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We examined modulation by nitric oxide (NO) of sympathetic neurotransmitter release and vasoconstriction in the isolated pump-perfused rat kidney. Electrical renal nerve stimulation (RNS; 1 and 2 Hz) increased renal perfusion pressure and renal norepinephrine (NE) efflux. Nonselective NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors [N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine], but not a selective neuronal NO synthase inhibitor (7-nitroindazole sodium salt), suppressed the NE efflux response and enhanced the perfusion pressure response. Pretreatment with L-arginine prevented the effects of L-NAME on the RNS-induced responses. 2-(4-Carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (carboxy-PTIO), which eliminates NO by oxidizing it to NO(2), suppressed the NE efflux response, whereas the perfusion pressure response was less susceptible to carboxy-PTIO. 8-Bromoguanosine cGMP suppressed and a guanylate cyclase inhibitor [4H-8-bromo-1,2,4-oxadiazolo(3,4-d)benz(b)(1,4)oxazin-1-one] enhanced the RNS-induced perfusion pressure response, but neither of these drugs affected the NE efflux response. These results suggest that endogenous NO facilitates the NE release through cGMP-independent mechanisms, NO metabolites formed after NO(2) rather than NO itself counteract the vasoconstriction, and neuronal NOS does not contribute to these modulatory mechanisms in the sympathetic nervous system of the rat kidney.

We elucidated the contribution of endogenous pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) to neurally evoked catecholamine secretion from the isolated perfused rat adrenal gland. Infusion of PACAP (100 nM) increased adrenal epinephrine and norepinephrine output. The PACAP-induced catecholamine output responses were inhibited by the PACAP type I receptor antagonist PACAP- (6-38) (30-3,000 nM) but were resistant to the PACAP type II receptor antagonist [Lys1,Pro2,5,Ara3,4,Tyr6]-vasoactive intestinal peptide (LPAT-VIP; 30-3,000 nM). Transmural electrical stimulation (ES; 1-10 Hz) or infusion of ACh (6-200 nM) increased adrenal epinephrine and norepinephrine output. PACAP-(6-38) (3,000 nM), but not LPAT-VIP, also inhibited the ES-induced catecholamine output responses. However, PACAP-(6-38) did not affect the ACh-induced catecholamine output responses. PACAP at low concentrations (0.3-3 nM), which had no influence on catecholamine output, enhanced the ACh-induced catecholamine output responses, but not the ES-induced catecholamine output responses. These results suggest that PACAP is released from the nerve endings to facilitate the neurally evoked catecholamine secretion through PACAP type I receptors in the rat adrenal gland.

Experiments were carried out to examine whether endogenous angiotensin II (A-II) is involved in the regulation of release of norepinephrine (NE) elicited by the stimulation of spinal sympathetic nerves in pithed rats. It was assessed in terms of the alterations in concentrations of arterial blood plasma A-II and NE elicited by nerve stimulation (5 Hz, 50 V, 1 msec for 45 s) in pithed rats under vehicle or captopril (3 mg/kg, i.v.) treatment. Comparative study with pentobarbital anesthetized rats showed that pithing rats have the characteristics of lower basal blood pressure and lower NE level, whereas they have higher basal A-II level. In pithed rats treated with vehicle, pressor response to nerve stimulation was accompanied by increases in both A-II and NE level. In rats treated with captopril, the nerve stimulation caused about 40% lower increases in pressor response and NE level than those observed in rats treated with vehicle. These results suggest that the sympathetic nerve-induced NE release is facilitated by endogenous A-II in pithed rats, and that captopril exerts its inhibitory effect on the pressor response to nerve stimulation through the suppression of this interaction.

We elucidated the functional contribution of K(+) channels to cholinergic control of catecholamine secretion in the perfused rat adrenal gland. The small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (SK(Ca))-channel blocker apamin (10-100 nM) enhanced the transmural electrical stimulation (ES; 1-10 Hz)- and 1, 1-dimethyl-4-phenyl-piperazinium (DMPP; 5-40 microM)-induced increases in norepinephrine (NE) output, whereas it did not affect the epinephrine (Epi) responses. Apamin enhanced the catecholamine responses induced by acetylcholine (6-200 microM) and methacholine (10-300 microM). The putative large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel blocker charybdotoxin (10-100 nM) enhanced the catecholamine responses induced by ES, but not the responses induced by cholinergic agonists. Neither the K(A) channel blocker mast cell degranulating peptide (100-1000 nM) nor the K(V) channel blocker margatoxin (10-100 nM) affected the catecholamine responses. These results suggest that SK(Ca) channels play an inhibitory role in adrenal catecholamine secretion mediated by muscarinic receptors and also in the nicotinic receptor-mediated secretion of NE, but not of Epi. Charybdotoxin-sensitive Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels may control the secretion at the presynaptic site.

We examined possible interactions between intrarenal angiotensin II (ANG II) formation and norepinephrine (NE) release during renal sympathetic nerve stimulation (RNS) in anesthetized dogs. During 10 min of continuous RNS (1.5-2 Hz), the ANG II formation rates (ANG II-FR) and NE secretion rates (NE-SR) were determined at 1 and 10 min. Under control conditions, almost the same extent of increase in the NE-SR was observed at 1 and 10 min of RNS, whereas a significant increase in ANG II-FR was observed at 10 min but not at 1 min. During intrarenal arterial infusion of enalaprilat or losartan, the increase in NE-SR and reduction in renal blood flow at 10 min of RNS were suppressed, whereas the NE release and vasoconstriction responses at 1 min remained unaffected. The RNS-induced increases in ANG II-FR were completely abolished during infusion of enalaprilat. These results suggest that NE release on continuous RNS is enhanced by concomitantly formed ANG II, and this interaction depends on the time-related changes in intrarenal ANG II formation during RNS in the canine kidney.

Nitric oxide has been shown to regulate neurotransmitter release. Previously, we reported that S-nitrosothiols such as S-nitrosocysteine (SNC) stimulate noradrenaline (NA) release in rat hippocampus in vivo and in vitro. To examine the role of sulfhydryl groups in SNC-induced NA release, the effects of metal ions such as Hg2+ and N-ethylmaleimide (NEM, a sulfhydryl alkylating agent) on [3H]NA release from labeled rat brain slices (hippocampus and cerebral cortex) were studied and compared with the effects of SNC. The addition of 200 microM HgCl2, but not Pb2+, Zn2+, or Cd2+, stimulated [3H]NA release from both types of slices in the presence of extracellular CaCl2. p-Chloromercuribenzoic acid (p-CMBA) also stimulated [3H]NA release. NEM stimulated [3H]NA release from both types of slices in the presence and absence of extracellular CaCl2. The effect of 200 microM NEM was enhanced, but the effect of 200 microM SNC was inhibited by co-addition of 200 microM p-CMBA in the absence of extracellular CaCl2. The concentration-response curve of SNC shifted to the right after co-addition of 200 microM p-CMBA or 100 microM HgCl2, although the effect of 200 microM NEM was additive to the effect of SNC. These findings demonstrate that SNC acts as a sulfhydryl agent on proteins that regulate NA release, and that SNC may share the same sulfhydryl groups with Hg compounds. The effect of T-588 ¿(R)-(-)-(benzo[b]thiophen-5-yl)-2-[2-(N,N-diethylamino)ethoxy]eth anol hydrochloride¿, a novel cognitive enhancer and a stimulator of NA release, was compared with the effects of sulfhydryl reagents.

We examined the effects of sarafotoxin 6c (S6c), an endothelin-B (ET(B)) receptor agonist, on adrenal catecholamine secretion in response to cholinergic stimuli in pentobarbital sodium-anesthetized dogs. Drugs were administered intra-arterially into the adrenal gland through the phrenicoabdominal artery. Infusion of S6c attenuated increases in adrenal catecholamine output induced by splanchnic nerve stimulation. The inhibitory effect of S6c on the catecholamine secretion response was suppressed with a selective ET(B) receptor antagonist N-cis 2, 6-dimethylpiperidinocarbonyl-L-gamma-methylleucyl-D-1-methoxycarbonyl tryptophanyl-D-norleucine (BQ-788), a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, and a neuronal NOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole monosodium salt (7-NINA). Similar results were obtained with the catecholamine secretion response induced by injection of ACh. 7-NINA alone did not affect these catecholamine secretion responses. These results suggest that ET(B) receptors play an inhibitory role in adrenal catecholamine secretion by activating neuronal NOS, whereas neuronal NOS is unlikely to be involved in regulation of adrenal catecholamine secretion in the absence of simultaneous ET(B) receptor stimulation.

We investigated the role of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors in secretion of catecholamines induced by transmural electrical stimulation (ES) from isolated perfused adrenal glands of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. ES (1-10 Hz) produced frequency-dependent increases in epinephrine (Epi) and norepinephrine (NE) output as measured in perfusate. The ES-induced increases in NE output, but not Epi output, were significantly greater in adrenal glands of SHRs than in those of WKY rats. Hexamethonium (10-100 microM) markedly inhibited the ES-induced increases in Epi and NE output from adrenal glands of SHRs and WKY rats. Atropine (0.3-3 microM) inhibited the ES-induced increases in Epi and NE output from adrenal glands of SHRs, but not from those of WKY rats. These results suggest that endogenous acetylcholine-induced secretion of adrenal catecholamines is predominantly mediated by nicotinic receptors in SHRs and WKY rats and that the contribution of muscarinic receptors may be different between these two strains.

We examined effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on vasoconstriction and noradrenaline (NA) release induced by electrical renal nerve stimulation (RNS) in the isolated pump-perfused rat kidney. RNS (1 and 2 Hz for 2.5 min each, 0.5-ms duration, supramaximal voltage) increased renal perfusion pressure (PP) and renal NA efflux. GABA (3, 10 and 100 microM) attenuated the RNS-induced increases in PP by 10-40% (P<0.01) and NA efflux by 10-30% (P<0.01). GABA did not affect exogenous NA (40 and 60 nM)-induced increases in PP. The selective GABA(B) agonist baclofen (3, 10 and 100 microM) also attenuated the RNS-induced increases in PP and NA efflux, whereas the RNS-induced responses were relatively resistant to the selective GABA(A) agonist muscimol (3, 10 and 100 microM). The selective GABA(B) antagonist 2-hydroxysaclofen (50 microM), but not the selective GABA(A) antagonist bicuculline (50 microM), abolished the inhibitory effects of GABA (10 microM) on the RNS-induced responses. The selective alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist rauwolscine (10 nM) enhanced the RNS-induced responses. GABA (3, 10 and 100 microM) potently attenuated the RNS-induced increases in PP by 40-60% (P<0.01) and NA efflux by 20-50% (P<0.01) in the presence of rauwolscine. Prazosin (10 and 30 nM) suppressed the RNS-induced increases in PP by about 70-80%. Neither rauwolscine (10 nM) nor GABA (10 microM) suppressed the residual prazosin-resistant PP response. These results suggest that GABA suppresses sympathetic neurotransmitter release via presynaptic GABA(B) receptors, and thereby attenuates adrenergically induced vasoconstriction in the rat kidney.

We examined the effects of proadrenomedullin-derived peptides on the release of adrenal catecholamines in response to cholinergic stimuli in pentobarbital sodium-anesthetized dogs. Drugs were administered into the adrenal gland through the phrenicoabdominal artery. Splanchnic nerve stimulation (1, 2, and 3 Hz) and ACh injection (0.75, 1.5, and 3 microgram) produced frequency- or dose-dependent increases in adrenal catecholamine output. These responses were unaffected by infusion of adrenomedullin (1, 3, and 10 ng. kg-1. min-1) or its selective antagonist adrenomedullin-(22-52) (5, 15, and 50 ng. kg-1. min-1). Proadrenomedullin NH2-terminal 20 peptide (PAMP; 5, 15, and 50 ng. kg-1. min-1) suppressed both the splanchnic nerve stimulation- and ACh-induced increases in catecholamine output in a dose-dependent manner. PAMP also suppressed the catecholamine release responses to the nicotinic agonist 1, 1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (0.5, 1, and 2 microgram) and to muscarine (0.5, 1, and 2 microgram), although the muscarine-induced response was relatively resistant to PAMP. These results suggest that PAMP, but not adrenomedullin, can act as an inhibitory regulator of adrenal catecholamine release in vivo.

Glucose transport into rat brown adipocytes has been shown to be stimulated directly by the sympathetic neurotransmitter, noradrenaline, without a significant increase in the protein content of either GLUT1 or GLUT4 glucose transporter in the plasma membrane [Shimizu, Kielar, Minokoshi and Shimazu (1996) Biochem. J. 314, 485-490]. In the present study, we labelled the exofacial glucose-binding sites of GLUT1 and GLUT4 with a membrane-impermeant photoaffinity reagent, 2-N-[4-(1-azitrifluoroethyl)benzoyl]-[2-3H]1,3-bis- (D-mannos-4-yloxy)-2-propylamine (ATB-[3H]BMPA), to determine which isoform is responsible for the noradrenaline-induced increase in glucose transport into intact brown adipocytes in culture. Insulin stimulated the rate of hexose transport by increasing ATB-[3H]BMPA-labelled cell-surface GLUT4. In contrast, the noradrenaline-induced increase in glucose transport was not accompanied by an increased ATB-[3H]BMPA labelling of GLUT4, nor with an increased amount of GLUT4 in the plasma membrane fraction as assessed by Western blotting, indicating that noradrenaline does not promote the translocation of GLUT4. However, noradrenaline induced an increase in photoaffinity labelling of cell-surface GLUT1 without an apparent increase in the immunoreactive GLUT1 protein in the plasma membrane. This is suggestive of an increased affinity of GLUT1 for the ligand. In fact, the Ki value of non-radioactive ATB-BMPA for 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake was significantly decreased after treatment of the cells with noradrenaline. The increased photoaffinity labelling of GLUT1 and increased glucose transport caused by noradrenaline were inhibited by a cAMP antagonist, cAMP-S Rp-isomer. These results demonstrate that noradrenaline stimulates glucose transport in brown adipocytes by enhancing the functional activity of GLUT1 through a cAMP-dependent mechanism.

Intrarenal arterial infusion of norepinephrine (30 ng/kg per min) or of angiotensin II (4 ng/kg per min) reduced the glomerular filtration rate and urinary Na+ excretion in denervated kidneys of anesthetized rabbits pretreated intrarenally with a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (50 microg/kg per min). Angiotensin II but not norepinephrine reduced fractional Na+ excretion. Intrarenal administration of a spontaneous NO donor 1-hydroxy-2-oxo-3-(N-methyl-3-aminopropyl)-3-methyl-1-triazene (NOC 7, 30 ng/kg per min) in L-NAME pretreated kidneys did not affect basal values, but attenuated the reduction in urinary Na+ excretion induced by these agonists without affecting the angiotensin II-induced reduction in glomerular filtration rate. The results suggest that NOC 7 can suppress the norepinephrine-induced hypofiltration and the angiotensin II-evoked tubular reabsorption and thereby attenuates the agonist-induced antinatriuresis in the denervated and endogenous NO-depleted rabbit kidney.

Nitrogen oxides, such as nitric oxide, have been shown to regulate neuronal functions, including neurotransmitter release. We investigated the effect of S-nitroso-L-cysteine (SNC) on noradrenaline (NA) release in the rat hippocampus in vivo and in vitro. SNC stimulated [3H]NA release from prelabeled hippocampal slices in a dose-dependent manner. SNC stimulated endogenous NA release within 30 min to almost five times the basal level in vivo (microdialysis in freely moving rats). In a Na+-containing Tyrode's buffer, SNC-stimulated [3H]NA release was inhibited 30% by the coaddition of L-leucine. In the Na+-free, choline-containing buffer, SNC-stimulated [3H]NA release, which was similar to that in the Na+-containing buffer, was inhibited markedly by L-leucine, L-alanine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, and L-tyrosine. The effects of the other amino acids examined were smaller or very limited. The effect of L-leucine was stronger than that of D-leucine. A specific inhibitor of the L-type amino acid transporter, 2-aminobicyclo[2.2.1]-heptane-2-carboxylate (BCH), inhibited the effects of SNC on [3H]NA release in the Na+-free buffer. Uptake of L-[3H]leucine into the slices in the Na+-free buffer was inhibited by SNC, BCH, and L-phenylalanine, but not by L-lysine. The effect of SNC on cyclic GMP accumulation was not inhibited by L-leucine, although SNC stimulated cyclic GMP accumulation at concentrations up to 25 microM, much less than the concentration that stimulates NA release. These findings suggest that SNC is incorporated into rat hippocampus via the L-type-like amino acid transporter, at least in Na+-free conditions, and that SNC stimulates NA release in vivo and in vitro in a cyclic GMP-independent manner.

Nitrogen oxides (NO) such as nitric oxide have been suggested to potentiate neurotransmitter release in a variety of neuronal cells. In this study, we showed that NO donors stimulate the release of noradrenaline (NA) from rat hippocampus both in vivo and in vitro. Co-addition of NO donors (sodium nitroprusside [SNP] or S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine [SNAP]) and thiol compounds (dithiothreitol [DTT] or L-cysteine) stimulated [3H]NA release from prelabeled hippocampal slices. Microdialysis in freely moving rats was used to ascertain the role of NO in control of NA release from the hippocampus in vivo. Co-addition of SNAP and L-cysteine stimulated endogenous NA release within 30 min. The concentration of NA peaked between 30-60 min to almost 3 times basal level. Another thiol compound, glutathione, had no effect on [3H]NA release in the presence of SNP or SNAP. In the presence of SNAP, the effect of L-cysteine was much higher than that of the D-isomer, although SNAP did not show stereospecificity. The effect of SNAP/L-cysteine was rapid and the maximal increase in [3H]NA release was attained 0-1 min after application, which was similar in time course to the effect of KCI. Unlike the release by KCI, SNAP/L-cysteine-stimulated NA release was independent of extracellular CaCl2. However, pretreatment with the calmodulin antagonists W-7 or trifluoperazine significantly reduced the SNAP/L-cysteine-stimulated [3H]NA release. Formation of nitric oxide and activation of guanylate cyclase by nitric oxide were not responsible for SNAP/L-cysteine-stimulated NA release. These findings suggest that NO donors stimulate NA release from the hippocampus in the presence of thiol compounds such as L-cysteine in vivo and in vitro in a calmodulin-dependent, Ca(2+)-and cyclic GMP-independent manner. The physiological roles of thiol compounds such as L-cysteine or glutathione as intermediates of NO are discussed.

It is becoming apparent that nitrogen monoxide (NO) such as nitric oxide has regulatory roles for neuronal cell functions. We examined the role of NO using NO donors on [3H]noradrenaline (NA) release from prelabeled rat hippocampal slices. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), which had no effect by itself, stimulated [3H]NA release in a dose-dependent manner (ED50 = 0.5 mM) in the presence of dithiothreitol (DTT). The stimulatory effect of SNP with DTT, but not high K+, was observed in an extracellular Ca(2+)-free buffer. The maximal effect of SNP was obtained after incubation for 1-2 h with DTT in buffer at physiological pH (7.4). The simultaneous addition of SNP and DTT to the slices induced a small effect, and the effect of SNP declined after 3.5 h. SNP stimulated cyclic GMP accumulation in the slices without DTT. NaNO2 and 1-hydroxy-2-oxo-3,3-bis(2-aminoethyl)-1-triazene (a generator of nitric oxide), which stimulated cyclic GMP accumulation by themselves, did not stimulate [3H]NA release in the presence and absence of DTT. 3-Morpholinosydnonimine HC1 (a generator of peroxynitrite) had no effect on the release. The stimulatory effect of SNP and DTT on NA release was inhibited 40% by nitric oxide scavengers such as oxyhemoglobin and 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxy-3-oxide, although cyclic GMP accumulation induced by NO donors was completely inhibited. These findings suggest that SNP reacts with DTT to produce unknown active species, and that cyclic GMP is not a mediator for SNP-stimulated NA release.

Effects of the N-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (VDCC) blocker, omega-conotoxin GVIA, and the L-type VDCC blockers, nifedipine and verapamil, on adrenal catecholamine release were examined in anesthetized dogs. These blockers were infused into the adrenal gland through the phrenicoabdominal artery. Splanchnic nerve stimulation at 1 and 3 Hz produced frequency-dependent increases in epinephrine and norepinephrine output determined from adrenal venous blood. Infusion of omega-conotoxin GVIA (0.4 micrograms/min) significantly inhibited the splanchnic nerve stimulation-evoked increases in epinephrine and norepinephrine output. Furthermore, increases in epinephrine and norepinephrine output induced by intraarterial injection of acetylcholine (3 micrograms) into the adrenal gland also were inhibited by omega-conotoxin GVIA (0.4 micrograms/min). Further inhibition of splanchnic nerve stimulation- or exogenous acetylcholine-induced increases in catecholamine output was observed even after the cessation of omega-conotoxin GVIA infusion. Neither nifedipine (1 microgram/min) nor verapamil (10 micrograms/min) affected the splanchnic nerve stimulation-evoked increases in catecholamine output, whereas they inhibited the exogenous acetylcholine-evoked catecholamine release. These results suggest that N-type VDCCs located in adrenal medullary cells may contribute to the release of adrenal catecholamines in response to endogenous and exogenous acetylcholine in the dog.

Effects of protein kinase C (PKC) activator and inhibitors on adrenal catecholamine release were examined in anesthetized dogs. Output of epinephrine (EPI) and norepinephrine (NE) was determined from adrenal venous blood by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. All drugs were infused intraarterially (i.a.) into the adrenal gland through the phrenic abdominal artery. Infusion of the PKC activator phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDB 0.1 micrograms/min) increased EPI and NE output during basal state and enhanced increases in catecholamine output induced by splanchnic nerve stimulation (SNS 1 and 3 Hz). These effects of PDB were abolished by the PKC inhibitor staurosporine (SSP 0.3 microgram/min), when both drugs were infused simultaneously. Infusion of SSP (0.1, 0.3, and 1 micrograms/min) caused a dose-dependent inhibition of the SNS-induced increases in EPI and NE output. SNS-induced increases in catecholamine output were also inhibited by another PKC inhibitor polymyxin B (PMB 0.1, 0.3, and 1 micrograms/min) and by the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor neomycin (NM 0.3, 1, and 3 mg/min). SSP, PMB, and NM did not affect basal output of EPI and NE. These results suggest that activation of PKC promotes release of adrenal catecholamines and provide indirect evidence that activation of PKC and PLC may be involved in SNS-induced release of catecholamines from dog adrenal gland.

1. The effects of nifedipine and Bay-K-8644 on the release of adrenal catecholamines were examined in anaesthetized dogs. 2. Splanchnic nerve stimulation (SNS) at 1 and 3 Hz produced frequency-dependent increases in adrenaline (ADR) and noradrenaline (NA) output determined from adrenal venous blood. 3. Neither nifedipine (10 and 30 micrograms/kg, i.v.) nor Bay-K-8644 (10 and 30 micrograms/kg, i.v.) modified the SNS-induced increases in catecholamine output. Basal catecholamine output tended to be increased and decreased by nifedipine and Bay-K-8644, respectively. 4. Nifedipine produced significant decreases in arterial pressure and renal blood flow rate. Bay-K-8644 produced a significant increase in arterial pressure associated with a decrease in renal blood flow rate. 5. These results suggest that dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels do not play a major role in adrenal catecholamine release evoked by SNS.

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP, 10 and 50 ng/kg per min), infused into the renal artery, suppressed decreases in renal blood flow induced by intrarenal arterial injection of angiotensin II (Ang II, 25-100 ng) and norepinephrine (NE, 0.25-1 microgram) in anesthetized dogs. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 0.1-5.0 micrograms/kg per min) slightly attenuated the blood flow response to Ang II but not the response to NE. 8-Bromo cyclic GMP (8bcGMP, 0.5-25 micrograms/kg per min) did not suppress the blood flow response to Ang II. Although at a high dose ANP attenuated the blood flow response to Bay K 8644 (1-4 micrograms), nifedipine pretreatment (20 micrograms/kg plus 1 microgram/kg per min i.v.) did not affect the inhibitory effect of ANP on the NE-induced response. The vaso-inhibitory effects of ANP therefore could not be related exclusively to stimulation of cGMP production or inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels.

The effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on the neural control of renal blood flow were examined in anesthetized dogs. Intrarenal arterial infusion of ANP (alpha-hANP, 10 and 50 ng/kg per min) suppressed the decrease in renal blood flow but not the increase in renal venous plasma norepinephrine concentration induced by renal nerve stimulation (1 and 2 Hz, for 1 min). ANP also attenuated the blood flow response to intrarenal arterial injection of methoxamine (5-20 micrograms). These results suggest that ANP acts at a postsynaptic site to suppress adrenergically induced vasoconstriction in the dog kidney.

We investigated renin and norepinephrine (NE) release during electrical renal nerve stimulation (RNS) in relation to prostaglandin (PG) E2 concomitantly produced by the kidney in anesthetized dogs. During 10 min of continuous RNS (2.5-4 Hz), the increases in renin, NE, and PGE2 secretion rates were determined at 1 and 10 min after the start of stimulation. Under control conditions, almost the same extent of increase in the NE secretion rate was observed at 1 and 10 min of RNS, whereas the increase in renin secretion rate at 1 min of RNS was followed by a further increase at 10 min of RNS. On the other hand, an upward but not significant trend of increase in PGE2 secretion at 1 min of RNS was followed by a substantial level at 10 min of RNS. After administration of indomethacin, the increase in NE secretion rates at both 1 and 10 min of RNS were not altered, but the increase in renin secretion rate at 10 min of RNS was suppressed by approximately 50%, without any reduction of the increase in the renin secretion rate at 1 min of RNS. Consequently, the time-related change in the renin secretion rate during RNS was abolished. These results suggest that renin response to continuous RNS is enhanced by concomitantly generated PGs but not by NE, and furthermore, that endogenously generated PGs do not inhibit the release of NE from canine renal nerve endings.

In pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs, the increase in the renal norepinephrine secretion rate elicited by renal nerve stimulation (1 Hz) during infusion of angiotensin I (15 ng/kg/min) was partially but significantly inhibited (by 21-37%) after dosing with cilazaprilat (0.1 mg/kg), an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, accompanied by a decrease in the renal venous plasma norepinephrine concentration. These results may suggest that cilazaprilat exerts at least a part of its hypotensive effect through decreasing the facilitatory action of endogenous angiotensin II on adrenergic transmission.

The immobility-reducing action of desipramine (DMI) in forced swimming rats was attenuated by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of isoproterenol (ISO) and potentiated by i.c.v. atenolol (ATE), a beta 1-adrenoceptor antagonist. The effect of ISO was blocked by ATE. When administered i.c.v. in normal rats, ISO reduced the contents of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol sulfate (MHPG-SO4), a major metabolite of noradrenaline, in the septal area, thalamus and hypothalamus while ATE had no effect in most of the brain regions. However, in forced swimming rats treated with DMI, ISO reduced MHPG-SO4 in 6 out of 8 brain regions tested and conversely, ATE increased the levels in the amygdala, septal area and hypothalamus. Similar to the behavioral effect, the effect of ISO was antagonized by ATE. These results support the hypothesis that central beta 1-adrenergic mechanisms inhibit the immobility-reducing action of DMI by reducing the activity of noradrenergic neurons in the brain.

The effects of vasoconstrictor stimulation, renal nerve stimulation or infusion of norepinephrine or angiotensin II into the renal artery, on renal blood flow were determined before and after the administration of indomethacin in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs. When the renal blood flow was allowed to vary, in control responses, an initial rapid reduction was followed by a return to the control level, despite the continued application of vasoconstrictor stimulation. After the intravenous administration of indomethacin, a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor, the recovery response was markedly diminished. Prostaglandin-like substances in renal venous blood were determined by bioassay of blood extracts, using rat fundus strips. Indomethacin suppressed the increase in the level of these substances during the application of vasoconstrictor stimulators. Our results indicate that renal prostaglandin-like substances are released during vasoconstrictor stimulation; under the present experimental conditions, this release blunts the effect of the stimuli.

Effects of alpha-antagonists on renal norepinephrine (NE) release and vasoconstriction induced by renal nerve stimulation (RNS) were examined in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs. RNS at 1,2 and 3 Hz (1 msec duration, 10-20 V) for 1 min decreased renal blood flow (RBF) and increased both the renal venous NE concentration (NEC) and calculated renal NE efflux (NEE). The RBF responses to 2 and 3 Hz RNS and NEC responses to 1, 2 and 3 Hz RNS during intrarenal arterial infusion of yohimbine (1.0 micrograms/kg/min) were greater than those observed during the control period. The NEE responses to 1 and 2 Hz RNS, but not to 3 Hz RNS, were also potentiated by the yohimbine infusion. Prazosin treatment (0.2 mg/kg i.v.) attenuated the RBF responses. Subsequent infusion of yohimbine potentiated both the NEC and NEE responses to 1, 2 and 3 Hz RNS in this alpha-1 adrenoceptor-blocked state. These results suggest that an alpha-2 adrenoceptor-mediated inhibitory mechanism of neural NE release exists in the dog kidney, which can be activated by endogenously released catecholamines to modulate the neural control of renal hemodynamics. Alpha-1 adrenoceptor-mediated renal vasoconstriction may affect the evaluation of neural NE release by NEE when high-frequency RNS is applied during inhibition of the alpha-2 adrenoceptor-mediated mechanism.

The effects of prazosin and yohimbine on pressor responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation and intravenous injections of noradrenaline, phenylephrine and clonidine were examined in pithed rats to determine the postjunctional location of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the vascular smooth muscle. Prazosin antagonized the pressor responses to phenylephrine and to sympathetic nerve stimulation more effectively than the responses to noradrenaline and to clonidine. Yohimbine antagonized the pressor responses to noradrenaline and to clonidine more effectively than the responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation and to phenylephrine. These results suggest that alpha 2-adrenoceptors as well as alpha 1-adrenoceptors produce vasoconstriction in the rat vasculature and support the hypothesis that alpha 1-adrenoceptors are predominantly located within the neuroeffector junction in contrast to an extrajunctional location of alpha 2-adrenoceptors.

The effect of yohimbine on nicotine- and dimethylphenylpiperadinium (DMPP)-induced release of norepinephrine (NE) from sympathetic cardiac nerves of the dog was examined in order to elucidate the interaction of presynaptic alpha and nicotinic receptors. Intracoronary infusion of nicotine (300 or 500 micrograms/min) or DMPP (100 or 300 micrograms/min) into the left circumflex artery increased coronary sinus output of NE (NE output), left ventricular dp/dt maximum (LV dp/dt max) and coronary sinus blood flow. The nicotine-induced increases in NE output, LV dp/dt max and coronary sinus blood flow were enhanced by simultaneous yohimbine infusion in doses of 10 and 30 micrograms/min into the same artery, and were attenuated by the drug in a dose of 100 micrograms/min. The DMPP-induced increases were enhanced by 10 micrograms/min of yohimbine infusion, but the enhancement was decreased by 30 and 100 micrograms/min. Yohimbine did not modify increases in NE output, LV dp/dt max and coronary sinus blood flow induced by intracoronary infusion of tyramine (100 micrograms/min). We have reported previously that yohimbine in the dose range used enhanced cardiac sympathetic nerve stimulation-induced increases in these parameters in a dose-dependent manner in the same preparation. The enhancement by yohimbine of nicotinic receptor-mediated NE release would be due to the blockade of presynaptic alpha-2 adrenoceptors. Therefore, it is suggested that presynaptic alpha-2 adrenoceptor-mediated feedback control operates on the process of NE release induced by nicotinic receptor activation as well as nerve stimulation. Although the mechanism of loss of the enhancement of the nicotinic effect by the large dose of yohimbine is not known, the possible mechanisms are discussed.

The effect of verapamil on the decrease in renal blood flow (RBF) induced by angiotensin II (Ang II), norepinephrine (NE) or renal nerve stimulation (RNS) was examined in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs. The injection into the renal artery of Ang II (0.01-0.1 micrograms), or NE (0.1-1.0 micrograms), or RNS (1-10 Hz) decreased RBF in a dose- or frequency-dependent manner. The renal arterial infusion of verapamil (30 micrograms/min followed by 100 micrograms/min) brought about a sustained increase in RBF and inhibition of renal vasoconstriction induced by Ang II or NE, but not by RNS, when the extent of vasoconstriction was estimated in terms of absolute changes in RBF. We also observed that the inhibitory effect of verapamil on Ang II-induced vasoconstriction was greater than on NE-induced constriction, as estimated from the % change in RBF. These results indicate that in canine renal vasculature, verapamil exerts different inhibitory effects on the vasoconstriction induced by Ang II, NE or RNS.

The dog renal inner medullary slices synthesized and released prostaglandin (PG) E2, PGF2 alpha, PGI2 (measured as 6-keto-PGF1 alpha) and thromboxane (TX) A2 (measured as TXB2). When incubated in the presence of norepinephrine, the synthesis of these arachidonic acid metabolites were stimulated about 2-fold. The norepinephrine effect could be antagonized by the addition of an alpha-adrenoceptor blocking agent, phenoxybenzamine, but not by a beta-adrenoceptor blocking drug, propranolol. Phenoxybenzamine at concentrations that block norepinephrine stimulation of prostaglandin biosynthesis did not suppress the increase in prostaglandins synthesized by exogenous arachidonic acid. By contrast, phenylephrine caused only PGI2 production without producing other prostaglandins and thromboxane. This phenylephrine effect could not be antagonized by either alpha- or beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents, but it was abolished by the specific PGI2 synthetase inhibitors 15-hydroperoxy arachidonic acid and tranylcypromine. These results suggest that norepinephrine-induced prostaglandin synthesis is mediated via an alpha-adrenergic receptor mechanism, whereas phenylephrine stimulation is primarily occurring at the step which follows the cyclooxygenase reaction in the metabolism of arachidonic acid.

The actions of angiotensin II (AngII) and noradrenaline (NA) on smooth muscle cells of the canine mesenteric artery were studied by measurement of isometric contractions recorded from muscle strips and the intracellular Ca2+ concentration monitored with quin2-fluorescence from dispersed suspensions of single cells. The Ca2+ transients provoked by the two agonists were monophasic in shape, i.e., after application of each agonist, [Ca2+]i rose immediately within 1 s and decreased to near-basal level within 5 min. The contraction induced by NA was maintained for several minutes whilst that induced by AngII was short-lasting. When NA was repetitively applied to the strip in Ca2+ -containing solution, the same amplitude of contractions was always obtained. In contrast, after initial exposure to AngII, subsequently-applied AngII generated small contractions. In Ca2+-free solution, either agonist could induce the large contraction. After initial exposure to NA or AngII in Ca2+ -free solution, subsequently-induced contractions by either agonist were reduced. The response induced by AngII was blocked by [Sar1, Ile8]-AngII and that of NA was blocked by phentolamine. Pertussis toxin inhibited contractions induced by both agonists but not those induced by caffeine and high K+. An activator of protein kinase C, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), produced a slowly-developing contraction without any change in [Ca2+]i, and this agent inhibited the contractions and Ca2+ transients induced by both agonists. These results indicate that NA and AngII each act on a specific receptor and release Ca2+ from common intracellular storage sites through production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)