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Biomedical subjects

E Granström

Publications and source records attributed to E Granström.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Circulating and urinary thromboxane B2 metabolites in the rabbit: 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 as parameter of thromboxane production.

The metabolism of thromboxane B2 was studied in the rabbit. The aim of the study was to identify metabolites in blood and urine that might serve as parameters for monitoring thromboxane production in vivo. [5,6,8,9,11,12,14,15-3H8]-Thromboxane B2 was administered by i.v. injection to rabbits, and blood samples and urine were collected with brief intervals. The metabolic profiles were visualized by two-dimensional thin layer chromatography and autoradiography, and the structures of five major metabolites were determined using chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods. In urine the major metabolites were identified as 11-dehydro-TXB2 and 2,3,4,5-tetranor-TXB1, and other prominent products were 11-dehydro-2,3,4,5-tetranor-TXB1, 2,3-dinor-TXB1 and 2,3-dinor-TXB2. In the circulation, TXB2 was found to disappear rapidly. The first major metabolite to appear was 11-dehydro-TXB2, which also remained a prominent product in blood for the remainder of the experiment (90 min). With time, the profile of circulating products became closely similar to that in urine. TXB2 was not converted into 11-dehydro-TXB2 by blood cells or plasma. The dehydrogenase catalyzing its formation was tissue bound and was found to have a widespread occurrence: the highest conversion was found in lung, kidney, stomach and liver. The results of the present study suggest that 11-dehydro-TXB2 may be a suitable parameter for monitoring thromboxane production in vivo in the rabbit in blood as well as urinary samples, and possibly also several tissues. This was also demonstrated in comparative studies using radioimmunoassays for TXB2 and 11-dehydro-TXB2.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

Radioimmunoassay for 11-dehydro-TXB2: a method for monitoring thromboxane production in vivo.

A radioimmunoassay was developed for 11-dehydro-TXB2, a prominent metabolite of TXB2 in blood and urine of several species. In order to reliably assay 11-dehydro-TXB2, its chemical stability as well as its chromatographic properties were first examined. Since dehydrogenation at C-11 converts the thromboxane ring into the delta-lactone form of a dicarboxylic acid, which can also occur in an open form, the analysis of 11-dehydro-TXB2 may be somewhat complicated. In some chromatographic systems, the compound thus migrated with pronounced tailing, and during extraction using the common Sep-Pak procedure the two forms were partially separated. The lactone as well as the open form could be conclusively identified using mass spectrometry. The equilibrium between the two forms of 11-dehydro-TXB2 was studied in buffers of different pH and in plasma. Higher pH favoured hydrolysis into the acyclic structure. The lactonization and hydrolysis processes were also shown to be time and temperature dependent. Two different antiplasms, raised in rabbits against conjugates of 11-dehydro-TXB2 with bovine serum albumin, displayed somewhat different properties in their recognition of the two forms of 11-dehydro-TXB2. A radioimmunoassay employing these antibodies was developed. The labeled antigen was prepared by incubation of 3H-TXB2 with rabbit lung supernatant. The limit of detection was 1.5 pg. For validation of the assay, analysis of blood and urinary samples, obtained after injection of TXB2 to a human volunteer, was done. The values obtained were compatible with previous isotope studies. Results from an inhibition experiment with rabbit lung incubated in the presence or absence of indomethacin further supported the identity of the assayed substance.

Animals↗

Methodology in prostaglandin and thromboxane assay.

Many difficulties encountered in prostaglandin and thromboxane assay can be overcome by metabolic consideration of which compound is the best target for measurement. The following requirements must be fulfilled: the chosen compound should represent a constant and preferably major fraction of the studied pathway; it should not be formed as an artifact during collection and processing of the samples; its half-life in the biological material under study should be long; and it must be chemically stable. Our knowledge of prostaglandin metabolism now enables us to solve most assay problems for prostaglandins of the E and F type and, at least in some cases, also compounds of the D type. In general, either the 15-ketodihydro metabolites or the beta-oxidized end products thereof should be monitored; either as such or as chemically stable degradation products. In the thromboxane area, most assays have so far been directed at TxB2. The present study, however, shows that this compound is a highly unsuitable target for monitoring, since it may be formed in large amounts during sample collection. Metabolic studies indicate that an early metabolite, 11-dehydro-TxB2, is a better alternative. Quantification of this product however presents certain problems: it occurs in two different forms and the equilibrium is highly dependent on for example pH. A recently developed radioimmunoassay was employed in kinetic studies on TxB2 metabolism in the human and confirmed that 11-dehydro-TxB2 gives a more reliable picture of events than its parent compound, TXB2.

Animals↗

Leukotrienes and other eicosanoids as mediators of airway obstruction.

Prostaglandins and related compounds comprise an ubiquitous biological system which utilizes arachidonic acid (5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid) as a common cellular precursor to synthesize a great number of substances with a broad range of activities, including participation in the cellular and humoral events of inflammation and allergy. Briefly, prostaglandins and thromboxanes (TX) are formed in reactions initiated by the aspirin-sensitive fatty acid cyclooxygenase, whereas leukotrienes (LT) and several other compounds are generated by different lipoxygenases present in human tissues. In the field of asthma, the mast cell-derived PGD2 alpha, as well as PGF2 alpha and TXA2 are known as reasonably potent bronchoconstrictors, and asthmatics are remarkably hyperreactive to inhalation of PGF2 alpha. However, the therapeutic failure of aspirin and related cyclooxygenase inhibitors in the treatment of asthma suggests that these compounds are less likely to be primary mediators. On the other hand, several lines of evidence indicate that three closely related leukotrienes, LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4, previously known as slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A), have the potential to be major mediators of the airway perturbations characteristic of bronchial asthma. Thus, as documented both in experimental animals and in man, these leukotrienes are exquisitely potent in causing bronchial smooth muscle contraction, mucosal edema, and secretion of mucus into the lumen. In particular, LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4 have been linked to allergic asthma because allergen challenge is a potent stimulus for their release from, e.g., lung tissue of asthmatics. In fact, it has been documented that inhibition of leukotriene formation can block allergen-induced contractions of isolated human bronchi.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

15-Lipoxygenase in human platelets.

The metabolism of arachidonic acid by washed human platelets was investigated. [1-14C]Arachidonic acid was extensively converted to [1-14C]12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. In addition, several minor labeled products were formed with a considerably lower specific activity, indicating their preferential formation from endogenous substrate. These were dihydroxy metabolites of arachidonic acid with conjugated triene structures and were identified as 14,15-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (three isomers) and 8,15-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (three isomers). The identification was based on comparison with reference compounds with respect to chromatographic properties, characteristic UV spectra, and mass spectrometry of several derivatives. Bradykinin (10(-8)-10(-5) M) was found to enhance the formation of all these compounds. In addition, the monohydroxy acid fraction was found to contain 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. The present investigation thus demonstrates the occurrence of a 15-lipoxygenase in human platelets in addition to the previously known 12-lipoxygenase.

Arachidonate Lipoxygenases↗

Use of tritium labeled amino acid conjugates of prostaglandins and thromboxanes as labeled ligands in prostanoid radioimmunoassay.

Conjugates of prostaglandins and thromboxanes with tritium labeled amino acids were prepared and employed as labeled ligands in prostaglandin and thromboxane radioimmunoassays. Assays for PGF2 alpha, 15-keto-13, 14-dihydro-PGF2 alpha, TXB2 and 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-TXB2 were evaluated in comparative studies using either these heterologous ligands or the corresponding homologous tritiated eicosanoid as tracers. Binding properties for the respective antibodies were found to be similar using either tracer. Three biological studies were also conducted, viz. study of the release of TXB2 during collagen induced platelet aggregation, of 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-TXB2 during guinea pig pulmonary anaphylaxis, and of PGF2 alpha (measured as 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2 alpha in peripheral plasma) during bovine luteolysis. The analyses gave comparable results using either the heterologous or the homologous assay. Thus, this type of labeled prostanoid conjugates may serve as a convenient alternative to homologous tracers in radioimmunoassay. Heterologous tracers may even in certain cases provide the only simple solution to the problem of preparing a labeled ligand of high specific activity.

Amino Acids↗

The arachidonic acid cascade. The prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes.

Certain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid, are metabolized by oxygenation into a large family of biologically active substances, the prostanoids. These include the prostaglandins, thromboxanes, prostacyclins, leukotrienes and also a number of related compounds. Oxygenation can take place at many different positions of arachidonic acid. A cyclo-oxygenase introduces oxygen at C-11 and converts the resulting peroxy compound into a 9, 11-endoperoxide structure. The cyclic peroxides thus formed, PGG2 and PGH2, are highly potent compounds and are the immediate precursors of the prostaglandins, thromboxanes and prostacyclin. Other enzymes, the lipoxygenases, may instead introduce oxygen at C-5, C-8, C-9, C-12 or C-15: further conversions from, for example, the initially formed 5- or 15-hydroperoxy acids may lead to the leukotrienes. The prostanoids display strong and varied biological activities, and have effects on numerous processes in the body. In some pathological conditions the prostanoids play important roles. For example, certain products of the arachidonic acid cascade are considered to be mediators of the inflammatory response: they are formed during the process, contribute to the symptoms of erythema, vascular leakage, fever, pain and chemotaxis, and inhibition of their biosynthesis can be achieved at different levels by the anti-inflammatory drugs.

Animals↗

Vasopressin and prostaglandins in premenstrual pain and primary dysmenorrhea.

Both vasopressin and PGF2 alpha are effective uterine stimulants in the non-pregnant human uterus, especially around the onset of menstruation. In order to clarify the relationship of these hormones to menstrual pain, plasma concentrations of vasopressin and two prostaglandin metabolites (15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2 alpha and 11-ketotetranor PGF metabolites) were measured in serial blood samples taken premenstrually and during menstruation. Five women with premenstrual pain gave 7-9 blood samples at intervals of 30 minutes on the day preceding the onset of menstruation. From 5 women with severe primary dysmenorrhea a corresponding series of blood samples were taken during the first day of menstruation. Two groups of 5 women with no symptoms served as controls, either premenstrually or during menstruation. In the women with premenstrual pain the vasopressin concentrations were significantly higher than in the corresponding control group. Even higher and markedly fluctuating vasopressin levels were found in the women with dysmenorrhea who, in general, had more intense pain than the women with premenstrual symptoms. In the group with dysmenorrhea there was also a significant rise in plasma concentration of the PG metabolites. No such increase was seen in the group with premenstrual pain. It is concluded that the pathophysiology of premenstrual pain could imply increased vasopressin secretion. The more severe pain in primary dysmenorrhea seems to be the result of a combined effect of vasopressin and PGF2 alpha.

Adolescent↗

Arachidonic acid epoxides. Isolation and structure of two hydroxy epoxide intermediates in the formation of 8,11,12- and 10,11,12-trihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids.

Arachidonic acid and 12-hydroperoxyeicosa-5,8, 10, 14-tetraenoic acid are converted by a 0-30% ammonium sulfate fraction (Fraction A) of the high speed supernatant of rat lung into two hydroxy epoxides (EH-1 and EH-2) which have been purified by high performance liquid chromatography. These hydroxy epoxides are converted quantitatively into two triols (10,11,12- from EH-1 and 8,11,12- from EH-2) by a 30-50% ammonium sulfate fraction (Fraction B) of the high speed supernatant. We propose the structures, 8-hydroxy-11,12-epoxyeicosa-5,9,14-trienoic acid (EH-2) and 10-hydroxy-11,12-epoxyeicosa-5,8,14-trienoic acids (EH-1) for these intermediates on the basis of mass spectral interpretation of several derivatives including the lithium aluminum hydride reduction product of both natural and 18Oxygenated derivatives.

8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid↗

Metabolism of leukotriene A4 by an enzyme in blood plasma: a possible leukotactic mechanism.

Cell-free mammalian plasma transformed leukotriene A4 into leukotriene B4. This conversion originated from a soluble enzymatic activity. Heating at 56 degrees C or digestion of plasma with a proteolytic enzyme eliminated formation of leukotriene B4 but not other diastereomeric dihydroxyicosatetraenoic acids formed by nonenzymatic hydrolysis of leukotriene A4. Plasma from several mammals, including guinea pigs, pigs, cows, sheep, rabbits, rats, dogs, and humans, exhibited a qualitatively similar activity. Maximal production of leukotriene B4 occurred in guinea pig plasma near a pH of 7.6; metabolic capacity approached saturation at a substrate concentration of 10 microM. Leukotriene A4 anion was transformed but not its methyl ester. The results suggest that conversion of leukotriene A4 by an enzyme in blood plasma of mammals may provide local gradients of the chemotactic substance leukotriene B4. High interfacial concentrations of leukotriene B4 between the vascular endothelium and leukocytes could facilitate their diapedesis and accumulation at inflammatory sites.

Animals↗

Allergen challenge of lung tissue from asthmatics elicits bronchial contraction that correlates with the release of leukotrienes C4, D4, and E4.

The leukotrienes C4, D4, and E4, previously referred to as slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis, elicited long-lasting contractions of bronchi isolated from two birch pollen-sensitive asthmatics. The leukotrienes were 1,000 times more potent on a molar basis than was histamine or prostaglandin F2 alpha. Moreover, allergen released leukotrienes C4, D4, and E4 from the lung tissue of the asthmatics in amounts that appeared to correlate well to the anaphylactic bronchial contraction. Irrespectively of whether the lung was stimulated with specific allergen, the ionophore A23187 or 14C-labeled arachidonic acid, 15-hydroxyicosatetraenoic acid, and other lipoxygenase-derived monohydroxy acids were the major metabolites of arachidonic acid in the lung, and thromboxane A2 and prostaglandin I2 were the predominant cyclooxygenase products identified. However, cyclooxygenase inhibition with indomethacin had no effect on the contraction response to antigen in the bronchi, whereas, in the presence of U-60257, an inhibitor of leukotriene biosynthesis, the allergen neither released leukotrienes from the lung nor caused bronchial contraction. These findings indicate that leukotrienes C4, D4, and E4 are major mediators of allergic bronchoconstriction in man.

Allergens↗

Mechanisms of leukotriene-induced contractions of guinea pig airways: leukotriene C4 has a potent direct action whereas leukotriene B4 acts indirectly.

The leukotrienes (LT's) are a group of arachidonic acid derivatives implicated as mediators of allergic bronchoconstriction and acute inflammation. Tracheal spirals and strips of lung parenchyma from guinea pigs were used under non-flow conditions to characterize the contractions caused by LTA4, LTB4 and LTC4. Cumulative administrations of leukotrienes desensitized the lung strip, whereas non-cumulative dose-response relationships for the leukotrienes and histamine were reasonably parallel. Half maximal contractions of the lung strips were obtained at a final bath concentration of 1 nM for LTC4 and 300 nM for LTA4 or LTB4, as compared with 6 000 nM for histamine. In the trachea, LTC4 was approximately 100 times more potent than LTA4 and histamine. Leukotrienes B4 and C4, but not acetylcholine or histamine, elicited release of the bronchoconstrictive thromboxane A2 from the lung under non-flow conditions. Indomethacin blocked the contractile response to LTB4, whereas the contractile effect of LTC4 remained unaltered. The beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol and the LTC4 antagonist FPL 55712 attenuated the contraction, but not the release of thromboxane A2, induced by LTC4. Changing to a perifusion technique rendered the lung strips less sensitive to the direct action of LTC4, and released thromboxane A2 now contributed significantly to the contractile response. In addition, the perifusion experiments indicated that LTB4 released histamine as well. We conclude that the chemoattractant LTB4 is an indirectly acting bronchoconstrictor, whereas the slow reacting substance LTC4 contracts the airway muscle by a predominantly direct mechanism. The exquisite bronchoconstrictive activity of LTC4 may be unrelated to its ability to induce formation of thromboxane A2.

Acetylcholine↗

Prostaglandin biochemistry, pharmacy and physiological function. The prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes.

The prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes constitute a rapidly growing family of compounds, all of which are oxygenated derivatives of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid. Most of these metabolites are biologically very potent substances, displaying a wide variety of actions in many different biological systems. The prostaglandins were originally discovered in the reproductive tract, though it is now known that most cell types in the body possess the enzymes necessary for their biosynthesis. Due to the ubiquitous occurrence of the prostaglandins and related substances, as well as their strong and diversified biological effects, they are believed to participate in numerous biological processes, physiological as well as pathological. In certain cases such a participation has also been proved: in the reproductive tract, prostaglandins are known to be involved in such events as pregnancy, parturition, dysmenorrhea and luteolysis.

Animals↗

Methods for quantitative estimation of prostaglandins.

For an understanding of the biological role of prostaglandins and related compounds, specific and sensitive quantitative methods have to be developed. The three most frequently employed methods today are bioassay, gas-liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry, and radioimmunoassay. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods will be discussed. In the approach to the prostaglandin assay, a suitable parameter must first be selected, e.g. a primary prostaglandin, a metabolite, or a derivative of a prostaglandin compound. This parameter must be a compound that is really indicative of the endogenous prostaglandin levels, i.e. it must neither be enriched due to artifactual production, nor be degraded before analysis. It is also very important that the compound selected for analysis has been shown to be related to the biological situation under study.

Animals↗

The possible roles of prostaglandins and related compounds in endometrial bleeding. A mini-review.

This mini-review summarizes some aspects of hemostatic defects, with particular reference to endometrial bleeding, both the normal menstruation and some bleeding disorders of the uterus. Two cell types are of particularly great interest in the hemostatic mechanism, viz. the platelet and the vascular endothelial cell. We will therefore start with a brief survey of the roles of platelets and vascular endothelium in hemostasis, and the underlying biochemical events will be discussed, particularly the participation of the arachidonate metabolites: the prostaglandins, the thromboxanes and the leukotrienes. This section is then followed by a brief description of some histological findings in the menstruating endometrium; the normal as well as the pathologically bleeding tissue. The possible roles of arachidonate metabolites in these events will be discussed. Several clinical studies have been published, in which various attempts have been made to treat excessive endometrial bleeding with inhibitors of prostaglandin biosynthesis. The findings in these studies are described. The relevance of this approach and its possible effects on other areas of arachidonic acid metabolism will be discussed. Finally, some studies will be summarized in which various attempts have been made to quantitate and endometrial prostaglandins in different physiological and pathological conditions.

Animals↗