage samples; (ii) they could be roughly classified in the following rank order of potency: L-NAME⩾L-NMMA>>AG>SMT>>AETU and (iii) potentiation of the IL-1 effect by AETU was consistent with cytotoxicity in the millimolar range.
6. D-isomers of L-arginine analog inhibitors (1000 μM) were unable to correct nitrite levels or proteoglycan synthesis in IL-1β treated cells. L-arginine (5000 μM) tended to reverse the correcting effect of L-NMMA (1000 μM) on proteoglycan synthesis, thus suggesting a NO-related chondroprotective effect. However, data with L-NAME and SMT argued against a general inverse relationship between nitrite level and proteoglycan synthesis.
7. Dexamethasone (0.1 to 100 μM) (i) failed to inhibit NO production in femoral head caps and chondrocytes beads whilst reducing it in patellae (50%) and (ii) did not affect or worsened the inhibitory effect of IL-1β on proteoglycan synthesis. Such results suggested a corticosteroid-resistance of rat chondrocyte iNOS. Data from patellae supported a possible contribution of subchondral bone in NO production.
8. In conclusion, our results suggest that (i) NO may account only partially for the suppressive effects of IL-1β on proteoglycan synthesis, particularly in cartilage samples; (ii) the chondroprotective potency of NOS inhibitors can not be extrapolated from their effects on NO production by joint-derived cells and (iii) L-arginine analog inhibitors are more promising than S-substituted isothioureas for putative therapeutical uses.