Receptor mediation and nociceptin inhibition of bradykinin-induced plasma extravasation in the knee joint of the rat

Objective and design

The aim was to investigate the signaling mechanisms and regulation of bradykinin (BK)-induced inflammation in rat knee joint.

Materials and methods

Knee joints of anesthetized rats were perfused with BK (0.1–1.0 μM), and synovial plasma extravasation (PE) was evaluated by spectrophotometrical measurement of Evans Blue leakage. To examine the signaling pathway, B1 antagonist [des-Arg10]-HOE140 (0.1–1.0 μM) and B2 antagonist HOE140 (0.05–1.0 μM), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist CGRP8-37 (0.5–1.0 μM), prostaglandin E2 antagonist AH-6809 (0.1–1.0 μM), and histamine H1 antagonist mepyramine (0.1–1.0 μM) were used. Nociceptin (0.0001–1.0 μM) and antagonist J-113397 were tested for modulation of BK-induced PE. The analyses were compared side-by-side with 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced PE.

Results

BK perfusion dose-dependently induced PE, which was blocked by HOE140, CGRP8-37, AH-6809, and mepyramine. It was also inhibited by nociceptin, which could be reversed by antagonist J-113397. In contrast, 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced PE was biphasically regulated by nociceptin and was not antagonized by CGRP8-37.

Conclusions

BK-induced PE is mediated by B2 receptors and may involve CGRP, prostaglandin, and histamine pathways. BK-induced PE is inhibited by nociceptin through the activation of ORL1 receptors. There are differences between BK- and 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced inflammation in signaling and modulation.