p38 MAPK mediates cardiovascular and behavioral responses induced by central IL-1 beta and footshock in conscious rats.

AIM: To investigate the roles of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) in the cardiovascular and behavioral responses induced by intracerebral ventricular injection (i.c.v.) of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) or footshock. METHODS: We examined the effects of p38 MAPK on mean artery blood pressure (mABP), heart rate (HR), and motor activity (MA) during central administration of IL-1 beta, or footshock after i.c.v. SB203580 (a specific inhibitor of the p38 MAPK) with Cardiovascular and Behavior Telemetry System in conscious SD rats. RESULTS: (1) IL-1 beta (i.c.v.) or footshock remarkably rise the mABP, and the maximal changes are (7.8+/-1.8) and (12.3+/-3.5) mmHg, respectively, which was abrogated by the pretreatment with p38 inhibitor SB203580 intracerebroventricularly. (2) Compared with icv saline group, the motor activity was significantly decreased in SB203580 group with maximal changes (-7.6+/-1.1) counts/min after footshock. CONCLUSION: p38 MAPK plays an important role in the pressor response induced by central administration of IL-1 beta or footshock and change of motor activity after footshock in conscious rats.     

Influence of SKF 91488, histamine N-methyltransferase inhibitor,on the central cardiovascular regulation during controlled,stepwise hemorrhagic hypotension in rats

The histaminergic system influences various activities of the central nervous system, including cardiovascular regulation. Histamine administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) in anesthetized rats produces the increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), however, in contrast to normotensive animals, histamine-induced rises in MAP and HR in critically hypotensive animals are significantly higher. Similarly to exogenous histamine, inhibition of the central histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) activity (the enzyme catabolizing histamine in the central nervous system) resulting in the increase in endogenous histamine concentration, also leads to the pressor effect in normotensive rats. The present study was designed to determine the role of endogenous central histamine in cardiovascular regulation in a rat model of blood volume-blood pressure controlled hemorrhagic hypotension. In normotensive animals, HNMT inhibitor SKF 91488 produced dose-dependent (20-100 microg i.c.v.) pressor effect accompanied by tachycardia, similarly as exogenous histamine (0.5-5 microg i.c.v.) did. The subpressor dose of SKF 91488 (10 microg) evoked the increase in blood volumes necessary to induce hypotension of 40 and 20 mmHg and the action was accompanied by the rise in histamine concentrations in the hypothalamus (5.18 +/- 0.45 vs 4.23 +/- 0.41 nmol/g; p < 0.05) and medulla oblongata (0.41 +/- 0.05 vs 0.30 +/- 0.06 nmol/g; p < 0.05), with no changes in the cortical histamine concentrations (0.84 +/- 0.18 vs 0.75 +/- 0.17 nmol/g), compared to the control i.c.v. saline-treated group. The effect of SKF 91488 was inhibited by H1 histamine receptor antagonist chlorpheniramine, whereas neither H2 receptor blocker ranitidine, nor H3 receptor antagonist thioperamide affected the action. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the histaminergic system influences the central cardiovascular regulation during pronounced hemorrhagic hypotension, probably as a result of the activation of compensatory mechanisms.     

The role of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system in the natriuresis following central administration of an I1 imidazoline agonist, moxonidine.

1. Central administration of the I1-imidazoline receptor agonist moxonidine increases sodium excretion without alteration of blood pressure. In the present study we determined whether this natriuretic action was mediated through a decrease in activity of the sympathetic nervous system, as has been reported for the antihypertensive action of this compound. Interruption of the sympathetic nervous system was achieved with prazosin (alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist) and renal denervation. 2. In pentobarbitone-anaesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of moxonidine alone increased urine volume and sodium excretion. Prazosin (0.15 mg kg-1, i.v.) alone decreased urine flow rate and sodium excretion as compared to the vehicle controls. In the presence of prazosin, i.c.v. injection of moxonidine failed to increase sodium excretion or urine volume as compared to animals which received the prazosin alone. 3. The administration of moxonide (i.c.v.) to sham renal-denervated animals caused an increase in urine flow rate, urine sodium excretion, osmolar clearance and free water clearance. The increase in sodium excretion and osmolar clearance were completely attenuated in renal denervated rats, however, urine flow rate was still increased and this was secondary to the increase in free water clearance which remained intact. 4. These results indicate the importance of an intact sympathetic nervous system in the renal response to i.c.v. moxonidine. Moreover, the differential antagonism of these interventions on solute and water excretion indicate that they may be mediated at two separate sites and/or receptors following i.c.v. moxonidine.     

Acute cardiovascular effects of the alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, idazoxan, in rats: influence of the basal sympathetic tone

Intravenous administration of the alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, idazoxan, elicits variable cardiovascular effects, depending on experimental conditions. In this study, the effects of idazoxan were investigated in rats with high, low, or no basal sympathetic tone. In a group of conscious Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 9), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and renal sympathetic nervous activity (RSNA) were recorded. Idazoxan (250 microg/kg, i.v.) induced a transient decrease in MAP (-12+/-3 mm Hg) that was accompanied by increases in HR (49+/-14 beats/min) and RSNA (53+/-14%). In six of nine rats, a light pentobarbitone anesthesia was given. Basal RSNA was decreased (6.0+/-1.3 microV from 12.8+/-4.1 microV; p<0.05), and the depressor effect of idazoxan was reversed to a pressor effect (21+/-6 mm Hg) associated with bradycardia (-16+/-8 beats/min) and sympathoinhibition (-56+/-15%). In eight conscious intact rats, idazoxan (250 microg/kg, i.v.) attenuated by approximately 40% the pressor response to the selective alpha1-adrenoceptor agonist, cirazoline (0.5 microg/kg, i.v.). In three groups of six to seven ganglion-blocked (chlorisondamine, 2.5 mg/kg, i.v.) conscious rats, idazoxan dose-dependently increased mean arterial pressure (MAP: 39+/-2, 55+/-3, and 69+/-4 mm Hg at 125, 250, and 500 microg/kg, i.v., respectively) with minimal changes in HR. In contrast, the noradrenaline-releasing agent, tyramine (62.5, 125, and 250 microg/kg, i.v.), dose-dependently increased both MAP and HR. The alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin (1 mg/kg, i.v.; n = 8) blunted by approximately 70% (p<0.01) the pressor effect of 250 microg/kg idazoxan. It is concluded that in rats with high sympathetic tone, idazoxan has depressor effects, most likely related to its peripheral alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist properties. In rats with low or no sympathetic tone, idazoxan induced pressor responses mainly secondary to its partial agonist activity at vascular postjunctional alpha1-adrenoceptors.     

Studies on the mechanism of the cardiovascular action of central injections of histamine

The role of the sympathetic nervous system in the mediation of cardiovascular function, following administration of histamine centrally was investigated. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of histamine into the lateral ventricle of conscious rats caused a dose-dependent increase in blood pressure as well as a dose-dependent fall in heart rate. The pressure and heart rate responses were both attenuated by pretreatment with chlorpheniramine. Peripheral blockade of autonomic ganglia with hexamethonium failed to block the centrally-mediated pressor response to histamine. Peripheral chemical sympathectomy with 6-hydroxydopamine also did not inhibit the pressor response to histamine. In this latter group of animals the pressor response to histamine was potentiated. It is concluded that in the conscious rat, increased in blood pressure resulting from central stimulation with histamine are not mediated solely through the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and are, at least in part, due to the release of a vasopressor substance.     

Antidepressants attenuate both the enhanced ethanol intake and ethanol-induced anxiolytic effects in diazepam withdrawn rats.

We have recently shown that the abrupt discontinuation of chronic diazepam (DZM) administration facilitated ethanol consumption and enhanced the anxiolytic properties of ethanol. Tricyclic antidepressants such as desipramine and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine have been shown to reduce alcohol intake in rodent models of alcoholism and in alcoholics who are depressed. In the present study, we tested whether desipramine (1.25; 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, i.p.) and fluoxetine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment affect both ethanol intake in a free-choice test and the anxiolytic effect induced by ethanol in DZM withdrawn rats. Adult male Wistar rats were submitted to a chronic DZM treatment (2 mg/kg per day) or vehicle (VEH) for 21 days. Twenty-four hours after the last DZM injection, rats were subjected to a free-choice paradigm between water and increasing ethanol concentrations with or without concurrent desipramine or fluoxetine administration (ethanol concentration (v/v) was increased every 4 days as follows: 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% for the final 8 days). Chronic treatment with desipramine (24 days, twice a day, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, i.p.) and fluoxetine (24 days, once a day; 5 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced the amount of ethanol intake in DZM withdrawn rats. Furthermore, subchronic treatments with desipramine (4 days, twice a day, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (4 days, once a day, 5 mg/kg, i.p.) blocked the anxiolytic-like behavior in the elevated plus maze induced by ethanol (1 g/kg; i.p.) in DZM withdrawn rats at day 5 of withdrawal. The present findings suggest that desipramine and fluoxetine could be effective pharmacological tools to prevent the subsequent development of ethanol dependence in rats previously exposed to DZM withdrawal.     

Cardiovascular activity of rasagiline, a selective and potent inhibitor of mitochondrial monoamine oxidase B: comparison with selegiline

Selegiline is used for treating Parkinson's disease. Despite its efficacy, the clinical use of selegiline in combination with l-dihydroxphenylalanine in Parkinsonian patients is hampered by cardiovascular complications, such as hypotension. This study was designed to compare in rats the cardiovascular effects of selegiline and rasagiline, their metabolites l-methamphetamine and aminoindan (TVP-136), respectively, and the second rasagiline metabolite non-monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor TVP-1022 (N-propargyl-1S(-)aminoindan). Intravenous (i.v.) administration of selegiline and rasagiline (1 mg kg(-1)) to anaesthetized rats (thiobutabarbital, 100 mg kg(-1), i.p.) did not affect mean arterial pressure (MAP), carotid blood flow (CBF) or carotid vascular resistance (CVR). Selegiline (10 mg kg(-1), i.v.) decreased MAP, CBF and increased CVR. In contrast, rasagiline (10 mg kg(-1), i.v.) caused a small transient decrease in MAP, while CBF and CVR were unchanged. l-methamphetamine (1 mg kg(-1), i.v.) administration provoked a dramatic and long-lasting depressor response, decreased CBF and increased CVR. In contrast, injection of aminoindan or TVP-1022 at a similar dose produced gradual nonsignificant decreases in MAP and CBF. Chronic oral treatment (21 days) of awake rats with selegiline at 10 mg kg(-1) decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and MAP, whereas heart rate was unaffected. Since the effective MAO-B inhibitory and clinical dose of rasagiline is about one-tenth that of selegiline, administration of 1 mg kg(-1) day(-1) rasagiline resulted in moderate decreases in SBP, DBP, and MAP, which were significantly lower than those caused by the 10 mg kg(-1) day(-1) dose of selegiline. These findings indicate that rasagiline, when given at doses equivalent to selegiline, is less likely to be hypotensive.     

Effects of Saiko-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to, a Japanese Kampo medicine, on tachycardia and central nervous system stimulation induced by theophylline in rats and mice

Effects of Saiko-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to (SRBT) on theophylline-induced tachycardia in anesthetized rats and theophylline-induced locomotion and convulsions in mice were examined. An intraduodenal administration of SRBT (1 g/kg) prevented theophylline (5 mg/kg, i.v.)-induced tachycardia in rats. SRBT also attenuated an increase in arterial blood pressure with a slow reduction in heart rate of rats treated with theophylline, with no influence on the plasma level of theophylline. However, SRBT did not change the beating rate of right atrium isolated from rats in the absence or presence of theophylline or isoproterenol. The locomotor activity of theophylline in mice was reduced by the treatment with SRBT. Furthermore, the latency of convulsions in mice induced by administration of theophylline at a higher dose (240 mg/kg, i.p.) was prolonged by treatment with SRBT (1 g/kg, p.o.) and seven out of fifteen mice were saved from death due to convulsions. These results suggest that theophylline-induced tachycardia and central nervous stimulation are suppressed by SRBT and that SRBT may reduce the undesirable actions of theophylline on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems.     

Repeated administration of histamine improves memory retrieval of inhibitory avoidance by lithium in mice

The influence of repeated administration of histamine on lithium-induced state dependency has been investigated. A single-trial step-down inhibitory avoidance task was used to assess memory in adult male NMRI mice. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of lithium (10 mg/kg), immediately after training (post-training), impaired inhibitory avoidance memory on the test day. Pre-test administration of lithium reversed amnesia induced by the drug given after training, with the maximum response at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Repeated intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of histamine (20 microg/mouse) for 3 consecutive days followed by 5 days of no drug treatment improved memory retrieval of inhibitory avoidance by a pre-test lower dose (5 mg/kg i.p.) of lithium. In contrast, 3 days of i.c.v. injections of both the histamine H1 receptor antagonist pyrilamine (40 microg/mouse) and the histamine H2 receptor antagonist ranitidine (6.25 and 12.5 microg/mouse) prevented the improving effect of pre-test lithium (10 mg/kg i.p.) on memory retrieval. The results suggest that the repeated administration of histaminergic agents may induce a sensitization which affects the memory impairment induced by lithium.     

Acute cardiovascular effects of (+)-nantenine, an alkaloid isolated from Platycapnos spicata, in anaesthetised normotensive rats

This is the first study of the in vivo potential activity of (+)-nantenine (a natural aporphinoid alkaloid) on the rat cardiovascular system. In anaesthetized normotensive rats, acute intravenous ( i. v.) administration of (+)-nantenine (3 - 6 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent fall in mean arterial pressure (MAP), accompanied by a significant decrease in heart rate (HR). In addition, (+)-nantenine (5 mg/kg i. v.) did not modify the cardiovascular effects induced by angiotensin II (0.2 microg/kg i. v.) and the selective alpha (2)-adrenoceptor agonist B-HT 920 (0.2 mg/kg i. v.) [unlike nifedipine (0.8 mg/kg i. v.) and yohimbine (1 mg/kg i. v.), respectively] but markedly attenuated [like prazosin (0.2 mg/kg i. v.)] the hypertension evoked by phenylephrine (PE, 25 microg/kg, i. v.), a selective alpha (1)-adrenergic receptor agonist and, like ketanserin (1 mg/kg i. v.), the second phase (rise in MAP) of the cardiovascular response caused by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 0.3 mg/kg i. v.). On the other hand, pre-treatment of anaesthetised rats with NG-nitro- L-arginine ( L-NOARG, 5 mg/kg i. v.) did not significantly affect the cardiovascular effects of (+)-nantenine. These results indicate that the hypotension and bradycardia elicited by this aporphine alkaloid in anaesthetised normotensive rats seem to be due, at least in part, to a combined alpha (1)-adrenergic and 5-HT (2A) receptor blockade but not to the release of nitric oxide (NO) from vascular endothelium, to an alpha (2)-adrenoceptor antagonism or to a calcium antagonist activity. Abbreviations. BP:blood pressure HR:heart rate 5-HT:5-hydroxytryptamine i. v.:intravenous L-NOARG: NG-nitro- L-arginine MAP:mean arterial pressure NO:nitric oxide PE:phenylephrine     

Anxiolytic-like effect of saiboku-to, an oriental herbal medicine, on histaminergics-induced anxiety in mice

Effect of saiboku-to, an oriental herbal medicine, on anxiety in mice was investigated using a light/dark test. Anxiogenic- and anxiolytic-like effects were evaluated on the basis of shortened and prolonged time spent in the light zone of the test. Subacute administration (once a day for 7 days) of saiboku-to (0.5-2.0 g/kg, p.o.) induced anxiolytic-like effect. To assess the effect of saiboku-to on brain histaminergic system in a state of anxiety, Compound 48/80 (1.0 microg/2 microl, i.c.v.), a non-neuronal mast cell histamine releaser, or thioperamide (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.), a neuronal histamine releaser possessing the inhibitory effect of histamine H(3) autoreceptors, induced decrease in the time spent in the light zone by co-injection with cimetidine (10.0 microg/2 microl, i.c.v.), a H(2) inhibitor, suggesting anxiety-like effect. These histaminergics-induced experimental anxieties were inhibited by pre-treatment with subacute administration of saiboku-to, as well as single treatment with diazepam. The results suggest that saiboku-to exhibits anxiolytic-like effect closely related to histaminergic system in the brain.     

HYPERHOMOCYSTEINAEMIA-INDUCED CARDIOVASCULAR CHANGES IN RATS

• 1 Increased plasma homocysteine content and increased blood pressure are independently associated with higher cardiovascular risks. The present study was designed to determine the effects of hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcys) on the activity of the cardiovascular system in rats.
• 2 Using male Wistar rats, the effect of moderate HHcys, induced by treating rats with dl -homocysteine thiolactone (DL-HT; 1 g/kg per day) for 15 days, on arterial blood pressure, heart rate, baroreflex and vascular reactivity was determined.
• 3 Hyperhomocysteinaemia was observed after 15 days of treatment. Baseline arterial blood pressure and heart rate values of HHcys animals were significantly increased after 15 days of treatment. Plasma homocysteine and cardiovascular parameters returned to control values after termination of treatment. Baroreflex gain was significantly enhanced in HHcys rats. The pressor effect of an i.v. infusion of phenylephrine (50 mg/kg per mL) was decreased in HHcys rats and returned to control values after washout of DL-HT. Hypotensive responses to i.v. infusions of sodium nitroprusside (70 mg/kg per mL) or acetylcholine (10 mg/kg per mL) were increased in HHcys animals and returned to control values after washout of DL-HT. The increase in resting arterial blood pressure associated with the moderate HHcys was reversed by treatment with the b₁-adrenoceptor antagonist atenolol, suggesting that HHcys-related hypertension is related to increase in cardiac sympathetic activity.
• 4 The present study showed significantly increased arterial blood pressure, heart rate and baroreflex activity in the early phase of moderate HHcys. In addition, HHcys was associated with alterations of vascular responsiveness to pressor and depressor agents, as well as increased cardiac sympathetic activity. The fact that cardiovascular changes observed in HHcys were reversed after DL-HT washout indicate that moderate HHcys evokes cardiovascular changes.

     

Cardiovascular responses to cholinergic agonists in sinoaortic denervated rats

1. The cardiovascular effect of systemic nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic stimulation were studied in conscious sham operated and sinoaortic denervated (SAD) rats, 7 days after the corresponding operation.2. The administration of the nicotinic ganglionic agent 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (DMPP, 50–100 μg·kg⁻¹, i.v.) induced a fall of heart rate that was significantly higher in SAD rats than in sham rats. DMPP induced in sham rats an increase of arterial pressure but in SAD animals a biphasic response: an initial hypotension followed by an increase of arterial pressure.3. Under muscarinic blockade, DMPP only showed a pressor and tachycardic action in both groups of rats without differences between them.4. The muscarinic agonist, carbachol (0.1–10 μg·kg⁻¹, i.v.) showed the same hypotensive and bradycardic action in both groups of rats.5. Our results suggest that after 7 days of SAD, differences in the response to DMPP between sham and denervated animals could be due to the loss of baroreflex mechanisms. The increased bradycardic effect of DMPP in SAD rats could be mediated by a supersensitivity of parasympathetic ganglionic nicotinic receptors, whilst the sympathetic ganglionic nicotinic receptors remained unaltered.On the other side, the cardiovascular muscarinic responses to carbachol remain unaffected in SAD rats.     

Effects of mianserin, desipramine and maprotiline on blood pressure responses evoked by acetylcholine, histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine in rats.

1 In rats anaesthetized with pentobarbitone, intravenous administration of desipramine (0.1 mg/kg), maprotiline (0.5 mg/kg) or mianserin (0.3-3.0 mg/kg) did not modify the blood pressure lowering effects of acetylcholine (0.25-1.0 micrograms/kg, i.v.) which were significantly reduced by atropine (3.0 micrograms/kg, i.v.). 2 Maprotiline and mianserin, like promethazine (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.), inhibited the vasodepressor responses evoked by histamine (2.5-10.0 micrograms/kg,i.v.). however, desipramine was inactive against histamine. 3 In pithed rats, the pressor effects of intravenous 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT: 5.0-20.0 micrograms/kg) were antagonized by mianserin (0.01-0.3 mg/kg, i.v.) and cyproheptadine (0.01 mg/kg) but were unaffected by maprotiline and desipramine. 4 In syrosingopine pretreated rats given mianserin 0.1 mg/kg, intravenously, 5-HT (20.0 micrograms/kg, i.v.) produced a significant fall in blood pressure which could be reduced by a large dose of mianserin (10.0 mg/kg, i.v.). 5 In conclusion, desipramine, maptrotiline and mianserin, in doses previously found to inhibit noradrenaline neuronal reuptake in the rat cardiovascular system, lack muscarinic receptor antagonist properties. Whilst maprotiline and mianserin blocked vascular histamine receptors, only mianserin (10.0 mg/kg, i.v.). 5 In conclusion, desipramine, maptrotiline and mianserin, in doses previously found to inhibit noradrenaline neuronal reuptake in the rat cardiovascular system, lack muscarinic receptor antagonist properties. Whilst maprotiline and mianserin blocked vascular histamine receptors, only mianserin, like cyproheptadine, was a potent antagonist of the 5-HT receptors that mediate increases in blood pressure in rats. Finally, the vasodepressor effects of 5-HT in syrosingopine pretreated rats given a small dose of mianserin were antagonized by a large dose of mianserin, suggesting that 5-HT may activate two distinct types of receptors in the rat.     

The effect of sodium intake on the urinary histamine in adrenalectomized rats

The daily excretion (μg/day) of free histamine has been measured in bilaterally adrenalectomized or sham-operated female rats. In rats developing adrenal insufficiency when kept on a “sodium free” diet, the output of free histamine in the urine fell progressively. The volume of urine was unchanged. In rats with adrenal insufficiency the oral administration of 0.9% saline caused an immediate rise in the urinary excretion of histamine. The rise was sustained for several days. Adrenalectomized rats consuming 43 mg/day of sodium chloride or less developed adrenal insufficiency and the daily output of urinary histamine fell progressively. A sodium chloride intake of 90 mg/day prevented this fall. Adrenalectomized rats kept on 0.9% saline showed no significant changes during the first 7 days after adrenalectomy. From the 8th day onwards the daily output of histamine in the urine rose progressively. After sham operation the daily output of histamine in the urine was not affected by the intake of sodium chloride. Adrenalectomized rats eat less food; a similar restriction of food intake in sham-operated rats decreased the urinary excretion of histamine. The decrease was, however, not as pronounced as in adrenalectomized rats developing adrenal insufficiency. Other sodium salts, but not glucose, had the same effect as 0.9% saline on the urinary excretion of histamine in adrenalectomized rats.     

Sex difference of pinnal hyperemia in magnesium-deficient rats: effects of castration and administration of sex hormone

In the course of studies on the effects of magnesium (Mg) depletion in the diet (0.001% Mg) on mature rats (10 week-old), it became apparent that females developed less hyperemia than males. In the females, the time of onset and severity of hyperemia were enhanced by castration, but not in the males. These data suggest that the development of hyperemia in Mg-deficient adult rats depends on the female sex hormone. The effects of administration of estradiol were examined, using immature rats (3 week-old), in relation to hyperemia and histamine metabolism. Two to 3 days after feeding young male and female rats a Mg-deficient diet, the pinnal hyperemia appeared in the same degree. The hyperemia was reduced by the administration of estradiol benzoate (0.04-0.08 mg/100 g body wt. per day, s.c.) every day. The increments in urinary histamine excretion, splenic histamine content and histidine decarboxylase activity during Mg-deficiency were markedly reduced by the administration of estradiol. The sex difference in the hyperemia which appeared upon Mg-depletion depends on the effects of the female hormone, estradiol, on histamine metabolism.     

The absorption, tissue distribution and excretion of di-n-octyltin dichloride in rats

In this study the absorption, tissue distribution and excretion of 14C-labeled di-n-octyltin dichloride ([14C]DOTC) in rats were investigated after oral and intravenous (i.v.) administration. Although after i.v. administration with 1.2 mg [14C]DOTC/kg body weight the tissue radioactivity was about 3-4 times higher than after oral administration with 6.3 mg [14C]DOTC/kg body weight, the relative tissue accumulation was found to be the same after the oral and i.v. dosage. The highest amount of radioactivity was found in liver and kidney, and to a lesser degree in adrenal, pituitary and thyroid glands. The lowest activity was recovered from blood and brain. No selective accumulation was observed in thymus, although it has been reported that thymus atrophy is the most sensitive parameter of DOTC toxicity in rats. For all tissues a time dependent decrease in radioactivity was found, except for kidney. The excretion of radioactivity in feces and urine was determined after a single i.v. or oral dose of 1.2 and 2 mg [14C]DOTC, respectively. After i.v. administration most of the radioactivity was excreted in the feces which was characterized by a biphasic excretion pattern. In orally treated rats more than 80% of the radioactivity was already excreted in the feces during the first day after administration. This indicated that only a small part of the DOTC was absorbed, which was calculated to be approximately 20% of the dose. Similar half-life values of 8.3 and 8.9 days were obtained from the fecal excretion of radioactivity after the i.v. and oral administration, respectively. The urinary excretion of radioactivity appeared to be independent of the body burden, since the daily amount of radioactivity excreted in urine was nearly the same independent of the route of administration as well as the time after administration.     

Histamine-induced rise in core temperature of chloral-anaesthetized rats: mediation by H2-receptors located in the preopticus area of hypothalamus

Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of histamine in chloral anaesthetized rats exposed to an ambient temperature of 22 C elicited a rise in their colonic temperature associated with a shivering. This effect was shared by the H2 receptor agonists dimaprit and impromidine. Impromidine is, in this respect, a partial agonist with an ED50 much lower than histamine. The histamine-induced rise in core temperature was antagonized by cimetidine administered either centrally (in doses of 25-40 micrograms, i.c.v.) or peripherally (large doses greater than or equal to 50 mg/kg i.p.) This constitutes an indication for the crossing of the blood-brain barrier by cimetidine. The H2 histamine receptors involved in this effect seem to be located mainly in the preopticus medialis nucleus (p.o.m.n.) of the hypothalamus since bilateral microinjections of histamine (5 ng) into this nucleus induced the effect, whereas cimetidine injected into the p.o.m.n., antagonised the relative hyperthermia elicited by an intracerebroventricular administration of histamine.     

THE INFLUENCE OF A HIGH K INTAKE ON THE HYPERTENSIVE EFFECT OF ACTH AND DOC IN SHEEP

The effect of 5 days administration of ACTH or DOC, was examined before and after chronic potassium (K) loading in sheep. K loading raised plasma [K], urine volume and K excretion but had no effect on mean arterial pressure (MAP). On a normal K intake DOC (5 mg/day i.v.) increased MAP and plasma sodium [Na]. Plasma [K], urinary Na (day 1) and K (day 1) excretion were decreased. On a high K intake (congruent to 800 mmol K/day), DOC lowered plasma [K] but had no effect on MAP or Na excretion. The hypertensive effects of ACTH were not affected by K intake.