Validation and Determination of 25(OH) Vitamin D and 3-Epi25(OH)D3 in Breastmilk and Maternal- and Infant Plasma during Breastfeeding.

Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women and their offspring may result in unfavorable health outcomes for both mother and infant. A 25hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level of at least 75 nmol/L is recommended by the Endocrine Society. Validated, automated sample preparation and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods were used to determine the vitamin D metabolites status in mother-infant pairs. Detection of 3-Epi25(OH)D3 prevented overestimation of 25(OH)D3 and misclassification of vitamin D status. Sixty-three percent of maternal 25(OH)D plasma levels were less than the recommended level of 25(OH)D at 3 months. Additionally, breastmilk levels of 25(OH)D decreased from 60.1 nmol/L to 50.0 nmol/L between six weeks and three months (p < 0.01). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between mother and infant plasma levels (p < 0.01, r = 0.56) at 3 months. Accordingly, 31% of the infants were categorized as vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) compared to 25% if 3-Epi25(OH)D3 was not distinguished from 25(OH)D3. This study highlights the importance of accurate quantification of 25(OH)D. Monitoring vitamin D metabolites in infant, maternal plasma, and breastmilk may be needed to ensure adequate levels in both mother and infant in the first 6 months of infant life.

Kv7(KCNQ)-K+-Channels Influence Total Peripheral Resistance in Female but Not Male Rats, and Hamper Catecholamine Release in Hypertensive Rats of Both Sexes.

K+-channels of the Kv7/KCNQ-family hyperpolarize and stabilize excitable cells such as autonomic neurons and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Kv7 may therefore play a role in blood pressure (BP) homeostasis, and prevent a high total peripheral vascular resistance (TPR), a hallmark of hypertensive disease. The present study analyzed if Kv7 channels influence catecholamine release and TPR in normotensive (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and if they may contribute to the antihypertensive protection seen in young, female SHR. Tyramine-stimulated norepinephrine release evokes an adrenergic cardiovascular response, and also allows modulation of release to be reflected in the overflow to plasma. The experiment itself activated some secretion of epinephrine. The results show: (1) XE-991 (Kv7.1-7.4-inhibitor), but not chromanol 293B (Kv7.1-inhibitor), increased tyramine-stimulated norepinephrine overflow and epinephrine secretion in both sexes in SHR, but not WKY. (2) Surprisingly, the Kv7-openers retigabine (Kv7.2-7.5) and ICA-27243 (Kv7.2-7.3-preferring) increased catecholamine release in female SHR. (3) The rise in TPR following tyramine-stimulated norepinephrine release was increased by XE-991 but not chromanol in the female WKY only. (4) Retigabine and ICA-27243 reduced the TPR-response to tyramine in the female SHR only. These results suggested: (1) Up-regulation of Kv7.2-7.3 function in sympathetic neurons and chromaffin cells hampered catecholamine release in SHR of both sexes. (2) The increase catecholamine release observed after channel openers in the female SHR may possibly involve reduced transmission in cholinergic neurons which hamper catecholamine release. These two mechanisms may serve to counter-act the hyperadrenergic state in SHR. (3) Kv7.4, most likely in the vasculature, opposed the tension-response to norepinephrine in the female WKY. (4) Vascular Kv7.4-7.5 could be stimulated and then opposed norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction in the female SHR. (5) Vascular Kv7 channels did not counter-act norepinephrine induced vasoconstriction in male rats, possibly due to different Kv7 channel regulation. Kv7 channels may represent a novel target for antihypertensive therapy.

Targeted deletion of the aquaglyceroporin AQP9 is protective in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

More than 90% of the cases of Parkinson's disease have unknown etiology. Gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra is the main cause of morbidity in this disease. External factors such as environmental toxins are believed to play a role in the cell loss, although the cause of the selective vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons remains unknown. We have previously shown that aquaglyceroporin AQP9 is expressed in dopaminergic neurons and astrocytes of rodent brain. AQP9 is permeable to a broad spectrum of substrates including purines, pyrimidines, and lactate, in addition to water and glycerol. Here we test our hypothesis that AQP9 serves as an influx route for exogenous toxins and, hence, may contribute to the selective vulnerability of nigral dopaminergic (tyrosine hydroxylase-positive) neurons. Using Xenopus oocytes injected with Aqp9 cRNA, we show that AQP9 is permeable to the parkinsonogenic toxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). Stable expression of AQP9 in HEK cells increases their vulnerability to MPP+ and to arsenite-another parkinsonogenic toxin. Conversely, targeted deletion of Aqp9 in mice protects nigral dopaminergic neurons against MPP+ toxicity. A protective effect of Aqp9 deletion was demonstrated in organotypic slice cultures of mouse midbrain exposed to MPP+ in vitro and in mice subjected to intrastriatal injections of MPP+ in vivo. Seven days after intrastriatal MPP+ injections, the population of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells in substantia nigra is reduced by 48% in Aqp9 knockout mice compared with 67% in WT littermates. Our results show that AQP9 -selectively expressed in catecholaminergic neurons-is permeable to MPP+ and suggest that this aquaglyceroporin contributes to the selective vulnerability of nigral dopaminergic neurons by providing an entry route for parkinsonogenic toxins. To our knowledge this is the first evidence implicating a toxin permeable membrane channel in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease.

ß- and α2-Adrenoceptor Control of Vascular Tension and Catecholamine Release in Female Normotensive and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

As in humans, young, female, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) have a lower blood pressure than male SHR. In male, normotensive rats (WKY), α2- and ß1+2-adrenoceptors (AR) reciprocally controlled catecholamine release and vascular smooth muscle tension. This interaction was malfunctioning in male SHR. The present study analyzed if a favorable shift in the α2/ß1+2AR interaction may represent an antihypertensive protection in females. Female SHR (early hypertension, 12-14 weeks) and age-matched WKY were infused with tyramine (15 min) to stimulate norepinephrine (NE) release through the reuptake transporter, consequently preventing reuptake. Presynaptic control of vesicular release was therefore reflected as differences in overflow to plasma. The released NE increased total peripheral vascular resistance (TPR). The results showed that ß1>2AR facilitated tyramine-stimulated NE release in both strains, also in the presence of α2AR-antagonist (L-659,066). ßAR-antagonist (atenolol-ß1, ICI-118551-ß2, nadolol-ß1+2) had no effect on the increased secretion of epinephrine after L-659,066 in WKY, but ß1>2AR-antagonist augmented the L-659,066-induced increase in the secretion of epinephrine in SHR. Nadolol increased the TPR response to tyramine with a greater effect in WKY than SHR, whereas ß1or2-selective antagonists did not. One ßAR-subtype may therefore substitute for the other. When both ß1+2AR were blocked, α2AR-antagonist still reduced the TPR response in WKY but not SHR. Thus, α2/ß1+2AR reciprocally controlled catecholamine release, with a particular negative ß1AR-influence on α2AR-auto-inhibition of epinephrine secretion in SHR. Moreover, in these female rats, ß1/2AR-independent α2AR-mediated vasoconstriction was seen in WKY but not SHR, but ß1/2AR-mediated vasodilation downregulated adrenergic vasoconstriction, not only in WKY but also in SHR.

M-currents (Kv7.2-7.3/KCNQ2-KCNQ3) Are Responsible for Dysfunctional Autonomic Control in Hypertensive Rats.

Autonomic dysfunctions play important roles in hypertension, heart failure and arrhythmia, often with a detrimental and fatal effect. The present study analyzed if these dysfunctions involved M-channels (members of the Kv7/KNCQ family) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Cardiac output and heart rate (HR) were recorded by a flow probe on the ascending aorta in anesthetized SHR and normotensive rats (WKY), and blood pressure (BP) by a femoral artery catheter. Total peripheral vascular resistance (TPR) was calculated. XE-991 (Kv7.1-7.4-inhibitor) reduced resting HR in WKY but only after reserpine in SHR. XE-991 increased TPR and BP baseline in both strains. Retigabine (Kv7.2-7.5-opener) reduced HR, TPR and BP, also after reserpine. Depolarization induced by 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP), a voltage-sensitive K+ channel (Kv) inhibitor, activated release of both acetylcholine and norepinephrine, thus activating an initial, cholinergic bradycardia in SHR, followed by sustained, norepinephrine-dependant tachycardia in both strains. XE-991 augmented the initial 3,4-DAP-induced bradycardia and eliminated the late tachycardia in SHR, but not in WKY. The increased bradycardia was eliminated by hexamethonium and methoctramine (M2muscarinic receptor antagonist) but not reserpine. Retigabine eliminated the increased bradycardia observed in reserpinized SHR. XE-991 also increased 3,4-DAP-stimulated catecholamine release, but not after hexamethonium or reserpine. CONCLUSIONS: M-currents hampered parasympathetic ganglion excitation and, through that, vagal control of HR, in SHR but not WKY. M-currents also opposed catecholamine release in SHR but not in WKY. M-currents represented a vasodilatory component in resting TPR-control, with no strain-related difference detected. Excessive M-currents may represent the underlying cause of autonomic dysfunctions in hypertension.

α2-Adrenoreceptor Constraint of Catecholamine Release and Blood Pressure Is Enhanced in Female Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

UNLABELLED: α2-adrenoceptors (α2AR) lower central sympathetic output and peripheral catecholamine release, and may therefore prevent sympathetic hyperactivity and hypertension. The α2AR are dysfunctional in male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Premenopausal females are less hypertensive than males. The purpose of this study was to test if this difference could be explained by functional α2AR in the female SHR. A 15-min tyramine-infusion was used to stimulate norepinephrine release through the re-uptake transporter, consequently preventing re-uptake. Presynaptic control of vesicular release will therefore be reflected as differences in overflow to plasma. The surgical trauma activates secretion of epinephrine, also subjected to α2AR auto-inhibition. Blood pressure was monitored through a femoral artery catheter and cardiac output by ascending aorta flow in 12-14 weeks-old (early hypertension) SHR and normotensive rats (WKY). Total peripheral vascular resistance (TPR) was calculated. Female SHR, unlike male, were close to normotensive. Pre-treatment with none-selective (clonidine) or non-A-selective (ST-91) α2AR agonist reduced, and none-selective α2AR antagonist (L-659,066) increased tyramine-induced norepinephrine overflow in female WKY and SHR. L-659,066 also increased secretion of epinephrine. The L-659,066-induced increase in catecholamine release was further enhanced by additional pre-treatment with ST-91 or angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonist (losartan) in SHR only. L-659,066 eliminated the tyramine-induced rise in TPR in both strains in female rats. CONCLUSION: α2AR-mediated control of catecholamine release and vascular tension was therefore functional in female SHR, unlike that previously observed in male SHR. Functional α2AR is likely to have a protective function and may explain the lack of hypertension in the young female SHR.

Voltage-Sensitive K(+) Channels Inhibit Parasympathetic Ganglion Transmission and Vagal Control of Heart Rate in Hypertensive Rats.

Parasympathetic withdrawal plays an important role in the autonomic dysfunctions in hypertension. Since hyperpolarizing, voltage-sensitive K(+) channels (K V) hamper transmitter release, elevated K V-activity may explain the disturbed vagal control of heart rate (HR) in hypertension. Here, the K V inhibitor 3,4-diaminopyridine was used to demonstrate the impact of K V on autonomic HR control. Cardiac output and HR were recorded by a flow probe on the ascending aorta in anesthetized, normotensive (WKY), and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and blood pressure by a femoral artery catheter. 3,4-diaminopyridine induced an initial bradycardia, which was greater in SHR than in WKY, followed by sustained tachycardia in both strains. The initial bradycardia was eliminated by acetylcholine synthesis inhibitor (hemicholinium-3) and nicotinic receptor antagonist/ganglion blocker (hexamethonium), and reversed to tachycardia by muscarinic receptor (mAchR) antagonist (atropine). The latter was abolished by sympatho-inhibition (reserpine). Reserpine also eliminated the late, 3,4-diaminopyridine-induced tachycardia in WKY, but induced a sustained atropine-sensitive bradycardia in SHR. Inhibition of the parasympathetic component with hemicholinium-3, hexamethonium, or atropine enhanced the late tachycardia in SHR, whereas hexamethonium reduced the tachycardia in WKY. In conclusion, 3,4-diaminopyridine-induced acetylcholine release, and thus enhanced parasympathetic ganglion transmission, with subsequent mAchR activation and bradycardia. 3,4-diaminopyridine also activated tachycardia, initially by enhancing sympathetic ganglion transmission, subsequently by activation of norepinephrine release from sympathetic nerve terminals. The 3,4-diaminopyridine-induced parasympathetic activation was stronger and more sustained in SHR, demonstrating an enhanced inhibitory control of K V on parasympathetic ganglion transmission. This enhanced K V activity may explain the dysfunctional vagal HR control in SHR.

Altered ß1-3-adrenoceptor influence on α2-adrenoceptor-mediated control of catecholamine release and vascular tension in hypertensive rats.

UNLABELLED: α2- and ß-adrenoceptors (AR) reciprocally control catecholamine release and vascular tension. Disorders in these functions are present in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The present study tested if α2AR dysfunctions resulted from altered α2AR/ßAR interaction. Blood pressure (BP) was recorded through a femoral artery catheter and cardiac output by an ascending aorta flow probe. Total peripheral vascular resistance (TPR) was calculated. Norepinephrine release was stimulated by a 15-min tyramine-infusion, which allows presynaptic release-control to be reflected as differences in overflow to plasma. Surgical stress activated some secretion of epinephrine. L-659,066 (α2AR-antagonist) enhanced norepinephrine overflow in normotensive controls (WKY) but not SHR. Nadolol (ß1+2) and ICI-118551 (ß2), but not atenolol (ß1) or SR59230A [ß(3)/1L ] prevented this increase. All ßAR antagonists allowed L-659,066 to augment tyramine-induced norepinephrine overflow in SHR and epinephrine secretion in both strains. Inhibition of cAMP-degradation with milrinone and ß3AR agonist (BRL37344) enhanced the effect of L-659,066 on release of both catecholamines in SHR and epinephrine in WKY. ß1/2AR antagonists and BRL37344 opposed the L-659,066-dependent elimination of the TPR-response to tyramine in WKY. α2AR/ßAR antagonists had little influence on the TPR-response in SHR. Milrinone potentiated the L-659,066-dependent reduction of the TPR-response to tyramine. CONCLUSIONS: ß2AR activity was a required substrate for α2AR auto inhibition of norepinephrine release in WKY. ß1+2AR opposed α2AR inhibition of norepinephrine release in SHR and epinephrine secretion in both strains. ßAR-α2AR reciprocal control of vascular tension was absent in SHR. Selective agonist provoked ß3AR-Gi signaling and influenced the tyramine-induced TPR-response in WKY and catecholamine release in SHR.

ß1-Blockers Lower Norepinephrine Release by Inhibiting Presynaptic, Facilitating ß1-Adrenoceptors in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats.

Peripheral norepinephrine release is facilitated by presynaptic ß-adrenoceptors, believed to involve the ß2-subtype exclusively. However, ß1-selective blockers are the most commonly used ß-blockers in hypertension. Here the author tested the hypothesis that ß1AR may function as presynaptic, release-facilitating auto-receptors. Since ß1AR-blockers are injected during myocardial infarction, their influence on the cardiovascular response to acute norepinephrine release was also studied. By a newly established method, using tyramine-stimulated release through the norepinephrine transporter (NET), presynaptic control of catecholamine release was studied in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. ß1AR-selective antagonists (CGP20712A, atenolol, metoprolol) reduced norepinephrine overflow to plasma equally efficient as ß2AR-selective (ICI-118551) and ß1+2AR (nadolol) antagonists in both strains. Neither antagonist lowered epinephrine secretion. Atenolol, which does not cross the blood-brain barrier, reduced norepinephrine overflow after adrenalectomy (AdrX), AdrX + ganglion blockade, losartan, or nephrectomy. Atenolol and metoprolol reduced resting cardiac work load. During tyramine-stimulated norepinephrine release, they had little effect on work load, and increased the transient rise in total peripheral vascular resistance, particularly atenolol when combined with losartan. In conclusion, ß1AR, like ß2AR, stimulated norepinephrine but not epinephrine release, independent of adrenal catecholamines, ganglion transmission, or renal renin release/angiotensin AT1 receptor activation. ß1AR therefore functioned as a peripheral, presynaptic, facilitating auto-receptor. Like tyramine, hypoxia may induce NET-mediated release. Augmented tyramine-induced vasoconstriction, as observed after injection of ß1AR-blocker, particularly atenolol combined with losartan, may hamper organ perfusion, and may have clinical relevance in hypoxic conditions such as myocardial infarction.

ß3-adrenoceptors inhibit stimulated norepinephrine release in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Here, the influence of ß3-adrenoceptors on catecholamine release in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats was analyzed. Blood pressure was recorded through a femoral artery catheter, and cardiac output by ascending aorta flow. Time from onset of flow to maximum rise in flow indicated inotropy. Total peripheral vascular resistance (TPR) was calculated. Norepinephrine release was stimulated with tyramine, which allowed presynaptic release-control to be reflected as changes in the plasma norepinephrine concentration. ß3-adrenoceptor agonist (BRL37344) reduced baseline vascular resistance, the tyramine-stimulated norepinephrine overflow and the positive inotropic response to tyramine in hypertensive but not normotensive rats. ß3-adrenoceptor antagonist (SR59230A) reduced tyramine-stimulated norepinephrine release in both strains and the secretion of epinephrine in hypertensive rats. SR59230A reduced tyramine-induced tachycardia in normotensive rats, and prevented down-regulation of the tyramine-induced rise in resistance in hypertensive rats. It was concluded that the contradicting results obtained by agonist vs. antagonist, could be explained by their interaction with two different ß-adrenoceptors: The BRL37344-dependent inhibition of stimulated norepinephrine release and positive inotropic response to tyramine was compatible with stimulation of ß3-adrenoceptor coupling to inhibitory G-protein. This was observed only in hypertensive rats during stimulated, high levels of circulating catecholamines. The effect of BRL37344 on baseline vascular resistance was compatible with activation of ß3-adrenoceptor coupling to endothelial nitric oxide synthase. The inhibitory effect of SR59230A on tyramine-stimulated norepinephrine release in both strains, the increased TPR-response to tyramine in hypertensive rats and tachycardia in normotensive rats may result from inhibition of the low-affinity-state ß1-adrenoceptor, also known as the putative ß4-adrenoceptor.

Angiotensin AT1 - α2C-Adrenoceptor Interaction Disturbs α2A-auto-Inhibition of Catecholamine Release in Hypertensive Rats.

α2-Adrenoceptors lower central sympathetic output and peripheral catecholamine release, and thus may prevent sympathetic hyperactivity and hypertension. α2AR also influence vascular tension. These α2AR are malfunctioning in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Here I tested if an interaction between α2AR subtypes and the angiotensin AT1 receptor (AT1R) precipitated these disorders. Blood pressure was monitored through a femoral artery catheter and cardiac output by ascending aorta flow in anesthetized rats. Catecholamine concentrations were determined in plasma collected at the end of a 15-min tyramine-infusion. Tyramine stimulates norepinephrine release through the re-uptake transporter, thus preventing re-uptake. Presynaptic control of vesicular release is therefore reflected as differences in overflow to plasma. Previous experiments showed surgical stress to activate some secretion of epinephrine, also subjected to α2AR-auto-inhibition. Normotensive rats (WKY) and SHR were pre-treated with (1) vehicle or α2AR-antagonist (L-659,066), followed by fadolmidine (α2C>B>A + α1AR-agonist), ST-91 (α2non-A-selective agonist), or m-nitrobiphenyline (α2CAR-agonist + α2A+B-antagonist), or (2) AT1R-antagonist losartan, losartan + L-659,066, or losartan + clonidine. In WKY, L-659,066 alone, L-659,066 + agonist or losartan + L-659,066 increased catecholamine overflow to plasma after tyramine and eliminated the norepinephrine-induced rise in total peripheral vascular resistance (TPR). In SHR, L-659,066 + fadolmidine/ST-91/m-nitrobiphenyline and losartan + L-659,066 greatly increased, and losartan + clonidine reduced, catecholamine concentrations, and L-659,066 + ST-91, losartan + L-659,066 and losartan + clonidine eliminated the tyramine-induced rise in TPR. Separately, these drugs had no effect in SHR. In conclusion, peripheral α2CAR-stimulation or AT1R-inhibition restored failing α2AAR-mediated auto-inhibition of norepinephrine and epinephrine release and control of TPR in SHR.

Tyramine Reveals Failing α2-Adrenoceptor Control of Catecholamine Release and Total Peripheral Vascular Resistance in Hypertensive Rats.

α2-Adrenoceptor-activation lowers central sympathetic output, peripheral, vesicular norepinephrine release, epinephrine secretion, and modulates vascular tension. We previously demonstrated that α2-adrenoceptor-mediated inhibition of basal norepinephrine release was not reflected in plasma unless re-uptake through the norepinephrine transporter (NET) was blocked. Tyramine activates reverse norepinephrine transport through NET. Here we tested the hypothesis that tyramine, by engaging NET in release, also blocks re-uptake, and therefore allows manipulation of pre-junctional α2-adrenoceptors to directly regulate norepinephrine overflow to plasma. We compared in anesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and normotensive controls (WKYs), the effect of α2-adrenoreceptor antagonist (L-659,066) and/or agonist (clonidine) on norepinephrine overflow and increase in total peripheral vascular resistance (TPR) evoked by tyramine-infusion (1.26 µmol/min/kg, 15 min) and epinephrine secretion activated by the surgical stress. TPR was computed as blood pressure divided by cardiac output, recorded as ascending aortic flow. Plasma catecholamine concentrations after tyramine were higher in SHRs than WKYs. Pre-treatment with L-659,066 increased the catecholamine concentrations in WKYs, but only if combined with clonidine in SHRs. Clonidine alone reduced tyramine-induced norepinephrine overflow in SHRs, and epinephrine in both strains. Tyramine-induced increase in TPR was not different after clonidine, eliminated after L-659,066 and L-659,066 + clonidine in WKYs, but only after L-659,066 + clonidine in SHRs. We conclude that tyramine-infusion does allow presynaptic regulation of vesicular release to be accurately assessed by measuring differences in plasma norepinephrine concentration. Our results indicate that presynaptic α2-adrenoceptor regulation of norepinephrine release from nerve vesicles and epinephrine secretion is dysfunctional in SHRs, but can be restored by clonidine.

Plasma Norepinephrine in Hypertensive Rats Reflects α(2)-Adrenoceptor Release Control Only When Re-Uptake is Inhibited.

UNLABELLED: α(2)-adrenoceptors (AR) lower central sympathetic output and peripheral catecholamine release, thereby protecting against sympathetic hyperactivity and hypertension. Norepinephrine re-uptake-transporter effectively (NET) removes norepinephrine from the synapse. Overflow to plasma will therefore not reflect release. Here we tested if inhibition of re-uptake allowed presynaptic α(2)AR release control to be reflected as differences in norepinephrine overflow in anesthetized hypertensive spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive rats (WKY). We also tested if α(2)AR modulated the experiment-induced epinephrine secretion, and a phenylephrine-induced, α(1)-adrenergic vasoconstriction. Blood pressure was recorded through a femoral artery catheter, and cardiac output by ascending aorta flow. After pre-treatment with NET inhibitor (desipramine), and/or α(2)AR antagonist (yohimbine, L-659,066) or agonist (clonidine, ST-91), we injected phenylephrine. Arterial blood was sampled 15 min later. Plasma catecholamine concentrations were not influenced by phenylephrine, and therefore reflected effects of pre-treatment. Desipramine and α(2)AR antagonist separately had little effect on norepinephrine overflow. Combined, they increased norepinephrine overflow, particularly in SHR. Clonidine, but not ST-91, reduced, and pertussis toxin increased norepinephrine overflow in SHR and epinephrine secretion in both strains. L-659,066 + clonidine (central α(2)AR-stimulation) normalized the high blood pressure, heart rate, and vascular tension in SHR. α(2)AR antagonists reduced phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction equally in WKY and SHR. CONCLUSIONS: α(2A)AR inhibition increased norepinephrine overflow only when re-uptake was blocked, and then with particular efficacy in SHR, possibly due to their high sympathetic tone. α(2A)AR inhibited epinephrine secretion, particularly in SHR. α(2A)AR supported α(1)AR-induced vasoconstriction equally in the two strains. α(2)AR malfunctions were therefore not detected in SHR under this basal condition.

Simultaneous parasympathetic and sympathetic activation reveals altered autonomic control of heart rate, vascular tension, and epinephrine release in anesthetized hypertensive rats.

Sympathetic hyperactivity and parasympathetic insufficiency characterize blood pressure (BP) control in genetic hypertension. This shift is difficult to investigate in anesthetized rats. Here we present a pharmacological approach to simultaneously provoke sympathetic and parasympathetic transmitter release, and identify their respective roles in the concomitant cardiovascular response. To stimulate transmitter release in anesthetized normotensive (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), we injected intravenously 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a voltage-sensitive K(+) channel (K(V)) inhibitor. A femoral artery catheter monitored BP, an ascending aorta flow-probe recorded cardiac output and heart rate (HR). Total peripheral vascular resistance (TPVR) was calculated. 4-AP-induced an immediate, atropine (muscarinic antagonist)- and hexamethonium (ganglion blocker)-sensitive bradycardia in WKY, and in both strains, a subsequent, sustained tachycardia, and norepinephrine but not epinephrine release. Reserpine (sympatholytic), nadolol (ß-adrenoceptor antagonist) or right vagal nerve stimulation eliminated the late tachycardia, adrenalectomy, scopolamine (central muscarinic antagonist) or hexamethonium did not. 4-AP increased TPVR, transiently in WKY but sustained in SHR. Yohimbine (α(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist) prevented the TPVR down-regulation in WKY. Reserpine and prazosin (α(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist) eliminated the late vasoconstriction in SHR. Plasma epinephrine overflow increased in nadolol-treated SHR. Through inhibition of K(V), 4-AP activated parasympathetic ganglion transmission and peripheral, neuronal norepinephrine release. The sympathetic component dominated the 4-AP-HR-response in SHR. α(2)-adrenoceptor-dependent vasodilatation opposed norepinephrine-induced α(1)-adrenergic vasoconstriction in WKY, but not SHR. A ßAR-activated, probably vagal afferent mechanism, hampered epinephrine secretion in SHR. Thus, 4-AP activated the autonomic system and exposed mechanisms relevant to hypertensive disease.

Examination of intra and interrater reliability with a new ultrasonographic reference atlas for scoring of synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be scored semiquantitatively (0-3) for B-mode (BM) and power Doppler (PD) ultrasonography. The objective was to assess the reliability of BM and PD examinations with a novel ultrasonographic atlas as reference. METHODS: Representative ultrasound images (including scores 0-3) of BM and PD from 24 different joints were collected to develop an ultrasonographic atlas. Ten RA patients were assessed twice by five rheumatologists performing BM and PD scoring (0-3) of 16 joints bilaterally (metacarpophalangeal 1-5, wrist (radiocarpal, intercarpal, radioulnar), elbow, knee, talocrural and metatarsophalangeal 1-5), with the novel ultrasonographic atlas as a reference. RESULTS: The median (range) percentages of exact agreements for BM/PD assessments were 73.1 (70.3-80.6)/83.7 (76.7-87.6) and for close agreement 98.1 (96.2-99.7)/98.0 (96.8-98.4) with weighted κ values of median (range) 0.77 (0.70-0.83) for BM and 0.83 (0.73-0.86) for PD. The intrarater intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for BM/PD scores were 0.95 (0.93-0.99)/0.97 (0.95-0.99) and interrater ICC were 0.95 (0.86-0.99)/0.97 (0.94-1.00). Scoring of 32 joints was completed in median 15 min (range 12-20). CONCLUSION: With the use of an ultrasonographic atlas as reference high intra and interrater reliability was found for BM and PD scoring. This novel atlas may be a useful resource in clinical practice and research.

Role of beta1-3-adrenoceptors in blood pressure control at rest and during tyramine-induced norepinephrine release in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

beta-Adrenoceptors contribute to hypertension in spite of the fact that beta-adrenoceptor agonists lower blood pressure. We aimed to differentiate between these functions and to identify differences between spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats. beta-Adrenoceptor antagonists with different subtype selectivity or the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier were used to demonstrate beta-adrenoceptor involvement in resting blood pressure and the response to tyramine-induced peripheral norepinephrine release. The centrally acting propranolol (beta(1+2[+3])), CGP20712A (beta(1)), ICI-118551 (beta(2)), and SR59230A (beta(3)), as well as peripherally restricted nadolol (beta(1+2)) and atenolol (beta(1)), were administered intravenously, separately, or in combinations. Blood pressure, cardiac output, heart rate, total peripheral vascular resistance, and plasma catecholamine concentrations were evaluated. beta-Adrenoceptor antagonists had little effect on cardiovascular baselines in normotensive rats. In hypertensive rats, antagonist-induced hypotension paralleled reductions in resistance, except for atenolol, which reduced cardiac output. The resistance reduction involved primarily neuronal catecholamine, central beta(1)-adrenoceptors, and peripheral beta(2)-adrenoceptors. Tyramine induced a transient, prazosin-sensitive vascular resistance increase. Inhibition of nerve-activated, peripheral beta(1/3)-adrenoceptors enhanced this alpha(1)-adrenoceptor-dependent vasoconstriction in normotensive but not hypertensive rats. In hypertensive rats, return to baseline was eliminated after inhibition of the central beta(1)-adrenoceptor, epinephrine release (acute adrenalectomy), and peripheral beta(2/3)-adrenoceptors. Adrenalectomy eliminated beta-adrenoceptor-mediated vasodilation in hypertensive rats, and tyramine induced a prazosin-sensitive vasoconstriction, which was inhibited by combined blockade of central beta(1)- and peripheral beta(2)-adrenoceptors. In conclusion, nerve-activated beta(1)- and beta(3)-adrenoceptor-mediated vasodilation was not present in hypertensive rats, whereas epinephrine-activated beta(2)- and beta(3)-adrenoceptor-mediated vasodilation was upregulated. There was also a hypertensive, nerve-activated vasoconstrictory mechanism present in hypertensive rats, involving central beta(1)- and peripheral beta(2)-adrenoceptors combined.

Increased cAMP signaling can ameliorate the hypertensive condition in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Augmented adrenergic control of total peripheral vascular resistance (TPVR) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) may result from deficiencies in the vasodilatory system(s). Here, we studied the effect of cyclic AMP (cAMP) on TPVR-baseline and adrenergic vasoconstriction in SHR and normotensive controls (WKY). METHODS: Blood pressure and cardiac output were monitored in anesthetized rats, and TPVR calculated. RESULTS: cAMP-analogue (8CPT-cAMP) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3 inhibitor (milrinone) reduced TPVR in both strains. G(i) inactivator (pertussis toxin) lowered TPVR but not in all SHR. DeltaTPVR induced by alpha(1)-adrenoceptor agonist (phenylephrine) was reduced by 8CPT-cAMP and milrinone in both strains. They also clearly reduced the response to endogenous noradrenaline release (tyramine) in SHR but had little effect in WKY. When pertussis toxin reduced baseline, it also eliminated the tyramine TPVR response. Propranolol did not change the effect of milrinone on the phenylephrine or tyramine response. Strain-related differences in aorta, femoral arteries or skeletal muscle PDE activity (total/PDE3/PDE4) were absent. CONCLUSIONS: cAMP signaling down-stream of cAMP was functional in SHR, and opposed alpha(1)-adrenoceptor vasoconstriction in both strains. G(i) activity greatly influenced the TPVR baseline and adrenergic TPVR responses, and its activity appeared increased in SHR. Therapeutics aiming to increase signaling through this pathway may turn out to be valuable in the treatment of hypertension.

Increased counteracting effect of eNOS and nNOS on an alpha1-adrenergic rise in total peripheral vascular resistance in spontaneous hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVE: The hypertension in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) may result from a hyperactive sympathetic nervous system or from insufficient bioactive nitric oxide (NO) due to increased oxidative stress. The present investigation aimed to elucidate the balance between these two systems by studying the ability of NO to oppose an adrenergic rise in total peripheral vascular resistance (TPVR). METHODS: In anesthetized, open-chest SHR and normotensive controls (WKY) on a respirator, blood pressure was recorded in the femoral artery and cardiac output measured by ascending aorta flow. Tyramine infusion (15 min, intravenously) was used to stimulate neuronal noradrenaline release. RESULTS: Tyramine induced an immediate but transient increase in TPVR, which was 4.5 times greater in SHR. After the non-selective NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor (L-NAME: N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester), DeltaTPVRimm was 8.6 and 5.3 times increased in SHR and WKY, respectively, and TPVR remained elevated throughout the infusion period. Addition of alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist (prazosin+L-NAME) abolished the TPVR response to tyramine. Neuronal NOS inhibitor (7-introindazole) increased DeltaTPVRimm only in SHR (2.1 times), and TPVR remained elevated. Inducible NOS inhibitor (1400W), free radical scavenger (tempol), NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor (apocynin), angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonist (losartan), and ganglion blocker (hexamethonium) had no effect on the tyramine TPVR response in either strain. DeltaTPVR to hexamethonium, prazosin, and L-NAME were greater in SHR than WKY, and hexamethonium reduced DeltaTPVR to L-NAME in SHR only. CONCLUSIONS: The alpha1-adrenoceptor TPVR response to endogenous noradrenaline release was increased in SHR. This was not due to reduced bioavailable NO; on the contrary, NO counteraction was greatly increased, derived from endothelial NOS, with an additional role of neuronal NOS not seen in WKY. An influence of oxidative stress on these responses was not detected in either strain. In addition, a central eNOS sympathoinhibitory component appeared to influence baseline TPVR in SHR.

The vascular response to the K+ channel inhibitor 4-aminopyridine in hypertensive rats.

The K+ channel inhibitor 4-aminopyridine induced an immediate increase in blood pressure and tension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Further analysis strongly suggested this to be due to closure of vascular smooth muscle K+ channels, as previously concluded for normotensive rats (WKY). The tension response was greater in SHR than WKY, suggesting an increased channel activity in order to compensate for the high total peripheral vascular resistance in SHR. The response was enhanced after nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor in both strains, probably reflecting increased channel activity after elimination of the NO-cGMP pathway. The response in SHR but not WKY was increased after alpha(1)-adrenoceptor inhibition and adrenalectomy but not sympathetic nerve transmitter depletion. It increased also after angiotensin AT(1) and endothelin ET(A) receptor antagonists and protein kinase C inhibitor. These results indicated an increased adrenal catecholamine, angiotensin AT(1) and endothelin ET(A) activation of the phospholipase C-protein kinase C pathway in SHR, inhibiting the 4-aminopyridine-sensitive K+ channels.

Analysis of the pressor response to the K+ channel inhibitor 4-aminopyridine.

The cardiovascular response to the K(+) channel inhibitor 4-aminopyridine in anaesthetized rats was analysed. 4-Aminopyridine produced a biphasic pressor response. First, it increased blood pressure, total peripheral vascular resistance, cardiac output and stroke volume. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor augmented the tension response; reserpine, phentolamine, propranolol, scopolamine, atropine, adrenalectomy, indomethacin, angiotensin AT(1) and endothelin ET(A) receptor antagonists had no effect. Subsequently, heart rate increased, but total peripheral vascular resistance was no longer elevated. Reserpine and propranolol abolished the tachycardia. An elevated late tension occurred after propranolol and NOS inhibitor but not reserpine or phentolamine+NOS inhibitor. The peripherally acting 3,4-diaminopyridine produced similar responses. 4-Aminopyridine contracted isolated aortic rings also after denudation. These results are compatible with that the immediate tension response resulted from closure of vascular smooth muscle K(+) channels, and that closure of presynaptic K(+) channels in peripheral sympathetic nerves subsequently activated noradrenaline release, beta-adrenoceptors and tachycardia, while nitric oxide counter-acted a concomitant alpha-adrenergic vasoconstriction.