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A Dendorfer

Publications and source records attributed to A Dendorfer.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Structural requirements for B2-agonists with improved degradation stability.

Studies on bradykinin (BK) have been impeded by the fact that this peptide is rapidly degraded by various kininases. Modifications enacted to stabilize the BK sequence have usually resulted in a loss of agonistic activity. In this study, new structural modifications were investigated with the aim to identify degradation-resistant agonists on the bradykinin B2-receptor. The efficacy and degradation stability of several potentially agonistic derivatives were examined using a B2-receptor model (FURA-stained rat fibroblasts) and rat serum kininases. Modifications of the investigated BK analogues included amino-terminal (D-Arg) or carboxy-terminal (Ile-Tyr) prolongation, various substitutions at positions 2, 5, 7, 8 (tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid, octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid, hydroxy-proline, beta-2-thienylalanine, 2,3-dehydro-phenylalanine, erythro-beta-phenylserine, erythro-alpha-amino-beta-phenyl-butyric acid, N-methyl-phenylalanine), or intramolecular cyclization via lactam bridges. Kinin inactivation was investigated in rat serum, where the activities of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), carboxypeptidase N (CPN), aminopeptidase P (APP) and aminopeptidase M (APM) could be differentiated by selective inhibitors. Analogues derived from phyllokinin (BK-Ile-Tyr-SO4) and cyclic peptides had no receptor affinity. Useful modifications compatible with agonistic activity included D-Arg0 (protects against APP), D-N-methyl-Phe7 and dehydro-Phe5 (protect against ACE), and erythro-phenylserine or erythro-amino-phenyl-butyric acid at position 8 (protect against ACE and CPN). Finally, the kinin derivatives D-Arg0-[Hyp3, Thi5, epsilonSer(betaPh)8]-BK and D-Arg0-[Hyp3, Thi5, epsilonAbu(betaPh)8]-BK proved to be potent B2-agonists with extensive stability against rat serum kininases.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Identification of kallidin degrading enzymes in the isolated perfused rat heart.

Kallidin (KD) is an important vasoactive kinin whose physiological effects are strongly dependent on its degradation through local kininases. In the present study, we examined the spectrum of these enzymes and their contribution to KD degradation in isolated perfused rat hearts. By inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), aminopeptidase M (APM) and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) with ramiprilat (0.25 microM), amastatin (40 microM) and phosphoramidon (1 microM), respectively, relative kininase activities were obtained. APM (44%) and ACE (35%) are the main KD degrading enzymes in rat heart; NEP (7%) plays a minor role. A participation of carboxypeptidase N (CPN) could not be found.

Aminopeptidases↗
PubMed1999

Pharmacology and cardiovascular implications of the kinin-kallikrein system.

Kinins are peptide hormones that can exert a significant influence on the regulation of blood pressure and vascular tone due to their vasodilatatory, natriuretic and growth modulating activity. Their cardiovascular involvement in physiological and pathophysiological situations has been studied intensively since inhibitors for angiotensin I-converting enzyme and selective receptor antagonists have become available for pharmacologically potentiating or inhibiting kinin-mediated reactions. Molecular biological analysis and the establishment of genetically modified animal models have also allowed newer information to be acquired on this subject. In this review, the components and cardiovascularly relevant mechanisms of the kinin-kallikrein system shall be described. Organ-specific effects concerning the kidneys, the vascular system, the heart and nervous tissue shall also be illustrated. On this issue, the physiological functions and pathophysiological implications of the kinin-kallikrein system should be clearly distinguished from the many, mostly endothelium-mediated protective effects which occur during ACE inhibition due to the potentiation of kinin effects. Finally, a view shall also be cast upon newly discovered targets of action, which could be exploited for therapeutically altering the kinin-kallikrein system.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed1999

The lipophilic properties of angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitors do not influence their diffusion through cultured endothelium.

The background for these investigations was the discovery that formation of angiotensin II by the renin angiotensin system can take place in extravascular tissues (e.g., cardiomyocytes and neurons) and within single cells. Consequently, the question arose about whether such tissue-based systems might be differentially influenced by angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors with distinct physicochemical properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate how the membrane penetration of various ACE inhibitors depends on their lipophilia. All diacid forms of ACE inhibitors are dissociated at a pH of 7.4 and scarcely extractable into octanol (extraction coefficient < 10%). In contrast, the extraction coefficients of the parent substances showed marked differences in the following order of increasing lipophilia: enalapril = perindopril < captopril = ceranapril < ramipril < quinapril < HOE288 = zofenopril < fosinopril < HOE065. For selected substances, the kinetics of diffusion through a monolayer of cultured bovine aortic endothelium were determined. The diffusion rates (expressed as half lives) of captopril (59.6 min), enalapril (53.4 min), enalaprilat (50.8 min), ramipril (56.9 min) and ramiprilat (51.1 min) are similar indicating: 1) that penetration is independent on lipophilia and 2) that endothelium constitutes no specific barrier for the passage of ACE inhibitors into the vessel wall.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed1998

Interactions between the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and the sympathetic system.

Angiotensin II is able to modulate both the presynaptic sympathetic system and the adrenal medulla resulting in an enhanced release of noradrenaline and adrenaline. Consequently, the inhibition of the converting enzyme by ACE inhibitors resulting in a lower concentration of angiotensin II or blockade of the specific AT1 receptors by AT1 receptor blocking agents should lead to a decrease in both noradrenaline and adrenaline release. It has been demonstrated that ACE inhibition did not influence the net catecholamine overflow during stimulation of the sympathetic nerves in contrast to AT1 antagonists which can specifically and dose dependently diminish noradrenaline and adrenaline release, an effect that could be explained by a compensating mechanism of bradykinin. Bradykinin may accumulate during ACE inhibition and is able to stimulate catecholamine release via B2 receptors. To verify the class effect of AT1 antagonists on presynaptic AT1 receptors, the AT1 antagonist candesartan was investigated regarding its presynaptic effect in pithed spontaneously hypertensive rats. As could be demonstrated with losartan and HR 720, candesartan lowered AT1 receptor mediated angiotensin II-induced noradrenaline release in a dose-dependent manner. It is concluded that AT1 antagonists inhibit angiotensin II mediated catecholamine release on presynaptic sympathetic nerves and the adrenal medulla at the specific AT1 receptor site. The effect can be described as a class effect of these imidazole derivatives.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1998

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition by captopril influences cardiac work in healthy hearts.

Although beneficial effects of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition have been demonstrated in ill (ischemic, failing) hearts, it has not been proved that ACE inhibition induces changes in healthy hearts. The question is of clinical relevance, as many hypertensive patients do not display cardiac damage at the onset of treatment with ACE inhibitors, and possible changes in cardiac work might turn out more or less advantageous in the development of hypertensive heart disease. In a refined working heart preparation allowing measurement of cardiac work, including the contribution of atrial work and paracrine cardiac regulation, effects of captopril on cardiac dynamics were assessed. Coronary overflow of bradykinin, norepinephrine, and lactate was measured. Hearts were perfused for 20 min with vehicle or captopril at 3 x 10(-8), 3 x 10(-7), 3 x 10(-6), and 3 x 10(-5) mol/L. At the highest concentration, captopril increased coronary flow. Extending previous studies, the present study demonstrates that, in a concentration-dependent manner, captopril decreased oxygen consumption and maximal left ventricular pressure although the bradykinin outflow was not affected. From these influences of the drug on cardiac work and metabolism in healthy hearts, a protective influence of captopril in acute, critical situations of cardiac malnourishment or cardiac overload may be derived.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed1998

[Gastric mucosal tonometry as a monitoring method in cardiac anesthesia. Empirical findings on the postoperative outcome under various volume controls].

OBJECTIVES: Several studies documented higher complication rates after cardiac surgery in patients with splanchnic hypoperfusion. Although it is prone to errors, gastric tonometry probably is the method of choice for detecting splanchnic hypoperfusion. While there are many reasons for splanchnic hypoperfusion, low cardiac output because of hypovolemia is one of the important ones in cardiac surgery. Thereby endogenous vasoactive substances, such as angiotensin II and the kinins, might be of special interest. METHODS: Following approval from the local ethics committee, 40 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were studied. Every patient received a TRIP NGS Catheter (Tonometrics Division Instrumentarium Corp., Helsinki, Finland). Using radioimmunoassays and chromatography angiotensin II and bradykinin was measured before, during and immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass. Using saline tonometry gastric mucosal CO2 was measured ten times perioperatively. Patients were shifted into two groups by dichotomization at the median of gastric mucosal pH (pHi) and the pCO2 gap (gastric mucosal pCO2-arterial pCO2) before surgery. Volume substitution, use of vasoactive drugs, haemodynamic instability and time of extubation were documented. RESULTS: During cardiopulmonary bypass group I (pHi < 7.32 and CO2 gap > 3.85 mmHg) showed higher expression of angiotensin II and lower expression of bradykinin then group II (pHi > 7.32 and CO2 gap < 3.85 mmHg). The most significant difference was found on bypass. Immediately post bypass there was still a difference in the bradykinin expression. Before bypass no differences was found. In group I significantly more volume had to be substituted for haemodynamic stabilisation. These patients needed more often vasoactive drugs and in tendency were extubated later. At the time of extubation no group-difference was found as in the pHi as in the CO2 gap as in the amount of substituted volume. Patients with previous high pHi and low CO2 gap had lowest respectively highest values at the time, when fluid-balance was most negative. CONCLUSIONS: Splanchnic hypoperfusion in cardiac surgery probably correlates with hypovolemia and therefore leads to vasoconstriction, wich is shown in higher expression of angiotensin II and lower of bradykinin. Gastric mucosal tonometry in cardiac surgery probably detects hypovolemia and therefore predicts haemodynamic instability. Therefore gastric mucosal tonometry could probably be used as a therapeutical sign for a sufficient cardiac output and therefore for tissue oxygenation in general.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Effects of the AT1 antagonist HR 720 in comparison to losartan on stimulated sympathetic outflow, blood pressure, and heart rate in pithed spontaneously hypertensive rats.

It has been demonstrated in isolated organs that angiotensin II mediates catecholamine release via presynaptically located AT1 receptor subtypes. In the present study, the relevance of AT1-mediated noradrenaline and adrenaline release in a whole-animal model, which reflects the peripherally sympathetic system (pithed rat), was investigated. Furthermore, the effects of a new AT1 antagonist, HR 720, are demonstrated with respect to its pre- and postsynaptic actions in comparison to the AT1 antagonist losartan. Dose-response curves to angiotensin II of blood pressure show a tenfold higher potency for HR 720 to compete for angiotensin II, thereby decreasing the maximum effects when compared with losartan. The electrically induced sympathetic outflow resulted in a dose-dependent increase after angiotensin II infusions. It could markedly be reduced with both AT1 antagonists, whereby HR 720 again was ten times more potent than losartan. Neither with HR 720 nor with losartan an agonistic activity could be demonstrated. The results indicate an AT1 receptor subtype mediated release of catecholamines in a whole-animal model. HR 720 is ten times more potent than the AT1 antagonist losartan and acts in a noncompetitive manner.

Angiotensin I↗
PubMed1997

Degradation of bradykinin by bovine tracheal epithelium and isolated epithelial cells.

1. The degradation of bradykinin (BK) labelled with tritiated proline at positions 2 and 3 ([3H]-BK) was determined on the luminal surface of bovine tracheal epithelium, in supernatants obtained from incubations of the luminal tracheal surface, and in suspensions of isolated tracheal epithelial cells. Peptidase inhibitors and identification of peptide fragments were used for characterization of the metabolic pathways. 2. On the luminal surface of intact bovine trachea, [3H]-BK was degraded with a half life of 12.8 min. [1-7]-BK and [1-5]-BK were the major direct metabolites which were further degraded via [1-3]-BK and [2-3]-BK to proline. Metabolism of [3H]-BK was unaltered in the presence of ramiprilat (250 nM) or phosphoramidon (10 microM). Phenanthroline diminished the formation of [1-7]- and [1-5]-BK and abolished the generation of proline. 3. Supernatants obtained from incubations of tracheal epithelium contained kininase activities which steadily increased when tracheae were incubated for longer than 30 min. After 60 min contact with epithelium, the incubation medium contained higher kininase activities than the epithelium itself. The spectrum of kinin metabolites generated by kininases in the supernatant was comparable to that formed by intact epithelium. 4. In suspensions of isolated epithelial cells, [3H]-BK was degraded with a half life of 70 min. The metabolites [1-3]- and [2-3]-BK were formed in parallel to [1-7]- and [1-5]-BK; however, proline was not generated. Degradation of [3H]-BK was not influenced by ramiprilat, but was inhibited by 85% in the presence of phosphoramidon. Phosporamidon markedly inhibited the generation of [1-7]- and [1-5]-BK and nearly abolished the formation of [1-3]- and [2-3]-BK. 5. In conclusion, angiotensin I-converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidase 24.11 are not significantly involved in [3H]-BK degradation on the luminal side of intact tracheal epithelium. The spectrum of metabolites found may in fact reflect the combined activities of metalloendopeptidase 24.15 and post-proline cleaving enzymes. Enzymes showing similar kininase activities are also released from the epithelium. Isolated epithelial cells contain low activities of these kininases, but a high activity of neutral endopeptidases, which may reflect an exclusively basolateral localization of the latter.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Intravascular and interstitial degradation of bradykinin in isolated perfused rat heart.

1. Bradykinin (BK) has been shown to exert cardioprotective effects which are potentiated by inhibitors of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE). In order to clarify the significance of ACE within the whole spectrum of myocardial kininases we investigated BK degradation in the isolated rat heart. 2. Tritiated BK (3H-BK) or unlabelled BK was either repeatedly perfused through the heart, or applied as an intracoronary bolus allowing determination of its elution kinetics. BK metabolites were analysed by HPLC. Kininases were identified by ramiprilat, phosphoramidon, diprotin A and 2-mercaptoethanol or apstatin as specific inhibitors of ACE, neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP), dipeptidylaminopeptidase IV and aminopeptidase P (APP), respectively. 3. In sequential perfusion passages, 3H-BK concentrations in the perfusate decreased by 39% during each passage. Ramiprilat reduced the rate of 3H-BK breakdown by 54% and nearly abolished [1-5]-BK generation. The ramiprilat-resistant kininase activity was for the most part inhibited by the selective APP inhibitor apstatin (IC50 0.9 microM). BK cleavage by APP yielded the intermediate product [2-9]-BK, which was rapidly metabolized to [4-9]-BK by dipeptidylaminopeptidase IV. 4. After bolus injection of 3H-BK, 10% of the applied radioactivity were protractedly eluted, indicating the distribution of this fraction into the myocardial interstitium. In samples of such interstitial perfusate fractions, 3H-BK was extensively (by 92%) degraded, essentially by ACE and APP. The ramiprilat- and mercaptoethanol-resistant fraction of interstitial kininase activity amounted to 14%, about half of which could be attributed to NEP. Only the product of NEP, [1-7]-BK, was continuously generated during the presence of 3H-BK in the interstitium. 5. ACE and APP are located at the endothelium and represent the predominant kininases of rat myocardium. Both enzymes form a metabolic barrier for the extravasated fraction of BK. Thus, only interstitial, but not intravascular concentrations of BK are increased by kininase inhibitors to the extent that a significant potentiation of BK effects could be explained. NEP contributes less than 5% to the total kininase activity, but is the only enzyme which is exclusively present in the interstitial space.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed1997

Synthesis of kininogen and degradation of bradykinin by PC12 cells.

1. In this study, the abilities of PC12 cells to synthesize and degrade kinins were investigated. Kinin formation was assessed as kinin and kininogen content of cells and supernatants in serum-free incubations by use of a bradykinin-specific radioimmunoassay. Expression of kininogen mRNA was demonstrated by reverse-transcriptase PCR. Kinin degradation pathways of intact PC12 cells were characterized by identification of the kinin fragments generated from tritiated bradykinin either in the absence or presence of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitor ramiprilat. 2. Kinin immunoreactivity in the supernatant of PC12 cell cultures accumulated in a time-dependent fashion during incubations in serum-free media. This effect was solely due to de novo synthesis and release of kininogen (35 pg bradykinin h-1 mg-1 protein) since it could be suppressed by cycloheximide. Continuous synthesis of kininogen was a specific property of PC12 cells, as it was not observed in cultured macro- or microvascular endothelial cells. PC12 cells contained only minor amounts of stored kininogen. The rate of kininogen synthesis was not affected by ramiprilat, bacterial lipopolysaccharide, nerve growth factor or dexamethasone, but was stimulated 1.4 fold when cells were pretreated for 1 day with 1 microM desoxycorticosterone. 3. By use of cDNA probes specific for kininogen subtype mRNAs, expression of low-molecular-weight kininogen and T-kininogen in PC12 cells was confirmed. Expression of high molecular weight kininogen mRNA was also shown, though only at the lowest limit of detection of the assay. 4. Degradation of tritiated bradykinin by PC12 cells occurred with a half-life of 48 min resulting in the main fragments [1-7]- and [1-5]-bradykinin. The degradation rate of bradykinin decreased to 15% in the presence of ramiprilat (250 nM). Apart from angiotensin I-converting enzyme direct cleavage of bradykinin to [1-7]- and [1-5]-bradykinin still occurred under this condition as a result of additional kininase activities. 5. Along with previous findings of B2-receptor-mediated catecholamine release, these results now confirm the hypothesis that a cellular kinin system is expressed in PC12 cells. The presence of such a system may reflect a role of kinins as local neuromodulatory mediators in the peripheral sympathetic system.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Local application of vancomycin for prophylaxis of graft infection: release of vancomycin from antibiotic-bonded Dacron grafts, toxicity in endothelial cell culture, and efficacy against graft infection in an animal model.

Methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis cause an increasing number of prosthetic infections. This prompted us to test the uptake of vancomycin in various graft materials in vitro, its influence on graft healing, and its efficacy against graft infection in pigs. Incubation of six different Dacron graft materials in a vancomycin solution (20 gm/L) was performed. Grafts were then placed in plasma, and samples were taken over 72 hours to determine vancomycin levels. Release of vancomycin ranged from 775 micrograms/cm2 to 3691 micrograms/cm2 after 1 hour of incubation. Gelatin-covered grafts increased release of vancomycin fourfold when incubation time was extended to 24 hours: uncovered grafts or the collagen-covered graft did not. Graft healing was not complicated when a vancomycin-bonded, gelatin-impregnated Dacron graft was implanted to replace the common femoral artery in pigs. Four weeks after implantation, histologic examination revealed normal development of neointima and perigraft scar tissue in the vancomycin-treated (n = 4) and untreated (n = 5) grafts. To test the efficacy of local vancomycin against graft infection, grafts were implanted in the groin of pigs and contaminated with 2 x 10(7) colony-forming units of Staphylococcus aureus. Four weeks after implantation, all grafts were infected in the untreated group (n = 6), with abscess, nonincorporated graft, and detection of S. aureus from the graft. In the treatment group (n = 6) vancomycin was added to the contaminated grafts. As a carrier for the vancomycin, we used a resorbable gelatin-glycerol foam. All grafts healed without infection. The difference between the treated and untreated groups is statistically significant (p < 0.05). We conclude that it may be effective to prevent graft infection with local application of vancomycin if an in situ replacement of infected graft (infected by gram-positive bacteria) is necessary or if there is a high risk of infection by methicillin-resistant- staphylococci.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Pharmacology of nitrates and other NO donors].

The identification of nitric oxide (NO) as an endothelium derived relaxing factor (EDRF) has allowed a thorough investigation of the effects of organic nitrate esters as well as other nitrogen containing vasodilators such as nitrites, nitrosothioles, sydnonimines and nitroprusside. These substances can release NO or mediators derived from it, and have thus received annotation as NO donors. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of NO donors as well as the reactions which might mediate their bioactivation shall be reviewed. For organic nitrates this is of particular interest, since clinical tolerance arises because mechanisms involved in their bioactivation become exhausted. In contrast however, both the molsidomine metabolite SIN-1 as well as nitroprusside are considered to act as direct NO donors since their biological activity is not limited by the mode of their bioactivation. The principles of NO¿s actions as well as the related biological activities of NO donors will be covered in this article. The vascular selectivity and dose dependency of the haemodynamic nitrate effects shall also be described as well as the potential interactions of nitrates with endothelium, thrombocytes and leukocytes. The significance of specific tolerance to nitrates and the loss of responsiveness due to neurohormonal counter-regulation, which has also been observed with molsidomine, shall be discussed. Newly acquired knowledge therefore justifies consideration of NO donors as therapeutic substitutes for the protective autacoid NO, which is the basis for further pharmacological and clinical development of NO donors.

Angina Pectoris↗
PubMed1996

Bradykinin increases catecholamine release via B2 receptors.

The mechanism by which bradykinin induces catecholamine release from neural tissues was investigated in two experimental models of rat origin. The rat phaeochromocytoma cell line PC12 was used to identify the subtype of bradykinin receptors involved in the stimulation of noradrenaline secretion and to compare the effects of three different B2-antagonists. An increase of catecholamine release induced by bradykinin in vivo could be confirmed by measuring plasma levels in pithed spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) during electric preganglionic stimulation of the spinal cord. In this whole animal model, the effects of inhibition of both uptake and alpha 2-adrenoceptors on plasma levels of noradrenaline and adrenaline were studied as well as the potentiation of exogenous bradykinin by inhibition of angiotensin I-converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidase. The receptor subtypes involved (i.e. B1 or B2) were characterized by application either of HOE 140 or desArg9-[Leu8]-bradykinin respectively. In PC12 cells bradykinin provoked a prominent increase of noradrenaline release at low concentrations (concentration required for 50% of the maximum response 1 nM), whereas the B1-agonist desArg9-bradykinin was only effective at concentrations higher than 30 microM. The effects of both kinins could be blocked by the B2-specific antagonist HOE 890307 which, like HOE 140, exerted no agonistic effect of its own. As has been shown in other neural cells, the B2-specific antagonist [Thi5,8, D-Phe7]-bradykinin only acted as a low-affinity agonist without any antagonistic effects. In experiments where the intention was to induce B1-receptor expression either by angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibition or lipopolysaccharide application, no alteration of the secretory response of PC12 cells to bradykinin or desArg9-bradykinin could be shown. In pithed SHR, infusion of bradykinin (up to 1200 ng/min/kg) did not enhance stimulation-dependent release of noradrenaline or adrenaline. After pretreatment of the rats with ramipril bradykinin became effective and its effects were further potentiated by the concomitant application of phosphoramidon. B2-antagonism by HOE 140 abolished the bradykinin-induced release of noradrenaline and reduced the effect on plasma adrenaline. The B1-specific antagonist desArg9-[Leu8]-bradykinin was unable to diminish the stimulatory effects of bradykinin and instead brought about an increase of plasma adrenaline levels. In conclusion, bradykinin stimulates release of catecholamines from PC12 cells, peripheral sympathetic neurons and chromaffine cells by activation of ganglionic or presynaptic B2-receptors. The adrenal medulla and PC12 cells appear to be highly susceptible not only to stimulation by bradykinin, but also to non-specific stimulatory effects of certain kinin-antagonists.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1996

[Cardioactive hormones: bradykinin].

Kinins are autacoids affecting B2-receptors of many organs. They are involved in autocrine and paracrine mechanisms which are crucial in organ protection. Because of rapid degradation their effects are only short acting. Therefore, inhibition of degradation by ACE-inhibitors increases their pharmacological effects, and is of significant importance for therapy of cardiovascular diseases. Blood pressure lowering and cardioprotective effects are most important and can be explained by actions on the endothelium. The participation of kinins in blood pressure decrease during ACE inhibitor treatment can be estimated from animal experiments at about 50%. With respect to regression of cardiovascular hypertrophy or increase in insulin sensitivity their participation might be even more significant. The role of kinins in cardiovascular diseases as a pathophysiologic correlate has to be elucidated in further investigations.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed1995

Imidazoline binding sites on PC12 cells and bovine chromaffin cells.

Stimulating actions of imidazolines on the adrenal medulla were demonstrated by several laboratories. As only a few data about signal transduction exist, the aim of the present study is to establish a cellular model on which both subtypes of imidazoline receptors are present. Binding studies using [3H]clonidine for I1-sites and [3H]idazoxan for I2-sites were performed on bovine chromaffin cells and a PC12 cell line. The intracellular calcium signal was determined by a Fura-2 signal using a fluorescence microscope. Both subtypes of imidazoline binding sites are present on either crude membrane fractions, purified plasma membranes, and mitochondrial membranes of the adrenal medulla. Although the density of I1- and I2-sites on the plasma membrane fraction is almost equal, on the mitochondrial membrane fraction Bmax of I2-binding sites was double that of the I1-binding number. An increase in intracellular calcium signal could be obtained during stimulation of chromaffin cells by various I1- and I2-receptor modulators. Because a saturation of I2-binding could not be obtained in PC12 cells, adrenal medullary chromaffin cells may be a more suitable model for investigating imidazoline receptor signal transduction.

Adrenal Medulla↗
PubMed1995

Characterization of bradykinin receptors mediating catecholamine release in PC12 cells.

The rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC12, which is a widely used model for analyzing stimulus-secretion coupling, was investigated for the effects of kinins on catecholamine release. Subtypes of kinin receptors were characterized using the B1 agonist desArg9-bradykinin, the B2 agonist bradykinin and the B2 antagonists [Thi5,8, D-Phe7]-bradykinin, D-Arg-[Hyp3, D-Tic7, Oic8]-bradykinin (HOE 890307) and D-Arg-[Hyp3, Thi5, D-Tic7, Oic8]-bradykinin (HOE 140). The effectiveness of acute and chronic exposure to angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitors as well as pretreatment of the cells with bacterial lipopolysaccharides in modulating B1 or B2 receptor systems was also tested. Bradykinin stimulated noradrenaline release from PC12 cells at low concentrations (EC50 = 1 nM), maximally inducing a release of 43.7% of the cellular content within 15 min. In comparison with acetylcholine and K(+)-induced depolarization, bradykinin was the most effective stimulus. DesArg9-bradykinin was only effective at very high concentrations (> 30 microM). Like in other neuronal cells, the B2-specific partial antagonist [Thi5,8, D-Phe7]-bradykinin acted as a low-affinity agonist without any antagonistic effects. The B2 antagonists HOE 890307 and HOE 140 exerted no agonistic effects and concentration-dependently inhibited bradykinin-induced noradrenaline release, showing competitive antagonism with Ki values of 1.38 nM and 0.66 nM, respectively. Only at the highest concentration used (1 microM), HOE 140 did depress the maximal response to bradykinin. HOE 890307 also abolished the effects of desArg9-bradykinin and [Thi5,8, D-Phe7]-bradykinin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗