Liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometric analysis of cytochrome P450 metabolites of arachidonic acid.

Arachidonic acid (AA) can be metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes to many biologically active compounds including 5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), their corresponding dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs), and 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE). These eicosanoids are potent regulators of vascular tone. We developed a liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry method to simultaneously determine 5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-EETs; 5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-DHETs; and 20-HETE. [2H8]EETs, [2H8]DHETs, and [2H2]20-HETE were used as internal standards. These compounds are readily separated on a C18 reverse-phase column using water:acetonitrile with 0.005% acetic acid as a mobile phase. The internal standards, [2H8]EETs, [2H8]DHETs, and [2H2]20-HETE, eluted slightly faster than the natural eicosanoids. The samples were ionized by electrospray with fragmentor voltage of 120 V and detected in a negative mode. The negative ion detection gave a lower background than the positive ion detection for these compounds. These eicosanoids exhibited high abundance of the ions corresponding to [M - 1]-. The m/z = 319, 337, and 319 ions were used for quantitation of EETs, DHETs, and 20-HETE, respectively. The detection limits using selected ion monitoring of these compounds are about 1 pg per injection. The position of functional groups and water content of mobile phase had a significant effect on the sensitivity of detection. Water content of 40% was found to give maximal sensitivity. The method was used to determine EETs, DHETs, and 20-HETE in bovine coronary artery endothelial cells, dog plasma, rat astrocytes, and rat kidney microsome samples.

Determination of cytochrome P450 metabolites of arachidonic acid in coronary venous plasma during ischemia and reperfusion in dogs.

Arachidonic acid (AA) can be metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes to many biologically active compounds including 5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), their corresponding dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs), as well as 19- and 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs). These eicosanoids are potent regulators of vascular tone. However, their role in the ischemic myocardium has not been well investigated. In this study, we used a gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric technique to analyze total EETs, DHETs, and 20-HETE released into coronary venous plasma during coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion in anesthetized dogs. Pentafluorobenzyl esters (PFB-esters) of EETs and PFB-esters/trimethylsilyl ethers (TMS-ethers) of DHETs and 20-HETE were detected in the negative ion chemical ionization (NICI) using methane as a reagent gas. Under the conditions used, all four regioisomers of EET eluted from the capillary gas chromatographic column at similar retention times while four regioisomers of DHETs and 20-HETE eluted separately. The detection limits in plasma samples are 5 pg for total EETs, 40 pg for DHET, and 15 pg for 20-HETE. 14,15-DHET is the major regioisomer detected in the plasma samples while other regioisomers of DHETs are probably present at too low a concentration for detection. During the first 5 to 15 min of coronary occlusion, a slight decrease in the concentration of EETs, 14,15-DHET, and 20-HETE from the control values was observed in coronary venous plasma. At 60 min of occlusion, their concentrations significantly increased and remained elevated during 5 to 60 min of reperfusion. The concentrations decreased at 120 min of reperfusion. The NICI GC-MS was successfully used as a sensitive technique to determine cP450 metabolites of AA in plasma during prolonged occlusion-reperfusion periods. Furthermore, the results indicate that these metabolites may play a role in mediating ischemic-reperfusion injury.

Determination of EETs using microbore liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are cytochrome P-450 metabolites of arachidonic acid involved in the regulation of vascular tone. The method of microbore column high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection was developed to determine 14,15-EET, 11, 12-EET, and the mixture of 8,9-EET and 5,6-EET. Tridecanoic acid (TA) was used as an internal standard. EETs were reacted with 2-(2, 3-naphthalimino)ethyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (NT) to form highly fluorescent derivatives. A C(18) microbore column and a water-acetonitrile mobile phase were used for separation. Samples were excited at 259 nm, and the fluorescence was detected at 395 nm. The overall recoveries were 88% for EETs and 40% for TA. EETs were detected in concentrations as low as 2 pg (signal-to-noise ratio = 3). The method was used to determine the EET production from endothelial cells (ECs). Bradykinin and methacholine (10(-6) M) stimulated an increase in the production of EETs by ECs two- and fivefold, respectively. This sensitive method may be used for determination of EETs at low concentrations normally detected in complex biological samples.

Production of 20-HETE and its role in autoregulation of cerebral blood flow.

In the brain, pressure-induced myogenic constriction of cerebral arteriolar muscle contributes to autoregulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF). This study examined the role of 20-HETE in autoregulation of CBF in anesthetized rats. The expression of P-450 4A protein and mRNA was localized in isolated cerebral arteriolar muscle of rat by immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. The results of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction studies revealed that rat cerebral microvessels express cytochrome P-450 4A1, 4A2, 4A3, and 4A8 isoforms, some of which catalyze the formation of 20-HETE from arachidonic acid. Cerebral arterial microsomes incubated with [(14)C]arachidonic acid produced 20-HETE. An elevation in transmural pressure from 20 to 140 mm Hg increased 20-HETE concentration by 6-fold in cerebral arteries as measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. In vivo, inhibition of vascular 20-HETE formation with N-methylsulfonyl-12, 12-dibromododec-11-enamide (DDMS), or its vasoconstrictor actions using 15-HETE or 20-hydroxyeicosa-6(Z),15(Z)-dienoic acid (20-HEDE), attenuated autoregulation of CBF to elevations of arterial pressure. In vitro application of DDMS, 15-HETE, or 20-HEDE eliminated pressure-induced constriction of rat middle cerebral arteries, and 20-HEDE and 15-HETE blocked the vasoconstriction action of 20-HETE. Taken together, these data suggest an important role for 20-HETE in the autoregulation of CBF.

Synthesis and characterization of a fluorescent substrate for the N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) transmembrane carrier.

N-Arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) is a proposed endogenous ligand of the central cannabinoid receptor (CB1). Previous studies indicate that AEA is translocated across membranes via a process that has the characteristics of carrier-mediated facilitated diffusion. To date, studies of this mechanism have relied on [(3)H]AEA as a substrate for the carrier. We have synthesized an analog of AEA, SKM 4-45-1, that is nonfluorescent in the extracellular environment. When SKM 4-45-1 is exposed to intracellular esterases, it is de-esterified and becomes fluorescent. We have carried out studies to demonstrate that SKM 4-45-1 accumulation in cells occurs via the AEA carrier. SKM 4-45-1 is accumulated by both cerebellar granule cells and C6 glioma cells. Uptake of SKM 4-45-1 into C6 glioma is inhibited by AEA (IC(50)=53.8 +/- 1.8 microM), arachidonoyl-3-aminopyridine amide (IC(50)=10.1 +/- 1.4 microM), and arachidonoyl-4-hydroxyanilineamide (IC(50)=6.1 +/- 1.3 microM), all of which also inhibit [(3)H]AEA accumulation. Conversely, [(3)H]AEA accumulation by cerebellar granule cells is inhibited by SKM 4-45-1 with an IC(50) of 7.8 +/- 1. 3 microM. SKM 4-45-1 is neither a substrate nor inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase, an enzyme that catabolizes AEA. SKM 4-45-1 does not bind the CB1 cannabinoid receptor at concentrations <10 microM. In summary, the cellular accumulation of SKM 4-45-1 occurs via the same pathway as AEA uptake and provides an alternative substrate for the study of this important cellular process.

Monitoring of isoflurane and desflurane breakdown: interfering gases and infrared detection.

OBJECTIVE: The reaction of isoflurane, enflurane or desflurane with dried CO2 absorbents produces carbon monixide (CO), a highly toxic gas which cannot be detected by gas monitors typically available in the operating room. Trifluoromethane (CHF3) is produced along with CO when this reaction occurs with isoflurane and desflurane, and can be detected by gas monitors. This study will determine the ability of a modified SAM module (Smart Anesthesia Multigas Module, GE/Marquette Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI) to identify the presence of CHF3, and provide a clinically useful indirect warning of CO production. METHODS: Isoflurane (1.5%) and desflurane (7.5%) were reacted under clinical conditions with desiccated absorbents resulting in CO production. CO and CHF3 concentrations were measured using gas chromatography. The CHF3 concentrations measured by a modified SAM monitor were compared with the measurements obtained by gas chromatography. Alarm limits set on the SAM monitor were used to warn of the presence of CHF3. RESULTS: A concentration of 0.25% CHF3, as measured by the SAM monitor, corresponds to an average CO concentration of 780 ppm for isoflurane and 1700 ppm for desflurane. Lowering the threshold to 0.05% CHF3 would result in an average CO concentration of 155 ppm CO for isoflurane and 345 ppm CO for desflurane. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that the SAM module is capable of measuring CHF3 due to anesthetic breakdown. With appropriate changes in the display programming and reference cell spectra the monitor would be able to provide an early warning of CO exposure, although the amount of CO would not be reported.

Role of renal medullary adenosine in the control of blood flow and sodium excretion.

This study determined the levels of adenosine in the renal medullary interstitium using microdialysis and fluorescence HPLC techniques and examined the role of endogenous adenosine in the control of medullary blood flow and sodium excretion by infusing the specific adenosine receptor antagonists or agonists into the renal medulla of anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. Renal cortical and medullary blood flows were measured using laser-Doppler flowmetry. Analysis of microdialyzed samples showed that the adenosine concentration in the renal medullary interstitial dialysate averaged 212 +/- 5.2 nM, which was significantly higher than 55.6 +/- 5.3 nM in the renal cortex (n = 9). Renal medullary interstitial infusion of a selective A1 antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX; 300 pmol. kg-1. min-1, n = 8), did not alter renal blood flows, but increased urine flow by 37% and sodium excretion by 42%. In contrast, renal medullary infusion of the selective A2 receptor blocker 3, 7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX; 150 pmol. kg-1. min-1, n = 9) decreased outer medullary blood flow (OMBF) by 28%, inner medullary blood flows (IMBF) by 21%, and sodium excretion by 35%. Renal medullary interstitial infusion of adenosine produced a dose-dependent increase in OMBF, IMBF, urine flow, and sodium excretion at doses from 3 to 300 pmol. kg-1. min-1 (n = 7). These effects of adenosine were markedly attenuated by the pretreatment of DMPX, but unaltered by DPCPX. Infusion of a selective A3 receptor agonist, N6-benzyl-5'-(N-ethylcarbonxamido)adenosine (300 pmol. kg-1. min-1, n = 6) into the renal medulla had no effect on medullary blood flows or renal function. Glomerular filtration rate and arterial pressure were not changed by medullary infusion of any drugs. Our results indicate that endogenous medullary adenosine at physiological concentrations serves to dilate medullary vessels via A2 receptors, resulting in a natriuretic response that overrides the tubular A1 receptor-mediated antinatriuretic effects.

Proline in vasoactive peptides: consequences for peptide hydrolysis in the lung.

To examine the hypothesis that trans isomers of bradykinin and [Gly6]bradykinin are preferentially hydrolyzed by lung peptidases, we studied the fractional inactivation of these peptides in the perfused rat lung using a bioassay after a single-pass bolus injection and high-performance liquid chromatography after lung recirculation. In the bioassay studies, when the peptides passed through the lung, 25.6-fold more bradykinin or 7-fold more [Gly6]bradykinin was required to elicit a contraction equivalent to that produced when the peptides did not pass through the lung. In the recirculation studies, hydrolysis progress curves with rapid and slow phases were observed, with a higher fraction of bradykinin than [Gly6]bradykinin hydrolyzed in the rapid phase. Cyclophilin increased the hydrolysis rate during the slow phase for both peptides. Kinetic analysis indicated that the slowly hydrolyzed peptide fraction, presumably the cis fraction, was 0.13 for bradykinin and 0.43 for [Gly6]bradykinin with cis-trans isomerization rate constants of 0.074 and 0.049 s-1, respectively, consistent with published nuclear magnetic resonance studies.

Identification of the 11,14,15- and 11,12, 15-trihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids as endothelium-derived relaxing factors of rabbit aorta.

A number of endothelium-derived relaxing factors have been identified including nitric oxide, prostacyclin, and the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. Previous work showed that in rabbit aortic endothelial cells, arachidonic acid was metabolized by a lipoxygenase to vasodilatory eicosanoids. The identity was determined by the present study. Aortic homogenates were incubated in the presence of [U-14C]arachidonic acid, [U-14C]arachidonic acid plus 15-lipoxygenase (soybean lipoxidase), or [U-14C]15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HPETE) and analyzed by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Under both experimental conditions, there was a radioactive metabolite that migrated at 17.5-18.5 min on RP-HPLC. When the metabolite was isolated from aortic homogenates, it relaxed precontracted aortas in a concentration-dependent manner. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) of the derivatized metabolite indicated the presence of two products; 11,12,15-trihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (THETA) and 11,14,15-THETA. A variety of chemical modifications of the metabolite supported these structures and confirmed the presence of a carboxyl group, double bonds, and hydroxyl groups. With the combination of 15-lipoxygenase, arachidonic acid, and aortic homogenate, an additional major radioactive peak was observed. This fraction was analyzed by GC/MS. The mass spectrum was consistent with this peak, containing both the 11-hydroxy-14, 15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (11-H-14,15-EETA) and 15-H-11,12-EETA. The hydroxyepoxyeicosatrienoic acid (HEETA) fraction also relaxed precontracted rabbit aorta. Microsomes derived from rabbit aortas also synthesized 11,12,15- and 11,14,15-THETAs from 15-HPETE, and pretreatment with the cyctochrome P450 inhibitor, miconazole, blocked the formation of these products. The present studies suggest that arachidonic acid is metabolized by 15-lipoxygenase to 15-HPETE, which undergoes an enzymatic rearrangement to 11-H-14,15-EETA and 15-H-11,12-EETA. Hydrolysis of the epoxy group results in the formation of 11,14,15- and 11,12,15-THETA, which relaxed rabbit aorta. Thus, the 15-series THETAs join prostacyclin, nitric oxide, and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids as new members of the family of endothelium-derived relaxing factors.

Myocardial preconditioning produced by ischemia, hypoxia, and a KATP channel opener: effects on interstitial adenosine in dogs.

Previous research has demonstrated that a transient increase in interstitial adenosine and subsequent activation of ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels are involved in triggering ischemic preconditioning (PC), however, the role of adenosine in mediating the cardioprotection of hypoxic PC and that produced by KATP channel openers is less clear. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the role of adenosine in mediating the cardioprotective effects of PC produced by 5 min of ischemia, hypoxia, or by a 5-min intracoronary (i.c.) infusion of the KATP channel opener bimakalim (1 microgram/min). A single microdialysis probe was implanted into the midwall of the ischemic area for sampling of interstitial fluid adenosine and its breakdown products during the PC stimulus, prolonged occlusion (60 min) and during the first 30 min of the reperfusion (3 h) period. Ischemic, hypoxic and bimakalim pretreatment significantly reduced infarct size, 5.3 +/- 1.5; 8.9 +/- 2.5; 11.4 +/- 3.2, respectively, as compared to control: 27.3 +/- 6.5. Both ischemic and hypoxic PC produced similar and significant increases (0.56 +/- 0.13 mumol/l to 1.12 +/- 0.12 mumol/l and 1.32 mumol, control, ischemic and hypoxic PC, respectively) in dialysate adenosine concentration which persisted during the brief 10-min reperfusion period following PC. However, i.c. bimakalim resulted in a significant decrease in dialysate adenosine (0.56 +/- 0.13 mumol/l to 0.22 +/- 0.04 mumol/l) which persisted during the 10-min drug-free period. All three PC protocols resulted in similar decreases in dialysate adenosine, inosine and uric acid concentrations throughout the prolonged ischemic period as compared to control animals. In conclusion (1): PC produced by ischemia or hypoxia results in an increase in interstitial adenosine prior to a prolonged occlusion period; (2) the KATP channel agonist, bimakalim, significantly decreased interstitial adenosine prior to a prolonged occlusion period; (3) ischemic PC, hypoxic PC, and bimakalim pretreatment produced a similar reduction in interstitial adenosine and its breakdown products during the prolonged ischemic period. These results suggest that an increase in interstitial adenosine may be necessary for the initiation of the protective effect of ischemic and hypoxic PC but an increase in adenosine is not necessary for the cardioprotective effect of a direct opener of the KATP channel.

Detection of membrane-bound enzymes in cells using immunoassay and Raman microspectroscopy.

The method of surface-enhanced Raman microspectroscopy was developed for direct detection of membrane-bound enzymes in cells. Cells were cultured, fixed, and incubated with specific primary antibodies and their corresponding labeled secondary antibodies, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was detected directly in the wells of a multiwell plate. First, specific primary antibodies were separately bound to enzymes in cells. Then, the peroxidase-labeled secondary antibodies were added to bind these primary antibodies. Peroxidase substrates, o-phenylenediamine and hydrogen peroxide, were added and reacted for 15 min at room temperature to form azoaniline, a compound with strong Raman scattering. Then, Raman scattering of this enzymatic product was enhanced by silver colloids. Samples were excited with a He/Ne laser at 632.8 nm and SERS was detected by a CCD camera. The SERS spectrum of this product showed an intense peak at 1370 cm-1 and its intensity was used for assessment of cellular enzymes. The observed amount of enzyme was normalized to protein content in each well. The method was successfully used to detect prostaglandin H synthase-1 and -2 (PGHS-1 and -2) in normal human hepatocytes and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. The detection limit of these PGHS enzymes by this method was about 0.1 pg per well. An immunohistochemical staining was also used to detect the expression of both PGHS isozymes in these cells.

Raman microspectroscopy of intracellular cholesterol crystals in cultured bovine coronary artery endothelial cells.

Raman microspectroscopy is presented as a promising technique for the in situ characterization of intracellular cholesterol crystals. Crystal characterization is the first step in investigating the effects of various stimuli on their formation and in determining their role in the development of atherosclerosis. Treatment of cultured bovine coronary artery endothelial cells with 22-hydroxycholesterol (220HC) stimulated the production of intracellular crystals, a phenomenon that did not occur in the absence of viable cells. These crystals were identified as a combination of the 220HC starting material and cholesterol. The best fit to the average Raman spectrum of the microscopic crystals was achieved with a combination of 70% Raman contribution from 220HC and 30% from cholesterol. GC/MS analysis of the crystals confirmed the presence of both compounds. These results demonstrate the potential of Raman microspectroscopy as a powerful tool in lipid research, particularly for the in situ characterization of intracellular crystals.

Determination of 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid and 14,15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid by fluoroimmunoassay.

A fluoroimmunoassay (FIA) for 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-EET) and 14,15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-DHET), cytochrome P450 epoxygenase products of arachidonic acid, was developed using fluorescence polarization. 14-15-EET was hydrolyzed and analyzed as 14,15-DHET. 14,15-DHET was conjugated to thyroglobulin and a specific antibody was raised in rabbits. Both [3H8]14,15-DHET in radioimmunoassay or fluorescein-labeled 14,15-DHET (14, 15-DHET*) in FIA bound to this antibody and were competitively displaced by 14,15-DHET. The binding activity and cross-reactivity of 14,15-DHET antibody were also studied by RIA compared to FIA. The antibody cross-reacted < or = 1% with 11,12-DHET and 14,15-EET and < 0.1% with other regioisomeric DHETs and arachidonic acid metabolites. The detection limit of 14,15-DHET was 2 pg/0.6 ml by FIA. Using this method, we found that A23187 stimulated the production of 14,15-EET by endothelial cells by angiotensin II stimulated 14,15-EET release from zona glomerulosa cells. The production of 14,15-EET in these samples was confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. These studies demonstrate a sensitive and specific FIA for 14,15-EET and 14,15-DHET and that agonists stimulate the release of these eicosanoids in two cell types, bovine coronary artery endothelial cells and bovine zona glomerulosa cells.

Characterization of normal and malignant human hepatocytes by Raman microspectroscopy.

Raman microspectroscopy was used to characterize normal and malignant hepatocytes in both cultured cells and human liver tissues. Consistent spectral changes were observed, including intensity increases at 1040 and 1083 cm(-1) with malignancy. A loss of intensity at 1241 cm(-1) was also observed in cancer cells, but was obscured in tissues by the overlap of a 1253 cm(-1) band, thought to originate from heme proteins. Normal liver tissue also differed from both the malignant tumor and its accompanying cirrhotic tissue at 1182 cm(-1). These results demonstrate the potential usefulness of Raman spectroscopy in clinical diagnosis, and investigations into the source of the observed spectral changes will provide information on the underlying mechanisms of carcinogenesis.

Metabolism of several 14C-nonylphenol isomers by rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): in vivo and in vitro microsomal metabolites.

1. Gas chromatographic/mass spectroscopic analysis of a mixture of 14C-nonylphenols produced by alkylation of 14C-RUL-phenol with n-1-nonene indicated that the radio-synthesis produced three major isomers, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-nonane, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-nonane and 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-nonane. 2. Bile from rainbow trout exposed to a mixture of these isomers of 14C-nonylphenol was found to contain the glucuronic acid conjugates of three radiolabelled metabolites, which were more polar than their parent compounds. 3. Incubation of trout hepatic microsomes with NADPH and the 14C-nonylphenol isomers resulted in the production of three radiolabelled metabolites whose mobility on silica thin layer chromatography were similar to the deglucuronidated metabolites recovered from trout bile. 4. Metabolism of the 14C-nonylphenol isomers by trout hepatic microsomes was inhibited by omission of NADPH from the incubations as well as by addition of a P450 inhibitor, piperonyl butoxide to the incubations. 5. Analysis of the metabolites extracted from the microsomal incubations by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy indicated that the parent isomers had been hydroxylated in the C-8 position on the nonane chain to give 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-8-hydroxynonane, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-8-hydroxynonane and 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-8-hydroxynonane.

Infarct size-reducing effect of nicorandil is mediated by the KATP channel but not by its nitrate-like properties in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: We wished to determine whether the cardioprotective effect of nicorandil to reduce infarct size is blocked by glibenclamide, a selective KATP channel antagonist, or methylene blue, a nitric oxide (NO)/guanylate cyclase inhibitor, in dogs. The second aim was to determine if glyceryl trinitrate produces a cardioprotective effect in the same model and to test if this effect is blocked by methylene blue and not by glibenclamide. We also determined whether adenosine release from the ischemic-reperfused area is an accurate index of ischemic severity in the presence of these drugs. METHODS: Barbiturate-anesthetized dogs were subjected to 60 min of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion. In the first three groups, either nicorandil (100 micrograms/kg bolus + 10 micrograms/kg/min), glyceryl trinitrate (10 micrograms/kg bolus + 1 microgram/kg/min) or an equivalent volume of saline was given intravenously 15 min before LAD occlusion and continued to the time of reperfusion. In the next three groups, glibenclamide (0.3 mg/kg) was administered 15 min before drug infusion. In the final three groups, methylene blue (80 microM) was given intracoronarily 5 min before nicorandil or glyceryl trinitrate and continued until 15 min following reperfusion. Coronary venous blood samples were collected at various times during ischemia and following reperfusion and the concentration of adenosine measured. RESULTS: Nicorandil produced a marked reduction in infarct size expressed as a percent of the area at risk (NC group, 12.2 +/- 3.2% vs. Control group, 25.7 +/- 4.1%, P < 0.05) and this effect was completely abolished by pretreatment with glibenclamide. However, intracoronary administration of methylene blue did not block the cardioprotective effect of nicorandil. On the other hand, glyceryl trinitrate also produced a significant reduction in infarct size (GTN group, 13.0 +/- 3.1%) and this effect was reversed by methylene blue but not by glibenclamide. Adenosine concentrations in coronary venous blood were significantly reduced after reperfusion in the groups with small infarctions as compared with the Control group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that at equieffective cardioprotective doses the infarct size-reducing effect of nicorandil in dogs is mediated via opening of myocardial KATP channels and that the cardioprotective effect of glyceryl trinitrate is most likely to be mediated via activation of guanylate cyclase at a site yet to be determined.

Mass spectrometry provides warning of carbon monoxide exposure via trifluoromethane.

BACKGROUND: The chemical breakdown of isoflurane, enflurane, or desflurane in dried carbon dioxide absorbents may produce carbon monoxide. Some mass spectrometers can give false indications of enflurane during anesthetic breakdown. METHODS: During clinical anesthesia with isoflurane or desflurane, the presence of carbon monoxide in respiratory gas was confirmed when enflurane was inappropriately indicated by a clinical mass spectrometer that identified enflurane at mass to charge ratio = 69. In vitro, isoflurane, enflurane, or desflurane in oxygen was passed through dried carbon dioxide absorbents at 35, 45, and 55 degrees C. Gases were analyzed by gas chromatography and by mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Mass spectrometry identified several clinical incidents in which 30-410 ppm carbon monoxide was measured in respiratory gas. Trifluoromethane was produced during in vitro breakdown of isoflurane or desflurane. Although these inappropriately indicated quantities of "enflurane" correlated (r2 > 0.95) to carbon monoxide concentrations under a variety of conditions, this ratio varied with temperature, anesthetic agent, absorbent type, and water content. CONCLUSIONS: Trifluoromethane causes the inappropriate indication of enflurane by mass spectrometry, and indicates isoflurane and desflurane breakdown. Because the ratio of carbon monoxide to trifluoromethane varies with conditions, this technique cannot be used to quantitatively determine the amount of carbon monoxide to which a patient is exposed. If any warning of anesthetic breakdown results from this technique then remedial steps should be taken immediately to stop patient exposure to carbon monoxide. No warning can be provided for the breakdown of enflurane by this technique.

Simultaneous determination of adenosine, inosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine, and uric acid in microdialysis samples using microbore column high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector.

In the myocardial interstitial space, adenosine and its metabolites are important markers of ischemia, regulators of blood flow, and may produce cardioprotection against ischemia. A fast and sensitive method to assess the concentrations of adenosine and its metabolites is necessary to determine their involvement in mediating these effects. A method for the simultaneous determination of adenosine, inosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine, and uric acid in the interstitial fluid of the canine myocardium was developed using microdialysis, microbore column high-performance liquid chromatography, and a photo diode array detector (DAD). The microdialysis samples were injected directly onto a microbore C18 reverse-phase column without any prior sample preparation. Use of a DAD in this method provided many advantages. First, a DAD allowed the simultaneous detection of UV absorbance at multiple wavelengths, allowing the detection of each compound at their maximal UV absorbance. Further, the full UV absorption spectrum was recorded for each detected peak, confirming peak purity and identity. Using a microbore HPLC column and detection of UV absorbance at the maximal absorbance for each compound improve the sensitivity for all compounds. The detection limit of these compounds is 50 fmol (signal-to-noise ratio, S/N = 3). This method is useful in analyzing the temporal effect of a prolonged period of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion upon interstitial adenosine, inosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine, and uric acid concentrations in an in vivo canine model.

Nitro-L-arginine inteferes with the cadmium reduction of nitrate/griess reaction method of measuring nitric oxide production.

Nitro-L-arginine is used as an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase in many biological Systems. Nitric oxide (NO) is unstable and degrades to nitrite NO(2)- and nitrate NO(3)-. The colorimetric reaction of N0(2)- with Griess reagent is commonly used to measure NO(2)-. NO(3)- may be measured as NO(2)- following reduction by cadmium or cadmium/copper. We found that bradykinin increased the formation of NO(2)- by bovine coronary endothelial cells. Nitro-L-arginine further increased the formation of NO(2)-. This increase is due to the interference of nitro-L-arginine in determination of NO(3)- by the cadmium reduction to NO(2)- and Griess reagent reaction. Incubation of nitro-L-arginine with cadmium or cadmium/copper produced a product that reacts with Griess reagent to form a compound that has an absorption spectrum identical to the product formed by NO(2)- and Griess reagent. Caution must be exercised when using the NO(2)-/NO(3)- measurement by the Griess reaction to assess inhibition of nitric oxide synthase by nitro-L-arginine.

Simultaneous determination of nitrate and nitrite in biological samples by multichannel flow injection analysis.

An automated method for the simultaneous determination of nitrite and nitrate in biological samples by using a multichannel flow injection analyzer has been developed. The method was based on the reaction of nitrite with Greiss reagent. The sample solution was injected and equally divided into two channels; channel one (1) represented total nitrite obtained by cadmium reduction of nitrate to nitrite while channel two (2) represented only nitrite. The absorbance of the color product was measured by photometric detectors with 540-nm filters. This method combines high reproducibility of sample introduction via flow injection and sensitivity of spectrophotometric detection. The detection limit is 25 nM for both nitrite and nitrate. The chemistry manifolds are constructed of Teflon tubing which, along with a low-pressure Flowfit connector system, provides for low maintenance, ease of use, and high sample throughput. We demonstrated that the system can be used for the determination of both nitrate and nitrite in a variety of biological samples as well as a comparison of the results from this system and the HPLC system.