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Receptor Antagonism (receptor + antagonism)
Kinds of Receptor Antagonism Selected AbstractsAldosterone Receptor Antagonism: Interface With Hyperkalemia in Heart FailureCONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, Issue 5 2004Domenic A. Sica MD Aldosterone receptor antagonism (ARA) is an increasingly well-accepted element of heart failure therapy. The experimental underpinnings for the use of ARA in heart failure are strong being linked to a variety of tissue-based cardiac effects characteristic of drugs in this class. However, the benefits of ARA therapy do not come without some risk since drugs in this class are potent inhibitors of renal potassium (K+) elimination. Thus, some increment in serum K+, up to and including the development of overt hyperkalemia (typically defined as a serum K+ value in excess of 6.0 mEq/L), is to be expected whenever they are used. Hyperkalemia attributable to ARA relates to several factors including ARA dose, patient predisposition to hyperkalemia, as in the case of renal failure, and dietary intake of K+. The risk of some change in serum K+ with ARA should not be a deterrent to use of drugs in this class but, rather should prompt careful surveillance for the onset of this potentially life-threatening electrolyte disturbance. The frequency of such scrutiny should be patient-specific and based on the constellation of risk factors for hyperkalemia. [source] Novel 2-N,N-Dimethylaminomethyl-2,3,3a,12b-tetrahydrodibenzo[b,f]furo [2,3-d]oxepin Derivatives Displaying Combined Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibition and 5-HT2A/2C Receptor Antagonism.CHEMINFORM, Issue 40 2005Jose M. Bartolome Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text. [source] Sex-Specific Impact of Aldosterone Receptor Antagonism on Ventricular Remodeling and Gene Expression after Myocardial InfarctionCLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2009Ph.D., Rosemeire M. Kanashiro-Takeuchi D.V.M. Abstract Aldosterone receptor antagonism reduces mortality and improves post-myocardial infarction (Ml) remodeling. Because aldosterone and estrogen signaling pathways interact, we hypothesized that aldosterone blockade is sex-specific. Therefore, we investigated the mpact of eplerenone on left ventricular (LV) remodeling and gene expression of male infarcted rats versus female infarcted rats. Ml and Sham animals were randomized to receive eplerenone (100 mg/kg/day) or placebo 3 days post-surgery for 4 weeks and assessed by echocardiography. In the Ml placebo group, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) increased from 7.3 ± 0.4 mm to 10.2 ± 1.0 mm (p < 0.05) and ejection fraction (EF) decreased from 82.3 + 4% to 45.5 + 11% (p < 0.05) in both sexes (p= NS between groups). Eplerenone attenuated LVEDD enlargement more effectively in females (8.8 ± 0.2 mm, p < 0.05 vs. placebo) than in males (9.7 ± 0.2 mm, p= NS vs. placebo) and improved EF in females (56.7 ± 3%, p < 0.05 vs. placebo) but not in males (50.6 + 3%, p= NS vs. placebo). Transcriptomic analysis using Rat_230,2.0 microarrays (Affymetrix) revealed that in females 19% of downregu-lated genes and 44% of upregulated genes post-MI were restored to normal by eplerenone. In contrast, eplerenone only restored 4% of overexpressed genes in males. Together, these data suggest that aldosterone blockade reduces Ml-induced cardiac remodeling and phenotypic alterations of gene expression preferentially in females than in males. The use of transcriptomic signatures to detect greater benefit of eplerenone in females has potential implications for personalized medicine. [source] Aldosterone Receptor Antagonism: Interface With Hyperkalemia in Heart FailureCONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, Issue 5 2004Domenic A. Sica MD Aldosterone receptor antagonism (ARA) is an increasingly well-accepted element of heart failure therapy. The experimental underpinnings for the use of ARA in heart failure are strong being linked to a variety of tissue-based cardiac effects characteristic of drugs in this class. However, the benefits of ARA therapy do not come without some risk since drugs in this class are potent inhibitors of renal potassium (K+) elimination. Thus, some increment in serum K+, up to and including the development of overt hyperkalemia (typically defined as a serum K+ value in excess of 6.0 mEq/L), is to be expected whenever they are used. Hyperkalemia attributable to ARA relates to several factors including ARA dose, patient predisposition to hyperkalemia, as in the case of renal failure, and dietary intake of K+. The risk of some change in serum K+ with ARA should not be a deterrent to use of drugs in this class but, rather should prompt careful surveillance for the onset of this potentially life-threatening electrolyte disturbance. The frequency of such scrutiny should be patient-specific and based on the constellation of risk factors for hyperkalemia. [source] EndothelinA (ETA) and ETB receptor-mediated regulation of nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) and NOS3 isoforms in the renal inner medullaACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 4 2007J. C. Sullivan Abstract Aim:, Our laboratory and others have shown that endothelin (ET)-1 directly stimulates nitric oxide (NO) production in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells. The goal of this study was to determine which NO synthase (NOS) isoforms in IMCD are sensitive to ET-1, and the role of ETA and ETB receptor activation in vivo and in vitro. Methods:, NOS enzymatic activity and NOS isoform protein expression were examined in cultured IMCD-3 cells and isolated renal inner medulla. ETB receptor-deficient homozygous rats (sl/sl) have elevated levels of circulating ET-1 and lack a functional ETB signalling pathway in kidneys, and furthermore provides a unique model to study ETA receptor signalling in the renal inner medulla in vivo. Results:, Incubation of IMCD-3 cells with exogenous ET-1 (50 nm) resulted in ETA -dependent increased NOS1 protein expression in IMCD-3 cells with no effect on NOS2 or NOS3 expression. ETB receptor antagonism has no effect on NOS expression in IMCD-3 cells. Consistent with in vitro results, cytosolic NOS1 protein expression was significantly greater in the renal inner medulla of sl/sl rats compared with heterozygous (sl/+) controls, with no alteration in NOS3 expression. In contrast to protein expression data, NOS1- and NOS3-specific enzymatic activities decreased in the cytosolic fraction from the renal inner medulla of sl/sl compared with sl/+. Conclusion:, These results provide evidence that both ETA and ETB receptors regulate NOS isoform activity in the renal inner medulla and specifically support the hypothesis that ETA receptor activation increases NOS1 expression. [source] Dorothy Hodgkin Lecture 2008 Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) revisited: a new therapeutic target for obesity,diabetes?DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 7 2008P. R. Flatt Abstract There is increasing realization that gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) has actions outside of the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract. Most significant is the presence of functional GIP receptors on adipocytes and the appreciation that GIP, secreted strongly in response to fat ingestion, plays a role in the translation of excessive amounts of dietary fat into adipocyte tissue stores. Such effects open up the possibility of exploiting GIP receptor antagonism for the treatment of obesity and insulin resistance. This is borne out by studies in high-fat-fed mice or ob/ob mice with either genetic knockout of GIP receptor or chemical ablation of GIP action using the GIP receptor antagonist, (Pro3)GIP. By causing preferential oxidation of fat, blockade of GIP signalling clears triglyceride deposits from liver and muscle, thereby respectively restoring mechanisms for suppression of hepatic glucose output and cellular glucose uptake. Further studies are needed to determine the applicability of this research to human obesity,diabetes. However, proof of concept is provided by emerging evidence that rapid cure of diabetes in grossly obese subjects undergoing Roux-en-Y bypass surgery is mediated in part by surgical bypass of GIP-secreting K-cells in the upper small intestine. [source] Dual ETA/ETB vs. selective ETA endothelin receptor antagonism in patients with pulmonary hypertensionEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 2006C. F. Opitz Abstract Since the identification of endothelin as a key mediator in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the pharmacologic control of the activated endothelin system with endothelin receptor antagonists (ETRA) has been a major therapeutic achievement for the treatment of patients with PAH. To date, dual ETA/ETB and selective ETA receptor antagonists have clinically been evaluated. To answer the question of whether selective or dual ETRA is preferable in patients with PAH, experimental and clinical data with relevance to the pulmonary circulation are reviewed in this article. Whereas experimental and clinical data provide unambiguous evidence that ETA receptors mediate the detrimental effects of ET-1, such as vasoconstriction and cell proliferation, the elucidation of the role of ETB receptors has been more complex. It has been shown that there is a subpopulation of ETB receptors on smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts mediating vasoconstriction and proliferation. On the contrary, there is clear evidence that endothelial ETB receptors continue to mediate vasodilation, vasoprotection and ET-1 clearance despite the pathology associated with pulmonary hypertension. More difficult to assess is the net effect of these mechanisms in patients to be treated with ETRA. When considering the available data from controlled clinical trials, nonselectivity does not appear to carry a relevant clinical benefit for the treatment of patients with PAH when compared with selective ETA receptor antagonism. [source] Dual endothelin receptor antagonism in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 2005Article first published online: 10 MAR 200 No abstract is available for this article. [source] PRECLINICAL STUDY: Route of administration affects the ability of naltrexone to reduce amphetamine-potentiated brain stimulation reward in ratsADDICTION BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2009Mark S. Todtenkopf ABSTRACT Opioid receptor antagonism has been shown to attenuate behavioral and neurochemical effects of amphetamine in humans and rodents. The effects of acute (oral or subcutaneous) or extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) were tested on the reward-enhancing effects of amphetamine using the intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) paradigm. Acute exposure to drugs of abuse reduces the locus of rise (LOR) in the ICSS procedure, reflecting enhanced brain stimulation reward (BSR). Rats were treated once a day with naltrexone orally (PO; 5.0 mg/kg) or subcutaneously (SC; 0.5 mg/kg) for four consecutive days and tested with D-amphetamine (0.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) in the ICSS paradigm 30 minutes later on days 1 and 4. Separate groups of rats received XR-NTX (50 mg/kg, SC) or placebo microspheres (similar mass to XR-NTX, SC) on day 0 and tested with D-amphetamine in the ICSS paradigm on days 4, 14, 21, 28 and 41 after administration. Naltrexone plasma concentrations were determined for each amphetamine testing session using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In rats pretreated with naltrexone acutely, amphetamine-potentiated BSR did not differ from vehicle-pretreated rats on either day 1 or day 4 (25,30% decrease in LOR). In XR-NTX-pretreated rats, amphetamine-potentiated BSR was reduced by 64 and 70% on days 4 and 14, respectively, compared to placebo microsphere-treated controls. This effect dissipated by day 21. Naltrexone plasma concentrations were comparable across all treatment groups (14,30 ng/ml) on days 1, 4 and 14. In summary, an extended-release formulation of naltrexone results in significant attenuation of psychostimulant-enhanced BSR that is not observed with acute naltrexone. [source] Metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 activity generates persistent, N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor-dependent depression of hippocampal pyramidal cell excitabilityEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 12 2009J. P. Clement Abstract Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are involved in many forms of neuronal plasticity. In the hippocampus, they have well-defined roles in long-lasting forms of both synaptic and intrinsic plasticity. Here, we describe a novel form of long-lasting intrinsic plasticity that we call (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG)-mediated long-term depression of excitability (DHPG-LDE), and which is generated following transient pharmacological activation of group I mGluRs. In extracellular recordings from hippocampal slices, DHPG-LDE was expressed as a long-lasting depression of antidromic compound action potentials (cAPs) in CA1 or CA3 cells following a 4-min exposure to the group I mGluR agonist (S)-DHPG. A similar phenomenon was also seen for orthodromic fibre volleys evoked in CA3 axons. In single-cell recordings from CA1 pyramids, DHPG-LDE was manifest as persistent failures in antidromic action potential generation. DHPG-LDE was blocked by (S)-(+)- a -amino-4-carboxy-2-methylbenzeneacetic acid (LY367385), an antagonist of mGluR1, but not 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride (MPEP), an mGluR5 inhibitor. Although insensitive to antagonists of ,-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate/kainate and ,-aminobutyric acidA receptors, DHPG-LDE was blocked by antagonists of N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Similarly, in single-cell recordings, DHPG-mediated antidromic spike failures were eliminated by NMDA receptor antagonism. Long after (S)-DHPG washout, DHPG-LDE was reversed by mGluR1 antagonism. A 4-min application of (S)-DHPG also produced an NMDA receptor-dependent persistent depolarization of CA1 pyramidal cells. This depolarization was not solely responsible for DHPG-LDE, because a similar level of depolarization elicited by raising extracellular K+ increased the amplitude of the cAP. DHPG-LDE did not involve HCN channels or protein synthesis, but was eliminated by blockers of protein kinase C or tyrosine phosphatases. [source] PDE10A inhibition reverses subchronic PCP-induced deficits in attentional set-shifting in ratsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 4 2005Joshua S. Rodefer Abstract Persistent suppression of N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor function produces enduring structural changes in neocortical and limbic regions in a pattern similar to changes reported in schizophrenia. This similarity suggests that chronic NMDA receptor antagonism in animals may represent a useful model of neurobiological and related cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is associated with impairments in frontal lobe-dependent cognitive functions, including working memory and attentional shifting. Deficits in attention and executive function have not been well characterized in animal models of schizophrenia using chronic NMDA receptor antagonist administration. We investigated whether subchronic systemic administration of the NMDA receptor antagonist phencyclidine (PCP) to rats followed by a drug washout period would produce enduring cognitive deficits on an attentional set-shifting task. The task is functionally analogous to a sensitive test of frontal function in humans and non-human primates. Subchronic PCP administration selectively impaired extradimensional shift learning without affecting other discrimination or reversal tasks. Moreover, acute treatment with the PDE10A inhibitor papaverine immediately prior to testing attenuated the PCP-induced deficits in extradimensional shift learning across a range of doses. These data suggest that subchronic PCP administration may model effectively some of the cognitive deficits that are observed in schizophrenia, and that PDE10A inhibition may be an effective therapeutic route to improve executive function deficits associated with schizophrenia. [source] Vasopressin receptor antagonism , a therapeutic option in heart failure and hypertensionEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2000Louise M. Burrell The precise role of vasopressin in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease is controversial, but this peptide hormone is important for several reasons. Firstly, circulating concentrations of vasopressin are elevated in heart failure and some forms of hypertension. Secondly, there is evidence that vasopressin is synthesized not only in the hypophysial-pituitary axis but also in peripheral tissues including the heart where it acts as a paracrine hormone. Thirdly, vasopressin has vasoconstrictor, mitogenic, hyperplastic and renal fluid retaining properties which, by analogy with angiotensin II, may have deleterious effects when present in chronic excess. Finally, the availability of orally active non-peptide vasopressin receptor antagonists allows vasopressin receptor antagonism to be considered as a therapeutic option in cardiovascular disease. [source] Levosimendan cardioprotection in acutely ,-1 adrenergic receptor blocked open chest pigsACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2010C. METZSCH Background: Levosimendan and volatile anesthetics have myocardial pre-conditioning effects. ,-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists may inhibit the protective effect of volatile anesthetics. No information exists as to whether this also applies to the pre-conditioning effect of levosimendan. We therefore investigated whether levosimendan added to metoprolol would demonstrate a cardioprotective effect. Methods: Three groups of anesthetized open chest pigs underwent 30 min of myocardial ischemia and 90 min of reperfusion by temporary occlusion of the largest side branch from the circumflex artery or the left anterior descending artery. One group (CTRL) served as a control, in another group (BETA), a metoprolol-loading dose was intravenously injected 30 min before ischemia, and in a third group (BETA+L), a levosimendan infusion was added to metoprolol. Myocardial tissue concentrations of glucose, glycerol, and lactate/pyruvate ratio as the primary end-points were investigated with microdialysis in ischemic and non-ischemic tissues. Results: At the end of the ischemic period, statistically significant differences were only found between CTRL and BETA+L in the ischemic myocardium, with a lower lactate/pyruvate ratio, lower glycerol, and higher glucose concentrations in BETA+L as compared with CTRL. There were no differences in non-ischemic myocardium. From 10 to 90 min of reperfusion, no more differences were found between groups. Conclusion: The cardioprotective effect of levosimendan on ischemic metabolism with a reduction in the myocardial lactate/pyruvate ratio, less glycerol accumulation, and better preserved glucose concentration does not seem to be prevented by ,-1 adrenergic receptor antagonism with metoprolol. [source] Caffeine does not attenuate experimentally induced ischemic pain in healthy subjectsACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 10 2009J. DELLERMALM Background and aims: Caffeine is likely the most widely used psychoactive substance in the world. It is also an analgesic adjuvant and has individual analgesic properties. The latter effect has been attributed to adenosine receptor antagonism, but the site of action is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic properties of caffeine on experimentally induced ischemic pain and to attempt to elucidate whether the site of action is central or peripheral. Materials and methods: Seventeen healthy subjects received intravenous (i.v.) regional and systemic infusions of caffeine at 10 mg/kg or placebo in a double-blind, crossover fashion to investigate the site of action for caffeine-induced analgesia. Subjects underwent a sub-maximum effort tourniquet test. Pain scores [visual analogue scale (VAS), 0,100] were assessed every minute up to a maximum of 45 min. Results: The sum of pain scores (SPS, accumulation of VAS scores) was attenuated neither by systemic 2405 (±234) nor by i.v. regional caffeine 2427 (±190) as compared with placebo 2442 (±205), P=0.99 (mean±SEM). Time to maximal VAS score did not differ significantly between treatments, P=0.94. There was no correlation between caffeine concentration in plasma and time to maximal pain score, or between SPS and plasma concentration. Conclusion: Caffeine does not have an analgesic effect on ischemic pain, either by a peripheral or by a central site of action. [source] Aldosterone receptor antagonism and heart failure: insights from an outpatient clinicJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 4 2008R. Mariotti Summary Objective:, In randomized clinical trials, aldosterone antagonists have been shown to reduce mortality and morbidity in heart failure (HF). The aim of the present study was to examine the risk-benefit profile of aldosterone antagonists in routine clinical practice. Methods:, A retrospective analysis, extending over a 1-year period, of the clinical, instrumental and laboratory data of 264 HF outpatients was performed. All patients were on a ,-blocker and an ACE-inhibitor (or angiotensin-II receptor-blocker) and 151 were taking an aldosterone antagonist. Results:, At baseline, subjects treated with aldosterone antagonists had a higher NYHA class, a larger left-ventricular end-diastolic volume, a worse ejection fraction and a higher systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP). During follow-up, a greater reduction in sPAP and a tendency towards improved systolic and diastolic function were observed in subjects treated with aldosterone antagonists. Moreover, clinical and laboratory parameters did not deteriorate in patients taking aldosterone antagonists. Mortality rates were similar in the two groups (8·6% vs. 8·8%, P = NS). Conclusions:, The use of aldosterone antagonists in HF is associated with an improvement in cardiac function and is well tolerated. In the present study, patients administered these agents had a comparable clinical outcome to that of the control group, despite important differences in baseline risk. [source] The endocannabinoid system and rimonabant: a new drug with a novel mechanism of action involving cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonism , or inverse agonism , as potential obesity treatment and other therapeutic useJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 3 2007S. Xie Pharm D student Summary There is considerable evidence that the endocannabinoid (endogenous cannabinoid) system plays a significant role in appetitive drive and associated behaviours. It is therefore reasonable to hypothesize that the attenuation of the activity of this system would have therapeutic benefit in treating disorders that might have a component of excess appetitive drive or over-activity of the endocannabinoid system, such as obesity, ethanol and other drug abuse, and a variety of central nervous system and other disorders. Towards this end, antagonists of cannabinoid receptors have been designed through rational drug discovery efforts. Devoid of the abuse concerns that confound and impede the use of cannabinoid receptor agonists for legitimate medical purposes, investigation of the use of cannabinoid receptor antagonists as possible pharmacotherapeutic agents is currently being actively investigated. The compound furthest along this pathway is rimonabant, a selective CB1 (cannabinoid receptor subtype 1) antagonist, or inverse agonist, approved in the European Union and under regulatory review in the United States for the treatment of obesity. This article summarizes the basic science of the endocannabinoid system and the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid receptor antagonists, with emphasis on the treatment of obesity. [source] Blockade of the 5-HT3 receptor for days causes sustained relief from mechanical allodynia following spinal cord injuryJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 2 2009Yuhua Chen Abstract Chronic neuropathic pain is a frequent, serious outcome of spinal cord injury (SCI) that is highly refractory to treatment. Serotonin can contribute to neuropathic pain after SCI, as suggested by our previous observation that transient blockade of the 5-HT3 receptor by intrathecal injections of the antagonist ondansetron reduces mechanical allodynia after SCI in rats. The current study determined whether intrathecal or intravenous infusion of ondansetron for 3 or 7 days, respectively, could cause sustained blockade of mechanical allodynia at and below the level of a twelfth thoracic clip compression injury in rats. Intrathecal 3-day infusion of ondansetron (2.0 ,g/hr), targeted to the cord rostral to the SCI and commencing at 28 days after SCI, decreased at-level mechanical allodynia by 40% and below-level allodynia by 60% compared with saline-treated rats (controls). This reduction was sustained throughout drug delivery and for 1 day afterward. During the next 3 days, allodynia gradually returned toward the values of saline-treated rats. An initial experiment showed that bolus intravenous injections of ondansetron (20,100 ,g) at 28 days after SCI decreased both at- and below-level allodynia for 90,120 min. Intravenous 7-day infusions (20 ,g/hr), commencing at 28 days after SCI, significantly decreased at-level allodynia by 48% and below-level allodynia by 51% compared with controls. This reduction of allodynia lasted throughout the infusion and for 1,3 days afterward while pain responses gradually approached those of controls. These findings suggest a potential role of 5-HT3 receptor antagonism in the relief of neuropathic pain after SCI in humans. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Ghrelin Receptor Antagonism Decreases Alcohol Consumption and Activation of Perioculomotor Urocortin-Containing NeuronsALCOHOLISM, Issue 9 2010Simranjit Kaur Background:, The current therapies for alcohol abuse disorders are not effective in all patients, and continued development of pharmacotherapies is needed. One approach that has generated recent interest is the antagonism of ghrelin receptors. Ghrelin is a gut-derived peptide important in energy homeostasis and regulation of hunger. Recent studies have implicated ghrelin in alcoholism, showing altered plasma ghrelin levels in alcoholic patients as well as reduced intakes of alcohol in ghrelin receptor knockout mice and in mice treated with ghrelin receptor antagonists. The aim of this study was to determine the neuroanatomical locus/loci of the effect of ghrelin receptor antagonism on alcohol consumption using the ghrelin receptor antagonist, D-Lys3-GHRP-6. Methods:, In Experiment 1, male C57BL/6J mice were injected with saline 3 hours into the dark cycle and allowed access to 15% (v/v) ethanol or water for 2 hours in a 2-bottle choice experiment. On test day, the mice were injected with either saline or 400 nmol of the ghrelin receptor antagonist, D-Lys3-GHRP-6, and allowed to drink 15% ethanol or water for 4 hours. The preference for alcohol and alcohol intake were determined. In Experiment 2, the same procedure was followed as in Experiment 1 but mice were only allowed access to a single bottle of 20% ethanol (v/v), and alcohol intake was determined. Blood ethanol levels were analyzed, and immunohistochemistry for c-Fos was carried out to investigate changes in neural activity. To further elucidate the mechanism by which D-Lys3-GHRP-6 affects alcohol intake, in Experiment 3, the effect of D-Lys3-GHRP-6 on the neural activation induced by intraperitoneal ethanol was investigated. For the c-Fos studies, brain regions containing ghrelin receptors were analyzed, i.e. the perioculomotor urocortin population of neurons (pIIIu), the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and the arcuate nucleus (Arc). In Experiment 4, to test if blood ethanol concentrations were affected by D-Lys3-GHRP-6, blood samples were taken at 2 time-points after D-Lys3-GHRP-6 pretreatment and systemic ethanol administration. Results:, In Experiment 1, D-Lys3-GHRP-6 reduced preference to alcohol and in a follow-up experiment (Experiment 2) also dramatically reduced alcohol intake when compared to saline-treated mice. The resulting blood ethanol concentrations were lower in mice treated with the ghrelin receptor antagonist. Immunohistochemistry for c-Fos showed fewer immunopositive cells in the pIIIu of the antagonist-treated mice but no difference was seen in the VTA or Arc. In Experiment 3, D-Lys3-GHRP-6 reduced the induction of c-Fos by intraperitoneal ethanol in the pIIIu but had no effect in the VTA. In the Arc, there was a significant increase in the number of c-Fos immunopositive cells after D-Lys3-GHRP-6 administration, but the antagonist had no effect on ethanol-induced expression of c-Fos. D-Lys3-GHRP-6-pretreatment also did not affect the blood ethanol concentrations observed after a systemic injection of ethanol when compared to saline-pretreated mice (Experiment 4). Conclusions:, These findings indicate that the action of ghrelin on the regulation of alcohol consumption may occur via the pIIIu. [source] Combined Scopolamine and Ethanol Treatment Results in a Locomotor Stimulant Response Suggestive of Synergism That is Not Blocked by Dopamine Receptor AntagonistsALCOHOLISM, Issue 3 2009Angela C. Scibelli Background:, Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are well positioned to mediate ethanol's stimulant effects. To investigate this possibility, we examined the effects of scopolamine, a receptor subtype nonselective mAChR antagonist, on ethanol-induced stimulation in genotypes highly sensitive to this effect of ethanol. We also investigated whether the dopamine D1-like receptor antagonist, SCH-23390 or the dopamine D2-like receptor antagonist, haloperidol, could block the extreme stimulant response found following co-administration of scopolamine and ethanol. Methods:, Scopolamine (0, 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, or 0.5 mg/kg) was given 10 minutes prior to saline or ethanol (0.75 to 2 g/kg) to female FAST (Experiment I) or DBA/2J (Experiment II) mice that were then tested for locomotion for 30 minutes. In Experiments III and IV, respectively, SCH-23390 (0, 0.015, or 0.03 mg/kg) was given 10 minutes prior, and haloperidol (0, 0.08, or 0.16 mg/kg) was given 2 minutes prior, to scopolamine (0 or 0.5 mg/kg), followed 10 minutes later by saline or ethanol (1.5 g/kg) and female DBA/2J mice were tested for locomotion for 30 minutes. Results:, FAST and DBA/2J mice displayed a robust enhancement of the locomotor effects of ethanol following pretreatment with scopolamine that was suggestive of synergism. SCH-23390 had no effect on the response to the scopolamine + ethanol drug combination, nor did it attenuate ethanol- or scopolamine-induced locomotor activity. Haloperidol, while attenuating the effects of ethanol, was not able to block the effects of scopolamine or the robust response to the scopolamine-ethanol drug combination. Conclusions:, These results suggest that while muscarinic receptor antagonism robustly enhances acute locomotor stimulation to ethanol, dopamine receptors are not involved in the super-additive interaction of scopolamine and ethanol treatment. They also suggest that in addition to cautions regarding the use of alcohol when scopolamine is clinically prescribed due to enhanced sedative effects, enhanced stimulation may also be a concern. [source] Neurokinin-1 receptor antagonism in a human model of visceral hypersensitivityALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 3 2007R. P. WILLERT Summary Background Substance P acting via the neurokinin-1 receptor is involved in the development of hyperalgesia, although studies using neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists (NK-1RA) in human somatic pain have been disappointing. Aim To evaluate whether Substance P is involved in the development of human visceral pain/hyperalgesia using a selective NK-1RA. Methods Using a validated human model of acid-induced oesophageal allodynia, pain thresholds to electrical stimulation (mA) were measured in the proximal oesophagus and the foot (somatic control), pre- and for 4 h postdistal oesophageal acid in 14 healthy subjects, using a double-blind, randomized, two-period, crossover study. Measurements were taken on the third day of dosing with either an oral NK-1RA or matching placebo, with 2 weeks washout between periods. Results Baseline pain threshold did not differ between treatments (proximal oesophagus 37 ± 7.4 mA NK-1RA vs. 38 ± 10.1 placebo P = 0.81, foot 40 ± 15 mA NK-1RA vs. 38 ± 14 placebo P = 0.68). NK-1RA did not attenuate the reduction in pain threshold in the proximal oesophagus postacid infusion (AUC,394 ± 279 NK-1RA vs. ,262 ± 397 placebo P = 0.54). Conclusions The lack of effect of NK-1RA on oesophageal pain threshold in our model does not support a role for Substance P in the development of acid-induced oesophageal allodynia. [source] Translating 5-HT4 receptor pharmacologyNEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY & MOTILITY, Issue 12 2009G. J. Sanger Abstract, Since metoclopramide was first described (in 1964) there have been several attempts to develop compounds which retained gastrointestinal prokinetic activity (via 5-HT4 receptor activation) but without the limiting side effects associated with dopamine D2 receptor antagonism. Early compounds (mosapride, cisapride, renzapride, tegaserod) were identified before several of the 5-HT receptors were even described (including 5-HT4 and 5-HT2B), whereas prucalopride came later. Several compounds were hampered by non-selectivity, introducing cardiac liability (cisapride: activity at human Ether-a-go-go Related Gene) or potentially, a reduced intestinal prokinetic activity caused by activity at a second 5-HT receptor (renzapride: antagonism at the 5-HT3 receptor; tegaserod: antagonism at the 5-HT2B receptor). Poor intrinsic activity at gastrointestinal 5-HT4 receptors has also been an issue (mosapride, tegaserod). Perhaps prucalopride has now achieved the profile of good selectivity of action and high intrinsic activity at intestinal 5-HT4 receptors, without clinically-meaningful actions on 5-HT4 receptors in the heart. The progress of this compound for treatment of chronic constipation, as well as competitor molecules such as ATI-7505 and TD-5108, will now be followed with interest as each attempts to differentiate themselves from each other. Perhaps at last, 5-HT4 receptor agonists are being given the chance to show what they can do. [source] Intestinal anti-nociceptive behaviour of NK3 receptor antagonism in conscious rats: evidence to support a peripheral mechanism of actionNEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY & MOTILITY, Issue 4 2003J. Fioramonti Abstract The involvement of neurokinin receptors in visceral nociception is well documented. However, the role and localization of NK3 receptors is not clearly established. This study was designed to determine whether NK3 receptor antagonists crossing (talnetant) or not (SB-235375) the blood,brain barrier reduce the nociceptive response to colo-rectal distension (CRD) and whether NK3 antagonism reduces inflammation- or stress-induced hypersensitivity to rectal distension. Isobaric CRD and isovolumic rectal distensions were performed in rats equipped with intramuscular electrodes to record abdominal muscle contractions. In controls, CRD induced a pressure-related (15,60 mmHg) increase in the number of abdominal contractions. Both talnetant and SB-235375 [50 mg kg,1, per oral (p.o.)], which had no effect on colo-rectal tone, reduced the number of contractions associated with CRDs from 30 to 60 mmHg. Three days after rectal instillation of TNBS, abdominal contractions were increased for rectal distension volume of 0.4 mL. This effect was not modified by talnetant (30 mg kg,1, p.o.). Partial restraint stress increased abdominal contractions at all distension volumes (0,1.2 mL). Talnetant (10 mg kg,1, p.o.) abolished the increase observed for 0.8 and 1.2 mL. These results indicate that peripheral NK3 receptor antagonism reduced nociception associated with CRD and hypersensitivity induced by stress but not inflammation. [source] Improved endothelial function after endothelin receptor blockade in patients with systemic sclerosisARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 6 2009Carmine Cardillo Objective Impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilator function may contribute to vascular damage in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). This study was undertaken to investigate whether increased activity of the endothelin 1 (ET-1) system plays a role in the occurrence of endothelial dysfunction in patients with SSc. Methods In 12 patients with SSc (6 with diffuse cutaneous SSc [dcSSc] and 6 with limited cutaneous SSc [lcSSc]), forearm blood flow responses to graded doses of acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) given intraarterially were assessed by plethysmography, during infusion of saline and following selective blockade of ETA receptors with BQ-123 (10 nmoles/minute). Results During saline infusion, the vasodilator response to ACh was blunted in patients with SSc as compared with that in healthy controls (P < 0.001), whereas the response to SNP was not different between groups (P = 0.27). The vasodilator effect of ETA receptor antagonism was higher in patients than in controls (P < 0.001), indicating enhanced ET-1,mediated vasoconstriction in SSc. In patients, ETA receptor blockade resulted in a potentiation of the vasodilator response to ACh (P < 0.001 versus saline), but did not affect the response to SNP (P = 0.31). Notably, both the vasodilator effect of ETA receptor antagonism and the improvement in the responsiveness to ACh following BQ-123 infusion were higher in patients with dcSSc than in those with lcSSc (P < 0.01). Conclusion ET-1,dependent vasoconstrictor tone is increased predominantly in the subgroup of SSc patients with dcSSc, in whom acute blockade of ETA receptors was able to improve impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilator function. Our results suggest novel vasculoprotective effects of ETA receptor antagonism and support further exploration of strategies that target the ET-1 pathway in SSc. [source] Adenosine A2A receptors in diffuse dermal fibrosis: Pathogenic role in human dermal fibroblasts and in a murine model of sclerodermaARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 8 2006E. S. L. Chan Objective Adenosine regulates inflammation and tissue repair, and adenosine A2A receptors promote wound healing by stimulating collagen matrix production. We therefore examined whether adenosine A2A receptors contribute to the pathogenesis of dermal fibrosis. Methods Collagen production by primary human dermal fibroblasts was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, 14C-proline incorporation, and Sircol assay. Intracellular signaling for dermal collagen production was investigated using inhibitors of MEK-1 and by demonstration of ERK phosphorylation. In vivo effects were studied in a bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis model using adenosine A2A receptor,deficient wild-type littermate mice, C57BL/6 mice, and mice treated with adenosine A2A receptor antagonist. Morphometric features and levels of hydroxyproline were determined as measures of dermal fibrosis. Results Adenosine A2A receptor occupancy promoted collagen production by primary human dermal fibroblasts, which was blocked by adenosine A2A, but not A1 or A2B, receptor antagonism. Adenosine A2A receptor ligation stimulated ERK phosphorylation, and A2A receptor,mediated collagen production by dermal fibroblasts was blocked by MEK-1 inhibitors. Adenosine A2A receptor,deficient and A2A receptor antagonist,treated mice were protected from developing bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis. Conclusion These results demonstrate that adenosine A2A receptors play an active role in the pathogenesis of dermal fibrosis and suggest a novel therapeutic target in the treatment and prevention of dermal fibrosis in diseases such as scleroderma. [source] Mechanisms involved in the regulation of bovine pulmonary vascular tone by the 5-HT1B receptorBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2010C McKenzie Background and purpose:, 5-HT1B receptors may have a role in pulmonary hypertension. Their relationship with the activity of BKCa, a T-type voltage-operated calcium channel (VOCC) and cyclic nucleotide-mediated relaxation was examined. Experimental approach:, Ring segments of bovine pulmonary arteries were mounted in organ baths in modified Krebs,Henseleit buffer (37oC) under a tension of 20 mN and gassed with 95% O2/5% CO2. Isometric recordings were made using Chart 5 software. Key results:, Contractile responses to 5-HT (10 nM,300 µM) were inhibited similarly by the 5-HT1B receptor antagonist SB216641 (100 nM) and the T-type VOCC blockers mibefradil (10 µM) and NNC550396 (10 µM) with no additive effect between SB216641 and mibefradil. Inhibition by SB216641 was prevented by the potassium channel blocker, charybdotoxin (100 nM). 5-HT1B receptor activation and charybdotoxin produced a mibefradil-sensitive potentiation of responses to U46619. Bradykinin (0.1 nM,30 µM), sodium nitroprusside (0.01 nM,3 µM), zaprinast (1 nM,3 µM), isoprenaline (0.1 nM,10 µM) and rolipram (1 nM,3 µM) produced 50% relaxation of arteries constricted with 5-HT (1,3 µM) or U46619 (30,50 nM) in the presence of 5-HT1B receptor activation, but full relaxation of arteries constricted with U46619, the 5-HT2A receptor agonist 2,5 dimethoxy-4 iodoamphetamine (1 µM) or 5-HT in the presence of 5-HT1B receptor antagonism. Enhanced relaxation of 5-HT-constricted arteries by cGMP-dependent pathways, seen in the presence of the 5-HT1B receptor antagonist, was reversed by charybdotoxin whereas cAMP-dependent relaxation was only partly reversed by charybdotoxin. Conclusions and implications:, 5-HT1B receptors couple to inhibition of BKCa, thus increasing tissue sensitivity to contractile agonists by activating a T-type VOCC and impairing cGMP-mediated relaxation. Impaired cAMP-mediated relaxation was only partly mediated by inhibition of BKCa. [source] (Pro3)GIP[mPEG]: novel, long-acting, mPEGylated antagonist of gastric inhibitory polypeptide for obesity-diabetes (diabesity) therapyBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 5 2008P L McClean Background and purpose: Antagonism of the gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) receptor with daily injection of proline-3 gastric inhibitory polypeptide ((Pro3)GIP) can reverse or prevent many of the metabolic abnormalities associated with diet-induced obesity-diabetes (diabesity). This study has examined the ability of a novel and longer-acting form of (Pro3)GIP, (Pro3)GIP mini-polyethylene glycol ((Pro3)GIP[mPEG]), to counter diet-induced diabesity in mice, using a daily and intermittent dosing regime. Experimental approach: We studied the actions of (Pro3)GIP[mPEG] at the GIP receptor in vitro and in vivo in both dietary and genetic diabesity. Key results: (Pro3)GIP[mPEG] was completely resistant to degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase IV. (Pro3)GIP[mPEG] inhibited GIP-induced cAMP and insulin production in vitro. A greater and prolonged antagonism of GIP-induced glucose-lowering action was followed (Pro3)GIP[mPEG] administration, compared with (Pro3)GIP. In contrast with (Pro3)GIP, mice injected once every 3 days for 48 days with (Pro3)GIP[mPEG] displayed reduced body weight gain and hyperinsulinemia with improved glucose tolerance and insulin secretory responses, compared with high-fat-fed controls. Daily i.p. injection of (Pro3)GIP, (Pro3)GIP[mPEG] or (Pro3)GIP b.i.d. for 21 days also decreased body weight, circulating plasma insulin levels and improved glucose tolerance, compared with high-fat controls. Plasma triglycerides were decreased by (Pro3)GIP[mPEG] and (Pro3)GIP b.i.d. treatment groups. The observed changes were accompanied by enhancement of insulin sensitivity in all treatment regimes. (Pro3)GIP[mPEG] was also effective over 16 days treatment of genetically obese-diabetic ob/ob mice. Conclusions and implications: These data demonstrate the utility of GIP receptor antagonism for the treatment of diabesity and the potential offered by (Pro3)GIP[mPEG] as a long-acting stable GIP receptor antagonist. British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 690,701; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.317; published online 11 August 2008 [source] Cardiovascular effects of cannabinoids in conscious spontaneously hypertensive ratsBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 5 2007A J Wheal Background and purpose: In anaesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), there is evidence for up-regulation of cannabinoid (CB1) receptors: antagonism of CB1 receptors causes a rise in blood pressure, and administration of the endocannabinoid, anandamide, or inhibition of anandamide degradation causes hypotension. These findings have led to the suggestion that the endocannabinoid system may be a therapeutic target in hypertension. However, since the cardiovascular responses to cannabinoids are substantially influenced by anaesthesia, the purpose of this study was to assess regional haemodynamic responses to cannabinoid receptor stimulation and inhibition in conscious SHR. Experimental approach: Cardiovascular responses to i.v. administration of anandamide, the cannabinoid receptor agonist, WIN 55212-2, and the CB1 receptor antagonist, AM 251, were measured in male SHR, Wistar Kyoto rats and outbred Wistar rats, chronically instrumented for recording renal, mesenteric and hindquarters haemodynamics in the conscious, freely-moving state. Key results: Hypotensive responses to anandamide and WIN 55212-2 only occurred in SHR, but these were relatively modest and not associated with CB1 receptor-mediated vasodilatation. In SHR only, anandamide caused bradycardia, which was inhibited by AM 251. Furthermore, a pressor response to CB1 receptor antagonism occurred only in SHR, but was not associated with vasoconstriction. Moreover, there was some evidence for CB1 receptor-mediated vasoconstrictor actions of anandamide in SHR, which was not seen in the normotensive strains. Conclusions and implications: The results are consistent with activation of CB1 receptors in SHR by endogenous ligands exerting an antihypertensive effect, but the findings do not indicate enhanced CB1 receptor-mediated vasodilator mechanisms in SHR. British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 717,724; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707410; published online 13 August 2007 [source] Smooth muscle 5-HT2A receptors mediating contraction of porcine isolated proximal stomach stripsBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 8 2002P Janssen The aim of this study was to characterize the 5-HT receptors involved in the 5-HT-induced contraction of longitudinal muscle (LM) strips of porcine proximal stomach. This was done in a classical organ bath set-up for isotonic measurement. The concentration-contraction curve to 5-HT was not modified by 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptor antagonism. Methysergide, ketanserin and mesulergine antagonized the curve to 5-HT. Concomitantly, increasing concentrations of ketanserin and mesulergine progressively revealed a biphasic nature of the 5-HT curve. Ketanserin antagonized the low-affinity receptor while it did not modify the high-affinity receptor. Tetrodotoxin did not influence the concentration-contraction curve to 5-HT neither in the absence nor presence of ketanserin, indicating that nerves are not involved. Ketanserin competitively antagonized the monophasic concentration-response curve to ,-Methyl-5-HT, yielding a Schild slope that was not significantly different from unity. After constraining the Schild slope to unity, a pKB estimate of 8.23±0.90 was obtained. This affinity estimate of ketanserin closely approximates previously reported affinities at 5-HT2A receptors. In the presence of ketanserin (0.1 ,M; exposing the high-affinity receptor), a wide range of 5-HT receptor antagonists covering all 5-HT receptors known, was tested. Only methysergide and ritanserin inhibited the response to 5-HT, thus expressing affinity for the high-affinity receptor. This did not reveal the identity of the receptor involved. It can be concluded that 5-HT induces pig proximal stomach (LM) contraction via 5-HT2A receptors located on smooth muscle. A ketanserin-insensitive phase of contractions could not be characterized between the actually known classes of 5-HT receptors with the pharmacological tools that were used. British Journal of Pharmacology (2002) 137, 1217,1224. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704992 [source] Effects of nicotine and chlorisondamine on cerebral glucose utilization in immobilized and freely-moving ratsBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2000T Marenco Chlorisondamine blocks central nicotinic receptors for many weeks via an unknown mechanism. Intracerebroventricular administration of [3H]-chlorisondamine in rats results in an anatomically restricted and persistent intracellular accumulation of radioactivity. The initial aim of the present study was to test whether nicotinic receptor antagonism by chlorisondamine is also anatomically restricted. Male adult rats were pretreated several times with nicotine to avoid the disruptive effects of the drug seen in drug-naïve animals. They then received chlorisondamine (10 ,g i.c.v.) or saline, and local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) was measured 4 weeks later after acute nicotine (0.4 mg kg,1 s.c.) or saline administration. During testing, rats were partially immobilized. Nicotine significantly increased LCGU in the anteroventral thalamus and in superior colliculus. Chlorisondamine completely blocked the first of these effects. Chlorisondamine significantly reduced LCGU in the lateral habenula, substantia nigra pars compacta, ventral tegmental area, and cerebellar granular layer. The second experiment was of similar design, but the rats were not pre-exposed to nicotine, and were tested whilst freely-moving. Acute nicotine significantly increased LCGU in anteroventral thalamus, superior colliculus, medial habenula and dorsal lateral geniculate. Overall, however, nicotine significantly decreased LCGU. Most or all of the central effects of nicotine on LCGU were reversed by chlorisondamine given 4 weeks beforehand. These findings suggest that chlorisondamine blocks nicotinic effects widely within the brain. They also indicate that in freely-moving rats, nicotine can reduce or stimulate cerebral glucose utilization, depending on the brain area. British Journal of Pharmacology (2000) 129, 147,155; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0703005 [source] Role of angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors in cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac remodellingCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 12 2003Yi-Chun Zhu Summary 1.,Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonism has been considered as a specific approach to block the renin,angiotensin system and been demonstrated to be able to prevent or regress LVH by interfering with the remodelling process of the heart. 2.,Angiotensin AT1 receptor blockade induces a marked increase in angiotensin (Ang) II, which may stimulate the AT2 receptors. Gene expression of AT1 and AT2 receptors increases in a time-dependent manner in cardiac remodelling following myocardial infarction. 3.,Considerable efforts have been made to clarify the role of AT2 receptors in cardiac hypertrophy and remodelling since the mid-1990s, resulting in controversial reports: the AT2 receptor mediates actions either opposite to or in coordination with those of the AT1 receptor. Moreover, there are many reports of no significant effects mediated by AT2 receptors. 4.,Based on the studies reviewed in the present article, we assume that the predominant effect of AngII in cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac remodelling is growth promoting and that this effect is mediated mainly via AT1 receptors. The AT2 receptors may affect the hypertrophic process by interacting with other cardiac membrane proteins, enzymes and autacoids. Before coming to a conclusion as to whether AT2 receptor stimulation or antagonism is beneficial to the heart, more studies should be performed in different LVH models, especially long-term treatment protocols in vivo. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||