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Biomedical subjects

A K Johnson

Publications and source records attributed to A K Johnson.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Integrative role of the lamina terminalis in the regulation of cardiovascular and body fluid homeostasis.

1. Cardiovascular and body fluid homeostasis depends upon the activation and co-ordination of reflexes and behavioural responses. In order to accomplish this, the brain receives and processes both neural and chemical input. Once in the brain, information from sources signalling the status of the cardiovascular system and body fluid balance travels, and is integrated, throughout a widely distributed neural network. Recent studies using neuroanatomical and functional techniques have identified several key areas within this neural network. One major processing node is comprised of structures located along the lamina terminalis. 2. Structures associated with the lamina terminalis include the median preoptic nucleus (MePO) and two sensory circumventricular organs (SCVO), the subfornical organ (SFO) and the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT). Current evidence indicates that blood-borne signals, such as angiotensin II (AngII), reach SCVO (e.g. SFO) where they are transduced. This information is then carried via neural pathways to brain nuclei (e.g. MePO) where it is integrated with other inputs, such as those derived from systemic arterial blood pressure and volume receptors. 3. Because of their receptive and integrative functions, lamina terminalis structures are essential for the normal control of hormone release (e.g. vasopressin), sympathetic activation and behaviours (thirst and salt appetite), which collectively contribute to maintenance of cardiovascular and body fluid homeostasis.

Adrenergic Fibers↗
PubMed1996

Neural input modulates osmotically stimulated release of vasopressin into the supraoptic nucleus.

The effects of lesioning of the anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) region on vasopressin (VP) release into the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and blood in response to central and systemic osmotic stimulation were determined. Microdialysis probes were implanted bilaterally within the SON of male urethan-anesthetized rats with sham or AV3V lesions. Osmotic stimuli were administered intraperitoneally (3.5 M NaCl, 600 microliters/100 g body wt) and then via the microdialysis probes (1 M NaCl-artificial cerebrospinal fluid). AV3V lesions attenuated the response to systemic osmotic stimulation. The lesioned rats showed no increase in intranuclear VP release and reduced plasma VP (increase of 42.6 +/- 8.4 vs. 78.0 +/- 16.4 pg/ml) and blood pressure responses (7.1 +/- 2.3 vs. 19.6 +/- 3.2 mmHg) to intraperitoneal NaCl. In contrast, the endocrine and cardiovascular responses to direct osmotic stimulation of the nucleus were as seen in previous studies and seemed to be unaffected by the lesion. These results show that lesion of the AV3V region interrupts neuronal inputs which trigger VP secretion from the posterior pituitary as well as release into the extracellular compartment of the SON.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1996

Lateral parabrachial nucleus and serotonergic mechanisms in the control of salt appetite in rats.

This study investigated the effects of bilateral injections of serotonergic receptor agonist and antagonist into the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) on the ingestion of water and 0.3 M NaCl induced by intracerebroventricular angiotensin II (ANG II) or by combined subcutaneous injections of the diuretic furosemide (Furo) and the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril (Cap). Rats had stainless steel cannulas implanted bilaterally into the LPBN and into the left lateral ventricle. Bilateral LPBN pretreatment with the serotonergic 5-HT1/5-HT2 receptor antagonist methysergide (4 micrograms/200 nl each site) increased 0.3 M NaCl and water intakes induced by intracerebroventricular ANG II (50 ng/microliter) and 0.3 M NaCl intake induced by subcutaneous Furo + Cap. Pretreatment with bilateral LPBN injections of a serotonergic 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist DOI (5 micrograms/200 nl) significantly reduced 0.3 M NaCl intake induced by subcutaneous Furo + Cap. Pretreatment with methysergide or DOI into the LPBN produced no significant changes in the water intake induced by subcutaneous Furo + Cap. These results suggest that serotonergic mechanisms associated with the LPBN may have inhibitory roles in water and sodium ingestion in rats.

Amphetamines↗
PubMed1996

Role of renal nerves in sodium depletion-induced salt appetite.

The ingestion of water and 0.3 M NaCl solution and the secretion of key hormones were studied in groups of intact and bilaterally renal-denervated rats after extracellular fluid depletion. Hypovolemia with mild hypotension was produced by subcutaneous injections of the diuretic furosemide (10 mg/kg) followed by injections of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril (5 mg/kg s.c.). Denervated rats drank significantly less of a concentrated saline solution in response to depletion than intact control rats did, but drank similar amounts of water. Denervated rats finished testing in significantly greater negative water and sodium balance compared with controls. Renal denervation did not impair the secretion of renin and aldosterone or the formation of angiotensin I. The diminished sodium intake of denervated rats is not attributable to reduced water and sodium excretion in response to the hypovolemic protocol. These results indicate that the integrity of the renal nerves is important for the normal elaboration of salt appetite in response to hypovolemia/hypotension.

Aldosterone↗
PubMed1996

Dietary sodium effects on renin and angiotensinogen gene expression in preweanling WKY and SHR.

The influence of altered dietary sodium on angiotensinogen and renin gene expression was examined in young normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Artificial rearing was used to increase or decrease dietary sodium intake during the preweanling period. In normally reared control animals, renal renin and liver angiotensinogen mRNA decreased between 6 and 30 postnatal days of age. In contrast, in the central nervous system, angiotensinogen mRNA increased between 6 and 30 days of age, and renin mRNA remained stable. Dietary sodium manipulation between postnatal days (PD) 6 and 18 significantly influenced renal renin gene expression, with low-sodium diet increasing renin mRNA on PD12 and PD18 and high-sodium diet decreasing renin mRNA on PD18. Liver angiotensinogen mRNA decreased for animals on either diet on PD12 and PD18. Brain angiotensinogen and renin mRNA were not affected by dietary sodium levels. There were no strain-related differences in the response to high and low dietary sodium. These results demonstrate that 1) the peripheral and central renin-angiotensin systems do not have a common ontogenetic pattern of development, 2) they are independently regulated in response to dietary sodium variations, and 3) young WKY and SHR share very similar ontogenetic patterns of angiotensinogen and renin gene expression.

Angiotensinogen↗
PubMed1996

Forebrain angiotensin type 1 receptors and parabrachial serotonin in the control of NaCl and water intake.

This study investigated the roles of serotonin (5-HT) receptors in the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) and brain angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptors in the intake of 0.3 M NaCl and water induced by angiotensin II (ANG II). Rats were implanted with stainless steel cannulas for injections into the subfornical organ (SFO) and into the LPBN. Bilateral LPBN pretreatment with the nonselective serotonergic 5-HT1/5-HT2 receptor antagonist methysergide (4 micrograms/200 nl) markedly enhanced 0.3 M NaCl intake induced by injections of ANG II (20 ng/200 nl) into the SFO. Pretreatment of the SFO with the AT1 receptor antagonist losartan (1 microgram/200 nl) blocked the intake of 0.3 M NaCl induced by ANG II in combination with LPBN methysergide injections. These results suggest that serotonergic mechanisms associated with the LPBN inhibit the expression of salt appetite induced by ANG II injections into the SFO. In addition, the results indicate that the enhanced NaCl intake generated by central administration of ANG II in the presence of LPBN 5-HT blockade is mediated by brain AT1 receptors.

Angiotensin I↗
PubMed1996

Use-dependent loss of active sympathetic neurogenic vasodilation after nitric oxide synthase inhibition in conscious rats. Evidence for the presence of preformed stores of nitric oxide-containing factors.

In this study, we examined whether air-jet stress-induced active sympathetic hindlimb vasodilation in conscious rats involves the release of preformed stores of nitric oxide-containing factors. We determined the effects of repeated episodes of air-jet stress (six episodes given 5 minutes apart) on mean arterial pressure and vascular resistances in the mesenteric bed and intact and sympathetically denervated hindlimb beds of conscious rats treated with saline or the nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 25 mumol/kg IV). In saline-treated rats, air-jet stress produced alerting behavior, minor changes in blood pressure, pronounced mesenteric vaso-constriction, and immediate and marked vasodilation in the sympathetically intact hindlimb but a minor vasodilation in the sympathetically denervated hindlimb. Each air-jet stress produced virtually identical responses. In L-NAME-treated rats, the first air-jet stress produced vasodilator responses in the sympathetically intact and sympathetically denervated hindlimbs that were similar to those in the saline-treated rats. However, each subsequent air-jet stress produced progressively smaller vasodilator responses in the sympathetically intact but not the sympathetically denervated hindlimb. There was no loss of air-jet stress-induced alerting behavior or mesenteric vasoconstriction, suggesting that L-NAME did not interfere with the central processing of the air-jet or the resultant changes in autonomic nerve activity. The progressive diminution of air-jet stress-induced vasodilation in the intact hindlimb of L-NAME-treated rats may be due to the use-dependent depletion of preformed stores of nitric oxide-containing factors that cannot be replenished in the absence of nitric oxide synthesis.

Air↗
PubMed1996

Use-dependent loss of acetylcholine- and bradykinin-mediated vasodilation after nitric oxide synthase inhibition. Evidence for preformed stores of nitric oxide-containing factors in vascular endothelial cells.

In the present study, we examined the possibility that the endothelium-dependent vasodilators acetylcholine and bradykinin release preformed pools of nitric oxide-containing factors. Successive injections of selected doses of acetylcholine (1.18 +/- 0.3 micrograms/kg IV) or bradykinin (5 micrograms/kg IV) caused reproducible hypotensive and vasodilator responses within sympathetically intact and sympathetically denervated hindlimbs of conscious rats. After administration of the nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 25 mumol/kg IV), the first injection of acetylcholine or bradykinin produced pronounced depressor and vasodilator responses that, in the case of bradykinin, were greater than those observed before L-NAME administration. However, each successive injection of acetylcholine and bradykinin produced progressively smaller responses, such that the later injections elicited a markedly diminished hypotension and vasodilation. This "use-dependent" loss of endothelium-dependent vasodilation was not due to the diminished vasorelaxant potency of nitric oxide-containing factors because the vasodilator effects of the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside (32 micrograms/kg IV) and the S-nitrosothiol compound S-nitro-socysteine (200 nmol/kg IV) were augmented in the presence of L-NAME. These results suggest that the use-dependent loss of the hemodynamic effects of acetylcholine and bradykinin in L-NAME-treated rats may be due to the release and subsequent depletion of a factor whose synthesis depends on the bioavailability of nitric oxide. Taken together, these results suggest that preformed pools of nitric oxide-containing factors exist within the endothelium of resistance vessels and that endothelium-dependent agonists exert their vasorelaxant effects at least in part by the mobilization of these performed pools.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1995

Chemical topography of efferent projections from the median preoptic nucleus to pontine monoaminergic cell groups in the rat.

This study examined efferent output from the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) to pontine noradrenergic and serotonergic cell groups using an anterograde tracing technique (Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin, PHA-L) combined with glucose oxidase immunocytochemistry to serotonin (5-HT) or to dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH). Injections of PHA-L into the ventral MnPO resulted in moderate axonal labeling within the region of the B7 and B8 serotonergic groups in the dorsal raphe. PHA-L labeled fibers and punctate processes were observed in close apposition to many of the 5-HT immunoreactive neurons in these regions. In contrast, sparse terminal labeling was found within the B5 group in the raphe pontis nucleus, and only trace fiber labeling observed in the B3 and B6 groups. Efferents from the MnPO also provided moderate innervation to the A6 and A7 noradrenergic groups. PHA-L labeled punctate processes were found most frequently in close apposition to DBH-immunoreactive neurons at mid- to caudal levels of the locus coeruleus. Some labeled axons were also present within the A7 and A5 groups. Additionally, a close apposition between labeled MnPO efferents and 5-HT fibers within the lateral parabrachial nucleus was observed. The results indicate the MnPO provides a topographic innervation of monoaminergic groups in the upper brainstem.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Effects of lidocaine injections into the lateral parabrachial nucleus on dipsogenic and pressor responses to central angiotensin II in rats.

This study investigated the effects of bilateral injections of the local anesthetic, lidocaine, into the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) on the dipsogenic and pressor responses induced by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of angiotensin II (ANG II). Centrally injected ANG II (50 ng/1 microliters) induced water intake (10.2 +/- 0.8 ml/h) and pressor responses (22 +/- 1 mmHg). Prior bilateral injection of 10% lidocaine (200 nl) into the LPBN increased the water intake (14.2 +/- 1.4 ml/h), but did not change the pressor response (17 +/- 1 mmHg) to i.c.v. ANG II. Lidocaine alone injected into the LPBN also induced a pressor response (23 +/- 3 mmHg). These results showing that bilateral LPBN injection of lidocaine increase water intake induced by i.c.v. ANG II are consistent with electrolytic and neurotoxic lesion studies and suggest that the LPBN is associated with inhibitory mechanisms controlling water intake induced by ANG II. These results also provide evidence that it is feasible to reversibly anesthetize this brain area to facilitate fluid-related ingestive behavior.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1995

Role of lateral parabrachial nucleus in the inhibition of water intake produced by right atrial stretch.

Rats with either bilateral electrolytic or sham lesions of the ventrolateral portion of the lateral parabrachial nucleus (VLLPBN) were implanted with latex balloons that lay at the right superior vena cava/atrial junction (RSVC/AJ). Water intake in response to isoproterenol was measured both with and without inflation of the balloon. Water intake of the sham-lesioned rats was significantly depressed by balloon inflation during the first hour of the experiment. In contrast, water intake in the VLLPBN-lesioned rats was unaffected by balloon inflation. These results suggest that the VLLPBN is involved in the processing of afferent input from stretch-activated RSVC/AJ receptors.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed1995

Comparative analysis of catalases: spectral evidence against heme-bound water for the solution enzymes.

A recent X-ray structural analysis of M. luteus catalase indicates heme-bound H2O trans to the proximal tyrosinate ligand, a finding in contrast to previous X-ray data reporting a 5-coordinate heme for bovine liver catalase. The presence of heme-bound H2O, requiring displacement prior to substrate-binding, is likely to be catalytically significant for catalases. We have used magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy, a highly accurate method for assignment of heme spin- and coordination-states, to study native, solution forms of bovine liver, M. luteus, and A. niger catalases. All three enzymes display similar spectral features with the weak (approximately 5 delta epsilon M [moles.cm.Tesla]-1) intensity typical of a 5-coordinate high-spin ferric heme. No evidence for H2O-ligation, inducing a 6-coordinate heme, occurred upon variation of pH or buffer composition. Therefore, we suggest that the catalytically significant structure of catalases has an unoccupied heme binding site trans to the proximal tyrosinate heme ligand.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

In vitro thermosensitivity of the midline thalamus.

This study compared the thermosensitivity and spontaneous activity of thalamic midline neurons with those of neurons in areas widely regarded to be involved in thermoregulation (preoptic/anterior hypothalamus and posterior hypothalamus). In vitro single unit recordings were made from neurons within the thalamic midline nuclei, the preoptic/anterior hypothalamus and posterior hypothalamus prior to and during a temperature change 3-7 degrees C above and below 37 degrees C. There were no significant differences in the degree of thermosensitivity or the proportion of thermosensitive neurons in the three areas. In each area examined, the thermosensitive neurons had a spontaneous activity which was significantly greater than that of the temperature-insensitive neurons. The results suggest that structures of the midline thalamus may play a role similar to that of the preoptic/anterior hypothalamus and posterior hypothalamus in the processing of temperature related information.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1995

Lateral parabrachial serotonergic mechanisms: angiotensin-induced pressor and drinking responses.

This study investigated the effects of bilateral injections of serotonergic receptor ligands into the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) on the pressor and dipsogenic responses induced by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of angiotensin II (ANG II). Rats with stainless steel cannulas implanted bilaterally into the LPBN and into the left lateral ventricle were used to study i.c.v. ANG II-induced water intake and pressor responses. Pretreatment with the serotonergic 5-HT1/5-HT2 receptor antagonist methysergide (1-8 micrograms/200 nl) bilaterally injected into the LPBN increased the water intake induced by i.c.v. ANG II (50 ng/microliters) administered via the lateral ventricle, but pretreatment with methysergide (4 micrograms/200 nl) did not change the pressor response produced by i.c.v. ANG II. After bilateral injection of either serotonin (5-HT, 5 micrograms/200 nl) or the serotonergic 5-HT2a/5-HT2c receptor agonist (+/-)-2,5-dimetoxy-4-iodoamphetamine hydrochloride (DOI; 0.5-10 micrograms/200 nl) into the LPBN, the water intake induced by ANG II was significantly reduced. These results are consistent with Other observations indicating that the LPBN is associated with inhibitory mechanisms controlling water intake induced by ANG II treatment and suggest that serotonergic pathways may be involved in this effect.

Amphetamines↗
PubMed1994

The role of beta1 and beta2 adrenoceptors in isoproterenol-induced drinking.

The present study examined the contribution of beta1 and beta2 adrenoceptor activation to drinking behavior and the stimulation of plasma renin activity produced by the mixed beta adrenoceptor agonist, isoproterenol. The stimulation of drinking by beta adrenoceptor activation could occur via two independent pathways; by either directly stimulating renal beta1 adrenoceptors on the juxtaglomerular cells to release renin or by stimulating vascular beta2 adrenoceptors that would decrease blood pressure and activate afferent neural and humoral mechanisms. Selective pharmacological antagonism of each adrenoceptor type was achieved by administering atenolol (2.5 mg/kg), a beta1 adrenoceptor antagonist, or ICI 118,551 (1 mg/kg), a beta2 adrenoceptor antagonist, before treatment with isoproterenol (25 micrograms/kg). Neither adrenoceptor mechanism alone could account for all of the water intake or stimulation of plasma renin activity due to isoproterenol treatment. Cardiovascular recordings confirmed the selectivity of the antagonists to their respective receptor subtypes, with atenolol blocking the beta1 adrenoceptor-mediated heart rate increases and ICI 118,551 blocking the beta 2 adrenoceptor-mediated depressor response to isoproterenol. The results provide evidence that the stimulation of both beta1 and beta2 adrenoceptors by isoproterenol acts in a synergistic manner to induce drinking and renin-angiotensin system activation.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Role of the central nucleus of the amygdala and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in experimentally-induced salt appetite.

The contributions of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) to salt appetite were evaluated with two treatments which induce sodium chloride (NaCl) ingestion. Cumulative 3 h intakes of 2% NaCl after sodium depletion using furosemide, or subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of yohimbine (YOH), were measured in male, Sprague-Dawley rats both before and after electrolytic lesions of the CeA or the BST. Before surgery, sham-lesion and lesion groups drank equivalent amounts of 2% NaCl in response to furosemide depletion and YOH treatment. After surgery, rats with sham lesions increased their intakes of 2% NaCl following YOH while rats with CeA or BST lesions showed significant decreases. Rats with CeA or BST lesions also showed significant decreases in their intake of 2% NaCl after furosemide depletion, while intakes of the sham lesion groups remained unchanged. Lesions of either nucleus virtually eliminated 24 h need-free salt intake. Before and after surgery, all groups drank equivalent amounts of water in response to s.c. angiotensin II and to s.c. hypertonic saline, indicating the lesions specifically affected salt appetite. The results indicate that the CeA and the BST may be important sites for processing inputs mediating salt appetite.

Amygdala↗
PubMed1994

Measurement of coronary blood flow velocity in conscious rats.

This study describes a technique for the continuous recording of coronary blood flow velocity (CBV) in conscious unrestrained rats. A pulsed Doppler flow probe consisting of a 1-mm2 crystal mounted in a 4-mm suction cup was positioned over the left coronary artery of pentobarbital sodium-anesthetized rats. The probe was held in place with mild suction and sutured to the surface of the myocardium. Probes were connected to a pulsed Doppler flowmeter, which measures Doppler shift and provides an index of blood flow velocity. While rats were still anesthetized, the measurement of CBV was validated by determining that CBV peaked during diastole and increased in parallel with arterial pressure. Phasic CBV signals obtained in conscious rats were similar to those observed in anesthetized animals. Intravenous infusion of dipyridamole (0.5-3 mg.kg-1 x mg-1) produced a dose-dependent increase in CBV and decrease in coronary vascular resistance in conscious unrestrained rats 7 days after placement of the probe. Light microscopic review of cardiac tissue from instrumented rats revealed minimal epicardial reaction (fibrin deposition) restricted to the immediate area of the probe without distortion of the coronary architecture, edema, inflammation, or necrosis compared with controls. Heart weight-to-body weight ratios of instrumented rats were also not different from those of control rats. This study describes the first technique by which CBV can be measured continuously in chronically instrumented rats.

Animals↗