Endothelin-1 enhances vascular permeability in the rat heart through the ETA receptor.

Intravenous injection of endothelin-1 (ET-1, 0.1 and 1 nmol/kg) resulted in a dose-dependent increase in vascular permeability in the coronary circulation of conscious rats. The increase was almost completely abolished by the selective ETA receptor antagonist, BQ-123 (1 mg/kg). The ET-1 analogue, [Trp(For)21]ET-1, which is devoid of the depressor but not the pressor activity, evoked changes in protein extravasation similar to those with ET-1. These data indicate that the permeability effect of ET-1 is mediated through the ETA receptor.     

Effects of endothelin-1 on vascular permeability in the conscious rat: interactions with platelet-activating factor.

1. The objectives of the present experiments were to assess the effects of endothelin-1 on the macrovascular permeability in selected vascular beds, to study the involvement of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in vascular responses to endothelin-1 and to examine the vascular effects of combined administration of endothelin-1 and PAF in conscious rats. 2. Intravenous bolus injection of endothelin-1 (0.1-2 nmol kg-1) resulted in a dose-dependent biphasic change in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) with initial transient hypotension followed by a prolonged pressor action. These changes were accompanied by a dose-dependent increase in haematocrit values. 3. Endothelin-1 (0.1 and 1 nmol kg-1) increased dose-dependently the vascular permeability of the trachea, upper and lower bronchi, stomach, duodenum, spleen and kidney (up to 240%) as measured by the extravasation of Evans blue dye. The permeability of pulmonary parenchyma, liver and pancreas was not affected significantly by endothelin-1 treatment. 4. Pretreatment of animals with the specific PAF receptor antagonist, WEB 2086 (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) or BN 52021 (10 mg kg-1, i.v.) reduced the endothelin-1 (1 nmol kg-1)-induced rise in haematocrit by about 50 and 30%, respectively. Both antagonists were highly effective at inhibiting protein extravasation in the stomach, duodenum and kidney. On the other hand, BN 52021, but not WEB 2086, significantly attenuated the effect of endothelin-1 on permeability in the lower bronchi and spleen. Neither WEB 2086 nor BN 52021 modified the changes in MABP evoked by endothelin-1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of the ETA/ETB receptor antagonist, bosentan on endothelin-1-induced myocardial ischaemia and oedema in the rat.

1. The purpose of this study were to assess the role of ETB receptors in mediating endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced myocardial ischaemia and oedema in rats and to study the inhibitory action of the novel nonpeptide ETA/ETB receptor antagonist, bosentan on these actions of ET-1. 2. Intravenous bolus injection of ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1) into anaesthetized rats produced marked ST segment elevation of the electrocardiogram without causing arrhythmias. ST segment elevation developed within 30-50 s and persisted for at least 30 min following injection of the peptide. 3. Pretreatment of the animals with bosentan (10 mg kg-1, i.v.) inhibited on average by 96% the ST segment elevation elicited by ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1) compared to the 82% inhibition observed with the ETA receptor-selective antagonist, FR 139317 (2.5 mg kg-1, i.v.). 4. Bolus injection of ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1, i.v.) to conscious chronically catheterized rats evoked a transient depressor response followed by a prolonged pressor effect. Corresponding to changes in blood pressure, a transient tachycardia and a sustained bradycardia were observed. ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1) enhanced albumin extravasation by 119 and 93% in the left ventricle and right atrium, respectively, as measured by the local extravascualr accumulation of Evans blue dye. 5. Pretreatment of the animals with bosentan (10 mg kg-1) inhibited by 71 and 90% the depressor and pressor actions of ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1) and the accompanying tachycardia and bradycardia, respectively. FR 139317 (2.5 mg kg-1) attenuated the pressor response to ET-1 and accompanying bradycardia by 75%, without affecting the depressor action and accompanying tachycardia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Incomplete inhibition of the pressor effects of endothelin-1 and related peptides in the anaesthetized rat with BQ-123 provides evidence for more than one vasoconstrictor receptor.

1. The effects of the ETA receptor antagonist, BQ-123 on blood pressure changes induced by various members of the endothelin (ET)/sarafotoxin (SX) peptide superfamily were investigated in the anaesthetized rat. 2. ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1, i.v. bolus) induced a sustained increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP, maximum increase 44 +/- 3 mmHg). Intravenous injection of BQ-123 at 0.2, 1.0 or 5.0 mg kg-1 5 min before ET-1 inhibited the pressor response by 18, 50 and 61%, respectively. The ET-1 pressor response was inhibited by 75% when the peptide was given 60 min after the start of a 120 min i.v. infusion of BQ-123 (0.2 mg kg-1 min-1). 3. In addition to ET-1, BQ-123 (1 mg kg-1, i.v. bolus) attenuated the pressor responses to big ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1, i.v., bolus, maximum increase in MAP: 68 +/- 7 mmHg), ET-3 (3 nmol kg-1, i.v., bolus, maximum response: 30 +/- 3 mmHg), SX6b (1 nmol kg-1, i.v., bolus, maximum response: 41 +/- 5 mmHg) and SX6c (1 nmol kg-1, i.v., bolus, maximum response: 24 +/- 4 mmHg) by 65, 60, 88 and 50%, respectively. 4. With the exception of big ET-1, all the peptides used in this study induced an initial transient depressor response (-32 +/- 3 mmHg, n = 18). Although BQ-123 (1 mg kg-1, i.v., bolus) did not affect the absolute magnitude of the fall in MAP, the ETA receptor antagonist significantly prolonged the depressor responses induced by ET-3 and SX6b.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Characterization of receptors mediating vascular responses to endothelin-1 in the conscious rat.

1. The present study has determined the receptors mediating the vascular responses (pressor and depressor actions and vascular permeability effect) to endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the conscious rat by using the novel non-peptide ETA/ETB receptor antagonist, bosentan (Ro 47-0203, 4-tert-butyl-N-[6-(2 hydroxyethoxy)-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-2,2'-bipyrimidine- 4-yl]benzene-sulphonamide), the ETA receptor-selective antagonist, FR 139317 and the ETB receptor-selective peptide agonist, IRL 1620. 2. Bolus injection of ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1, i.v.) resulted in a prolonged pressor effect (maximum increase in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was 47 +/- 3 mmHg, n = 6) preceded by a transient depressor response (maximum decrease in MABP was 17 +/- 1 mmHg). Both these responses were inhibited by bosentan (1-20 mg kg-1, i.v. bolus) in a dose-dependent manner. The maximum inhibition of ET-induced depressor and pressor responses did not exceed 53 and 87%, respectively. FR 139317 (2.5 mg kg-1, i.v.) attenuated the pressor response to ET-1 by 75% without affecting the depressor response. Furthermore, FR 139317, but not bosentan, prolonged the depressor action of ET-1. Corresponding to changes in blood pressure, a small transient tachycardia (delta heart rate 15 +/- 5 beats min-1) followed by a sustained bradycardia (delta heart rate -48 +/- 10 beats min-1, n = 6) was observed following injection of 1 nmol kg-1 ET-1. FR 139317 and bosentan (10 mg kg-1) inhibited ET-1-induced bradycardia by 79% and 71%, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Mediation via different receptors of the vasoconstrictor effects of endothelins and sarafotoxins in the systemic circulation and renal vasculature of the anaesthetized rat.

1. Using endothelin-1 (ET-1), endothelin-3 (ET-3), sarafotoxin 6b (SX6b) and sarafotoxin 6c (SX6c) as agonists and BQ-123 as a selective ETA receptor antagonist, we have examined the endothelin receptor subtypes mediating the systemic pressor and renal vasoconstrictor effects of the ET/SX family of peptides. 2. In anaesthetized rats, bolus intravenous injections of ET-1, ET-3, SX6b or SX6c (0.1, 0.25 and 0.50 nmol kg-1) produced initial transient depressor responses followed by sustained and dose-dependent increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) with the following rank order of potency: SX6b > ET-1 >> SX6c > ET-3. In contrast, in the renal vasculature these peptides caused equipotent dose-dependent falls in renal blood flow (RBF) (ET-1 = ET-3 = SX6b = SX6c). 3. BQ-123 (1 mg kg-1, i.v. bolus) significantly reduced the systemic pressor effects of all the peptides but was largely ineffective against the renal vasoconstrictions. 4. These results indicate that although the systemic pressor effects of the ET/SX peptides are mediated via ETA receptors, the vasoconstriction in the kidney in vivo may be mediated predominantly via ETB-like receptors. This may be of therapeutic relevance, for an ETA-receptor-selective antagonist could offer only poor protection of the renal circulation from the deleterious effects of endogenously produced members of this peptide family.     

Effects of calcium antagonists on endothelin-1-induced myocardial ischaemia and oedema in the rat.

1. The effects of the calcium channel blockers, verapamil and nifedipine on myocardial ischaemia and oedema evoked by endothelin-1 (ET-1) or IRL 1620, an ETB receptor-selective agonist were studied in anaesthetized and conscious rats. 2. Bolus injection of ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1, i.v.) or IRL 1620 (1 nmol kg-1, i.v.) to conscious chronically catheterized rats evoked a transient depressor response followed by a prolonged pressor effect. Corresponding to changes in blood pressure, a transient tachycardia and a sustained bradycardia were observed. Pretreatment of the animals with verapamil (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) or nifedipine (200 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) produced on average 5 mmHg decrease in mean arterial blood pressure. Both verapamil and nifedipine inhibited by 63 and 44% the pressor actions of ET-1 or IRL 1620 (1 nmol kg-1), respectively, and the accompanying bradycardia. Both verapamil and nifedipine potentiated the magnitude of the depressor action of ET-1 and IRL 1620 without affecting the accompanying tachycardia. Decreasing mean arterial blood pressure with hydralazine (0.2 - 0.3 micromol kg-1, i.v.) to levels comparable to those observed after verapamil or nifedipine had no significant effects on the haemodynamic responses to ET-1 or IRL-1620. 3. Intravenous bolus injection of ET-1 or IRL 1620 (0.1-2 nmol kg-1) into anaesthetized rats produced dose-dependent ST segment elevation of the electrocardiogram without causing arrhythmias. ST segment elevation developed within 30-50s and persisted for at least 10-20 min following injection of the peptides. 4. Pretreatment of the animals with verapamil (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) or nifedipine (200 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) inhibited on average by 79 and 76% the ST segment elevation elicited by ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1), respectively. Verapamil and nifedipine also attenuated IRL 1620 (1 nmol kg-1)-induced ST segment elevation on average by 71 and 74%, respectively. In contrast, no significant inhibition was observed with hydralazine (0.2-0.3 mumol kg-1). 5. Both ET-1 and, to a lesser extent, IRL 1620 (0.1-2 nmol kg-1) evoked albumin accumulation in cardiac tissues in a dose-dependent fashion as measured by the local extravascular accumulation of Evans blue dye in conscious rats. ET-1 and IRL 1620 (1 nmol kg-1) enhanced albumin extravasation by 109 and 82%, and 34 and 44% in the left ventricle and right atrium, respectively. ET-1 or IRL 1620-induced albumin extravasation was completely prevented by verapamil (1 mg kg-1) or nifedipine (200 micrograms kg-1) in these vascular beds. In contrast, hydralazine (0.2-0.3 mumol kg-1) failed to modify the effects of ET-1 or IRL 1620 on albumin extravasation. 6. These results show that verapamil and nifedipine are highly effective in protecting the myocardium against the pro-ischaemic and microvascular permeability enhancing effects of ET-1 and suggest that ETA and constrictor ETB (tentatively termed ETB2) receptors mediating these actions of ET-1 are coupled to calcium influx through dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels.     

Acute pro-inflammatory actions of endothelin-1 in the guinea-pig lung: involvement of ETA and ETB receptors.

1. Although recent observations suggest that endothelin-1 (ET-1) may play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma, to date little is known about the effects of ET-1 on parameters other than bronchoconstriction. The objectives of the present experiments were to study whether intravenously administered ET-1 could exert pro-inflammatory actions in the guinea-pig lung and to assess the involvement of endothelin ETA and ETB receptors in these events by using the ETA receptor-selective antagonist, FR 139317, the novel ETA/ETB receptor antagonist, bosentan and the ETB receptor-selective agonist, IRL 1620. 2. Bolus i.v. injection of ET-1 (0.1-1 nmol kg-1) to anaesthetized guinea-pigs evoked dose-dependent increases in mean arterial blood pressure which lasted for 6-12 min. This was accompanied by a dose-dependent haemoconcentration (8-15% plasma volume losses) and increases (up to 546%) in albumin extravasation in the trachea, upper and lower bronchi, but not in the pulmonary parenchyma. Qualitatively similar changes were observed following i.v. injection of the ETB receptor agonist, IRL 1620 (0.3 and 1 nmol kg-1), although IRL 1620 appeared to be about 3 times less potent than ET-1. The ETA receptor-selective antagonist, FR 139317 (2.5 mg kg-1) inhibited the ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1)-induced pressor response, haemoconcentration and albumin extravasation by 75, 77 and 60-70%, respectively, whereas it did not attenuate IRL 1620 (1 nmol kg-1)-induced changes. The ETA/ETB receptor antagonist, bosentan (10 mg kg-1) almost completely inhibited the pressor, haemoconcentration and permeability effects of both ET-1 and IRL 1620. 3. ET-1, but not IRL 1620 (0.1-1 nmol kg-1), produced a dose-dependent neutropenia with relative lymphocytosis and monocytosis, but did not induce influx of neutrophil granulocytes into pulmonary tissues or the bronchoalveolar space. ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1)-induced neutropenia was prevented by pretreatment of the animals with FR 139317 (2.5 mg kg-1), bosentan (10 mg kg-1) or adrenaline (90 nmol kg-1), indicating that ET-1 caused intravascular sequestration of neutrophil granulocytes. 4. ET-1 or IRL 1620 (10(-10)-10(-6) M) alone did not activate alveolar macrophages in vitro, whereas at a concentration of 10(-8) M, ET-1, but not IRL 1620, markedly potentiated superoxide production in response to f-Met-Leu-Phe (10(-9)-10(-7) M) and platelet-activating factor (PAF, 10(-9)-10(-7) M), but not to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (10(-9) M).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Endothelin-1-induced myocardial ischaemia and oedema in the rat: involvement of the ETA receptor, platelet-activating factor and thromboxane A2.

1. The objectives of the present experiments were to assess the role of ETA receptors in mediating endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced myocardial ischaemia and oedema and to study the involvement of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and thromboxane A2 (TxA2) in these actions of ET-1 in rats. 2. Intravenous bolus injection of ET-1 (0.1-2 nmol kg-1) into anaesthetized rats induced ST segment elevation of the electrocardiogram in a dose-dependent manner without causing arrhythmias. ST segment elevation developed within 20-90 s and persisted for at least 10-20 min following administration of ET-1. 3. Pretreatment of the animals with the selective endothelin ETA receptor antagonist, FR 139317 (2.5 mg kg-1, i.v.) inhibited by 86% the ST segment elevation elicited by ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1). Pretreatment with intravenous administration of BM 13505 (1 mg kg-1), a TxA2 receptor antagonist, OKY-046 (10 mg kg-1), a thromboxane synthase inhibitor or the specific PAF receptor antagonist, WEB 2086 (1 mg kg-1) or BN 52021 (10 mg kg-1) markedly suppressed ST segment elevation in response to ET-1. Infusion of indomethacin (3 mg kg-1 bolus plus 2 mg kg-1 h-1) did not significantly affect ET-1-induced ST segment elevation. 4. Bolus injection of ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1, i.v.) to conscious rats resulted in a prolonged pressor effect preceded by a transient depressor response. Corresponding to changes in blood pressure, a small transient tachycardia was followed by a sustained bradycardia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Vascular responses to endothelin-1 following inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis in the conscious rat.

1. The objectives of the present experiments were to assess the role of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) in mediating and/or modulating the effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on blood pressure and microvascular permeability in conscious rats. 2. Intravenous administration of the NO synthesis inhibitors, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) or NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) at a dose (25 mg kg-1 or 2 mg kg-1, respectively) which evoked maximum increase in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) significantly attenuated (by about 40%) the vasodepressor response and potentiated (by 100-180%) the pressor response to ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1, i.v.) compared to the effects of ET-1 in animals where the peripheral vasoconstrictor effects of L-arginine analogues were mimicked by an infusion of noradrenaline (620-820 ng kg-1 min-1). Similar inhibition of the depressor and potentiation of the pressor actions of ET-1 were observed when the MABP which had been elevated by L-NMMA or L-NAME was titrated to normotensive levels with hydralazine or diazoxide before injection of ET-1. 3. L-NAME (2 mg kg-1) increased the vascular permeability of the large airways, stomach, duodenum, pancreas, liver, kidney and spleen (up to 280%) as measured by the extravasation of Evans blue dye. The permeability of pulmonary parenchyma, skeletal muscle and skin was not affected significantly by L-NAME treatment. Elevation of MABP by noradrenaline infusion did not evoke protein extravasation in the vascular beds studied with the exception of the lung.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Evidence for a differential location of vasoconstrictor endothelin receptors in the vasculature.

1. There are at least two subtypes of vascular endothelin (ET) receptors. Stimulation of the ETA receptors on vascular smooth muscle cells leads to vasoconstriction, whereas activation of the ETB receptors on endothelial cells elicits vasodilatation. Several reports in the literature have suggested the presence of a vasoconstrictor non-ETA receptor on vascular smooth muscle which has pharmacological similarities to the ETB receptor. The present study was undertaken to determine the location of this ETB-like receptor within the vascular system. 2. Fourteen vascular smooth muscle preparations from six species were used to determine the effect of the ETA receptor antagonist, BQ-123, on concentration-response curves elicited by ET-1 and the ability of the ETB receptor agonist, sarafotoxin S6c, to cause contraction. The vessels fell into two categories. One group was sensitive to BQ-123 and insensitive to sarafotoxin S6c and, thus, probably contained ETA receptors. The other group, with vasoconstrictor ETB-like receptors, was insensitive to BQ-123 and sensitive to sarafotoxin S6c. 3. Vessels from cynomolgus monkeys, when studied in vitro, appeared to contain primarily ETA receptors, although the potency of BQ-123 was quite variable, suggesting the possibility of ETA receptor subtypes. In contrast, both ET-1 and sarafotoxin S6c, given as intravenous injections in conscious monkeys, produced transient, equipotent, and dose-related increases in blood pressure. The highest dose of sarafotoxin S6c (1 nmol kg-1, i.v.) also caused a marked secondary depressor response (-80 +/- 6 mmHg) that lasted approximately 10 min. The pressor responses suggest that the vasoconstrictor ETB-like receptors are present in cynomolgus monkeys.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of an ET1-receptor antagonist, FR139317, on regional haemodynamic responses to endothelin-1 and [Ala11,15]Ac-endothelin-1 (6-21) in conscious rats.

1. In conscious, Long Evans rats, chronically instrumented for the measurement of regional haemodynamics, we compared responses to the putative, selective ETB-receptor agonist, [Ala1,3,11,15]endothelin-1 (ET-1), obtained from two sources (Microchemical Laboratory, Cambridge (MLC) and Neosystem Laboratory, France (NLF)). [Ala1,3,11,15]ET-1 (0.15, 0.3, 1 and 10 nmol kg-1) from MCL caused dose-dependent pressor effects, accompanied by reductions in renal and, particularly, mesenteric flows and vascular conductances; there was an initial hyperaemic vasodilatation in the hindquarters which was not dose-dependent, and only with the highest dose was there a subsequent vasoconstriction. There was no significant initial depressor response to [Ala1,3,11,15]ET-1 from MLC at any dose. However, the peptide from NLF exerted dose-dependent depressor and hindquarters vasodilator actions, and subsequent pressor effects. The difference between the two peptide preparations remains unexplained, but it appears that the [Ala1,3,11,15]ET-1 from MLC may activate ETB-receptors mediating vasoconstriction, more effectively than those mediating vasodilatation. 2. We also assessed responses to the putative ETB-receptor agonist, [Ala11,15]Ac-ET-1 (6-21) (BQ-3020), and determined the effects of the selective ETA-receptor antagonist, FR139317, on responses to ET-1 and BQ-3020 at doses matched for their initial depressor and subsequent pressor effects (ET-1, 0.5 nmol kg-1, BQ-3020, 10 nmol kg-1), and also at doses that did not affect mean arterial blood pressure, but which were matched for their renal vasoconstrictor effects (ET-1, 7.5 pmol kg-1; BQ-3020, 0.15 nmol kg-1). 3. BQ-3020 (0.15, 0.3 and 1 nmol kg-1) had dose-dependent pressor effects accompanied by reductions in renal and, particularly, mesenteric flows and vascular conductances. BQ-3020 at a dose of 10 nmol kg-1 elicited an initial depressor response which coincided with an attenuated mesenteric vasoconstrictor effect, accompanying a marked hindquarters vasodilatation. Hence, it appears that BQ-3020 may activate both vasoconstrictor and vasodilator ETB-receptors. 4. FR139317 (0.5 mumol kg-1) caused attenuation of the pressor, and renal, mesenteric and hindquarters vasoconstrictor effects of ET-1 (0.5 nmol kg-1) and of BQ-3020 (10 nmol kg-1), but the reductions of the pressor and renal vasoconstrictor effects of ET-1 were greater than those of BQ-3020. However, in the presence of FR139317, significant pressor and renal, mesenteric and hindquarters vasoconstrictor responses to ET-1 and BQ-3020 still occurred, and the initial depressor and hindquarters vasodilator responses to both peptides were unchanged.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Roles of endothelin receptors in the regional and systemic vascular responses to ET-1 in the anaesthetized ganglion-blocked rat: use of selective antagonists.

1. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) produces vasoconstriction, via activation of ETA and ETB receptors on vascular smooth muscle, and vasodilatation via ETB receptors on endothelial cells. Here we have used the ETA receptor-selective antagonist, BQ-123, the ETB receptor-selective antagonist, BQ-788 and the ETA/ETB receptor non-selective antagonist, PD 145065, to study the role of these receptors in mediating the haemodynamic changes induced by an infusion of ET-1 to the anesthetized ganglion-blocked rat. 2. Infusion of ET-1 (10 pmol kg-1 min-1) increased the mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 57.5 +/- 5.1 mmHg over 70 min. This pressor response was reduced by about 50% by coinfusion of BQ-123 (10 mmol kg-1 min-1), but was unaffected by either BQ-788 (10 nmol kg-1 min-1) or PD 145065 (10 nmol kg-1 min-1). 3. After infusion of ET-1 for 70 min the cardiac output had fallen from 102.6 +/- 11.3 to 55.7 +/- 7.6 ml min-1 and the total peripheral resistance had increased from 3.24 +/- 0.6 to 10.0 +/- 0.8 mmHg ml-1 min-1 (per 100g body weight). BQ-123 decreased the magnitudes of these changes whereas BQ-788 potentiated them. PD 145065 was without effect. 4. ET-1 increased the vascular resistances of all the organs studied except the brain and stomach. These changes were attenuated by BQ-123 in the kidneys, skin, adrenal glands and caecum and potentiated by BQ-788 in the kidneys, small intestine, large intestine and mesentery. PD 145065 had little effect on the individual tissues. 5. Thus, BQ-123, a selective ETA receptor antagonist, inhibits the pressor and vascular constrictor effects of ET-1 more actively than PD 145065. As BQ-788 potentiates some of the vasoconstrictor effects of ET-1 and increases the effects of ET-1 on total peripheral resistance, the predominant role of ETB receptors in the rat circulation is to limit the pressor effects of ET-1.     

Evidence from receptor antagonists of an important role for ETB receptor-mediated vasoconstrictor effects of endothelin-1 in the rat kidney.

1. To characterize the receptor subtype(s) mediating the renal vasoconstrictor effects of the endothelin (ET) and sarafotoxin (SX) peptides in the isolated perfused kidney of the rat, we have examined the effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1), sarafotoxin 6b (SX6b) and sarafotoxin 6c (SX6c) as agonists, BQ-123 and FR 139317 as selective ETA receptor antagonists, and PD 145065 as a non-selective (ETA and ETB) receptor antagonist. We have also compared in the anaesthetized rat the systemic pressor and renal vasoconstrictor effects of ET-1 and SX6c alone or after pretreatment with PD 145065. 2. In the isolated perfused kidney, ET-1, SX6b and SX6c all gave similar concentration-dependent increases in perfusion pressure. The ETA receptor selective antagonists, BQ-123 and FR 139317, both partially blocked the increase in perfusion pressure induced by ET-1. In contrast, PD 145065 completely blocked the increase in perfusion pressure caused by ET-1. 3. Indomethacin (10 microM) had no effect on the ET-1-induced increases in perfusion pressure but significantly reduced the vasoconstriction induced by low concentrations of SX6c, without affecting responses to high concentrations. In the anaesthetized rat, indomethacin (5 mg kg-1) did not modify the systemic pressor or renal vasoconstrictor effects of ET-1 or SX6c. 4. In anaesthetized rats, bolus intravenous injections of ET-1 or SX6c (0.1, 0.25, 0.5 or 1.0 nmol kg-1) produced initial transient depressor responses followed by sustained and dose-dependent increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

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

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

In vivo pharmacological characterization of the non-peptide endothelin receptor antagonist SB 209670.

1. The aim of the present study was to assess the ability of SB 209670, a high affinity non-peptide endothelin receptor antagonist (0.4 and 18 nM Kis at human cloned ETA and ETB receptors, respectively), to inhibit the haemodynamic actions of endothelin-1 in vivo. 2. Systemic administration of (+/-)-SB 209670, given either as a bolus i.v. injection or as a continuous i.v. infusion, did not alter basal haemodynamic parameters in the anaesthetized rat. 3. Infusion of (+/-)-SB 209670 (10 micrograms kg-1 min-1) selectively inhibited the depressor and carotid vasodilator response to exogenous endothelin-1: 100 micrograms kg-1 min-1 was required to inhibit significantly the biphasic haemodynamic actions of endothelin-1. The haemodynamic actions of angiotensin II and calcitonin gene-related peptide were unaltered by 100 micrograms kg-1 min-1 (+/-)-SB 209670. 4. Bolus i.v. administration of (+/-)-SB 209670 (1 mg kg-1) selectively inhibited the depressor and carotid vasodilator actions of endothelin-1: 10 mg kg-1 (+/-)-SB 209670 was required to inhibit the secondary vasoconstrictor actions of endothelin-1. 5. (+/-)-SB 209670 (10 mg kg-1) was also effective at antagonizing the pressor actions of endothelin-1 in the conscious rat for up to 3 h after intraduodenal administration thereby demonstrating that the antagonist was bioavailable upon enteric administration. This dose of (+/-)-SB 209670 did not alter basal haemodynamic parameters in the conscious rat.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

ETA receptor-mediated responses to endothelin-1 and big endothelin-1 in the rat kidney.

1. Renal clearance experiments were conducted in anaesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats to determine the effect of the ETA receptor antagonist, BQ-123, on the renal haemodynamic response to endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its precursor, big endothelin-1 (big ET-1) at doses that produce an equivalent degree of renal vasoconstriction. 2. Infusion of either big ET-1 at 100 pmol kg-1 min-1 or ET-1 at 12 pmol kg-1 min-1 for 60 min produced almost identical decreases in renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Big ET-1 produced an increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) that was significantly larger than the increase produced by ET-1. 3. Co-infusion with BQ-123 (0.1 mg kg-1 min-1) prevented the rise in MAP produced by big ET-1 and completely blocked the renal response. Similarly, BQ-123 inhibited both the increase in MAP and the decrease in RPF and GFR produced by ET-1. 4. Big ET-1 but not ET-1, produced a significant increase in water and sodium excretion. BQ-123 had no effect on the diuretic and natriuretic response to big ET-1 consistent with possible ETB-mediated inhibition of tubular reabsorption. 5. We have previously shown that at higher doses of ET-1, BQ-123 was unable to inhibit the renal vasoconstrictor response despite blockade of the pressor response. Taken together, these results indicate that ET-1 activates primarily ETA receptors at moderately low doses to produce renal vasoconstriction while higher doses also involve non-ETA receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Regional vasodilation to endothelin-1 is mediated by a non-ETA receptor subtype in the anaesthetized rat: effect of BQ-123 on systemic haemodynamic responses.

The sustained infusion of 75 nmol/kg per min BQ-123 selectively attenuates the systemic pressor responses to i.v. bolus endothelin-1 in the anaesthetized rat; the initial systemic vasodepression is only attenuated when a 10-fold higher dose of this ETA-selective antagonist is infused. These doses of BQ-123 do not antagonize the haemodynamic actions of angiotensin II or calcitonin gene-related peptide nor do they alter basal systemic haemodynamics. The secondary increase in carotid vascular resistance associated with the systemic pressor actions of endothelin-1 is selectively attenuated by the bolus i.v. administration of BQ-123 (1.6 mumol/kg); the maximum degree of the vasorelaxation that precedes this more sustained constriction is unaltered. Thus, the initial carotid vasodilation observed to endothelin-1, and the associated systemic vasodepression, is mediated by a non-ETA receptor subtype. Furthermore, subtle differences might exist between the receptors mediating mesenteric and carotid vasoconstriction since only the latter is sensitive to BQ-123.     

Pharmacologic characterization of an endothelinA (ETA) receptor antagonist in conscious rats.

The present experiments describe the endothelin-1 (ET-1) antagonist activity of BQ123 (cyclic D-Asp-L-Pro-D-Val-L-Leu-D-Trp) in conscious Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, and we also examined the effect blockade of ETA receptors had on blood pressure in four experimental models of hypertension. Rats were anesthetized with methoxyflurane and instrumented with femoral arterial and venous catheters. In SD rats, BQ123 (0.1-10.0 mg/kg i.v.) administered 5 or 60 min prior to ET-1 inhibited both the magnitude and duration of the ET-1 (0.25 nmol/kg i.v.) pressor response. In addition, BQ123 (10.0 mg/kg) inhibited the pressor response evoked by administration of the ET-1 precursor, proendothelin-1 (1.0 nmol/kg). However, BQ123 (10.0 mg/kg) had no effect on the pressor response evoked by ET-3 (0.75 nmol/kg). In Wistar-Kyoto rats, BQ123 (10.0 mg/kg) reversed the hypertension produced by an infusion of ET-1 (0.01 nmol/kg/min). Administration of BQ123 produced a mild antihypertensive effect in normal- to low-renin models of hypertension, but no blood pressure lowering was observed in high-renin models of hypertension. These studies demonstrated the selectivity of the ETA receptor antagonist, BQ123 for ET-1, but not ET-3-induced pressor responses. Furthermore, ET-1 does not appear to be a major contributing factor to the maintenance of elevated levels of blood pressure in four experimental models of hypertension.     

Nitric oxide modulates vascular permeability in the rat coronary circulation.

1. The objective of the present study was to assess whether inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production could modulate vascular permeability in the coronary circulation in conscious rats. 2. Intravenous injection of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 2 mg kg-1) resulted in a slowly developing hypertension and evoked twofold increases in vascular permeability in the left ventricle and right atrium as measured by the extravasation of Evans blue dye. Maintenance of mean arterial blood pressure at the level observed following L-NAME injection by infusion of noradrenaline (620-820 ng kg-1 min-1) did not induce significant protein extravasation in the coronary circulation. 3. L-NAME treatment markedly enhanced (up to 490%) protein extravasation both in the left ventricle and right atrium in response to platelet-activating factor (PAF, 1.9 nmol kg-1, i.v.) and endothelin-1 (1 nmol kg-1, i.v.). Noradrenaline infusion potentiated (up to 69%) endothelin-1-induced protein extravasation. The permeability effect of PAF was only slightly enhanced by noradrenaline. 4. The present findings indicate that inhibition of endogenous NO synthesis leads to an increase in protein extravasation and to potentiation of the permeability effects of PAF and endothelin-1 in the coronary circulation. These results also suggest that NO may be an important regulator of vascular permeability under physiological and pathological conditions.