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G Drapeau

Publications and source records attributed to G Drapeau.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Aminopeptidase modulation of the pharmacological responses to synthetic thrombin receptor agonists.

Thrombin is a contractile stimulus of isolated rabbit aortic rings and apparently produces its effects through the recently characterized cleavable receptor. A synthetic hexapeptide, NAT6-NH2 (new amino terminus), was found to be the minimal active structure for full activation of this receptor. The N-terminal Ser residue of NAT6-NH2 is crucial for biological activity. In this study we examined the metabolism of NAT6-NH2 in rabbit plasma, where it was rapidly degraded by aminopeptidase M. In the presence of the aminopeptidase inhibitor amastatin, no metabolism was observed. On this basis a metabolically resistant analogue, [Sar1]NAT6-NH2, was designed. We compared the biological activity of thrombin, NAT6-NH2 and [Sar1]NAT6-NH2 in the rabbit aorta and found that [Sar1]NAT6-NH2 was more potent than NAT6-NH2; however, in the presence of amastatin the concentration-effect curve for NAT6-NH2 was shifted to the left of that for [Sar1]NAT6-NH2. The effects of [Sar1]NAT6-NH2 and of thrombin were not modified by the presence of the aminopeptidase inhibitor. We also studied the effect of amastatin on the in vivo hypotensive response to NAT6-NH2 and found that it was also influenced by aminopeptidase M inhibition. Our results show that aminopeptidase protection is important when evaluating responses to synthetic agonists of the thrombin cleavable receptor and that an in vivo model, the anesthesized and heparinized rabbit, may be useful for the development of agonists and antagonists of this receptor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Development of digoxigenin-labeled peptide: application to chemiluminoenzyme immunoassay of bradykinin in inflamed tissues.

A new ultrasensitive chemiluminoenzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) using digoxigenin-labeled bradykinin (BK) as a tracer is proposed to quantify kinins in tissue samples. Rabbit polyclonal IgGs anti-BK directed against the C-terminal end were used for the immunoconcentration step along with dioxetane derivative for the revelation step. The sensitivity of the assay for BK was 0.1 fmol/ml with ED50 of 0.78 pmol/ml. This method was applied on extracts of normal and carrageenan-inflamed tissues. The edema produced by the injection of carrageenan in rat hindpaws was associated with a sevenfold increase of immunoreactive kinins in the inflamed paw extract (from 0.021 +/- 0.007 to 0.141 +/- 0.021 pmol/g tissue; p < 0.01), the immunoreactivity corresponded to BK, kallidin, and T-kinin after HPLC separation. When a mixture of inhibitors of kininase I (mergepta) and kininase II (captopril) was coinjected with carrageenan, the carrageenan-induced edema was unaffected but the kinin tissue content was significantly enhanced (0.207 +/- 0.003 pmol/g tissue; p < 0.01). However, the kinin tissue content and the edema response were unaltered by inhibitors given separately. Hence, this highly sensitive assay provides a biochemical evidence that kinins may act as proinflammatory mediators, and highlights a compensatory increase of kininase I and II activities in inflamed tissues.

3-Mercaptopropionic Acid↗
PubMed1994

Recombinant human hemoglobin inhibits both constitutive and cytokine-induced nitric oxide-mediated relaxation of rabbit isolated aortic rings.

A genetically engineered recombinant human hemoglobin (rHb1.1) was recently developed for use as a blood substitute (Nature 1992;356:258-60). Like other mammalian hemoglobin (Hb) molecules, it might bind and antagonize the actions of nitric oxide (NO). We used an isolated rabbit aortic ring preparation to examine the ability of rHb1.1 to inhibit acetylcholine (ACh)- and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta)-induced reductions of vasoconstrictor responses to the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (PE). rHb1.1 (0.04-4.4 microM) rapidly and reversibly inhibited, in a concentration-dependent manner, both ACh- and IL-1 beta-induced decreases in PE contractile responses. These inhibitory effects of rHb1.1 were non-competitive and were equipotent to those of purified, cell-free human Hb (p.hHb). These two forms of soluble Hb were at least 10 times more potent than Hb in erythrocytes (red blood cells: RBC-Hb). Both NG-nitro-L-arginine (10 microM) a NO synthase inhibitor, and LY-83583 (10 microM), a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, mimicked the effects of rHb1.1. The inhibitory effects of rHb1.1 were not shared by either human serum albumin (HSA 44 microM), which combines with but does not deactivate NO, or cytochrome C (44 microM), a heme-containing protein that does not bind NO; neither were they reversed by L-arginine (L-ARG) (1 mM), the presumed NO precursor. These and other results suggest that the chemical antagonism of NO is likely to be the mechanism by which rHb1.1 and other Hbs inhibit ACh- and IL-1 beta-induced decreases in the response to PE in rabbit aortic rings.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1994

Effects of peptide and nonpeptide antagonists of bradykinin B2 receptors on the venoconstrictor action of bradykinin.

The isolated rabbit jugular and human umbilical veins respond to bradykinin (BK) by contractions that are mediated by the BK B2 type receptors. In this report, the pharmacology of recently developed BK B2 receptor antagonists is assessed by using these preparations. The nonpeptide kinin antagonist WIN 64338 (phosphonium, [[4-[[2-[[bis(cyclohexylamino)methylene]amino]- 3-(2-naphthalenyl)-1-oxopropyl]amino]phenyl]methyl]tributyl chloride monohydrochloride) demonstrates competitive and surmountable antagonism of BK in both the jugular and the umbilical veins (pA2 values of 6.14 and 5.99, respectively). WIN 64338 shows selectivity in its antagonist action as it does not inhibit the effect of various other contractile agents in either of the preparations. HOE-140 (D-Arg[hydroxyproline3,beta-thienylalanine5, D-Tic7, octahydroindol-2-yl-carbonyl residue8]-BK), a "second generation" peptide antagonist of BK, behaves as an insurmountable and irreversible antagonist in the rabbit jugular vein, but appears to be competitive in the umbilical vein (pA2 = 8.2). In the jugular vein, [L-Tic7]HOE-140 is an insurmountable antagonist about 2000-fold less potent than HOE-140; the L-Tic7 isomer demonstrates no significant antagonist activity on the umbilical vein at 30 microM. This study confirms that WIN 64338 behaves as a competitive and selective kinin antagonist of the BK B2 type receptors. The pharmacological profile of the L-Tic7 analog of HOE-140 may provide useful information in discerning the molecular interaction of noncompetitive BK antagonists with their receptors.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Synthetic C5a receptor agonists. Pharmacology, metabolism and in vivo cardiovascular and hematologic effects.

Recent investigations have produced novel compounds that act on the receptor for anaphylatoxin C5a. These products are C-terminal analogues of C5a, some of which are modified extensively. We have measured the receptor affinities of such analogues in a binding assay on human neutrophils (PMNs). We have also characterized their pharmacological profiles in vitro on the isolated rabbit portal vein and pulmonary artery, on superoxide release by PMNs as well as in vivo in the anesthetized rabbit (acute hypotensive and neutropenic effects). The metabolic resistance of these analogues was also evaluated in the presence of different peptidases. One of these compounds, MePhe-Lys-Pro-D-Cha-Phe-D-Arg, behaved as an antagonist on the release of superoxide by neutrophils while exerting agonist activity in all other assays. Its partial agonist status was documented in a receptor down-regulation experiment on PMNs where its activity was compared with those of recombinant C5a and of protamine which behaves as a competitive antagonist on these cells. Degradation studies indicated that the discrepancy between the affinity of certain analogues in vitro and their potency in vivo was probably linked to their metabolic stability.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Differential effects of selective neurokinin agonists on phasic and tonic activity in rat ileal longitudinal muscle.

To test the hypothesis that different neurokinin receptors might be involved in the generation of either phasic or tonic muscular activity, selective ligands for the 6 neurokinin-1-receptor, [Sar9, Met(O2)]-SP, the neurokinin-2-receptor, [Nle10]-NKA4-10, and the neurokinin-3 receptor, [beta Asp4,MePhe7]-NKB4-10, were used to evaluate the excitatory effects of these agonists in the longitudinal rat ileal muscle in vitro. The excitatory effect was analyzed as total response (area under the curve) and as tonic or phasic (area under or within the peaks) activity. Substance P (SP, relative amount of phasic activity in comparison to total activity: 3 x 10(-8) M 87%, 3 x 10(-6) M 30%) and the neurokinin-2-receptor selective agonist [Nle10]-NKA4-10 (N-NKA: 3 x 10(-8) M 67%, 3 x 10(-6) M 59%) caused both tonic and phasic responses, with the percentage of phasic responses decreasing at higher concentrations. The neurokinin-1-receptor selective agonist [beta Ala4, Sar9, Met(O2)]-SP4-11 caused a predominantly tonic response with only a small phasic component (10(-8) M 27.1% 10(-6) M 13.8%). The selective neurokinin-3 receptor agonist [beta Asp4, MePhe7]-NKB4-10 caused a predominantly phasic motor response (SM-SP: 3 x 10(-8) M 98%, 3 x 10(-6) M 87%). Tetrodotoxin (TTX 10(-6) M), omega-conotoxin (CTX 10(-7) M) and atropine (10(-6) M) had no significant influence on the contractile responses to all four peptides, indicating a direct action on the smooth muscle cell.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Vascular mode of action of kinin B1 receptors and development of a cellular model for the investigation of these receptors.

1. Kinins exert a contractile effect on rabbit aortic rings via the stimulation of B1 receptors. Des-Arg9-bradykinin (BK) is more potent than BK on this receptor type. The mode of action of des-Arg9-BK on rabbit aortic tissue has been studied by both the aortic ring contractility assay and a cellular model using cultured aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs). 2. The des-Arg9-BK-induced contractions in rabbit aortic rings were unaffected by pretreatments with nifedipine, indomethacin, REV-5901 (a 5-lipoxygenase blocker) and LY-83583 (a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor); however, the protein kinase inhibitors H-7 and H-9 significantly reduced the maximal effect of des-Arg9-BK. 3. The contractile responses to des-Arg9-BK in calcium-free Krebs solution were slightly but not significantly attenuated in amplitude, as compared to paired control tissues bathed in Krebs solution, and sustained plateaus of contraction were observed in the absence of Ca2+. However, Ca2+ replenishment further increased the kinin-induced contraction measured in Ca(2+)-free bathing fluid. 4. Despite the lack of evidence of a mediating role for prostaglandin in the mechanical response to des-Arg9-BK, the kinin stimulated the release of prostacyclin from rabbit aorta rings measured as immunoreactive 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha). 5. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) derived from the rabbit aorta exhibit functional responses to des-Arg9-BK in acute release of 6-keto-PGF1alpha and of inositol phosphate turnover which were inhibited by pretreatment with the B1 receptor antagonist, Lys[Leu8]des-Arg9-BK, but not by the B2 receptor antagonist, Hoe-140. Preincubation of the cells with interleukin- 1 (IL-1) 20 h before stimulation with the kinin had no effect on basal inositol phosphate turnover, but potentiated the acute effect of des-Arg9-BK.6. These results suggest that second mesengers derived from the action of phospholipase C are produced by SMCs when B1 receptors are activated in rabbit aortic tissue. Intracellular calcium stores are primarily mobilized by des-Arg9-BK, although receptor-controlled calcium influx has not been ruled out, and may contribute to initiate the contractile responses. The maintenance of the contractile state involves protein kinase C activity and is consistent with a current model of SMC function. The cell model retains some of the cardinal properties of B1 receptor-mediated vascular responses: endothelium independent PGI2 release and up-regulation by the cytokine IL-1. PGI2 is not involved in the mechanical response, possible because the rabbit aorta is refractory to this prostaglandin.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗
PubMed1993

Development and in vivo evaluation of metabolically resistant antagonists of B1 receptors for kinins.

The B1 receptors for kinins are selectively stimulated by bradykinin (BK) and Lys-BK metabolites that do not have the C-terminal arginine, des-Arg9-BK and Lys-des-Arg9-BK, respectively. B1 receptors mediate a definite subset of the cardiovascular effects of kinins in normal and septic animals. We have studied the metabolism of the best selective B1 antagonist, Lys[Leu8]des-Arg9-BK, in order to support the rational design of new antagonists that have increased metabolic stability. The affinity of the new compounds was evaluated using the pA2 scale and was based on the antagonism of the contractile effect of kinins in the rabbit isolated aortic preparation. Acetylation of the alpha-amino group of the N-terminal Lys residue provided an excellent protection from the degradation by rabbit blood plasma. This and the inhibitory effect of amastatin on the metabolism of Lys[Leu8]des-Arg9-BK indicated that aminopeptidase M (AmM) is the major route of inactivation for this class of peptides in plasma. Various other modifications afforded a more or less complete resistance to purified angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE). One analog, Ac-Lys[MeAla6, Leu8]des-Arg9-BK, was found resistant to the above-mentioned enzymes and to neutral endopeptidase-24.11 extracted from rabbit kidney. This antagonist, although 100 times less potent than the parent peptide Lys[Leu8]des-Arg9-BK on the rabbit aortic preparation, was equipotent in vivo against the hypotensive effect of a B1 agonist in lipopolysaccharide-treated rabbits, and unlike the original compound, its effect was persistent after the end of the infusion. Ac-Lys[MeAla6, Leu8]des-Arg9-BK does not antagonize B2 receptors either in vitro or in vivo.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Synergism between the contractile effect of epidermal growth factor and that of des-Arg9-bradykinin or of alpha-thrombin in rabbit aortic rings.

1. Rabbit aortic rings were used to test the possible contractile effects of growth factors and their interaction with other stimuli. A rapid potentiation of kinin-induced contraction by epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been previously observed in this preparation. 2. EGF (5-1500 ng ml-1) and the isoform BB of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB; 1-126 ng ml-1) exerted modest but sustained contractile effects in rabbit aortic rings. 3. EGF pretreatment (100 ng ml-1) potentiated the contractile responses to des-Arg9-bradykinin (des-Arg9-BK), an agonist of the B1 receptors for kinin found in this preparation, and to human alpha-thrombin but not to several other contractile stimuli. The interaction appeared also relatively selective for the growth factor, because PDGF-BB pretreatment potentiated neither des-Arg9-BK nor alpha-thrombin-induced contraction. 4. EGF, applied on a contraction plateau induced by des-Arg9-BK or alpha-thrombin, exerted a synergistic contractile effect, with a time course and a half-maximal concentration for EGF-induced contraction similar to the ones recorded in resting tissues (between 67 and 220 ng ml-1, depending on the series of experiments). 5. The direct or synergistic contractile effects of EGF were not modified by the removal of the endothelium or by treatment with indomethacin. However, the tyrosine kinase inhibitors, erbstatin or genistein, inhibited the synergistic effect of EGF with des-Arg9-BK. The small direct contractile effect of EGF was significantly reduced by genistein. The synergistic effect of EGF with alpha-thrombin was comparatively more resistant to the tested tyrosine kinase inhibitors.6. An inhibitor of the catalytic activity of alpha-thrombin, D-Phe-Pro-Arg-CH2Cl, prevented the contractile effect of x-thrombin in the aortic rings. In this system, a tetradecapeptide derived from a recently cloned alpha-thrombin receptor was a contractile stimulus at and above 10 microM. Consistent with the hypothesis that this peptide could behave as an alpha-thrombin receptor agonist, its contractile effect was potentiated by EGF pretreatment. Pharmacological evidence was provided to show that the receptors for alpha-thrombin were distinct from the B, receptors for kinins. Together, these findings suggest that a model of a cleavable receptor recently elaborated to account for alpha-thrombin effects on human platelets is valid in blood-free vascular smooth muscle preparations such as the rabbit isolated aorta.7. The synergism between EGF and kinin- or alpha-thrombin-induced contractions constitutes a novel mode of myotropic action for growth factors. The synergism is probably dependent on the tyrosine kinase activity of receptors for EGF. These combinations of stimuli could occur in various types of vascular disease and account for abnormal vascular reactivity often associated with atheroma lesions or vascular wound healing.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Dissociation of the antimicrobial activity of bacitracin USP from its renovascular effects.

Bacitracin is a nephrotoxic antibiotic that has recently been shown to induce contractile effects in aortas isolated from rabbits by stimulating receptors for 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The possible renovascular actions of this antibiotic were investigated. Bacitracin USP increased the vascular resistance in a concentration-dependent manner (9 to 175 micrograms/ml) in rat kidneys perfused with a constant flow of Krebs solution. This was significantly inhibited by 5-HT antagonists, but only partially at the higher bacitracin concentration. An antagonist of the chemotactic peptide fMet-Leu-Phe failed to influence the pressor effect of bacitracin in rat kidneys. Indomethacin modestly reduced the effect of all potent pressor agents in the rat organ. Bacitracin USP was separated in several fractions by using C18 reverse-phase chromatography. Two distinct fractions were vasoconstrictive when infused in rat kidneys; both fractions were 5-HT mimetics. These peaks were different from the major antibiotic peak, bacitracin A, which was identified by using analytical high-pressure liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and inhibition of Micrococcus luteus growth. The less polar vasoactive peak corresponded to at least two minor peptides of the bacitracin family. The most abundant of these vasoactive peptides had no direct contractile effect on an aorta isolated from a rabbit, but a preliminary metabolic study in rat kidneys suggests that it is apparently transformed into a potent 5-HT agonist that is active on the aorta preparation. Bacitracin A, the major constituent of bacitracin with antimicrobial activity, had no vasoconstrictor effect in the test systems that we used; however, we did rule out the possibility that the renovascular stimulants found in the bacitracin mixture do not derive spontaneously or by biotransformation from the antibacterial forms of bacitracin.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Involvement of NK1 receptors and importance of the N-terminal sequence of substance P in the stimulation of protein secretion in rat parotid glands.

Recent in vitro studies have shown that the dose-response curve of substance P on [3H]protein secretion from rat parotid glands is biphasic. Such a response could result either from the activation of tachykinin receptors or from the amphiphilic character of substance P, since it has previously been shown that the N-terminal part of substance P may play an important role in the activation of phosphoinositides in rat parotid glands. To investigate these possibilities, we studied the effects of selective NK1, NK2, NK3 receptor agonists and C-terminal fragments of substance P and neurokinin A on protein secretion from rat parotid lobules. The poor activity of NK2 (neurokinin A-(4-10) and [beta-Ala8]neurokinin A-(4-10)) as well as of NK3 ([MePhe7]neurokinin B) selective agonists allowed us to rule out a possible involvement of NK2 and NK3 receptors in the parotid gland secretory process. Conversely, the selective NK1 receptor agonist, [Sar9,Met(O2)11]substance P, reproduced the biphasic dose-response curve for [3H]protein secretion typical of native substance P. However, a biphasic response was not observed with peptides deprived of the N-terminal moiety of substance P, such as substance P-(4-11) or [AcArg6,Sar9,Met(O2)11] substance P-(6-11). Our data therefore indicate that the [3H]protein secretion obtained with substance P results from the activation of NK1 receptors. Moreover, our data suggest that the N-terminal tripeptide of substance P is also active, and could stimulate different phospholipases either by acting through a second functional site on the NK1 receptor or by directly activating G-proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Metabolism of bradykinin agonists and antagonists by plasma aminopeptidase P.

In addition to angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE; EC 3.4.15.1) and carboxypeptidase N (CPN; EC 3.4.17.3), other peptidases contribute to bradykinin (BK) degradation in plasma. Rat plasma degraded BK by hydrolysis of the N-terminal Arg1-Pro2 bond, and the characteristics of hydrolysis are consistent with identification of aminopeptidase P (APP; EC 3.4.11.9) as the responsible enzyme. BK and BK[1-5] N-terminal hydrolysis was optimal at neutral pH, was inhibited by 2-mercaptoethanol, dithiothreitol, o-phenanthroline and EDTA, but was unaffected by the aminopeptidase inhibitors amastatin, puromycin and diprotin A, the endopeptidase-24.11 inhibitors phosphoramidon and ZINCOV, and the ACE and CPN inhibitors captopril and D,L-mercapto-methyl-3-guanidinoethylthiopropanoic acid (MERGETPA), respectively. Although kallidin (Lys-BK) was not metabolized directly by APP, conversion to BK by plasma aminopeptidase M (EC 3.4.11.2) resulted in subsequent degradation by APP. BK analogs containing N-terminal Arg1-Pro2 bonds, including [Tyr8-(OMe)] BK and [Phe8 psi(CH2NH)Arg9]BK (B2 agonists), des-Arg9-BK and [D-Phe8]des-Arg9-BK (B1 agonists), and [Leu8]des-Arg9-BK (B1 antagonist), were degraded by APP with Km and Vmax values comparable to those found for BK (Km = 19.7 +/- 2.6 microM; Vmax = 12.1 +/- 1.2 nmol/min/mL). In contrast, B2 antagonists containing D-Arg0 N-termini, including D-Arg[Hyp3,Thi5.8,D-Phe7]BK and D-Arg[Hyp3,D-Phe7,Phe8 psi(CH2NH)Arg9]BK, were resistant to APP-mediated hydrolysis. These data support a role for plasma aminopeptidase P in the degradation of circulating kinins, and a variety of B2 and B1 kinin agonists and antagonists. However, APP does not participate in the degradation of D-Arg0-containing antagonists.

3-Mercaptopropionic Acid↗
PubMed1991

Kallidin applied to the human nasal mucosa produces algesic response not blocked by capsaicin desensitization.

Various kinins (dissolved in 50 microliters) were applied to the nasal mucosa of healthy human volunteers to test the algesic and proinflammatory effects of these peptides in an intact human tissue. [des-Arg9]-bradykinin (0.5 mumol) was found to be inactive, while bradykinin (0.05-0.5 mumol) and especially kallidin (0.005-0.5 mumol) induced: (a) a mild painful sensation described as burning and pricking (latency 30 s, duration 3-5 min), (b) perception of pulsatility and obstruction in the nasal cavity (onset 1 min, duration 6-8 min). Substance P (0.5 mumol) and neurokinin A (0.5 mumol) produced slight obstruction and weak pulsatile sensation but not pain. Capsaicin (0.05 nmol) produced pain and secretion of fluid, but not pulsatile sensation. The effects of kallidin were not affected by repeated (to induce desensitization) applications of capsaicin (0.5 mumol). Likewise, ipratropium bromide (80 mg in 100 microliters) did not affect responses to kallidin. In an intact human tissue, kallidin produces various effects, including an algesic response, that are apparently independent from activation of B1 receptors and from desensitization of capsaicin-sensitive primary afferents.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

New highly potent bradykinin B2 receptor antagonists.

pA2 values of new B2 receptor antagonists ranging from 7.51 to 8.86 were measured on the rabbit jugular vein, while lower values were observed in the other preparations (for instance, the hamster urinary bladder). The most potent antagonists were those containing a hydroxyproline (Hyp) in position 3, a D-Arg at the N-terminal and a Leu instead of a Phe in position 8, with or without other chemical changes. D-Arg[Hyp3,D-Phe7,Leu8]-BK was found to be competitive, selective for B2 receptors and specific for kinins since it was without effect against substance P and angiotensin II in the rabbit jugular vein. The essential feature for obtaining B2 receptor antagonists appears to be the replacement or reorientation of Phe8 of bradykinin. The rabbit jugular vein provides a sensitive bioassay in which the potency and specificity of B2 receptor antagonists can be adequately evaluated.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Effect of synthetic tachykinin analogues on airway microvascular leakage in rats and guinea-pigs: evidence for the involvement of NK-1 receptors.

1. The NK-1 selective agonists [beta-Ala4, Sar9]SP-(4-11) sulphone and [pGlu6, Pro9]SP-(6-11) dose-dependently increased vascular permeability in various segments of rat and guinea-pig tracheo-bronchial region, while the NK-2 ([Nle10]NKA-(4-10) and [beta-Ala8]NKA-(4-10)) or NK-3 ([MePhe7]NKB and [MePhe7]NKB-(4-10)) selective agonists were inactive. These findings provide evidence that the inflammatory response of the airway to intravenous tachykinins is exclusively mediated by the NK-1 receptor subtype. 2. Plasma protein extravasation induced by capsaicin was more intense in the caudal segments of the rat airways and paralleled the tissue concentration of substance P-like and calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity. The response to capsaicin was greatly reduced in rats pretreated with high dose of the toxin (655 mumol kg-1 s.c., 3 weeks before) and was smallest in the airway regions where the depletion of neuropeptides had been more severe. 3. The depletion of transmitters from capsaicin-sensitive nerves did not affect the inflammatory response of the airway to serotonin (500 nmol kg-1 i.v.), while increased responsiveness to a threshold dose (0.37 nmol kg-1 i.v.) of [beta-Ala4, Sar9]SP-(4-11) sulphone was observed. This finding gives preliminary evidence that, after depletion of transmitters from capsaicin-sensitive nerves, upregulation of NK-1 receptors may develop in rat trachea.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Characterization of bombesin receptors in peripheral contractile organs.

1 Guinea-pig and rat urinary bladders, rat stomach and the guinea-pig gall bladder, four isolated organs that show high sensitivity to bombesin, were used to characterize bombesin receptors in peripheral organs. 2 The order of potency of agonists was determined with several naturally occurring peptides of the bombesin series, namely bombesin (BBS), litorin (Lit), neuromedin B (NMB), the gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP 18-27), neuromedin C (NMC) and with some bombesin fragments. It was found that bombesin, neuromedin C, litorin and two bombesin fragments, BBS (6-14) and AcBBS (6-14) had similar activities in the four preparations, while neuromedin B and [Phe6]-neuromedin C were more active on the rat urinary bladder than on the other tissues. 3 The order of potency of agonists determined in the rat urinary bladder was as follows: BBS = NMB greater than Lit greater than NMC greater than [Phe6]NMC = GRP and it was found to be different from that observed in the other preparations: BBS greater than GRP = Lit greater than or equal to NMC much greater than NMB greater than [Phe6]NMC, suggesting the existence of two different bombesin receptors, BBS1 and BBS2. 4 This interpretation was convalidated by the finding that bombesin antagonists, namely Ac.GRP(20-26)OCH3 and Ac.GRP(20-26)OC2H5 reduced or blocked the effects of bombesin-related peptides on BBS2 receptor systems while being completely inactive on the rat urinary bladder (BBS1 system).

Animals↗