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Concentration Dependently (concentration + dependently)
Selected AbstractsPerinatal exposure to bisphenol-A changes N -methyl- D -aspartate receptor expression in the hippocampus of male rat offspringENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2010Xiao-Hong Xu Abstract Bisphenol-A (BPA) is one of the most common environmental endocrine disrupters with mixed estrogen agonist/antagonist properties. The toxicity of BPA has been extensively evaluated in a variety of tests in rodents, including developmental and reproductive toxicity, and carcinogenicity. The objective of the present study is to evaluate whether or not perinatal maternal exposure to BPA at 0.05, 0.5, 5, 50, and 200 mg/kg/d affects N -methyl- D -aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NMDAR) subunits NR1, NR2A, 2B, estrogen receptor beta (ER,), and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) protein expressions of hippocampus in male rat offspring during postnatal development. Western-blotting analyses showed that perinatal exposure to BPA significantly affected the expression of NMDAR subunits. At the lower doses of 0.05 to 50 mg/kg/d, BPA concentration dependently inhibited the expression of NMDAR subunits. However, at the higher dose (200 mg/kg/d), the effects of BPA on these subunits were different, with a stronger inhibition of NR1 expression and a slighter inhibition of NR2A, 2B expression when compared with those at the lower dosage of BPA. In addition, perinatal exposure to BPA inhibited the expression of ER, protein, but increased P450arom protein expression in a concentration-dependent manner, especially during the early postnatal period (the first 1,3 postnatal weeks). No significant influence of BPA on P450arom was observed at postnatal week 8. These data suggest that environmental BPA exposure may affect the development of the brain, enhancing the local biosynthesis of estrogen in the brain, inhibiting ER, and NMDAR expressions. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:176,181. © 2009 SETAC [source] Endothelin-1 Modulates the Arrhythmogenic Activity of Pulmonary VeinsJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2008AMEYA R. UDYAVAR M.D. Objective: Endothelin-1 has important cardiovascular effects and is activated during atrial fibrillation. Pulmonary veins (PVs) play a critical role in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether endothelin-1 affects PV arrhythmogenic activity. Methods: Conventional microelectrodes were used to record the action potentials (APs) and contractility in isolated rabbit PV tissue specimens before and after the administration of endothelin-1 (0.1, 1, 10 nM). The ionic currents of isolated PV cardiomyocytes were investigated before and after the administration of endothelin-1 (10 nM) through whole-cell patch clamps. Results: In the tissue preparation, endothelin-1 (1, 10 nM) concentration dependently shortened the AP duration and decreased the PV firing rates. Endothelin-1 (10 nM) decreased the resting membrane potential. Endothelin-1 (0.1, 1, 10 nM) decreased the contractility and increased the resting diastolic tension. In single PV cardiomyocytes, endothelin-1 (10 nM) decreased the PV firing rates from 2.7 ± 1.0 Hz to 0.8 ± 0.5 Hz (n = 16). BQ-485 (100 ,M, endothelin-1 type A receptor blocker) reversed and prevented the chrono-inhibitory effects of endothelin-1 (10 nM). Endothelin-1 (10 nM) reduced the L-type calcium currents, transient outward currents, delayed rectifier currents, transient inward currents, and sodium,calcium exchanger currents in the PV cardiomyocytes with and without pacemaker activity. Endothelin-1 (10 nM) increased the inward rectifier potassium current, hyperpolarization-induced pacemaker current, and the sustained outward potassium current in PV cardiomyocytes with and without pacemaker activity. Conclusion: Endothelin-1 may have an antiarrhythmic potential through its direct electrophysiological effects on the PV cardiomyocytes and its action on multiple ionic currents. [source] Signaling mechanisms of melatonin in antiproliferation of hormone-refractory 22Rv1 human prostate cancer cells: implications for prostate cancer chemopreventionJOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2007Chun W. Tam Abstract:, There is an unmet clinical demand for safe and effective pharmaceuticals/nutraceuticals for prostate cancer prevention and hormone-refractory prostate cancer treatment. Previous laboratory and human studies of our laboratory demonstrated an association between the antiproliferative action of melatonin and melatonin MT1 receptor expression in prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to determine, using a pharmacological approach, the signaling mechanisms of melatonin in hormone-refractory 22Rv1 human prostate cancer cell antiproliferation. Both immunoreactive MT1 and MT2 subtypes of G protein-coupled melatonin receptor were expressed in 22Rv1 cells. Melatonin inhibited, concentration dependently, cell proliferation, upregulated p27Kip1 gene transcription and protein expression, and downregulated activated androgen signaling in 22Rv1 cells. While the effects of melatonin were mimicked by 2-iodomelatonin, a high-affinity nonselective MT1 and MT2 receptor agonist, melatonin effects were blocked by luzindole, a nonselective MT1 and MT2 receptor antagonist, but were unaffected by 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetraline, a selective MT2 receptor antagonist. Importantly, we discovered that the antiproliferative effect of melatonin exerted via MT1 receptor on p27Kip1 gene and protein upregulation is mediated by a novel signaling mechanism involving co-activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and PKA in parallel. Moreover, we also showed that a melatonin/MT1/PKC mechanism is involved in melatonin-induced downregulation of activated androgen signal transduction in 22Rv1 cells. Taken together with the known molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer progression and transition to androgen independence, our data provide strong support for melatonin to be a promising small-molecule useful for prostate cancer primary prevention and secondary prevention of the development and progression of hormone refractoriness. [source] Wound healing effects of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) leaves: a mechanism involving its PDGF/A2A receptor ligand binding and promotion of wound closurePHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 10 2010Afa Palu Abstract Morinda citrifolia L. (Rubiaceae) commonly known as noni, has been used in Polynesia by traditional healers for the treatment of cuts, bruises and wounds. Our objective was to investigate the wound-healing mechanisms of the noni leaf. The investigations of its wound-healing mechanisms were carried out using fresh noni leaf juice (NLJ), noni leaf ethanol extract (NLEE) and its methanol (MFEE) and hexane (HFEE) fractions on the PDGF and A2A receptors in vitro and topically in mice. Fresh noni leaf juice showed significant affinity to PDGF receptors, and displayed 166% binding inhibition of the ligand binding to its receptors, while at the same concentration, it only had 7% inhibition of the ligand binding to the A2A receptors. NLEE, HFEE and MFEE showed significant affinity to A2A receptors, concentration dependently, with IC50 values of 34.1, 42.9 and 86.7,,g/mL, respectively. However, MFEE significantly increased wound closure and reduced the half closure time in mice with a CT50 of 5.4 ± 0.2 days compared with control (p < 0.05). These results suggest that noni leaf significantly accelerated wound healing in mice via its ligand binding to the PDGF and A2A receptors as its probable mechanisms of wound-healing and also support its traditional usage for wound-healing in Polynesia. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Pharmacological studies on siculine syrup.PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2009II: effects on smooth, cardiovascular muscle preparations, skeletal Abstract Earlier pharmacological screening showed that siculine syrup (a traditional herbal remedy purported to be useful in the prevention and treatment of sickle cell pain , crises, due to sickle cell anaemia , SCA) had antisickling and analgesic activities as well as antimicrobial and diuretic effects. SCA is an important haemoglobinopathy in Africa and many other communities/countries worldwide, with relatively high morbidity and mortality. The present study was to determine the effects of the extract on various isolated muscle preparations , smooth, skeletal and cardiovascular. Siculine (4,20 µg/mL), like acetylcholine (40,400 µg/mL), contracted the isolated rat uterus concentration dependently. Similar effects were observed with the guinea-pig ileum and rabbit jejunum (2,20 µg/mL). In contrast to these effects, the direct (muscle) and indirect (nerve) stimulations of rat phrenic nerve,diaphragm were relaxed by siculine (4 and 8 µg/mL) and d -tubocurarine (0.8 µg/mL). Siculine also concentration-dependently decreased both the rate and force of contraction of guinea-pig atria and rabbit heart and also resulted in a fall in cat blood pressure in a manner similar to those of acetylcholine. The possible therapeutic and/or toxicological consequences of these effects including the hypotensive activity is noteworthy since siculine syrup is used by the local population for the prevention and treatment of sickle cell pain crises. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Cholinergic responses of ileal longitudinal muscle under short-lasting exposure to cupric ionsAUTONOMIC & AUTACOID PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2008Ch. Nachev Summary 1 The effect of short-term exposure to cupric ions (Cu2+) on electric field-stimulated (EFS) or agonist-induced contractions of guinea-pig isolated ileum was studied. 2 EFS elicited tetrodotoxin- and atropine-sensitive contractions that were concentration dependently inhibited by Cu2+ (IC50 = 14.7 ± 4.2 ,m). Maximal inhibition (90.4 ± 3.1% of baseline contractions) was attained with 30 ,m Cu2+. 3 Carbachol induced concentration-dependent contractions (EC50 = 0.021 ± 0.004 ,m) that were inhibited by 0.3 ,m atropine to a non-competitive manner (decreased maximal response, EC50 value = 0.26 ± 0.04 ,m, Ke = 0.026 ,m). Cu2+ (15 ,m) potentiated contractions induced by carbachol, such that the maximum response was increased by 30.3 ± 10.4%. 4 Histamine induced concentration-dependent contractions of the longitudinal muscle (EC50 = 0.11 ± 0.03 ,m). Dyphenhydramine (0.1 ,m) decreased the maximum response to histamine and shifted the curve to the right (EC50 value = 4.71 ± 0.35 ,m, Ke = 0.0024 ,m). Cu2+ (15 ,m) caused a rightward shift of the histamine concentration,response curve (EC50 = 0.61 ± 0.1 ,m) without changing the maximum response. Serotonin induced concentration-dependent contractions at concentrations higher than 10 nM (EC50 value of 0.34 ± 0.12 ,m) were not significantly affected by 15 ,m Cu2+. 5 Our results suggest that in ileal longitudinal muscle, Cu2+ inhibits cholinergic neurotransmission but also facilitates postsynaptic muscarinic receptor responses. [source] Genistein potentiates activity of the cation channel TRPC5 independently of tyrosine kinasesBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 7 2010Ching-On Wong Background and purpose:, TRPC5 is a Ca2+ -permeable channel with multiple modes of activation. We have explored the effects of genistein, a plant-derived isoflavone, on TRPC5 activity, and the mechanism(s) involved. Experimental approach:, Effects of genistein on TRPC5 channels were investigated in TRPC5-over-expressing human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK) cells and bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) using fluorescent Ca2+ imaging and electrophysiological techniques. Key results:, In TRPC5-over-expressing HEK cells, genistein stimulated TRPC5-mediated Ca2+ influx, concentration dependently (EC50= 93 µM). Genistein and lanthanum activated TRPC5 channels synergistically. Effects of genistein on TRPC5 channels were mimicked by daidzein (100 µM), a genistein analogue inactive as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, but not by known tyrosine kinase inhibitors herbimycin (2 µM), PP2 (20 µM) and lavendustin A (10 µM). Action of genistein on TRPC5 channels was not affected by an oestrogen receptor inhibitor ICI-182780 (50 µM) or a phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 (10 µM), suggesting genistein did not act through oestrogen receptors or phospholipase C. In BAECs, genistein (100 µM) stimulated TRPC5-mediated Ca2+ influx. In patch clamp studies, both genistein (50 µM) and daidzein (50 µM) augmented TRPC5-mediated whole-cell cation current in TRPC5 over-expressing HEK cells. Genistein stimulated TRPC5 channel activity in excised inside-out membrane patch, suggesting that its action was relatively direct and did not require cytosolic factors. Conclusions and implications:, The present study is the first to demonstrate stimulation of a TRP channel by isoflavones. Genistein is a lipophilic compound able to stimulate TRPC5 activity in TRPC5-over-expressing HEK cells and in native vascular endothelial cells. [source] Virodhamine relaxes the human pulmonary artery through the endothelial cannabinoid receptor and indirectly through a COX productBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 7 2008H Koz, owska Background and purpose: The endocannabinoid virodhamine is a partial agonist at the cannabinoid CB1 receptor and a full agonist at the CB2 receptor, and relaxes rat mesenteric arteries through endothelial cannabinoid receptors. Its concentration in the periphery exceeds that of the endocannabinoid anandamide. Here, we examined the influence of virodhamine on the human pulmonary artery. Experimental approach: Isolated human pulmonary arteries were obtained during resections for lung carcinoma. Vasorelaxant effects of virodhamine were examined on endothelium-intact vessels precontracted with 5-HT or KCl. Key results: Virodhamine, unlike WIN 55,212-2, relaxed 5-HT-precontracted vessels concentration dependently. The effect of virodhamine was reduced by endothelium denudation, two antagonists of the endothelial cannabinoid receptor, cannabidiol and O-1918, and a high concentration of the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant (5 ,M), but only slightly attenuated by the NOS inhibitor L -NAME and not affected by a lower concentration of rimonabant (100 nM) or by the CB2 and vanilloid receptor antagonists SR 144528 and capsazepine, respectively. The COX inhibitor indomethacin and the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 and combined administration of selective blockers of small (apamin) and intermediate and large (charybdotoxin) conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ channels attenuated virodhamine-induced relaxation. The vasorelaxant potency of virodhamine was lower in KCl- than in 5-HT-precontracted preparations. Conclusions and implications: Virodhamine relaxes the human pulmonary artery through the putative endothelial cannabinoid receptor and indirectly through a COX-derived vasorelaxant prostanoid formed from the virodhamine metabolite, arachidonic acid. One or both of these mechanisms may stimulate vasorelaxant Ca2+ -activated K+ channels. British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 1034,1042; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.371; published online 22 September 2008 [source] Biological properties of a specific G,q/11 inhibitor, YM-254890, on platelet functions and thrombus formation under high-shear stressBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Toshio Uemura 1The effects of YM-254890, a specific G,q/11 inhibitor, on platelet functions, thrombus formation under high-shear rate condition and femoral artery thrombosis in cynomolgus monkeys were investigated. 2YM-254890 concentration dependently inhibited ADP-induced intracellular Ca2+ elevation, with an IC50 value of 0.92±0.28 ,M. 3P-selectin expression induced by ADP or thrombin receptor agonist peptide (TRAP) was strongly inhibited by YM-254890, with IC50 values of 0.51±0.02 and 0.16±0.08 ,M, respectively. 4YM-254890 had no effect on the binding of fibrinogen to purified GPIIb/IIIa, but strongly inhibited binding to TRAP-stimulated washed platelets. 5YM-254890 completely inhibited platelet shape change induced by ADP, but not that induced by collagen, TRAP, arachidonic acid, U46619 or A23187. 6YM-254890 attenuated ADP-, collagen-, TRAP-, arachidonic acid- and U46619-induced platelet aggregation with IC50 values of <1 ,M, whereas it had no effect on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-, ristocetin-, thapsigargin- or A23187-induced platelet aggregation. 7High-shear stress-induced platelet aggregation and platelet-rich thrombus formation on a collagen surface under high-shear flow conditions were concentration dependently inhibited by YM-254890. 8The antithrombotic effect of YM-254890 was evaluated in a model of cyclic flow reductions in the femoral artery of cynomolgus monkeys. The intravenous bolus injection of YM-254890 dose dependently inhibited recurrent thrombosis without affecting systemic blood pressure or prolonging template bleeding time. 9YM-254890 is a useful tool for investigating G,q/11 -coupled receptor signaling and the physiological roles of G,q/11. British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 148, 61,69. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706711 [source] In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of the novel UT receptor ligand [Pen5,DTrp7,Dab8]urotensin II(4,11) (UFP-803)BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Valeria Camarda The novel urotensin-II (U-II) receptor (UT) ligand, [Pen5,DTrp7,Dab8]U-II(4,11) (UFP-803), was pharmacologically evaluated and compared with urantide in in vitro and in vivo assays. In the rat isolated aorta, UFP-803 was inactive alone but, concentration dependently, displaced the contractile response to U-II to the right, revealing a competitive type of antagonism and a pA2 value of 7.46. In the FLIPR [Ca2+]i assay, performed at room temperature in HEK293hUT and HEK293rUT cells, U-II increased [Ca2+]i with pEC50 values of 8.11 and 8.48. Urantide and UFP-803 were inactive as agonists, but antagonized the actions of U-II by reducing, in a concentration-dependent manner, the agonist maximal effects with apparent pKB values in the range of 8.45,9.05. In a separate series of experiments performed at 37°C using a cuvette-based [Ca2+]i assay and CHOhUT cells, urantide mimicked the [Ca2+]i stimulatory effect of U-II with an intrinsic activity (,) of 0.80, while UFP-803 displayed a small (,=0.21) but consistent residual agonist activity. When the same experiments were repeated at 22°C (a temperature similar to that in FLIPR experiments), urantide displayed a very small intrinsic activity (,=0.11) and UFP-803 was completely inactive as an agonist. In vivo in mice, UFP-803 (10 nmol kg,1) antagonized U-II (1 nmol kg,1)-induced increase in plasma extravasation in various vascular beds, while being inactive alone. In conclusion, UFP-803 is a potent UT receptor ligand which displays competitive/noncompetitive antagonist behavior depending on the assay. While UFP-803 is less potent than urantide, it displayed reduced residual agonist activity and as such may be a useful pharmacological tool. British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 147, 92,100. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706438 [source] | |||||||||||||