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Syunji Horie

Publications and source records attributed to Syunji Horie.

36 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Mesaconitine-induced relaxation in rat aorta: role of Na+/Ca2+ exchangers in endothelial cells.

Previously, we reported that mesaconitine, an aconite alkaloid, increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) level in endothelium and caused relaxation in rat aorta via nitric oxide production. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of increase in the [Ca(2+)](i) level induced by mesaconitine in rat aorta and in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Treatment with the low Na(+) buffer delayed the 30 microM mesaconitine-, but not 10 microM acetylcholine-, induced relaxation in rat aorta. Treatments with an inhibitor of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchangers (20 microM 3',4'-dichlorobenzamil) and a reversed mode (Ca(2+) influx) inhibitor of the exchangers (30 microM 2-[2-[4-(4-nitrobenzyloxy)phenyl]ethyl]isothiourea methanesulfonate, KBR7943) showed similar effects. In HUVECs, 30 microM mesaconitine increased the [Ca(2+)](i) level in the presence of extracellular CaCl(2) and NaCl, and the response was inhibited by KBR7943. Mesaconitine increased intracellular Na(+) concentration level in HUVECs. The [Ca(2+)](i) response by mesaconitine was inhibited by 100 microM D-tubocurarine (an inhibitor of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors), but was not inhibited in the glucose-free buffer and by inhibitors of Na(+)/H(+) exchangers. These findings suggest that mesaconitine stimulated Ca(2+) influx via the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchangers in endothelial cells and caused relaxation in the aorta. The possibility of D-tubocurarine-sensitive Na(+) channels as target(s) of mesaconitine is discussed.

Aconitine↗

Expression of vanilloid VR1 receptor in PC12 cells.

Capsaicin, a pungent ingredient of chili pepper, activates vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (VR1), which is a nonselective cation channel with high Ca(2+) permeability. Although VR1 and its splice variant are highly expressed in sensory neurons, they are expressed in neuronal cells in brain and peripheral non-neuronal cells. In this study, we investigated whether VR1 is expressed in PC12 cells, rat pheochromocytoma. Capsaicin at concentrations above 100 microM induced an increase in intracellular free Ca(2+) concentrations by influx from extracellular spaces, and the effect was blocked by capsazepine, a selective antagonist of VR1. VR1 transcript and protein were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis, respectively. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that VR1 protein was expressed in the cytosol and the plasma membrane of PC12 cells, and treatment with the antisense oligonucleotide for VR1 decreased the expression. VR1 in PC12 cells showed different characters from that in sensory neurons; capsaicin concentration-dependency and heat- and nerve growth factor-sensitivities. These results suggested that VR1 was functionally expressed in PC12 cells. The usefulness of PC12 cell line for studying functions and/or expression of VR1 is discussed.

Animals↗

Involvement of the system L amino acid transporter on uptake of S-nitroso-L-cysteine, an endogenous S-nitrosothiol, in PC12 cells.

Previously, we proposed that S-nitroso-L-cysteine, an endogenous S-nitrosothiol, was incorporated via the system L-like amino acid transporter(s) in rat brain slices. In this study, we investigated the effect of S-nitroso-L-cysteine on L-[3H]leucine uptake in PC12 cells (a neuronal cell line). L-[3H]Leucine uptake in PC12 cells was Na(+) independent and significantly inhibited by an inhibitor of system L and by L-phenylalanine, L-cysteine, L-methionine and L-leucine at 1 mM. The effects of L-alanine, L-serine and L-threonine were limited. S-Nitroso-L-cysteine, but not other nitric oxide compounds, inhibited L-[3H]leucine uptake, and this inhibitory effect was eliminated by washing with buffer. System L is composed of the 4F2 light chains (LAT1 or LAT2) and the heavy chain, and the transcripts of these components were detected in RNA from PC12 cells. These findings suggest that S-nitroso-L-cysteine is incorporated via the system L amino acid transporter and thus regulates cell responses in PC12 cells.

Alanine↗

Contraction of isolated guinea-pig ileum by urotensin II via activation of ganglionic cholinergic neurons and acetylcholine release.

Urotensin II and its receptor are expressed in the gastrointestinal tract of mice, but the effects of urotensin II on the gastrointestinal functions have not been established. In the present study, we investigated the effects of human urotensin II on a segment of the guinea-pig ileum. The addition of urotensin II induced contraction of the ileum in concentration-manner (-log EC(50) value was 8.13+/-0.21). The response by urotensin II was extracellular CaCl(2)-dependent and easily desensitized. Like nicotine, the contraction induced by 100 nM urotensin II was inhibited by treatment with atropine, hexamethonium, D-tubocurarine, tetrodotoxin or hemicholinium-3, and enhanced by physostigmine. Treatment with omega-conotoxin GVIA (an inhibitor of N-type Ca(2+) channels, 300 nM) inhibited 100 nM urotensin II- and 4 microM nicotine-, but not 3 microM acetylcholine-, induced contraction. Both urotensin II and nicotine stimulated [(3)H]choline release in a tetrodotoxin-sensitive manner from the prelabeled slices of the ileum. These findings suggest that urotensin II stimulated acetylcholine release from the ganglionic cholinergic neurons and thus stimulated contraction via muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the guinea-pig ileum. Urotensin II receptor system in the myenteric neurons may regulate the gastrointestinal functions.

Acetylcholine↗

Involvement of glutamate and gamma-amino-butyric acid receptor systems on gastric acid secretion induced by activation of kappa-opioid receptors in the central nervous system in rats.

1. Various neurotransmitters in the brain regulate gastric acid secretion. Previously, we reported that the central injection of kappa-opioid receptor agonists stimulated this secretion in rats. Although the existence of kappa(1)-kappa(3)-opioid receptor subtypes has been proposed, the character is not defined. We investigated the interactions between kappa-opioid receptor subtypes and glutamate, gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) or 5-hydroxy tryptamine (5-HT) receptors in the rat brain. 2. Gastric acid secretion induced by the injection of U69593 (8.41 nmol, a putative kappa(1)-opioid receptor agonist) into the lateral cerebroventricle was completely inhibited by the central injection of 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX, 10.9 nmol, an antagonist for non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (non-NMDA) receptors) and by bicuculline infusion (222 micro g kg(-1) per 10 min, i.v., GABA(A) receptor antagonist). The secretion induced by bremazocine (8.52 nmol, a putative kappa(2)-opioid receptor agonist) was inhibited by bicuculline infusion, but not by CNQX. The secretion induced by naloxone benzoylhydrazone (224 nmol, a putative kappa(3)-opioid receptor agonist) was slightly and partially inhibited by CNQX and bicuculline. 3. Treatment with CNQX and bicuculline inhibited gastric acid secretion induced by the injection of dynorphin A-(1-17) into the lateral, but not the fourth, cerebroventricle. Antagonists for NMDA, GABA(B) and 5-HT(2/1C) receptors did not inhibit the secretions by kappa-opioid receptor agonists. 4. In rat brain regions close to the lateral cerebroventricle, kappa-opioid receptor systems (kappa(1)>kappa(3)>>kappa(2)) are regulated by the non-NMDA type of glutamate receptor system, and kappa(1)- and kappa(2)-opioid receptor systems are regulated by the GABA(A) receptor system. The present findings show pharmacological evidence for kappa-opioid receptor subtypes that regulate gastric acid secretion in the rat brain.

6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione↗

Stimulatory effects of nitric oxide donors on histamine release in isolated rat gastric mucosal cells.

We previously reported stimulatory effects of endogenous and exogenous nitric oxide (NO) on gastric acid secretion. In the present study, we investigated effects of NO donors on release of histamine, which is related to acid secretion, in isolated rat gastric mucosal cells. NO donors such as (+/-)-(E)-4-methyl-2-[(E)-hydroxyimino]-5-nitro-6-methoxy-3-hexanamide (NOR 1) and sodium nitroprusside significantly augmented the histamine release. It was inhibited by 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5,-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-amide (carboxy-PTIO), a NO scavenger, and 6-(phenylamino)-5,8-quinolinedione (LY83583), a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor. Dibutyryl cyclic GMP also stimulated histamine release. These results suggest that NO donors act on cyclic GMP pathway in isolated gastric mucosal cells, resulting in facilitation of histamine release. NO may stimulate gastric acid secretion through histamine release from the histamine-containing cells, possibly enterochromaffin-like cells.

Animals↗

Possible role of interleukin-6 in PC12 cell death induced by MPP+ and tetrahydroisoquinoline.

Interleukin (IL)-6 has been shown to protect neuronal cells from cell death induced by various stimulants. Although neuronal cells including PC12 cells were shown to produce IL-6, little is known about the effects of dopaminergic neurotoxins, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ) and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP(+)), on IL-6 expression in PC12 cells. In the present study, we investigated the role of IL-6 in the TIQ- and MPP(+)-induced cell death in PC12 cells. Treatment with 3.2 mM TIQ for 24 h caused a delayed cell death (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and nuclear DNA fragmentation) markedly 72 h after the addition. Addition of 0.4 mM MPP(+) caused LDH leakage and nuclear DNA fragmentation 24 h after the addition. The cell death induced by MPP(+) was inhibited by an inhibitor of caspases, z-Val-Ala-Asp(OMe)-fluoromethylketone. The cell death induced by TIQ or MPP(+) was inhibited by nerve growth factor and 10% serum and significantly enhanced by the treatment with anti-IL-6 antibody. Both neurotoxins decreased the IL-6 mRNA level in PC12 cells without changing the other tested mRNA levels (IL-1 alpha, beta-actin, etc.). These findings suggest that dopaminergic neurotoxins cause cell death in PC12 cells at least partially by changing IL-6 expression.

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium↗

Antisecretory effect of somatostatin on gastric acid via inhibition of histamine release in isolated mouse stomach.

Somatostatin is known to inhibit gastric acid secretion via both inhibition of histamine release from gastric enterochromaffin-like cells and direct inhibition of parietal cell function. We tried to clarify which of these two mechanisms plays a more important role in the inhibition of gastric acid section by somatostatin using isolated mouse stomach preparations. The gastric acid secretion stimulated by histamine was not inhibited by pretreatment with somatostatin (1 micro M), but somatostatin abolished acid secretion induced by 4-[[[(3-chlorophenyl)amino]carbonyl]oxy]-N,N,N,-trimethyl-2-butynyl-1-aminium chloride (McN-A-343), a muscarinic M(1) receptor agonist. In addition, the histamine-H(2) receptor antagonist famotidine also completely inhibited the secretion stimulated by McN-A-343. Similarly, pretreatment with both somatostatin and famotidine completely abolished pentagastrin-induced acid secretion. Somatostatin partially inhibited the acid secretion stimulated by bethanechol. The late sustained acid secretion induced by bethanechol was reduced more strongly by somatostatin than the initial peak secretion. In addition, somatostatin had no effect on the transient increase in bethanechol-induced acid secretion in famotidine-pretreated preparations. Somatostatin had no effect on basal histamine secretion in isolated mouse stomach preparations, but markedly reduced histamine release induced by McN-A-343 and bethanechol. The present study showed that the acid secretory response via the endogenous histamine-mediated pathway was inhibited by somatostatin, but the response to a direct activation of gastric parietal cells was not. These results suggest that the inhibition of histamine release from enterochromaffin-like cells plays a more important role in the inhibition of gastric acid secretion by somatostatin than the direct inhibition of parietal cells. In addition, somatostatin inhibited the sustained acid secretion more strongly than the initial peak secretion after the cholinergic stimulation.

Animals↗

Arachidonic acid release and prostaglandin F(2alpha) formation induced by anandamide and capsaicin in PC12 cells.

Anandamide, an endogenous agonist of cannabinoid receptors, activates various signal transduction pathways. Anandamide also activates vanilloid VR(1) receptor, which was a nonselective cation channel with high Ca(2+) permeability and had sensitivity to capsaicin, a pungent principle in hot pepper. The effects of anandamide and capsaicin on arachidonic acid metabolism in neuronal cells have not been well established. We examined the effects of anandamide and capsaicin on arachidonic acid release in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. Both agents stimulated [3H]arachidonic acid release in a concentration-dependent manner from the prelabeled PC12 cells even in the absence of extracellular CaCl(2). The effect of anandamide was neither mimicked by an agonist nor inhibited by an antagonist for cannabinoid receptors. The effects of anandamide and capsaicin were inhibited by phospholipase A(2) inhibitors, but not by an antagonist for vanilloid VR(1) receptor. In PC12 cells preincubated with anandamide or capsaicin, [3H]arachidonic acid release was marked and both agents were no more effective. Co-addition of anandamide or capsaicin synergistically enhanced [3H]arachidonic acid release by mastoparan in the absence of CaCl(2). Anandamide stimulated prostaglandin F(2alpha) formation. These findings suggest that anandamide and capsaicin stimulated arachidonic acid metabolism in cannabinoid receptors- and vanilloid VR(1) receptor-independent manner in PC12 cells. The possible mechanisms are also discussed.

Animals↗

Arachidonic acid release and prostaglandin F2alpha formation induced by phenylarsine oxide in PC12 cells: possible involvement of secretory phospholipase A2 activity.

Activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) causing arachidonic acid (AA) release is involved in neuronal cell functions. Previously, we reported AA release and prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) formation via activation of cytosolic PLA2 by orthovanadate (Na3VO4), an inhibitor of tyrosine phosphatases, in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. We investigated the effects of phenylarsine oxide (PAO), which reacts with sulfhydryl groups of proteins and thus acts as an inhibitor of tyrosine phosphatases, on AA release and PGF(2alpha) formation in PC12 cells. PAO stimulated [3H]AA release from the prelabeled cells and PGF(2alpha) formation. The PAO responses were dependent upon the concentrations used (10 microM to 0.5mM) and on extracellular CaCl2. [3H]AA release induced by PAO was decreased significantly by inhibition of secretory, but not cytosolic, PLA2. [3H]AA release by PAO was not reversed by washing the cells, but the addition of dithiol compounds such as 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanol decreased the release from the PAO-treated cells. The existence of mRNA of types IB and IIC secretory PLA2 in PC12 cells was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction using specific primers. Addition of secretory PLA2 from bee venom to the assay mixture stimulated [3H]AA release, and PAO enhanced the response synergistically. The addition of 0.1mM PAO directly enhanced the activity of secretory PLA2 from bee venom. These findings suggest that PAO stimulates AA release and PGF(2alpha) formation probably via activation of secretory PLA2 in PC12 cells.

Animals↗

Effect of mitragynine, derived from Thai folk medicine, on gastric acid secretion through opioid receptor in anesthetized rats.

Mitragynine, an indole alkaloid from Thai folk medicine Mitragyna speciosa, exerts agonistic effects on opioid receptors. Gastric acid secretion is proposed to be regulated by opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). Previously, we reported the dual roles (inhibition via micro-opioid receptors and stimulation via kappa-opioid receptors) of the opioid system in the central control of gastric acid secretion. We investigated whether mitragynine affects gastric acid secretion via opioid receptors in the CNS. Injection of mitragynine (30 microg) alone into the lateral cerebroventricle did not have a significant effect on basal gastric acid secretion in the perfused stomach of anesthetized rats. Injection of mitragynine (3-30 microg) into the fourth cerebroventricle, like morphine, inhibited 2-deoxy-D-glucose-stimulated gastric acid secretion. The inhibitory effect of mitragynine (30 microg) was reversed by naloxone (100 microg). These results suggest that mitragynine has a morphine-like action on gastric acid secretion in the CNS.

Animals↗

Studies on the synthesis and opioid agonistic activities of mitragynine-related indole alkaloids: discovery of opioid agonists structurally different from other opioid ligands.

Mitragynine (1) is a major alkaloidal component in the Thai traditional medicinal herb, Mitragyna speciosa, and has been proven to exhibit analgesic activity mediated by opioid receptors. By utilizing this natural product as a lead compound, synthesis of some derivatives, evaluations of the structure-activity relationship, and surveys of the intrinsic activities and potencies on opioid receptors were performed with guinea pig ileum. The affinities of some compounds for mu-, delta-, and kappa-receptors were determined in a receptor binding assay. The essential structural moieties in the Corynanthe type indole alkaloids for inducing the opioid agonistic activity were also clarified. The oxidative derivatives of mitragynine, i.e., mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (2) and 7-hydroxymitragynine (12), were found as opioid agonists with higher potency than morphine in the experiment with guinea pig ileum. In addition, 2 induced an analgesic activity in the tail flick test in mice.

Analgesics↗

Gastric acid secretion stimulated by centrally injected nociceptin in urethane-anesthetized rats.

Nociceptin is a preferred endogenous ligand for the orphan opioid receptor-like 1 (ORL1) receptor. Central administration of nociceptin showed various pharmacological effects on analgesia, cardiovascular and renal responses, food intake, and so on. In the present study, we investigated the effect of nociceptin injected into the central nervous system (CNS) on gastric acid secretion in the perfused stomach of urethane-anesthetized rats. Injection of nociceptin (0.55-5.52 nmol per rat) into the fourth cerebroventricle stimulated gastric acid secretion and the secretion was inhibited in atropine-treated (1 mg/kg, i.v.) and vagotomized rats. The secretion induced by nociceptin (1.65 nmol) was not inhibited by the central injection of naloxone (275 nmol, a non-selective antagonist of opioid receptors). The secretion was significantly inhibited by the central injection of [Phe(1)psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]nociceptin-(1-13)-NH(2) ([F/G]nociceptin-(1-13), 0.21 nmol, an antagonist of ORL1 receptor), although [F/G]nociceptin-(1-13) alone at higher doses (2.10 and 7.31 nmol) markedly stimulated gastric acid secretion. In the 0-40 min period, the secretion induced by nociceptin was inhibited at least partially by CompB (68.8 nmol, a nonpeptidic antagonist of ORL1 receptor). Injection of nociceptin (5.52 nmol) into the lateral cerebroventricle also stimulated the secretion. Injection of nociceptin did not modify gastric acid secretion stimulated by 2-deoxy-D-glucose (200 mg/kg, i.v.). In conclusion, nociceptin injected into the CNS stimulated gastric acid secretion in rats via the ORL1 receptors and through mechanisms involving the vagus nerve.

Anesthesia↗

Mesaconitine-induced relaxation in rat aorta: involvement of Ca2+ influx and nitric-oxide synthase in the endothelium.

Aconiti tuber, roots of aconite (Aconitum japonicum), is an oriental herbal medicine used for centuries in Japan and China to improve the health of persons with a weak constitution and poor metabolism. We investigated the effects of mesaconitine, one of the aconite alkaloids in Aconiti tuber, on the contraction and free intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) level in isolated rat thoracic aorta. Mesaconitine at 30 microM inhibited 3 microM phenylephrine-induced contraction in the endothelium-intact, but not endothelium-denuded, aortic rings. The effect of mesaconitine was dependent on external Ca2+ concentrations. The relaxation induced by mesaconitine was abolished by N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (0.1 mM, an inhibitor of nitric-oxide synthase), as well as the relaxation induced by acetylcholine. Acetylcholine induced relaxation in two phases in our conditions; the initial phase was transient and external Ca2+ -independent, and the second phase was sustained and external Ca2+ -dependent. Treatment with 100 nM thapsigargin, which depleted intracellular Ca2+ stores, inhibited acetylcholine-induced, but not mesaconitine-induced, relaxation. Mesaconitine increased the [Ca2+]i level in endothelial cells by influx of Ca2+ from extracellular spaces. These findings suggest that mesaconitine-induced Ca2+ influx and activation of nitric-oxide synthase in endothelial cells and, thus, induced vasorelaxation in rat aorta.

Aconitine↗

Phenolic compounds from Gastrodia rhizome and relaxant effects of related compounds on isolated smooth muscle preparation.

Gastrol (1), together with 10 known phenolic compounds, has been isolated from the MeOH extract of the rhizomes of Gastrodia elata Blume (Orchidaceae), and their structures were elucidated by detailed spectral analyses including by 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses. The relaxant effects of these constituents on smooth muscle preparations isolated from guinea-pig ileum were also studied in order to reveal their characteristic pharmacological activities.

Animals↗

Stimulatory effects of centrally injected nitric oxide donors on gastric acid secretion in anesthetized rats.

The effects of centrally injected nitric oxide (NO) donors on gastric acid secretion were investigated in continuously perfused stomach of anesthetized rats. The lateral cerebroventricular (LV) injection of NOC5 (30 - 100 microg) and NOC12 (10 - 100 microg) dose-dependently stimulated gastric acid secretion. The LV injection of NOC18 (30 microg) also stimulated gastric acid secretion. The other type of NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (3 - 30 microg, LV), also dose-dependently stimulated gastric acid secretion. The effect of NOC5 at 100 microg was blocked by carboxy-PTIO, an NO scavenger, and by cervical vagotomy. Furthermore, NOC12 (30, 100 microg) dose-dependently stimulated gastric acid secretion in pylorus-ligated conscious rats. These results suggest that centrally injected NO donors stimulate gastric acid secretion in both conscious and anesthetized rats through vagus activation.

Animals↗

Vasorelaxing effect of mesaconitine, an alkaloid from Aconitum japonicum, on rat small gastric artery: possible involvement of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor.

Aconiti tuber, roots of aconite (Aconitum japonicum), has been used for centuries in Japan and China to increase peripheral body temperature. We previously reported that mesaconitine, an alkaloid from Aconitum japonicum, elicits endothelium-dependent and nitric oxide-mediated relaxation in isolated rat aorta. In the present study, we investigated the effect of mesaconitine on isolated rat small gastric arteries. Mesaconitine elicited a concentration-dependent (10, 30, 100 microM) vasorelaxation in isolated rat gastric artery precontracted with norepinephrine, which was resistant to N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) (an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase) and indomethacin (an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase). The L-NNA- and indomethacin-resistant relaxation by mesaconitine was mainly endothelium-dependent, inhibited by high K+ (30 mM), and inhibited by a combination of Ca2+-dependent K channel blockers, charybdotoxin and apamin. The relaxation by mesaconitine was proportional to the external Ca2+ concentration. These results suggest that mesaconitine elicits vasorelaxation of isolated rat small gastric artery mainly via release of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor.

Aconitine↗