In vivo release of endogenous catecholamines in the hypothalamus

Summary The posterior hypothalamus of anaesthetized cats was superfused with a push-pull cannula and the release of the endogenous catecholamines noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine was determined in the superfusate. The rate of release of the three catecholamines followed an ultradian rhythm, the time interval between two adjacent phases of high rate of release being about 70 min. Pretreatment of the animals with reserpine decreased the levels of catecholamines in the hypothalamus and rest of the brain and reduced their rate of release into the superfusate. Hypothalamic superfusion with superfusing fluid of high concentration of potassium and low concentration of sodium enhanced the rate of release of noradrenaline and adrenaline; this effect was abolished when the hypothalamus was superfused with calcium-free solution. Electrical stimulation of the locus coeruleus ipsilateral to the superfused hypothalamus increased the release of noradrenaline and adrenaline, stimulation of the contralateral locus coeruleus enhanced the release of noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine. In both cases, the rate of release of adrenaline was enhanced to a lesser extent than the rate of release of noradrenaline. The release of noradrenaline and adrenaline was increased to a higher extent on stimulation of the ipsilateral locus coeruleus than on stimulation of the contralateral one.Part of the results was presented at the Spring Meeting of the German Pharmacological Society, Mainz, March 1978 and at the IV International Catecholamine Symposium, Asilomar, September 1978This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft     

In vivo release by histamine agonists and antagonists of endogenous catecholamines in the cat hypothalamus

Summary The posterior hypothalamus of anaesthetized cats was superfused through a push-pull cannula with histamine agonists and antagonists and the release of endogenous catecholamines was determined in the superfusate. Hypothalamic superfusion with histamine, 2-methylhistamine (H₁-agonist), dimaprit (H₂-agonist) or metiamide (H₂-antagonist) enhanced the release of the catecholamines dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline. The releasing effects of these substances depended on the presence of calcium ions. Superfusion with 2-pyridylethylamine (H₁-agonist) was virtually ineffective, while superfusion with 2-thiazolethylamine (H₁-agonist) enhanced the rate of release of noradrenaline and adrenaline without influencing the release of dopamine. Superfusion with mepyramine (H₁-antagonist) inhibited the release of noradrenaline and adrenaline without affecting the release of dopamine. Hypothalamic superfusion with a concentration of procaine which was equi-anaesthetic to that of mepyramine was ineffective. Ranitidine (H₂-antagonist) did not alter the rates of release of the catecholamines. The releasing effect of histamine was inhibited on hypothalamic superfusion with mepyramine and ranitidine. Ranitidine also inhibited the releasing effects of dimaprit and 2-methylhistamine thus indicating that the releasing action of the latter compound was mainly due to stimulation of H₂-receptors. These data suggest that blockade of H₁-receptors of the posterior hypothalamus reduces the release of noradrenaline and adrenaline, while stimulation of H₁-receptors seems to increase the rates of release of these two catecholamines. Stimulation of H₂-receptors enhances the release of all three catecholamines. Thus, dopaminergic neurones of the hypothalamus seem to possess H₂-receptors, while noradrenergic and adrenergic neurones possess H₁- and H₂-receptors.This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft     

In vivo release of endogenous GABA in the cat hypothalamus

Summary The posterior hypothalamus of anaesthetized cats was superfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid through a push-pull cannula and the release of endogenous GABA from the hypothalamus into the superfusate was studied. The resting release of GABA varied rhythmically, since phases of high rate of release were separated from each other by phases of low rate of release. The time interval between two adjacent phases of high rate of release was about 70 min. Electrical stimulation of the posterior hypothalamus with the tip of the cannula enhanced the rate of release of GABA in a frequency-dependent way. Superfusion of the hypothalamus with CSF which contained a high concentration of potassium and a low concentration of sodium increased the rate of release of GABA; this effect was dependent on the presence of calcium ions in the superfusing fluid. Pretreatment of the cats with reserpine reduced the levels of GABA in hypothalamus and rest of brain and the concentration of GABA in the superfusate as well. Stimulation of the locus coeruleus with a bipolar electrode elicited an increased release of GABA in the hypothalamus.Part of the results was presented at the Spring Meeting of the German Pharmacological Society, Mainz, March 1978This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft     

Cardiopulmonary responses of Wistar Kyoto, spontaneously hypertensive, and stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats to particulate matter (PM) exposure

Humans with underlying cardiovascular disease, including stroke, are more susceptible to ambient particulate matter (PM)-induced morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) would be more susceptible than healthy Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats to PM-induced cardiac oxidative stress and pulmonary injury. We further postulated that PM-induced injury would be greater in SHRSP than in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) based on the greater disease severity in SHRSP than SHR. First, male WKY and SHRSP were intratracheally (IT) instilled with saline or 1.11, 3.33, or 8.33 mg/kg of oil combustion PM and responses were analyzed 4 or 24 h later. Second, SHR and SHRSP were IT instilled with saline or 3.33 or 8.33 mg/kg of the same PM and responses were analyzed 24 h later. Pulmonary injury and inflammation were assessed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and cardiac markers in cytosolic and mitochondrial fractions. BALF neutrophilic inflammatory response was induced similarly in all strains following PM exposure. BALF protein leakage, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and N-acetylglucosaminidase activities, but not lactate dehydrogenase activity, were exacerbated in SHRSP compared to WKY or SHR. Pulmonary cytosolic and cardiac mitochondrial ferritin levels decreased, and cardiac cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased in SHRSP only. Pulmonary SOD activity decreased in WKY and SHRSP. Cardiac mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) activity decreased in PM-exposed WKY and SHR; control levels were lower in SHRSP than SHR or WKY. In summary, strain-related differences exist in pulmonary protein leakage and oxidative stress markers. PM-induced changes in cardiac oxidative stress sensitive enzymes are small, and appear only slightly exacerbated in SHRSP compared to WKY or SHR. Multiple biological markers may be differentially affected by PM in genetic models of cardiovascular diseases. Preexisting cardiovascular disease may influence susceptibility to PM pulmonary and cardiac health effects in a disease-specific manner.     

Differential amino acid transmission in the locus coeruleus of Wistar Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats

In addition to differences in their blood pressure, Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) are known to differ in their emotional behaviour. The neurochemistry underlying these differences is not well understood. In the present study the release rates of the two main regulatory amino acids in the locus coeruleus, glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), were monitored in WKY rats and SHR to investigate whether basal and/or challenged neurotransmission differs between these strains. The strains differed in their basal blood pressure (WKY 102±2 mmHg, SHR 140±4 mmHg), as well as in their emotional behaviour, since WKY rats displayed enhanced anxiety-related behaviour in the open field test (time in centre: WKY 197±40 s/30 min, SHR 741±93 s/30 min). Basal glutamate and GABA release rates did not differ between WKY rats and SHR. A rise in blood pressure induced by intravenous infusion of noradrenaline for 10 min enhanced GABA release in WKY rats by 60%, while no effect was observed in SHR. Glutamate release did not respond to experimental hypertension in both strains. Intravenous infusion of sodium nitroprusside led to a fall in blood pressure, which was less pronounced and was of shorter duration in WKY rats than in SHR. The depressor response had no effect on amino acid release in the locus coeruleus of both strains. Mild stress induced by noise or tail pinch led to slight rises in arterial blood pressure (10 mmHg and 20 mmHg respectively), which were similar in WKY rats and SHR. Tail pinch enhanced the release rates of glutamate and GABA in the locus coeruleus of WKY rats and SHR; however, no strain differences were noted. Noise stress did not significantly influence amino acid release. These findings demonstrate that SHR and WKY rats differ in GABAergic neurotransmission, which is revealed in response to specific cardiovascular challenges, but not to mild stressors. The observed lack of GABA response to blood pressure elevation in SHR may reflect a disturbed mechanism counteracting high blood pressure, possibly contributing to hypertension in this strain.     

In vivo release of neuronal histamine in the hypothalamus of rats measured by microdialysis

Summary Using an in vivo intracerebral microdialysis method coupled with an HPLC-fluorometric method, we investigated the extracellular level of endogenous histamine in the anterior hypothalamic area of urethaneanaesthetized rats. The basal rate of release of endogenous histamine in the anterior hypothalamic area measured by this method was 0.09 + 0.01 pmol/20 min. When the anterior hypothalamic area was depolarized by infusion of 100 mM K⁺ through the dialysis membrane or electrical stimulation at 200 A was applied through an electrode implanted into the ipsilateral tuberomammillary nucleus, histamine release increased to 175% and 188%, respectively, of the basal level. These increases were completely suppressed by removal of extracellular Ca²⁺. The basal release of histamine was also suppressed after infusion of 10^–6 M tetrodotoxin or i.p. administration of 100 mg/kg of -fluoromethylhistidine. On the other hand, 3-fold increase in the basal release was observed after i. p. administration of 5 mg/kg thioperamide. These results clearly indicate that both the basal and evoked release of histamine measured by our method are of neuronal origin. Send offprint requests to T. Mochizuki at the above address     

Influence of catecholamines on the in vivo release of histamine in the hypothalamus.

The hypothalamus of conscious, freely moving rats was superfused with artificial CSF through push-pull cannulae and the release of endogenous histamine was determined radioenzymatically in the superfusate. Superfusion with potassium chloride enhanced the release rate of histamine. The effect of potassium chloride was abolished by alpha-fluoromethylhistidine. Noradrenaline (alpha 1- and alpha 2-agonist) and clonidine (alpha 2-agonist) decreased the release rate of histamine and inhibited the potassium-induced histamine release. In preliminary experiments, yohimbine (alpha 2-antagonist) seemed to increase the release rate of histamine in the superfusate. beta-Agonists and antagonists (isoprenaline, salbutamol, propranolol) did not influence the release of histamine.     

Effects of endothelin on the portal vein from spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar Kyoto rats.

The effects of endothelin, a novel potent vasoconstrictor peptide, on isolated portal veins were examined in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). Endothelin contarcted the portal vein from SHR and WKY, in a concentration-dependent manner. However, both twitch contraction and tonic contraction of portal veins in response to endothelin were significantly enhanced in SHR. In contrast to the effects of endothelin, twitch contractile responses to Bay K 8644 were not significantly different between vessels from SHR and WKY. These results indicate that endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide in the portal vein, and that the increased sensitivity in SHR may be due to an increase in the activity of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels which is modulated by endothelin, but not to an increase in the activity of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels which can be stimulated by Bay K 8644.     

Effect of nimodipine on brightness discrimination learning test in Wistar Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats

Nimodipine (Nimotop) was administered to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in order to investigate its ameliorative effect on central nervous disorders associated with hypertension. Discrimination learning was used as the dependent variable. In normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats, the ratio of correct: incorrect responses in a brightness discrimination was not different between the nimodipine group and the vehicle group. However, SHR, which displayed decreased discrimination learning ability under control conditions, showed a remarkable improvement in discrimination learning under the influence of nimodipine. This was probably because the vasodilative action of nimodipine produced improvements in circulation in various organs including the brain, which in turn influenced learning ability. Nimodipine has very effective actions on learning performance that low levels of discrimination ability in SHR might be improved on learning performance on schedule controlled learning task.     

Dissociation between vascular oxidative stress and cardiovascular function in Wistar Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats

It has not been completely demonstrated if hypertension may, in part, develop as a result of increased oxidative stress (OS), inflammation and little is known about the short-term effects of antioxidant therapy. This study was designed to appreciate the effect of 7 days vitamin C-enriched diet (5 g/kg/day) on hemodynamic function and vascular OS in normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats and hypertensive rats (SHR). Aorta NAD(P)H oxidase activity was determinate and free radicals evaluated by electron spin resonance with a spin probe CP-H. Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression were measured. The treatment with vitamin C did not change arterial pressure in SHR but prevented the increase in OS levels in SHR aortas. MMP-1 and MCP-1 expressions were more intense in the media of SHR aortas than in those of WKY rats but these expressions were not modified by vitamin C-pretreatment. Vitamin C-pretreatment was not able to protect heart against in vitro ischemia-reperfusion dysfunctions. These data may suggest that treatment with high doses of vitamin C in SHR can limit over-production of reactive oxygen species; however this effect was not accompanied with changes in arterial pressure and protection against I-R dysfunctions. Dissociation between vascular oxidative stress and cardiovascular function may be evoked.     

Detrimental effects of acute nicotine on the response-withholding performance of spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar Kyoto rats

Rationale

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with a higher prevalence of smoking, which may be related to potential therapeutic effects of nicotine on ADHD symptoms. Whereas nicotine offers robust improvements in sustained attention, the effects of nicotine on impulsivity are unclear.

Objectives

The present study examined the effects of nicotine on the response inhibition capacity of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), an animal model of ADHD, compared to that of a normotensive control Wistar Kyoto (WKY), using the fixed minimum interval (FMI) schedule of reinforcement.

Methods

Tests were conducted following acute injections of subcutaneous nicotine (0.1–0.6 mg/kg). On each FMI trial, the first lever press initiated an inter-response time (IRT); a head entry into a food receptacle terminated the IRT. IRTs longer than 6 s were intermittently reinforced with sucrose.

Results

A model that assumes that only a proportion of IRTs are sensitive to the timing contingencies of the FMI provided a close fit to the data, regardless of strain or treatment. No baseline difference in FMI performance was observed between SHR and WKY. Nicotine reduced the duration of timed IRTs and the duration of latencies to the IRT-initiating lever press similarly for both strains. Nicotine dose-dependently increased the proportion of timed IRTs; the dose-response curve was shifted leftwards in SHR relative to WKY.

Conclusions

These results suggest that nicotine (a) reduces response-inhibition capacity, (b) enhances the reinforcing efficacy of sucrose, and (c) dose-dependently enhances attention-like sensitivity to contingencies of reinforcement, through mechanisms that are yet unknown.     

In vivo release of newly synthesized catecholamines from the hypothalamus by amphetamine

Summary The posterior hypothalamus of cats immobilized with gallamine was superfused through a push-pull cannula with artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Addition of³H-tyrosine into the superfusing fluid led to synthesis of³H-catecholamines which were released spontaneously. Separation of the³H-catecholamines by column chromatography or their acetylation and separation by paper chromatography revealed that both³H-noradrenaline and³H-dopamine were released. In most experiments³H-noradrenaline represented about 10 to 25% of total³H-catecholamines. Superfusion of the hypothalamus with amphetamine (1×10^–5 M) enhanced the release of total³H-catecholamines, the release of³H-noradrenaline being relatively more enhanced than that of³H-dopamine. Determination of the readioactive compounds in the hypothalamus at the end of the experiments showed that total³H-catecholamines represented 3% of³H-tyrosine. About 15% of the total³H-catecholamines were due to³H-noradrenaline and 85% to³H-dopamine.     

Sex and strain-based inflammatory response to repeated tobacco smoke exposure in spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar Kyoto rats

Context: Approximately four million people die every year from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with more than 80% of the cases attributed to smoking.

Object: The purpose of this study was to examine the rat strain and sex-related differences and the extended tobacco smoke exposure to induce lung injury and inflammation with the goal of finding a suitable rodent model to study COPD.

Methods: Male and female spontaneously hypertensive (SH) and male Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were exposed to filtered air (FA) or to tobacco smoke (TS: 90?mg/m³ particulate concentration) for 6?h/day, three days/week for 4 or 12 weeks.

Results: Male SH rats demonstrated an enhanced, persistent inflammatory response compared to female SH and male WKY rats with extended TS exposure. Following four weeks of TS exposure, male SH rats had significantly increased total leukocytes and macrophage numbers, levels of TNF-alpha and elevated lactate dehydrogenase activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared with female SH, male WKY rats and corresponding controls. After 12 weeks of TS exposure, male SH rats continued to show significant increase in inflammatory cells and TNF-alpha, as well as IL-6 mRNA lung expression. In addition, the alveolar airspace of male SH rats exposed to TS was significantly enlarged compared to their FA controls, female SH and WKY rats.

Conclusion: The male SH rat demonstrates greater cellular, inflammatory and structural changes highly reminiscent of COPD compared to female SH and male WKY rats, suggesting that the male SH rat is an optimal rodent model to study COPD.     

Sodium balance and blood pressure during high sodium ingestion in spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar Kyoto normotensive rats

Objectives of this study were to compare natriuretic capability and arterial pressure elevation at high Na+ ingestion in male spontaneously hypertensive (SH) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats at the young adult age of 16-19 weeks. 10 SH and 10 WKY male rats at this age were surgically implanted with arterial catheters. After a period of 10 days on low nutritionally adequate Na+ intake they were fed a high Na+ diet for a period of 1 week. Na+ retention (intake-output) on the high Na+ diet was substantial, but similar in both groups of rats. None of the animals displayed meaningful elevation of arterial pressure. Thus, the functional capacity of the young SH rat to excrete Na+ during excessive ingestion without elevation of blood pressure seems adequate as compared to normotensive rats, at least within the age range of 16-19 weeks.     

Blockade of Na+/H+ exchanger contracts the portal vein of spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar Kyoto rats

It has been claimed that the activity of Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) is altered in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) suggesting a possible role for it in the pathophysiology of hypertension. The purpose of this study has been to investigate the effect of blockade of NHE on the noradrenaline (NA) and 26K+ induced tone and on the recovery of tone from acid induced contractions in the portan vein of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) as compared to their controls of Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). Blockade of NHE by 10(-4) dimethylamiloride (DMA) raised the tone of NA and 26K+ activated preparation of both strains, the contractions being higher with NA activation. Total blockade of NHE by replacement of Na in solution with N-methy-D-Glucamine (NMDG) raised the tone of the NA activated preparations by 45+/-10%, n=8, P<0.01 and 33+/-4%, n=12, P < 0.01 in SHR and WKY respectively. The time for 50% relaxation from NH4Cl washout contraction was significantly prolonged by 10(-5) and 10(-4) M DMA in both strains under NA or 26K+ activation. DMA effect was greater on NA than on 26K+ activated preparations, and was not significantly different when comparing SHR to WKY results. In conclusion the results reported in this study indicate that NHE has similar activity in WKY and SHR portal veins and that its blockade contracts both preparations. Therefore, it is unlikely that increased NHE activity, acting directly on vascular smooth muscle tone, could be a primary cause for hypertension.     

Functional role of Cl- channels in acidic pH-induced contraction of the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar Kyoto rats

pH regulates various cellular functions. Previously, we have described that acidic pH produces depolarization and contraction in isolated aorta from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats [Br. J. Pharmacol. 118 (1996) 485]. The aim of the present study was to investigate the involvement of Cl- channels in acidic pH-induced contraction. Changing the pH of the bathing solution from 7.4 to 6.5 induced a contraction in both SHR and WKY aorta, which was 127.50+/-13.32% and 79.27+/-0.94% of the 64.8 mM KCl-induced contraction, respectively. The acidic pH-induced contraction was partially inhibited by the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (VDCC) blockers, verapamil (1 microM) and nifedipine (0.1 microM). The Cl- channel inhibitors, diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) (0.5 mM), 9-anthracene chloride (0.5 mM), indanyloxyacetic acid (30 microM) and niflumic acid (3 microM) also inhibited the acidic pH-induced contraction and the degree of attenuation was comparable to that of VDCC blockers. DIDS, 9-anthracene chloride and niflumic acid at concentrations used to inhibit the acidic pH-induced contraction also inhibited the 10 microM phenylephrine-induced contraction partially, without affecting the 64.8 mM KCl-induced contraction, whereas both the contractions were inhibited by indanyloxyacetic acid with equal efficacy. Indanyloxyacetic acid but not DIDS, 9-anthracene chloride or niflumic acid inhibited the 24.8 mM KCl-induced contraction. Simultaneous measurement of cytosolic Ca2+ and tension showed that niflumic acid reversed the increase in intracellular Ca2+ level and inhibited the contraction caused by acidic pH. Similarly, acidic pH depolarized the cultured vascular smooth muscle cells from SHR and the depolarization was completely reversible after the administration of niflumic acid. All these results suggest that the activation of Cl- channels is an important mechanism underlying the depolarization and contraction induced by acidic pH in SHR and WKY aortas.