ABSTRACT
The role of phosphoramidon-sensitive endothelin converting enzyme in the release of endogenous endothelin-1 was investigated in anesthetized rats. Intravenous infusion of phosphoramidon 0.3 mg/kg/min did not suppress the release of endothelin-1 stimulated by hemorrhage or cytokines. Elevation of endothelin-1 in rats subjected to hypoxia was not modified by phosphoramidon (0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg/min for 2 h). A high dose of phosphoramidon (10 mg/kg i.v. +0.1 mg/kg/min) significantly potentiated the hypoxia-induced increases in plasma endothelin-1 levels. Increases in endothelin-1 release caused by bilateral nephrectomy were further enhanced by hypoxia. It is concluded that the release of endogenous endothelin-1 release stimulated by hemorrhage, cytokines and hypoxia is resistant to inhibition by phosphoramidon, and at high doses, phosphoramidon potentiates hemorrhage- and hypoxia-induced increases in endothelin-1 levels, most likely by preventing its degradation.
Subject(s)
Cytokines/pharmacology , Endothelins/blood , Glycopeptides/pharmacology , Hemorrhage/blood , Hypoxia/blood , Animals , Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases/metabolism , Blood Pressure/drug effects , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Endothelin-Converting Enzymes , Endotoxins/pharmacology , Glycopeptides/administration & dosage , Hemorrhage/physiopathology , Hypoxia/physiopathology , Infusions, Intravenous , Interleukin-1/pharmacology , Male , Metalloendopeptidases , Nephrectomy , Rats , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/pharmacologyABSTRACT
C-ANF (4-23) and neutral metalloendopeptidase (NEP) inhibitors have been shown to prevent ANF metabolism and lower blood pressure presumably by the accumulation of ANF in the circulation. In the present study, we examined the interaction between C-ANF (4-23) and SCH 34826, an inhibitor of NEP, and ensuing effects on blood pressure, excretion of urine and sodium, and cGMP in the plasma and urine in conscious DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. C-ANF (100 micrograms/kg, iv bolus plus 10 micrograms/kg/min X 30) or SCH 34826 (90 mg/kg, sc) alone caused significant reductions in blood pressure and increases in plasma and urinary excretion of cGMP, a biochemical marker of endogenous ANF activity, at one hour post-drug. C-ANF (4-23) alone elicited a significant diuresis and natriuresis. SCH 34826 also enhanced sodium excretion and tended to increase urine volume. In comparison, the combination of C-ANF (4-23) and SCH 34826 produced a greater reduction in blood pressure and increases in plasma and urinary excretion of cGMP than either agent alone. The combination also caused significant diuresis and natriuresis. It is suggested that the greater blood pressure and renal responses to a combination of SCH 34826 and C-ANF than either agent alone reflect greater accumulation of endogenous ANF due to concomitant inhibition of both receptor-mediated clearance and NEP.