Augmentation of catecholamine release elicited by an Eugenia punicifolia extract in chromaffin cells
Rev. bras. farmacogn
;
22(1): 1-12, Jan.-Feb. 2012. graf
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-607597
ABSTRACT
Plant extracts of Eugenia punicifolia (Kunth) DC., Myrtaceae, are used in Amazon region of Brazil to treat diarrhea and stomach disturbances, and as hypoglycemic medicine. We have recently shown that an aqueous extract of E. punicifolia augmented cholinergic neurotransmission in a rat phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation. In this study, we investigated the effects of an E. punicifolia dichloromethane extract (EPEX) in a neuronal model of cholinergic neurotransmission, the bovine adrenal chromaffin cell. EPEX augmented the release of catecholamine triggered by acetylcholine (ACh) pulses but did not enhance ACh-evoked inward currents, which were inhibited by 30 percent. Since EPEX did not cause a blockade of acetylcholinesterase or butyrylcholinesterase, it seems that EPEX is not directly activating the cholinergic system. EPEX also augmented K+-elicited secretion without enhancing the whole-cell inward calcium current. This novel and potent effect of EPEX in enhancing exocytosis might help to identify the active component responsible for augmenting exocytosis. When elucidated, the molecular structure of this active principle could serve as a template to synthesise novel compounds to regulate the exocytotic release of neurotransmitters.
Full text:
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Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Language:
English
Journal:
Rev. bras. farmacogn
Journal subject:
Pharmacy
Year:
2012
Type:
Article
/
Project document
Affiliation country:
Brazil
/
Spain
Institution/Affiliation country:
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid/ES
/
Universidade Federal Fluminense/BR
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