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Biomedical subjects

C Wahlestedt

Publications and source records attributed to C Wahlestedt.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Human endothelin ETA receptor antisense oligodeoxynucleotides inhibit endothelin-1 evoked vasoconstriction.

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to endothelin ETA receptor mRNA were used to characterize vascular smooth muscle receptors. The concentration-response curve showed a significant attenuation of endothelin-1-induced contraction in circular segments of the human superficial temporal artery. Endothelin ETB receptor antisense or mismatch oligodeoxynucleotides showed no alteration of the endothelin-1-induced contraction. Complementary experiments with the selective endothelin ETA receptor antagonist FR139317 demonstrated a shift of the concentration-response curve to the right in a competitive manner (pA2 = 6.93). The specific method of using the receptor antisense oligodeoxynucleotides approach revealed the presence of endothelin ETA receptors mediating contraction in the human superficial temporal artery.

Azepines↗

Characterization of specific binding sites for alpha-trinositol (D-myo-inositol 1,2,6-trisphosphate) in rat tissues.

Alfa-trinositol (or D-myo-inositol 1,2,6-trisphosphate) was recently found to, e.g., inhibit agonist-induced vasoconstriction and display antiinflammatory properties. However, its mechanism of action is unknown, although effects on Ca2+ fluxes, perhaps by interfering with endogenous inositol phosphate(s), have been suggested. Here we describe the existence of specific [3H]alpha-trinositol binding sites and compare these with binding sites for naturally occurring inositol phosphates. For this purpose we developed a tritiated analog of alpha-trinositol and used it in a centrifugation binding assay on extensively washed membranes from rat tissues. The degree of specific [3H] alpha-trinositol binding was markedly increased as a result of the many wash steps, indicating the existence of endogenous binding inhibitor(s). A single population of [3H] alpha-trinositol binding sites, displaying a KD of 159 nM and a Bmax of 71 pmol/mg protein, was present in cardiac membranes assayed at pH 7.4. Similar binding site densities were detected also in liver > lung > brain. The relative density of [3H] alpha-trinositol sites in cardiac membranes was 8-fold higher than [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3 but 2-fold and 4-fold lower than [3H]Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 and [3H]InsP6 binding sites, respectively. Competition binding studies indicated the ability of Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 and InsP6, but not Ins(1,4,5)P3, to potently displace [3H] alpha-trinositol binding. Conversely, unlabelled alpha-trinositol showed relatively low potency vs. [3H]InsP6, but the novel inositol phosphate was virtually equipotent with Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 in inhibiting [3H]Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 binding. Finally, analyses of binding at different pH and ionic conditions revealed differences between alpha-trinositol and the three other previously studied inositol phosphates, although distinct similarities between alpha-trinositol and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 were again observed.

Animals↗

Cellular uptake of intracerebroventricularly administered biotin- or digoxigenin-labeled antisense oligodeoxynucleotides in the rat.

1. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) internally labeled with biotin or digoxigenin were injected into the lateral ventricle of rats and the distribution of the labeled ODNs was examined at several timepoints following the intracerebroventricular (icv) injections. The stability of these injected antisense ODNs, which had no backbone modifications, was also studied by performing recovery experiments. 2. The most intense labeling was observed near the injection site, in periventricular areas, and in perivascular regions. Many of the labeled cells appeared to be neurons, and both the cytoplasm and the nuclei were stained. The labeled cells were detected 15 min after icv injection, demonstrating that the antisense ODNs were taken up rapidly by cells in the parenchyma. The digoxigeninated antisense ODNs were presented in both the cytoplasmic and the nuclear fractions of rat brain extracts, however, the levels appeared to be much lower in the nuclear fractions. 3. Antisense ODNs injected into the lateral ventricle seemed to follow the bulk flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), i.e., from the injection site in the lateral ventricle, through the ventricular system, to the subarachnoid spaces and the perivascular spaces. From the ventricular and perivascular spaces, the antisense ODNs diffused into the extracellular space and were taken up by cells. The full-length digoxigeninated antisense ODNs were detectable within cells after only 15 min, indicating their rapid uptake. In addition, the antisense ODNs appeared to be relatively stable in the brain since the full-length digoxigeninated ODNs were still detectable after 4 hr.

Animals↗

Specific inhibition of endogenous neuropeptide Y synthesis in arcuate nucleus by antisense oligonucleotides suppresses feeding behavior and insulin secretion.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), which is synthesized in neurons of the arcuate nucleus (ARC) that project to different hypothalamic nuclei, is known to have potent effects on eating behavior and hormone secretion after hypothalamic administration. To test the hypothesis that endogenous NPY is essential for the normal expression of these responses, the present study used to unmodified antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) to disrupt the synthesis of NPY in the ARC and to examine the impact of this disturbance on nutrient intake, as well as on circulating levels of insulin and the adrenal steroids, corticosterone and aldosterone. Brain-cannulated rats maintained on macronutrient diets were given daily, bilateral injections, over a 4-day period, of NPY antisense ODNs, sense ODNs or saline into the ARC. The NPY antisense ODNs produced a significant decline (-33% relative to sense ODNs and -40% relative to saline, P < 0.05) in NPY levels in this nucleus, without causing any direct neural damage. Peptide levels in other hypothalamic areas, namely, the paraventricular nucleus and medial preoptic nucleus, were not significantly affected. In association with this reduction in ARC NPY, the antisense-treated animals exhibited a significant decrease in feeding behavior measured during the first 90 min of the natural feeding cycle, as well as over the 24-h period. In the 90-min interval, both carbohydrate and fat intake were suppressed by 65-70% (P < 0.05, relative to both saline and sense ODNs control scores).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aldosterone↗

Selective loss of delta opioid analgesia and binding by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to a delta opioid receptor.

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (18-20 bases) to a cloned delta opioid receptor (DOR-1) lower delta binding in NG108-15 cells by 40%-50%. Changing 4 bases to generate a mismatch antisense oligodeoxynucleotide or mixing the corresponding sense and antisense oligodeoxynucleotides prior to treatment of the cells eliminates the inhibition of binding, confirming the specificity of the response. In vivo, an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to DOR-1 given intrathecally lowers delta, but not mu or kappa 1 spinal analgesia. The mismatch antisense oligodeoxynucleotide is inactive. Delta analgesic sensitivity gradually returns by 5 days after the last antisense treatment, indicating the lack of irreversible damage or toxicity. These studies demonstrate that DOR-1 mediates delta analgesia at the level of the spinal cord and confirm at the molecular level traditional pharmacological studies implying distinct receptor mechanisms for delta, mu, and kappa 1 analgesia. The use of antisense approaches may prove valuable in understanding the receptors mediating opioid pharmacology.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

A proposed bovine neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptor cDNA clone, or its human homologue, confers neither NPY binding sites nor NPY responsiveness on transfected cells.

Receptors with seven transmembrane domains (7TM) constitute a large family of structurally and functionally related proteins which respond to various types of ligands. We describe here the cloning and expression of a human 7TM receptor, denoted hFB22 (human Fetal Brain 22), which is the homologue (92% amino acid identity) of a bovine receptor (LCR1) reported by others to bind neuropeptide Y (NPY) with a pharmacological profile of the Y3 receptor subtype. However, upon expression in COS1 (confirmed by Northern analysis), COS7 or CHO-K1 cells, the hFB22 receptor did not confer specific 125I-Bolton-Hunter-NPY, 3H-propionyl-NPY or 125I-peptide YY (PYY) binding sites, in either intact cells or in membrane preparations. Similarly, cells transfected with the corresponding bovine clone (LCR1) did not show specific NPY/PYY binding exceeding that resulting from endogenous binding sites; mock-transfected COS7 cells, used frequently for heterologous expression of receptors, were found to have endogenous specific 125I-NPY binding sites (Bmax = 112 fmol/mg protein; Kd = 0.25 nM). Moreover, the hFB22 transfected cells, when compared to control transfected cells, did not display de novo NPY- or PYY-induced second messenger responses, i.e., (1) inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation or (2) 45Ca2+ influx. The presence of hFB22 mRNA was detected in several human neuroblastoma cell lines, none of which was found to express Y3-like NPY binding sites. hFB22 displays 39% amino acid sequence identity (in the transmembrane regions) to the human interleukin-8 receptor, and 32-36% amino acid identity to the human receptors of angiotensin II, bradykinin, and n-formylpeptide, but only 23% amino acid identity to the previously described human NPY/PYY receptor of the Y1 receptor subtype. Our results show that hFB22 and LCR1 do not encode NPY receptors, and their true ligand(s) remains to be identified.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Human neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor antisense oligodeoxynucleotide specifically inhibits neuropeptide Y-evoked vasoconstriction.

This paper describes a new approach for the development of an inhibitor of the contractile responses of neuropeptide Y in human blood vessels by the use of an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide complementary to human neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor mRNA. One micromolar of an antisense 18-base oligodeoxynucleotide (hY1-AS), corresponding to the human Y1 receptor NH2-terminus, was incubated with segments of human subcutaneous arteries and veins for 48 h at 37 degrees C. Control vessels were incubated with the corresponding sense oligodeoxynucleotide (hY1-S) or a 3-base mismatched antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (hY1-MM) or no oligodeoxynucleotide. The contractile response to neuropeptide Y was markedly attenuated in both arteries and veins after treatment with hY1-AS, but was unaffected by hY1-S or hY1-MM. The pD2 values, i.e. the potency of neuropeptide Y, did not differ in hY1-AS treated vessels, suggesting a non-competitive receptor interaction as a result of down-regulation of Y1 receptors. Responses to noradrenaline or high K+ were unaffected by hY1-AS. This study may represent a new and highly specific approach to vascular pharmacology.

Base Sequence↗

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to NMDA-R1 receptor channel protect cortical neurons from excitotoxicity and reduce focal ischaemic infarctions.

The excitatory amino acid, L-glutamate, acting through its N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, may contribute to neuronal death following cerebral vascular occlusion. In support of this hypothesis, NMDA receptor antagonists reduce the volume of infarction produced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in vivo and attenuate Ca2+ influx and neuronal death elicited by L-glutamate or NMDA in vitro. A complementary DNA coding for a major component of the NMDA receptor channel complex, a single protein of M(r) 105.5K (NMDA-R1), has been isolated from rat brain. Here we demonstrate that inhibition of the synthesis of NMDA-R1 by treatment with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides selectively reduces the expression of NMDA receptors, prevents the neurotoxicity elicited by NMDA in vitro and reduces the volume of the focal ischaemic infarction produced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in the rat.

Animals↗

Neuropeptide Y suppresses the neurogenic inflammatory response in the rabbit eye; mode of action.

Ocular injury in the rabbit causes miosis and breakdown of the blood aqueous barrier (aqueous flare response, AFR), reflecting a sensory nerve-mediated inflammatory response, elicited by the release of tachykinins and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from C-fibers. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) occurs in sympathetic fibers in the eye. The study was designed to examine whether NPY and related peptides interfere with the inflammatory response to ocular injury in the rabbit in vivo. The isolated rabbit iris was studied with respect to NPY binding sites and second messenger coupling. The AFR and the miotic response to a standardized injury (infrared irradiation (IR) of the iris) were suppressed dose-dependently by NPY (0.01-1.0 nmol) injected intravitreally 30 min prior the trauma. The treated eye was compared with the contralateral eye, which received 0.9% saline and IR. The Y1 receptor agonist [Pro34]NPY, the Y2 receptor agonist NPY 13-36 and the structurally related peptide YY (1 nmol each) suppressed the AFR in response to IR. Injection of either NPY or the Y1 and Y2 receptor agonists (0.3 nmol each) suppressed the AFR evoked by exogenously applied CGRP (0.15 nmol). Saturation studies with 125I-NPY revealed both high and 'moderate' affinity binding sites in the iris. The Bmax values were 26 and 321 fmol/mg protein, respectively. NPY suppressed the forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity (IC50 value 19 nM). NPY did not affect basal or noradrenaline-induced accumulation of inositol phosphates in the iris. In conclusion, the rabbit iris seems to be rich in NPY receptors linked to inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Modulation of anxiety and neuropeptide Y-Y1 receptors by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides.

The function of neuropeptide Y, one of the most abundant peptide transmitters of the mammalian brain, remains unclear because of a lack of specific receptor antagonists. An antisense oligodeoxynucleotide corresponding to the NH2-terminus of the rat Y1 receptor was constructed and added to cultures of rat cortical neurons. This treatment resulted in a reduced density of Y1 (but not Y2) receptors and diminished the decrease in adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) usually seen after Y1 receptor activation. Repeated injection of the same oligodeoxynucleotide into the lateral cerebral ventricle of rats was followed by a similar reduction of cortical Y1 (but not Y2) receptors. Such antisense-treated animals displayed behavioral signs of anxiety. Thus, specific inhibition of neurotransmitter receptor expression can be accomplished in the living brain and demonstrates that altered central neuropeptide Y transmission produces an anxiety-like state.

Animals↗

Modulation of vascular function by neuropeptide Y during development of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a sympathetic cotransmitter and a platelet-derived factor which causes vasoconstriction, potentiation of norepinephrine (NE) action, and vascular mitogenic effects. Reciprocally, NE markedly enhances the actions of NPY. We studied vasopressor effects of NPY and sources of peptide release during the development of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Conscious SHR (4 and 16 weeks old) had higher resting plasma levels of NE and epinephrine than age-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, but similar NPY immunoreactivity (NPY-ir) levels in platelet-poor plasmas (PPP). In both strains, NPY-ir levels in PPP were higher in 4-week-old than in older rats. However, at all ages (4-24 weeks) SHR had markedly elevated NPY-ir content in platelet-rich-plasmas than WKY rats, although levels declined with age and hypertension. In the superior mesenteric artery, NPY-ir content (per mg) was significantly higher in 4-week-old but lower in 16-week-old SHR than in WKY rats, suggesting greater sympatho-neural NPY stores and release (leading to depletion) during the development of hypertension. Four-week-old SHR also tended to have higher NPY-ir content in the adrenal medullae and coeliac ganglia but a lower content in the kidney than WKY rats; these differences disappeared with age. Pressor responsiveness to alpha-agonists and NPY were similar in both strains at 4 weeks. While unchanged by age in WKY rats, adrenergic and NPY-mediated vasopressor responses became augmented in 16- to 24-week-old SHR (compared with WKY rats); this hyperresponsiveness was not completely abolished by ganglionic blockade and not observed with vasopressin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenal Medulla↗

Quantitation of NMDA receptor (NMDAR1) mRNA levels in the adult and developing rat CNS.

A rapid and sensitive solution hybridization assay was used to quantitate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor mRNA levels in the central nervous system (CNS) of rat, mouse and human. A riboprobe labelled with 32P was prepared from a plasmid containing a 1413 base sequence from the cDNA for the functional rat NMDA receptor subunit, NMDAR1. Using a full length sense transcript as the calibration standard, the assay reliably measures 8 pg of NMDAR1 mRNA. When expressed as pg of NMDAR1 mRNA/micrograms total cellular RNA, the highest levels in the adult rat CNS are in the olfactory bulb (20.9 pg/micrograms RNA) and the lowest levels are in the spinal cord (5.2 pg/micrograms RNA). Intermediate levels were found in frontal cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and whole brain. In the mouse CNS the highest levels of NMDAR1 mRNA were found in the olfactory bulb (12.9 pg equivalents/micrograms RNA), followed closely by hippocampus, frontal cortex and cerebellum. Mouse spinal cord (4.4 pg equivalents/micrograms RNA) had the lowest levels of NMDAR1 mRNA. The NMDAR1 riboprobe hybridizes with the same size transcripts in Poly(A)+ RNA from rat, mouse and human brain. In the developing rat, NMDAR1 mRNA levels in frontal cortex and hippocampus increased nearly 3 fold from postnatal day 3 to day 15 and approximately doubled from day 15 to day 67 (adult). Therefore, from postnatal day 3 to adult (day 67) frontal cortex and hippocampus levels of NMDAR1 mRNA increased nearly 6 fold.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aging↗

Mitogenic effects of ATP on vascular smooth muscle cells vs. other growth factors and sympathetic cotransmitters.

The sympathetic nervous system has been shown to exert a trophic influence on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Therefore, we studied the growth-regulating effects of the sympathetic cotransmitters ATP, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and norepinephrine (NE). ATP in concentrations of 1-100 microM greatly increased the incorporation of [3H]thymidine in VSMC from rat aorta and vena cava. ATP also increased cell number and total protein content. The maximal effect on [3H]thymidine incorporation was greater than for epidermal growth factor (20 ng/ml) or insulin (1 microgram/ml) and approximately one-half that of 10% fetal calf serum. The potency series of other nucleotides and analogues of ATP was ATP > beta, gamma-methyleneATP (AMP-PCP) > ADP > adenosine > alpha, beta- methyleneATP (AMP-CPP) > 2-methylthioATP, indicating involvement of a P2 receptor, however, it does not meet proposed pharmacological criteria of either the P2x or P2y subclass. Several proposed P2 receptor antagonists were without effect. The effect of ATP could be mediated by a "nucleotide receptor," since UTP also stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation. In our model, there was a strong correlation between the mitogenic effects of ATP, AMP-CPP, AMP-PCP, and UTP and their ability to stimulate influx of extracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+o). Moreover, the mitogenic effect of ATP was increased by high concentrations of Ca2+o. Taken together with data showing the lack of involvement of several other second-messenger systems, this indicates a critical role for Ca2+o in mediating the mitogenic effects of ATP. Amiloride, known to inhibit the action of several growth factors, also inhibited ATP-induced mitogenesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

The receptor revolution--multiplicity of G-protein-coupled receptors.

The superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) is probably the largest protein-encoding gene family in our genome. It is already known to include hundreds of members and many more are expected to emerge as the molecular cloning revolution proceeds. By definition the GPCR respond to ligands by interacting with intracellular G-proteins and thereby transduce external signals to the interior of the cell. A large body of evidence suggests that the GPCR are organized in the cell membrane like bacteriorhodopsin (BR). All GPCR possess seven hydrophobic membrane-spanning segments which seem to form a characteristic BR-like barrel structure. Thus, the three-dimensional structure of BR may be used as a framework for computer-aided structural modelling of GPCR. The ligands which activate the various members of the GPCR family include an enormous variety of molecules such as amines, amino acids and peptides as well as several small hydrophobic molecules. Many ligands bind to multiple distinct GPCR, e.g. neuropeptide Y (NPY). We have isolated molecular clones encoding a human NPY receptor whose binding properties conform to those of the Y1 subtype. This clone will be a useful tool in our efforts to unravel the molecular mechanisms of the many physiological functions of neuropeptide Y.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Action of externally applied ATP on rat reticulospinal vasomotor neurons.

In anesthetized rats, iontophoretic application of ATP excited the spinal cord-projection neurons in the rostral ventrolateral reticular nucleus of the medulla oblongata. The neuronal response to ATP was mimicked and then blocked by alpha,beta-methylene-ATP, a metabolically stable ATP analogue, and the response was abolished by suramin. Microinjections of ATP (3-100 pmol) into the rostral ventrolateral medulla produced a powerful pressor response. The results suggest that ATP may function as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator involved in medullary regulation of cardiovascular functions.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

A novel inositol phosphate selectively inhibits vasoconstriction evoked by the sympathetic co-transmitters neuropeptide Y (NPY) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Postganglionic sympathetic nerves release norepinephrine (NE) as their primary neurotransmitter at vascular and other targets. However, much evidence supports involvement of additional messengers, co-transmitters, which are co-released with NE upon sympathetic nerve stimulation and thereby contribute to their actions, e.g., vasoconstriction. Two such putative co-transmitters, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) have been of particular interest since they fulfill several neurotransmitter criteria. Importantly, hitherto it has been difficult to antagonize vasoconstriction evoked by either NPY or ATP with agents that are devoid of intrinsic activity. The present study describes the ability of a novel inositol phosphate, D-myo-inositol 1,2,6-trisphosphate (Ins[1,2,6]P3; PP-56) to in vitro potently block vasoconstrictor responses elicited by NPY and ATP, but not by NE, as studied in guinea-pig isolated basilar artery. The action of Ins[1,2,6]P3 does not seem to occur through antagonism at NPY- or ATP-receptor recognition sites, labeled by 125I-peptide YY and 35S-gamma-ATP, respectively, in membranes of rat cultured vena cava vascular smooth muscle cells. However, it does involve inhibition of the influx of Ca2+ induced by either co-transmitter in these same vena cava cells. It is proposed that Ins[1,2,6]P3 may be a useful functional antagonist of non-adrenergic component(s) of the vasoconstrictor response to sympathetic nerve stimulation.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗