Effect of prostaglandin D2 in modulating histamine release from human basophils

Prostaglandin (PG) D2 is the major cyclooxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid released after immunologic stimulation of mast cells. In this report, we demonstrate that this PG is unlike other PGs previously investigated in that it enhances human basophil histamine release at concentrations of 1 to 100 nM. Enhancement is seen when antigen, the phorbol diester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and ionophore A23187 are used to initiate release and, in preparations of basophils, purified to 51 to 66% of total cell number as well as in preparations of mixed leukocytes. This enhancement is a late or "second stage" phenomenon as defined by the two stages of histamine release and is additive with the enhancement produced by D2O, but not with the enhancement produced by indomethacin or 5-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid. PGD2 also reverses the inhibition of release produced by drugs and hormones such as dimaprit and PGE2 that activate adenylate cyclase to increase cellular cyclic AMP levels. These data suggest that PGD2 may play an important role in allergic and immunologic reactions and suggest a mechanism by which mast cells and basophils can interact during these reactions.     

Vascular sensitivity to prostaglandin I2 and urinary excretion of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha in conscious dogs

A method is described for measuring the urinary excretion of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, the stable hydrolysis product of prostaglandin I2, by stable isotope dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Three different doses of prostaglandin I2 were infused intravenously into conscious dogs and the effects on systemic and renal haemodynamics and urinary sodium excretion were observed. The two highest infusion rates of prostaglandin I2 (15 and 30 ng min-1 kg-1 body weight) induced significant decreases in systematic blood pressure and dose-related increases in sodium excretion, but no change in renal haemodynamics. There was a linear relationship between urinary excretion of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha and the rate of infusion of prostaglandin I2. The calculated basal rate of entry of prostaglandin I2 into the systematic circulation in conscious dogs is 4 ng min-1 kg-1 body weight, which is substantially higher than that previously reported in man.     

Comparative vascular effects of histamine, prostaglandin (PG) D2 and its metabolite 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2 in human skin

In this double-blind study we have investigated the vascular effects of prostaglandin, (PG) D2, in normal skin and compared these effects with histamine and the initial PGD2 metabolite 9 alpha, 11 beta-PGF2. In eight healthy subjects the vascular response to intradermal injections of histamine, PGD2, a combination of histamine and PGD2, and 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2, was assessed by measurement of the weal and flare area. Histamine caused dose-related increases in weal area (P less than 0.01). The weal response due to PGD2 was greater than saline control only at a dose of 71.0 and 710 nmol (P less than 0.05). Because of the small size of the weal produced by PGD2 when compared with histamine, it was not possible to determine their relative potencies. Histamine and PGD2 caused dose-related increases in flare area (P less than 0.05), and when compared at a response level of 10 cm2 and 15 cm2, histamine was 45 and 251 (P less than 0.01) times more potent than PGD2 in molar terms. Weal and flare responses due to 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2 were similar to those observed with the equimolar concentration of PGD2. The weal and flare responses when PGD2 and histamine when combined were not significantly different from that predicted by a purely additive effect. We conclude that histamine is likely to be an important mediator contributing towards increased vascular permeability and vasodilatation following immunological activation of skin mast cells in vivo, while PGD2 and its metabolite 9 alpha, 11 beta-PGF2 play only a minor role.     

Interaction of prostaglandin A2 and prostaglandin B2 on vascular smooth muscle tone, vascular reactivity and electrolyte transport.

The effects of prostaglandin A2 (PGA2) and prostaglandin B2 (PGB2) on vascular smooth muscle tone, electrolyte movements and responses to vasoactive stimuli were evaluated with superfused canine tibial arteries. PGA2 and PGB2 constricted superfused tibial arteries. PGB2 was 10.7 (8.3-14.1) times more potent as a constrictor than PGA2. PGA2 and PGB2-induced vasoconstriction was associated with a decrease in 22Na efflux and a tendency toward an increase in cellular sodium (expressed as micromoles per gram of wet weight). These prostaglandins also decreased the total potassium content of tibial arteries. 45Ca exchange was enhanced by PGA2 and PGB2. The time course of PG-induced increases in 45Ca efflux was similar to the temporal increase in force produced by PGA2 and PGB2. The duration of the contractile response to barium chloride was greatly prolonged during superfusion with both PGA2 and PGB2. These effects were probably not mediated by PG-induced alterations in the resting membrane potential of tibial arteries since presumed depolarization by both high potassium and zero-potassium physiologic saline solutions did not mimic the effects of these prostaglandins on vascular smooth muscle tone or responses to barium chloride. These data suggest that PGA2 and PGB2 may increase tone of vascular smooth muscle by inhibition of those processes involved in sequestration of calcium ion, i.e., the relaxation process, rather than acting on the contractile process.     

Role of endothelium-derived relaxing factor in the in vivo renal vascular action of adenosine in dogs.

Intrarenal infusion of adenosine induces transient renal vasoconstriction followed by sustained renal vasodilation. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) in renal hemodynamic actions of adenosine in anesthetized dogs. Intrarenal arterial infusion (i.r.a.) of EDRF synthesis inhibitors, L-NG-monomethyl-arginine (160 micrograms/kg/min) and L-NG-nitro-arginine (80 micrograms/kg/min), attenuated acetylcholine-induced increases in renal blood flow and renal vascular resistance was increased. Renal vasoconstriction elicited by adenosine (100 nmol/min i.r.a.) was potentiated and the duration was prolonged by pretreatment with either EDRF synthesis inhibitor. Adenosine infusion significantly decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by more than 30% in the presence of EDRF inhibitors, whereas GFR remained unchanged by adenosine in the absence of EDRF synthesis inhibitors. L-arginine (2 mg/kg/min i.r.a.) significantly reversed the potentiation of adenosine-induced renal vasoconstriction and adenosine-induced reduction in GFR elicited by pretreatment with EDRF synthesis inhibitors. On the other hand, the adenosine A2 selective agonist, CGS 21680C (0.37 nmol/kg/min i.r.a), elicited monophasic renal vasodilation and this effect on renal blood flow was unaffected by EDRF inhibitor. These results suggest that arginine-derived EDRF is involved in the renal vascular action of adenosine. In the present experimental setting, we obtained no evidence for the interaction between arginine-derived EDRF and CGS 21680C-activated A2 adenosine receptor in renal vascular beds.     

Stimulation of gastric alkaline secretion by histamine in rats: possible involvement of histamine H2-receptors and endogenous prostaglandins

The mechanism of stimulatory action of histamine on gastric alkaline secretion was investigated in anesthetized rats. Intravenous infusion of histamine (2-8 mg/kg/hr) dose-dependently stimulated acid secretion and in the presence of omeprazole (60 mg/kg), an H+/K+-adenosine triphosphatase inhibitor, produced an increase of gastric but not duodenal alkaline secretion; the degree of gastric alkalinization was also dependent on the dose of histamine, reaching the maximal values of approximately 1.0 microEq/10 min. Cimetidine (100 mg/kg s.c.) significantly inhibited both acid and alkaline secretory responses caused by histamine, whereas indomethacin (5 mg/kg s.c.) significantly prevented the increased alkaline secretion caused by histamine as well as mucosal acidification (100 mM HCl for 10 min). Tripelennamine (10 mg/kg s.c.) had no effect on either acid or alkaline secretion. Histamine (8 mg/kg/hr) reduced the arterial blood pressure (25.3%) and increased the mucosal vascular permeability in the stomach as determined by Evans blue (160%), but these vascular responses were significantly prevented only by tripelennamine, excluding the possible contribution of the vascular effects to the increased gastric alkaline secretion. These results suggest that histamine may stimulate gastric alkaline secretion as well as acid secretion, and the mechanism of histamine-induced alkaline secretion may involve both endogenous prostaglandins and stimulation of H2-receptors.     

Enhanced prostaglandin synthesis after ultraviolet injury is mediated by endogenous histamine stimulation. A mechanism for irradiation erythema.

Acute ultraviolet light B (UVB) injury is associated with dermal mast cell histamine release. The possibility that histamine-stimulated prostaglandin (PG) synthesis could be a mechanism for irradiation erythema was therefore examined using human skin explants. Explants responded to UV irradiation (120 mJ/cm2) with a fivefold increase in synthesis of prostaglandins E2, F2 alpha and 6-keto PGF1 alpha. Incubating explants with the H1 antihistamines brompheniramine (50 microM) or pyrilamine (30 microM) inhibited PG release from irradiated explants 63 +/- 4.9% (mean +/- SEM) 6 h after UV exposure. Antihistamines did not affect PG synthesis in control explants. Irradiation increased the histamine concentration in explant conditioned medium only 50% over basal values, suggesting that irradiation enhanced histamine responsiveness. Explants were therefore incubated with exogenous histamine. In irradiated explants, PG synthesis was stimulated threefold by 3 microM histamine. Unirradiated explants' PG synthesis was unaffected by histamine. Enhanced histamine sensitivity was also examined in epidermal cell cultures. In irradiated cultures, histamine sensitivity was again markedly potentiated: as little as 1 microM histamine stimulated significant PGE2 release and the response to 10-30 microM histamine was increased six to eight times compared with that of unirradiated cultures. These studies demonstrate that endogenous histamine stimulates PG synthesis in human skin after UV injury by potentiation of histamine-induced prostaglandin release. Potentiated agonist responses induced by UV exposure may contribute to the effects of UVB irradiation injury and in particular to irradiation erythema.     

Contribution of Ca++ and calmodulin to the action of norepinephrine on renal prostaglandin synthesis and vascular tone

We have investigated the contribution of Ca++ and calmodulin to the action of norepinephrine (NE) on prostaglandin (PG) synthesis and vascular tone in the Tyrode's perfused rat kidney. Lowering the Ca++ concentration (0.6 mM) reduced and raising the Ca++ concentration (5.4 mM) enhanced the renal vasoconstriction and PG output elicited by NE. Calcium channel blockers diltiazem or nimodipine inhibited the vasoconstriction and PG output caused by NE. Ca++-free Tyrode's solution containing ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid abolished NE-induced vasoconstriction and reduced PG output by 25 to 38%. Addition of intracellular Ca++ antagonists 8-(diethylamino) octyl 3,4,5 trimethoxybenzoate, dantrolene or ryanodine to Ca++-free Tyrode's solution inhibited NE-induced PG output. Calmodulin inhibitors trifluoperazine, N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalene sulfonamide or calmidazolium diminished PG output and the renal vasoconstriction elicited by NE in the presence and absence of Ca++. Mepacrine and indomethacin inhibited NE-induced renal vasoconstriction and PG output. Arachidonic acid-induced PG output was abolished by indomethacin but was unaltered by mepacrine, Ca++ antagonists or calmodulin inhibitors. We conclude that NE produces renal vasoconstriction by a mechanism that depends primarily on extracellular Ca++ and calmodulin, whereas NE-induced PG output depends on both extra- and intracellular Ca++ and calmodulin.     

Detection of a high-affinity prostaglandin I2 binding site in the human thyroid

This study is concerned with the identification and the pharmacological properties of PGI2 receptor binding sites on human thyroid membrane fractions. Scatchard analysis is not linear, revealing a high- and a low-affinity receptor binding site. (3 H)Iloprost binding experiments were performed under various clinical conditions: in thyroid cancer the low-affinity binding sites disappear totally and the specific high-affinity binding sites are diminished according to the grade of differentiation of the cancer. An alteration in Bmax and Kd is also observed in cold nodules, in Hashimoto's and Riedl's thyroiditis and in hyperthyroidism, whereas hot nodules exhibit an increase in both the receptor subpopulations. The data provide evidence for specific PGI2 binding sites and support the suggestion of a direct regulatory key-role of PGI2 in thyroid intermediary metabolism.     

Mechanism of the central hyperglycemic action of histamine in mice

The effect of i.c.v. administration of histamine (HA) on the plasma glucose level was examined in mice. HA (0.09-180 nmol) increased dose-dependently the plasma glucose level, 30 min after the injection. Even a low dose of 0.45 nmol produced a significant effect. The pretreatment with metoprine, an inhibitor of HA-N-methyltransferase, heightened the peak of the hyperglycemic response markedly and prolonged the duration. Systemic administration of the H1-receptor antagonists mepyramine (0.5-2 mg/kg), chlorpheniramine (1-4 mg/kg) and promethazine (1-4 mg/kg), inhibited dose-dependently the HA-induced hyperglycemia, whereas an H2-receptor antagonist, cimetidine (80 nmol i.c.v.), was without effect. The hyperglycemic response to HA disappeared in bilaterally adrenalectomized mice. Although the treatment of mice with metyrapone reduced the plasma corticosterone level to less than 15% of the control value, the hyperglycemic response to HA was still observed. After the administration of HA, there was a significant elevation of plasma norepinephrine levels. Increase in the plasma epinephrine was more marked than the norepinephrine response. Pretreatment with phentolamine (5 mg/kg i.p.) but not propranolol (15 mg/kg i.p.) inhibited the HA-induced hyperglycemia by about 50% and the combination of same doses of phentolamine and propranolol blocked the response completely. These results suggest that the central hyperglycemic effect of HA is produced mainly by an increase in the sympathetic outflow, followed by an increase in catecholamine secretion from the adrenal medulla. It is likely that the stimulation of H1, but not H2, receptors in the brain is involved in this response.     

Effect of gefarnate on endogenous prostacyclin, prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane in water-immersed rats

The level of endogenous prostacyclin (PGI2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) in rat gastric mucosa was determined by radioimmunoassay to examine whether gefarnate, an antiulcer agent, maintained the endogenous prostaglandin (PG) level in rats subjected to water-immersion stress. Seven-hr immersion induced gastric lesions and a marked reduction in PGI2 and PGE2. When gefarnate was injected subcutaneously before stress exposure, the mean ulcer index was reduced and the PGI2 and PGE2 levels were maintained. Our results suggest that the reduction of endogenous PGI2 and PGE2 is a major factor in water-immersion-induced ulcers in rats, and that gefarnate inhibits this ulcer formation by inhibiting a reduction in those PGs induced by water-immersion stress.     

Concentrations of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase and prostaglandin I2 synthase in the endothelium and smooth muscle of bovine aorta.

Platelets adhere to the subendothelial layer of newly deendothelialized arteries. Attachment can be reduced with exogenous prostacyclin (PGI2). Thus, the subendothelium may be unable to produce sufficient PGI2 to prevent platelet adherence and subsequent platelet-platelet interaction. Consistent with this explanation are data from an earlier report (1977. Moncada S., A. G. Herman, E. A. Higgs, and J. R. Vane. Thromb. Res. 11:323-344) indicating that the smooth muscle layer of aorta has only 10-15% of the capacity of endothelial cells to synthesize PGI2. We have measured the concentrations of PGI2 synthase and prostaglandin endoperoxide (PGH) synthase in bovine aorta and obtained results quite different from those described in this earlier report. Tandem immunoradiometric assays for PGI2 synthase and PGH synthase antigens were used to quantitate these proteins in detergent-solubilized homogenates of endothelial cells and smooth muscle tissue prepared from 10 different bovine aorta. The concentrations of PGI2 synthase in endothelial cells and smooth muscle were found to be the same. However, the concentration of PGH synthase in endothelial cells averaged greater than 20 times that of smooth muscle. Results similar to those determined by immunoradiometric assay were also obtained when PGH synthase and PGI2 synthase catalytic activities were measured in preparations of endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, when bovine aorta and renal arteries were subjected to immunocytofluorescence staining using monoclonal antibodies to PGI2 synthase, fluorescence staining of equivalent intensity was detected in both the endothelial cells and the smooth muscle. Moreover, the intensity of fluorescence was similar throughout cross-sections of vascular smooth muscle, indicating that there is no gradient in PGI2 synthase concentrations between the endothelium and adventitia. Our results indicate that the propensity of platelets to adhere to the subendothelium of deendothelialized arteries and form aggregates cannot be attributed simply to an inability of the denuded vasculature to produce PGI2 from PGH2, but may be a consequence of the low PGH synthase activity of smooth muscle. Consistent with this concept are the results of Eldor et al. (1981. J. Clin. Invest. 67:735-741) who reported that increases in PGH synthase activity are associated with formation of a nonthrombogenic neointima.     

Inhalation of human insulin is associated with improved insulin action compared with subcutaneous injection and endogenous secretion in dogs

This study compared the effects of endogenous (portal) insulin secretion versus peripheral insulin administration with subcutaneous or inhaled human insulin [INH; Exubera, insulin human (rDNA origin) inhalation powder] on glucose disposal in fasted dogs. In the control group, glucose was infused into the portal vein (Endo; n = 6). In two other groups, glucose was infused portally, whereas insulin was administered peripherally by inhalation (n = 13) or s.c. injection (n = 6) with somatostatin and basal glucagon. In the Endo group, over the first 3 h, the arterial insulin concentration was twice that of the peripheral groups, whereas hepatic sinusoidal insulin levels were half as much. Although net hepatic glucose uptake was greatest in the Endo group, the peripheral groups demonstrated larger increases in nonhepatic glucose uptake so that total glucose disposal was greater in the latter groups. Compared with s.c. insulin action, glucose excursions were smaller and shorter, and insulin action was at least twice as great after INH. Thus, at the glucose dose and insulin levels chosen, peripheral insulin delivery was associated with greater whole-body glucose disposal than endogenous (portal) insulin secretion. INH administration resulted in increased insulin sensitivity in nonhepatic but not in hepatic tissues compared with s.c. delivery.     

Involvement of Mu receptors in the opioid-induced increase in the turnover of mouse brain histamine

The effects of i.c.v. injected selective ligands for mu and delta opioid receptors on histamine (HA) turnover in the mouse brain were investigated to determine the receptor subclasses involved in the neurochemical response to opioids. HA turnover was measured by the accumulation of tele-methylhistamine, a major metabolite of brain HA, after pargyline injection (65 mg/kg i.p.). The increase in the HA turnover induced by [D-Ala2,D-Leu5] enkephalin (0.5 microgram i.c.v.) was antagonized by naloxone (0.3 microgram i.c.v.) but not by ICI 174,864 (5 micrograms i.c.v.), a selective delta receptor antagonist. [D-Ala2,MePhe4,Gly(ol)5]enkephalin (DAGO; 0.1-0.5 microgram i.c.v.), a selective mu receptor agonist, produced an increase in the HA turnover, whereas [D-Thr2-Leu5]enkephalin, Thr (0.1-1.0 microgram i.c.v.), a selective delta receptor agonist, had little effect on the HA turnover. DAGO (0.1 microgram i.c.v.) also increased the steady-state level of tele-methylhistamine but not that of HA. The effect of DAGO was observed in various brain regions except for the hypothalamus, and it was the most marked in the striatum. DAGO (10(-7) and 10(-6) M) significantly increased the K+ (30 mM)-evoked HA release from mouse cerebral cortical slices without influencing on the spontaneous HA release. The enhancement of HA release induced by DAGO (10(-6) M) was blocked completely by naloxone (10(-6) M) but not by tetrodotoxin (10(-6) M). These results suggest that opioids with mu agonist activity increase brain HA turnover by facilitating HA release from nerve endings.     

Renal tubular action of prostaglandin E2 on water and electrolyte excretion in the nonanesthetized chicken

The tubular effects of prostaglandin (PG) E2 on electrolyte and water excretion were investigated in vitro in the nonanesthetized chicken by the Sperber technique. This technique allowed the administration of PGE2 directly into the peritubular space of one kidney by way of the venous portal circulation. When compared to the contralateral, noninfused kidney, PGE2 in the infused kidney (0.6-4.5 X 10(-10) mol/kg X min) induced a dose-dependent increase in urinary flow rate, a mild natriuresis and kaliuresis, with a concomitant decrease in urinary osmolality and an increase in free-water clearance. These effects occurred without changes in renal plasma flow or glomerular filtration rate. PGA2 (1.7-7.8 X 10(-10) mol/kg X min), another vasodepressor PG, did not modify electrolyte excretion. The tubular handling of PGE2 was observed by following the administration of [3H]PGE2. [3H] PGE2 was metabolized extensively during its renal tubular excretion. The 3H label was secreted actively into the urine by the organic anion transport system which was inhibited by novobiocin. Inhibition of the organic anion transport system did not modify the renal tubular effects of PGE2 on electrolyte and water excretion. These results indicate that PGE2 exerts a tubular inhibitory effect on sodium and water excretion, this action being located on the peritubular side.