endothelin-1 and linsidomine

1. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a membrane-permeable superoxide dismutase mimetic, tempol, added either alone or in combination with the nitric oxide (NO) donor molsidomine, prevents the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in chronic hypoxic rats. 2. Chronic hypobaric hypoxia (10% oxygen) for 2 weeks increased the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), right ventricle and lung wet weight. Relaxations evoked by acetylcholine (ACh) and the molsidomine metabolite SIN-1 were impaired in isolated proximal, but not distal pulmonary arteries, from chronic hypoxic rats. 3. Treatment with tempol (86 mg x kg(-1) day(-1) in drinking water) normalized RVSP and reduced right ventricular hypertrophy, while systemic blood pressure, lung and liver weights, and blunted ACh relaxation of pulmonary arteries were unchanged. 4. Treatment with molsidomine (15 mg x kg(-1) day(-1) in drinking water) had the same effects as tempol, except that liver weight was reduced, and potassium and U46619-evoked vasoconstrictions in pulmonary arteries were increased. Combining tempol and molsidomine did not have additional effects compared to tempol alone. ACh relaxation in pulmonary arteries was not normalized by these treatments. 5. The media to lumen diameter ratio of the pulmonary arteries was greater for the hypoxic rats compared to the normoxic rats, and was not reversed by treatment with tempol, molsidomine, or the combination of tempol and molsidomine. 6. We conclude that tempol, like molsidomine, is able to correct RVSP and reduce right ventricular weight in the rat hypoxic model. Functional and structural properties of pulmonary small arteries were little affected. The results support the possibility that superoxide dismutase mimetics may be a useful means for the treatment of PH.

Topics: 15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5,13-dienoic Acid; Acetylcholine; Administration, Oral; Animals; Body Weight; Chronic Disease; Cyclic N-Oxides; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Synergism; Drug Therapy, Combination; Endothelin-1; Free Radical Scavengers; Heart Rate; Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular; Hypoxia; Male; Molsidomine; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Organ Size; Pulmonary Artery; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Spin Labels; Superoxide Dismutase; Vasoconstriction; Vasodilation; Ventricular Pressure

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) exert opposite effects in the cardiovascular system, and there is evidence that the NO counters the potential deleterious effects of ET-1. We investigated whether NO affects the increased mRNA expression of ET-1 and endothelin receptors induced by (i) 30 min of ischemia with or without 30 min reperfusion in myocytes from isolated rat hearts or (ii) ischemic conditions (acidosis or hypoxia) in cultured rat neonatal ventricular myocytes. Ischemia with or without reperfusion produced more than a twofold increase in mRNA expression of ET-1 as well as the ET(A) and ET(B) receptor (P < 0.05), although these effects were completely blocked by the NO donor 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1; 1 microM). To assess the possible factors regulating ET expression, myocytes were exposed to acidosis (pH 6.8-6.2) or to hypoxic conditions in an anaerobic chamber for 24 h in the presence or absence of SIN-1. At all acidic pHs, ET-1 and ET(A) receptor mRNA expression was significantly (P < 0.05) elevated approximately threefold, although the magnitude of elevation was independent of the degree of acidosis. These effects were completely prevented by SIN-1. ET(B) receptor expression was unaffected by acidosis. Hypoxia increased ET-1 as well as ET(A) and ET(B) receptor expression threefold (P < 0.05), although this was unaffected by SIN-1. Our results demonstrate that myocardial ischemia and reperfusion upregulate the ET system, which is inhibited by NO. Although increased expression of the ET system can be mimicked by both acidosis and hypoxia, only the effects of the former are NO sensitive. NO may serve an endogenous inhibitory factor which regulates the expression of the ET system under pathological conditions.

Topics: Acidosis; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Blotting, Southern; Cells, Cultured; Electrophoresis; Endothelin-1; Gene Expression; Male; Molsidomine; Mutation; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury; Myocytes, Cardiac; Nitric Oxide Donors; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; RNA; Transcription, Genetic

The peroxynitrite scavenging ability of Procyanidins from Vitis vinifera L. seeds was studied in homogeneous solution and in human umbilical endothelial cells (EA.hy926 cell line) using 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) as peroxynitrite generator. In homogeneous phase procyanidins dose-dependently inhibited 2',7'-dichloro-dihydrofluorescein (DCFH) oxidation induced by SIN-1 with an IC50 value of 0.28 microM. When endothelial cells (EC) were exposed to 5 mM SIN-1, marked morphological alterations indicating a necrotic cell death (cell viability reduced to 16 +/- 2.5%) were observed. Cell damage was suppressed by procyanidins, with a minimal effective concentration of 1 microM (cell morphology and integrity completely recovered at 20 microM). Cellular localization of procyanidins in EC was confirmed using a new staining procedure and site-specific peroxyl radical inducers: AAPH and cumene hydroperoxide (CuOOH). Endothelial cells (EC) pre-incubated with procyanidins (20 microM) and exposed to FeCl3/K3Fe(CN)6 showed a characteristic blue staining, index of a site-specific binding of procyanidins to EC. Procyanidins dose-dependently inhibit the AAPH induced lipid oxidation and reverse the consequent loss of cell viability, but were ineffective when oxidation was driven at intracellular level (CuOOH). This demonstrates that the protective effect is due to their specific binding to the outer surface of EC thus to quench exogenous harmful radicals. Procyanidins dose-dependently relaxed human internal mammary aortic (IMA) rings (with intact endothelium) pre-contracted with norepinephrine (NE), showing a maximal vasorelaxant effect (85 +/- 9%) at 50 microM (catechin: 18 +/- 2% relaxation at 50 microM). This effect was completely abolished when IMA-rings were de-endothelized and when IMA-rings with intact endothelium were pretreated with L-NMMA or with the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, ODQ. Pre-incubation with indomethacin reduces (by almost 50%) the vasodilating effect of procyanidins, indicating the involvement also of a COX-dependent mechanism. This was confirmed in another set of experiments, where procyanidins dose-dependently stimulate the prostacyclin (PGI2) release, reaching a plateau between 25 and 50 microM. Finally, pre-incubation of IMA-rings with procyanidins (from 6.25 to 25 microM) resulted in a dose-dependent prevention of the endothelin-1 (ET-1) vasoconstriction. The ability of procyanidins to prevent peroxynitrite attack to vascular cells, by

Topics: 6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha; Antioxidants; Biflavonoids; Catechin; Cell Survival; Cells, Cultured; Endothelin-1; Endothelium; Endothelium, Vascular; Fluoresceins; Fluorescent Dyes; Free Radicals; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Lipid Peroxidation; Mammary Arteries; Molsidomine; Muscle Relaxation; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitric Oxide; Peroxynitrous Acid; Proanthocyanidins; Seeds; Vasoconstriction; Vitis

The proliferative effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1), both alone and in combination with epidermal growth factor (EGF), and the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the cell proliferation were investigated in cultured guinea pig bronchial smooth muscle cells. ET-1 (10-100 nM) alone augmented cell proliferation, and was additive to the effect of EGF (0.48 nM) in a concentration-dependent manner. An ET(A) antagonist, BQ-123 (10 microM), reduced the cell-proliferative effect of ET-1, whereas an ET(B) antagonist, BQ-788 (10 microM), did not influence the effect. A NO donor, SIN-1 (10 nM-1 microM), reduced the cell-proliferative effect of ET-1 in a concentration-dependent manner. The effect of SIN-1 (1 microM) was partly, but significantly, reversed by a soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, ODQ (1 microM). These results suggest that ET-1 acts not only as a co-mitogen with EGF but also as a mitogen alone, and that its action is mediated through activation of ET(A) receptors. Therefore, ET-1 may contribute to airway remodeling, a pathophysiological hallmark of asthma. In addition, NO, which is produced mainly in the airway epithelium and is partly mediated through cGMP-dependent pathway, may reduce the phenomenon.

Topics: Animals; Bronchi; Cell Division; Cells, Cultured; Endothelin Receptor Antagonists; Endothelin-1; Enzyme Inhibitors; Guanylate Cyclase; Guinea Pigs; Male; Molsidomine; Muscle, Smooth; Nitric Oxide; Oxadiazoles; Peptides, Cyclic; Quinoxalines

The pulmonary vasculature of newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension is characterized by active vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling. It has been suggested that endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor and growth promoter, may be involved in the pathogenesis of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. To determine whether treatment with an ET(A) receptor antagonist can reverse pulmonary hypertension in the neonate, 1-d-old piglets were exposed to hypoxia for 3 d to induce pulmonary hypertension and then treated for the remainder of the 14 d with an orally active, nonpeptidic ET(A) antagonist (TBC3711, 22 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)). At the end of the exposure, Hb, pulmonary artery pressure, right ventricle to left ventricle plus septum weight ratio, percentage wall thickness, ET-1 circulating levels, perfusion pressure, and dilator response to the nitric oxide (NO) donor, SIN-1 (3-morpholinosydnonimine-N-ethylcarbamide) in isolated perfused lungs were determined. Exhaled NO and hemodynamic variables were also examined in an intact anesthetized animal preparation that had undergone the same treatment. By 3 d of exposure to hypoxia, piglets had already developed significant pulmonary hypertension as estimated by their pulmonary artery pressure (24.0 +/- 1.3 mm Hg versus 14.2 +/- 3.4 mm Hg) and percentage wall thickness (26.6 +/- 5.9% versus 18.7 +/- 2.4% for vessels 0-30 microm). Whereas further exposure to hypoxia for 14 d did not enhance the increase in pulmonary artery pressure and percentage wall thickness, it did augment the right ventricle to left ventricle plus septum weight ratio (0.71 +/- 0.09 versus 0.35 +/- 0.01). ET-1 circulating levels were increased only when exposure to hypoxia was prolonged to 14 d (5.1 +/- 2.4 pg/mL versus 1.0 +/- 0.4 pg/mL). Treatment with TBC3711 from d 3 to d 14, once pulmonary hypertensive changes were established and while hypoxic exposure persisted, caused significant reduction in the right ventricle to left ventricle plus septum weight ratio (0.60 +/- 0.06), pulmonary artery pressure (20.0 +/- 4.8 mm Hg), and percentage wall thickness (18.5 +/- 3.3%) and restored the dilator response to the NO donor SIN-1. Prolonged hypoxia markedly reduced exhaled NO concentrations (0.3 +/- 0.6 ppb), although treatment of hypoxic animals with TBC3711 restored the concentration of exhaled NO (4.4 +/- 2.8 ppb) to the level of normoxic controls (4.9 +/- 3.0 ppb). Lastly, treatment with TBC3711 increased ET-1 circulat

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Cell Line; Endothelin Receptor Antagonists; Endothelin-1; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Hypoxia; Iodine Radioisotopes; Lung; Molsidomine; Nitric Oxide; Receptor, Endothelin A; Swine; Vasodilator Agents

The effect of the nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on both [Ca(2+)](i)and mechanical activity was studied in the rat isolated pulmonary artery (RPA). In freshly isolated myocytes loaded with 1 microM indo-lacetoxymethyl ester for 30 min, short (40-60 s) application of ATP (100 microM) or ET-1 (0.1 microM) induced 3-6 cyclic rises in [Ca(2+)](i)(Ca-oscillations) of decreasing amplitude. Preincubation of cells with SNP (10-250 microM) for 10 min had no effect on the resting [Ca(2+)](i)value, but progressively abolished the oscillations. A similar effect was obtained with 8-bromo-cGMP (100-500 microM). SNP (0.001-100 microM) concentration-dependently relaxed ATP (10 mM, n = 4) and ET-1 (0.1 microM, n = 4)-precontracted RPA. 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolol [4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 10 microM), a potent inhibitor of the cytosolic guanylyl cyclase, fully reversed the effect of SNP on ATP-induced [Ca(2+)](i)oscillations as well as on ATP-precontracted RPA. In contrast, N-[2-(methylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide (H8, 10 microM), a potent inhibitor of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), did not alter the effect of SNP. Caffeine (5 mM) induced only one transient [Ca(2+)](i)-increase (n = 24), the amplitude of which was altered neither by SNP nor by 8-bromo-cGMP. Our results show that the relaxing effect of NO in RPA is related, at least in part, to its action on the Ca-signalling pathway. NO interacts with inositol trisphosphate pathway without interacting with the ryanodine-sensitive receptor. Finally, the effect of NO involves an increase in cGMP but appears independent of activation of PKG.

Topics: 8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate; Adenosine Triphosphate; Animals; Caffeine; Calcium; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Endothelin-1; Indoles; Isometric Contraction; Male; Molsidomine; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitroprusside; Penicillamine; Pulmonary Artery; Rats; Rats, Wistar; S-Nitroso-N-Acetylpenicillamine; Sarcoplasmic Reticulum; Vasodilation; Vasodilator Agents

Many lines of evidence indicate that an increased pancreatic production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins (PGs) is found in the pancreas of streptozotocin-diabetic rats and that endothelins (ETs) are closely related to the nitridergic and prostanoid pathway in several tissues. In the present study the relationship between NO, ETs, and PGs has been explored in isolated pancreatic tissue from streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Pancreatic ET levels are higher in pancreatic tissues from diabetic (D) rats compared to control (C) animals. The addition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors (1 mM N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, 600 microM N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine) in the incubating medium reduces and NO donors (SIN-1, 300 microM spermine suppress, NONOate 100 microM) increases ET levels in pancreatic slices from C and D animals. PGE(2) (10(-7) M) increases and indomethacin (10(-6) M) decreases ET pancreatic production only in D but not in C tissues when added into the incubating bath. When tissues are incubated in the presence of endothelin 1 (ET-1) (10(-7) M), NOS activity is higher in C pancreas, while the ET-receptor antagonist bosentan (B) decreases NOS levels in D but not in C tissues. When pancreatic arachidonic acid (AA) conversion to prostaglandins was explored, ET-1 increased PGF(2alpha), PGE(2), and TXB(2) levels in C but not in D tissues. B abolishes TXB(2) increment due to the diabetic state, but failed in modulating AA conversion to 6-keto PGF(1alpha), PGF2(alpha) and PGE(2) in D pancreas. Our results show an alteration in AA metabolism, ET production, and NO increment associated with pancreatic damage due to streptozotocin.

Topics: Animals; Arachidonic Acid; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Dinoprost; Dinoprostone; Endothelin-1; Endothelins; Male; Molsidomine; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitrogen Oxides; omega-N-Methylarginine; Pancreas; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Spermine; Streptozocin; Thromboxane B2

Peroxynitrite plays an important role in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation. We have already found that peroxynitrite may contribute to decreased beta(2)-adrenoceptor responses in airway smooth muscle. However, it is not known whether peroxynitrite can alter neutral endopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11; NEP) activity in the airways. This study was designed to determine whether peroxynitrite induces airway hyperresponsiveness to substance P (SP) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) through the inactivation of airway NEP.. We examined whether the administration of S-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), a compound that releases peroxynitrite, increased bronchoconstrictor responses to SP and ET-1 in anesthetized guinea pigs. In addition, we assayed NEP activity in the airways of SIN-1-exposed guinea pigs.. Though SIN-1 (10(-7) M) alone had no effect on pulmonary resistance, pretreatment with SIN-1 significantly enhanced SP- and ET-1-induced bronchoconstriction. Pretreatment with phosphoramidon, an NEP inhibitor, also enhanced SP- and ET-1-induced bronchoconstriction. However, simultaneous administration of phosphoramidon and SIN-1 had no additive effect on SP- and ET-1-induced bronchoconstriction. Peroxynitrite formation by SIN-1 was completely inhibited by N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glutathione (GSH) in vitro, and pretreatment with NAC and GSH significantly reversed the potentiation by SIN-1 of SP-induced bronchoconstriction. In addition, the NEP activity of the trachea after SIN-1 exposure was significantly reduced compared to the level in control guinea pigs (solvent for SIN-1: 30.0+/-4.2 fmol.min(-1).mg tissue(-1); 10(-7) M SIN-1; 15.5+/-4.5 fmol.min(-1).mg tissue(-1), p<0.05).. These findings suggest that peroxynitrite induces airway hyperresponsiveness to SP and ET-1 through the inactivation of airway NEP, and that peroxynitrite is an important mediator of the alterations in airway functions.

Topics: Animals; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchoconstriction; Endothelin-1; Enzyme Activation; Glycopeptides; Guinea Pigs; Male; Molsidomine; Neprilysin; Nitrates; Oxidants; Protease Inhibitors; Respiratory System; Substance P; Trachea; Vasodilator Agents

The present study was carried out to clarify the role of nonselective cation channels as a Ca2+ entry pathway in the contraction and the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by endothelin- in endothelium-denuded rat thoracic aorta rings, and their suppression by nitric oxide (NO). In Ca2+-free medium, the endothelin-1-induced contraction was suppressed to about 20% of control values, although the increase in [Ca2+]i became negligible. The contraction and the increase in [Ca2+]i monitored by fura 2 fluorescence were unaffected by a blocker of L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channels nifedipine. A blocker of nonselective cation channels 1-[beta-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propoxyl]-4-methoxyphenethyl]-1H-imida zole . HCl(SK&F 96365) suppressed the endothelin-1-induced contraction and increase in [Ca2+]i to the level similar to that after removal of extracellular Ca2+. SK&F 96365 had no further effect on the endothelin-1-induced contraction in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. The endothelin-1-induced contraction and increase in [Ca2+]i were abolished by a donor of NO sodium nitroprusside. The effects of another NO donor 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) were also tested and yielded essentially similar results to those for sodium nitroprusside on the endothelin-1-induced contraction. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of sodium nitroprusside could be blocked with a guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) at 30 microM. These findings suggest that Ca2+ entry through nonselective cation channels but not voltage-operated Ca2+ channels plays a critical role in the endothelin-1-induced increase in [Ca2+]i and the resulting contraction and that inhibition by NO of the endothelin-1-induced contraction is mainly the result of blockade of Ca2+ entry through these channels.

Topics: Animals; Aorta; Calcium; Calcium Channel Blockers; Endothelin-1; Imidazoles; In Vitro Techniques; Ion Channels; Ion Transport; Male; Molsidomine; Muscle Contraction; Muscle Relaxation; Nifedipine; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitroprusside; Rats; Rats, Wistar

The signal transduction pathways of the inhibitory effect of nitric oxide (NO) on endothelin (ET)-induced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were studied. 3H-thymidine (TdR) incorporation, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity and protein kinase C (PKC) activity of cultured VSMCs of rabbits thoracic aorta were measured in the presence of either NO precursor L-arginine (L-Arg) or NO donor 3-morpholino sydnonimine-hydrochloride (SIN-1), or ET-1 alone or with L-Arg or SIN-1. The results show: (1) ET-1 (10(-8) mol/L) significantly increased VSMCs 3H-TdR incorporation (5 times, P < 0.01), MAPK activity (4 times, P < 0.01) and PKC activity (3 times, P < 0.01), as compared with control. L-Arg or SIN-1 alone was without effect on 3H-TdR incorporation, MAPK activity and PKC activity. (2) When ET-1 and L-Arg (2, 5, 10 mmol/L) were simultaneously administered, 3H-TdR incorporation and activity of both MAPK and PKC were all significantly decreased in comparison with the ET group. (3) When ET-1 + SIN-1 (5, 10, 50 mumol/L), the effects coincide with those of the ET-1 + L-Arg groups. These findings indicate that NO inhibition of the signal transduction pathways of the ET-1-induced proliferation of VSMCs may be mediated by the inhibition of ET-1-induced activation of both PKC and MAPK.

Topics: Animals; Aorta, Thoracic; Arginine; Cell Division; Cells, Cultured; Endothelin-1; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Molsidomine; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Donors; Protein Kinase C; Rabbits; Signal Transduction

1. We examined the effect of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on basal and isoprenaline-enhanced L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes under nystatin-perforated patch configuration. 2. ET-1 at concentrations of 1, 5 and 10 nM had little effect on basal ICa,L. However, ICa,L enhanced by isoprenaline (500 nM) was significantly attenuated by 5 nM ET-1 by more than 50%. This effect was reversed upon washout. ICa,L enhanced by forskolin was also decreased by ET-1. 3. The inhibitory effect of ET-1 against isoprenaline was completely blocked by the ETA receptor antagonist BQ-123 (1 microM). In myocytes incubated with pertussis toxin (PTX, 2 micrograms ml-1) for 5 h, ET-1 did not inhibit isoprenaline-enhanced ICa,L. 4. Although ET-1 has been shown to activate specific protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms, a significant inhibitory effect of ET-1 was maintained in the presence of the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide (20 nM). The nitric oxide (NO) donor SIN-1 (10 microM) attenuated but failed to prevent the ET-1 effect. 5. In summary, our results demonstrate that ET-1 is devoid of any significant effects on basal ICa,L. However, it exerts a potent inhibitory effect against isoprenaline-enhanced ICa,L. This effect is mediated through ETA receptors coupled to PTX-sensitive G-proteins and occurs in the presence of PKC inhibition and NO generation.

Topics: Animals; Calcium Channels; Calcium Channels, L-Type; Cells, Cultured; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Interactions; Endothelin-1; Enzyme Activation; Enzyme Inhibitors; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guinea Pigs; Heart; Heart Ventricles; Indoles; Isoenzymes; Isoproterenol; Kinetics; Maleimides; Membrane Potentials; Molsidomine; Nitric Oxide; Nystatin; Patch-Clamp Techniques; Pertussis Toxin; Protein Kinase C; Virulence Factors, Bordetella