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J M Vila

Publications and source records attributed to J M Vila.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumour--semiology and clinical therapy peculiarities.

The gastrointestinal stromal tumor with extragastrointestinal location are very infrequent. We often diagnose them when they show a big size. Their bening or malignant nature is difficult to fix. The best histological parameters to evaluate their prognosis are a high cellularity, the tumor-like necrosis presence and having more than two mitosis per fifty high-power fields. We introduce an asyntomatic patient's case by a routine echographical control for chronic hepatitis by C virus, that has been diagnosed of a mesentery tumor. The patient has been treated surgically. The inmunohistological study of the tumor had confirmed a stromal gastrointestinal tumor. The showed case's analysis and the considered bibliography suggest some clinical discoveries characteristic of this entity. The histogenesis of these neoplasias are examined and made up to date and the usefulness of the new medication to control check the tumor-like progress is emphasized.

Female↗

Mono- and dinuclear five-coordinate cyclometalated palladium(II) compounds.

Reaction of cyclometalated halide-bridged Pd(II) complexes 1-4 with the tertiary triphosphine ligand (Ph2PCH2CH2)2PPh (triphos) yielded complexes [((Ph2PCH2CH2)2PPh-P,P,P)Pd(N(Cy)=(H)C)C6H2(C(H)=N(Cy))Pd((Ph2PCH2CH2)2PPh-P,P,P)][ClO4]2 5, [Pd(C6H4-N=NC6H5)((Ph2PCH2CH2)2PPh-P,P,P)][ClO4] 6, and [Pd(R-C6H3C(H)=NCy)((Ph2PCH2CH2)2PPh-P,P,P)][ClO4] (7; R = 4-CHO, 8; 3-CHO). Spectroscopic and analytic data suggest five-coordination on the palladium atom, which, for complexes 5, 6, and 7, was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The geometry around palladium may be view as a distorted trigonal bipyramid, with the palladium, nitrogen, and terminal phosphorus atoms in the equatorial plane. Compound 5 is the first doubly cyclometalated palladium(II) compound with two pentacoordinated metal centers. The structure of 6 comprises two discrete cations with slightly different geometries, showing the importance of crystal packing forces in order to determine the coordination arrangement.

Journal Article↗

Endothelin-1-induced potentiation of adrenergic responses in the rabbit pulmonary artery: role of thromboxane A(2).

To examine whether low concentrations of endothelin-1 potentiate the vasoconstrictor response to adrenergic stimulation, we recorded the isometric response of rings of rabbit pulmonary artery to electrical stimulation and noradrenaline. Endothelin-1 (10(-10) M) potentiated the contractions induced by electrical stimulation and noradrenaline. The endothelin ET(B) receptor antagonist (2,6-dimethylpiperidinecarbonyl-gamma-methyl-Leu-N(in)-[Methoxycarbonyl]-D-Trp-D-Nle) (BQ-788, 10(-6) M), but not the endothelin ET(A) receptor antagonist cyclo(D-Asp-Pro-D-Val-Leu-D-TRP) (BQ-123, 10(-6) M), inhibited the potentiating effects of endothelin-1. Pretreatment with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, the thromboxane synthase inhibitor furegrelate and the thromboxane receptor antagonist [1S-[1alpha,2alpha(Z),3alpha,4alpha]]-7-[3-[[[[(1-oxoheptyl)amino]acetyl]amino] methyl]-7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid (SQ-30741) (all at 10(-5) M) prevented the potentiation induced by endothelin-1 on adrenergic stimulation. The Ca(2+) channel antagonist nifedipine (10(-6) M) did not affect the potentiation induced by endothelin-1. The results indicate that endothelin-1 potentiates the responses to electrical stimulation and noradrenaline by activating endothelin ET(B) receptors. This potentiation depends on the production of cyclooxygenase-generated factors, probably thromboxane A(2).

Animals↗

U-46619-induced potentiation of noradrenergic constriction in the human saphenous vein: antagonism by thromboxane receptor blockade.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the potentiating effect of U-46619, a synthetic analogue of thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)), on the adrenergic responses in human saphenous vein. METHODS: Saphenous vein rings were obtained from 35 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. The rings were suspended in organ bath chambers for isometric recording of tension. RESULTS: U-46619 (10(-10)-3 x 10(-7) mol/l) produced concentration-dependent and endothelium-independent contractile responses. U-46619 (10(-10) mol/l) potentiated the contractions elicited by electrical stimulation and potassium chloride, and produced leftward shifts of the concentration-response curve for noradrenaline. The TXA(2) receptor antagonist SQ-30741 (10(-8) mol/l) prevented the potentiation evoked by U-46619. The dihydropyridine calcium antagonist nifedipine (10(-6) mol/l) did not affect the potentiation of electrical stimulation and noradrenaline induced by U-46619, but abolished the potentiation of U-46619 on KCl-induced contractions. CONCLUSIONS: U-46619 facilitates sympathetic neurotransmission and potentiates constrictor effects of noradrenaline in human saphenous veins through stimulation of TXA(2) receptors. These effects are independent of calcium entry through dihydropyridine calcium channels.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

Inhibition of nitric oxide activity by arginine analogs in human renal arteries.

BACKGROUND: Plasma levels of endogenous guanidine compounds are increased in various pathologic conditions, including chronic renal failure. In the present study we tested the effects of some of these compounds on basal and stimulated nitric oxide activity in human renal arteries. METHODS: Rings from human renal arteries were obtained from 22 patients undergoing nephrectomy. The rings were suspended in organ baths for isometric recording of tension. We then studied the effects of N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), N(G),N(G)-dimethyl-L-arginine (asymmetrical dimethylarginine [ADMA]), aminoguanidine (AG), and methylguanidine (MG) on artery rings under basal and stimulated conditions. RESULTS: In precontracted arteries, L-NMMA (1 micromol/L to 1 mmol/L) and ADMA (1 micromol/L to 3 mmol/L) caused concentration- and endothelium-dependent contractions (median effective concentrations [EC50] = 13.3 micromol/L and 17.5 micromol/L, respectively; Emax = 15+/-4% and 17+/-4% of the response to 100 mmol/L KCl, respectively). Aminoguanidine (0.01 to 3 mmol/L) and MG (0.01 to 3 mmol/L) produced endothelium-independent contractions (Emax = 9+/-3% and 16+/-2% of the response to 100 mmol/L KCl, respectively). L-arginine (1 mmol/L) but not D-arginine (1 mmol/L) prevented the contractions by L-NMMA and ADMA, but did not change contractions induced by AG and MG. In precontracted arteries, the relaxation to acetylcholine was decreased but not abolished by L-NMMA and ADMA. The remaining relaxation was reduced by charybdotoxin (0.1 mol/L) and tetraethylammonium (1 mmol/L). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that L-NMMA and ADMA reduce basal and stimulated nitric oxide activity in human renal arteries. An increase in the plasma concentrations of methylarginines associated with renal disease should be considered as a risk factor for endothelial dysfunction and abnormal vasomotor tone in human renal arteries.

Acetylcholine↗

Effects of sildenafil on human penile blood vessels.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of sildenafil on human penile blood vessels and evaluate the interaction of sildenafil with neurogenic-mediated responses. Sildenafil is currently used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. METHODS: Penile dorsal arteries and deep dorsal veins were obtained from 14 multiorgan donors. Vascular rings were suspended in organ bath chambers, and the isometric tension was recorded. We then studied the effects of sildenafil on precontracted vessels and the neurogenic (noradrenergic and nitrergic) responses. RESULTS: Sildenafil (10(-9) to 3 x 10(-6) M) caused concentration-dependent relaxation and amplified the relaxation induced by sodium nitroprusside. Relaxation was unaffected by the inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (10(-4) M). Compared with zaprinast, sildenafil was 8 to 10 times more potent in terms of the median effective concentration (EC(50)) values. Electrical field stimulation of the vessels under resting tension caused frequency-dependent contractions that were attenuated in the presence of sildenafil. When penile vessels were contracted after blockade of norepinephrine release with guanethidine (10(-6) M), electrical stimulation induced frequency-dependent, nitric oxide-dependent relaxations that were enhanced by sildenafil. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the relaxation of human penile arteries and veins induced by sildenafil involves inhibition of noradrenergic contraction, enhancement of neurogenic nitric oxide-mediated relaxation, and inhibition of smooth muscle contraction.

Adolescent↗

Relaxation induced by cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors sildenafil and zaprinast in human vessels.

BACKGROUND: Sildenafil is currently used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, assessment of direct effects of sildenafil on coronary arteries and on arteries used as coronary grafts is unknown. This study was designed to investigate the effects of sildenafil on contracted human coronary, internal mammary, and radial arteries obtained from multiorgan donors. The observations were extended to forearm veins. Zaprinast was included in this study for comparison. METHODS: Segments of left coronary, internal mammary, and radial arteries, and forearm veins were obtained from 16 multiorgan donors. Vascular rings were suspended in organ bath chambers and isometric tension was recorded. Then the effects of sildenafil, zaprinast, and sodium nitroprusside on precontracted vessels were studied. RESULTS: Sildenafil (10(-8) - 3 x 10(-5) mol/L) caused concentration-dependent relaxation in the internal mammary arteries, radial arteries, and forearm veins. In the coronary arteries, sildenafil had a modest relaxant effect. In addition, sildenafil amplified the relaxation induced by sodium nitroprusside in all four vessels. Relaxation was unaffected by the inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (10(-4) mol/L). Compared with zaprinast, sildenafil was eight to ten times more potent in terms of EC50 values. CONCLUSIONS: The direct relaxant effects of sildenafil together with its synergistic interaction with nitric oxide donors should be considered in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery, patients with low blood pressure, and patients receiving antihypertensive regimes.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Effects of antidepressants in adrenergic neurotransmission of human vas deferens.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of sertraline, fluoxetine, and amitriptyline on the contractile responses of the human vas deferens muscle elicited by norepinephrine, electrical field stimulation, and KCl, because the therapeutic action of antidepressants may be accompanied by sexual dysfunction related to the contractility of the vas deferens smooth muscle. METHODS: Ring segments of the epididymal part of the vas deferens were taken from 32 elective vasectomies and mounted in organ baths for isometric recording of tension. We then studied the effects of sertraline, fluoxetine, and amitriptyline on the neurogenic and agonist-induced contractile responses. RESULTS: Amitriptyline caused concentration-dependent inhibition of neurogenic and norepinephrine-induced contractions. In contrast, only the highest concentration (10(-5) M) of sertraline and fluoxetine reduced the adrenergic contractions. The dihydropyridine calcium antagonist nifedipine (10(-6) M) completely prevented the inhibitory effect of sertraline and fluoxetine on neurogenic and norepinephrine-induced contractions but did not change the inhibition caused by amitriptyline. Sertraline, fluoxetine, and amitriptyline (all at 10(-5) M) attenuated contractions elicited by KCl and reduced contractions induced by CaCl(2) in KCl-depolarized preparations. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that sertraline and fluoxetine inhibit vas deferens motility through inhibition of Ca(2+) entry, with no effect on the adrenergic receptors, and amitriptyline acts as an adrenoceptor antagonist and inhibitor of the entry of calcium.

Amitriptyline↗

Inhibition of neuroeffector transmission in human vas deferens by sildenafil.

Sildenafil (0.1 - 30 microM), a cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE 5) inhibitor, induced inhibition of electrically evoked contractions of ring segments of human vas deferens from 34 vasectomies. Zaprinast (0.1 - 100 microM), another PDE 5 inhibitor, and the nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (0.1 - 100 microM) had no effect on neurogenic contractions. The inhibition induced by sildenafil was not modified by the inhibitor of guanylate cyclase 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1-one (ODQ) (1 - 30 microM) but it was abolished by the K(+) channel blockers tetraethylammonium (TEA, 1 mM), iberiotoxin (0.1 microM) and charybdotoxin (0.1 microM). Sildenafil, zaprinast and SNP did not affect the contractions induced by noradrenaline. SNP (10 microM) caused elevation of cyclic GMP levels that was potentiated by sildenafil (10 microM) and zaprinast (100 microM). ODQ (10 microM) inhibited the increase in cyclic GMP. Sildenafil inhibits adrenergic neurotransmission in human vas deferens. The inhibition is not related to accumulation of cyclic GMP but is probably due to activation of prejunctional large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels.

Adult↗

Contractile effects of arginine analogues on human internal thoracic and radial arteries.

OBJECTIVES: Plasma levels of endogenous guanidino-substituted analogues of L -arginine are increased in various pathologic conditions. In the present study we determined the effects of some of these compounds on basal and stimulated release of nitric oxide in human internal thoracic and radial arteries. METHODS: Rings of human internal thoracic and radial arteries were obtained from 16 multiorgan donors. The rings were suspended in organ baths for isometric recording of tension. RESULTS: N(G)-monomethyl L -arginine (10(-6) to 10(-3) mol/L) and N(G),N(G)-dimethyl L -arginine (10(-6) to 10(-3) mol/L) caused concentration- and endothelium-dependent contractions. Maximal force of contractions for N(G)-monomethyl L -arginine and N(G),N(G)-dimethyl L -arginine in the internal thoracic artery were 18.0% +/- 4.3% and 17.8% +/- 3.8%, respectively, of the contraction to 100 mmol/L KCl, and those found in the radial artery were 9.6% +/- 2.5% and 9.1% +/- 2.4%, respectively. Aminoguanidine (10(-5) to 3 x 10(-3) mol/L) and methylguanidine (10(-5) to 3 x 10(-3) mol/L) produced endothelium-independent contractions. L -Arginine (10(-3) mol/L) prevented the contractions by N(G)-monomethyl L -arginine and N(G),N(G)-dimethyl L -arginine but did not change contractions induced by aminoguanidine and methylguanidine. N(G)-monomethyl L -arginine and N(G),N(G)-dimethyl L -arginine inhibited, in a concentration-dependent manner, the endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine in the internal thoracic artery and had little attenuating effect in the radial artery; aminoguanidine and methylguanidine were without effect. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the contractions induced by N(G)-monomethyl L -arginine and N(G),N(G)-dimethyl L -arginine are due to inhibition of both basal and stimulated nitric oxide production, whereas aminoguanidine and methylguanidine do not affect the synthesis of nitric oxide. An increase in the plasma concentration of N(G)-monomethyl L -arginine and N(G),N(G)-dimethyl L -arginine is likely to represent a risk factor for abnormal vasomotor tone in conduit arteries used as coronary grafts.

Adolescent↗

Modulation of adrenergic contraction of dog pulmonary arteries by nitric oxide and prostacyclin.

The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of endothelium-derived nitric oxide and prostaglandins on the contractile responses of isolated dog pulmonary arteries to electrical field stimulation and noradrenaline. Electrical field stimulation (1-8 Hz, 20 v, 0.25 ms duration, for 30 s) produced frequency-dependent contractions that were abolished by tetrodotoxin, guanethidine and, prazosin (all at 10(-6) M). Noradrenaline induced concentration-dependent contractions with an EC50, of 1.85 x 10(-6) M. The increases in tension induced by electrical stimulation and noradrenaline were of greater magnitude in arteries denuded of endothelium. In segments with endothelium, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10(-4) M) or indomethacin (10(-5) M) had no effects on the basal tone, but significantly enhanced the neurogenic and noradrenaline-induced contractions. The potentiation by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester of electrical stimulation-induced contractile responses was partially reversed by L-arginine (10(-4) M). In the presence of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester together with indomethacin the electrical stimulation-induced contractile responses were higher than those obtained when only N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester or indomethacin was used. N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and indomethacin did not influence neurogenic-induced contractile responses of endothelium-denuded arteries. The results suggest that endothelial cells of isolated dog pulmonary arteries depress the contractile response to electrical field stimulation of intramural nerves and that endothelium-derived dilator prostaglandins and nitric oxide may interact to inhibit contractile effects of adrenergic stimulation.

Animals↗

V2-receptor-mediated relaxation of human renal arteries in response to desmopressin.

The effects of deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (desmopressin), a V2 receptor antidiuretic agonist, were studied in isolated rings from branches of renal arteries obtained from 22 patients undergoing nephrectomy. The rings were suspended in organ bath chambers for isometric recording of tension. In precontracted rings with norepinephrine (10(-6) to 3 x 10(-6) mol/L), desmopressin (10(-11) to 3 x 10(-7) mol/L) caused endothelium-dependent relaxation (81%+/-4% reversal of the initial contraction in arteries with endothelium; 20%+/-4% in arteries without endothelium; P < .05). The relaxation to desmopressin in rings with endothelium was reduced significantly by indomethacin (10(-6) mol/L) and unaffected by the inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10(-4) mol/L). Two V1 receptor antagonists (a peptidic and a nonpeptidic) had no effect on desmopressin-induced relaxation. However, V2 receptor antagonists (three peptidic and a nonpeptidic) reduced significantly (P < .05) the maximal response to desmopressin. The results of this study show that desmopressin exerts powerful endothelium-dependent relaxation of human renal arteries, probably through stimulation of V2-like receptors that may bring about the release of dilating prostaglandins.

Adult↗

Relaxant effects of antidepressants on human isolated mesenteric arteries.

AIMS: The therapeutic action of tricyclic agents may be accompanied by unwanted effects on the cardiovascular system. The evidence for the effects on vascular and nonvascular smooth muscle comes from animal studies. Whether these studies can be extrapolated to human vessels remains to be determined. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the influence of amitriptyline, nortriptyline and sertraline on the contractile responses of human isolated mesenteric arteries to electrical field stimulation, noradrenaline and potassium chloride. METHODS: Arterial segments (lumen diameter 0.8-1.2 mm) were obtained from portions of the human omentum during the course of 41 abdominal operations (22 men and 19 women), and rings 3 mm long were mounted in organ baths for isometric recording of tension. In some artery rings the endothelium was removed mechanically. RESULTS: In precontracted artery rings amitriptyline, nortriptyline and sertraline (3x10(-7)-10(-4) m ) produced concentration-dependent relaxation that was independent of the presence or absence of vascular endothelium. Incubation with indomethacin (3x10(-6) m ) reduced the pD2 values thus indicating the participation of dilating prostanoid substances in this response. Amitriptyline and nortriptyline inhibited both the neurogenic-and noradrenaline-induced contractions. In contrast, only the highest concentration of sertraline reduced the adrenergic responses. Amitriptyline, nortriptyline and sertraline inhibited contractions elicited by KCl and produced rightward shifts of the concentration-response curve to CaCl2 following incubation in calcium-free solution. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that amitriptyline and nortriptyline could act as adrenoceptor antagonists and direct inhibitors of smooth muscle contraction of human mesenteric arteries, whereas sertraline might principally exert its action only as direct inhibitor of smooth muscle contraction. This relaxant mechanism involves an interference with the entry of calcium.

Adult↗

Effects of some guanidino compounds on human cerebral arteries.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Accumulation of endogenous guanidino-substituted analogues of L-arginine in chronic renal failure might contribute to some of the vascular and neurological disorders of this pathology. We tested the hypothesis that in human cerebral arteries, some guanidino compounds may increase vascular tone, through nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibition, and impair endothelium-dependent relaxation. METHODS: Rings of human middle cerebral artery were obtained during autopsy of 26 patients who had died 3 to 12 hours before. The rings were suspended in organ baths for isometric recording of tension. We then studied the responses to N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), N(G),N(G)-dimethyl-L-arginine (asymmetrical dimethylarginine; ADMA), aminoguanidine (AG), and methylguanidine (MG). RESULTS: L-NMMA (10(-6) to 3x10(-4) mol/L) and ADMA (10(-6) to 3x10(-4) mol/L) caused concentration- and endothelium-dependent contractions (median effective concentrations [EC(50)]=1.1x10(-5) and 1.6x10(-5) mol/L, respectively; E(max)=35. 5+/-7.9% and 43.9+/-5.9% of the response to 100 mmol/L KCl). AG (10(-5) to 3x10(-3) mol/L) and MG (10(-5) to 3x10(-3) mol/L) produced endothelium-independent contractions (E(max)=44.3+/-8.8% and 45.7+/-5.8% of the response to 100 mmol/L KCl, respectively). L-Arginine (10(-3) mol/L) prevented the contractions by L-NMMA and ADMA but did not change contractions induced by AG and MG. L-NMMA and ADMA inhibited endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine in a concentration-dependent manner; AG and MG were without effect. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the contractions induced by L-NMMA and ADMA are due to inhibition of endothelial NO synthase activity, whereas AG and MG do not affect the synthesis of NO. An increase in the plasma concentration of L-NMMA and ADMA associated with uremia is likely to represent a diminished release or effect of NO, and consequently, an increased cerebrovascular tone in uremic patients is highly conceivable.

Adult↗

Comparative effects of dilator drugs on human penile dorsal artery and deep dorsal vein.

The present study was designed to characterize the response of human penile dorsal artery and deep dorsal vein to dilator drugs used in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction with special emphasis on the effects on sympathetic neurotransmission. Ring segments of penile dorsal artery and deep dorsal vein were obtained from 20 multi-organ donors during procurement of organs for transplantation. The rings (3 mm long) were suspended in organ bath chambers for isometric recording of tension. We then studied the relaxant responses to prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), papaverine (PV), sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and linsidomine chlorhydrate (SIN-1), and analysed the effects of these drugs on contractions induced by stimulation of perivascular sympathetic nerves. In artery and vein rings contracted by noradrenaline, all the drugs tested caused concentration-dependent relaxation. The order of potencies in terms of IC50 values (concentration of agonist causing 50% of the maximal relaxation) was PGE1=VIP>SNP>SIN-1=PV. Both arteries and veins contracted to electrical field stimulation (15 V, 0.5-2 Hz, 0.2 ms duration for 15 s) in a frequency-dependent manner. All relaxant drugs caused concentration-dependent inhibition of neurogenic contractions; the relative order of potencies was PGE1>VIP>SNP>SIN-1=PV. It is concluded that inhibition of sympathetic activity constitutes an effective relaxing mechanism in penile dorsal artery and vein. Modulation of sympathetic activity together with the direct effects on smooth muscle should be considered to evaluate adequately the efficacy of relaxant drugs to increase human penile blood supply.

Adolescent↗

Vasopressin receptors involved in adrenergic neurotransmission in the circular muscle of the human vas deferens.

We studied the effects of vasopressin on the adrenergic responses of in vitro preparations of circular muscle from the vas deferens obtained from 28 men undergoing elective vasectomy. Vasopressin (3 x 10(-9)-3 x 10(-8) M) enhanced the phasic contractions elicited by electrical field stimulation and noradrenaline. This potentiation was blocked by the vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)vasopressin (10(-6) M) but not by the vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist [d(CH2)5, D-Ile2,Ile4,Arg8]vasopressin (10(-6) M). The Ca2+ antagonist nifedipine (10(-6) M) did not affect the potentiation of electrical field stimulation induced by vasopressin and noradrenaline but reduced KCl-induced contractions and abolished the induction of phasic activity by vasopressin in the presence of KCl. The results demonstrate that vasopressin, in addition to its direct contractile effects, strongly potentiates contractions of human vas deferens elicited by adrenergic stimulation. Both the direct and indirect effects of vasopressin appear to be mediated by vasopressin V1 receptor stimulation and are independent of Ca2+ entry through dihydropyridine Ca2+ channels.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

Arginine vasopressin enhances sympathetic constriction through the V1 vasopressin receptor in human saphenous vein.

BACKGROUND: Arginine vasopressin (AVP) not only acts directly on blood vessels through V1 receptor stimulation but also may modulate adrenergic-mediated responses in animal experiments in vivo and in vitro. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether AVP can contribute to an abnormal adrenergic constrictor response of human saphenous veins. METHODS AND RESULTS: Saphenous vein rings were obtained from 32 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. The vein rings were suspended in organ bath chambers for isometric recording of tension. AVP (3x10[-9] mol/L) enhanced the contractions elicited by electrical field stimulation at 1, 2, and 4 Hz (by 80%, 70%, and 60%, respectively) and produced a leftward shift of the concentration-response curve to norepinephrine (half-maximal effective concentration decreased from 6.87x10[-7] to 1.04x10[-7] mol/L; P<.05). The V1 vasopressin receptor antagonist d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP (10[-6] mol/L) prevented the potentiation evoked by AVP. The selective V1 receptor agonist [Phe,2 Orn8]-vasotocin (3x[-10]-9 mol/L) induced potentiation of electrical stimulation-evoked responses, which was also inhibited in the presence of the V1 receptor antagonist (10[-6] mol/L). In contrast, the V2 receptor agonist desmopressin (10[-9] to 10[-7] mol/L) did not modify neurogenic responses, and the V2 receptor antagonist [d(CH2)5, D-Ile,2 Ile,4 Arg8]-vasopressin (10[-8] to 10[-6] mol/L) did not prevent the potentiation induced by AVP. The dihydropyridine calcium antagonist nifedipine (10[-6] mol/L) did not affect the potentiating effect of AVP. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that low concentrations of AVP facilitate sympathetic neurotransmission and potentiate constrictor effects of norepinephrine in human saphenous veins. These effects appear to be mediated by V1 receptor stimulation and are independent of calcium entry through dihydropyridine calcium channels. Thus, AVP may contribute to vascular mechanisms involved in acute ischemic syndromes associated with venous grafts, particularly if the sympathetic nervous system is activated.

Aged↗

Neurogenic contraction and relaxation of human penile deep dorsal vein.

1. The aim of the present study was to characterize neurogenic and pharmacological responses of human penile deep dorsal vein and to determine whether the responses are mediated by nitric oxide from neural or endothelial origin. 2. Ring segments of human penile deep dorsal vein were obtained from 22 multiorgan donors during procurement of organs for transplantation. The rings were suspended in organ bath chambers for isometric recording of tension. We then studied the contractile and relaxant responses to electrical field stimulation and to vasoactive agents. 3. Electrical field stimulation (0.5-2 Hz) and noradrenaline (3 x 10(-10)-3 x 10(-5) M) caused frequency- and concentration-dependent contractions that were of greater magnitude in veins denuded of endothelium. The inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME, l0(-4) M) increased the adrenergic responses only in rings with endothelium. 4. In preparations contracted with noradrenaline in the presence of guanethidine (10(-6) M) and atropine (10(-6) M), electrical stimulation induced frequency-dependent relaxations. This neurogenic relaxation was prevented by L-NAME, methylene blue (3 x 10(-5) M) and tetrodotoxin (10(-6) M), but was unaffected by removal of endothelium. 5. Acetylcholine (10(-8)-3 x 10(-5) M) and substance P (3 x 10(-11) -3 x 10(-7) M) induced endothelium-dependent relaxations. In contrast, sodium nitroprusside (10(-9)-3 x 10(-5) M) and papaverine (10(-8) 3 x 10(-5) M) caused endothelium-independent relaxations. 6. The results provide functional evidence that the human penile deep dorsal vein is an active component of the penile vascular resistance through the release of nitric oxide from both neural and endothelial origin. Dysfunction in any of these sources of nitric oxide should be considered in some forms of impotence.

Acetylcholine↗