bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of insulin-induced hypogiycaemia on the secretion of glucagon and hepatic glucose production in pancreatectomized dogs
Authors: Lussier B. , Hetenyi Jr G.
Published: April 2011

The concentration of plasma glucose in insulin deprived pancreatectomized dogs was decreased from the basal 385 ± 44 to 65 ± 12 mg/dL by the infusion of 7 mU∙kg−1∙min−1 insulin. During the infusion, the plasma concentration of immunoreactive glucagon (IRG) did not change and hepatic glucose production was decreased. This is in contrast to earlier findings in alloxan diabetic dogs in which plasma IRG decreased in hypoglycaemia. The hypothesis is put forward that, in contrast to pancreatic alpha cells in which the effect of insulin prevails, neither insulin nor a decrease in the ambient concentration of glucose exerts any effect on the secretion of glucagon from extrapancreatic alpha cells.
The role of α-adrenergic receptors in carbon monoxide hypoxia
Authors: Villeneuve S. M. , Chapler C. K. , King C. E. , Cain S. M.
Published: April 2011

The importance of α-adrenergic receptors in the cardiac output and peripheral circulatory responses to carbon monoxide (CO) hypoxia was studied in anesthetized dogs. Phenoxybenzamine (3 mg/kg i.v.) was injected to block α-receptor activity and the data obtained were then compared with those from a previous study of CO hypoxia in unblocked animals. Values for cardiac output, hindlimb blood flow, vascular resistance, and oxygen uptake were obtained prior to and at 30 and 60 min of CO hypoxia which reduced arterial oxygen content by approximately 50%. α-Adrenergic blockade resulted in a lower (p < 0.05) control value for cardiac output than observed in unblocked animals, but no differences were present between the two groups at 30 or 60 min of CO hypoxia. Similarly, limb blood flow was lower (p < 0.05) during the control period in the α-blocked group but rose to the same level as that in the unblocked animals at 60 min of COH. No change in limb blood flow occurred during CO hypoxia in the unblocked group. These findings demonstrated that during CO hypoxia (i) α-receptor mediated venoconstriction does not contribute to the cardiac output response and (ii) α-receptor mediated vasoconstriction probably does prevent a rise in hindlimb skeletal muscle blood flow.
Effect of temperature on atrial and ventricular adenosine A1 receptors of the guinea pig
Authors: Leung Edward , Woodcock Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2011

Cardiac adenosine receptors are coupled to adenylate cyclase inhibition. In the guinea pig heart, the relative agonist potencies observed for adenylate cyclase inhibition were R-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA) = N6-cyclohexyladenosine > 5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine [Formula: see text]S-PIA. In both atrial and ventricular membranes, the antagonists 8-phenyltheophylline (8-PT) and isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) also showed similar affinities for atrial and ventricular adenosine receptors. The same pattern of relative agonist potencies was observed in experiments performed at either 25 or 37 °C. However, the maximal inhibition produced by R-PIA in atrial membranes decreased from 30.8 ± 3.2% (n = 7) at 25 °C to 18.8 ± 1.6% (n = 4) at 37 °C. No such difference in maximal inhibition was observed with ventricular membranes at these two temperatures (34.5 ± 1.6%, n = 6 at 25 °C and 35.3 ± 0.9%, n = 11 at37 °C). While there was no change in agonist potencies, the affinities of the antagonists 8-PT and IBMX at cardiac adenosine A1 receptors were affected by temperature. At 25 °C, the pKD values for 8-PT and IBMX in ventricular membranes were 4.65 ± 0.21 (n = 3) and 4.55 ± 0.20 (n = 3), respectively. Their affinities were 7-to 19-fold higher at 37 °C, the pKD values being 5.93 ± 0.12 (n = 7) (p < 0.02) and 5.38 ± 0.18 (n = 3) (p < 0.05), respectively. Over the same temperature range, the affinity of the muscarinic antagonist atropine was increased only by two-fold. These results suggest that (i) atrial and ventricular adenosine receptors are similar, (ii) atrial and ventricular adenylate cyclases are different in terms of temperature effects, and (iii) antagonist affinities at cardiac A1 receptors are critically dependent on temperature.
Effects of mercury compounds on the spontaneous and potassium-evoked release of [3H]dopamine from mouse striatal slices
Authors: McKay S. J. , Reynolds J. N. , Racz W. J.
Published: April 2011

The effects of mercury compounds on the spontaneous and potassium-evoked release of [3H]dopamine from mouse striatal slices have been examined. All mercury compounds examined produced concentration-dependent increases in the spontaneous release of [3H]dopamine, with an order of potency of methylmercury > mercuric (Hg2+) mercury >p-choloromercuribenzene sulfonic acid. Methylmercury had no effect on the 25 mM potassium evoked release of [3H]dopamine in the presence of 1.3 mM calcium. However, in calcium-free conditions, methylmercury significantly increased the potassium-evoked release of [3H]dopamine. Mercuric mercury significantly reduced the 25 mM potassium evoked release of [3H]dopamine in the presence of 1.3 mM calcium, and this response was not reversible with brief washing of the tissue. In calcium-free conditions, mercuric mercury significantly elevated the evoked release of [3H]dopamine, similar to the result obtained with methylmercury. It is suggested that mercury compounds alter dopaminergic synaptic function, possibly by disrupting calcium homeostasis or calcium-dependent processes, and that methylmercury and mercuric mercury can have differential effects to alter dopaminergic neurotransmission.
Characteristics of body temperature, vasopressin, and oxytocin responses to endotoxin in the rat
Authors: Kasting N. W.
Published: April 2011

Several physiological variables were measured after endotoxin administration in the rat to examine the relationship between these variables. Rats responded to endotoxin with a biphasic body temperature response, an initial decrease and a subsequent increase in body temperature. Plasma vasopressin and oxytocin levels increased markedly after endotoxin administration. Diarrhea occurred in some animals. There was a strong negative correlation between increase in body temperature and base-line body temperature, and weak correlations between body weight and plasma vasopressin release and between base-line body temperature and minimum body temperature reached. Plasma vasopressin and oxytocin levels were correlated if samples from all time points were analyzed together, whereas they were not correlated if data from each time point were analyzed separately or if total peptide release for each rat was evaluated. These data suggest similar regulation for the release of vasopressin and oxytocin, that is, release by a common stimulus, but the magnitude of release of vasopressin and oxytocin appears to be independent, probably reflecting differences in synthesis and storage of these two peptides.
Effects of organic solutes on the Raman spectra of barnacle muscle fibers
Authors: Caillé Jean-Pierre , Pigeon-Gosselin Marie , Pézolet Michel
Published: April 2011

The Raman spectra observed from barnacle muscle fibers are quite complex because the cytoplasm of these cells contains several proteins and solutes. An extraction procedure was used to separate organic solutes from the contractile proteins. Glycine, trimethylamine oxide, taurine, and alanine were found to contribute to the Raman spectra of barnacle muscle fibers, while spectra of lobster fibers reveal the presence of betaine in addition. We have observed that the increase in osmolarity of the intracellular fluid caused by the augmentation of the salinity of sea water (density, 1.023–1.030) in which the barnacles were kept, induces a reduction of intensity of the amide I band. To distinguish among the different parameters which are modified by the sea water salinity, observations were made on glycerinated barnacle muscle fibers. The reduction of intensity of the amide I band in the Raman spectra of glycerinated muscle fibers was also observed with the addition of taurine (0.08 M) in the external relaxing solution. Therefore, under these experimental conditions, the Raman scattering intensity in the amide I region assigned to the α-helix conformation (1645–1650 cm−1) is increased when the concentration of organic electrolytes is reduced. However, as no significant decrease of the scattering intensity in the 1660–1670 cm−1 region where the amide I bands of either β-sheet or disordered conformations normally appear was observed, the increase of intensity of the amide I band centered at 1645 cm−1 is assigned to a change of orientation of α-helical segments of the myosin molecules. Our results suggest that organic solutes influence the position of the S-2 segments relative to the thick filaments.
Gastrointestinal plasma leakage in endotoxic shock. Inhibition by prostaglandin E2 and by a platelet-activating factor antagonist
Authors: Wallace John L. , Steel Graham , Whittle Brendan J. R.
Published: April 2011

The effects of pretreatment with prostaglandin E2 or the platelet-activating factor antagonist, CV-3988, on endotoxin-induced gastric damage, gastrointestinal plasma protein leakage, and systemic hypotension were examined in the rat. Endotoxic shock was induced by intravenous administration of lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli and was characterized by prolonged hypotension, gastrointestinal hyperemia and hemorrhage, and marked leakage of radiolabeled albumin into the interstitium and lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. Prostaglandin E2 (25–100 μg/kg i.v.) dose-dependently inhibited the hypotension and gastric damage induced by endotoxin. At the dose tested, CV-3988 (10 mg/kg i.v.) also significantly reduced endotoxin-induced hypotension and gastric damage. Both prostaglandin E2 (50 μg/kg) and CV-3988 reduced endotoxin-induced plasma protein leakage into the interstitium and lumen of the gastrointestinal tract, although there were differences in terms of the regions most affected by the two compounds. The results of the present study suggest that prostaglandin E2 and CV-3988 may have acted via a similar mechanism, possibly involving inhibition of a mediatory role of platelet-activating factor in endotoxic shock.
Does thromboxane mediate the indirect contractile action of leukotriene D4 in guinea-pig isolated lung parenchyma under equilibrium conditions?
Authors: Giembycz Mark A. , Rodger Ian W.
Published: April 2011

The role that thromboxane A2 plays in contractions induced by leukotriene D4 in guinea-pig isolated lung parenchyma was investigated under equilibrium conditions. Lung tissue generated thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin spontaneously as evidenced by the slow accumulation of their biologically inactive metabolites, thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α, in the bathing buffer. Challenge of guinea-pig lung parenchyma with a high concentration (EC90 for tension generation) of leukotriene D4 (200 nM) produced a biphasic contraction of the tissue that consisted of an initial rapid increase in isometric tension followed by a slowly developing, well-sustained contracture. In addition, leukotriene D4 (200 nM) effected a transient increase (over basal) in the generation of thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin that lagged significantly behind the tension response. Kinetic analysis of the mechanical and eicosanoid-generating effect of leukotriene D4 revealed that tension development could be suitably fitted to a biexponential function, whilst the release of both eicosanoids from the lung occurred monoexponentially. Pretreatment of the lung with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, flurbiprofen, which effectively abolished both the spontaneous and the leukotriene D4-stimulated eicosanoid biosynthesis, significantly reduced both the first order rate coefficient of the first exponent and the maximum amplitude of this function with respect to control. This change in the kinetics describing leukotriene D4-induced contractions was explained by the fact that the initial rate of tension development was markedly reduced following pretreatment of the lung with flurbiprofen. Neither the inhibitor of thromboxane synthetase, dazmegrel, which selectively inhibited (by 95%) leukotriene D4-stimulated thromboxane A2 formation, nor blockade of 11α,9α-epoxymethano-prostaglandin H2 (U-46619)-sensitive (thromboxane A2) receptors with either AH 23848 or EP 092 affected the profile of leukotriene D4-induced tension development in guinea-pig lung. It is concluded that a high concentration of leukotriene D4 (200 nM) contracts guinea-pig lung by both a direct and indirect mechanism. Initially, a rapid short-lived contraction of the lung is manifest which is dependent, in part, upon the synthesis and release of cyclooxygenase product(s) other than thromboxane A2. This initial response occurs coincidently with, and is subsequently followed by, the development of a tonic well-sustained contracture that is the result of a direct action of leukotriene D4 on the contractile cells that comprise the lung.
The effect of dipyridamole on the initiation phase of postischemic acute renal failure in rats
Authors: Lin Jen-Jar , Churchill Paul C. , Bidani Anil K.
Published: April 2011

Several previous observations support the hypothesis that increased adenosine production and release mediate, at least in part, the reductions in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate in ischemic acute renal failure (ARF). If this hypothesis is correct, dipyridamole should potentiate these changes, since it blocks cellular adenosine uptake, thereby increasing the concentration and potentiating the effects of extracellular adenosine. Moreover, theophylline should block the effects of dipyridamole, since it is an adenosine receptor antagonist. These predictions were tested in three groups of anesthetized rats. All rats were subjected to 30 min of left renal artery occlusion; 30 min after relieving the occlusion, a 45-min clearance period was begun. The control group was given saline i.v.; the two experimental groups received either dipyridamole (24 μg∙min−1∙kg−1) or dipyridamole plus theophylline i.v. (111 μmol/kg as a prime, 1.1 μmol∙min−1∙kg−1 as an infusion). In the control group, the previously ischemic left kidneys exhibited decreased clearances of para-aminohippurate and inulin (CPAH and CIn), filtration fraction (FF), and urine/plasma inulin concentration (U/PIn), and increased urine flow (V), Na excretion (UNaV), and fractional Na excretion (FENa) in comparison with the contralateral right kidney. Dipyridamole pretreatment did not affect the right kidney, but it intensified the reductions in left kidney CPAH, CIn, and FF. Theophylline blocked all these effects of dipyridamole on the left kidney, and increased renal plasma flow (CPAH/PAH extraction), despite a decrease in systemic arterial blood pressure. These results are further support for the hypothesis that adenosine mediates, at least in part, the hemodynamic changes in postischemic ARF in rats.
Criteria for determination of lipid peroxidation in tissues: estimation in liver of mice intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride
Authors: Kim Ryungsoon Song , LaBella Frank S.
Published: April 2011

The profiles of lipid peroxidation products in liver homogenates or microsomal membranes prepared from CCl4-intoxicated mice were determined by several commonly employed methods. The level of conjugated dienes peaked within 30 min and then decreased, suggesting the transitory nature of lipid peroxides in vivo. Values for thiobarbituric acid positive material peaked 30 min after CCl4 treatment, diminished thereafter for a time, and gradually rose to a new maximum at 24 h; the first peak appears to represent lipid peroxides and the second represents further degradation products including malondialdehyde. Fluorescence intensity (excitation, 360 nm; emission, 430 nm) was closely correlated with the second peak. Our findings support the involvement of lipid peroxidation in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in mice and emphasize the necessity for several analytical indices of lipid peroxidation performed at different time intervals.
Contribution of adenosine to changes in coronary flow in metabolically stimulated rat heart
Authors: Headrick John , Willis Roger J.
Published: April 2011

The extent to which endogenous, extracellular adenosine mediates increased coronary flow in crystalloid-perfused, isovolumic rat hearts stimulated with either norepinephrine or isoproterenol was examined. When infused into the coronary circulation, norepinephrine (1 × 10−7 M) rapidly increased left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) from 81 ± 6 to 235 ± 13 mmHg (1 mmHg = 133.3 Pa) and coronary flow from 12.7 ± 0.8 to 18.4 ± 0.7 mL∙mn−1∙g−1. The presence of either adenosine deaminase (2 U∙mL−1) or the adenosine receptor antagonist, 8-phenyltheophylline (5 × 10−6 M) in the perfusate of norepinephrine-stimulated hearts augmented the increase in LVDP and ±dP/dtmax by 10–20% but reduced the increase in coronary flow by 34%. Doubling the rate of adenosine deaminase infusion, or infusing the enzyme and 8-phenyltheophylline together did not alter their inhibitory effectiveness. Similar results were observed with hearts stimulated with isoproterenol (5 × 10−8 M). These data show that about a third of the vasodilation that results from the metabolic stimulation of rat heart by catecholamines is due to the receptor-mediated action of extracellular adenosine.
Insulin and the resting potential of hypoxic substrate-deprived myocardium
Authors: Ruiz-Ceretti Elena , DeLorenzi Fabien , Lafond Josée S. , Chartier Denis
Published: April 2011

Insulin stimulates ionic transport by the sodium pump and induces hyperpolarization in skeletal and cardiac muscle among other cells. The insulin-induced hyperpolarization in most cases can be inhibited by exposure to cardiac glycosides or metabolic inhibition. However, extracellular accumulation of K ions leaking from hypoxic cells in superfused preparations may distort the effects of insulin on the resting potential. We used standard microelectrode techniques and perfused rabbit hearts submitted to hypoxia and substrate deprivation to reinvestigate the effects of insulin (6.4 nM) on the membrane potential. The membrane depolarized by about 6 mV and the action potential was reduced to a sharp spike without overshoot. Insulin restored the resting potential to control values but did not change the action potential configuration substantially. The insulin-induced repolarization was not due to reuptake of potassium as revealed by spectrophotometric determinations of myocardial K content. In addition, the diffusion component of the resting potential measured after inhibition of the sodium pump with 10−4 M ouabain was not modified by insulin. Our results suggest that an increase in the contribution of electrogenic Na extrusion to the resting potential underlies the repolarizing effect of insulin of hypoxic substrate-deprived myocardium.
Pharmacological elevation of cyclic AMP and transmitter release at the mouse neuromuscular junction
Authors: Dryden W. F. , Singh Y. N. , Gordon T. , Lazarenko G.
Published: April 2011

Intracellular recordings of spontaneous and evoked end-plate potentials have been made at the neuromuscular junction of mouse hemidiaphragms to determine a possible role of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the release of acetylcholine from presynaptic terminals. Spontaneous release, as determined from the frequency of miniature end-plate potentials, was increased by drugs that inhibit phosphodiesterase: isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), SQ 20,009, theophylline, and caffeine; drugs that stimulate adenylate cyclase: forskolin, fluoride, and cholera toxin, and the stable analogue of cAMP: 8-bromo-cAMP but not dibutyryl cAMP. Release increased with time during maintained exposure to the drugs and generally followed a simple exponential time course with time constants ranging from 8 to 17 min at 20 °C, except for SQ 20,009 and cholera toxin which required longer exposure times for effect. The order of potency of the phosphodiesterase inhibitors was IBMX = SQ 20,009 > theophylline = caffeine. This is consistent with an effect mediated by an increase in cAMP concentrations within the nerve terminal. Evoked release, determined from the quantal content of the end-plate potential, was increased to a lesser extent than spontaneous release. The results are discussed with reference to the possible involvement of second messengers in the release of vesicles from nerve terminals in vertebrate synapses.
Observations on the hypoxic depression of sympathetic discharge in sinoaortic-denervated cats
Authors: Rohlicek Charles V. , Polosa Canio
Published: April 2011

The effect of graded isocapnic hypoxia on the mass activity of the cervical sympathetic trunk and of the phrenic nerve was studied in sinoaortic-denervated, pentobarbital-anaesthetized cats. Under control conditions (normoxia, normocapnia) sympathetic discharge showed (i) a burst of action potentials synchronous with the phrenic nerve burst, which was selectively abolished by procedures suppressing inspiratory neuron activity (inspiration synchronous sympathetic activity, ISSA); and (ii) a lower level of sympathetic activity during expiration (tonic sympathetic activity, TSA). The effects of graded hypoxia on these two components of the sympathetic discharge were different. ISSA showed depression only, which began at inspired [Formula: see text] (Pinsp O2)of 58 ± 10 (mean ± SEM) mmHg (1 mmHg = 133.3 Pa), became progressively more marked as Pinsp O2 decreased further, and was paralleled by depression of phrenic nerve activity. Both ISSA and phrenic nerve activity were suppressed at Pinsp O2 of 46 ± 9 mmHg. TSA increased progressively with the lowering of Pinsp O2, beginning at a Pinsp O2 significantly lower than that at which ISSA depression began (50 ± 13 mmHg, p < 0.01). In the range of Pinsp O2 values intermediate between the thresholds for ISSA depression and for TSA increase, some animals showed a depression of TSA that reversed to an increase as Pinsp O2 decreased further. During brief (duration 1.5 ± 0.2 min) episodes of cerebral ischemia produced by occlusion of the brachiocephalic and left subclavian artery, the two components of sympathetic discharge showed responses similar to those observed in hypoxia, namely depression of ISSA as well as depression and enhancement of TSA. These findings show that CNS hypoxia influences sympathetic activity by several mechanisms and that all components of the response to systemic hypoxia can be generated supraspinally. The hypoxic depression of ISSA is presumably due to withdrawal of facilitatory input to sympathetic preganglionic neurons from brainstem inspiratory neurons.
Computational studies of the extraction of visual spatial information from binocular and motion cues
Authors: Hildreth Ellen C.
Published: April 2011

This paper reviews some of the contributions that work in computational vision has made to the study of biological vision systems. We concentrate on two areas where there has been strong interaction between computational and experimental studies: the use of binocular stereo to recover the distances to surfaces in space, and the recovery of the three-dimensional shape of objects from relative motion in the image. With regard to stereo, we consider models proposed for solving the stereo correspondence problem, focussing on the way in which physical properties of the world constrain possible methods of solution. We also show how critical observations regarding human stereo vision have helped to shape these models. With regard to the recovery of structure from motion, we focus on how the constraint of object rigidity has been used in computational models of this process.
Representation of three-dimensional visual space in the cerebral cortex
Authors: Maunsell John H. R.
Published: April 2011

This article reviews two issues relevant to the topic of how three-dimensional space is represented in the cerebral cortex. The first is the question of how individual neurons encode information that might contribute to stereoscopic estimation of visual depth. Particular attention is given to the current understanding of the neural representation of motion through three-dimensional space and to the complexities that arise in interpreting neuronal responses to this complex stimulus parameter. The second issue considered is the disorderliness that exists in the retinotopic mapping of the visual field in some cortical visual areas. Several extrastriate areas have been found to contain maps of the contralateral visual hemifield that are disorderly in the sense that the representation of various parts of the visual field are often misplaced or grossly over-or under-represented. It is suggested that this disorderliness may in some cases represent adaptations to facilitate certain types of visual functions.
Spatial coding of visually guided arm movements in primate motor cortex
Authors: Georgopoulos Apostolos P.
Published: April 2011

Previous studies of the motor cortex in behaving animals were focused on the relations between the activity of single cells, usually pyramidal tract neurons, and parameters of isometric contraction (e.g., intensity of force) or parameters of movement along one axis (e.g., flexion–extension) of a single joint (e.g., elbow or wrist). However, the commonly meaningful behavioral parameter is the trajectory of the hand in extrapersonal space, which is realized by simultaneous motions about two or three joints (e.g., elbow, shoulder, wrist) and concurrent engagement of several muscles. The spatial parameters of a straight trajectory are its direction and extent. We hypothesized that a major function of the motor cortex, among other possible roles, is the specification and control of the direction of the movement trajectory in space. This reference of motor cortical function to the control of spatial aspects of the trajectory differentiated our approach from the other approaches outlined above. We investigated the directional selectivity cells in the arm area of the motor cortex by recording their activity while monkeys moved their hands in various directions in space towards visual targets. There were two salient findings of these studies. First, the intensity of the discharge of single cells varies in an orderly fashion with the direction of movement in space, so that the discharge rate is highest with movements in a preferred direction, and decreases progressively with movements made in directions more and more away from the preferred one. Thus single cells are broadly tuned around a preferred direction which differs among different cells. The second finding of our studies is a code by which this neuronal population can represent uniquely the direction of the trajectory in space. The outcome of this population code can be visualized as a vector in space that points in the direction of the movement well before the movement begins, and even in the absence of immediate movement. These results establish the motor cortex as a nodal point in the construction of motor signals controlling the direction of hand trajectory in space. Moreover, the population coding of direction may be of more general significance concerning the representation of information in neuronal ensembles and has been applied successfully to other areas of neurophysiological research.
The influence of phenelzine and tranylcypromine on the release of prostaglandins from the rat mesenteric vascular bed
Authors: Nassar Bassam A. , Huang Yung-Sheng , McDonald Alan T. J. , Jenkins Kenneth D. , Horrobin David F.
Published: April 2011

We investigated the effects of phenelzine and tranylcypromine on the release of prostacyclin, thromboxane A2, prostaglandin E2, and prostaglandin E1 from the isolated perfused rat mesenteric vascular bed. Perfusion of the preparation with phenelzine in concentrations of 15, 45, and 135 μM for 150 min led to attenuated release of all four prostaglandins measured. Inhibition generally occurred with the lowest dose used and was most prominent with the highest concentration. Tranylcypromine also decreased prostaglandin formation. However, low doses were not effective in the suppression of prostacyclin release. Both drugs had an inhibitory effect on production of prostaglandin E1, which is a metabolite of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, the precursor of arachidonic acid, but this was only shown to be significant with phenelzine. In this work we demonstrate that phenelzine and tranylcypromine have an inhibitory effect on the production of 2-series prostaglandins derived from arachidonic acid, and possibly a similar effect on prostaglandins of the 1-series derived from dihomo-γ-linolenic acid.
Biochemical characterization and osmolytes in papillary collecting ducts from pig and dog kidneys
Authors: Boulanger Yvan , Legault Pascale , Tejedor Alberto , Vinay Patrick , Theriault Yves
Published: April 2011

Papillary collecting duct tubules were prepared in gram quantities from the papillae of dog and pig kidneys. Measurements of substrate and oxygen utilizations by these tubules under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions showed the potential for both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Oxygen is not necessary to maintain a normal adenosine 5′-triphosphate concentration, but oxidative phosphorylation contributes to more than 65% of the metabolism under aerobic conditions in the two species. Both phosphorus-31 and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra recorded from extracts of dog cortex, red medulla, and papilla showed a clear gradient from cortex to papilla for osmolytes, such as glycerophosphorylcholine, sorbitol, inositol, betaine, and sugar phosphates. Other molecules identified in the spectra included glucose, sorbitol, mannitol, lactate, glutamine, alanine, threonine, and adenosine 5′-triphosphate. Conventional biochemical measurements supported these findings. An increase in osmolality from 300 to 600 mosmol/kg H2O for 120 min did not increase the glycerophosphorylcholine and sorbitol concentrations of dog papillary collecting ducts in vitro, but a small effect of a 24-h dehydration was detected in vivo.
In vivo interactions between prejunctional α2- and β2-adrenoceptors at the level of the adrenal medulla
Authors: Foucart Sylvain , Champlain Jacques de , Nadeau Réginald
Published: April 2011

The combined effect of a β2-antagonist and an α2-agonist on the release of adrenal catecholamines was studied in the anaesthetized and vagotomized dog. The electrical stimulation of the splanchnic nerve (5-V pulses of 2 ms duration for 3 min at a frequency of 3 Hz) produced a significant rise in adrenal catecholamine release in the adrenal vein. Intravenous injection of a β2-antagonist significantly reduced this response and a subsequent injection of an α2-agonist further reduced the release of catecholamines. However, if the α2-agonist is injected first, the release is not different compared with the control stimulation, and the subsequent injection of the β2-antagonist also did not modify the release in response to electrical stimulation. These results suggest that the blockade of presynaptic β2-receptors reduces the release of adrenal catecholamines without interfering with the activation of the α2-adrenoceptors. In contrast, the pretreatment with the α2-agonist, which does not modify the release of catecholamine at 3 Hz, seems to interfere with the inhibitory effect of the β2-antagonist.
Effect of chronic sulfonylurea treatment on the myocardium of insulin-dependent diabetic rats
Authors: Mozaffari Mahmood S. , Wilson Glenn L. , Schaffer Stephen W.
Published: April 2011

Adult rats treated with high doses of streptozocin became progressively more hyperglycemic during the first month of the diabetic condition. Treatment of these rats with the sulfonylurea glyburide halted, and in some cases, reversed this process in a high percentage of the diabetics. Associated with the glyburide-mediated improvement in fasting blood glucose levels was an increase in myocardial glucose utilization and lactate production. The stimulation of myocardial glucose utilization by insulin was greater in glyburide-treated hearts, indicating that the hyperglycemic agent increased insulin responsiveness. The sulfonylurea also partially restored insulin sensitivity to the normal range. In agreement with previous studies, myocardial mechanical function was significantly impaired in the diabetic heart. When treated with glyburide, the severity of the mechanical defect was significantly less. The sulfonylurea also promoted an increase in myosin ATPase activity and a shift in the myosin isozyme pattern in favour of the most active V1 form. These results imply that glyburide therapy can provide benefit to the diabetic heart by improving energy metabolism and promoting a shift in myosin towards the most active form.
Effect of portacaval surgical anastomosis on systemic and splanchnic hemodynamics in portal hypertensive, cirrhotic rats
Authors: Romeo José M. , López-Farré Antonio , Martín-Paredero Vicente , López-Novoa José M.
Published: April 2011

The effect of surgical end-to-side portacaval anastomosis (PCSA) on systemic and splanchnic circulation has been studied in cirrhotic rats with portal hypertension (CCl4–Phenobarbital method) and in control animals. Hemodynamics have been measured using the microsphere technique, with a reference sample for the systemic hemodynamic measurements, and intrasplenic injection for portal systemic shunting rate measurements. Compared with controls, sham-operated (SO) cirrhotic rats showed a hyperdynamic circulation with increased cardiac output (CO) and decreased mean arterial pressure and peripheral resistances. PCSA in control rats induced only a small change in systemic hemodynamics, with parallel decreases in arterial pressure and peripheral resistances, and a small, nonsignificant increase in CO. In cirrhotic rats, PCSA induced a decrease of CO to values similar to those of control rats, with an increase in total peripheral resistances. PCSA induced an increase in hepatic arterial blood flow in control and in cirrhotic rats, portal pressure becoming in this latter group not different from that of control rats. Blood flow to splanchnic organs was higher in SO cirrhotic than in SO control animals. Thus portal venous inflow was also increased in SO cirrhotic rats. PCSA induced an increase in portal venous inflow in control rats, which was only significant in cirrhotic rats when expressed as a percentage of CO. In SO control animals, a significant correlation was observed between total peripheral resistances and splanchnic arteriolar resistances and between CO and splanchnic blood flow. These correlations were not observed in cirrhotic rats. These results do not support the hypothesis that hyperdynamic circulation shown by cirrhotic rats is based on increases in splanchnic blood flow and (or) massive portal systemic shunting.
Do motilin and pancreatic polypeptide regulate duodenal bile acid delivery?
Authors: Scott R. B. , Diamant S. C. , Greenberg G. R.
Published: April 2011

The plasma levels of the enteric hormones, motilin and pancreatic polypeptide, cycle in association with fasting intestinal motility and are altered by feeding. Intravenous administration of motilin causes gallbladder contraction and increased sphincter of Oddi phasic motor activity, whereas pancreatic polypeptide causes gallbladder relaxation. To determine if endogenous plasma levels of motilin and pancreatic polypeptide control sphincter of Oddi and gallbladder motility, and regulate duodenal bile acid delivery, we measured during fasting and after feeding the correlation between (a) changes in plasma motilin or pancreatic polypeptide, and (b) the duodenal delivery of a steady-state hepatic output of radiolabelled bile acid. Four dogs were prepared with duodenal cannulas. Duodenal motility was recorded manometrically. Plasma levels of pancreatic polypeptide and motilin were determined during a full cycle of the migrating myoelectric complex for 20 min before and 40 min after ingestion of a standard meal. To assess the effect of the sphincter of Oddi and the gallbladder together, or the gallbladder alone on duodenal bile acid delivery, the dogs received a continuous i.v. infusion of [14C]taurocholic acid (TCA); duodenal delivery of TCA was quantitated with the sphincter of Oddi intact using duodenal marker perfusion, or with the sphincter of Oddi cannulated and zero outflow resistance. In the interdigestive period with the sphincter of Oddi intact, only 0.1 (r2) of the variance of duodenal bile acid delivery can be predicted from the variance of motilin, and the correlation of plasma pancreatic polypeptide with duodenal TCA delivery is opposite that expected if pancreatic polypeptide caused gallbladder relaxation. In the interdigestive period with the sphincter of Oddi cannulated, or in the postprandial period with the sphincter of Oddi intact or cannulated, the correlations of plasma motilin and pancreatic polypeptide with duodenal TCA delivery are opposite those expected if motilin induces gallbladder contraction, and pancreatic polypeptide induces gallbladder relaxation. Assuming these mechanisms, a causal association between variation in plasma motilin or pancreatic polypeptide and interdigestive or postprandial duodenal bile acid delivery is unlikely.
Studies of arterial smooth muscle relaxation in younger (16–18 week) and older (28–31 week) spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Packer C. S. , Kagan M. L. , Meiss R. A. , Stephens N. L.
Published: April 2011

Both isometric and isotonic relaxation rates have previously been reported to be decreased in caudal arterial and mesenteric resistance arterial smooth muscle from 16- to 21-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared with muscle from age-matched normotensive Wistar–Kyoto rats (WKY). An increased maximum velocity of shortening (Vmax) and an increased shortening ability (ΔLmax) have also been reported for arterial smooth muscle from 16- to 21-week-old SHR. It has been suggested that both increased narrowing and prolonged narrowing of arteries contribute to the development of hypertension. However, SHR Vmax is not different from WKY Vmax when studying arterial muscle from older (28- to 31-week-old) rats. Thus increased arterial narrowing ability cannot be a contributing factor to the maintenance of hypertension. In this study the role of relaxation rate in the maintenance of hypertension was examined by comparing the relaxation rates of isometric and isotonic contractions of caudal arterial strips from 16- to 21-week-old SHR (n = 9) and WKY (n = 8) and from 28- to 31-week-old SHR (n = 7) and WKY (n = 5). While relaxation rates were lower for 16- to 21-week-old SHR compared with age-matched WKY preparations for both isometric and isotonic contractions, only isometric relaxation rates were found to be different in 28- to 31-week-old SHR compared with 28- to 31-week-old caudal arterial muscle (p < 0.05). Vmax tended to normalize from a once-elevated velocity, while isometric relaxation rate remained decreased in SHR with ageing and (or) with progression of the hypertensive condition. Therefore, slower relaxation, but not increased shortening ability, may contribute to the maintenance of high blood pressure in this genetic model of essential hypertension. A decreased Ca2+ resequestering rate or slower Ca2+ extrusion from the cell or decreased phosphatase activity are some of the possible candidates for the slow relaxation reported for the hypertensive arterial smooth muscle.
Intracellular pH recovery from lactic acidosis of single skeletal muscle fibres
Authors: Allard Y. E.
Published: April 2011

Intracellular pH (pHi, measured with H+-selective microelectrodes, in quiescent frog sartorius muscle fibres was 7.29 ± 0.09 (n = 13). Frog muscle fibres were superfused with a modified Ringer solution containing 30 mM HEPES buffer, at extracellular pH (pHo) 7.35. Intracellular pH decreased to 6.45 ± 0.14 (n = 13) following replacement of 30 mM NaCl with sodium lactate (30 mM MES, pHo 6.20). Intracellular pH recovery, upon removal of external lactic acid, depended on the buffer concentration of the modified Ringer solution. The measured values of the pHi recovery rates was 0.06 ± 0.01 ΔpHi/min (n = 5) in 3 mM HEPES and was 0.18 ± 0.06 ΔpHi/min (n = 13) in 30 mM HEPES, pHo 7.35. The Na+–H+ exchange inhibitor amiloride (2 mM) slightly reduced pHi recovery rate. The results indicate that the net proton efflux from lactic acidotic frog skeletal muscle is mainly by lactic acid efflux and is limited by the transmembrane pH gradient which, in turn, depends on the extracellular buffer capacity in the diffusion limited space around the muscle fibres.
Phorbol ester inhibits luteinizing hormone-, forskolin-, and dibutyryl cyclic AMP-induced progesterone production in chicken granulosa cells
Authors: Asem Elikplimi K. , Tsang Benjamin K.
Published: April 2011

The possible role of protein kinase C in avian granulosa cell steroidogenesis was studied in vitro by examining the effect of tumor-promoting phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) on progesterone synthesis in chicken granulosa cells in short-term (3 h) incubations. TPA (1–100 nM) caused a marginal but nonsignificant increase in progesterone production in granulosa cells isolated from the largest preovulatory follicle. When incubated in combination with luteinizing hormone (5–100 ng/mL), TPA suppressed the stimulatory effects of submaximally and maximally effective doses of the gonadotropin in a concentration-related manner. Similarly, the phorbol ester inhibited the steroidogenic responses to forskolin and dibutyryl cyclic AMP. By comparison, TPA had no appreciable effect on the metabolism of exogenous pregnenolone substrate to progesterone. Our data indicate that the tumor-promoting phorbol ester influences steroidogenic steps distal to cyclic AMP generation but at or before pregnenolone formation, and that protein kinase C may be a negative regulator of steroid biosynthesis in chicken granulosa cells.Key words: phorbol ester, granulosa cells, steroidogenesis, chicken.
Responses of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone levels to exogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone during the estrogen-induced LH surge in the ovariectomized rhesus monkey
Authors: Weick Richard F. , Pitelka Vaclav , Thompson David L.
Published: April 2011

Experiments were performed to study the responsiveness of the pituitary to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) during the dynamic changes in gonadotropin secretion associated with the estrogen-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in the ovariectomized (OVX) rhesus monkey. Silastic capsules filled with estradiol-17-β were implanted subcutaneously in ovariectomized rhesus monkeys, resulting in an initial lowering of circulating LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations followed by an LH–FSH surge. GnRH was injected intravenously just before estrogen implantation, during the negative feedback response and during the rising, the peak, and the declining phases of the LH surge. The LH and FSH responses during the negative feedback phase were as large as those before estrogen treatment (control responses). During the rising phase of the LH surge, the acute response to GnRH injection did not differ significantly from the control response, but the responses 60 and 120 min after injection were somewhat increased. During the declining phase of the LH surge, the pituitary was not responsive to exogenous GnRH, although LH probably continued to be secreted at this time since the LH surge decreased more slowly than predicted by the normal rate of disappearance of LH in the monkey. We conclude that an increased duration of response to GnRH may be an important part of the mechanism by which estrogen induces the LH surge, but we do not see evidence of increased sensitivity of the pituitary to GnRH as an acute releasing factor at that time.Key words: LH surge, GnRH, FSH, ovariectomized monkey.
Metabolic and endocrine responses to prolonged exercise in rats under β2-adrenergic blockade
Authors: Trudeau F. , Péronnet F. , Béliveau L. , Brisson G.
Published: April 2011

The respective roles of allosteric regulators and catecholamines in the control of muscle glycogen breakdown during exercise remain a matter of controversy. This study was designed to reassess the role of the sympathoadrenal system during prolonged exercise in rats. Animals were studied at rest or after treadmill exercise (28 m∙min−1; 8% slope) to exhaustion in a control situation or following administration of a specific β2-adrenergic receptor antagonist (ICI 118,551, 1 mg∙kg−1, i.v.). Running times to exhaustion were 54 and 36 min in control and treated rats, respectively. For the purpose of comparison, another group of control rats was studied after a 36-min exercise bout. The reduction in endurance in treated rats was associated with an impairment in glycogen utilization, as measured by muscle glycogen stores, in soleus muscle but not in superficial vastus lateralis or gastrocnemius lateralis muscles. Utilization of liver glycogen stores was similar in the two groups of animals, but plasma glucose (7 vs. 13 mM) and lactate (4 vs. 7 mM) levels were significantly lower in rats under β-blockade than in control rats run for 36 min. Plasma free fatty acid and glycerol concentrations were not significantly different between groups. On the other hand, plasma epinephrine concentration was significantly higher in treated rats (13 vs. 5 mM), which might reflect a compensatory increase in adrenal activity. These results suggest that glycogen breakdown during prolonged exercise is under the control of the sympathoadrenal system in predominantly slow-twitch but not in predominantly fast-twitch muscles. Epinephrine appears to play an important role in the maintenance of blood glucose level during prolonged exercise by (i) promoting muscle glycogen breakdown and thus reducing peripheral glucose utilization, and (ii) possibly increasing lactate availability for hepatic gluconeogenesis.Key words: glycogen, catecholamines, sympathoadrenal system, fiber type.
Protein synthesis is increased in heart failure induced by low dose adriamycin in rabbits
Authors: Paradis Pierre , Rouleau Jean-Lucien , Shenasa Hossein , Brakier-Gingras Léa
Published: April 2011

Congestive heart failure was induced in rabbits by a chronic treatment with a low dose of adriamycin (0.75 mg/kg intravenously 3 times per week for 11 weeks). Twenty-four to 48 h after the last injection, adriamycin-treated rabbits had a three-fold increase in plasma norepinephrine, a seven-fold increase in plasma epinephrine, a 19 ± 8% increase in heart rate, and a 54 ± 10% decrease in the total tension generated by their isolated papillary muscles, when compared with normal age-matched controls. This demonstrated the occurrence of the cardiomyopathy and heart failure. The effect of adriamycin on myocardial and diaphragmatic protein synthesis was examined in vivo after a 1-h infusion with [3H]leucine and in vitro after a 2-h incubation of right ventricular papillary muscle with [3H]leucine. The rate of in vivo [3H]leucine incorporation into total protein was increased in the heart of the adriamycin-treated rabbits. The increases were 60 ± 16% in the left ventricle, 49 ± 18% in the septum, 32 ± 18% in the right ventricle, and 66 ± 16% in the atria. A similar increase was observed when measuring the rate of [3H]leucine incorporation into myosin, a myofibrillar protein, and when the rate of [3H]leucine incorporation into total protein was measured in vitro in papillary muscle. In contrast, the rate of [3H]leucine incorporation into total protein of the diaphragm was not significantly changed. We suggest that when cardiomyopathy is induced by a chronic treatment with a low dose of adriamycin, the factors that accompany congestive heart failure can compensate and even overcome the inhibitory direct effects of adriamycin on protein synthesis, causing a net increase in the rate of protein synthesis.Key words: adriamycin, protein synthesis, cardiomyopathy.