Activation by Phoneutria nigriventer (armed spider) venom of tissue kallikrein-kininogen-kinin system in rabbit skin in vivo.

1. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms by which venom from Phoneutria nigriventer spider induces increases in vascular permeability in rabbit skin. 2. Local oedema formation, in response to intradermally-injected agents, was measured in male New Zealand white rabbits as the local accumulation of i.v. injected 125I-labelled human serum albumin into skin sites. 3. Phoneutria nigriventer venom (10-30 micrograms/site) increased vascular permeability, which was inhibited by trasylol (10 micrograms/site) and the bradykinin B2 receptor antagonists D-Arg,[Hyp3,Thi5,8,D-Phe7]-BK (3 nmol/site) and Hoe 140 (0.3 nmol/site). In addition, the oedema induced by the venom was potentiated by the kinase II inhibitor, captopril (1 nmol/site). The lipoxygenase inhibitor, BWA4C (10 nmol/site) and the PAF antagonist, WEB 2086 (100 nmol/site) had no effect on the venom-induced increase in vascular permeability. 4. Incubation of rabbit plasma with Phoneutria nigriventer venom in vitro did not cause bradykinin formation. Further, the plasma kallikrein inhibitor, soybean trypsin inhibitor (10 micrograms/site), had no effect on the venom-induced increase in vascular permeability in rabbit skin. 5. These results indicate that the oedema produced by Phoneutria nigriventer venom is dependent on the activation of the tissue kallikrein-kinin system.     

The role of nitric oxide on the relaxations of rabbit corpus cavernosum induced by Androctonus australis and Buthotus judaicus scorpion venoms.

In this study, we have investigated the relaxing effects of both Androctonus australis venom (AAV) and Buthotus judaicus venom (BJV) on the rabbit corpus cavernosum (RbCC) smooth muscle strips. The RbCC strips were mounted in a cascade system and superfused with warmed and gassed Krebs solution. The nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10microM), but not D-NAME (10microM), significantly inhibited the RbCC relaxations induced by acetylcholine (ACh, 0.6nmol), AAV (30microg) and BJV (30microg). Subsequent infusion of L-arginine (300microM), but not of D-arginine (300microM), partially restored the relaxations evoked by these agents. The brain NO synthase inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (7-NI, 10microM) also inhibited the relaxant responses elicited by the scorpion venoms. The guanylyl cyclase inhibitors methylene blue (MB, 30microM) and 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3,-alquinoxalin-1-one] (ODQ, 10microM) virtually abolished the relaxations induced by either AAV or BJV. The infusion of muscarinic receptor antagonists such as scopolamine and atropine (1microM, each) completely abolished the ACh-induced relaxations but had no effect on those evoked by the scorpion venoms. The Na(+) channel blocker tetrodotoxin (1microM) prevented the relaxations evoked by both AAV and BJV. Thus, NO released from nitrergic nerve fibres mediates the relaxations elicited by AAV and BJV in the rabbit cavernosal tissue.     

Kinin antagonist activity of compounds from Mandevilla velutina in the rat isolated uterus.

The effect of four semi-purified compounds obtained from Mandevilla velutina crude extract by silica gel chromatography fractionization were analysed for their inhibitory effects on uterine contractions induced by bradykinin (BK), lysylbradykinin (L-BK), acetylcholine (ACh) and oxytocin, in vitro. None of the compounds tested affected uterine tone. Pre-incubation for 20 min with fraction 12 (20 to 80 micrograms ml-1), isolated from M. velutina produced a parallel and concentration-dependent displacement to the right of the concentration-response curves for BK and L-BK (1 to 1000 nM). Schild plots of these data were linear (correlation close to unity) and yielded a nominal pA2 value (as g ml-1) of 5.1 and 4.9, respectively, and the values of the slopes were not significantly different from unity. Fraction 11 (10 to 40 micrograms ml-1) also produced a parallel and concentration-dependent displacement to the right of the BK concentration-response curve. The Schild plot gave a mean pA2 value (g ml-1) of 5.4 and a slope not significantly different from unity. Fraction 12 did not influence the uterine contractile responses induced by ACh (0.1 to 100 microM) and oxytocin (0.01 to 30 miu ml-1) at concentrations less than 80 micrograms ml-1. Fraction 16 (20 to 80 micrograms ml-1) antagonized the action of BK only at concentrations greater than 40 micrograms ml-1, whereas fraction 5 (20 to 80 micrograms ml-1) was completely inactive against BK-induced responses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Blockade of acetylcholine release at the motor endplate by a polypeptide from the venom of Phoneutria nigriventer.

1. The mechanisms underlying the muscle relaxation effect of a fraction (PF3) isolated from the Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom were assessed on mouse diaphragm and chick biventer cervicis muscle preparations. 2. PF3 (0.25-4 micrograms ml-1) produced a concentration-dependent blockade of the nerve-elicited muscle twitch of the mouse diaphragm (IC50 = 0.8 micrograms ml-1) without affecting the directly induced muscle twitch. In similar preparations, the crude venom (1-10 micrograms ml-1) produced muscle contracture and blocked both the direct and indirectly induced muscle twitches. 3. In the chick biventer cervicis muscle, PF3 (1-5 micrograms ml-1) blocked the nerve stimulated muscle twitch (IC50 = 1.26 micrograms ml-1), but did not alter the postjunctional response to exogenous acetylcholine (ACh, 10 microM-10 mM). 4. PF3 (2-8 micrograms ml-1) reduced the frequency of miniature endplate potentials (m.e.p.ps) recorded intracellularly from the mouse diaphragm muscle fibers by 58 to 64%, and diminished the amplitude of m.e.p.ps by 20 to 40% of control. The relationship between log m.e.p.p. frequency and log [Ca2+]o was shifted rightwards in the presence of 4 micrograms ml-1 PF3. 5. Raising the frequency of m.e.p.ps with high K+ medium or theophylline (3 mM) did not prevent the toxin-induced depression of spontaneous ACh release. 6. The quantal content of e.p.ps (m), determined in cut-diaphragm muscle fibres, was reduced by 53% and 77% of control by 1 and 4 micrograms ml-1 PF3, respectively. At 1 microgram ml-1 the toxin shifted the relationship between log m and log [Ca2+]o towards higher values without apparent change of the slope. 7. E.p.p. trains elicited at 10 to 50 Hz in the presence of PF3 (1 microgram ml-1) exhibited irregular amplitudes and facilitation related to the frequency of nerve stimulation. 8. It is concluded that PF3 blocks neuromuscular transmission by acting prejunctionally and reducing the nerve-evoked transmitter release. The effect was related to a diminished Ca2+ entry into the nerve terminal associated with inhibition of exocytosis.     

Involvement of vanilloid receptors and purinoceptors in the Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom-induced plasma extravasation in rat skin

Phoneutria nigriventer venom causes stimulation of capsaicin-sensitive primary afferent neurons in the rat dorsal skin, leading to neurogenic plasma protein extravasation due to the release of tachykinin NK(1) receptor agonist. In this study we further investigated the mechanisms involved in the venom-induced activation of capsaicin-sensitive primary afferent neurons. The plasma extravasation in response to venom intradermally injected was measured in Wistar rats as the local accumulation of i.v. injected 125I-labelled human serum albumin into skin sites. The tachykinin NK(1) receptor agonist, D-Ala-[L-Pro(9),Me-Leu(8)]substance P-(7-11) (GR73632; 10-100 pmol/site), induced a significant plasma leakage that was abolished by the selective tachykinin NK(1) receptor antagonist, (S)-1-[2-[3-(3,4-dichlorphenyl)-1 (3-isopropoxyphenylacetyl) piperidin-3-yl] ethyl]-4-phenyl-1 azaniabicyclo [2.2.2]octane chloride (SR140333; 1 nmol/site), whereas the leakage after venom (1-10 microgram/site) was significantly inhibited (but not abolished) by SR140333. The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, CGRP-(8-37), failed to further reduce the residual plasma extravasation induced by venom plus SR140333. The mu-opioid receptor agonist, [D-Ala(2), Me-Phe(4),Gly-ol(5)]enkephalin (DAMGO), and the local anaesthetic, lignocaine, had no effect on the venom-induced plasma extravasation. Similarly, the L-, N- and P/Q-type voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channel blockers (verapamil, omega-conotoxin MVIIA and MVIIC, respectively) as well as the Na(+) channel blockers, tetrodotoxin and carbamazepine, had no effect on the venom-induced effect. Neither the systemic treatment nor the local injection of ruthenium red prevented the venom-induced plasma extravasation. However, the vanilloid receptor antagonist, N-[2-(4-chlorophenyl) ethyl]-1,3,4, 5-tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-2H-2-benzazepine-2-carbothioamide (capsazepine; 120 micromol/kg, i.v.), reduced by 48% (P<0.05) the venom (10 microgram/site)-induced plasma extravasation. A significant inhibitory effect was also observed with the P(2) purinoceptor agonists, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP; 10 and 30 nmol/site) and adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP; 10 nmol/site). The involvement of histamine and/or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the venom-induced plasma extravasation was ruled out since neither histamine and 5-HT receptor antagonists nor depletion of mast cells by compound 48/80 affected the venom response. This was further supported by the failure of venom to degranulate in vitro peritoneal mast cells. In conclusion, only vanilloid receptors and P(2) prejunctional purinoceptors had an inhibitory effect on the neurogenic plasma extravasation evoked by P. nigriventer venom in rat dorsal skin.     

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.     

Effects of bradykinin in the rat isolated perfused heart: role of kinin receptors and endothelium-derived relaxing factor.

1. The effects of bradykinin (BK) in the microcirculation of the isolated perfused heart of the rat were examined. The kinin receptors mediating the effects of BK were characterized and the role of endothelium-derived relaxation factor (EDRF) and prostacyclin investigated. 2. The dose-related vasodilator responses elicited by bolus doses of BK (0.001-10.0 nmol) were competitively blocked by the selective kinin B2 receptor antagonist [D-Arg0,Hyp3, Thi5.8,D-Phe7]-bradykinin (pA2 = 6.8). Des-Arg9-bradykinin, a selective kinin B1 receptor agonist had no vasodilator activity at doses of up to 10 nmol. 3. L-NG-nitro arginine (100 microM; L-NOArg), an inhibitor of endothelium-dependent vasodilatation, reduced the duration but not the magnitude of the BK vasodilator response. This action of L-NOArg was not reversed by L-arginine (100 microM). 4. Superoxide dismutase (10 units ml-1), haemoglobin (10 microM) and methylene blue (MB; 1 microM), all known to modify EDRF-mediated responses, failed to alter the vasodilator action of BK. 5. Gossypol (1-15 microM), a presumed inhibitor of EDRF biosynthesis, caused a marked drop in perfusion pressure followed by vasoconstriction. These changes in coronary tone were accompanied by an irreversible depression of cardiac contractility and heart rate. Over the same concentration range gossypol abolished the vasodilator action of BK (1.0 nmol), however it also blocked the endothelium-independent vasodilator response to sodium nitroprusside (30 nmol) and the vasoconstrictor effect of endothelin-1 (10 pmol) which suggests non-specific toxic actions of gossypol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Isolation of neurotoxic peptides from the venom of the 'armed' spider Phoneutria nigriventer.

Three neurotoxic fractions, lethal to mice, were isolated from the venom of the spider Phoneutria nigriventer, by gel filtration and reverse phase chromatography (Phoneutria toxins 1, 2 and 3). These toxins have mol. wts in the range 6000-9000, and have different amino acid compositions and N-terminal amino acid sequences. The toxins also differ in the lethality and signs they cause in mice after intracerebro-ventricular injection. The median LD50 being respectively for the whole venom, toxins 1, 2 and 3, 47 +/- 5 micrograms, 45 +/- 4 micrograms, 1.7 +/- 0.7 micrograms and 137 +/- 10 micrograms/kg mouse. Toxins 1 and 2 induce excitatory symptoms in mice and toxin 3 a flaccid paralysis with an ED50 of 40 +/- 5 micrograms/kg mouse as measured also by intracerebro-ventricular injection. The presence in the venom of a non-neurotoxic, smooth muscle active peptide is also described.     

Catalase has negligible inhibitory effects on endothelium-dependent relaxations in mouse isolated aorta and small mesenteric artery

1. The current study examined the hypothesis that endothelial production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) mediates relaxations to acetylcholine (ACh) in aorta and small mesenteric arteries (SMA) from mice. 2. Relaxations to ACh (0.01-10 microM) and H2O2 (0.1-1000 microM) were produced in aorta and SMA isolated from wild-type C57BL/6 mice and type II diabetic mice (db/db). In SMA, relaxations to ACh were produced in the presence of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (100 microM) and indomethacin (Indo, 10 microM). 3. 1-H[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-]quinoxalin-1-one (10 microM) significantly reduced ACh-induced relaxations in SMA, abolished responses in aorta, but had no effect on relaxations induced by H2O2. Catalase (2500 U ml-1) abolished responses to H2O2, but did not alter relaxations to ACh in the SMA and only caused a small rightward shift in responses to ACh in the aorta. 4. ACh-, but not H2O2-, mediated relaxations were significantly reduced by tetraethylammonium (10 mM), the combination of apamin (1 microM) and charybdotoxin (100 nM), and 25 mm potassium chloride (KCl). Higher KCl (60 mM) abolished relaxations to both ACh and H2O2. Polyethylene glycolated superoxide dismutase (100 U ml-1), the catalase inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (3-AT, 50 mM) and treatment with the copper chelator diethyldithiolcarbamate (3 mM) did not affect relaxations to ACh. 5. H2O2-induced relaxations were endothelium-independent and were not affected by ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA 0.067 mM), 4-aminopyridine (1 mM), ouabain (100 microM) and barium (30 microM), 3-AT or Indo. 6. Although the data from this study show that H2O2 dilates vessels, they do not support the notion that H2O2 mediates endothelium-dependent relaxations to ACh in either aorta or SMA from mice.     

Peripheral tackykinin and excitatory amino acid receptors mediate hyperalgesia induced by Phoneutria nigriventer venom

The generation of hyperalgesia by Phoneutria nigriventer venom was investigated in rats using the paw pressure test, through the intraplantar injection of the venom. Hyperalgesia was significantly inhibited by N-[2-(4-chlorophenyl) ethyl]-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-2H-2-benzazepine-2-carbothioamide (capsazepine), a vanilloid receptor antagonist, by the local administration of pGlu-Ala-Asp-Pro-Asn-Lys-Phe-Tyr-Pro (spiro-gamma-lactam) Leu-Trp-NH(2) (GR82334) or of Phenyl-CO-Ala-Ala-D-Trp-Phe-D-Pro-Pro-Nle-NH(2) (GR94800), inhibitors of tachykinin NK(1) and NK(2) receptors, respectively, or by the local injection of dizocilpine (MK 801), (+/-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid ((+/-)-AP-5), or 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), antagonists of NMDA and non-NMDA excitatory amino acid receptors. The correlation between hyperalgesia and the inflammatory response induced by the venom was also investigated. The venom-induced edematogenic response was not modified by the pharmacological treatments. These results suggest that hyperalgesia induced by P. nigriventer venom is mediated by stimulation of capsaicin-sensitive neurons, with activation of peripheral tachykinin NK(1) and NK(2) receptors and of both the NMDA and AMPA receptors. Distinct mechanisms are involved in the development of hyperalgesia and edema induced by the venom.     

Potentiation of the vasorelaxant activity of nitric oxide by hydroxyguanidine: implications for the nature of endothelium-derived relaxing factor.

1. We recently demonstrated that NG-hydroxy-L-arginine (L-HOArg) is a substrate for the constitutive nitric oxide (NO) synthase present in bovine aortic endothelial cells cultured on microcarrier beads (EC). Furthermore, L-HOArg reacts chemically with NO released from these cells to form a potent and more stable vasodilator. This is most likely through a reaction with the hydroxyguanidino group. 2. Here, we studied the interaction of a simpler molecule, hydroxyguanidine (HOG) with NO. 3. HOG (10 microM), like L-HOArg (10 microM) or NG-hydroxy-D-arginine (D-HOArg, 10 microM), potentiated and stabilized the relaxant activity of authentic NO. 4. When NO was bubbled through the solution of HOG, a new compound was formed. It had similar physicochemical properties to those of the previously described L-HOArg/NO adduct. It was also a potent vasodilator and its action was inhibited by oxyhaemoglobin (10 microM), indicating formation of a NO-containing substance. 5. Moreover, HOG (10 microM) was not a substrate for the constitutive NO synthase present in the microsomal fraction of EC and did not affect the flow-induced or bradykinin-stimulated generation of prostacyclin, as measured by 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. 6. We also studied the effect of HOG on the endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) released from the column of EC. HOG (10 microM) potentiated and stabilized the relaxations of rabbit aortic strips induced by EDRF released by bradykinin (5-20 pmol) or ADP (5-10 nmol). These relaxations were inhibited by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 microM) and L-arginine (L-Arg, 1 mM) reversed the inhibitory effects of L-NAME.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Phoneutria nigriventer toxin 1: a novel, state-dependent inhibitor of neuronal sodium channels that interacts with micro conotoxin binding sites

A toxin was purified to homogeneity from the venom of the South American armed spider Phoneutria nigriventer and found to have a molecular mass of 8600 Da and a C-terminally amidated glycine residue. It appears to be identical to Toxin 1 (Tx1) isolated previously from this venom. Tx1 reversibly inhibited sodium currents in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing recombinant sodium (Na(v)1.2) channels without affecting their fast biophysical properties. The kinetics of inhibition of peak sodium current varied with membrane potential, with on-rates increasing and off-rates decreasing with more depolarized holding potentials in the -100 to -50 mV range. Thus, the apparent affinity of Tx1 for the channel increases as the membrane is depolarized. A mono[(125)I]iodo-Tx1 derivative displayed high-affinity binding to a single class of sites (K(D) = 80 pM, B(max) = 0.43 pmol/mg protein) in rat brain membranes. Solubilized binding sites were immunoprecipitated by antibodies directed against a conserved motif in sodium channel alpha subunits. (125)I-Tx1 binding was competitively displaced by mu conotoxin GIIIB (IC(50) = 0.5 microM) but not by 1 microM tetrodotoxin. However, the inhibition of (125)I-Tx1 binding by mu conotoxin GIIIB was abrogated in the presence of tetrodotoxin (1 microM). Patch-clamp and binding data indicate that P. nigriventer Tx1 is a novel, state-dependent sodium-channel blocker that binds to a site in proximity to pharmacological site 1, overlapping mu conotoxin but not tetrodotoxin binding sites.     

Cultured astrocytoma cells generate a nitric oxide-like factor from endogenous L-arginine and glyceryl trinitrate: effect of E. coli lipopolysaccharide.

1. The inhibitory activity of astrocytoma cells (0.25-3 x 10(5)) treated with indomethacin (10 microM) on platelet aggregation was enhanced by incubating the cells with E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.5 micrograms ml-1) for 18 h. This effect was attenuated when cycloheximide (10 micrograms ml-1) was incubated together with LPS. The inhibition of platelet aggregation by cells treated with LPS was potentiated by superoxide dismutase (60 u ml-1) and ablated by oxyhaemoglobin (oxyHb, 10 microM) or NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 30-300 microM). The effects of L-NMMA were reversed by co-incubation with L-arginine (L-Arg, 100 microM) but not D-arginine (D-Arg, 100 microM). LPS also increased the levels of nitrite in the culture media and this increase was ablated by co-incubation with L-NMMA (300 microM) or cycloheximide (10 micrograms ml-1). 2. Astrocytoma cells (0.5 x 10(5)) treated with indomethacin (10 microM) enhanced the platelet inhibitory activity of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN, 11-352 microM) but not that of sodium nitroprusside (4 microM). Furthermore, when incubated with GTN (200 microM) a 4 fold increase in the levels of guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) was observed. These effects were abrogated by co-incubation with oxyHb (10 microM) but not with L-NMMA (300 microM). Treatment of the cells with LPS (0.5 micrograms ml-1) for 18 h did not enhance their capacity to form NO from GTN. 3. Thus, in cultured astrocytoma cells, LPS enhances the formation of nitric oxide from endogenous L-arginine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cyclic GMP-independent relaxation and hyperpolarization with acetylcholine in guinea-pig coronary artery.

1. The effects of acetylcholine (ACh) on membrane potential, relaxation and cyclic GMP levels were compared to the NO donor L-nitrosocysteine (Cys-NO) in segments of guinea-pig coronary artery. 2. ACh and Cys-NO produced concentration-dependent relaxations of muscles contracted with the H1 receptor agonist, 2-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine (AEP, 0.35 mM). The relaxation to ACh was unchanged in the presence of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA; 350 microM) or indomethacin (3 microM). 3. Oxyhaemoglobin (HbO; 20 microM) alone or in combination with L-NMMA increased the EC50 for ACh-induced relaxation whereas relaxation with Cys-NO was almost completely abolished with HbO. 4. Scorpion venom (SV; 8.7 micrograms ml-1) increased the EC50 for relaxation with ACh but not Cys-NO. Combined L-NMMA, HbO and SV produced nearly complete abolition of ACh-induced relaxations. 5. Basal cyclic GMP levels (i.e., 20 pmol mg-1 protein) were significantly increased following addition of either ACh (190 pmol mg-1 protein) or Cys-NO (240 pmol mg-1 protein). L-NMMA significantly reduced the rise of cyclic GMP with ACh but not Cys-NO. In contrast, SV did not significantly reduce the rise in cyclic GMP produced with ACh. In the combined presence of L-NMMA and HbO neither ACh nor Cys-NO produced a significant increase in cyclic GMP levels. 6. ACh gave rise to significantly greater membrane hyperpolarization than Cys-NO both in the presence and absence of AEP. Combined L-NMMA and HbO did not reduce the amplitude of hyperpolarization with ACh.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Nitrovasodilator-induced relaxation and tolerance development in porcine vena cordis magna: dependence on intact endothelium.

1. Isolated segments of porcine vena cordis magna exhibited a reproducible contractile activity upon application of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) or KCl, that was independent of the presence of intact endothelium. Substance P (3 nM) elicited strictly endothelium-dependent relaxations amounting to 46.1 +/- 1.4% (n = 206) of contractions induced by 10 microM PGF2 alpha. 2. S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP), a compound that spontaneously liberates nitric oxide, concentration-dependently relaxed PGF2 alpha-precontracted (50 microM) venous segments. Tolerance induction (incubation with 100 microM SNAP for 30 min) within the same segments resulted in a 3 fold attenuation of this effect, which was not further reduced after additional preincubation with glyceryl trinitrate (GTN). Removal of endothelium or the presence of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) significantly improved the potency of SNAP before and after tolerance induction. 3. Concentration-dependent relaxations induced by GTN in non-tolerant veins were similar in the presence and absence of endothelium but much more reduced in tolerant endothelium-denuded (75 fold) compared to intact (20 fold) segments. In contrast, the presence of L-NAME significantly improved GTN-activity solely in non-tolerant veins, which, therefore, also resulted in a more pronounced attenuation of activity due to tolerance induction (100 fold). Preincubation of intact veins with SNAP also reduced GTN-activity but to a lesser extent (10 fold). 4. The more delayed but much longer, and compared to GTN somewhat weaker, acting new nitrovasodilator N-(3-nitrato-pivaloyl)-1-cysteineethylester (SPM 3672) was more potent in denuded than intact non-tolerant venous segments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Modulation of agonist-induced calcium mobilisation in bovine aortic endothelial cells by phorbol myristate acetate and cyclic AMP but not cyclic GMP.

1. In bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC), thrombin (1 mu ml-1), bradykinin (1-10 nM) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (0.3 microM-100 microM) each induced a biphasic elevation of cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i), consisting of an initial transient followed by a sustained plateau phase. 2. Pretreatment of BAEC with 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 100 nM) reduced the magnitude of the initial transient elevation of [Ca2+]i, induced by thrombin (1 mu ml-1), low concentrations of bradykinin (1 nM) or ATP (0.3 microM, 3 microM), but not by higher concentrations of the latter two agonists. Addition of PMA (100 nM) during the plateau phase of the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by thrombin (1 mu ml-1), bradykinin (10 nM) or ATP (30 microM) resulted in a fall in [Ca2+]i. 3. The inhibitory effects of PMA (100 nM) were inhibited by staurosporine (100 nM) but not mimicked by the inactive phorbol ester, 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4 alpha-PDD; 100 nM). Furthermore, staurosporine (100 nM) increased [Ca2+]i when added during the plateau phase of the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by thrombin or bradykinin. In contrast, staurosporine (100 nM) reduced [Ca2+]i when added during the plateau phase of the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by ATP (30 microM). 4. Pretreatment with forskolin (10 microM) had no effect on the magnitude of the initial transient elevation of [Ca2+]i induced by thrombin (1 mu ml-1), bradykinin (1 nM and 10 nM) or ATP (30 microM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of androctonus crassicauda scorpion venom on endothelium-dependent and -independent vascular responses of rabbit aorta

The effects of Androctonus crassicauda scorpion venom on acetycholine (ACh)-induced relaxations and contractions of rabbit thoracic aorta were studied. Endothelium-dependent relaxations induced by ACh in phenylephrine-precontracted arteries were enhanced by the scorpion venom. ACh-induced contractions in endothelium-intact open aortic rings were less than those obtained in denuded preparations (n=6, P<0.05, ANOVA). Venom (5, 10 and 30 μg/ml) potentiated ACh.induced contractions in intact and denuded segments. In the denuded segments, this potentiation was inhibited by indomethacin (10 μM). Thromboxane synthase inhibitor, BW 149H (100 μM) and thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂) receptor antagonist, R 68070 (10 μM) partly inhibited venom-induced potentiation. N^G-nitro-L-arginine (100 μM) increased venom-potentiated ACh responses in intact arterial segments. Venom increased the basal tone by 25–35% at 30 μg/ml. These results suggest that A. crassicauda venom may release a relaxing factor from endothelium and contracting factor from the smooth muscle of rabbit isolated thoracic aorta. The contracting factor may be a cyclooxygenase-like product, most likely TXA₂. The increase in basal tone by 30 μg/ml venom was inhibited by phentolamine (10 μM) and guanethidine (10 μM), indicating a venom-induced release of a neurotransmitter from adrenergic nerve endings.     

Iodinated radiographic contrast media inhibit shear stress- and agonist-evoked release of NO by the endothelium.

1 We have used isolated arterial preparations from the rabbit and dog to investigate whether non-ionic iodinated radiographic contrast media (IRCM) modulate nitric oxide (NO) release. The tri-iodinated monomers iopromide and iohexol were compared with the hexa-iodinated dimer iodixanol. 2 The vasodilator effects of iohexol (300 mg ml-1) and iodixanol (320 mg ml-1) were assessed in cascade bioassay. Increasing concentrations of iohexol or iodixanol caused concentration-dependent relaxations of the detector tissue which were insensitive to 100 microM NG-nitro L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and 10 microM indomethacin, whereas viscosity-associated relaxations induced by the 'inert' agent dextran (MW 80,000; 1-4%) were attenuated by inhibition of NO synthesis. 3 Relaxations of endothelium-intact rings to acetylcholine (ACh) were attenuated by preincubation with iohexol or iodixanol, whereas relaxations to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in endothelium-denuded rings were unaffected. Inhibitory activity did not correlate with either molarity or iodine concentration. Mannitol caused inhibition of both ACh- and SNP-induced responses. 4 In isolated perfused arteries the depressor responses to iodixanol (320 mg ml-1) and iopromide (300 mg ml-1) administered as close arterial bolus attained a plateau with maximal dilatations of approximately 25% and approximately 60%, respectively. Addition of 100 microM NG-nitro L-arginine (L-NOARG) and/or 10 microM indomethacin to the perfusate had no effect on the responses to either agent. 5 We conclude that IRCM exert direct effects on the endothelium that inhibit NO production rather than its action on vascular smooth muscle. Shear stress-induced stimulation of NO production by IRCM is unlikely to contribute to their vasodilator activity in vivo when administered during angiography despite high intrinsic viscosity.     

Ginsenosides-induced nitric oxide-mediated relaxation of the rabbit corpus cavernosum.

1. Ginsenosides, the active ingredients extracted from Panax ginseng, have been shown to promote nitric oxide (NO) release in bovine aortic endothelial cells. Since the endothelial cells and the perivascular nerves in penile corpus cavernosum contain NO synthase and an NO-like substance has been shown to be released from these cells which relaxes corpus cavernosum, the possibility that ginsenosides may relax corpus cavernosum by releasing endogenous NO was examined. 2. With an in vitro tissue superfusion technique, ginsenosides (250, 500 and 750 micrograms ml-1) relaxed corpus cavernosum, concentration-dependently. 3. Using an in vitro tissue bath technique, acetylcholine (ACh)-induced relaxations were increased in the presence of ginsenosides (250 micrograms ml-1). 4. Ginsenosides at 100 micrograms ml-1 significantly enhanced the tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive relaxation of corpus cavernosum elicited by transmural nerve stimulation. 5. The ginsenosides-induced, ACh-induced and ginsenosides-enhanced transmural nerve stimulation-elicited relaxations were significantly attenuated by NG-nitro-L-arginine (100 microM) and oxyhaemoglobin (oxyHb; 5-10 microM), and were enhanced by superoxide dismutase (SOD; 50 u ml-1). 6. The relaxations and their attenuation by NG-nitro-L-arginine and TTX were associated with increase and decrease in tissue cyclic GMP levels, respectively. 7. It is concluded that ginsenosides may release NO from endothelial cells, and enhance NO release from endothelial cells elicited by other vasoactive substances and from perivascular nitrergic nerves in the corpus cavernosum. These endothelial and neurogenic effects of ginsenosides in inducing relaxation of the corpus cavernosum may account for the aphrodisiac effect of Panax ginseng.     

Effect of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom on the rabbit isolated corpus cavernosum and the involvement of NANC nitrergic nerve fibres

1. The effect of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom and its toxin components on the rabbit isolated corpus cavernosum was investigated by use of a bioassay cascade.
2. Tityus serrulatus venom (3–100 μg), acetylcholine (ACh; 0.3–30 nmol) and glyceryl trinitrate (GTN; 0.5–10 nmol) dose-dependently relaxed rabbit isolated corpus cavernosum preparations precontracted with noradrenaline (3 μM). The selective soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3,-alquinoxalin-1-one] (ODQ; 30 μM) increased the basal tone of the rabbit isolated corpus cavernosum and abolished the relaxations induced by the agents mentioned above. Methylene blue (30 μM) also inhibited the relaxations induced by Tityus serrulatus venom but, in contrast to ODQ, the inhibition was irreversible.
3. The non-selective NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors N^Ω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 10 μM) and N^G-iminoethyl-L-ornithine (L-NIO; 30 μM) also increased the tone of the rabbit isolated corpus cavernosum and markedly reduced both ACh- and Tityus serrulatus venom-induced relaxations without affecting those evoked by GTN. The inhibitory effect was reversed by infusion of L-arginine (300 μM), but not D-arginine (300 μM). The neuronal NOS inhibitor 1-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl) imidazole (TRIM, 100 μM) did not affect either the tone of the rabbit isolated corpus cavernosum or the relaxations induced by ACh, bradykinin (Bk), Tityus serrulatus venom and GTN. TRIM was approximately 1,000 times less potent than L-NAME in inhibiting rabbit cerebellar NOS in vitro, as measured by the conversion of [³H]-L-arginine to [³H]-L-citrulline.
4. The protease inhibitor aprotinin (Trasylol; 10 μg ml⁻¹) and the bradykinin B₂ receptor antagonist Hoe 140 (D-Arg-[Hyp³,Thi⁵,D-Tic⁷, Oic⁸]-BK; 50 nM) did not affect the rabbit isolated corpus cavernosum relaxations induced by Tityus serrulatus venom. The ATP-dependent K⁺ channel antagonist glibenclamide (10 μM) and the Ca²⁺-activated K⁺  channel antagonists apamin (0.1 μM) and charybdotoxin (0.1 μM) also failed to affect the venom-induced relaxations. Similarly, the K⁺ channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA; 10 μM) had no effect on the venom-induced relaxations.
5. Capsaicin (3 and 10 nmol) relaxed the rabbit isolated corpus cavernosum in a dose-dependent and non-tachyphylactic manner. Ruthenium red (30 μM), an inhibitor of capsaicin-induced responses, markedly reduced the relaxations caused by capsaicin, but failed to affect those induced by Tityus serrulatus venom. L-NAME (10 μM) had no effect on the capsaicin-induced relaxations of the rabbit isolated corpus cavernosum.
6. The sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX; 1 μM) abolished the relaxations of the rabbit isolated corpus cavernosum induced by Tityus serrulatus venom without affecting those evoked by capsaicin, ACh and GTN. Tetrodotoxin (1 μM) also promptly reversed the response to the venom when infused during the relaxation phase.
7. The bioassay cascade of the toxin components purified from Tityus serrulatus venom revealed that only fractions X, XI and XII caused dose-dependent relaxations of the rabbit isolated corpus cavernosum and these were markedly reduced by either TTX (1 μM) or L-NAME (10 μM).
8. Our results indicate that Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom (and the active fractions X, XI and XII) relaxes rabbit corpus cavernosum via the release of NO. This release is specifically triggered by the activation of capsaicin-insensitive cavernosal non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) fibres, that may possibly be nitrergic neurones. Tityus serrulatus venom may therefore provide an important tool for understanding further the mechanism of NANC nitrergic nerve activation.