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J G Filep

Publications and source records attributed to J G Filep.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

The in vivo antiaggregatory action of endothelin-1 is not mediated through the endothelin ETA receptor.

Intravenous bolus injection of endothelin-1 (0.1 and 0.25 nmol/kg) resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of in vivo platelet aggregation in anesthetized Beagle dogs. Pretreatment of the animals with the selective ETA receptor antagonist, BQ-123 (1 mg/kg), completely abolished the pressor response to endothelin-1 without affecting the magnitude of the depressor response. BQ-123 neither modified the antiaggregatory action of endothelin-1 nor affected the increase in plasma 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha level elicited by endothelin-1. These findings indicate that the in vivo antiaggregatory and prostacyclin releasing actions of endothelin-1 are not mediated by activation of the ETA receptor.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Endothelin peptides: biological actions and pathophysiological significance in the lung.

Endothelins (ETs) are a family of novel regulatory peptides. Besides their effects on the cardiovascular system, which have been extensively described, several lines of evidence suggest an important role for ETs in regulating pulmonary functions. ETs are present in the pulmonary tissues, bronchoalveolar space and pulmonary circulation. Release of ETs from macrophages, endothelial and epithelial cells is modulated by a variety of chemical and physical stimuli and is regulated at the level of transcription or translation. Specific endothelin receptors have been identified in the airways as well as in the pulmonary vasculature. ETs are among the most potent bronchoconstrictors yet described. In the pulmonary circulation, ETs can elicit both vasodilation and vasoconstriction and can enhance vascular permeability. ETs could also modulate activation of inflammatory cells. Enhanced ET expression and/or production have been detected in asthma, certain pulmonary tumors, shock states associated with adult respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary hypertension. These findings suggest that by regulating pulmonary vascular and airway tone, activation of inflammatory cells and cellular growth and/or differentiation, ETs may play an important role in pulmonary pathophysiology.

Animals↗

Nitric oxide modulates vascular permeability in the rat coronary circulation.

1. The objective of the present study was to assess whether inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production could modulate vascular permeability in the coronary circulation in conscious rats. 2. Intravenous injection of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 2 mg kg-1) resulted in a slowly developing hypertension and evoked twofold increases in vascular permeability in the left ventricle and right atrium as measured by the extravasation of Evans blue dye. Maintenance of mean arterial blood pressure at the level observed following L-NAME injection by infusion of noradrenaline (620-820 ng kg-1 min-1) did not induce significant protein extravasation in the coronary circulation. 3. L-NAME treatment markedly enhanced (up to 490%) protein extravasation both in the left ventricle and right atrium in response to platelet-activating factor (PAF, 1.9 nmol kg-1, i.v.) and endothelin-1 (1 nmol kg-1, i.v.). Noradrenaline infusion potentiated (up to 69%) endothelin-1-induced protein extravasation. The permeability effect of PAF was only slightly enhanced by noradrenaline. 4. The present findings indicate that inhibition of endogenous NO synthesis leads to an increase in protein extravasation and to potentiation of the permeability effects of PAF and endothelin-1 in the coronary circulation. These results also suggest that NO may be an important regulator of vascular permeability under physiological and pathological conditions.

Animals↗

Induction by endothelin-1 of epithelium-dependent relaxation of guinea-pig trachea in vitro: role for nitric oxide.

1. The purpose of the present experiments was to study the underlying mechanisms responsible for the relaxant action of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the guinea-pig trachea in vitro. 2. In tracheal strips precontracted (60-70% of the maximum) with carbachol, ET-1 (1-100 nM) evoked slowly developing concentration-dependent relaxations. Preincubation of the tissues with the thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor antagonist, BM 13505 (5 microM) significantly potentiated the relaxant response to ET-1. 3. Removal of the epithelium changed the response of precontracted tracheal preparations to ET-1 from a relaxation to a sustained contraction. 4. ET-1-induced relaxations were abolished by methylene blue (10 microM) and were almost completely attenuated by oxyhaemoglobin (5 microM) and NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 100 microM), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis, but were not altered by indomethacin (10 microM). 5. In tracheal strips under passive tension, ET-1 (1-100 nM) elicited dose-dependent contractions. The sensitivity of tissues to ET-1 was significantly enhanced by removal of the epithelium (apparent EC50 values were 28.1 +/- 4.1 and 12.5 +/- 0.8 nM in intact and rubbed trachea, respectively, n = 7, P < 0.01). 6. Preincubation of intact tracheal strips with methylene blue, oxyhaemoglobin or L-NMMA did not mimic the effect of epithelium removal on ET-1-induced contractions. 7. There was a concentration-dependent increase in thromboxane A2 but not in PGE2 and prostacyclin release from intact tracheal strips following stimulation with ET-1 (5-100 nM). 8. These results show that ET-1 exerts a dual action on guinea-pig isolated trachea: it evokes contractions at low resting tone, whereas it induces relaxations at higher resting tone. The relaxant action of ET-1 may be mediated by nitric oxide released from epithelial cells and resultant activation of smooth muscle guanylate cyclase.

Animals↗

Enhancement by endothelin-1 of microvascular permeability via the activation of ETA receptors.

1. The objective of the present experiments was to assess the involvement of endothelin-A (ETA) receptors in mediating the effects of endothelin-1 on microvascular permeability in conscious rats. 2. Bolus injection of endothelin-1 (0.1 and 1 nmol kg-1, i.v.) resulted in a dose-dependent prolonged pressor effect preceded by a transient depressor response. These changes were accompanied by a dose-dependent loss of plasma volume. Endothelin-1 (1 nmol kg-1) enhanced the vascular permeability of the upper and lower bronchi, kidney, stomach, duodenum and spleen (up to 270%) as measured by the extravasation of Evans blue dye. 3. Pretreatment of the animals with the selective ETA receptor antagonist, BQ-123 (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) significantly blunted the pressor response to endothelin-1 without affecting the depressor response. BQ-123 inhibited by 87% the endothelin-1 (1 nmol kg-1)-induced plasma volume loss. BQ-123 markedly attenuated protein extravasation elicited by endothelin-1 in the upper and lower bronchi and kidney, whereas it completely inhibited the permeability effect of endothelin-1 in the stomach and duodenum. BQ-123 by itself had no significant effect on the parameters studied. 4. The endothelin-1 analogue, [Trp(For)21]-endothelin-1, in which Trp21 is formylated, was as potent a pressor agent as endothelin-1, but had no depressor action. Bolus injection of [Trp(For)21]-endothelin-1 (0.1 and 1 nmol kg-1, i.v.) evoked similar plasma volume losses to those observed following administration of equimolar doses of endothelin-1. Furthermore, 1 nmol kg-1 [Trp(For)21]-endothelin-l evoked increases in protein extravasation similar to endothelin-l, 1 nmol kg-1.5. The present findings suggest that endothelin- 1 enhances microvascular permeability, in part, via the activation of ETA receptors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Vascular responses to endothelin-1 following inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis in the conscious rat.

1. The objectives of the present experiments were to assess the role of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) in mediating and/or modulating the effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on blood pressure and microvascular permeability in conscious rats. 2. Intravenous administration of the NO synthesis inhibitors, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) or NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) at a dose (25 mg kg-1 or 2 mg kg-1, respectively) which evoked maximum increase in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) significantly attenuated (by about 40%) the vasodepressor response and potentiated (by 100-180%) the pressor response to ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1, i.v.) compared to the effects of ET-1 in animals where the peripheral vasoconstrictor effects of L-arginine analogues were mimicked by an infusion of noradrenaline (620-820 ng kg-1 min-1). Similar inhibition of the depressor and potentiation of the pressor actions of ET-1 were observed when the MABP which had been elevated by L-NMMA or L-NAME was titrated to normotensive levels with hydralazine or diazoxide before injection of ET-1. 3. L-NAME (2 mg kg-1) increased the vascular permeability of the large airways, stomach, duodenum, pancreas, liver, kidney and spleen (up to 280%) as measured by the extravasation of Evans blue dye. The permeability of pulmonary parenchyma, skeletal muscle and skin was not affected significantly by L-NAME treatment. Elevation of MABP by noradrenaline infusion did not evoke protein extravasation in the vascular beds studied with the exception of the lung. In the large airways, tissue Evans blue content was similar following noradrenaline infusion and L-NAME.4. Both the pressor and permeability effects of L-NAME (2 mg kg-1) were effectively reversed by L-arginine (300 mg kg- 1) but not by D-arginine (300 mg kg-1 ). The D-enantiomer of L-NAME, D-NAME(2 mg kg-1) had no effect on the parameters studied.5. Protein extravasation was significantly enhanced by ET-1 (1 nmol kg-1) in the upper and lower bronchi, stomach, duodenum, kidney and spleen (up to 285%). This was potentiated by L-NAME(2 mg kg-1), resulting in marked increases in tissue Evans blue accumulation (up to 550%) in these tissues. The effects of L-NAME and ET-1 were additive in the trachea, duodenum, pancreas and liver.Combined administration of L-NAME plus ET-1 significantly increased protein extravasation in the pulmonary parenchyma, where neither L-NAME nor ET-1 alone caused significant increases.6. Noradrenaline infusion (620-820 ng kg-1 min-1) potentiated the permeability action of ET-1(1 nmol kg-1) in the pulmonary circulation, whereas it did not modify ET-1-induced protein extravasation in the other vascular beds.7. These results indicate that endogenous NO mediates, in part, the vasodepressor effect and attenuates the vasopressor action of ET-1 and modulates the effects of ET-1 on vascular permeability. These findings confirm the role of NO in the maintenance of blood pressure and suggest an important role for NO in the regulation of microvascular permeability.

Animals↗

Modulation by nitric oxide of platelet-activating factor-induced albumin extravasation in the conscious rat.

1. The objective of this study was to assess whether or not endogenous nitric oxide (NO) could mediate the hypotensive response to platelet-activating factor (PAF) and modulate PAF-induced microvascular albumin leakage in the conscious rat. 2. PAF (0.19 and 1.9 nmol kg-1, i.v.) evoked dose-dependent hypotension and significantly enhanced albumin extravasation in the large airways, pancreas, stomach and duodenum 15 min after its administration. Inhibition of NO synthesis by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 0.125-2 mg kg-1, i.v.) produced marked dose-dependent increases in albumin accumulation (up to 290%) in large airways, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney, stomach and duodenum as measured by the extravasation of Evans blue dye. L-NAME (2 mg kg-1) treatment markedly potentiated PAF (1.9 nmol kg-1)-induced albumin extravasation in these tissues, whereas it did not modify the hypotensive response to PAF. 3. Maintenance of mean arterial blood pressure at the level observed following 2 mg kg-1 L-NAME by infusion of noradrenaline (620-790 ng kg-1 min-1) neither affected significantly albumin extravasation nor potentiated the permeability effect of PAF in the vascular beds studied with the exception of large airways, where noradrenaline mimicked the effects of L-NAME. 4. These results indicate that inhibition of endogenous NO formation leads to an increase in albumin extravasation and to potentiation of the vascular permeability effect of PAF, whereas the hypotensive action of PAF seems to be independent of NO formation in the conscious rat. These data suggest an important role for NO in the regulation of albumin extravasation.

Albumins↗

Structure-activity relationship of analogues of endothelin-1: dissociation of hypotensive and pressor actions.

The structural requirements of endothelin-1 to evoke depressor and pressor responses were studied in conscious rats. Formylation of the C-terminal Trp eliminated the depressor but not the pressor activity of endothelin-1. Oxidation of Met7 in this analogue restored the hypotensive activity. Destruction of the Cys1-Cys15 disulphide bridge led to a weak agonist with both depressor and pressor activities. Formylation of Trp21 in this analogue resulted in a complete loss of biological activity. These results indicate that Met7 and the indole moiety of Trp21 are important for the expression of the depressor activity of endothelin-1 whereas the intramolecular loop structure is less important. The results also provide further evidence that the depressor and pressor effects of endothelin-1 are mediated through different receptors.

Animals↗

Endothelin-1 enhances vascular permeability in the rat heart through the ETA receptor.

Intravenous injection of endothelin-1 (ET-1, 0.1 and 1 nmol/kg) resulted in a dose-dependent increase in vascular permeability in the coronary circulation of conscious rats. The increase was almost completely abolished by the selective ETA receptor antagonist, BQ-123 (1 mg/kg). The ET-1 analogue, [Trp(For)21]ET-1, which is devoid of the depressor but not the pressor activity, evoked changes in protein extravasation similar to those with ET-1. These data indicate that the permeability effect of ET-1 is mediated through the ETA receptor.

Animals↗

Characterization of ATP-diphosphohydrolase activities in the intima and media of the bovine aorta: evidence for a regulatory role in platelet activation in vitro.

The inner layer of the aorta contains the enzyme ATP diphosphohydrolase (ATPDase: EC 3.6.1.5) which catalyzes the sequential phosphorolysis of ATP----ADP----AMP. Two zones of the inner layer, the intima and media, were separated and both were shown to contain ATPDase activity of similar specific activity (0.08 and 0.10 U/mg protein, respectively). However, the media exhibited about 100-times more enzyme activity than the intima. Both preparations were virtually identical with respect to pH optima (7.5), migration patterns after electrophoresis under non-denaturing conditions, relative rates of ATP and ADP hydrolysis and potency to inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation in both human platelet-rich plasma and whole blood. The IC50 values for ADP (2 microM)-induced aggregation were 6.8 and 12.9 mU/ml in platelet-rich plasma and whole blood, respectively. Addition of ATPDase to platelets pre-aggregated with ADP resulted in a dose-dependent disaggregation in platelet-rich plasma (IC50 4.9 mU/ml), but not in whole blood. When both ATPDase (5.6-58.7 mU/ml) and ATP (0.5-10 microM) were added to platelet-rich plasma, there was an immediate dose-dependent aggregation of platelets followed by a slowly developing disaggregation. These data show that ATPDase is present in both the intima and media layers of bovine aorta and suggest a dual role for this enzyme in platelet activation. By converting ATP released from damaged cells into ADP, the enzyme could facilitate platelet aggregation at the site of vascular injury, whereas the subsequent conversion of ADP to AMP could inhibit or reverse platelet aggregation. The consequence of these activities would be to control the growth of a platelet thrombus.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Endothelin-1 enhances vascular permeability in conscious rats: role of thromboxane A2.

The purpose of the present experiments was to study the effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on vascular permeability and the involvement of the cyclooxygenase metabolites in the vascular responses to ET-1. Bolus intravenous injection of ET-1 (0.1-1.0 nmol/kg) into conscious rats induced immediate hypotension lasting for 30 s followed by sustained dose-dependent hypertension. A low dose of ET-1 (0.1 nmol/kg) did not modify the hematocrit value but the 1.0-nmol/kg dose increased the hematocrit value from 39.7 to 44.4%. Pretreatment of the animals with BM-13505 (1 mg/kg), a thromboxane A2 (TxA2) receptor antagonist, prolonged the duration of the hypotensive response to ET-1 (1.0 nmol/kg) but had no effect on the pressor response. Pretreatment with OKY-046 (10 mg/kg), a TxA2 synthesis inhibitor, or indomethacin (10 mg/kg), a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, had no significant effect on ET-1-induced changes in blood pressure. Evans blue dye extravasation, a marker of vascular permeability, increased up to 235% over control levels in specific vascular beds including the upper and lower bronchi, stomach, duodenum and kidney of ET-1 (1.0 nmol/kg)-treated animals. Pretreatment of the animals with BM-13505, OKY-046 or indomethacin reduced by 60-100% the Evans blue extravasation in these tissues. These results suggest that the effect of ET-1 on vascular permeability is partly mediated and/or modulated by the secondary release of TxA2, whereas its action on arterial blood pressure appears to be independent from prostanoid release in conscious rats.

Animals↗

C-reactive protein inhibits intracellular calcium mobilization and superoxide production by guinea pig alveolar macrophages.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a prototypical acute-phase reactant, the humoral and plasma concentrations of which rise dramatically after tissue injury or inflammation. The effects of CRP on superoxide production and intracellular calcium mobilization by guinea pig alveolar macrophages challenged with platelet-activating factor (PAF), N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP), and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) were studied. CRP by itself did not activate alveolar macrophages up to a concentration of 100 micrograms/ml, whereas it inhibited superoxide production in a time- and dose-dependent manner with median inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 4.2 +/- 0.3, 3.0 +/- 0.2, and 3.2 +/- 0.3 micrograms/ml for PAF (10(-7) M), fMLP (10(-7) M), and PMA (10(-9) M), respectively. When CRP was incubated with the agonists before addition to cells, it inhibited PMA-, PAF-, and to a lesser extent fMLP-induced superoxide production. CRP also attenuated the rise in intracellular free calcium levels evoked by fMLP or PAF in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that CRP may play a role in attenuating tissue damage secondary to activation of alveolar macrophages by inhibiting superoxide generation and mobilization of intracellular free calcium.

Animals↗

Mepacrine inhibits fMLP-induced activation of human neutrophil granulocytes, leukotriene B4 formation, and fMLP binding.

Pulmonary sequestration and activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) are characteristic of many forms of acute lung injury. The present experiments were designed to study the effects of mepacrine on human neutrophils challenged with N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Mepacrine inhibited fMLP-induced superoxide production and degranulation in a dose-dependent manner with Kd values of 2.3 +/- 0.5 x 10(-7) M and 5.7 +/- 1.3 x 10(-6) M, respectively. Stimulation of PMNLs by 10(-6) M fMLP provoked the formation of barely detectable amounts of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) (< 5 pg/10(7) cells). Pretreatment of the cells with cytochalasin B augmented generation of LTB4 in response to fMLP (339 +/- 79 pg/10(7) cells). LTB4 formation was also inhibited by mepacrine (50% inhibitory concentration 1.0 +/- 0.5 x 10(-6) M). Furthermore, mepacrine inhibited the specific binding of [3H]fMLP to neutrophils with a Ki value of 1.4 +/- 0.4 x 10(-5) M. Mepacrine decreased the receptor binding affinity without altering the number of receptors. These findings demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of mepacrine is response dependent and suggest that this action of mepacrine could, in part, be attributed to a decrease in fMLP receptor affinity.

Cell Degranulation↗

Dexamethasone-induced gastric mucosal damage in the rat: possible role of platelet-activating factor.

1. The aim of the present experiments was to study the possible role of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in mediating gastric mucosal damage induced by dexamethasone in the rat by measuring gastric tissue levels of PAF during dexamethasone-treatment and by investigating the effects of specific PAF receptor antagonists on dexamethasone-induced gastric lesions. PAF-like bioactivity extracted from the rat glandular stomach was determined by a platelet aggregation assay. 2. Dexamethasone treatment (0.4-4 mg kg-1, daily for 1-6 days) produced time- and dose-dependent damage to the glandular mucosa of the stomach as characterized by extensive, uniform hyperaemia with multiple, focal petechiae and erosions. 3. These changes were accompanied by a time-, and dose-dependent increase in PAF content of the glandular stomach. Control rat stomach contained small amounts of PAF (0.14 +/- 0.04 ng per g wet weight), which increased over 40 fold in response to dexamethasone treatment (4 mg kg-1, daily for 6 consecutive days). The presence of PAF-like material in the stomach extract was ascertained by thin-layer chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography and by alkaline hydrolysis. 4. Pretreatment of the animals with one or other of the structurally unrelated PAF receptor antagonists, BN 52021 (10 mg kg-1, i.p.) or BN 50727 (1 mg kg-1, i.p.) significantly reduced dexamethasone-induced gastric damage. In these animals neither petechiae nor erosions were observed. 5. These observations suggest that PAF is a likely endogenous mediator of glucocorticoid-induced gastric mucosal damage in the rat.

Animals↗

Endothelin-1 induces prostacyclin release from bovine aortic endothelial cells.

The effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on the release of prostacyclin from cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells were studied. ET-1 induced a time- and dose-dependent release of 6-keto PGF1 alpha, the stable metabolite of prostacyclin, with an apparent EC50 value of 3.0 +/- 0.9 nM (n = 6). ET-1 up to a concentration of 500 nM did not affect cellular integrity. Preincubation of the cells for 30 min with 10 microM indomethacin inhibited ET-1 (100 nM) - induced prostacyclin release by 90%. These findings indicate that ET-1 can directly stimulate prostacyclin release from endothelial cells probably through a receptor mediated mechanism.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

A role for Na+/H+ exchange in contraction of guinea pig airways by endothelin-1 in vitro.

Endothelin-1-induced contractions of guinea pig tracheal and bronchial strips were dose-dependently attenuated by the amiloride analogues 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride (EIPA, 1-10 microM) and 5-(N,N-hexamethylene)amiloride (HMA, 1-10 microM). The calculated Ki values for EIPA and HMA were 0.11 +/- 0.02 microM and 0.06 +/- 0.02 microM in the trachea, and 0.28 +/- 0.11 microM and 0.70 +/- 0.25 microM in the bronchus, respectively. These values are in the same order of magnitude as those reported for inhibition of the Na+/H+ exchange in cells. Amiloride (1-10 microM) was ineffective. These data suggest that activation of the Na+/H+ exchange by ET-1 may be involved in mediating its myotropic action in guinea pig airway smooth muscle.

Amiloride↗

In vivo antiaggregatory action of platelet-activating factor in beagle dogs: role for prostacyclin.

The effects of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on in vivo platelet aggregation were studied in anaesthetized beagle dogs by using the extracorporeal filter-loop technique. Intraarterial administration of PAF caused an immediate increase in filter pressure, indicating enhanced in vivo platelet aggregation. Intravenous administration of PAF (3-100 ng kg-1) resulted in a transient dose-dependent inhibition of spontaneous platelet aggregation on the filter with concomitant elevation in plasma 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels. These changes were significantly attenuated by pretreatment of the animals either with BN 52021 (4 mg kg-1), a specific PAF receptor antagonist or with acetylsalicylic acid (25 mg kg-1). Intraarterial infusion of exogenous prostacyclin at concentrations similar to those observed following intravenous PAF administration, resulted in a transient inhibition of the spontaneous platelet aggregation. These data provide evidence for prostacyclin release in response to PAF, and suggest that prostacyclin may mediate the in vivo anti-aggregatory action of PAF in anaesthetized dogs.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

C-reactive protein inhibits binding of platelet-activating factor to human platelets.

Serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), a prototypical acute-phase protein rises dramatically in response to tissue injury or inflammation. We report here that CRP (1-20 micrograms/ml) inhibited platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced aggregation of human platelets in time-, and dose-dependent manner. This inhibitory action of CRP was nearly completely removed by treatment with anti CRP antiserum. At higher concentrations (20-100 micrograms/ml), CRP stabilized platelet membrane against the detergent-like effect of beta-deoxy-lysolecithin. Furthermore, CRP (10 micrograms/ml) diminished specific [3H]PAF binding to platelets and displaced previously bound labeled PAF from platelets. These results suggest that by depressing the bioavailability of PAF, CRP may be an important modulator of platelet activation during acute inflammatory reactions.

Antibody Formation↗