Antagonism of leukotriene B4 receptors does not limit canine myocardial infarct size

Injection of leukotriene (LT)B4 (0.1-3 micrograms/kg i.v.) in normal anesthetized dogs produced dose-related leukopenia that was accompanied by arterial hypotension and tachycardia at higher tested doses. LTD4 (0.1-3 micrograms/kg i.v.), in contrast, increased arterial blood pressure, lowered cardiac rate and produced little change in arterial blood leukocyte count. Continuous infusion of LY255283 [(1-(5-ethyl-2-hydroxy-4-(6-methyl-6-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)- heptyloxy)phenyl)ethanone] (0.33 mg/kg/min i.v.), a selective LTB4 receptor antagonist, resulted in near complete inhibition of leukopenic, hypotensive and tachycardic responses to LTB4 (3 micrograms/kg i.v.) challenge over a 6-hr test period. Persistent antagonism of canine LTB4 receptors was associated with high circulating levels of LY255283 that were bound extensively to plasma proteins. In subsequent experiments, myocardial infarct size was measured following 1 hr of occlusion of the circumflex coronary artery and 5 hr of reperfusion in control dogs infused with vehicle, and in dogs receiving LY255283 (0.33 mg/kg/min i.v.). Drug and vehicle were infused continuously beginning 15 min before coronary artery occlusion. LY255283 treatment essentially did not alter base-line cardiovascular parameters or myocardial oxygen demand when alterations were compared to time-related changes observed in control dogs. LY255283 infusion also did not alter the degree of myocardial ischemia or the intensity and duration of cardiac arrhythmias associated with coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion. Resultant infarct sizes were 43 +/- 5% of the left ventricle placed at risk in control dogs and 32 +/- 5% in dogs given LY255283; this difference was not statistically significant. The extent of left ventricle placed at risk was similar between groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The new K+ channel opener Aprikalim (RP 52891) reduces experimental infarct size in dogs in the absence of hemodynamic changes.

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of a novel K+ channel opener, Aprikalim (RP 52891; [trans-(-)-N-methyl-2-(3-pyridyl)-2-tetrahydrothio-pyran carbothiamide-1-oxide]), on myocardial infarct size in barbital-anesthetized dogs subjected to 90 min of left circumflex coronary artery occlusion followed by 5 hr of reperfusion. To determine if RP 52891 is mediating its effects by opening adenosine triphosphate regulated potassium channels (KATP), glibenclamide, a KATP channel antagonist was used. Dogs were pretreated with vehicle, a nonhypotensive dose of RP 52891 (10 micrograms/kg + 0.1 microgram/kg/min i.v.), glibenclamide (1 mg/kg; i.v. bolus) or RP 52891 (10 micrograms/kg and 0.1 microgram/kg/min i.v.) after pretreatment with glibenclamide (1 mg/kg i.v. bolus). At the end of reperfusion, myocardial infarct size was determined by triphenyltetrazolium staining. There were no significant differences in systemic hemodynamics, myocardial oxygen demand, collateral blood flow or ischemic bed size among groups with the exception of an increase in coronary blood flow to the ischemic area at 3 and 5 hr of reperfusion in both RP-treated groups. However, myocardial infarct size, expressed as a percentage of the area at risk, was significantly (P less than .05) reduced (38%) by RP 52891 and significantly increased (38%) by glibenclamide (vehicle, 39 +/- 4%; RP 52891, 24 +/- 2%; and glibenclamide, 54 +/- 5%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The role of serotonin (5HT2) receptor blockade in myocardial reperfusion injury: effects of LY53857 in a canine model of myocardial infarction.

The potential protective effects of serotonin receptor antagonism during the process of acute myocardial infarction were studied in anesthetized male dogs, which were subjected to a 90-min left circumflex coronary artery occlusion followed by 5 h of reperfusion. Either vehicle (0.9% NaCl) or the serotonin (5HT2) receptor antagonist LY53857 was infused i.v. at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, followed by a constant infusion of 2 mg/kg/min beginning 5 min before left circumflex coronary artery occlusion and continuing throughout the duration of the ischemia and subsequent reperfusion. Verification of functional 5HT2 receptor antagonism in the circulating blood of the LY53857-treated dogs was monitored throughout the experiments by periodic assessment of ex vivo platelet reactivity to exogenous serotonin. After 5 h of reperfusion, the hearts were excised and analyzed utilizing histochemical staining with triphenyltetrazolium, which demarcates myocardial infarct size and anatomical area of myocardium at risk of infarction. There was not a significant reduction of infarct size with LY53857 treatment: control infarct/area at risk = 38.6 +/- 4.7%, n = 9 LY53857 infarct/area at risk = 33.4 +/- 3.8%, n = 6. Similarly, when myocardial infarct size was analyzed as a function of myocardial collateral blood flow, there were no significant effects of drug treatment on the relationship between collateral blood flow and infarct size. The effects of 5HT on neutrophil activation were determined by measuring the potential ability of 5HT to enhance the chemotactic peptide-induced production of superoxide. 5HT did not activate human neutrophils in vitro and LY53857 had no effect on neutrophil superoxide production.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Differential activation of extracellular signal regulated kinase isoforms in preconditioning and opioid-induced cardioprotection

Stimulation of the delta(1)-opioid receptor has been shown to trigger ischemic preconditioning (IPC). Additionally, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion induces the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Therefore, we examined the role of ERK in acute cardioprotection induced by delta(1)-opioid receptor stimulation or IPC. Infarct size (IS) was expressed as a percentage of the area at risk (AAR). Control animals had an IS/AAR of 60.6 +/- 1.8. IPC and delta(1)-opioid receptor stimulation with TAN-67 reduced IS/AAR (8.2 +/- 1.3 and 30.2 +/- 2.4). Inhibition of ERK with the selective MEK-1 antagonist, PD 098059 during IPC or TAN-67 administration significantly reduced cardioprotection (41.5 +/- 6.4 and 63.0 +/- 4.8). Western Blot analysis and subsequent densitometry corroborated these observations. Control, TAN-67-, or IPC-treated hearts were harvested after 0, 5, 15, and 30 min of ischemia or 5, 30, and 60 min of reperfusion and separated into cytosolic and nuclear fractions. Both isoforms of ERK (p44 and p42) rapidly increased to greater levels throughout reperfusion in the nuclear fraction of IPC- and opioid-treated versus control rats, however, this increase was not attenuated by PD 098059. Conversely, the rapid activation of the 44-kDa isoform of ERK after 5 min of reperfusion in the cytosolic fraction was significantly increased in IPC- and opioid-treated hearts versus control, and this increase was abolished by pretreatment with PD 098059. Additionally, p42 was activated in the cytosolic fraction of IPC-treated animals. These results suggest a key role for the 44-kDa isoform of ERK in the cytoplasm during cardioprotection induced by either IPC or stimulation of the delta(1)-opioid receptor.     

Extremely long-lasting antagonistic actions of nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) in the mouse tail-flick test.

The duration of antagonistic action of nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI), a kappa antagonist, of antinociception resulting from selective opioid agonists, was examined using the mouse tail-flick assay as the endpoint. Nor-BNI (1 nmol, i.c.v. at -20 min) antagonized equiantinociceptive doses of the opioid kappa agonists (5 alpha,7 alpha,8 beta)-(-)-N-methyl-N-(7-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-oxaspiro (4,5)dec-8-yl) benzeneacetamide (U69,593) (70 nmol i.c.v.) or bremazocine (25 nmol i.c.v.), but did not antagonize antinociception produced by the mu opioid-selective [D-Ala2, NMePhe4, Gly-ol]enkephalin or the delta opioid-selective [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin. Pretreatment with nor-BNI (1 nmol i.c.v.) antagonized the antinociceptive effects of U69,593 and bremazocine for up to 28 days. At all pretreatment times, the antinociceptive dose-response lines for these kappa agonists were displaced to the right to various degrees in a parallel fashion; an increasing rightward displacement of the U69,593 and bremazocine antinociceptive dose-response lines was observed at 1 and 3 days after a single nor-BNI pretreatment, with a gradual return toward the control level at later times after pretreatment. Increasing the dose of nor-BNI to 10 nmol produced only a transient blockade of equiantinociceptive doses of the mu selective agonist [D-Ala2, NMePhe4, Gly-ol]enkephalin and the delta selective agonist [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin (at 20-30 min post-nor-BNI pretreatment).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Retroinfusion of NFkappaB decoy oligonucleotide extends cardioprotection achieved by CD18 inhibition in a preclinical study of myocardial ischemia and retroinfusion in pigs

Myocardial reperfusion injury is partially mediated by postischemic inflammation. Beyond acute PMN recruitment, postischemic inflammation comprises subacute PMN adhesion, eg via NFkappaB activation. In a pig model of 60-min LAD occlusion by PTCA ballon inflation and 1 to 7 days of reperfusion, we investigated the impact of targeted NFkappaB decoy oligonucleotide (ODN) transfection in the area at risk (AAR) on infarct size and regional myocardial function. After 55 min of LAD occlusion, liposomes containing NFkappaB ODN were selectively retroinfused into the anterior interventricular vein for 5 min. Then, retroinfusion was stopped and reperfusion was initiated. Where indicated, CD18 antibody IB4 was infused systemically at 30 min of ischemia. Methylen blue and tetrazolium-red staining were used for quantification of the infarct size. Subendocardial segment shortening (SES) by sonomicrometric crystals in infarct area and AAR was assessed under pacing (expressed as % of control region). NFkappaB decoy ODN retroinfusion reduced infarct size (36 +/- 4% versus 49 +/- 5% in control hearts at day 7), whereas functional reserve of the AAR (SES 73 +/- 17% versus 46 +/- 18% at 180/min) tended to improve. Similar effects were observed after IB4 infusion (38 +/- 5% infarct size, 85 +/- 7% SES at 180/min). A combination of NFkappaB decoy ODN retroinfusion and IB4 infusion further decreased infarct size (26 +/- 2%) and improved functional reserve (SES 94 +/- 6% at 180/min). We conclude that NFkappaB decoy ODN transfection by retroinfusion is feasible in pig hearts and provides postischemic cardioprotection in addition to CD18 blockade.     

Tissue kallikrein is involved in the cardioprotective effect of AT1-receptor blockade in acute myocardial ischemia

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors limit infarct size in animal models of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. This effect has been shown to be due to inhibition of bradykinin degradation rather than inhibition of angiotensin II formation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether angiotensin AT1 receptor blockade by losartan or its active metabolite EXP3174 protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice and whether this protection is mediated by the kallikrein kinin system. We subjected anesthetized mice to 30 min of coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion and evaluated infarct size immediately after reperfusion. Losartan (Los) or EXP3174 [2-n-butyl-4-chloro-1-[(2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yI)methyl]imidazole-5-carboxylic acid] were administered 5 min before starting reperfusion at dosages determined by preliminary studies of blood pressure effect and inhibition of angiotensin pressor response. Compared with saline, both drugs significantly reduced myocardial infarct size by roughly 40% (P < 0.001). Pretreatment of mice with the selective AT2 receptor antagonist PD123,319 [S-(+)-1-([4-(dimethylamino)-3-methylphenyl]methyl)-5-(diphenylacetyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)pyridine-6-carboxylic acid] did not affect infarct size in the absence of losartan but abolished the reduction in infarct size provided by losartan. In tissue kallikrein gene-deficient mice (TK-/-), losartan no longer reduced infarct size. Pretreatment of wild-type mice with the B2 receptor antagonist icatibant reproduced the effect of TK deficiency. We conclude that AT1 receptor blockade provides cardioprotection against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury through stimulation of AT2 receptors. Kallikrein and B2 receptor are major determinants of this cardioprotective effect of losartan. Our results support the hypothesis of a coupling between AT2 receptors and kallikrein during AT1 receptor blockade, which plays a major role in cardioprotection.     

Supraspinal delta- and mu-opioid receptors mediate gastric mucosal protection in the rat

This study evaluated the contribution of supraspinal opioid receptors to gastric mucosal protection in the rat. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) and intracisternal (i.c.) injections of selective delta- [[D-Ala(2),D-Leu(5)]-enkephalin (DADLE), [D-Pen(2),D-Pen(5)]-enkephalin (DPDPE), deltorphin II], selective mu- [[D-Ala(2),Phe(4),Gly(5)-ol]-enkephalin (DAGO)] opioid receptor agonists and beta-endorphin (ligand of both receptor types) produced a dose-dependent inhibition of acidified ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage. The ED(50) values for beta-endorphin, DAGO, DADLE, deltorphin II, and DPDPE were 3.5, 6.8, 75, 120, and 1100 pmol/rat, respectively, following i.c.v. and 0.8, 9.0, 45, 0.25, and 7 pmol/rat following i.c. injection. The gastroprotective effect of DADLE, deltorphin II, and DPDPE, but not that of DAGO, was inhibited by naltrindole, the selective delta-receptor antagonist. Since the delta(2)-receptor agonist deltorphin II was more potent than the delta(1)-receptor agonist DPDPE, the dominant role of central delta(2)-receptors in gastroprotection might be raised. The site of action for delta-receptor agonists is likely to be the brain stem since the peptides were more potent following i.c. than following i.c.v. administration. The gastroprotective effect was reduced following acute bilateral cervical vagotomy. Moreover, both the nitric-oxide synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (3 mg/kg i.v.) and the prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor indomethacin (20 mg/kg p.o.) decreased the protective effect of opioid peptides. The results indicate that 1) activation of supraspinal delta- and mu-opioid receptors induces gastric mucosal protection, 2) integrity of vagal nerve is necessary for the gastroprotective action of opioids, and 3) mucosal nitric oxide and prostaglandins may be involved in the opioid-induced gastroprotection.     

Opioid-induced cardioprotection against myocardial infarction and arrhythmias: mitochondrial versus sarcolemmal ATP-sensitive potassium channels

We examined the role of the sarcolemmal and mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel in a rat model of myocardial infarction after stimulation with the selective delta(1)-opioid receptor agonist TAN-67. Hearts were subjected to 30 min of regional ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion. Infarct size was expressed as a percentage of the area at risk. TAN-67 significantly reduced infarct size/area at risk (29.6 +/- 3.3) versus control (63. 1 +/- 2.3). The sarcolemmal-selective K(ATP) channel antagonist HMR 1098, administered 10 min before TAN-67, did not significantly attenuate cardioprotection (26.0 +/- 7.3) at a dose (3 mg/kg) that had no effect in the absence of TAN-67 (56.3 +/- 4.3). Pretreatment with the mitochondrial selective antagonist 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (5-HD) 5 min before the 30-min occlusion completely abolished TAN-67-induced cardioprotection (54.3 +/- 2.7), but had no effect in the absence of TAN-67 (62.6 +/- 4.1), suggesting the involvement of the mitochondrial K(ATP) channel. Additionally, we examined the antiarrhythmic effects of TAN-67 in the presence or absence of 5-HD and HMR 1098 during 30 min of ischemia. Control animals had an average arrhythmia score of 10.40 +/- 2.41. TAN-67 significantly reduced the arrhythmia score during 30 min of ischemia (2.38 +/- 0. 85). 5-HD and HMR 1098 in the absence of TAN-67 produced an insignificant decrease in the arrhythmia score (8.80 +/- 2.56 and 4. 20 +/- 1.07, respectively). 5-HD administration before TAN-67 treatment abolished its antiarrhythmic effect (4.71 +/- 1.11). However, HMR 1098 did not abolish TAN-67-induced protection against arrhythmias (1.67 +/- 0.80). These data suggest that delta(1)-opioid receptor stimulation is cardioprotective against myocardial ischemia and sublethal arrhythmias and suggest a role for the mitochondrial K(ATP) channel in mediating these cardioprotective effects.     

Differential antagonism of U69,593- and bremazocine-induced antinociception by (-)-UPHIT: evidence of kappa opioid receptor multiplicity in mice.

The effect of pretreatment with the kappa receptor nonequilibrium antagonist, (-)-UPHIT (1S,2S-trans-2-isothiocyanato-4,5-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrol idinyl) cyclohexyl]benzeneacetamide), on U69,593 [(5 alpha,7 alpha,8 beta)-(-)-N-methyl-N-(7-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-oxaspiro(4,5) dec-8-yl)benzeneacetamide]- and bremazocine-induced antinociception was examined in mice. Both U69,593 and bremazocine produced antinociception in the warm water tail-flick test after i.c.v. administration. Pretreatment with the kappa antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine, at doses shown not to affect [D-Ala2, NMePhe4, Gly-ol]enkephalin- (mu-agonist) or [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin (delta-agonist)-induced antinociception, significantly attenuated the effects of U69,593 and bremazocine, suggesting actions of these agonists at kappa receptors. Furthermore, beta-funaltrxamine (mu antagonist) and ICI 174,864 [N,N,-diallyl-Tyr-(alpha-aminoisobutyric acid)2-Phe-Leu-OH] (delta antagonist), had no effect on U69,593 or bremazocine in this test providing further evidence of kappa receptor-mediated activity. Pretreatment with (-)-UPHIT produced no effect alone and a long-lasting (up to 48 hr) antagonism of U69,593, but not bremazocine, antinociception. The antagonist actions of (-)-UPHIT did not alter the antinociceptive effects of [D-Ala2, NMePhe4, Gly-ol]enkephalin or [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin. These data suggest that (-)-UPHIT is a selective, long-lasting kappa antagonist which can differentially antagonize the antinociception produced by these two kappa agonists. These data provide evidence in vivo supportive of kappa receptor subtypes in the mouse, and suggest that (-)-UPHIT may be a useful probe for the exploration of kappa receptor heterogeneity.     

Roles of endogenous opioid peptides in modulation of nocifensive response to formalin.

Roles of endogenous opioid peptides and their receptors in modulation of the nocifensive responses to formalin in mice were studied. Mice were pretreated i.c.v. or intrathecally (i.t.) with selective opioid receptor antagonists or intrathecally with antisera against endogenous opioid peptides and the nocifensive licking responses to intraplantar injection of formalin (0.5%, 25 microl) were then observed. Pretreatment with the epsilon-opioid receptor antagonist beta-endorphin(1-27) or the selective mu-opioid receptor antagonist D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH(2) (CTOP) given i.c.v. dose dependently enhanced the second, but not the first phase of the nocifensive response. However, i.c.v. pretreatment with the selective delta-receptor antagonist naltrindole or kappa-receptor antagonist nor-binaltrophimine did not affect the nocifensive responses. Intrathecal pretreatment with selective delta(1)-opioid antagonist 7-benzylidene naltrexamine significantly enhanced both the first and second phases of nocifension. Intrathecal pretreatment with CTOP also increased the second but not the first phase of the nocifension. However, i.t. pretreatment with the selective delta(2)-receptor antagonist naltriben or nor-binaltrophimine did not affect the second phase of the nocifension. Intrathecal pretreatment with antiserum against Leu-enkephalin, Met-enkephalin, or dynorphin A(1-17), but not beta-endorphin, enhanced only the second phase of nocifensive response to formalin. It is concluded that the blockade of epsilon- and mu-receptors, but not delta- or kappa-receptors, at the supraspinal sites enhanced the second phase of formalin-induced nocifension. In the spinal cord, Leu-enkephalin, and to a lesser extent, Met-enkephalin and dynorphin A(1-17) and mu- and delta(1)-opioid receptors, but not delta(2)- or kappa-opioid receptors, are involved in modulating the feedback inhibition of the second phase of formalin-induced nocifension.     

Indirect involvement of delta opioid receptors in cholecystokinin octapeptide-induced analgesia in mice

Sulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8; Asp-Tyr-SO3H-Met-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2) produced analgesia in mice when administered i.c.v. and tested in the acetic acid-induced writhing assay. The ED50 was found to be 0.03 nmol/mouse which was about 3, 24 and 714 times more potent than morphine. [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin and U50,488H [trans-(+/-)-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrolidinyl)cyclohexyl] benzeneacetamidel], respectively. When administered i.t., CCK-8 produced partial analgesia of up to 22 to 23% at low doses ranging from 15 to 60 ng/mouse and hyperalgesia at doses over 120 ng/mouse. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, inhibited the analgesia induced by CCK-8 (i.c.v. and i.t.) but potentiated hyperalgesia induced by CCK-8 (i.t.). Apparent pA2 value for CCK-8 (i.c.v.) against naloxone (s.c.) was 5.88 which was significantly different from those for morphine-naloxone and U50,488H-naloxone but was not significantly different from that for [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin-naloxone. Studies using highly selective opioid antagonists showed that CCK-8-induced analgesia was significantly antagonized by the delta receptor antagonist, ICI154,129 [(Allyl)2-Tyr-gly-gly-psi-(CH2S)-Phe-Leu] but not by beta-funaltrexamine, a highly selective mu receptor antagonist or nor-binaltorphimine, a highly selective kappa receptor antagonist. Opioid receptor binding study using [3H]-[D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (+unlabeled [D-Ala2,MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin) in mouse brain membrane preparations revealed that there were no changes in the maximum binding or Kd of delta opioid binding sites in the presence of CCK-8 (1 microM) in vitro.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

A novel and orally active poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor, KR-33889 [2-[methoxycarbonyl(4-methoxyphenyl) methylsulfanyl]-1H-benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid amide], attenuates injury in in vitro model of cell death and in vivo model of cardiac ischemia

Blocking of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 has been expected to protect the heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury. We have recently identified a novel and orally active PARP-1 inhibitor, KR-33889 [2-[methoxycarbonyl(4-methoxyphenyl)-methylsulfanyl]-1H-benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid amide], and its major metabolite, KR-34285 [2-[carboxy(4-methoxyphenyl)methylsulfanyl]-1H-benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid amide]. KR-33889 potently inhibited PARP-1 activity with an IC(50) value of 0.52 +/- 0.10 microM. In H9c2 myocardial cells, KR-33889 (0.03-30 microM) showed a resistance to hydrogen peroxide (2 mM)-mediated oxidative insult and significantly attenuated activation of intracellular PARP-1. In anesthetized rats subjected to 30 min of coronary occlusion and 3 h of reperfusion, KR-33889 (0.3-3 mg/kg i.v.) dose-dependently reduced myocardial infarct size. KR-34285, a major metabolite of KR-33889, exerted similar patterns to the parent compound with equi- or weaker potency in the same studies described above. In separate experiments for the therapeutic time window study, KR-33889 (3 mg/kg i.v.) given at preischemia, at reperfusion or in both, in rat models also significantly reduced the myocardial infarction compared with their respective vehicle-treated group. Furthermore, the oral administration of KR-33889 (1-10 mg/kg p.o.) at 1 h before occlusion significantly reduced myocardial injury. The ability of KR-33889 to inhibit PARP in the rat model of ischemic heart was confirmed by immunohistochemical detection of poly(ADP-ribose) activation. These results indicate that the novel PARP inhibitor KR-33889 exerts its cardioprotective effect in in vitro and in vivo studies of myocardial ischemia via potent PARP inhibition and also suggest that KR-33889 could be an attractive therapeutic candidate with oral activity for several cardiovascular disorders, including myocardial infarction.     

Delayed preconditioning induced by lipoteichoic acid from B. subtilis and S. aureus is not blocked by administration of 5-hydroxydecanoate.

Bacterial walls contain lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), or peptidoglycan. Pretreatment of rats with low doses of LPS (from E. coli) or LTA (from S. aureus, a pathogenic gram-positive bacterium) for 16-24 h reduces myocardial infarct size caused by a subsequent period of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. This phenomenon of enhanced tolerance to an ischemic insult has been termed delayed preconditioning (DP). The aim of this study was to investigate whether LTA from B. subtilis (a nonpathogenic gram-positive bacterium) induces DP when administered 16 h before left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion-reperfusion in the rat. Furthermore, we investigated whether the specific mitochondrial K(ATP) (mitoK(ATP)) channel inhibitor 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD, 5 mg/kg) blocks DP afforded by LTA of both strains of bacteria. Male Wistar rats were subjected to LAD occlusion-reperfusion (25-120 min) and infarct size was determined. In rats pretreated with saline (1 mL/kg i.p.), LAD occlusion-reperfusion resulted in an infarct size of 58%. Pretreatment of animals with LTA (S. aureus, 1 mg/kg i.p.) or LTA (B. subtilis, 1 mg/kg i.p.) reduced infarct size by 22% or 33%, respectively. Administration of 5-HD 10 min before LAD occlusion-reperfusion did not abolish DP afforded by LTA from S. aureus or B. subtilis, respectively. These results imply that late (after 16 h) opening of the mitoK(ATP) channel is not part of the signaling pathway of LTA-induced DP.     

Opioid agonist and antagonist antinociceptive properties of [D-Ala2,Leu5,Cys6]enkephalin: selective actions at the deltanoncomplexed site

The present study used the irreversibly binding enkephalin analog, [D-Ala2,Leu5,Cys6]enkephalin (DALCE) in an effort to determine whether selective agonist and antagonist properties could be demonstrated at hypothesized types of opioid delta receptors previously termed the deltanoncomplexed and the deltacomplexed sites. These putative subtypes of delta receptors have been functionally distinguished on the basis of involvement (i.e., deltacomplexed) in the modulation of mu-mediated effects such as antinociception. Intracerebroventricular administration of DALCE or the reference delta and mu agonists, [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE) and morphine, to mice all produced antinociception in the warm-water tail-flick test in a dose- and time-related manner. Maximal effects with DALCE were seen at +10 min and significant antinociception could be detected for approximately 1 hr; DALCE was 3- and 90-fold more potent than i.c.v. morphine and DPDPE, respectively. The antinociceptive effects of i.c.v. DALCE and DPDPE, but not those of morphine, were antagonized by the selective delta antagonist, N,N-diallyl-Tyr-Aib-Aib-Phe-Leu-OH, suggesting that the antinociception associated with the peptides was mediated through a delta receptor. DALCE pretreatment up to 24 hr before testing, a time at which this compound did not produce antinociception, significantly blocked the i.c.v. DPDPE antinociceptive effect as well as that of DALCE itself, but not that of morphine, suggesting long-lasting DALCE antagonism at a delta receptor. Modulation of morphine antinociception was demonstrated with subeffective doses of i.c.v. DPDPE or [Met5]enkephalin, but not with subeffective doses of i.c.v. DALCE.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cl-IB-MECA [2-chloro-N6-(3-iodobenzyl)adenosine-5'-N-methylcarboxamide] reduces ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice by activating the A3 adenosine receptor

We used pharmacological agents and genetic methods to determine whether the potent A(3) adenosine receptor (AR) agonist 2-chloro-N(6)-(3-iodobenzyl)adenosine-5'-N-methylcarboxamide (Cl-IB-MECA) protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice via the A(3)AR or via interactions with other AR subtypes. Pretreating wild-type (WT) mice with Cl-IB-MECA reduced myocardial infarct size induced by 30 min of coronary occlusion and 24 h of reperfusion at doses (30 and 100 mug/kg) that concomitantly reduced blood pressure and stimulated systemic histamine release. The A(3)AR-selective antagonist MRS 1523 [3-propyl-6-ethyl-5[(ethylthio)carbonyl]-2-phenyl-4-propyl-3-pyridine-carboxylate], but not the A(2A)AR antagonist ZM 241385 [4-{2-7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo-[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl}phenol], blocked the reduction in infarct size provided by Cl-IB-MECA, suggesting a mechanism involving the A(3)AR. To further examine the selectivity of Cl-IB-MECA, we assessed its cardioprotective effectiveness in A(3)AR gene "knock-out" (A(3)KO) mice. Cl-IB-MECA did not reduce myocardial infarct size in A(3)KO mice in vivo and did not protect isolated perfused hearts obtained from A(3)KO mice from injury induced by global ischemia and reperfusion. Additional studies using WT mice treated with compound 48/80 [condensation product of p-methoxyphenethyl methylamine with formaldehyde] to deplete mast cell contents excluded the possibility that Cl-IB-MECA was cardioprotective by releasing mediators from mast cells. These data demonstrate that Cl-IB-MECA protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice principally by activating the A(3)AR.     

Delta but not mu-opioid receptors in the spinal cord are involved in antinociception induced by beta-endorphin given intracerebroventricularly in mice

The present studies were designed to determine what type of opioid receptor, mu or delta, in the spinal cord was involved in beta-endorphin-induced antinociception. The tail-flick response was used as an antinociceptive test. Intrathecal (i.t.) injection of ICI-174,864 [(Allyl)2-Tyr-Aib-Aib-Phe-Leu-OH] (10 micrograms) or ICI-154,129 [(N,N-Bisallyl)-Tyr-Gly-Gly-psi-(CH2S)-Phe-Leu-OH] (20 micrograms), delta-opioid receptor antagonists, but not beta-funaltrexamine (0.025 microgram), a mu-opioid receptor antagonist, antagonized inhibition of the tail-flick response induced by beta-endorphin given i.c.v. However, i.t. injection of the same dose of ICI-174,864, ICI-154,129 or beta-funaltrexamine did not affect inhibition of the tail-flick response induced by morphine given i.c.v. Mice were pretreated i.c.v. with either beta-endorphin (2 micrograms), morphine (2 micrograms) or saline (5 microliters) for 2, 3 or 4 hr (which were times that the tail-flick response was no longer inhibited) and were injected i.t. with various doses of D-Ala2-NMePhe4-Gly-ol-enkephalin (a selective mu-opioid receptor agonist), D-Ala2-D-Leu5-enkephalin (a mu- and delta-opioid receptor agonist) or D-Pen2-D-Pen5-enkephalin (a delta-opioid receptor agonists). The tail-flick response was performed 10 min after i.t. injection. A single i.c.v. pretreatment with beta-endorphin for 2 and 3 hr, but not 4 hr, reduced markedly the inhibition of the tail-flick response induced by D-Pen2-D-Pen5-enkephalin and D-Ala2-DLeu5-enkephalin, but not D-Ala2-NMePhe4-Gly-ol-enkephalin, injected i.t.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Evaluation of LY203647 on cardiovascular leukotriene D4 receptors and myocardial reperfusion injury.

In vitro studies have shown LY203647 to be a selective antagonist of contractile responses to leukotriene (LT) D4 and LTE4 in guinea pig ileum, trachea and lung parenchyma. In pithed rat, i.v. injection of LTD4 produced pressor responses that were selectively antagonized by LY203647 in a dose-dependent manner [ED50 7.5 (6.0-9.5) mg/kg, i.v.]. In normal anesthetized rats and dogs, LTD4 reduced aortic blood flow and stroke volume in association with systemic vasoconstriction, variable blood pressure responses and no change in cardiac rate. LTD4 did not alter myocardial contractility corrected for alterations in afterload. Pretreatment of rats and dogs with LY203647 (1-10 mg/kg, i.v.) produced dose-related inhibition of the myocardial and systemic hemodynamic effects of LTD4, whereas coadministration of LY203647 reversed established myocardial depression and systemic and pulmonary vasoconstriction during continuous infusion of LTD4 in dogs. LY203647 (10 mg/kg over 90 min, i.v.) infusion in normal dogs abolished or greatly antagonized hemodynamic responses to LTD4 for 6 hr. In subsequent experiments, myocardial infarct size was measured after 1 hr of occlusion of the circumflex coronary artery and 5 hr of reperfusion. LY203647 (10 mg/kg over 90 min, i.v.) treatment did not alter cardiovascular parameters when compared to time-related alterations observed in control dogs. ST segment deviation and the intensity and duration of cardiac arrhythmias associated with coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion also were similar between groups. Resultant infarct sizes were 46 +/- 1 and 45 +/- 1% of the left ventricular mass placed at risk in control and LY203647-treated dogs, respectively. Present data illustrate the prominent cardiac and systemic hemodynamic effects of LTD4 and indicate that LY203647 produces selective and sustained antagonism of cardiovascular LTD4 receptors. Lack of containment of infarction by LY203647 suggests that endogenous cysteinyl-LT do not contribute to reperfusion injury of ischemic myocardium.     

Differential antagonism of delta opioid agonists by naltrindole and its benzofuran analog (NTB) in mice: evidence for delta opioid receptor subtypes.

In this study naltrindole (NTI) and its benzofuran derivative (NTB) were studied for their antagonist activity against various delta opioid receptor agonists in the tail-flick antinociceptive assay in mice. The antinociceptive ED50 of i.c.v. administered DSLET [(D-Ser2, Leu5, Thr6)enkephalin] was shifted about 4-fold by either s.c. NTB or i.c.v. NTI injection. On the other hand, the antinociceptive ED50 of i.c.v. administered DPDPE [(D-Pen2,D-Pen5)enkephalin] was shifted 1.4- and 1.8-fold with s.c. NTB and i.c.v. NTI administration, respectively, which were significantly lower than the shifts observed with DSLET. NTB did not alter the antinociceptive action of i.c.v. administered [(D-Ala2,D-Leu5)enkephalin], morphine sulfate, [(D-Ala2,MePhe4,Gly-ol5)enkephalin] or U-50,488H (trans(+/-)-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl) cyclohexyl]benzeneacetamide). At spinal sites, the antinociceptive ED50 of intrathecal (i.t.) administered DSLET was increased by 12.5-fold by s.c. NTB injection, whereas that of DPDPE was unaffected. NTB injection at this site also did not alter the antinociceptive action of i.t. administered [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]enkephalin, [(D-Ala2,MePhe4,Gly-ol5)enkephalin] or morphine sulfate. Pretreatment of animals with beta-funaltrexamine caused a large increase in the capacity of NTB to antagonize the antinociceptive activity of i.t. administered DSLET with little change in that of i.t. administered DPDPE. When cross-tolerance between DSLET and DPDPE was studied by i.c.v. injection of a single large dose of either DSLET or DPDPE 24 hr before the antinociceptive assay, there was no development of cross-tolerance between the two peptides. Based on these results, it was concluded that the antinociceptive action of DSLET and DPDPE may be mediated by different receptors, possibly delta opioid subtypes.     

Roles of central and peripheral mu, delta and kappa opioid receptors in the mediation of gastric acid secretory effects in the rat

The opioid receptors involved in the mediation of gastric acid secretory effects were studied in the pylorus-ligated rat. The effects of i.c.v. and i.v. administration of morphine and mu ([D-Ala2, NMePhe4, Gly5-ol]enkephalin and Tyr-Pro-NMePheD-Pro-NH2)-, delta ([D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin)- and kappa-selective [trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-91-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl]- benzeneacetamide methanesulfonate (U-50,488H), dynorphin-(1-9), dynorphin-(1-17), nalorphine, alpha-neoendorphin and ethyl-ketocyclazocine) opioid receptor agonists on gastric volume and acid output were examined. Morphine, [D-Ala2, NMePhe4, Gly5-ol]enkephalin and Tyr-Pro-NMePhe-D-Pro-NH2 decreased gastric acid secretion more potently after i.c.v. than after i.v. administration. The inhibitory effect of i.v. administered morphine on gastric acid secretion was not blocked by the quaternary opioid antagonist naltrexone methylbromide when given s.c. However, when naltrexone methylbromide was administered i.c.v., it blocked completely the effects of i.c.v. morphine and partially antagonized the effects of i.v. morphine, indicating a central site of action for morphine. The delta-selective agonist [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin did not alter gastric acid secretion after i.c.v. or i.v. administration. The kappa-selective opioid agonist U-50,488H produced a dose-dependent increase in gastric acid secretion after i.v. but not i.c.v. administration. The other kappa-selective agonists tested did not produce a significant increase in gastric acid secretion after i.c.v. or i.v. administration. The increase in gastric acid secretion produced by U-40,488H was blocked by pretreatment with the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone, the nonselective muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine and the M1 selective muscarinic receptor antagonist pirenzepine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)