Enhanced myocardial salvage by combined treatment with recombinant single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator and recombinant human superoxide dismutase in a canine coronary thrombosis model

Myocardial ischemia was induced by formation of an occlusive thrombus in the left anterior circumflex artery (LCX) in open chest dogs. The myocardial salvage by the fibrin specific recombinant single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator (r-scu-PA) alone and in combination with the oxygen radical scavenger human superoxide dismutase of recombinant origin (r-HSOD) was investigated. The three experimental groups were: group I (n = 4) did not receive any treatment after LCX thrombosis; in group II (n = 9) at 100 min after LCX thrombosis r-scu-PA (20 micrograms.kg1.min-1 i.v. for 30 min) was infused; dogs in group III (n = 8) received concomitant treatment with r-scu-PA and r-HSOD (10 mg.kg1 i.v. for 60 min). Percent of left ventricle at risk did not differ between the groups. Infarct size as percent of the risk zone was 45.3 +/- 8.0 in group I, 25.3 +/- 3.7 in group II (a less than or equal to 0.05 vs group I) and 14.9 +/- 3.2 in group III (a less than 0.05 vs group II). Incidence of reperfusion arrhythmias and increase in plasma creatine kinase were significantly diminished by r-HSOD when compared to dogs receiving r-scu-PA only. There were no significant differences in hemodynamic parameters between the groups. No changes in plasma fibrinogen were observed in r-scu-PA treated dogs. In conclusion, the combined treatment with r-scu-PA and r-HSOD yielded a significantly higher myocardial salvage versus thrombolytic treatment alone in a canine LCX thrombosis model.     

Sulprostone-induced reduction of myocardial infarct size in the rabbit by activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels.

1. This study examined whether (i) a 1 h pretreatment with or (ii) a continuous infusion of sulprostone reduces myocardial infarct size arising from coronary artery occlusion (60 min) and reperfusion (120 min) in the anaesthetized rabbit. In addition, we investigated whether the observed cardioprotective effect of this selective agonist of prostanoid EP1/EP3 receptors were due to the activation of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels. 2. In anaesthetized rabbits pretreated with vehicle (5% ethanol in 0.9% saline; 0.05 ml min-1, i.v.) infarct size (expressed as a percentage of the area at risk) after 60 min of coronary artery occlusion followed by 120 min of reperfusion was 59 +/- 4% (n = 10). Pretreatment of rabbits with sulprostone (1.0 microgram kg-1 min-1 for 1 h, discontinued immediately prior to coronary artery occlusion) did not reduce infarct size (60 +/- 4%; n = 4). In contrast, a continuous infusion of sulprostone (1.0 microgram kg-1 min-1) starting 10 min prior to the onset of LAL occlusion and continued throughout the experiment, significantly reduced infarct size (41 +/- 5%, n = 6) when compared to the respective vehicle-treated controls (57 +/- 4%, n = 10; P < 0.05). Sulprostone (pretreatment or continuous infusion) had no effect on any of the haemodynamic parameters measured. 3. The reduction in infarct size afforded by continuous infusion of sulprostone was abolished by pretreatment of rabbits with the KATP channel blocker 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD 5 micrograms kg-1; 63 +/- 4%; n = 6). When administered alone, 5-HD had no effect on infarct size when compared to control (52 +/- 6, n = 10). 4. We propose that a continuous infusion of the selective EP1/EP3 prostanoid receptor agonist, sulprostone, reduces infarct size in the anaesthetized rabbit by a mechanism that involves the opening of KATP channels.     

Mediation of endothelin-1-induced inhibition of platelet aggregation via the ETB receptor.

1. The effects of FR139317 (ETA antagonist) or PD145065 (non-selective ETA/ETB antagonist) on endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced changes in blood pressure and inhibition of ex vivo platelet aggregation were investigated in the anaesthetized rabbit. 2. ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1, i.a. bolus) caused a sustained increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) (peak increase 47 +/- 5 mmHg, n = 8). Intravenous infusion of FR139317 at 0.2 (n = 4) or 0.6 mg kg-1 min-1 (n = 4) inhibited the ET-1 pressor response by 83 or 89%, respectively. Infusion of PD145065 at 0.2 (n = 4) or 0.6 mg kg-1 min-1 (n = 4) inhibited the ET-1-induced increase in MAP by 79 or 75%, respectively. 3. The transient depressor response (-16 +/- 3 mmHg) which preceded the rise in blood pressure induced by ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1, i.a., n = 8) was enhanced by an intravenous infusion of FR139317 (0.6 mg kg-1 min-1) to -35 +/- 5 mmHg (P < 0.05, n = 4). This enhancement was abolished by indomethacin (5 mg kg-1, i.v.) pretreatment (-17 +/- 1 mmHg, n = 4). PD145065 (0.2 mg kg-1 min-1, i.v.) attenuated the ET-1-induced fall in blood pressure to -9 +/- 1 mmHg (n = 4), while a higher dose of this antagonist (0.6 mg kg-1 min-1, i.v.) completely abolished the ET-1-mediated depressor response. 4. ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1, n = 8) inhibited ex vivo platelet aggregation by 96% at 5 min after injection of the peptide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The effect of medetomidine, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, on plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels, haemodynamics and renal excretory function in spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar-Kyoto rats.

1. The effects of the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, medetomidine, were assessed on plasma levels of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide (IR-ANP), haemodynamics and on urine water and solute excretion in conscious, chronically cannulated, 7 month-old spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and age-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, in order to examine the role of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the control of ANP secretion. 2. A 60 min i.v. infusion of medetomidine (0.2 or 0.6 microgram kg-1 min-1) decreased heart rate dose-dependently in both strains. Medetomidine infusion (0.6 microgram kg-1 min-1) resulted in an increase in mean arterial pressure in WKY, whereas both doses decreased blood pressure in SHR. There was a slight increase in the right atrial pressure in both strains (WKY: +1.18 +/- 0.26 mmHg; SHR: +1.64 +/- 0.64 mmHg, NS) in response to infusion of 0.6 microgram kg-1 min-1 of medetomidine. 3. No differences were found in resting plasma IR-ANP levels between WKY (114 +/- 8 pg ml-1, n = 19) and SHR (117 +/- 10 pg ml-1, n = 21). Infusion of equibradycardic doses of medetomidine increased dose-dependently plasma IR-ANP levels in WKY, but did not affect the plasma IR-ANP concentration in SHR rats. 4. Despite the different effect of medetomidine on ANP release in WKY and SHR rats, i.v. administration of medetomidine affected renal excretory functions similarly in both strains; urine flow and sodium excretion increased and urine osmolality decreased significantly, while there was no consistent change in urinary potassium excretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Reversal of established responses to endothelin-1 in vivo and in vitro by the endothelin receptor antagonists, BQ-123 and PD 145065.

1. Endothelin-1 binds almost irreversibly to its receptors and causes prolonged vasoconstrictions. Here we have studied the reversal of established responses to ET-1 in vivo and in vitro by BQ-123, an ETA receptor-selective antagonist, and/or PD 145065, an ETA/ETB receptor non-selective antagonist. 2. In anaesthetized rats pretreated with hexamethonium, infusion of ET-1 (10(-11) mol kg-1 min-1) increased the mean arterial pressure (MAP) from 93 +/- 1.5 mmHg to 137 +/- 2.4 mmHg after 70 min (n = 29). While the ET-1 infusion was continued an additional infusion of BQ-123 caused a gradual dose-dependent reduction in the pressor effect of ET-1. For instance, after a 60 min infusion of BQ-123 (10(-8) mol kg-1 min-1) the MAP was decreased by 29.3 +/- 4.3 mmHg (n = 4). 3. PD 145065 was a much weaker antagonist of the established pressor effects of ET-1. At 10(-8) mol kg-1 min-1 it had no significant effect and even at 10(-7) mol kg-1 min-1 the elevated blood pressure was only reduced by 11.8 +/- 8.0 mmHg (n = 5) after 60 min. Co-infusion of BQ-123 and PD 145065 caused smaller reductions in the established response to ET-1 than infusion of BQ-123 alone. 4. Sustained contractions of rat aortic rings induced by ET-1 (3 x 10(-9) M) and mediated by ETA receptors were slowly reversed by addition of BQ-123 (10(-5) M) or PD 145065 (10(-5) M).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Lack of effect of L-687,414 ((+)-cis-4-methyl-HA-966), an NMDA receptor antagonist acting at the glycine site, on cerebral glucose metabolism and cortical neuronal morphology.

1. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor ion channel antagonists have been reported to cause pronounced increases in cerebral glucose metabolism (CMRglc) and transient reversible vacuolation within pyramidal cortical neurones. The present studies examined in rats the effects of the NMDA receptor antagonist, L-687,414 (R-(+)-cis-4-methyl-3-amino-l-hydroxypyrolid-2-one (+)-cis-4-methyl-HA-966) on regional CMRglc and cortical neuronal morphology. 2. L-687,414 was given as a steady state intravenous infusion for 4 h in a neuroprotective dose regime of 17.5 mg free base kg-1 bolus followed by 225 micrograms kg-1 min-1 (n = 8) or at the higher dose rate of 35 mg kg-1 bolus followed by 440 micrograms kg-1 min-1 (n = 10). Data were compared to a parallel series of experiments in rats given the NMDA receptor ion channel antagonist, dizocilpine for 4 h in the optimum intravenous neuroprotective dose-regime of 0.12 mg kg-1 bolus followed by 1.8 micrograms kg-1 min-1 (n = 8) or at the higher dose rate of 0.4 mg kg-1 bolus followed by 6 micrograms kg-1 min-1 (n = 4; morphology only studied). A saline-infused group of rats (n = 8) were used as controls. 3. CMRglc was studied by use of [14C]-2-deoxyglucose and autoradiography (n = 4 each group) whilst plasma drug levels were in a steady state during the final 45 min of the 4 h drug infusion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Prevention of thrombosis and rethrombosis and enhancement of the thrombolytic actions of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator in the canine heart by DMP728, a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist.

1. We studied DMP728, a non-peptide glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist, for prevention of coronary artery thrombosis or rethrombosis in a chronic canine model subjected to arterial injury. 2. In protocol I, DMP728 (1.0 mg kg-1, i.v., n = 8) or saline (n = 8) was administered and a 150 microA anodal current was applied to the intimal surface of the left circumflex coronary artery (LCX). Dogs were monitored for 6 h and again on each of 5 subsequent days. 3. Ex vivo platelet aggregation was inhibited but returned to baseline 1 day after drug administration. Thrombus weight was reduced (saline, 20.7 +/- 5.0 mg; DMP728 1.7 +/- 0.4 mg; P < 0.05), as was infarct size [saline, 27.5 +/- 4.3; DMP728, 1.6 +/- 0.7 (per cent left ventricle); P < 0.05]. All control animals died by day 3, while all but one of the treated dogs survived the entire protocol (P < 0.05). 4. In protocol II, an LCX thrombus was induced and thrombolytic therapy was initiated 30 min later. DMP728 (1.0 mg kg-1, i.v., n = 8) or saline (n = 8) was administered 5 min after recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator infusion had begun. The incidence of reocclusion was reduced by DMP728 (saline, 4/8; DMP728, 1/8). One day after thrombolysis, 7/8 DMP728-treated animals were alive compared with 1/8 in the control group (P = 0.01). 5. DMP728 inhibited ex vivo platelet aggregation, prevented primary and secondary occlusive thrombus formation, reduced thrombus weight and infarct size and increased survival in a chronic canine model of coronary artery thrombus formation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Nifedipine kinetics in the rat and relationship between its serum concentrations and uterine and cardiovascular effects.

1. The kinetics of nifedipine and the relationship between its serum concentration and uterine and cardiovascular effects were investigated in 3 groups of animals. These were ovariectomized (ovx) anaesthetized non-pregnant rats following bolus i.v. injection (400 micrograms kg-1) and during 300 min infusion (10 micrograms kg-1 min-1) and ovx, progesterone-treated late pregnant rats during infusion. Also, the kinetics were determined in ovary-intact late pregnant rats following bolus i.v. injection (400 micrograms kg-1). 2. Measurement of serum nifedipine concentrations after bolus i.v. injection in ovx non-pregnant rats showed a biexponential decay with time from which the following parameters were calculated: V beta = 300 +/- 30 ml kg-1; rate constants k12 = 0.51 +/- 0.18 min-1; k21 = 0.07 +/- 0.02 min-1; ke1 = 0.10 +/- 0.05 min-1; elimination clearance = 2.4 +/- 0.2 (ml min-1) kg-1; t1/2 alpha = 2.5 +/- 1.0 min; t1/2 beta = 102 +/- 15 min. In intact pregnant rats, a biexponential decay of serum nifedipine concentrations with time was also observed after bolus i.v. administration with similar parameters to non-pregnant animals. These kinetic parameters, used to calculate serum nifedipine concentrations obtained during infusion, predicted values similar to experimental values for 180 min, but thereafter slightly underestimated experimental values. 3. Immediate reductions in uterine contractions, mean blood pressure and heart rate were observed following bolus i.v. injection of nifedipine to ovx non-pregnant rats, with returns towards control values as serum nifedipine concentrations declined. IC15 values (15% change from baseline), calculated from log10 serum concentration-response curves, of 0.3 +/- 0.05 micrograms ml-1 for inhibition of uterine contractions, 0.8 +/- 0.3 micrograms ml-1 for depression of blood pressure and 3.8 +/- 1.0 micrograms ml-1 for reduction in heart rate were obtained. 4. In ovx non-pregnant rats, nifedipine infusion produced a maximum reduction in integral of uterine contractions of 70% by 120 min and a maximum reduction of 15% in heart rate. Mean blood pressure was not significantly different from vehicle-treated rats. IC15 values were 0.7 +/- 0.1 micrograms ml-1 and 2.8 +/- 0.6 micrograms ml-1 for inhibition of uterine contractions and heart rate respectively. 5. In ovx, progesterone-treated late pregnant rats, nifedipine infusion produced similar serum concentrations to those of non-pregnant rats but completely abolished uterine contractions by 70 min. Maximum reductions of 30% in heart rate and blood pressure were observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Assessment of hepatic blood flow in healthy subjects by continuous infusion of indocyanine green.

1. The applicability of a continuous infusion of indocyanine green (ICG) to detect changes in apparent hepatic blood flow (HBF) was investigated in six healthy subjects. 2. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure ICG concentrations, and the effect of intravenous propranolol (10 mg in 10 min) on HBF was investigated. 3. During 150 min infusions of ICG (1.0 mg min-1) steady-state was reached within about 30 min and thereafter the plasma dye concentration remained essentially constant until the end of infusion. 4. Blood clearance (CLb) of ICG (15.9 +/- 2.2 ml min-1 kg-1; mean +/- s.d.), calculated as infusion rate/blood dye concentration over three time periods (30-50, 80-100 and 130-150 min) during the 150 min infusion, was not different from that obtained with three 1-min infusions (0.5 mg kg-1) administered at corresponding times of the day (CLb = 14.0 +/- 2.2 ml min-1 kg-1, P = 0.06). 5. The pharmacokinetics of ICG were shown to be linear up to plasma concentrations of at least 3 micrograms ml-1 using variable infusion rates (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg min-1). 6. Propranolol had little effect on ICG concentrations during continuous infusion. The AUC of ICG from the start of propranolol infusion up to 125 min thereafter was increased by 12% +/- 17% (P = 0.21) compared with placebo.     

Diltiazem pharmacokinetics in the rat and relationship between its serum concentration and uterine and cardiovascular effects.

1 The kinetics of diltiazem were investigated in ovariectomized (ovx) non-pregnant and intact late pregnant anaesthetized rats following a bolus i.v. injection (2 mg kg-1) and during a 180 min i.v. infusion (50 micrograms kg-1 min-1 and 100 micrograms kg-1 min-1). Uterine contractions, mean blood pressure and heart rate were measured in the non-pregnant rats. 2 Measurement of serum diltiazem concentrations after bolus i.v. injection in ovx non-pregnant rats showed a biexponential decay with time from which the following parameters were calculated: volume of distribution area (V(area)) - 256 +/- 46 ml; rate constants k12 - 0.46 +/- 0.10 min-1; k21 - 0.09 +/- 0.01 min-1; kel - 0.13 +/- 0.03 min-1; elimination clearance - 3.2 +/- 0.3 ml min-1; distribution t1/2 (t1/2) - 1.4 +/- 0.3 min; elimination t1/2 (t1/2 beta) - 61.2 +/- 13.0 min. In pregnant rats, a biexponential decay was also observed with similar parameters to those in non-pregnant animals except for markedly increased V(area) - 1004 +/- 184 ml; kel - 0.54 +/- 0.16 min-1 and elimination clearance - 14.8 +/- 2.3 ml min-1. 3 Measurement of serum diltiazem concentrations during infusion yielded the following parameters in non-pregnant ovx rats: V(ss)--79 +/- 10 ml; rate constants k12 - 1.02 +/- 0.21 min-1; k21 - 0.03 +/- 0.01 min-1; kel - 0.39 +/- 0.06 min-1; elimination clearance - 7.8 +/- 1.2 ml min-1. In pregnant rats a marked increase was observed in kel - 1.25 +/- 0.38 min-1 and elimination clearance - 36.4 +/- 13.8 ml min-1. 4 An immediate reduction in uterine contractions, mean blood pressure and heart rate was observed after bolus i.v. injection of diltiazem with a return towards control values as serum diltiazem concentrations declined. There were significant correlations between the inhibition of the 3 parameters and the log serum concentrations of diltiazem. Serum concentration-response curves indicated IC50 values of 0.5 microgram ml-1 for inhibition of uterine contractions, 0.7 microgram ml-1 for reduction in blood pressure and 1.2 micrograms ml-1 for reduction in heart rate. There were maintained reductions in the integral of uterine contractions, mean blood pressure and heart rate during infusion. 5 The metabolite desacetyldiltiazem was rarely detected after i.v. bolus injection and was not found in 5/13 rats infused with diltiazem, yet significant inhibition of uterine contractions was observed in all rats. Diltiazem was 3.2 fold more potent than desacetyldiltiazem as an inhibitor of contractions of the rat isolated uterus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Contribution of the renin-angiotensin system to short-term blood pressure variability during blockade of nitric oxide synthesis in the rat.

1. The aim of this study was to investigate, by use of spectral analysis, (1) the blood pressure (BP) variability changes in the conscious rat during blockade of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis by the L-arginine analogue NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME); (2) the involvement of the renin-angiotensin system in these modifications, by use of the angiotensin II AT1-receptor antagonist losartan. 2. Blockade of NO synthesis was achieved by infusion for 1 h of a low-dose (10 micrograms kg-1 min-1, i.v., n = 10) and high-dose (100 micrograms kg-1 min-1, i.v., n = 10) of L-NAME. The same treatment was applied in two further groups (2 x n = 10) after a bolus dose of losartan (10 mg kg-1, i.v.). 3. Thirty minutes after the start of the infusion of low-dose L-NAME, systolic BP (SBP) increased (+10 +/- 3 mmHg, P < 0.01), with the effect being more pronounced 5 min after the end of L-NAME administration (+20 +/- 4 mmHg, P < 0.001). With high-dose L-NAME, SBP increased immediately (5 min: +8 +/- 2 mmHg, P < 0.05) and reached a maximum after 40 min (+53 +/- 4 mmHg, P < 0.001); a bradycardia was observed (60 min: -44 +/- 13 beats min-1, P < 0.01). 4. Low-dose L-NAME increased the low-frequency component (LF: 0.02-0.2 Hz) of SBP variability (50 min: 6.7 +/- 1.7 mmHg2 vs 3.4 +/- 0.5 mmHg2, P < 0.05), whereas the high dose of L-NAME not only increased the LF component (40 min: 11.7 +/- 2 mmHg2 vs 2.7 +/- 0.5 mmHg2, P < 0.001) but also decreased the mind frequency (MF: 0.2-0.6 Hz) component (60 min: 1.14 +/- 0.3 mmHg2 vs 1.7 +/- 0.1 mmHg2, P < 0.05) of SBP. 5. Losartan did not modify BP levels but had a tachycardic effect (+45 beats min-1). Moreover, losartan increased MF oscillations of SBP (4.26 +/- 0.49 mmHg2 vs 2.43 +/- 0.25 mmHg2, P < 0.001), prevented the BP rise provoked by the low-dose of L-NAME and delayed the BP rise provoked by the high-dose of L-NAME. Losartan also prevented the amplification of the LF oscillations of SBP induced by L-NAME; the decrease of the MF oscillations of SBP induced by L-NAME was reinforced after losartan. 6. We conclude that the renin-angiotensin system is involved in the increase in variability of SBP in the LF range which resulted from the withdrawal of the vasodilating influence of NO. We propose that NO may counterbalance LF oscillations provoked by the activity of the renin-angiotensin system.     

Pharmacokinetics of chloroquine in Thais: plasma and red-cell concentrations following an intravenous infusion to healthy subjects and patients with Plasmodium vivax malaria.

1. Chloroquine diphosphate (15 mg base kg-1) was given by constant rate intravenous infusion to two groups of Thai subjects. Eleven were patients with malaria (10 with Plasmodium vivax and one case with Plasmodium malariae) and 10 were healthy normal volunteers. 2. Plasma and packed red-cell concentrations of chloroquine, electrocardiographic intervals, arterial blood pressure and pulse were measured at frequent intervals. 3. Peak plasma concentrations at the end of the infusion ranged from 979 to 2,900 ng ml-1 in the malaria patients. In the group of healthy subjects the range was 550-2,200 ng ml-1. Values for terminal elimination rate constant, (lambda z) plasma clearance (CL), initial volume of distribution (V1) and volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) were calculated. For the healthy subjects, mean estimates of these parameters were lambda z = 0.062 +/- 0.030 day-1, CL = 597 +/- 238 ml min-1, V1 = 0.66 +/- 0.71 l kg-1 and Vss = 132 +/- 50 l.kg-1 For the group of malaria patients, the corresponding values were lambda z = 0.055 +/- 0.032 day-1, CL = 535 +/- 246 ml min-1, V1 = 0.74 +/- 0.75 l kg-1 and Vss = 136 +/- 64 l kg-1 There was no statistically significant difference in the estimates for any parameter between groups (P less than or equal to 0.05). 4. Chloroquine concentrations in packed red blood cells consistently exceeded those in plasma and showed no consistent change with time throughout the period of study in either group. The median value for the red cell to plasma ratio was between 3 and 4 in each group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The involvement of endothelium-derived relaxing factor in the regulation of renal cortical blood flow in the rat.

1. In the present study the role of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) was investigated, in the regulation of renal cortical blood flow (RCBF) in vivo in anaesthetized rats under conditions in which prostacyclin involvement had been eliminated. 2. Infusions of the NO synthesis inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (MeArg) at 1 or 3 mg kg-1 min-1, i.v., produced significant decreases in RCBF of 29 +/- 7% and 35 +/- 5%, respectively. These effects were reversed by co-infusion of a 3 fold excess of L-arginine (L-Arg). 3. Similarly, intravenous infusion of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (NO2Arg) at 30 or 300 micrograms kg-1 min-1 attenuated RCBF by 21 +/- 4% or 53 +/- 4%, respectively, and these effects were reversed by L-Arg (3 or 10 mg kg-1 min-1, i.v.). Most importantly, a low dose of NO2Arg (30 micrograms kg-1 min-1, i.v.), while having no pressor effect, considerably reduced RCBF, indicating that basal release of NO is important for the maintenance of renal cortical blood flow. 4. MeArg (3 mg kg-1 min-1, i.v.) or NO2Arg (300 micrograms kg-1 min-1, i.v.) inhibited endothelium-dependent acetylcholine (ACh, 10 micrograms kg-1 min-1, i.v. for 3 min) increases in RCBF in an L-Arg reversible manner, but did not affect endothelium-independent (dopamine 10 micrograms kg-1 min-1, i.v., for 3 min) increases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Mediation of 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced tachycardia in the pig by the putative 5-HT4 receptor.

Intravenous bolus injections of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; 3, 10 and 30 micrograms kg-1), 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MeO-T; 3, 10 and 30 micrograms kg-1), renzapride (BRL 24924; 3, 10, 30 and 100 micrograms kg-1) and isoprenaline (0.03, 0.1 and 0.3 micrograms kg-1) to anaesthetized pigs increased heart rate by, respectively, 22 +/- 3, 44 +/- 3 and 65 +/- 4 beats min-1 (5-HT; n = 17); 12 +/- 1, 26 +/- 2 and 44 +/- 4 beats min-1 (5-MeO-T; n = 15), 5 +/- 2, 11 +/- 2, 18 +/- 4 and 37 +/- 5 beats min-1 (renzapride; n = 8) and 17 +/- 2, 46 +/- 3 and 75 +/- 3 beats min-1 (isoprenaline; n = 13). The responses to 5-HT, 5-MeO-T and renzapride were antagonized by ICS 205-930 (1 and 3 mg kg-1, i.v.), which did not modify the increases in heart rate by isoprenaline. Renzapride showed tachyphylaxis and attenuated the responses to 5-HT. These findings indicate that 5-HT elicits tachycardia in the pig by acting on a novel receptor, either similar or identical to the 5-HT4 receptor identified in mouse brain colliculi.     

The renal, cardiovascular and hormonal actions of human atrial natriuretic peptide in man; effects of indomethacin.

The renal, cardiovascular and hormonal effects of intravenous infusion of alpha-human atrial natriuretic polypeptides (alpha-hANP) at the concentrations of 0.0125, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 microgram kg-1 min-1 for 20 min was studied in six male volunteers before and after indomethacin administration (150 mg day-1, three times daily for 3 days). Dose-dependent diuresis and natriuresis were observed in all subjects between the concentrations of 0.025 and 0.1 microgram kg-1 min-1, which were not influenced by indomethacin. Diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) at the higher dose (0.05 microgram kg-1 min-1) of alpha-hANP, which was attenuated by indomethacin pretreatment. The plasma concentration of the immunoreactive alpha-hANP was 73.7 +/- 25 pg ml-1 on the control in subjects taking 200 mEq day-1 of sodium, and significant diuresis occurred when plasma concentration reached approximately 330.5 +/- 74.4 pg ml-1. alpha-hANP infusion caused a dose-dependent increase in cyclic GMP, no significant changes in plasma aldosterone and 18-hydroxycorticosterone, which were not influenced by indomethacin pretreatment. Plasma renin did not change in response to alpha-hANP infusion, which was significantly decreased (P less than 0.05) after indomethacin pretreatment. These results support that the renal effects of alpha-hANP may be exerted by prostaglandin-independent mechanisms. The renal effects occur at lower doses, and cardiovascular changes occur at higher doses of alpha-hANP.     

Effects of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester on regional haemodynamic responses to MgSO4 in conscious rats.

1. We assessed regional haemodynamic responses to the vasodilator, MgSO4, in the absence and presence of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), in conscious chronically instrumented Long Evans rats (n = 9). 2. MgSO4 (loading dose 220 mumol kg-1 min-1 for 7 min, maintenance dose 56 mumol kg-1 min-1 for 7 min), alone, caused slight bradycardia and hypotension accompanied by reductions in renal and mesenteric flows, but a marked hyperaemic vasodilatation in the hindquarters (flow, delta 54 +/- 6%, vascular conductance, delta 77 +/- 5%). 3. L-NAME (183 nmol kg-1 min-1) caused hypertension (29 +/- 2 mmHg) accompanied by bradycardia (-51 +/- 6 beats min-1) and reductions in flow and vascular conductance in the renal (-18 +/- 4% and -35 +/- 3%, respectively), mesenteric (-35 +/- 3% and -49 +/- 3%, respectively), and hindquarters (-26 +/- 3% and -42 +/- 3%, respectively) vascular beds. In the presence of L-NAME, the hypotensive and bradycardic effects of MgSO4 were still apparent, but its hindquarters hyperaemic vasodilator effect was significantly attenuated. 4. In order to determine if the inhibitory action of L-NAME on the hindquarters hyperaemic vasodilator action of MgSO4 was a non-specific effect, due to the change in baseline conditions caused by L-NAME, we also examined responses to MgSO4 in the presence of endothelin-1 (12.5 pmol kg-1 min-1) or angiotensin II (50 pmol kg-1 min-1). In the presence of either peptide, the overall effects of MgSO4 on hindquarters flow and vascular conductance were unchanged.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Differential cardiovascular and neuroendocrine effects of epinine and dopamine in conscious pigs before and after adrenoceptor blockade.

1. The effects of epinine or dopamine (both 1-10 micrograms kg-1 min-1) on systemic haemodynamics and plasma concentrations of catecholamines and prolactin were studied in conscious pigs before and after combined non-selective alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor blockade. 2. The plasma concentrations of the two compounds did not differ from each other over the entire dose-range. 3. Epinine increased aortic blood flow (AoBF, 24 +/- 6%), which was due to an increase in heart rate (HR) for doses less than 10 micrograms kg-1 min-1. At 10 micrograms kg-1 min-1, HR decreased slightly (10 +/- 3%, as compared to the value obtained at 5 micrograms kg-1 min-1) and stroke volume increased up to 15% (P < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure (MAP, 99 +/- 3 mmHg at baseline) decreased dose-dependently (14 +/- 2%, P < 0.05) up to the infusion rate of 5 micrograms kg-1 min-1, but increased by 4.0 +/- 1.8 mmHg during infusion of 10 micrograms kg-1 min-1. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) decreased up to 23 +/- 3% for doses less than 10 micrograms kg-1 min-1, but did not change further during infusion of the highest dose. LVdP/dtmax increased during the two highest infusion rates up to 22 +/- 6% (P < 0.05). After the infusion was stopped there was an abrupt increase in HR (18 +/- 4%, P < 0.05) and a further decrease in SVR before all parameters returned to baseline. 4.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor tirofiban (aggrastat) in ex vivo canine arteriovenous shunt model of stent thrombosis

The authors investigated the effects of the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa platelet inhibitor, tirofiban, on stent thrombosis in an ex vivo canine arteriovenous shunt model of high-shear blood flow. Control nitinol stents (n = 64) were expanded to 2 mm in diameter in a tubular perfusion chamber interposed in the shunt and exposed to flowing arterial blood at a shear rate of 2100/s for 20 min (n = 385 perfusion runs). Seven animals were treated with intravenous tirofiban (0.3, 3.0, and 30.0 microg x kg-1x min-1) with or without heparin (50 U/kg). Effects on thrombus weight, platelet aggregation, platelet P-selectin expression, bleeding time, D-dimer levels, and activated clotting time were quantified. Dethrombotic and antithrombotic effects were examined in stents with and without preformed thrombus, respectively. Tirofiban alone produced a dose-dependent reduction in preformed stent thrombus weight with 21% +/- 20% and 36% +/- 15% inhibition at 3- and 30-microg x kg-1x min-1 doses, respectively (P < 0.01). De novo stent thrombus formation was inhibited by 80% at 0.3 and >95% at 3- and 30-microg x kg-1x min-1 doses, respectively (all P < 0.001). Treatment with heparin and tirofiban produced no incremental inhibitory effect on stent thrombosis compared with tirofiban alone, except for the antithrombotic effect observed with the 0.3 microg x kg-1x min-1 dose. The inhibitory effects of tirofiban were associated with >95% suppression of platelet aggregation at 0.3 microg x kg-1x min-1 and complete inhibition at higher doses. Bleeding time was prolonged from 3.5 +/- 1.0 to 13 +/- 6 min at the 0.3 microg x kg-1x min-1 dose and >30 min at higher doses, but activated clotting time and circulating platelet P-selectin expression remained unchanged with tirofiban. A modest but significant platelet deaggregation effect and an increase in plasma D-dimer levels were observed with tirofiban at the 30-microg x kg-1x min-1 dose. Thus, tirofiban produced a dose-dependent dethrombotic effect on stent thrombosis and inhibited acute de novo stent thrombosis under high-shear flow conditions.     

The pharmacokinetics of nedocromil sodium, a new drug for the treatment of reversible obstructive airways disease, in human volunteers and patients with reversible obstructive airways disease.

1. The plasma concentrations and urinary excretion of nedocromil sodium have been determined following single dose administration in six healthy volunteers dosed orally (1 mg kg-1) and intravenously (0.2 microgram kg-1 for 30 min). Similar parameters were measured in six volunteers and twelve asthmatic patients dosed by inhalation (4 mg). Multiple dose kinetic measurements were also made. 2. The intravenous data demonstrated that nedocromil sodium is a high clearance drug (10.2 +/- 1.3 ml min-1 kg-1). The data were fitted by a two compartment model with very rapid elimination from the central compartment (k10 = 0.088 +/- 0.021 min-1; beta = 0.013 +/- 0.002 min-1). 81% of the dose was excreted in the urine. 3. Oral absorption was low (2-3% of the dose) and contributed negligibly to the plasma profile after inhalation. 4. After inhalation of single doses of 4 mg in volunteers and patients plasma concentration rose rapidly, plateaued and then fell monoexponentially with a half-life of approximately 2 h. The data fitted a 'flip-flop' model with two absorption components. The extent of absorption was up to 6% of the dose with less in patients. 5. After multiple dosing with 4 mg four times daily for 7 days in volunteers negligible accumulation was observed. The pattern was similar in patients treated with 4 mg four times daily after 1, 6 and 12 months.     

Muscarinic effect of atrial natriuretic peptide on rabbit airways.

1. The aim of the present work was to investigate under which circumstances atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) modulates airway resistance. 2. Of the six groups of rabbits (n = 5) studied, three received an infusion of ANP (80 ng min-1 kg-1 i.v.) for a period of 100 min, while the other three were infused with the vehicle. Before receiving the infusion of ANP or the vehicle, the animals were pretreated with atropine (0.5 mg kg-1 i.v.), propranolol (2 mg kg-1 i.v.) or not pretreated. After 75 min of infusion of ANP, bronchoconstriction was induced by inhalation of histamine. Respiratory resistance (Rrs) was measured before and 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 min post-histamine challenge. 3. Following 75 min of ANP infusion, plasma ANP concentration increased from 153 +/- 52 (mean +/- s.e.mean) to 1441 +/- 203 pg ml-1 (P < 0.05) without affecting baseline Rrs. Control Rrs values (12.5-20.4 cmH2O l-1 s) were significantly increased following the inhalation of histamine (P < 0.001). By themselves, atropine, propranolol or ANP did not modify the histamine-induced increase in Rrs. However, when the animals were pretreated with atropine, ANP infusion significantly reduced the increase in Rrs induced by histamine (30 +/- 2 vs 51 +/- 6 cmH2O l-1 s; P < 0.05). 4. These data suggest that ANP has an indirect modulating effect on the airway smooth muscle and will decrease Rrs when muscarinic receptors are blocked.