Involvement of adenylate cyclase and protein kinase C in the α2-adrenoceptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine release in rat hypothalamic slices

Summary In superfused rat hypothalamic slices prelabelled with [³H]-noradrenaline, the ₂-adrenoceptor agonist UK 14304 inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the electrically-evoked release of tritium. This inhibition was antagonized by the ₂-adrenoceptor blocking agent idazoxan, which by itself increased the electrically-evoked tritium overflow. Exposure to forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator, increased the electrically-evoked release of [³H]-noradrenaline. In the presence of forskolin (1 mol/l), both the inhibitory effect of UK 14304 and the increasing effect of idazoxan on the electrically-evoked release of [³H]-noradrenaline were less pronounced than in the absence of the adenylate cyclase activator. Exposure to forskolin and to the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine shifted to the right the concentration-effect curve for UK 14304 in a similar manner as that observed in the presence of forskolin alone. Exposure to phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (0.01–10 mol/l), a drug which activates protein kinase C, increased the electrically-evoked release of [³H]-noradrenaline. In the presence of phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (0.1 and 1 mol/l), the concentration effect curve for UK 14304 on tritium overflow was significantly shifted to the right. The increasing effect of idazoxan on tritium overflow was significantly less pronounced in the presence of 1 mol/l phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate.In superfused rat hypothalamic slices prelabelled with [³H]-5-hydroxytryptamine, the ₂-adrenoceptor agonist UK 14304 significantly inhibited the electrically-evoked release of tritium. Exposure to forskolin increased in a concentration-dependent manner [³H]-5-hydroxytryptamine overflow, but did not modify the UK 14304-mediated inhibition. Exposure to 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine enhanced the electrically-evoked release of [³H]-5-hydroxytryptamine. In the presence of both forskolin (1 mol/l) and 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine (1 mmol/l), the concentration-response curve for UK 14304 was significantly shifted to the right. Exposure to phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (0.01–10 mol/l) enhanced in a concentration-dependent manner the electrically-evoked overflow of [³H]-5-hydroxytryptamine. In the presence of phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (0.1 and 1 mol/l), UK 14304 was significantly less potent to inhibit tritium release than in the absence of the protein kinase C activator.It is concluded that both cyclic AMP and phosphoinositide turnover are involved in the modulation of noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine release by presynaptic ₂-adrenoceptors in rat hypothalamic slices. However, these interactions do not represent definitive proof for a cause-effect relationship for the second messengers mediating the ₂-adrenoceptor induced inhibition of transmitter release either as autoreceptor or as heteroreceptor.Send offprint requests to S. Z. Langer at the above address     

Behavioural and anticonvulsant effects of Ca2+ channel toxins in DBA/2 mice

This study investigated the behavioural and anticonvulsant effects of voltage-sensitive calcium channel blockers in DBA/2 mice.-Conotoxin MVIIC (0.1, 0.3 g ICV/mouse) and-agatoxin IVA (0.1, 0.3, 1 g ICV), which act predominantly at P- and/or Q-type calcium channels, prevented clonic and tonic sound-induced seizures in this animal model of reflex epilepsy (ED₅₀ values with 95% confidence limits for protection against clonic sound-induced seizures were 0.09 (0.04–0.36) g ICV and 0.09 (0.05–0.15) g ICV, respectively and against tonic seizures 0.07 (0.03–0.16) g ICV and 0.08 (0.04–0.13) g ICV, respectively). The N-type calcium channel antagonists-conotoxin GVIA and-conotoxin MVIIA were also tested in this model.-Conotoxin GVIA was anticonvulsant in DBA/2 mice, but only at high doses (3 g ICV prevented tonic seizures in 60% of the animals; 10 g ICV prevented clonic seizures in 60% and tonic seizures in 90% of the animals), whereas-conotoxin MVIIA did not inhibit sound-induced seizures in doses up to 10 g ICV. Both-conotoxin GVIA and-conotoxin MVIIA induced an intense shaking syndrome in doses as low as 0.1 g ICV, whereas-conotoxin MVIIC and-agatoxin IVA did not produce shaking at any of the doses examined. Finally,-conotoxin GI (0.01–1 g ICV) and-conotoxin SI (0.3–30 g ICV), which both act at acetylcholine nicotinic receptors, were not anticonvulsant and did not induce shaking in DBA/2 mice. These results confirm that blockers of N- and P-/Q-type calcium channels produce different behavioural responses in animals. The anticonvulsant effects of-conotoxin MVIIC and-agatoxin IVA in DBA/2 mice are consistent with reports that P- and/or Q-type calcium channel blockers inhibit the release of excitatory amino acids and are worthy of further exploration.     

Evidence for a vasoconstriction-mediating receptor for UTP,distinct from the P2 purinoceptor,in rabbit ear artery

Summary 1. The mechanism of uridine 5-triphosphate-(UTP-)induced vasoconstriction was studied in the rabbit ear artery. The arteries were incubated and perfused at a constant rate of flow. Vasoconstriction was measured as an increase in perfusion pressure. 2. Noradrenaline, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and UTP caused concentration-dependent vasoconstriction. ATP and UTP were approximately equipotent. 3. The vasoconstrictor effect of UTP 300 mol/l was enhanced by a mixture of atropine, diphenhydramine and methysergide (1 mol/l each) and not affected by indometacin 10 mol/l. 4. Prazosin (0.01 –1 mol/l) and phentolamine (1–10 mol/l) reduced the vasoconstrictor effect of UTP 300 mol/l by up to 34%. Prazosin 1 mol/l failed to diminish the vasoconstrictor effect of UTP 300 mol/l after the sympathetic nerves had been destroyed with 6-hydroxydopamine. 5. , -Methylene-ATP (10–50 ol/l) elicited transient vasoconstriction. Subsequently, vasoconstrictor responses to ATP 100 or 300 pmol/1 were reduced by 88%, whereas responses to UTP 100 gmol/1 were enhanced, responses to UTP 300 mol/l decreased by only 32% and responses to UTP 1000 gmol/1 reduced by 74%. After in vitro-denervation with 6-hydroxydopamine or in the presence of phentolamine 1 mol/l throughout, a, -methylene-ATP (10–50 mol/l) reduced the vasoconstrictor effect of UTP 300 mol/l by 44% and 43%, respectively. 6. We suggest that, in the rabbit ear artery, the non-adrenergic and , -methylene-ATP-resistant vasoconstrictor response to UTP is mediated by a separate receptor mechanism, distinct from the P₂ purinoceptor. Send offprint requests to K. Starke     

α-Bungarotoxin, κ-bungarotoxin, α-cobratoxin and erabutoxin-b do not affect [3H]acetylcholine release from the rat isolated left hemidiaphragm

Endplate preparations of the rat left hemidiaphragm were incubated with [³H]choline to label neuronal transmitter stores. Nerve evoked release of newly-synthesized [³H]acetylcholine was measured in the absence of cholinesterase inhibitors to investigate whether snake venom neurotoxins by blocking presynaptic nicotinic autoreceptors affect evoked transmitter release. Contractions of the indirectly stimulated hemidiaphragm were recorded to characterize the blocking effect of -neurotoxins at the postsynaptic nicotinic receptors.Neither the long chain neurotoxins -cobratoxin (1 g ml^–1) and -bungarotoxin (5 g ml^–1) nor the short chain neurotoxin erabutoxin-b (0.1, 1 and 10 gml^–1) affected the nerve-evoked release of [³H]acetylcholine. -Bungarotoxin (1 and 5 g ml^–1), a toxin preferentially blocking neuronal nicotinic receptors, did also not affect evoked [³H]acetylcholine release, whereas (+)-tubocurarine (1 M) under identical conditions reduced the release by about 50%. -Bungarotoxin, -cobratoxin and erabutoxin-b concentration-dependently (0.01–0.6 g ml^–1)inhibited nerve-evoked contractions of the hemidiaphragm. All neurotoxins except erabutoxin-b enhanced the basal tritium efflux immediately when applied to the endplate preparation or to a non-innervated muscle strip labelled with [³H]choline. This effect was attributed to an enhanced efflux of [³H]phosphorylcholine, whereas the efflux of [³H]choline and [³H]acetylcholine was not affected.It is concluded that the -neurotoxins and -bungarotoxin do not block presynaptic nicotinic receptors of motor nerves. These nicotinic autoreceptors differ from nicotinic receptors localized at the muscle membrane and at autonomic ganglia.     

Effects of imidazolines on noradrenaline release in rat isolated kidney

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether or not activation of imidazoline receptors modulates noradrenaline release in the rat isolated kidney. Kidneys were pre-exposed to ³H-noradrenaline and the renal nerves were stimulated with 6 pulses at 100 Hz. The stimulation induced (S-I) outflow of radioactivity was taken as an index of endogenous noradrenaline release. The imidazoline derivatives clonidine (1–1000 nmol/l) and moxonidine (10–1000 nmol/l) inhibited S-I outflow of radioactivity with an EC₅₀ of 6.8 nmol/l and 62.5 nmol/l and a maximum of 88% and 97%, respectively. The concentration response curves for clonidine and moxonidine were shifted to the right by the selective ₂-adrenoceptor antagonist rauwolscine (0.1 mol/l) in a parallel manner with identical pK_B's of 8.52 and 8.46, respectively. Furthermore, the -adrenoceptor agonist (–)--methylnoradrenaline (0.1–30nmol/l), which has no affinity for imidazoline binding sites, inhibited S-I outflow of radioactivity with an EC₅₀ of 2.4 nmol/l and a maximum of 94%. Rauwolscine (0.1 mol/l) again shifted the concentration response curve for this -adrenoceptor agonist to the right with a pK_B of 8.40. Moreover, the selective ₂-adrenoceptor antagonist 2-[2-(2-methoxy-1,4-benzodioxanyl)]imidazoline HCl(RX 821002,0.01 mol/l) shifted the concentration response curves for clonidine and moxonidine to the right with pK_B's of 9.46 and 9.18, respectively. The ₂-adrenoceptor antagonist 4-chloro-2-(2-imidazoline-2-ylamino)-isoindoline HCl (BDF 6143, 1–1000 nmol/l), which, in the presence of ₂-adrenoceptor blockade, has been shown to inhibit noradrenaline release through activation of imidazoline receptors, inhibited S-I outflow of radioactivity with an EC₅₀ of about 20.5 nmol/l (with 1000 nmol/l producing 60% inhibition). The inhibitory effects of BDF 6143 and clonidine were abolished after pretreatment of the kidneys with the irreversible ₂-adrenoceptor antagonist phenoxybenzamine (1 mol/l). However, RX 821002 did not alter and rauwolscine slightly antagonized the inhibitory effect of BDF 6143. It is concluded that the imidazoline derivatives clonidine and moxonidine as well as the phenylethylamine (–)--methylnoradrenaline inhibit noradrenaline release in rat isolated kidney exclusively through activation of prejunctional ₂-adrenoceptors. BDF 6143 inhibits noradrenaline release in rat isolated kidney through an ₂-adrenoceptor-independent, possibly an imidazoline receptor mechanism. Correspondence to: L. C. Rump at the above address     

The effect of intracerebroventricular administration of catecholamines and their antagonists on rectal temperature of Mastomys natalensis

Summary Noradrenaline (NA), adrenaline (ADR), isoprenaline (ISO) and dopamine (DA) were given through a chronically implanted cannula in the lateral cerebral ventricle of Mastomys natalensis. Low doses of NA (0.05–0.25 g) reduced rectal temperature while larger doses (0.35 g upwards) produced dose-dependent hyperthermia. The hypothermic effect was antagonised by -adrenceptor and the hyperthermia by -adrenoceptor antagonists. -Methyl noradrenaline produced less hyperthermia but it antagonised the hyperthermic effect of NA. Adrenaline (0.1–10 g) was ineffective per se but when given after tolazoline it produced hyperthermia and after propranolol it produced hypothermia. The dose-dependent hyperthermia with isoprenaline (0.1–10 g) was blocked by propranolol and MJ-1999. Dopamine (0.5–20 g) and its agonists apomorphine, amantadine and BS 9641 produced hyperthermia which was antagonised by haloperidol and pimozide but not by - or -adrenoceptor antagonists. Noradrenaline (1.0 g) produced hypothermia at ambient temperature of 10°C and 16°C. It had no effect at 20°C which seems to be the thermoneutral zone for mastomys. The hyperthermic effect at 33°C was less than at 24°C. Dopamine (10 g) response was attenuated at 33°C and unaffected at other ambient temperatures. It is concluded that - and -adrenoceptors and DA-receptors exist in the central thermoregulatory mechanism in mastomys. The -receptors are concerned with lowering the body temperature whereas the -receptors and DA-receptors are involved in raising it.Communication No. 2841 from the Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow     

Effects of the novel dopamine DA2-receptor agonist carmoxirole (EMD 45609) on noradrenergic and purinergic neurotransmission in rat isolated kidney

Summary The effects of the classical dopamine DA₂-receptor agonist quinpirole (LY 171555) and the recently characterized DA₂-receptor agonist, carmoxirole (EMD 45609), on neurotransmission in rat isolated kidney were investigated. After preincubation with ³H-noradrenaline, the renal nerves were electrically stimulated. The stimulation induced (S-I) outflow of radioactivity was taken as an index of noradrenaline release. Quinpirole (0.3 mol/l) inhibited S-I outflow of radioactivity and pressor responses to renal nerve stimulation (RNS) at 1 Hz. Both effects of quinpirole were blocked by the DA₂-receptor antagonist S(–)-sulpiride (10 mol/l). The ₁, ₂-adrenoceptor antagonist phentolamine (1 mol/l) did not block the inhibitory effect of quinpirole. Carmoxirole (0.003 and 0.03 mol/l) did not alter and carmoxirole (0.3 mol/l) even enhanced S-I outflow of radioactivity, however, pressor responses to RNS were markedly reduced by carmoxirole (0.003–0.3 mol/l). Pressor responses to RNS were also markedly reduced by the ₁-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (0.1 mol/l). Carmoxirole (0.3 mol/l), prazosin (0.1 mol/l) and phentolamine (1 mol/l) totally abolished pressor responses to exogenous noradrenaline (0.05 mol/l). In contrast, quinpirole (0.3 mol/l) did not alter pressor responses to exogenous noradrenaline (0.05 mol/l). Furthermore, carmoxirole (0.003–0.3 mol/l) markedly reduced pressor responses induced by the ₁-adrenoceptor agonist methoxamine (1 mol/l) but even the highest concentration of carmoxirole (0.3 mol/l) had no effect on pressor responses induced by bolus injections of either neuropeptide Y (1.5 ng) or angiotensin II (1 ng). Phentolamine (1 mol/l) by itself markedly enhanced S-1 outflow of radioactivity and pressor responses to RNS were virtually unchanged. In the presence of phentolamine carmoxirole (0.03 and 0.3 mol/l) and quinpirole inhibited S-I outflow of radioactivity and pressor responses to RNS. Phentolamine resistant pressor responses to RNS were also inhibited by the P_2X-receptor desensitizing agent , -methylene adenosine triphosphate (mATP, 1 mol/l), which by itself in the presence of phentolamine did not alter S-I outflow of radioactivity. The inhibitory effects of carmoxirole (0.3 mol/l) in the presence of phentolame (1mol/l) were antagonized by S(–)-sulpiride (10 mol/l). The data suggest that activation of prejunctional DA₂-receptors by quinpirole inhibits noradrenaline release and thereby reduces pressor response to RNS at 1 Hz in rat isolated kidney. Carmoxirole activates prejunctional inhibitory DA₂-receptors, but this effect is masked by simultaneous blockade of inhibitory prejunctional -adrenoceptors. Pressor responses to RNS at 1 Hz in rat isolated kidney are largely due to neuronally released noradrenaline whereas phentolamine resistant pressor responses to RNS at 1 Hz are most likely due to ATP, which is co-released with noradrenaline. Carmoxirole inhibits pressor responses to RNS at 1 Hz as well as pressor responses induced by either exogenous noradrenaline or methoxamine by blocking postjunctional ₁-adrenoceptors. In addition carmoxirole and quinpirole seem to block phentolamine resistant pressor responses by inhibiting ATP release through activation of prejunctional DA₂-receptors. Send offprint requests to L. C. Rump at the above address     

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) contracts the guinea-pig isolated iliac artery via 5-HT1-like and 5-HT2 receptors

Summary The characterization of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors mediating contractions of the guinea-pig isolated iliac artery was studied when the basal tone was slightly increased by prostaglandin F₂ (PGF₂).In the presence of ketanserin (1 mol/l), 5-HT and several 5-HT receptor agonists induced contractile responses with the rank order of agonist potency: 5-HT = 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) = lysergol > ergometrine = methylergometrine > RU 24969 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MeOT) > methysergide > sumatriptan > tryptamine. Concentration-effect curves to the ergot alkaloids, lysergol, ergometrine, methylergometrine and methysergide, were biphasic.In the presence of ketanserin (1 mol/l), contractile responses to 5-HT, 5-CT, RU 24969, 5-MeOT, sumatriptan and tryptamine were antagonized by methiothepin (30 nmol/l) and flesinoxan (3 mol/l) with approximate pK_B values of 8.5–9.0 and 6.0–6.3, respectively. The first phase of contraction produced by the ergot alkaloids, lysergol, ergometrine, methylergometrine and methysergide, were blocked by methiothepin (30 nmol/l) and flesinoxan (3 mol/l), respectively, with approximate pK_B values about 8.4–8.7 and 6.2–6.4, respectively. The mechanism underlying the second phase of contraction remains to be established.Maximum responses of the concentration-effect curves to 5-HT (1 nmol/l-1 mol/l) were concentration-dependently depressed by ketanserin (1 nmol/l-1 mol) and spiperone (30 nmol/l-0.3 mol/l) and reached approximately 60% of the 5-HT maximum response in the presence of ketanserin (1 mol/l) and spiperone (0.1 mol/l), respectively. Agonist potency of 5-HT was not affected by the antagonists. 5-HT (1 nmol/l-1 mmol) produced biphasic concentration-effect curves (first phase: 1 nmol/l-1 gmol/l; second phase: 1 mol/l-1 mmol/l) in the presence of ketanserin (100 and 300 nmol/l), spiperone (100 and 300 nmol/l), (R)--methylketanserin (3 mol/l) and (S)--methylketanserin (10 nmol/l). Contractions mediating the first phase of the effects of 5-HT accounted for approximately 60% of the 5-HT maximum response and were resistant to blockade by the antagonists. pK_B values at the receptor mediating the second phase of the effects of 5-HT were 9.2–9.3 for ketanserin, 9.2–9.6 for spiperone, 10.5 for (S)--methylketanserin and 7.2 for (R)--methylketanserin.It is concluded that 5-HT contracts the guinea-pig isolated iliac artery via a mixture of 5-HT₁-like receptors and 5-HT₂ receptors. At low concentrations contractions are mediated via 5-HT₁-like receptors which accounted for approximately 60% of the 5-HT maximum response. At higher concentrations 5-HT-induced contractions are mediated via 5-HT₂ receptors.     

SK&F 104078, a post-functionally selective α2-adrenoceptor antagonist in the human saphenous vein in vitro

Summary The present study investigated the effects of SK&F 104078 (6-chloro-9-[(3-methyl-2-butenyl)oxy]-3methyl-1H,2,3,4,-tetrahydro-3-benzazapine) at pre- and post functional ₂-adrenoceptors in the human isolated saphenous vein. Noradrenaline (0.001–100 mol/l) produced concentration-dependent contractions of the human saphenous vein which were competitively antagonised by the ₁-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (0.01–1.0 mol/l) and the ₂-adrenoceptor antagonist, rauwolscine (0.01–1.0 mol/l), indicating the presence of both post functional ₁- and ₂-adrenoceptors in this preparation. The selective ₂-adrenoceptor agonist, UK-14,304 (0.01–100 mol/l) also produced concentration-dependent contractions of the human saphenous vein which were antagonised by both rauwolscine (0.1 mol/l) and prazosin (0.1 mol/l). In the presence of angiotensin II (0.05 mol/l), which itself produced a transient contraction, rauwolscine (0.1 mol/l) produced a rightward shift of the UK-14,304 concentration-response curve while prazosin (0.1 mol/l) had no effect. SK&F 104078 (10.0 mol/l) under these conditions also produced a rightward shift of the concentration-response curve to UK-14,304, but was at least 100-fold less potent than rauwolscine. At pre functional ₂-adrenoceptors, exogenous noradrenaline (0.01 and 0.1 gmol/l) induced a concentration-dependent inhibition of stimulation-evoked [7-³H]-noradrenaline release from the human saphenous vein in vitro, which was antagonised by rauwolscine (0:1 mol/l) and tolazoline (10.0 mol/l) but not by SK&F 104078 (10.0 gmol/l).Rauwolscine (0.1 mol/l) produced a small increase in stimulation-evoked [7-³H]-noradrenaline release while both tolazoline and SK&F 104078 failed to produce any enhancement in release in the absence of exogenous agonist atconcentrationsupto10 gmol/l.Insummary, noradrenaline and UK-14,304 contracted the human isolated saphenous vein by an action at both postfunctional ₁- and ₂-adrenoceptors. These data demonstrate that SK&F 104078 discriminates between post- and pre-junctional ₂-adrenoceptors in the human isolated saphenous vein. Send offprint requests to M. V. Sennitt at the above address     

A comparison of the effects of TMB-8 and nifedipine on pressor responses to α1- and α2-adrenoceptor agonists in pithed rats

TMB-8 has been characterized as an inhibitor of the release of Ca⁺ from intracellular pools. We have studied the modification of the pressor responses to selective _l-adrenoceptor agonists (methoxamine and phenylephrine), and to selective ₂-adrenoceptor agonists (B-HT 920 and B-HT 933) in pithed rats, produced by TMB-8. We have compared this modification with that produced by the calcium antagonist nifedipine. Nifedipine (100 g/kg, 300 g/kg, and 1000 g/kg) inhibited in a dose-dependent manner the pressor responses to the ₁- and ₂-adrenoceptor agonists, the dose-response curves to the ₂-adrenoceptor agonists being shifted further to the right. TMB-8 at a dose of 3000 g/kg did not modify the pressor effects of the _l-adrenoceptor agonists, and neither did it reinforce the inhibition of such responses produced by nifedipine. By contrast, TMB-8 pretreatment (0.03 g/kg, 0.3 g/kg, 3 g/kg, 30 g/kg, 300 g/kg and 3000 g/kg) inhibited the responses to both ₂-adrenoceptor agonists, the inhibition being more pronounced with B-HT 920. A similar effect was obtained with 0.03 g/kg TMB-8 and 0.3 g/kg TMB-8, particularly in the case of B-HT 920. It was stronger with higher doses, but similar for all doses over 3 g/kg. The inhibition of the pressor responses mediated by the stimulation of ₂-adrenoceptors by TMB-8 was less in rats treated with the Ca²⁺ entry promoter BAY K 8644 (300 g/kg), and could also be reduced by the continuous infusion of CaCl₂ (0.25 g/min). These results suggest that in pithed rats TMB-8 may also behave as an inhibitor of the Ca⁺ influx into vascular smooth muscle.     

Celiprolol exerts microvascular dilatation by activation of β2-adrenoceptors

Summary In order to clarify the question whether the ₁-selective adrenoceptor antagonist celiprolol possesses vasodilating properties, isolated vascular networks were perfused with increasing concentrations of celiprolol (in a cumulative manner) ranging from 10^–8 to 10^–4 mol/l. The study was carried out using the isolated mesenteric vascular bed of the guinea pig mesenterium coli. Vascular diameters of four different vascular regions [vessels classified as G1 (585 ± 30 m), G2 (403 ± 25 m), G3 (282 ± 27 m) and G4 (197 ± 13 m)] were assessed by means of microscopic videoangiometry. Perfusion with celiprolol resulted in concentration dependent vasodilation which was more pronounced in G3 and G4 vessels. In addition, cumulative concentration-response curves were determined from responses obtained in the presence of 10^–8, 10^–7, 10^–6 and 10^–4 mol/l ICI 118,551 (a highly selective adrenoceptor antagonist). In the presence of ICI 118,551 at concentrations 10^–6 mol/l, no celiprolol response could be observed. Lower concentrations of ICI 118,551 shifted the celiprolol concentration-response curve to the right in a concentration-dependent manner. Therefore, it is concluded (a) that celiprolol has a vasodilating effect, (b) that this vasodilation is produced by stimulation of ₂-adrenoceptors and (c) that the vasodilating effect is more pronounced in smaller than in larger vessels (G3, G4 vs G1, G2). Send offprint requests to S. Dhein at the above address     

Methoxamine inhibits noradrenaline release through activation of α1- and α2-adrenoceptors in rat isolated kidney: involvement of purines and prostaglandins

Summary The effects of the at-adrenoceptor agonist methoxamine and the ₂-adrenoceptor agonist bromoxidine (UK 14034) on the stimulation induced (S-1) outflow of radioactivity at 100 Hz/6 pulses from rat isolated kidney preincubated with ³H-noradrenaline were investigated. Methoxamine (0.3 – 30 mol/l) inhibited S-1 outflow of radioactivity to a maximum of 83% with a pEC₅₀ of 5.85 (5.71–5.94). UK 14304 (0.0003-0.3 mol/l) inhibited S-I outflow of radioactivity to a maximum of 99% with a pEC₅₀ of 8.35 (8.26–8.47). a Adrenoceptor antagonist affinities (pK_D) against methoxamine and UK 14304 at prejunctional -adrenoceptors were determined. The concentration response curve of methoxamine was shifted to the right by the 1/_2B-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (0.1 mol/l) with a pK_D of 7.41 and that of UK 14304 by prazosin (0.3 mol/l) with a pK_D of 6.24. The ₂-adrenoceptor antagonist rauwolscine (0.1 mol/l) shifted the concentration response curve of UK 14304 potently to the right with a p_KD of 8.34. The concentration response curve of methoxamine was shifted also to the right by rauwolscine (0.1 mol/l) and the ₂-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan (0.1 mol/l), however, both antagonists suppressed the maximum response of methoxamine to 466% and 56%, respectively. A ten times lower concentration of rauwolscine (0.01 mol/l) did not shift the concentration response curve of methoxamine but the inhibitory effect of methoxamine still reached only a maximum of 59%. The concentration response curve of methoxamine obtained in the presence of rauwolscine (0.01 mol/l) was shifted to the right by further addition of prazosin (0.1 mol/l) with a pK_D of 8.80 but was also shifted to the right by either the purinoceptor antagonist 8-(p-sulfophenyl) theophylline (8-SPT; 100 mol/l) or the prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor indomethacin (20 mol/l). These results suggest that methoxamine inhibits S-1 outflow of radioactivity in rat isolated kidney probably through three different mechanisms. 1. Activation of postjunctional 1-adrenoceptors and prostaglandin mediated transjunctional inhibition. 2. Activation of postjunctional ₂-adrenoceptors and purine mediated transjunctional inhibition. 3. Activation of prejunctional inhibitory ₂-adrenoceptors at which methoxamine seems to be a partial agonist. Correspondence to L. C. Rump at the above address     

Both β1- and β2-adrenoceptors mediate catecholamine-evoked arrhythmias in isolated human right atrium

Summary The involvement of ₁- and ₂-adrenoceptors in catecholamine-evoked arrhythmias was investigated in isolated human right atrial appendages obtained from 22 patients chronically treated with blockers (usually ₁-selective) and 9 patients not treated with blockers. A simple experimental model that assesses the incidence of arrhythmic contractions as a function of heart rate (pacing) is introduced. ₁-adrenoceptors were activated by (–)-noradrenaline during ₂-adrenoceptor blockade with 50 nmol/l ICI 118551. ₂-adrenoceptors were activated by (–)-adrenaline during ₁-adrenoceptor blockade with 300 nmol/l CGP 20712A. Both (–)noradrenaline and (–)-adrenaline caused arrhythmic contractions whose incidence was greater at low than at high pacing rates. CGP 20712A (300 nmol/l) blocked the (–)-noradrenaline-evoked contractions in 1/1 atrial strip from 1/1 patient not treated with a blocker and 17/17 atrial strips from 15/15 patients chronically treated with blockers. ICI 118551 (50 nmol/l) blocked the (–)-adrenaline-evoked contractions in 3/4 atrial strips from 3/4 patients not treated with blockers and 17/20 atrial strips from 15/18 patients chronically treated with blockers. The incidence of arrhythmic contractions evoked by both (–)-noradrenaline and (–)-adrenaline was higher in chronically blocked patients than in non blocked patients. We conclude that both ₁- and ₂-adrenoceptors mediate atrial arrhythmias and that the generation of these arrhythmias is facilitated by chronic ₁-adrenoceptor blockade. Correspondence to: A. J. Kaumann at the Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University of Cambridge, as above     

Activation of β2-adrenoceptors by isoprenaline and adrenaline enhances noradrenaline release in cortical kidney slices of young spontaneously hypertensive rats

Summary The aim of the present study was to investigate -adrenoceptor modulation of noradrenaline release from sympathetic nerves in superfused cortical kidney slices of 4-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and age-matched controls (WKY). After preincubation with ³H-noradrenaline the kidney slices were electrically stimulated in superfusion chambers. The stimulation induced (S-I) outflow of radioactivity was mainly composed of unmetabolized 3H-noradrenaline in both strains and thus taken as an index of noradrenaline release. There was a frequency-dependent (1.25–20 Hz) increase in the S-1 outflow of radioactivity. At all stimulation frequencies tested S-I outflow of radioactivity was similar or even slightly lower in SHR than in WKY kidney slices in either the absence or presence of cocaine (10 mol/l). The non-selective -adrenoceptor agonists isoprenaline (0.l gmol/1) and adrenaline (0.01 and 0.1 mol/l) enhanced S-I outflow of radioactivity. The facilitatory effects of isoprenaline (0.1 mol/l) and adrenaline (0.1 mol/l) were blocked by the selective ₂-adrenoceptor antagonist ICI 118551 (0.1 mol/l) but not by the selective ₁-adrenoceptor antagonist atenolol (0.3 mol/l). The cell-permeable CAMP analogue 8-bromo-cAMP (300 mol/l) enhanced S-1 outflow of radioactivity to a similar extent in both SHR and WKY kidney slices. A combination of 8-bromo-cAMP (300 mol/l) and adrenaline (0.1 mol/l) did not enhance S-1 outflow of radioactivity to a greater extent than 8-bromo cAMP (300 mol/l) alone in both strains. However, the facilitatory effects of isoprenaline (0.1 mol/l) and adrenaline (0.1 mol/l) but not that of adrenaline (0.01 mol/l) were significantly greater in SHR than in WKY. The results suggest that stimulation of prejunctional ₂-adrenoceptors by adrenaline even in the absence of a-adrenoceptor blockade enhances noradrenaline release in kidney cortex of young SHR and WKY. This ₂-adrenoceptor mediated effect may possibly be dependent on cAMP formation. The greater facilitatory effects of isoprenaline (0.1 mol/l) and adrenaline (0.1 mol/l) in SHR as compared to WKY are in accord with receptor binding studies which show a higher density of ₂-adrenoceptors in SHR than in WKY kidney cortex.Abbreviations SHR Spontaneously hypertensive rats - WKY WistarKyoto rats - cAMP 3-5-cyclic adenosine monophosphate - S-I stimulation induced Send offprint requests to: L. C. Rump     

Duration and selectivity in β-adrenoceptor blocking action of a β-adrenoceptor blocking drug,D-32 in conscious dogs

Summary In conscious dogs, the selectivity and duration of -blocking activity, and serum concentration of a -blocking agent, D-32 [dl-1-tert-butylamino-3-(2,3-dimethylphenoxy)-2-propanol hydrochloride] was compared to that of propranolol, pindolol, atenolol and IPS-339 [dl-1-tert-butylamino-3-(9-fluorenylideneaminoxy)-2-propanol hydrochloride]. Ratios of doses causing a 50% inhibition of tachycardia to that on hypotension induced by isoprenaline were as follows: D-32 (0.69), propranolol (0.67), atenolol (0.03) and IPS-339 (6.3). Thus, present experiments indicate that, unlike atenolol and IPS-339, D-32, propranolol and pindolol are non-selective -adrenoceptor blocking agents. Atenolol and IPS-339, however, selectively blocked cardiac ₁, receptors and vascular ₂-receptor respectively, as would be expected. In an optimal dose range these two drugs can be used satisfactorily as a pharmacological tool for inhibiting responses mediated via the respective -receptors. After oral administration, the pharmacological half-life (time required for 50% recovery of -blocking action) was 15.8±4.5 h for propranolol (3 mg/kg), 21.8±6.4 h for D-32 (0.5 mg/kg), 30.5±3.1 h for atenolol (6 mg/kg) and 30–35 h for pindolol (0.2 mg/kg). The pharmacological half-life after i.v. administration was 4.4±0.7 h for propranolol (300 g/kg) and 5.9±0.4 h for D-32 (150 g/kg), whereas the serum half-life (time required for 50% decrease in serum concentration) of propranolol was 1.4h and that of D-32 was 1.3 h. The values for pharmacological half-life and serum half-life were significantly different. Thus, for determination of administration frequency and dosage of -adrenoceptor blocking drugs, not only pharmacokinetic but also pharmacological data (duration of action) are essential.     

Blockade of α2-adrenoceptors increases opioid μ-receptor-mediated inhibition of the firing rate of rat locus coeruleus neurones

Summary In pontine slices of the rat brain, the frequency of spontaneous action potentials of locus coeruleus (LC) neurones was recorded extracellularly. Noradrenaline 0.1–100 mol/l, UK 14,304 0.01–100 nmol/l, [Met⁵]-enkephalin 1–10,000 nmol/l and [D-Ala², D-Leu⁵]enkephalin 0.1–1,000 nmol/l, all depressed the firing rate. Rauwolscine 1 mol/l antagonized the effects of both noradrenaline and UK 14,304, but potentiated the effects of [Met']enkephalin and [D-Ala², D-Leu⁵]enkephalin. Idazoxan 1 mol/l acted in a similar manner. Prazosin 1 mol/l did not change the effects of either noradrenaline or [Met⁵]enkephalin. Naloxone 0.1 mol/l antagonized both [Met']enkephalin and [D-Ala², D-Leu⁵]enkephalin, but failed to alter the effects of either noradrenaline or UK 14,304. Rauwolscine, idazoxan and prazosin, all 1 mol/l, as well as naloxone 0.1 mol/l, did not influence the firing rate when given alone. Desipramine 1 mol/l inhibited the discharge of action potentials in a rauwolscine-antagonizable manner. Noradrenaline 10 mol/l produced the same depression of firing, both in the presence of noradrenaline 1 mol/l and [Met⁵]enkephalin 0.03 mol/l. Likewise, the effect of [Met⁵]enkephalin 0.3 mol/l was the same, irrespective of whether it was added to a medium containing [Met⁵]enkephalin 0.03 mol/l or noradrenaline 1 mol/l. The spontaneous activity of LC neurones is inhibited by somatic ₂-adrenoceptors and opioid -receptors. We suggest that the two receptors interact with each other at a site located between themselves and not in the subsequent common signal transduction system.Send offprint requests to: P. Illes at the above address     

Entdeckung von Glykosiden „Scilla maritima“ im Sektionsmaterial eines Selbstmordfalles

Zusammenfassung Beschreibung einer Bestimmungsmethode für die Glykoside von Scilla maritima. Die Glykoside werden aus dem Untersuchungsmaterial mit Alkohol extrahiert, die Extrakte werden enteiweißt und mit Chloroform-Isopropylalkohol reextrahiert. Zur Identifizierung der Glykoside dient die Papierchromatographie und Spektrophotometrie im sichtbaren und UV-Licht. Anfärbung der Flecke auf den Chromatogrammen mit Trichloressigsäure-Chloramin T und Perrichlorid-Kaliumferricyanid. Chromatogrammzonen werden mit Alkohol eluiert und bei 280–360 m untersucht. Daneben werden die Alkoholextrakte mit Baljet-Reagens umgesetzt, die Reaktionsprodukte werden spektrophotometrisch bei 450–520 m geprüft. Neben den unveränderten Glykosiden werden im Sektionsmaterial Aglucone aufgefunden.     

Coronary vascular responses to nicotine in the anaesthetized dog

Summary The effect of the intra-coronary (i.c.) injection of nicotine on large coronary artery diameter and coronary blood flow was examined in anaesthetized dogs. In sixteen untreated dogs nicotine (20 g i.c.) had a biphasic effect on arterial pressure (initial increase, 7 ± 2 mmHg; secondary decrease, –8 ± 3 mmHg) which was accompanied by small and variable effects on heart rate and an increase in LV dP/dt. Nicotine increased large coronary artery diameter by 5.8 ± 0.8% but had a biphasic effect on coronary blood flow (initial increase, 41 ± 7 ml/min; secondary decrease, –10 ± 2 ml/min). Bilateral vagotomy or muscarinic receptor blockade with atropine (0.1 mg/kg i. v.) did not significantly affect the nicotine-induced changes in coronary artery diameter or coronary blood flow. The additional antagonism of -adrenoceptors with propranolol (1 mg/kg i. v.) abolished the effect of nicotine in coronary artery diameter ( CD = 0.2 ± 0.2%) and the initial increase in coronary blood flow ( CBF = 1 ± 1 ml/min) but enhanced the secondary decrease in flow ( CBF = –25 ± 3 ml/min). The nicotine-induced decrease in coronary blood flow observed after muscarinic and -adrenoceptor blockade was attenuated by antagonism of ₁-adrenoceptors with prazosin (10 g/kg i. c., CBF = –15 ± 3 ml/min) and abolished after additional antagonism of ₂-adrenoceptors with idazoxan (50 g/kg i. c., CBF = –2 ± 1 ml/min). These results indicate that in the anaesthetized dog intra-coronary injection of nicotine results in -adrenoceptor mediated dilatation of both large and small coronary arteries. In the coronary resistance vessels, but not in the large coronary artery, the dilatation is opposed by ₁-and ₂-adrenoceptor mediated vasoconstriction. Send offprint requests to O. L. Woodman at the above address     

Minimal α1- and α2-adrenoceptor-mediated coronary vasoconstriction in the anaesthetized swine

Summary -Adrenoceptor-mediated coronary vasoconstriction contributes to the initiation and aggravation of experimental and clinical myocardial ischaemia. However, the extent of ₁- and ₂-adrenoceptor-mediated constriction has not been characterized in the porcine coronary circulation despite the frequent use of this experimental model.Fifteen swine were anaesthetized with either -chloralose, enflurane or isoflurane to determine the amount of -adrenoceptor-mediated coronary constriction elicited by either the selective ₁-adrenoceptor agonist methoxamine or the selective ₂-adrenoceptor agonist azepexole. The left anterior descending coronary artery was cannulated and perfused by an external pump delivering constant blood flow from the carotid artery. Following bilateral cervical vagotomy and ß-adrenoceptor blockade with propranolol (2 mg kg^–1), graded dosages of either one of the -adrenoceptor agonists (9–45 g kg^–1 min^–1) were infused into the coronary perfusion line while coronary arterial pressure (CAP) was measured through a distal side arm of the cannula to detect changes in coronary vascular resistance. Infusion of the -adrenoceptor agonists was terminated when systemic arterial pressure increased. Sonomicrometers were used to measure anterior left ventricular wall thickening for the assessment of regional contractile function. During methoxamine infusion, no increase in vascular resistance was observed during -chloralose, enflurane or isoflurane anaesthesia, whereas the infusion of azepexole increased CAP from 103 ± 31 mmHg to 120 ± 35 mmHg (-chloralose), from 101 ± 16 mmHg to 122 ± 11 mmHg (enflurane) and from 84 ± 20 mmHg to 94 ± 19 mmHg (isoflurane), respectively. In four additional swine anaesthetized with enflurane, the intracoronary infusion of the full catecholamine agonist noradrenaline in the presence of propranolol (6 mg kg^–1) increased CAP from 98 ± 10 to 105 ± 10 mmHg prior to an increase in regional left ventricular function or systemic arterial pressure.These results indicate that there are no ₁- and relatively little ₂-adrenoceptor-mediated coronary constrictive effects in swine. Furthermore, neither -adrenoceptor agonist produced any detectable change in regional myocardial contractile function, regardless of the anaesthesia used.Supported by the German Research Foundation (He 1320/3-2). Dr. Guth is the recipient of a scholarship from the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation. Send offprint requests to G. Heusch at the above address     

Modulation of brain α2-adrenoceptor and μ-opioid receptor densities during morphine dependence and spontaneous withdrawal in rats

Summary The densities of brain ₂-adrenoceptors and -opioid receptors, quantitated by means of the binding of the agonists [³H]clonidine and [³H]dihydromorphine, respectively, were studied during the development of morphine dependence and spontaneous withdrawal in the rat. The oral administration of morphine (12–130 mg/kg for 3–21 days) led to inconsistent changes in ₂-adrenoceptor density while the density of -opioid receptors was down-regulated. In contrast, spontaneous opiate withdrawal (3–72 h) significantly increased the density of ₂-adrenoceptors while the density of -opioid receptors was rapidly up-regulated to control values. In the hypothalamus, but not in other brain regions, the increase in ₂-adrenoceptor density after withdrawal followed a time course (3–72 h) related to the severity of the abstinence syndrome. Thus, there was a positive and significant correlation between the severity of withdrawal and the density of ₂-adrenoceptors in the hypothalamus. Short-term treatment with clonidine (2 × 0.5 mg/kg, i. p.) prevented the morphine withdrawal-induced increases in ₂-adrenoceptor density in various brain regions, but not in the hypothalamus. The main results suggest that modulation of hypothalamic ₂-adrenoceptor density during morphine withdrawal is a relevant physiological mechanism by which the opiate abstinence syndrome is counteracted. Send offprint requests to J. A. García-Sevilla