Involvement of hydroxyl radicals in neurogenic airway plasma exudation and bronchoconstriction in guinea-pigs in vivo.

1. Cigarette smoke induces plasma exudation in the airways of rodents by activation of capsaicin-sensitive 'sensory-efferent' nerves. The response is mediated predominantly by substance P (SP) and the magnitude of exudation is regulated by neutral endopeptidase (NEP). The component(s) of the smoke responsible for the activation of the nerves may be reactive oxygen radicals. We investigated the effect of the hydroxyl radical scavenger dimethylthiourea (DMTU), a regulator of superoxide anion, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and a regulator of hydrogen peroxide, catalase, on plasma exudation (measured using Evans blue dye) induced by cigarette smoke in guinea-pig main bronchi in vivo. The effect of DMTU on plasma exudation and non-cholinergic bronchoconstriction (measured as pulmonary insufflation pressure, PIP) induced by electrical stimulation of the vagus nerves was also assessed. Interaction between hydroxyl radicals and NEP was assessed with the NEP inhibitor phosphoramidon. 2. In each of the experiments, cigarette smoke increased plasma exudation by approximately 200% above air-exposed controls. Acute administration of DMTU (1.5 g kg-1, i.v. for 20 min) significantly reduced cigarette smoke-induced plasma exudation by 69%. In contrast, neither SOD (240,000 u kg-1, i.v.) nor catalase (400,000 u kg-1, i.v.) significantly affected the exudative response. 3. Chronic pretreatment with DMTU (1.25 g kg-1 over 4 days) significantly reduced bronchial plasma exudation induced by cigarette smoke by 72%. Phosphoramidon (1.5 mg kg-1, i.v.) completely reversed the inhibition by DMTU of cigarette smoke-induced plasma exudation. 4. Vagal stimulation increased plasma exudation by approximately 200% and PIP by approximately 250%. Acute treatment with DMTU had no significant inhibitory effect on these responses, whereas chronic pretreatment inhibited them by approximately 80%. Phosphoramidon reversed the inhibition by chronic DMTU. 5. SP (1 nmol kg-1) increased plasma exudation by approximately 250%, a response which was not inhibited by either acute or chronic DMTU. 6. We conclude that hydroxyl radicals, rather than superoxide anion or hydrogen peroxide, are involved in the induction of neurogenic plasma exudation and bronchoconstriction induced by cigarette smoke or by electrical stimulation of the vagus nerves. These radicals also affect the activity of NEP. Acute DMTU may affect directly the neural actions of hydroxyl radicals contained in the cigarette smoke. Chronic pretreatment with DMTU may inhibit the neurogenic airway responses by effects on tachykinin biosynthesis and/or axonal transport.     

Effects of FR 113680 and FK 224, novel tachykinin receptor antagonists, on cigarette smoke-induced rat tracheal plasma extravasation.

We examined the effects of novel tachykinin antagonists, FR 113680 (N alpha-[N alpha-(N alpha-acetyl-L-threonyl)-N1-formyl-D-tryptophyl]-N- methyl-N-phenylmethyl-L-phenylalaninamide) and FK 224 (N-[N2-[N-[N-[N-[2,3-didehydro-N-methyl-N-[N[3-(2-phenthylpheny l) - propionyl]-L-threonyl]-tyrosyl]-L-leucynyl]-D-phenylalanyl]-L-allo - threonyl]-L-asparaginyl]-L-serine nu-lactone) on rat tracheal plasma extravasation induced by cigarette smoke. Intravenous injection of FK 224 (0.032-3.2 mg kg-1) inhibited rat tracheal plasma extravasation induced by cigarette smoke and capsaicin. FR 113680 (32 mg kg-1 i.v.) also significantly inhibited cigarette smoke-induced plasma extravasation, whereas D-chlorpheniramine maleate, FPL 55712, atropine sulfate and indomethacin had no effect. Tracheal plasma extravasation induced by substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA), but not histamine, was also reduced by intravenous administration of FR 113680 and FK 224. These findings suggest that cigarette smoke stimulates primary afferent sensory nerves, releases tachykinins and evokes plasma extravasation in rat trachea.     

Effects of selective tachykinin receptor antagonists on capsaicin- and tachykinin-induced bronchospasm in anaesthetized guinea-pigs.

Bronchospasm induced by i.v. injection of equieffective doses of acetylcholine, capsaicin or selective tachykinin receptor agonists ([Sar9]SP sulfone or [beta-Ala8]neurokinin A (NKA-4-10)) (for NK1 and NK2 receptors, respectively) was studied in anaesthetized guinea-pigs. The NK1 and NK2 receptor antagonists, (+/-)-CP96,345 (3 mumol/kg i.v.) and MEN 10,376 (3 mumol/kg i.v.), selectively abolished the bronchoconstriction induced by the respective agonist, showing that both NK1 and NK2 receptors mediate bronchoconstriction in guinea-pig airways and that they are activated independently. Capsaicin-induced bronchospasm was inhibited by atropine (1.5 mumol/kg i.v.) and MEN 10,376 (3 mumol/kg i.v.), but unaffected by (+/-)-CP96,345 (3 mumol/kg i.v.). Hexamethonium (79 mumol/kg i.v.), propranolol (17 mumol/kg i.v.) and physostigmine (0.9 mumol/kg i.v.) enhanced the airway constriction induced by acetylcholine, capsaicin, [Sar9]SP sulfone or [beta-Ala8]NKA-(4-10) while guanethidine (67 mumol/kg s.c. for two days) increased only bronchoconstriction induced by capsaicin or the selective NK2 receptor agonist. In hexamethonium-treated animals, MEN 10,376 still abolished the increase in insufflation pressure induced by [beta-Ala8]NKA-(4-10) and reduced the increase elicited by capsaicin. In summary, in anaesthetized guinea pig i.v. capsaicin-induced bronchospasm through activation of postjunctional NK2 (but not NK1) receptors along with activation of cholinergic pathways. This motor response is moderated by the simultaneous stimulation of a sympathetic bronchodilating mechanism(s), possibly through activation of NK2 receptors localized in sympathetic ganglia.     

速激肽受体拮抗剂对白三烯C_4诱导豚鼠气道收缩和微血管渗漏的作用

本实验探讨了内源性速激肽是否参与白三烯Ｃ４（ＬＴＣ４）的气道效应．ＬＴＣ４（０．５μｇｋｇ－１，ｉｖ）可增高豚鼠肺内压（ＩＰＰ）和气道内依文思蓝渗出。速激肽ＮＫ－１受体拮抗剂ＣＰ－９６３４５｛（２Ｓ，３Ｓ）－顺式－２－（二苯甲基）－Ｎ－［（２－甲氧苯）－甲基］－１－杂氮双环［２．２．２］辛烷－３－胺｝１ｍｇｋｇ－１，ｉｖ，可减弱ＬＴＣ４诱导的依文思蓝渗出；ＮＫ－２受体拮抗剂ＳＲ－４８９６８｛（Ｓ）－Ｎ－甲基－Ｎ－［４－（４－乙酰氨基－４－苯基哌啶）－２－（３，４－二氯苯基）丁基］苯甲酰胺｝，１ｍｇｋｇ－１，ｉｖ，可抑制ＩＰＰ的增高．白三烯拮抗剂ＯＮＯ－１０７８（０．０３ｍｇｋｇ－１，ｉｖ）可阻断这两种反应．结果说明内源性速激肽增强ＬＴＣ４的气道作用，其中ＮＫ－１受体介导微血管渗漏，ＮＫ－２受体介导支气管收缩．     

速激肽受体拮抗剂对白三烯C4诱导豚鼠气道收缩和微血管渗漏的作用

本实验探讨了内源性速激肽是否参与白三烯C₄(LTC₄)的气道效应. LTC₄(0.5 μg·kg^-1, iv)可增高豚鼠肺内压(IPP)和气道内依文思蓝渗出。速激肽NK-1受体拮抗剂CP-96345｛(2S, 3S)-顺式-2-( 二苯甲基)-N-［(2-甲氧苯)-甲基］-1-杂氮双环［2.2.2］辛烷-3-胺｝ 1 mg·kg^-1，iv，可减弱LTC₄诱导的依文思蓝渗出；NK-2受体拮抗剂SR-48968｛(S)-N-甲基-N-［4-(4-乙酰氨基-4-苯基哌啶)-2-(3,4-二氯苯基)丁基］苯甲酰胺｝，1 mg·kg^-1， iv，可抑制IPP的增高. 白三烯拮抗剂ONO-1078 (0.03 mg·kg^-1, iv)可阻断这两种反应. 结果说明内源性速激肽增强 LTC₄的气道作用，其中NK-1受体介导微血管渗漏，NK-2受体介导支气管收缩.     

Effects of bradykinin receptor antagonists on antigen-induced respiratory distress, airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilia in guinea-pigs.

1. We examined effects of bradykinin (BK) receptor antagonists on airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilia in sensitized guinea-pigs that had been administered single, as well as repeated (chronic) challenges with inhaled ovalbumin. In addition, the effects of BK antagonists on antigen-induced respiratory distress during the chronic study were noted. 2. At 24 h following single antigen challenge, guinea-pigs exhibited airway hyperresponsiveness to the bronchoconstrictor effect of i.v. histamine, characterized by a left shift in the dose-response curve. In addition, responses to the maximum dose of histamine that could be used were significantly increased in hyperresponsive guinea-pigs. The percentages of bronchoalveolar fluid, eosinophil and neutrophils also increased. 3. A BK B1 receptor antagonist, desArg9-[Leu8]-BK, significantly inhibited airway hyperresponsiveness induced by single antigen challenge. A B2 receptor antagonist, D-Arg-[Hyp3, Thi5,8,D-Phe7]-BK (NPC 349) had a small, but statistically significant inhibitory effect on responsiveness to the highest histamine dose in challenged animals. DesArg9-[Leu8]-BK significantly inhibited the neutrophilia, whereas NPC 349 inhibited infiltration by both cell types. 4. Chronic antigen challenge also caused airway hyperresponsiveness to i.v. acetylcholine (ACh), distinguished by an increase in the slope of the dose-response curve. Thus, the magnitude of the bronchoconstrictor responses to the maximum dose of ACh that could be used was significantly increased. No change in sensitivity to ACh was evident. Marked eosinophilia was also noted in the trachea, bronchi and lung parenchyma. 5. Airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilia, induced by chronic antigen challenge, were markedly inhibited by the B2 antagonists, D-Arg-[Hyp3,D-Phe7]-BK (NPC 567) or D-Arg-[Hyp3,Thi5d-Tic7,Tic8]-BK (NPC 16731).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cigarette smoke-inhibition of neurogenic bronchoconstriction in guinea-pigs in vivo: involvement of exogenous and endogenous nitric oxide

1. We investigated the effect of acute inhalation of cigarette smoke on subsequent non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) neural bronchoconstriction in anaesthetized guinea-pigs in vivo by use of pulmonary insufflation pressure (PIP) as an index of airway tone. The contribution of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) was investigated with the NO synthase inhibitor N^G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). The contribution of plasma exudation to the response was investigated with Evans blue dye as a plasma marker.
2. Inhalation of 50 tidal volumes of cigarette smoke or air had no significant effect on baseline PIP. In the presence of propranolol and atropine (1 mg kg⁻¹ each), electrical stimulation of the vagus nerves in animals given air 30 min previously induced a frequency-dependent increase in PIP above sham stimulated controls (16 fold increase at 2.5 Hz, 24 fold increase at 10 Hz). In contrast, in smoke-exposed animals, the increase in subsequent vagally-induced PIP was markedly less than in the air controls (90% less at 2.5 Hz, 76% less at 10 Hz).
3. L-NAME (10 mg kg⁻¹), given 10 min before air or smoke, potentiated subsequent vagally-induced (2.5 Hz) NANC bronchoconstriction by 338% in smoke-exposed animals, but had no significant effect in air-exposed animals. The inactive enantiomer D-NAME (10 mg kg⁻¹) had no effect, and the potentiation by L-NAME was partially reversed by the NO-precursor L-arginine (100 mg kg⁻¹). Vagal stimulation did not affect the magnitude of vagally-induced bronchoconstriction 30 min later.
4. Cigarette smoke exposure reduced the magnitude of subsequent bronchoconstriction induced by neurokinin A (NKA) by 37% compared with the effect of NKA in air-exposed animals. L-NAME had no significant effect on the smoke-induced inhibition of NKA-induced bronchoconstriction.
5. Vagally-induced plasma exudation in the main bronchi was greater in smoke-exposed animals compared with air-exposed animals (120% greater at 2.5 Hz, 82% greater at 10 Hz).
6. We conclude that cigarette smoke-induced inhibition of subsequent NANC neurogenic bronchoconstriction is not associated with inhibition of airway plasma exudation and is mediated in part via exogenous smoke-derived NO, or another bronchoprotective molecule, and by endogenous NO.

     

Effects of specific tachykinin receptor antagonists on citric acid-induced cough and bronchoconstriction in unanesthetized guinea pigs

We compared the effects of a tachykinin NK₁ receptor antagonist, FK888 (N²-[(4R)-4-hydroxy-1-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)carbonyl- -prolyl]-N-methyl-N-phenylmethyl-3-(2-naphtyl)- -alaninamide), and a tachykinin NK₂ receptor antagonist, SR48968 ((S)-N-methyl-N[4-(4-acetylamino-4-phenyl-piperidino)-2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)butyl]benzamide]), on citric acid-induced cough and bronchoconstriction in conscious guinea pigs. FK888 and SR48968 inhibited the cough dose dependently. Combination of FK888 and SR48968 showed a small additive effect compared with that of FK888 or SR48968 alone. SR48968 but not FK888 inhibited the bronchoconstriction dose dependently. These results indicate that tachykinin NK₁ receptors as well as tachykinin NK₂ receptors are involved in the citric acid-induced cough response. The antitussive activity of the tachykinin NK₁ receptor antagonist appeared not to depend on the anti-bronchoconstrictor effects.     

The effect of peptidase inhibitors on bradykinin-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea-pigs in vivo.

1. Bradykinin (BK) instilled directly into the airway lumen caused bronchoconstriction in anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated guinea-pigs in the presence of propranolol (1 mg kg-1 i.v.). The geometric mean dose of BK required to produce 100% increase in airway opening pressure (PD100) was 22.9 nmol (95% c.i. 11.7-44.6 nmol). 2. The dose-response curve for the effect of instilled BK was significantly shifted to the left by the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, captopril (5 and 50 nmol instillation, PD100 = 3.0, 95% c.i. 0.98-8.9, and 2.0 nmol, 95% c.i. 0.65-6.2 nmol, respectively). 3. The neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitor, phosphoramidon (5 and 50 nmol instillation) also shifted the dose-response curve for the effect of instilled BK; the PD100 values = 2.2 (95% c.i. 0.40-11.7) and 1.8 nmol (95% c.i. 0.87-3.5 nmol), respectively. 4. After pretreatment with captopril (50 nmol) and phosphoramidon (50 nmol) in combination, the dose-response curve for the effect of instilled BK (PD100 = 1.1 nmol, 95% c.i. 0.37-3.2 nmol) was similar to that obtained in the presence of each inhibitor used alone. 5. The kinase I inhibitor, DL-2-mercaptomethyl-3-guanidinoethylthiopropionic acid (50 nmol instillation) failed to alter the dose-response curve to instilled BK (PD100 = 14.6 nmol, 95% c.i. 6.7-32.0 nmol). 6. These data suggest that both ACE and NEP degrade BK in the airway lumen, but that kininase I is not involved.     

Influence of alpha-adrenoceptor blockade on antigen- and propranolol-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea-pigs in vivo

1. Beta-adrenoceptor antagonists, such as propranolol, can provoke severe bronchoconstriction only in asthmatic subjects. Recently, we developed a guinea-pig model of propranolol-induced bronchoconstriction (PIB) and the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of alpha-adrenergic nerve pathways in this reaction. 2. Phentolamine administered after an antigen challenge did not inhibit PIB; however, its administration before the antigen challenge significantly inhibited the antigen-induced bronchoconstriction and also bronchoconstriction induced by methacholine inhalation. 3. We conclude that the alpha-adrenergic nerve system is not involved in the development of PIB following allergic reaction in our guinea-pig model.     

The effect of endogenous nitric oxide on neurogenic plasma exudation in guinea-pig airways.

We studied the effect of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) on vagally induced plasma exudation into guinea-pig trachea and main bronchi using 125I-albumin as a plasma marker. NG-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 1-10 mg/kg) dose dependently inhibited neurogenic plasma exudation. Intravenous phenylephrine which simulated the vasopressor effect as L-NAME (10 mg/kg) was without effect. The effect of L-NAME (5 mg/kg) was reversed by L-arginine (50 mg/kg). These results suggest that endogenous NO may contribute to neurogenic inflammation in the airways.     

Relationship of airway responsiveness to agents causing bronchoconstriction and cough in sensitized guinea-pigs

The relationship between airway responsiveness to bronchoconstrictor- and cough-inducing stimuli has been examined in Ascaris suum-sensitized conscious guinea-pigs. Guinea-pigs were sensitized to Ascaris suum [4000 PNU and 100 mg Al(OH)₃ i.p. on days 1 and 7] and then challenged with aerosolized antigen on days 21, 28 and 35. At day 35, antigen-exposure produced an early bronchoconstrictor response (EBR) and in about 50% of the animals also a late bronchoconstrictor response (LBR) commencing 4–8 h later. The bronchial responsiveness to inhaled histamine was increased in sensitized guinea-pigs and increased further 20–24 h after acute antigen challenge. Guinea-pigs developing only EBR were equally sensitive to histamine as those having both EBR and LBR. In contrast, the cough and reflex bronchoconstriction produced by inhaled citric acid (0.40 m, acting on capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons) and cigarette smoke (3 min exposure; exciting both capsaicin-sensitive neurons and rapidly adapting stretch receptors) were not altered by sensitization. Furthermore, acute antigen challenge did not alter the effect of citric acid as measured 24 h later. The antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness to histamine was not accompanied by an altered sensitivity of airway sensory nerves mediating cough (and reflex bronchoconstriction), demonstrating that bronchial- (airway obstruction) and sensory- (cough) hyperresponsiveness involve separate and independent mechanisms.     

新型KATP开放剂iptakalim对豚鼠哮喘模型气道反应性及其结构的影响

目的 :研究新型KATP 通道开放剂 (KATPCO )iptakalim对哮喘豚鼠气道重塑、气道高反应性的作用。方法 :卵蛋白 (OA)制作哮喘模型 ,地塞米松组在吸入OA前先给予地塞米松 ;iptakalim高剂量治疗组和低剂量治疗组每天吸入OA前分别灌胃给Ipt0 .75mg·kg-1和 1.5mg·kg-1。用多道生理记录仪记录豚鼠气管螺旋条对不同浓度组织胺的收缩反应性 ;用图像分析仪测定细支气管内周长 (PI)、管壁面积 (WA)、管壁平滑肌面积 (SA) ,PI对WA、SA进行标准化 ,分别以WA PI、SA PI表示。结果 :组织胺可使各组豚鼠气管螺旋条产生剂量依赖性收缩。哮喘组豚鼠气管螺旋条对组织胺的收缩反应明显高于正常组 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;iptakalim(灌服 ) 0 .75、1.5mg·kg-1均具有同雾化吸入地塞米松相似的降低气管螺旋条收缩反应效果 (P >0 .0 5 )。对无软骨且平滑肌成环的细支气管图像分析显示 ,哮喘组豚鼠支气管壁面积 (2 9.8± 4 .5 μm2 ·μm-1)及支气管平滑肌面积(11.7± 4 .7μm2 ·μm-1)较正常对照组 (13.2± 5 .7,4 .4± 2 .1μm2 ·μm-1)增大 (P <0 .0 1) ,iptakalim使豚鼠管壁厚度和平滑肌厚度明显下降 ,与正常组比较差异不显著 (P >0 .0 5 )。结论 :口服新型KATP 通道开放剂iptakalim可抑制哮喘豚鼠气道高反应性和气道壁的重构。     

Prevention by the tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist, SR 48968, of antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness in sensitized guinea-pigs.

The involvement of tachykinins in antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was characterized pharmacologically in guinea-pigs sensitized to ovalbumin with antagonists of tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors, namely SR 140333 and SR 48968, respectively. AHR was illustrated by increased sensitivity to bronchoconstriction provoked by aerosolized acetylcholine in anaesthetized, ventilated animals, administrated 48 h after ovalbumin aerosol challenge. SR 48968 (1 mg kg-1, i.p.), when given once 30 min before the antigen challenge, prevented AHR, whereas SR 140333 did not. These findings suggest that the tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist, SR 48968, may be useful for investigating mechanisms of tachykinins in the development of airway hyperresponsiveness.     

Effects of tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonists on vagal hyperreactivity and neuronal M2 muscarinic receptor function in antigen challenged guinea-pigs

1. The role of tachykinin NK₁ receptors in the recruitment of eosinophils to airway nerves, loss of inhibitory neuronal M₂ muscarinic receptor function and the development of vagal hyperreactivity was tested in antigen-challenged guinea-pigs.
2. In anaesthetized guinea-pigs, the muscarinic agonist, pilocarpine (1–100 μg kg⁻¹, i.v), inhibited vagally induced bronchoconstriction, in control, but not in antigen-challenged guinea-pigs 24 h after antigen challenge. This indicates normal function of neuronal M₂ muscarinic receptors in controls and loss of neuronal M₂ receptor function in challenged guinea-pigs. Pretreatment of sensitized guinea-pigs with the NK₁ receptor antagonists CP99994 (4 mg kg⁻¹, i.p.), SR140333 (1 mg kg⁻¹, s.c.) or CP96345 (15 mg kg⁻¹, i.p.) before antigen challenge, prevented M₂ receptor dysfunction.
3. Neither administration of the NK₁ antagonists after antigen challenge, nor pretreatment with an NK₂ receptor antagonist, MEN10376 (5 μmol kg⁻¹, i.p.), before antigen challenge, prevented M₂ receptor dysfunction.
4. Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerves caused a frequency-dependent (2–15 Hz, 10 V, 0.2 ms for 5 s) bronchoconstriction that was significantly increased following antigen challenge. Pretreatment with the NK₁ receptor antagonists CP99994 or SR140333 before challenge prevented this increase.
5. Histamine (1–20 nmol kg⁻¹, i.v.) caused a dose-dependent bronchoconstriction, which was vagally mediated, and was significantly increased in antigen challenged guinea-pigs compared to controls. Pretreatment of sensitized animals with CP99994 before challenge prevented the increase in histamine-induced reactivity.
6. Bronchoalveolar lavage and histological studies showed that after antigen challenge significant numbers of eosinophils accumulated in the airways and around airway nerves. This eosinophilia was not altered by pretreatment with the NK₁ receptor antagonist CP99994.
7. These data indicate that pretreatment of antigen-sensitized guinea-pigs with NK₁, but not with NK₂ receptor antagonists before antigen challenge prevented the development of hyperreactivity by protecting neuronal M₂ receptor function. NK₁ receptor antagonists do not inhibit eosinophil accumulation around airway nerves.

     

Effects of PAF-acether and structural analogues on platelet activation and bronchoconstriction in guinea-pigs

PAF-acether (platelet-activating factor) (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphorylcholine) induces platelet-dependent bronchoconstriction in the guinea-pig which correlates with its in vivo thrombocytopenic effect. We investigated the influence of modifications of the polar head group in position 3 of the glycerol skeleton of PAF-acether on guinea-pig platelet activation and bronchoconstriction. PAF-acether itself induced concentration-dependent platelet activation (EC50 for aggregation = 0.41 nM and EC20 for secretion of ATP = 0.56 nM). The 3-phosphoryl-N-methyl-morpholino ethanol analogue was slightly more active than PAF-acether and the 3-phosphoryl-N-methyl-piperidinium ethanol, 3-phopshoryl-(N-methyl-piperidino-3') methanol and 3-phosphoryl-(N-methyl-hydroxy-4') piperidine analogues were equieffective to PAF-acether in activating platelets. The 3-phosphoryl-piperidino ethanol analogue was 8 times less active than PAF-acether; the 3-phosphoryl-morpholino ethanol analogue and the 1-O-octadecyl-2-O-acetyl-3-O-[trimethyl-ammonio)-propyl) glycerol were inactive up to 1 microM. Our data show that the choline head group is not a compulsory requirement for activity. When injected i.v. to the propranolol-treated guinea-pigs, the platelet-activating analogues also induced bronchoconstriction. Two PAF-acether antagonists, compounds 48740 RP and BN 52021, inhibited PAF-acether-induced platelet activation when added to PRP at the final concentration of 0.1 mM (aggregation inhibited by 91 +/- 4 and by 94 +/- 3% respect.; secretion inhibited by 80 +/- 12 and 79 +/- 10% respectively, mean +/- S.E.M., n = 4). Both antagonists also suppressed platelet activation and in vivo bronchoconstriction, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia and hypotension induced by PAF-acether and the various analogues. Our results indicate that PAF-acether and the analogues studied trigger platelet activation and the consequent bronchoconstriction through mechanisms which share sensitivity to same antagonists.     

Activation of a novel medullary pathway elicits a vagal,cholinergic bronchoconstriction in guinea-pigs

Electrical stimulation of structures within the rostral region of the dorsal medulla of the guinea-pig activates a vagal cholinergic bronchoconstriction pathway and simultaneously activates a sympathetic inhibitory input. Removal of the latter by spinal section potentiated CNS-induced bronchospasm.     

Pharmacological specificity of novel, synthetic, cyclic peptides as antagonists at tachykinin receptors.

1. The interaction at tachykinin receptors of a series of novel cyclic hexapeptides has been examined by use of radioligand binding assays (NK1 and NK3 sites in rat cortex, NK2 sites in hamster urinary bladder) and functional pharmacological assays (guinea-pig ileum, rat vas deferens and rat portal vein for NK1, NK2 and NK3 receptors, respectively). 2. The compounds cyclo(GlnTrpPhe(R)Gly[ANC-2]LeuMet) (L-659,837) and cyclo(GlnTrpPheGly-LeuMet) (L-659,877) were powerful and selective displacers of NK2 binding (pIC50 6.9 and 8.0, respectively), and were competitive antagonists of responses to stimulation of NK2 receptors in rat vas deferens (pKB for antagonism of responses to eledoisin 6.7 and 8.1, respectively). Responses in the NK1 and NK3 pharmacological assays were blocked only weakly, if at all. 3. In the longitudinal muscle of the small intestine of the rat, responses to stimulation of the putative NK2 receptor by eledoisin, neurokinin A or neurokinin B were antagonized by both cyclo(GlnTrpPhe(R)-Gly[ANC-2]LeuMet) and cyclo (GlnTrpPheGlyLeuMet) in a manner consistent with the presence in this tissue of a uniform population of receptors, indistinguishable from the NK2 receptor of the rat vas deferens. 4. The compounds cyclo(GlnTrpPheGlyLeuMet) and the lactam-containing analogue are among the most selective antagonists for the NK2 receptor that have been described; their availability should be of value in the characterization of the receptors mediating responses to tachykinins, and in elucidating the physiological functions of the tachykinin receptors.     

Role of tachykinin NK2-receptor activation in the allergen-induced late asthmatic reaction, airway hyperreactivity and airway inflammatory cell influx in conscious, unrestrained guinea-pigs.

1. In a guinea-pig model of allergic asthma, we investigated the involvement of the tachykinin NK2 receptors in allergen-induced early (EAR) and late (LAR) asthmatic reactions, airway hyperreactivity (AHR) after these reactions and inflammatory cell influx in the airways, using the selective non-peptide NK2 receptor antagonist SR48968. 2. On two different occasions, separated by a 1 week interval, ovalbumin (OA)-sensitized guinea-pigs inhaled either vehicle (3 min) or SR48968 (100 nM, 3 min) at 30 min before as well as at 5.5 h after OA provocation (between the EAR and LAR) in a random crossover design. 3. SR48968 had no significant effect on the EAR, but significantly attenuated the LAR by 44.2+/-16.4% (P<0.05) compared to saline control. 4. The NK2 receptor antagonist did not affect the OA-induced AHR to histamine after the EAR at 5 h after OA challenge (3.59+/-0.59 fold increase in histamine reactivity vs 3.79+/-0.61 fold increase in the controls, NS), but significantly reduced the AHR after the LAR at 23 h after OA challenge (1.59+/-0.24 fold increase vs 1.93+/-0.15 fold increase, respectively, P<0.05). 5. Bronchoalveolar lavage studies performed at 25 h after the second OA provocation showed that SR48968 significantly inhibited the allergen-induced infiltration of neutrophils (P<0.05) and lymphocytes (P<0.01) in the airways. 6. These results indicate that NK2 receptor activation is importantly involved in the development of the allergen-induced late (but not early) asthmatic reaction and late (but not early) AHR to histamine, and that NK2 receptor-mediated infiltration of neutrophils and lymphocytes in the airways may contribute to these effects.     

Protective effect of silymarin in antigen challenge- and histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in in vivo guinea-pigs

The effects of silymarin on bronchoconstriction induced by antigen challenge and on post-antigen challenge hyperresponsiveness to substance P were evaluated in sensitized guinea-pigs. Silymarin significantly decreased the bronchoconstriction due to antigen administration in the early phase of the response. In contrast, the dose-response curve for substance P recorded 1 h after antigen challenge was not modified by pretreatment with silymarin. The influence of the flavonoid on hyperresponsiveness to histamine in propranolol- and PAF (platelet-activating factor)-treated animals was also assessed. Silymarin did not affect hyperresponsiveness to histamine induced by either propranolol or PAF although it had inhibitory activity on the bronchial contractile response to the autacoid. These results suggest that silymarin has a protective effect in the early phase of allergic asthma, an effect, which may be related to a negative influence of the flavonoid on bronchial responsiveness to histamine.