Aspirin inhibits human bradykinin B2 receptor ligand binding function

The bradykinin B2 receptor, a member of the G protein-coupled receptors superfamily, is involved in a variety of physiological functions, including vasodilation, electrolyte transfer in epithelia, mediation of pain, and inflammation. The effect of aspirin on bradykinin binding to cell-surface receptor and on signal transduction were studied in CHO-K1 cells, stably expressing the human B2 receptor. Cell-surface organization of the receptor was assessed by immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis in CHO-K1 cells expressing N-terminally V5-tagged B2 receptor. We found that the widely used analgesic, anti-thrombotic, and anti-inflammatory drug aspirin alters the B2 receptor ligand binding properties. Aspirin reduces the apparent affinity of the receptor for [3H]-bradykinin by accelerating the dissociation rate of [3H]-bradykinin-receptor complexes. In addition, aspirin reduces the capacity of unlabeled bradykinin or the B2 receptor antagonist icatibant to destabilize pre-formed [3H]-bradykinin-receptor complexes. Kinetic and reversibility studies are consistent with an allosteric type of mechanism. Aspirin effect on B2 receptor binding properties is not accompanied by alteration of the cell-surface organization of the receptor in dimers and monomers. Aspirin does not influence the receptor ability to transduce bradykinin binding into activation of G-proteins and phospholipase C. These results suggest that aspirin is an allosteric inhibitor of the B2 receptor, a property that may be involved in its therapeutic actions.     

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition and angiotensin AT1-receptor antagonism equally improve endothelial vasodilator function in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats

Male Sprague-Dawley rats given N^ω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) in drinking water for 8 weeks showed: (1) a clear-cut increase in systolic blood pressure; (2) a consistent decrease of endothelial-cell nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene expression in aortic tissue; (3) a marked reduction of plasma nitrite/nitrate concentrations; (4) a reduction of the relaxant activity of acetylcholine (ACh, from 10⁻¹⁰ to 10⁻⁴ M) on norepinephrine-precontracted aortic rings (reduction by 48 ± 5%); (5) a marked decrease (−58%) of the basal release of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α) from aortic rings. In l-NAME-treated rats, administration in the last 4 weeks of either the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril (10 mg/kg/day in tap water) or the angiotensin AT₁-receptor antagonist losartan (10 mg/kg/day in tap water) decreased systolic blood pressure levels, completely restored eNOS mRNA levels in aortic tissue and plasma nitrite/nitrate levels, and allowed a consistent recovery of both the relaxant activity of acetylcholine and the generation of 6-keto-PGF1α. Coadministration of icatibant, a bradykinin B₂-receptor antagonist (200 μg/kg/day), with enalapril blunted the stimulatory effect of the ACE inhibitor on eNOS mRNA expression, circulating levels of nitrite/nitrate, the relaxant activity of ACh and the release of 6-keto-PGF1α in l-NAME-treated rats. The generation of 6-keto-PGF1α from aortic rings was also decreased in rats coadministered icatibant with losartan. These findings indicate that (1) the ACE inhibitor enalapril and the angiotensin AT₁-receptor blocker losartan are equally effective to reverse NAME-induced endothelial dysfunction; (2) the beneficial effect of enalapril on the endothelial vasodilator function in l-NAME-treated rats is mediated by bradykinin B₂-receptor activation; and (3) the enhanced endothelial generation of prostacyclin induced by losartan in l-NAME rats is also mediated by bradykinin B₂-receptor activation.     

LF 16.0335, a novel potent and selective nonpeptide antagonist of the human bradykinin B2 receptor

1. In the present paper, we describe the in vitro pharmacological properties of LF 16.0335 (1-[[3-[(2,4-dimethylquinolin-8-yl)oxymethyl]-2,4-dichloro-phenyl]sulphonyl] -2(S) - [[4 -[4-(aminoiminomethyl)phenylcarbonyl]piperazin-1-yl]carbonyl]pyrrolidine), a novel and potent nonpeptide antagonist of the human bradykinin (BK) B₂ receptor.
2. LF 16.0335 displaced [³H]-BK binding to membrane preparations from CHO cells expressing the cloned human B₂ receptor, INT 407 cells and human umbilical vein with K_i values of 0.84±0.39 nM, 1.26±0.68 nM and 2.34±0.36 nM, respectively.
3. In saturation binding studies performed in INT 407 cell membranes in the presence or absence of LF 16.0335, B_max values of [³H]-BK were not significantly changed suggesting that LF 16.0335 behaves as a competitive antagonist.
4. LF 16.0335 had no affinity for the cloned human kinin B₁ receptor stably expressed in 293 cells. In addition, this compound at 1 μM did not significantly bind to a range of 40 different membrane receptors and eight ion channels except muscarinic M₂ and M₁ receptors for which an IC₅₀ value of 0.9 and 1 μM was obtained.
5. BK stimulates in a concentration-dependent manner phosphoinositosides (IPs) production in cultured INT 407 cells. Concentration-response-curves to BK were shifted to the right in the presence of LF 16.0335 (0.1 μM) without reduction of the maximum. LF 16.0335 inhibited the concentration-contraction curve to BK in the human umbilical vein giving a pA₂ value of 8.30±0.30 with a Schild plot slope that was not different from unity.
6. These results demonstrate that LF 16.0335 is a potent, selective and competitive antagonist of the human bradykinin B₂ receptor.

     

Receptors mediating the increase in vascular permeability to kinins: comparative studies in rat,guinea-pig and rabbit

Summary The effect of bradykinin (BK) and a variety of kinin analogues and modified kinin fragments were assessed in several models representing the vascular permeability aspect of the inflammatory response. The rank order of potency of various kinin analogues to increase paw volume and skin vascular permeability in rats was \gZ-cyclo-(Lys¹-Gly⁶)-BK = \gZ-cyclo-kallidin > BK > kallidin = methionyllysyl-BKdes-Arg⁹-BK. The same order was seen for skin responses in day 21, rheumatoid-arthritic rats. Mepyramine, 10 mg · kg^–1 almost completely inhibited rat skin vascular responses to histamine, had no effect on BK and produced a small but significant inhibition of the responses to both cyclic-kinins. A different rank order of potency for the kinins was produced in both the guinea-pig and rabbit skin; this being kallidin > methionyl-lysyl-BK > BK >> Z-cyclo-(Lys¹-Gly⁶)-BK = Z-cyclo-kallidin>des-Arg⁹-BK. Neither of the cyclic kinins antagonised BK-induced increases in skin vascular permeability in guinea-pig or rabbit. Two modified kinin fragments, D-Pro-Phe-Arg-paranitroaniline and D-Pro-Phe-Arg-heptylamide, which have previously been demonstrated to be putative B2 receptor antagonists on in vitro tissues, enhanced the effect of BK in rat skin and when injected alone produced dose-related increases in skin vascular permeability in normal and rheumatoid-arthritic rats, both having approximately half the potency of BK. Neither of these fragments possessed agonist or antagonist action against BK in guinea-pig or rabbit skin. The B₁. receptor antagonist, des-Arg⁹-Leu⁸-BK, had no effect against BK-induced responses in any of the models used. It is concluded that the kinin receptor mediating the increase in paw volume of rat and the increase in vascular permeability in rat, rabbit and guinea-pig is not of the B₁-type. The difference in effects of the cyclic kinins and the modified kinin fragments may reflect a difference in the receptor mediating paw oedema and skin permeability in the rat compared to that mediating the same response in rabbit and guinea-pig skin. This requires further study. Send offprint requests to E. T. Whalley at the above address     

Contribution by bradykinin to the natriuretic response to the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor ramiprilat in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Summary It is well documented that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors decrease blood pressure, which is associated with natriuresis in humans and certain animal models of hypertension. However, it is not clear whether these beneficial effects are due solely to blockade of angiotensin-II production and/or also involves any contribution by kinins. The present study was performed in Inactin^® (5-ethyl-5-(1-methylpropyl)-2-thio-barbiturate sodium)-anesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats aged 10–13 wks to examine the relative influence of the angiotensin receptor antagonist losartan (2-n-butyl-4-chloro-5-hydroxymethyl-1- [(2-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl)methyl] imidazole potassium salt) and the bradykinin receptor 2 antagonist HOE 140 (D-Arg-[Hyp3, Thi5, D-Tic7, Oic8] bradykinin) on renal and hemodynamic responses to the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor ramiprilat. We found that ramiprilat (1 mg/kg, i.v.) caused sustained reduction in mean blood pressure, marked increases in urine output and urinary sodium excretion without alteration in glomerular filtration rate. In a separate group of animals, it was found that losartan (1 mg/kg, i. v.) decreased blood pressure to a similar degree as ramiprilat and the magnitude of blood pressure fall seen following the combined administration of ramiprilat and losartan was similar to that caused by either compound alone. However, the increase in urinary sodium excretion seen following losartan administration was significantly smaller than that following ramiprilat or ramiprilat plus losartan. It was also found that HOE 140 (50 g/kg, i.v.), which did not significantly affect both hemodynamic and renal parameters when administered alone, significantly attenuated the natriuretic and diuretic, but not the antihypertensive effect of ramiprilat. These results indicate that inhibition of angiotensin II formation accounts for the major portion of antihypertensive, diuretic and natriuretic effects of ramiprilat and that the accumulation of kinins contributes significantly to renal but not the acute antihypertensive effects of ramiprilat. Correspondence to: M. F. Lokhandwala at the above address     

Effects of an orally active non-peptide bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist,FR173657, on plasma exudation in rat carrageenin-induced pleurisy

1. Effects of an orally active non-peptide (BK) B₂ receptor antagonist, {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"FR173657","term_id":"257935500","term_text":"FR173657"}}FR173657 ((E)-3-(6-acetamido-3-pyridyl)- N-[N-[2,4-dichloro-3-[(2-methyl-8-quinolinyl)oxymethyl]phenyl]-N-methylaminocarbonylmethyl] acrylamide) on the plasma exudation in rat carrageenin-induced pleurisy were investigated.
2. Plasma exudation induced by intrapleural injection of bradykinin (BK, 3 nmol per rat) into male SD strain rats (SPF, 8 weeks old) were significantly inhibited by oral administration of novel B₂ receptor antagonist {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"FR173657","term_id":"257935500","term_text":"FR173657"}}FR173657 (3–30 mg kg⁻¹, 1 h before BK injection) in a dose-dependent manner, whereas that induced by histamine was not.
3. The inhibitory effect of 30 mg kg⁻¹ {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"FR173657","term_id":"257935500","term_text":"FR173657"}}FR173657 persisted for more than 4 h.
4. Intrapleural injection of λ-carrageenin (2% (w/v), 0.1 ml per rat) caused marked plasma exudation and accumulation of exudates from 1 h after carrageenin injection. The maximum plasma exudation response was observed 5 h after carrageenin. The oral administration of {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"FR173657","term_id":"257935500","term_text":"FR173657"}}FR173657 to rats (30 mg kg⁻¹, 1 h before carrageenin) significantly (by 50–77%) blunted the plasma exudation 1, 3, 5, and 7 h after carrageenin, causing a significant parallel reduction (by 42–57%) in the volume of exudates.
5. The anti-inflammatory effect of {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"FR173657","term_id":"257935500","term_text":"FR173657"}}FR173657 on rat carrageenin-induced pleurisy was almost equipotent with that of the peptide B₂ antagonist Hoe140 (1 mg kg⁻¹, i.v.), a plasma kallikrein inhibitor, soy bean trypsin inhibitor (0.3 mg per rat, intrapleural injection) and bromelain (10 mg kg⁻¹, i.v.).
6. In pleurisy induced by intrapleural injection of a histamine releaser, compound 48/80, the plasma exudation was observed only within 20 min after the injection. This plasma exudation was not affected by {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"FR173657","term_id":"257935500","term_text":"FR173657"}}FR173657, although it was completely inhibited by a mixture of pyrilamine (5 mg kg⁻¹, i.v.) and methysergide (3 mg kg⁻¹, i.v.).
7. These results indicate that {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"FR173657","term_id":"257935500","term_text":"FR173657"}}FR173657 is an orally active, promising anti-inflammatory agent for kinin-dependent inflammation.

     

Studies on the effect of two angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors,captopril and cilazapril,on platelet and vascular prostaglandin metabolism in vivo

Summary We have studied in 12 healthy volunteers the effects of two angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, captopril and cilazapril, on vascular and platelet prostaglandin metabolism, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized cross-over study. Formation of 6-keto-prostaglandin F₁ (6-keto-PGF₁) and thromboxane B₂ (TxB₂) was measured locally at the site of a microvascular injury. Similar amounts of TxB₂ and 6-keto-PGF₁ were generated following administration of either ACE inhibitor as compared to placebo. It is concluded that neither captopril nor cilazapril significantly influence vascular and platelet prostaglandin metabolism.Abbreviations ACE angiotensin-convertin enzyme - PGI₂ prostacyclin - TxA₂ thromboxane A₂ - 6-keto-PGF₁ 6-keto-protaglandin - F₁ TxB₂, thromboxane B₂     

Relationship between prostaglandin E2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in angiogenesis in human vascular endothelial cells

To address the role of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in tube formation of endothelial cells and the relationships between the action of PGE2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to evaluate tube formation on Matrigel and the expression of angiogenesis-related genes. PGE2 treatment stimulated the tube-like formation of HUVECs. Whereas VEGF-induced tube formation was significantly suppressed by ETYA, an inhibitor of arachidonic acid metabolism, or SU5614, an inhibitor of VEGF-receptor tyrosine kinase, the stimulatory effect of PGE2 was observed in the presence of ETYA or SU5614. Thus, PGE2 counteracted both ETYA- and SU5614-induced blockage of angiogenesis in the presence of VEGF. VEGF induced cyclooxygenase (COX) -2 mRNA expression in HUVECs and increased the PGE2 concentration in the medium. PGE2 treatment enhanced the expression of VEGF mRNA. These findings suggest that PGE2 directly stimulates angiogenesis, apart from VEGF signaling, and further induces VEGF expression in HUVECs. In addition, the effect of VEGF on angiogenesis may be mediated, in part, by PGE2 secretion.     

NO/cGMP pathway is involved in exocrine secretion from rat pancreatic acinar cells

The enzyme responsible for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) from L-arginine in mammalian tissues is known as nitric oxide synthase (NOS) (EC.1.14.13.39). In the present study, the role of NO in the regulation of exocrine secretion was investigated in rat pancreatic acinar cells. Treatment of rat pancreatic acinar cells with cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-OP) resulted in an increase in the arginine conversion to citrulline, the amount of NO_x, the release of amylase, and the level of cGMP. Especially, CCK-OP-stimulated increase of arginine to citrulline transformation, the amount of NO_x and cGMP level were completely counteracted by the inhibitor of NOS, N^G-monomethyl-L-arginine (MMA), by contrast, that of amylase release was partially reduced. Furthermore, MMA-induced decrease of NOS activity and amylase release showed dose-dependent pattern. The data on the time course of CCK-OP-induced citrulline formation and cGMP rise indicate that NOS and guanylate cyclase were activated by treatment of CCK-OP. However, the mechanism of agonist-stimulated guanylate cyclase activation in acinar cells remains unknown. Therefore, activation of NOS is one of the early events in receptor-mediated cascade of reactions in pancreatic acinar cells and NO, not completely, but partially mediate pancreatic enzyme exocrine secretion.     

Structural determinants for binding to CGRP receptors expressed by human SK-N-MC and Col 29 cells: studies with chimeric and other peptides

1. Structure-activity relationships for the binding of human α-calcitonin gene-related peptide 8–37 (hαCGRP_8–37) have been investigated at the CGRP receptors expressed by human SK-N-MC (neuroblastoma) and Col 29 (colonic epithelia) cells by radioligand binding assays and functional assays (hαCGRP stimulation of adenylate cyclase).
2. On SK-N-MC cells the potency order was hαCGRP_8–37>hαCGRP_19–37=AC187>rat amylin_8–37> hα[Tyr⁰]-CGRP_28–37 (apparent pKBs of 7.49±0.25, 5.89±0.20, 6.18±0.19, 5.85±0.19 and 5.25±0.07). The SK-N-MC receptor appeared CGRP₁-like.
3. On Col 29 cells, only hαCGRP_8–37 of the above compounds was able to antagonize the actions of hαCGRP (apparent pKB=6.48±0.28). Its receptor appeared CGRP₂-like.
4. hα[Ala^11,18]-CGRP_8–37, where the amphipathic nature of the N-terminal α-helix has been reduced, bound to SK-N-MC cells a 100 fold less strongly than hαCGRP_8–37.
5. On SK-N-MC cells, hαCGRP_8–18, _28–37 (M433) and mastoparan-hαCGRP_28–37 (M432) had apparent pKBs of 6.64±0.16 and 6.42±0.26, suggesting that residues 19–27 play a minor role in binding. The physico-chemical properties of residues 8–18 may be more important than any specific side-chain interactions.
6. M433 was almost as potent as hαCGRP_8–37 on Col 29 cells (apparent pKB=6.17±0.20). Other antagonists were inactive.

     

Noradrenaline release from rat sympathetic neurones triggered by activation of B2 bradykinin receptors

1. The role of bradykinin receptors in the regulation of sympathetic transmitter release was investigated in primary cultures of neurones dissociated from superior cervical ganglia of neonatal rats. These cultures were loaded with [³H]-noradrenaline and the outflow of radioactivity was determined under continuous superfusion.
2. Bradykinin (100 nmol l⁻¹ applied for 10 min) caused a transient increase in tritium outflow that reached a peak within four minutes after the beginning of the application and then declined towards the baseline, despite the continuing presence of the peptide. ATP (100 μmol l⁻¹) and nicotine (10 μmol l⁻¹) caused elevations in ³H outflow with similar kinetics, whereas outflow remained elevated during a 10 min period of electrical field stimulation (0.5 ms, 50 mA, 50 V cm⁻¹, 1.0 Hz).
3. When bradykinin was applied for periods of 2 min, the evoked ³H overflow was half-maximal at 12 nmol l⁻¹ and reached a maximum of 2.3% of cellular radioactivity. The preferential B₁ receptor agonist des-Arg⁹-bradykinin failed to alter ³H outflow. The B₂ receptor antagonists, [D-Phe⁷]-bradykinin (1 μmol l⁻¹) and Hoe 140 (10 nmol l⁻¹), per se did not alter ³H outflow, but shifted the concentration-response curve for bradykinin-evoked ³H overflow to the right by a factor of 7.9 and 4.3, respectively.
4. Bradykinin-induced overflow was abolished in the absence of extracellular Ca²⁺ and in the presence of either 1 μmol l⁻¹ tetrodotoxin or 300 μmol l⁻¹ Cd²⁺, as was electrically-induced overflow. Activation of α₂-adrenoceptors by 1 μmol l⁻¹ UK 14,304 reduced both bradykinin- and electrically-triggered overflow. The Ca²⁺-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin (0.3 μmol l⁻¹) failed to alter either type of stimulated overflow. Caffeine (10 mmol l⁻¹) enhanced bradykinin-induced overflow, but reduced overflow triggered by electrical field stimulation.
5. Inclusion of Ba²⁺ (0.1 to 1 mmol l⁻¹) in the superfusion medium enhanced electrically induced overflow by approximately 100% and potentiated bradykinin-triggered overflow by almost 400%. Application of 1 mmol l⁻¹ Ba²⁺ for periods of 2 min triggered ³H overflow, and this overflow was abolished by 1μmol l⁻¹ tetrodotoxin and enhanced by 10 mmol l⁻¹ caffeine. In contrast, inclusion of tetraethylammonium (0.1 to 1 mmol l⁻¹) in the superfusion buffer caused similar increases of bradykinin- and electrically evoked ³H overflow (by about 100%), and tetraethylammonium, when applied for 2 min, failed to alter ³H outflow.
6. Treatment of cultures with 100 ng ml⁻¹ pertussis toxin caused a significant increase in bradykinin-, but not in electrically-, evoked tritium overflow. Treatment with 100 ng ml⁻¹ cholera toxin reduced both types of stimulated ³H overflow.
7. These data reveal bradykinin as a potent stimulant of action potential-mediated and Ca²⁺-dependent transmitter release from rat sympathetic neurones in primary cell culture. This neurosecretory effect of bradykinin involves activation of B₂-receptors, presumably linked to pertussis- and cholera toxin-insensitive G proteins, most likely members of the Gq family. Results obtained with inhibitors of muscarinic K⁺ (K_M) channels, like caffeine and Ba²⁺, indicate that the secretagogue action of bradykinin probably involves inhibition of these K⁺ channels.

     

Binding characteristics of [(3) H]-JSM10292: a new cell membrane-permeant non-peptide bradykinin B(2) receptor antagonist

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE A (3) H-labelled derivative of the novel small-molecule bradykinin (BK) B(2) receptor antagonist JSM10292 was used to directly study its binding properties to human and animal B(2) receptors in intact cells and to closely define its binding site. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Equilibrium binding, dissociation and competition studies with various B(2) receptor ligands and [(3) H]-JSM10292 were performed at 4°C and 37°C. The experiments were carried out using HEK293 cells stably (over)expressing wild-type and mutant B(2) receptors of human and animal origin. KEY RESULTS [(3) H]-JSM10292 bound to B(2) receptors at 4°C and at 37°C with the same high affinity. Its dissociation strongly depended on the temperature and increased when unlabelled B(2) receptor agonists or antagonists were added. [(3) H]-JSM10292 is cell membrane-permeant and thus also bound to intracellular, active B(2) receptors, as indicated by the different 'nonspecific' binding in the presence of unlabelled JSM10292 or of membrane-impermeant BK. Equilibrium binding curves with [(3) H]-JSM10292 and competition experiments with unlabelled JSM10292 and [(3) H]-BK showed a different affinity profile for the wild-type B(2) receptor in different species (man, cynomolgus, rabbit, mouse, rat, dog, pig, guinea pig). Characterization of B(2) receptor mutants and species orthologues combined with homology modelling, using the CXCR4 as template, suggests that the binding site of JSM10292 is different from that of BK but overlaps with that of MEN16132, another small non-peptide B(2) receptor ligand. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS [(3) H]-JSM10292 is a novel, cell membrane-permeant, high-affinity B(2) receptor antagonist that allows direct in detail studies of active, surface and intracellularly located wild-type and mutant B(2) receptors.     

Regulation of the inducible cyclo-oxygenase pathway in human cultured airway epithelial (A549) cells by nitric oxide

1. In airway epithelium, nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized in the setting of inflammation by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Although the role of epithelial derived NO in the regulation of human airways is unknown, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) is recognised as an important inhibitory mediator in human airways. Cyclo-oxygenase (COX) is the rate limiting enzyme in the production of prostanoids and since inflammatory pathways enhance the expression of an inducible COX (COX-2), both COX-2 and iNOS may be co-expressed in response to an inflammatory stimulus. Although regulation of the COX-2 pathway by NO has been demonstrated in animal models, its potential importance in human airway epithelium has not been investigated.
2. The effect of endogenous and exogenous NO on the COX-2 pathway was investigated in the A549 human airway epithelial cell culture model. Activity of the COX-2 pathway was assessed by PGE₂ EIA, and iNOS pathway activity by nitrite assay. A combination cytokine stimulus of interferon gamma (IFNγ) 100 u ml⁻¹, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) 1 u ml⁻¹ and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 10 μg ml⁻¹ induced nitrite formation which could be inhibited by the competitive NOS inhibitor N^G-nitro-L-arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME). IL-1β alone (1–50 u ml⁻¹) induced PGE₂ formation without significant nitrite formation, a response which was inhibited by the COX-2 specific inhibitor nimesulide. Submaximal stimuli used for further experiments were IFNγ 100 u ml⁻¹, IL-1β 1 u ml⁻¹ and LPS 10 μg ml⁻¹ to induce both the iNOS and COX-2 pathways, and IL-1β 3 u ml⁻¹ to induce COX-2 without iNOS activity.
3. Cells treated with IFNγ 100 u ml⁻¹, IL-1β 1 u ml⁻¹ and LPS 10 μg ml⁻¹ for 48 h either alone, or with the addition of L-NAME (0 to 10⁻² M), demonstrated inhibition by L-NAME of PGE₂ (3.61±0.55 to 0.51±0.04 pg/10⁴ cells; P<0.001) and nitrite (34.33±8.07 to 0 pmol/10⁴ cells; P<0.001) production. Restoration of the PGE₂ response (0.187±0.053 to 15.46±2.59 pg/10⁴ cells; P<0.001) was observed after treating cells with the same cytokine stimulus and L-NAME 10⁻⁶ M, but with the addition of the NOS substrate L-arginine (0 to 10⁻⁵ M).
4. Cells incubated with IL-1β 3 u ml⁻¹ for 6 h, either alone or with addition of the NO donor S-nitroso-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP) (0 to 10⁻⁴ M), demonstrated increased PGE₂ formation (1.23±0.03 to 2.92±0.19 pg/10⁴ cells; P< 0.05). No increase in PGE₂ formation was seen when the experiment was repeated in the presence of the guanylate cyclase inhibitor methylene blue (50 μM). Cells treated with SNAP alone did not demonstrate an increased PGE₂ formation. Cells incubated with IL-1β 3 u ml⁻¹ for 6 h in the presence of dibutyryl cyclic guanylate monophosphate (0 to 10⁻³ M) also demonstrated an increased PGE₂ response (2.56±0.21 to 4.53±0.64 pg/10⁴ cells; P<0.05).
5. These data demonstrate that in a human airway epithelial cell culture system, both exogenous and endogenous NO increase the activity of the COX-2 pathway in the setting of inflammatory cytokine stimulation, and that this effect is likely to be mediated by guanylate cyclase. This suggests a role for NO in the regulation of human airway inflammation.

     

Regulation of kinin receptors in airway epithelial cells by inflammatory cytokines and dexamethasone

The two kinin receptors, B(1) and B(2), are upregulated in inflammation and may play a role in diseases such as asthma. In pulmonary A549 cells, TNF-alpha or interleukin-1 beta dramatically increased bradykinin B(1) and B(2) receptor mRNA expression and this response was prevented by dexamethasone. In primary human bronchial epithelial cells, bradykinin B(1) receptor mRNA expression showed a similar trend, whereas bradykinin B(2) receptor showed almost constitutive expression. Radioligand-binding studies revealed significant increases in bradykinin B(2) receptor protein expression following both interleukin-1 beta and TNF-alpha treatment of A549 cells; however, no evidence was found for bradykinin B(1) receptor. Functionally, the bradykinin B(2) receptor ligand, bradykinin, but not the B(1) ligand, des-Arg(10)-kallidin, produced a marked increase in prostaglandin E(2) release when administered following interleukin-1 beta treatment. Arachidonic acid release in response to bradykinin was markedly enhanced by prior incubation with interleukin-1 beta and this was prevented by the prior addition of dexamethasone.     

Potential genetic risk factors in angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitor-induced angio-oedema

AIMS

The pathophysiology of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)-induced angio-oedema remains unclear. We have investigated the impact of ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in combination with serum ACE activity as well as the bradykinin B₂ receptor 2/3 and c.C181T polymorphisms.

METHODS

We analysed the ACE I/D as well as bradykinin B₂ (2/3 and C181T) receptor polymorphisms in 65 patients with documented episodes of ACEi-induced angio-oedema and 65 patients matched for age and sex being under ACEi treatment without history of angio-oedema. Furthermore, we determined serum ACE activity in 47 of the 65 angio-oedema patients 3 months after the angio-oedema attack and compared these values with 51 healthy individuals (control II).

RESULTS

No risk association was identified between ACE I/D (I-allele: 0.42 vs. 0.41, D-allele: 0.58 vs. 0.59; P= 0.095) or bradykinin B₂ receptor polymorphisms and the development of angio-oedema during ACEi treatment. We found a trend of lower serum ACE activity in ACE I/I genotypes in comparison with control II (I/I: 28 ± 4.5 vs. 33 ± 1.8 U l⁻¹; ID: 39 ± 3.3 vs. 41 ± 1 U l⁻¹; DD: 56 ± 6.7 vs. 52 ± 1.8 U l⁻¹; P= 0.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that polymorphism of ACE I/D and the bradykinin B₂ receptor polymorphisms are not involved in the development of ACEi-induced angio-oedema when considered individually. Further studies should be carried out to clarify whether a combination of these polymorphisms might be a risk factor for ACEi-induced angio-oedema.     

Quantification of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline in hemodialysis patients administered angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors by stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

We developed a sensitive, selective and accurate method based on liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to determine N-terminal thymosin-β peptides of Ac-SDKP and Ac-ADKP in human plasma samples. Quantification of Ac-SDKP and Ac-ADKP was performed using solid phase extraction (SPE) based on C(18), reversed phase LC separation, and stable isotope dilution electrospray ionization-MS/MS in multiple reaction-monitoring (MRM) mode. The Ac-SDKP-(13)C(6), (15)N(2) and Ac-ADKP-d(7) were synthesized for the internal standards. These MRM monitoring ions were m/z 488→129 (quantitative ion)/226 for Ac-SDKP, m/z 496→137 for Ac-SDKP-(13)C(6), (15)N(2), m/z 472→129 (quantitative ion)/226 for Ac-ADKP, and m/z 479→129 for Ac-ADKP-d(7), respectively. Lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of Ac-SDKP and Ac-ADKP was 0.1ng/mL in human plasma. Recovery values were ranged from 94.7% to 106.3% for inter- (RSD: 0.6-3.5%) and intra- (RSD: 0.4-4.9%) day assays. Plasma Ac-SDKP levels were significantly higher in hemodialyzed subjects treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors of enalapril (27.3±24.6ng/mL, n=10) and trandolapril (12.3±16.9ng/mL, n=18) than healthy (0.4±0.2ng/mL, n=7) and hemodialyzed subjects (0.6±0.2ng/mL, n=34). This analytical method would be useful to measure N-terminal thymosin-β peptides in human plasma for the clinical study.     

Outward current produced by somatostatin (SRIF) in rat anterior cingulate pyramidal cells in vitro

1. A high density of receptors for somatostatin (SRIF) exists in the anterior cingulate cortex but their function is unknown. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were made from visualized deep layer pyramidal cells of the rat anterior cingulate cortex contained in isolated brain slices to investigate the putative effects of SRIF and to identify the receptor subtype(s) involved.
2. SRIF (1–1000 nM) produced a concentration-dependent outward current which was associated with an increased membrane conductance, was sensitive to Ba²⁺ (300 μM–1 mM), and was absent in the presence of a maximal concentration of the GABA_B receptor agonist, baclofen (100 μM). These observations suggest the outward current was carried by K⁺ ions.
3. SRIF analogues also elicited outward currents with a rank potency order of (EC₅₀, nM): octreotide (1.8)>BIM-23027 (3.7)>SRIF (20)=L-362,855 (20). BIM-23056 was without agonist or antagonist activity. Responses to L-362,855 were unlike those to the other agonists since they were sustained for the duration of the application.
4. The sst₂ receptor antagonist, L-Tyr⁸Cyanamid 154806 (1 μM), had no effect alone but partially reversed responses to submaximal concentrations of SRIF (100 nM, 44±6% reversal) and L-362,855 (100 nM, 70±6% reversal) and fully reversed the response to BIM-23027 (10 nM). In contrast, L-Tyr⁸Cyanamid 154806 did not antagonize the response to baclofen (10 μM).
5. We conclude that SRIF activates a K⁺ conductance in anterior cingulate pyramidal neurones via an action predominantly at sst₂ receptors.

     

Site-directed mutagenesis at the human B2 receptor and molecular modelling to define the pharmacophore of non-peptide bradykinin receptor antagonists

Combining site-directed mutagenesis with information obtained from molecular modelling of the bradykinin (BK) human B2 receptor (hB2R) as derived from the bovine rhodopsin crystal structure [Science 289 (2000) 739], we previously defined a putative binding mode for the non-peptide B2 receptor antagonists, FR173657 and LF16-0687 [Can J Physiol Pharmacol 80 (2002) 303]. The present work is aimed to define the specific role of the quinoline moiety in the pharmacophore of these non-peptide antagonists. The effect of the mutations I110A, L114A (TM, transmembrane 3), W256A (TM6), F292A, Y295A and Y295F (TM7) was evaluated. None of the mutations affected the binding interaction of peptide ligands: the agonist BK and the peptide antagonist MEN 11270. The affinities in competing for [3H]-BK binding and in blocking the BK-induced IP production by the non-peptide antagonists LF16-0687 and FR173657 at the wild type and mutant receptors were analysed. While the affinities of LF16-0687 and FR173657 were crucially decreased at the I110A, Y295A, and Y295F mutants, the W256A mutation affected the affinity of the LF16-0687 only. The important contribution of the quinoline moiety was shown by the inability of an analogue of LF16-0687, lacking this moiety, to affect BK binding at the wild type receptor. On the other hand, the benzamidine group did not interact with mutated residues, since LF16-0687 analogues without this group or with an oxidated benzamidine displayed pairwise loss of affinity on wild type and mutated receptors. Further differences between FR173657 and LF16-0687 were highlighted at the I110 and Y295 mutants when comparing binding (pK(i)) and functional antagonist (pKB) affinity. First, the I110A mutation similarly impaired their binding affinity (250-fold), but at a less extent the antagonist potency of FR173657 only. Second, both the hydroxyl and the phenyl moieties of the Y295 residue had a specific role in the LF16-0687 interaction with the receptor, as demonstrated at the Y295F and Y295A mutants, respectively, but not in that of FR173657. Present data identify a receptor binding pocket comprised among TM3, 6, and 7, which concerns the interaction of the non-peptide antagonists FR173657 and LF16-0687, but not that of the peptide agonist or antagonist. Results indicate the quinoline group as the involved pharmacophoric element, and that the studied residues are differently involved in the interaction. The analysis performed by means of the GRID software led us to propose different spatial orientations of the quinoline moieties and partially overlapping binding pockets for the two ligands: that of LF16-0687 is located in the lipophilic environment amongst I110 (TM3), W256 (TM6), and Y295 (TM7) residues, whereas that of FR173657 lies essentially between I110 and Y295.     

Different role of endothelin ETA and ETB receptors and endothelial modulators in diabetes-induced hyperreactivity of the rabbit carotid artery to endothelin-1

The influence of diabetes on regulatory mechanisms and specific receptors implicated in the contractile response of isolated rabbit carotid arteries to endothelin-1 was examined. Endothelin-1 induced a concentration-dependent contraction that was greater in arteries from diabetic rabbits than in arteries from control rabbits. Endothelium removal or N(G)-nitro-L-arginine enhanced contractions in response to endothelin-1 only in control arteries, without modifying the endothelin-1 response in diabetic arteries. Indomethacin, furegrelate (thromboxane A(2) inhibitor), or cyclo-(D-Asp-Pro-D-Val-Leu-D-Trp) (BQ-123; endothelin ET(A) receptor antagonist) inhibited the contractions in response to endothelin-1, the inhibition being greater in diabetic arteries than in control arteries. 2,6-Dimethylpiperidinecarbonyl-gamma-methyl-Leu-N(in)-(methoxycarbonyl)-D-Trp-D-Nle (BQ-788; endothelin ET(B) receptor antagonist) enhanced the contraction elicited by endothelin-1 in control arteries and displaced to the right the contractile curve for endothelin-1 in diabetic arteries. In summary, diabetes induces hyperreactivity of the rabbit carotid artery to endothelin-1 by a mechanism that at least includes: (1) enhanced activity of muscular endothelin ET(A) receptors; (2) impairment of endothelin ET(B) receptor-mediated nitric oxide (NO) release; and (3) enhancement of the production of thromboxane A(2).