To determine the role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the upregulation of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) observed in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension, the selective ET-1 type-A receptor... more
To determine the role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the upregulation of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) observed in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension, the selective ET-1 type-A receptor (ETA) antagonist ABT-627 was chronically administered to normal controls and hypertensive rats. Chronic ETA blockade in DOCA-salt-treated rats prevented the increase in blood pressure and circulating natriuretic protein (NP) levels and partially prevented left ventricular hypertrophy. The changes observed in NP gene expression in the atria were not affected by ABT-627. In the ventricles, ABT-627 reduced NP gene expression. Rats receiving the ETA antagonist alone showed reduced left ventricular NP gene expression. ABT-627 did not affect ventricular collagen III gene expression but enhanced left ventricular α-myosin heavy chain expression. These findings suggest that in vivo, ventricular but not atrial NP production is regulated by ET-1. This differenc...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and central endothelins (ETs) are involved in the development of hypertension. Besides the well-known brain structures involved in the regulation of blood pressure like the hypothalamus or... more
Overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and central endothelins (ETs) are involved in the development of hypertension. Besides the well-known brain structures involved in the regulation of blood pressure like the hypothalamus or locus coeruleus, evidence suggests that the olfactory bulb (OB) also modulates cardiovascular function. In the present study, we evaluated the interaction between the endothelinergic and catecholaminergic systems in the OB of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats. Following brain ET receptor type A (ET) blockade by BQ610 (selective antagonist), transcriptional, traductional, and post-traductional changes in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were assessed in the OB of normotensive and DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Time course variations in systolic blood pressure and heart rate were also registered. Results showed that ETblockade dose dependently reduced blood pressure in hypertensive rats, but it did not change heart rate. It also prevented...
Research Interests:
Brain catecholamines participate in diverse biological functions regulated by the hypothalamus. We have previously reported that endothelin-1 and -3 (ET-1 and ET-3) modulate catecholaminergic activity in the anterior and posterior... more
Brain catecholamines participate in diverse biological functions regulated by the hypothalamus. We have previously reported that endothelin-1 and -3 (ET-1 and ET-3) modulate catecholaminergic activity in the anterior and posterior hypothalamus of normotensive rats. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the interaction between ETs and noradrenergic transmission in the posterior hypothalamus of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-Salt hypertensive rats. We assessed the effects of ET-1 and ET-3 on tyrosine hydroxylase activity and expression, neuronal noradrenaline (NA) release, neuronal NA transporter (NAT) activity and expression, monoamine oxidase activity, and NA endogenous content and utilization (as a marker of turn-over) in the posterior hypothalamus of DOCA-Salt hypertensive rats. In addition, levels of ETA and ETB receptors were also assayed in normotensive and hypertensive rats. Results showed that TH activity and total and phosphorylated levels, NAT activity and conten...
Research Interests:
We previously reported that atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) stimulates secretin-evoked cAMP efflux through multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4) in the exocrine pancreas. Here we sought to establish in vivo whether this... more
We previously reported that atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) stimulates secretin-evoked cAMP efflux through multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4) in the exocrine pancreas. Here we sought to establish in vivo whether this mechanism was involved in acute pancreatitis onset in the rat. Rats pretreated with or without probenecid (MRPs general inhibitor) were infused with secretin alone or with ANF. A set of these animals were given repetitive caerulein injections to induce acute pancreatitis. Plasma amylase and intrapancreatic trypsin activities were measured and histological examination of the pancreas performed. Secretin alone activated trypsinogen but induced no pancreatic histological changes. Blockade by probenecid in secretin-treated rats increased trypsin and also induced vacuolization, a hallmark of acute pancreatitis. ANF prevented the secretin response but in the absence of probenecid. In rats with acute pancreatitis, pre-treatment with secretin aggravated the diseas...
Research Interests:
Increasing evidence supports the role of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in the modulation of gastrointestinal physiology. The effect of ANF on exocrine pancreatic secretion and the possible receptors and pathways involved were studied in... more
Increasing evidence supports the role of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in the modulation of gastrointestinal physiology. The effect of ANF on exocrine pancreatic secretion and the possible receptors and pathways involved were studied in vivo. Anesthetized rats were prepared with pancreatic duct cannulation, pyloric ligation, and bile diversion into the duodenum. ANF dose-dependently increased pancreatic secretion of fluid and proteins and enhanced secretin and CCK-evoked response. ANF decreased chloride secretion and increased the pH of the pancreatic juice. Neither cholinergic nor adrenergic blockade affected ANF-stimulated pancreatic secretion. Furthermore, ANF response was not mediated by the release of nitric oxide. ANF-evoked protein secretion was not inhibited by truncal vagotomy, atropine, or Nomega-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester administration. The selective natriuretic peptide receptor-C (NPR-C) receptor agonist cANP-(4-23) mimicked ANF response in a dose-dependent fashion...
Research Interests:
1. We have previously reported that atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) decreases neuronal norepinephrine (NE) release. The mechanism that mediates NE release from presynaptic membrane to synaptic cleft is a strongly calcium-dependent... more
1. We have previously reported that atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) decreases neuronal norepinephrine (NE) release. The mechanism that mediates NE release from presynaptic membrane to synaptic cleft is a strongly calcium-dependent process. The modulator effect of ANF may be related to modifications in calcium influx at the presynaptic nerve ending by interaction with voltage-operated calcium channels (VOCCs). 2. On this basis we investigated the effects of ANF on K+-induced 45Ca2+ uptake and evoked neuronal NE release in the presence of specific L-, N-, and P/Q-type calcium channel blockers in the rat hypothalamus. 3. Results showed that ANF inhibited K+-induced 45Ca2+ uptake in a concentration-dependent fashion. Concentration-response curves to VOCC blockers nifedipine (NFD, L-type channel blocker), omega-conotoxin GVIA (CTX, N-type channel blocker), and omega-agatoxin IVA (AGA, P/Q-type channel blocker) showed that all the blockers decreased NE release. Incubation of ANF plus NFD ...
Research Interests: Calcium, Drug interactions, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hypothalamus, Animals, and 15 moreCalcium channels, Male, Calcium Channel, Central Nervous System, Synaptic Transmission, Norepinephrine, Rats, SYNAPTOSOMES, Neurosciences, Potassium Chloride, Biochemistry and cell biology, Calcium Channel Blockers, Atrial Natriuretic Factor, Cell Membrane, and Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences
We investigated the effect of long-term in vivo blockade of the ET-1 receptor subtype B (ET(B)) with A-192621, a selective ET(B) antagonist, on atrial and ventricular natriuretic peptide (NP) gene expression in deoxycorticosterone acetate... more
We investigated the effect of long-term in vivo blockade of the ET-1 receptor subtype B (ET(B)) with A-192621, a selective ET(B) antagonist, on atrial and ventricular natriuretic peptide (NP) gene expression in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension. In this model, stimulation of the cardiac natriuretic peptide (NP) and the endothelin system and suppression of the renin-angiotensin system is observed. DOCA-salt induced significant hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy and increased NP plasma and left atrial and right and left ventricular NP gene expression. ET(B) blockade per se produced hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy but induced little change on the levels of ventricular NP and only increased left atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) mRNA levels. Combined ET(B) blockade/DOCA-salt treatment worsened hypertension, increased left ventricular hypertrophy and induced right ventricular hypertrophy. All animals so treated had increased ventricular NP gene expression. C...
Research Interests:
The effects of different concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide and angiotensin II on [3H]-noradrenaline uptake in hypothalamus and medulla oblongata slices incubated in vitro were determined. Atrial natriuretic peptide, in a dose... more
The effects of different concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide and angiotensin II on [3H]-noradrenaline uptake in hypothalamus and medulla oblongata slices incubated in vitro were determined. Atrial natriuretic peptide, in a dose of 100 mM, increased [3H]-noradrenaline uptake in both regions, while 1 microM of angiotensin II had the opposite effect. The ineffective concentration of 1 nM atrial natriuretic peptide reversed the action of 1 microM of angiotensin II on [3H]-noradrenaline uptake, whereas ineffective concentrations of angiotensin II failed to modify atrial natriuretic peptide effects. These results are compatible with the existence of an atrial natriuretic peptide-angiotensin II interaction in the central nervous system and with the hypothesis that some of the hypotensive effects of atrial natriuretic peptide could occur through modulation of an angiotensin-noradrenergic mechanism in the central nervous system.
Research Interests:
1. Ten micromoles angiotensin III decreased total 3H-norepinephrine uptake in medulla oblongata of the rat and 100 nM atrial natriuretic peptide increased it. These were the threshold concentrations for the peptides to modify the uptake... more
1. Ten micromoles angiotensin III decreased total 3H-norepinephrine uptake in medulla oblongata of the rat and 100 nM atrial natriuretic peptide increased it. These were the threshold concentrations for the peptides to modify the uptake of the amine. 2. A threshold concentrations (1 nM) of atrial natriuretic peptide reversed the effects produced by 10 microM angiotensin III on total 3H-norepinephrine uptake, but subthreshold angiotensin III concentrations failed to alter the effects produced by 100 nM atrial natriuretic peptide. 3. Angiotensin III, as well as atrial natriuretic peptide, modified only neuronal norepinephrine uptake and did not alter non-neuronal norepinephrine uptake. 4. Angiotensin III and atrial natriuretic peptide did not modify the intracellular distribution of norepinephrine in medulla oblongata.
Research Interests:
The effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), angiotensin II (ANG II) and angiotensin III (ANG III) on norepinephrine (NE) uptake were studied in the adrenal medulla of the rat. One microM ANG II and 10 microM ANG III decreased NE... more
The effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), angiotensin II (ANG II) and angiotensin III (ANG III) on norepinephrine (NE) uptake were studied in the adrenal medulla of the rat. One microM ANG II and 10 microM ANG III decreased NE uptake while 10 nM and 100 nM ANP increased it. Subthreshold concentrations of ANP (1 nM) blunted the inhibitory effect of 1 microM ANG II but did not modify the inhibitory effect of 10 microM ANG III. The increasing effects of 100 nM ANP on NE uptake were partially reversed by subthreshold concentrations of ANG II (1 nM) and blunted by 1 nM ANG III. The interaction between ANP and the renin-angiotensin system could contribute to modulate the sympathetic function in the adrenal medulla.
Research Interests:
The existence of endothelin binding sites on the catecholaminergic neurons of the hypothalamus suggests that endothelins (ETs) participate in the regulation of noradrenergic transmission modulating various hypothalamic-controlled... more
The existence of endothelin binding sites on the catecholaminergic neurons of the hypothalamus suggests that endothelins (ETs) participate in the regulation of noradrenergic transmission modulating various hypothalamic-controlled processes such as blood pressure, cardiovascular activity, etc. The effects of ET-1 and ET-3 on the neuronal release of norepinephrine (NE) as well as the receptors and intracellular pathway involved were studied in the rat anterior hypothalamus. ET-1 (10 nM) and ET-3 (10 nM) diminished neuronal NE release and the effect blocked by the selective ET type B receptor antagonist BQ-788 (100 nM). N ω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (10 μM), methylene blue (10 μM), and KT5823 (2 μM), inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase activity, guanylate cyclase, and protein kinase G, respectively, prevented the inhibitory effects of both ETs on neuronal NE release. In addition, both ETs increased nitric oxide synthase activity. Furthermore, 100 μM picrotoxin, a GABAA-receptor ant...
Research Interests:
Neuronal norepinephrine (NE) uptake is a crucial step in noradrenergic neurotransmission that regulates NE concentration in the synaptic cleft. It is a key mechanism mediated by the NE transporter (NET) which takes the neurotransmitter... more
Neuronal norepinephrine (NE) uptake is a crucial step in noradrenergic neurotransmission that regulates NE concentration in the synaptic cleft. It is a key mechanism mediated by the NE transporter (NET) which takes the neurotransmitter into the presynaptic neuron terminal or the adrenal medulla chromaffin cell. The activity of NET is short and long terms modulated by phosphorylation mediated by protein kinases A, C, and G and calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, whereas the transporter availability at the cell surface is regulated by glycosylation. Several neuropeptides like angiotensins II, III, and 1-7, bradykinin, natriuretic peptides, as well as endothelins (ETs) regulate a wide variety of biological effects, including noradrenergic transmission and in particular neuronal NE uptake. Diverse reports, including studies from our laboratory, show that ETs differentially modulate the activity and expression of NET not only in normal conditions but also in diverse cardiovascular diseases such as congestive heart failure and hypertension. Current literature supports a key role for the interaction between ETs and NE in maintaining neurotransmission homeostasis and further suggests that this interaction may represent a potential therapeutic target for various diseases, particularly hypertension.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
We sought to establish Endothelin (ET-3) role in the central regulation of bile secretion in the rat. The intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of ET-3 evoked a cholestatic or a choleretic effect depending on the administered dose.... more
We sought to establish Endothelin (ET-3) role in the central regulation of bile secretion in the rat. The intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of ET-3 evoked a cholestatic or a choleretic effect depending on the administered dose. Lower doses increased bile flow and bicarbonate excretion, whereas higher doses decreased bile flow and bile acid output. ET-3 effects were dependent on brain nitric oxide and independent of the autonomic nervous system or hemodynamic variations. A selective ETB antagonist abolished the cholestatic effect, whereas the choleretic effect was totally inhibited by either ETA or ETB selective blockade. These results show that ET-3 applied to the brain modified through a nitric oxide pathway distinct bile flow fractions depending on the administered dose and give further insights into the complexity of brain-liver interaction.
Research Interests:
The olfactory bulbs play a relevant role in the interaction between the animal and its environment. The existence of endothelin-1 and -3 in the rat olfactory bulbs suggests their role in the control of diverse functions regulated at this... more
The olfactory bulbs play a relevant role in the interaction between the animal and its environment. The existence of endothelin-1 and -3 in the rat olfactory bulbs suggests their role in the control of diverse functions regulated at this level. Tyrosine hydroxylase, a crucial enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis, is tightly regulated by short- and long-term mechanisms. We have previously reported that in the olfactory bulbs endothelins participate in the short-term tyrosine hydroxylase regulation involving complex mechanisms. In the present work we studied the effect of long-term stimulation by endothelins on tyrosine hydroxylase in the rat olfactory bulbs. Our findings show that endothelin-1 and -3 modulated catecholaminergic transmission by increasing enzymatic activity. However, these peptides acted through different receptors and intracellular pathways. Endothelin-1 enhanced tyrosine hydroxylase activity through a super high affinity ET(A) receptor and cAMP/PKA and CaMK-II pathways, whereas, endothelin-3 through a super high affinity atypical receptor coupled to cAMP/PKA, PLC/PKC and CaMK-II pathways. Endothelins also increased tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA and the enzyme total level as well as the phosphorylation of Ser 19, 31 and 40 sites. Furthermore, both peptides stimulated dopamine turnover and reduced its endogenous content. These findings support that endothelins are involved in the long-term regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase, leading to an increase in the catecholaminergic activity which might be implicated in the development and/or maintenance of diverse pathologies involving the olfactory bulbs.
Research Interests:
We have previously reported that endothelin-1 and -3 modulate different steps of noradrenergic transmission in the hypothalamus. We showed that endothelins modify neuronal norepinephrine transport activity through the regulation of the... more
We have previously reported that endothelin-1 and -3 modulate different steps of noradrenergic transmission in the hypothalamus. We showed that endothelins modify neuronal norepinephrine transport activity through the regulation of the kinetic constant and internalization. In the present work we sought to define the endothelin receptors and intracellular mechanisms involved in the down-regulation of neuronal norepinephrine uptake induced by endothelin-1 and -3 in the rat posterior hypothalamic region. Results showed that endothelin-1 reduced norepinephrine uptake through ET(B) receptors, whereas endothelin-3 through a non-conventional or atypical endothelin receptor. In both cases, the effect on norepinephrine uptake was coupled to protein kinase A and C as well as nitric oxide pathways. However, neither protein kinase G nor intracellular or extracellular calcium and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II were involved. In addition, the same intracellular mechanisms participated in the reduction of nisoxetine binding (norepinephrine transporter internalization index) induced by both endothelins. Present findings reveal the underlying mechanisms involved in the regulation of the neuronal norepinephrine transporter by endothelins and further support the role of these peptides in the modulation of noradrenergic transmission at the presynaptic nerve endings in the posterior hypothalamus.
Research Interests: Kinetics, Neurochemistry, Signal Transduction, Nitric oxide, Animals, and 15 moreMale, Neurons, Norepinephrine, Rats, FGF SIGNALLING PATHWAY, Rat, Calmodulin, Norepinephrine transporter, FLUOXETINE, Protein Kinase, Indexation, Neurosciences, Piperidines, Protein Kinase C, and Medical biochemistry and metabolomics
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Endothelins (ETs) are widely expressed in the olfactory bulb (OB) and other brain areas where they function as neuropeptides. In a previous study we reported that in the OB ET-1 and ET-3 participate in the long-term regulation of tyrosine... more
Endothelins (ETs) are widely expressed in the olfactory bulb (OB) and other brain areas where they function as neuropeptides. In a previous study we reported that in the OB ET-1 and ET-3 participate in the long-term regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the key enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis. ETs stimulate TH activity by increasing total and phosphorylated enzyme levels as well as its mRNA. ET-1 response is mediated by a super high affinity ETA receptor coupled to adenylyl cyclase/protein kinase A and Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK-II) activation whereas that of ET-3 through an atypical receptor coupled not only to these signaling pathways but also to phospholipase C (PLC)/protein kinase C pathway. Given the participation of PLC and CaMKII in the regulation of TH by ETs in the OB we sought to establish the contribution of calcium to ETs response. Present findings show that calcium released from ryanodine-sensitive channels and extracellular calcium were necessary to stimulate TH by ETs through CaMK-II. On the other hand, intracellular calcium released by the endoplasmic reticulum partially mediated ETs-evoked increase in TH mRNA but calcium influx and CaMK-II inhibition abolished the response. However calcium mechanisms were not involved in ETs-evoked increase in TH protein content. Present findings support that different sources of calcium contribute to the long-term modulation of TH activity and expression mediated by ETs in the rat OB.
Research Interests:
The ablation of olfactory bulb induces critical changes in dopamine, and monoamine oxidase activity in the brain stem. Growing evidence supports the participation of this telencephalic region in the regulation blood pressure and... more
The ablation of olfactory bulb induces critical changes in dopamine, and monoamine oxidase activity in the brain stem. Growing evidence supports the participation of this telencephalic region in the regulation blood pressure and cardiovascular activity but little is known about its contribution to hypertension. We have previously reported that in the olfactory bulb of normotensive rats endothelins enhance noradrenergic activity by increasing tyrosine hydroxylase activity and norepinephrine release. In the present study we sought to establish the status of noradrenergic activity in the olfactory bulb of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats. Different steps in norepinephrine transmission including tyrosine hydroxylase activity, neuronal norepinephrine release and uptake were assessed in the left and right olfactory bulb of DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Increased tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and decreased neuronal norepinephrine uptake were observed in the olfactory bulb of DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Furthermore the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and its phosphorylated forms were also augmented. Intriguingly, asymmetrical responses between the right and left olfactory bulb of normotensive and hypertensive rats were observed. Neuronal norepinephrine release was increased in the right but not in the left olfactory bulb of DOCA-salt hypertensive rats, whereas non asymmetrical differences were observed in normotensive animals. Present findings indicate that the olfactory bulb of hypertensive rats show an asymmetrical increase in norepinephrine activity. The observed changes in noradrenergic transmission may likely contribute to the onset and/or progression of hypertension in this animal model.
Research Interests:
The olfactory system in rats is part of the limbic region with extensive afferent connections with brain areas involved in the regulation of behaviour and autonomic responses. The existence of the endothelin system and catecholaminergic... more
The olfactory system in rats is part of the limbic region with extensive afferent connections with brain areas involved in the regulation of behaviour and autonomic responses. The existence of the endothelin system and catecholaminergic neurons in the olfactory bulb suggests that endothelins may modulate noradrenergic transmission and diverse olfactory mediated processes. In the present work we studied the effect of endothelin-1 and -3 on neuronal norepinephrine release and the short-term regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the olfactory bulb. Results showed that both endothelins increased tyrosine hydroxylase activity through the activation of a non-conventional endothelin G-protein coupled receptor, coupled to the stimulation of protein kinase A and C, as well as Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. On the other hand, neither endothelin-1 nor endothelin-3 modified tyrosine hydroxylase total protein levels, but both peptides increased the phosphorylation of serine residues of the enzyme at sites 19 and 40. Furthermore, endothelins enhanced norepinephrine release in olfactory neurons suggesting that this event may contribute to increased tyrosine hydroxylase activity by reducing the feedback inhibition. Taken together present findings show a clear interaction between the endothelin system, and the catecholaminergic transmission in the olfactory bulb. Additional studies are required to evaluate the physiological functions regulated by endothelins at this brain level.
Research Interests:
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a high-risk liver disease given the eventual deleterious consequences that may occur in the foetus. It is accepted that the abnormal accumulation of hydrophobic bile acids in maternal serum are... more
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a high-risk liver disease given the eventual deleterious consequences that may occur in the foetus. It is accepted that the abnormal accumulation of hydrophobic bile acids in maternal serum are responsible for the disease development. Hydrophobic bile acids induce oxidative stress and apoptosis leading to the damage of the hepatic parenchyma and eventually extrahepatic tissues. As coenzyme Q (CoQ) is considered an early marker of oxidative stress in this study, we sought to assess CoQ levels, bile acid profile and oxidative stress status in intrahepatic cholestasis. CoQ, vitamin E and malondialdehyde were measured in plasma and/or tissues by HPLC-UV method whereas serum bile acids by capillary electrophoresis in rats with ethinyl estradiol-induced cholestasis and women with pregnancy cholestasis. CoQ and vitamin E plasma levels were diminished in both rats and women with intrahepatic cholestasis. Furthermore, reduced CoQ was also found in muscle and brain of cholestatic rats but no changes were observed in heart or liver. In addition, a positive correlation between CoQ and ursodeoxycholic/lithocholic acid ratio was found in intrahepatic cholestasis suggesting that increased plasma lithocholic acid may be intimately related to CoQ depletion in blood and tissues. Significant CoQ and vitamin E depletion occur in both animals and humans with intrahepatic cholestasis likely as the result of increased hydrophobic bile acids known to produce significant oxidative stress. Present findings further suggest that antioxidant supplementation complementary to traditional treatment may improve cholestasis outcome.
Research Interests: Skeletal muscle biology, Oxidative Stress, Capillary electrophoresis, Brain, Pregnancy, and 13 moreHumans, Liver, Female, Animals, Vitamin E, Clinical Sciences, High Pressure Liquid Chromatography, Rats, Biological markers, Neonatal Intrahepatic Cholestasis, Malondialdehyde, Ubiquinone, and Ursodeoxycholic acid
The diet fed to laboratory animals is one of many variables that can confound research results. The authors investigated the effect of the composition of commercial standard rodent diets on exocrine pancreatic function in rats. They... more
The diet fed to laboratory animals is one of many variables that can confound research results. The authors investigated the effect of the composition of commercial standard rodent diets on exocrine pancreatic function in rats. They compared two widely used commercial animal diets and found that diet composition greatly influences pancreatic secretion. Their results indicate that commercial diets should conform to the recommended composition requirements to avoid alterations in physiological functions that would eventually affect the results of biomedical research and that investigators should be keenly aware of the composition of the diets being fed to their animals.
Research Interests: Zoology, LAb Animal Medicine, Pancreas, Animal Feed, Animals, and 4 moreMale, Rats, Body Weight, and Veterinary Sciences
Research Interests: Gastroenterology, Signal Transduction, PLC, cyclic AMP, Animals, and 15 morePKC, Clinical Sciences, MRP, Rats, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, Pde, VIP, siRNA, Anf, Neurosciences, Atrial Natriuretic Factor, Phospholipase C, Protein Kinase C, Pancreatic neoplasms, and Paediatrics and reproductive medicine
Research Interests: Drug interactions, Enzyme Inhibitors, Brain, Pancreas, Animals, and 14 moreCentral Nervous System, Proteins, European, Rats, Nitric Oxide Synthase, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, Time Factors, Parasympatholytics, Atropine, Methyl Ester, cyclic GMP, Vagus Nerve, Atrial Natriuretic Factor, and Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences
Research Interests:
We have reported previously that centrally applied ET (endothelin)-1 and ET-3 induce either choleresis or cholestasis depending on the dose. In the present study, we sought to establish the role of these endothelins in the short-term... more
We have reported previously that centrally applied ET (endothelin)-1 and ET-3 induce either choleresis or cholestasis depending on the dose. In the present study, we sought to establish the role of these endothelins in the short-term peripheral regulation of bile secretion in the rat. Intravenously infused endothelins induced significant choleresis in a dose-dependent fashion, ET-1 being more potent than ET-3. Endothelins (with the exception of a higher dose of ET-1) did not affect BP (blood pressure), portal venous pressure or portal blood flow. ET-1 and ET-3 augmented the biliary excretion of bile salts, glutathione and electrolytes, suggesting enhanced bile acid-dependent and -independent bile flows. ET-induced choleresis was mediated by ETB receptors coupled to NO and inhibited by truncal vagotomy, atropine administration and capsaicin perivagal application, supporting the participation of vagovagal reflexes. RT (reverse transcription)–PCR and Western blot analysis revealed ETA ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Increasing evidence supports the role of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in the modulation of gastrointestinal physiology. The effect of ANF on exocrine pancreatic secretion and the possible receptors and pathways involved were studied in... more
Increasing evidence supports the role of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in the modulation of gastrointestinal physiology. The effect of ANF on exocrine pancreatic secretion and the possible receptors and pathways involved were studied in vivo. Anesthetized rats were prepared with pancreatic ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
1. We previously demonstrated that atrial natriuretic factor and B- and C-type natriuretic peptides (ANF, BNP, and CNP, respectively) modified catecholamine metabolism by increasing the neuronal uptake and decreasing the neuronal release... more
1. We previously demonstrated that atrial natriuretic factor and B- and C-type natriuretic peptides (ANF, BNP, and CNP, respectively) modified catecholamine metabolism by increasing the neuronal uptake and decreasing the neuronal release of norepinephrine in the rat hypothalamus. The aim of the present work was to study the effects of natriuretic peptides BNP and CNP on norepinephrine uptake as an index of the amine metabolism in discrete areas and nuclei of the central nervous system (CNS) of the rat. 2. Experiments were carried out in vitro using the punchout technique in diverse areas and nuclei of rat CNS. Results showed that 100 nM BNP and 1 nM CNP increased norepinephrine (NE) uptake in all brain areas and nuclei studied. 3. Present results permit us to conclude that BNP and CNP regulate NE metabolism independently of the encephalic area or nucleus involved. In fact, NE uptake increased in nuclei related to the regulation of cardiovascular activity as well as nuclei associated...
Research Interests:
1. Atrial natriuretic factor effects on neuronal noradrenaline release evoked by angiotensin II or III and high potassium solution plus angiotensin II and III in the rat hypothalamus were studied. 2. Atrial natriuretic factor (10 nM) did... more
1. Atrial natriuretic factor effects on neuronal noradrenaline release evoked by angiotensin II or III and high potassium solution plus angiotensin II and III in the rat hypothalamus were studied. 2. Atrial natriuretic factor (10 nM) did not modify spontaneous noradrenaline release. On the other hand, the atrial factor diminished the increase of noradrenaline release induced by both angiotensin II (1 microM) or angiotensin III (1 microM). 3. Ten nanomolar ANF reduced the amine output induced by 100 nM KCl. Both angiotensins enhanced the 3H-noradrenaline secretion stimulated by high potassium solutions. When atrial natriuretic factor was added to the medium containing the depolarizing KCl solution plus angiotensin II or III (1 microM), the diminishing effects were greater than when the atrial factor was added to the depolarizing solution alone. 4. Our results suggest that atrial natriuretic factor effects on noradrenaline release, evoked by angiotensin II, III and KCl, may be involve...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
We have previously reported that atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) increased neuronal norepinephrine (NE) uptake and reduced basal and evoked neuronal NE release. Changes in NE uptake and release are generally associated to modifications in... more
We have previously reported that atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) increased neuronal norepinephrine (NE) uptake and reduced basal and evoked neuronal NE release. Changes in NE uptake and release are generally associated to modifications in the synthesis and/or turnover of the amine. On this basis, the aim of the present work was to study ANF effects in the rat hypothalamus on the following processes: endogenous content, utilization and turn-over of NE; tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity; cAMP and cGMP accumulation and phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis. Results showed that centrally applied ANF (100 ng/microl/min) increased the endogenous content of NE (45%) and diminished NE utilization. Ten nM ANF reduced the turnover of NE (53%). In addition, ANF (10 nM) inhibited basal and evoked (with 25 mM KCl) TH activity (30 and 64%, respectively). Cyclic GMP levels were increased by 10 nM ANF (100%). However, neither cAMP accumulation nor phosphatidylinositol breakdown were affected in the presence of 10 nM ANF. The results further support the role of ANF in the regulation of NE metabolism in the rat hypothalamus. ANF is likely to act as a negative putative neuromodulator inhibiting noradrenergic neurotransmission by signaling through the activation of guanylate cyclase. Thus, ANF may be involved in the regulation of several central as well as peripheral physiological processes such as cardiovascular function, electrolyte and fluid homeostasis, endocrine and neuroendocrine synthesis and secretion, behavior, thirst, appetite and anxiety that are mediated by central noradrenergic activity.
Research Interests:
As atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is intimately involved in water and electrolyte homeostasis, dose-response studies were performed in the parotid as well as submaxillary glands of the rat with increasing doses of the atrial peptide to... more
As atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is intimately involved in water and electrolyte homeostasis, dose-response studies were performed in the parotid as well as submaxillary glands of the rat with increasing doses of the atrial peptide to investigate its possible role as a sialogogic agent. Dose-response studies were also performed in both salivary glands with different pharmacological agonists known to cause salivation in the rat (methacholine, noradrenaline, isoproterenol, methoxamine and substance P) in the absence and in the presence of ANF. The atrial factor did not induce salivation 'per se' at least in the investigated doses. However, it enhanced the salivary response to methacholine, methoxamine and substance P but it did not modify the salivation induced either by noradrenaline or isoproterenol. The present results showed that ANF enhanced the salivation induced by pharmacological agents which stimulate phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis. These effects of ANF may be probably related to the activation of the non-guanylate cyclase coupled receptor which has been associated with phosphatidylinositol turnover. Nevertheless, although the atrial factor induces vasorelaxation, its enhancement of blood flow may not be the major event underlying the present results. The present work suggests a potential physiological role of ANF on the modulation of salivary secretion and provides further evidence on the rol of ANF in the regulation of body fluid homeostasis.
Research Interests:
We have previously reported that although the atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) was not a sialogogic agonist, it enhanced cholinergic, alpha-adrenergic and peptidergic (substance P) stimulated salivation in the submaxillary and parotid... more
We have previously reported that although the atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) was not a sialogogic agonist, it enhanced cholinergic, alpha-adrenergic and peptidergic (substance P) stimulated salivation in the submaxillary and parotid gland of the rat. The purpose of the present work was to study whether ANF modified the composition of agonist-induced saliva in the rat. Results showed that in the submaxillary gland, ANF increased sodium and decreased potassium excretion when salivation was stimulated by methacholine (MC) or substance P (SP). However, when salivation was induced by methoxamine (MX), ANF only increased sodium excretion. On the other hand, in the parotid gland, ANF increased both sodium and potassium excretion when salivation was induced either by MC or SP but did not modify electrolyte output in MX induced salivary secretion. Protein output and amylase activity were not modified by the presence of ANF when the aforementioned sialogogic agonists were used to elicit salivation in either gland. Although ANF did not modify the volume of isoproterenol (IP) induced saliva, it increased protein output in both glands and it increased amylase activity in the parotid gland. The present results suggest that ANF may play a role in the modulation of salivary secretion in the parotid and submaxillary glands of the rat. ANF effect is likely to be mediated by modifications in the calcium level linked to phosphoinositide metabolism within the acinar and/or the ductal cells of the salivary glands.
Research Interests:
We previously reported that atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) regulates catecholamine metabolism in the central nervous system. ANF, B and C types natriuretic peptides (BNP and CNP) also play a regulatory role in body fluid homeostasis,... more
We previously reported that atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) regulates catecholamine metabolism in the central nervous system. ANF, B and C types natriuretic peptides (BNP and CNP) also play a regulatory role in body fluid homeostasis, cardiovascular activity and hormonal and neuro-hormonal secretions. The aim of the present work was to investigate BNP and CNP effects on the uptake and release of norepinephrine (NE) in rat hypothalamic slices incubated in vitro. Results showed that BNP (100 nM) and CNP (1, 10 and 100 nM) enhanced total and neuronal [3H]NE uptake but did not modify non-neuronal uptake. BNP (100 nM) and CNP (1 nM) caused a rapid increase in NE uptake (1 min), which was sustained for 60 min. BNP (100 nM) did not modify the intracellular distribution of NE; however, 1 nM CNP increased the granular store and decreased the cytosolic pool of NE. BNP (100 nM) and CNP (1, 10 and 100 nM), diminished spontaneous NE release. In addition, BNP (1, 10, 100 nM) and CNP (1, 10 and 100 pM, as well as 1, 10 and 100 nM) reduced NE output induced by 25 mM KCl. These results suggest that BNP and CNP may be involved in the regulation of several central as well as peripheral physiological functions through the modulation of noradrenergic neurotransmission at the presynaptic neuronal level. Present results provide evidence to consider CNP as the brain natriuretic peptide since physiological concentrations of this peptide (pM) diminished NE evoked release.
Research Interests:
We have previously reported that atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) modulates adrenomedullar norepinephrine (NE) metabolism. On this basis, the aim of the present work was to study the effects of B and C types natriuretic peptides (BNP and... more
We have previously reported that atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) modulates adrenomedullar norepinephrine (NE) metabolism. On this basis, the aim of the present work was to study the effects of B and C types natriuretic peptides (BNP and CNP) on the uptake, intracellular distribution and release of 3H-NE. Experiments were carried out in rat adrenal medulla slices incubated "in vitro." Results showed that 100 nM of both, CNP and BNP, enhanced total and neuronal NE uptake. Both peptides (100 nM) caused a rapid increase in NE uptake during the first minute, which was sustained for 60 min. NE intracellular distribution was only modified by CNP (100 nM), which increased the granular fraction and decreased the cytosolic pool. On the other hand, spontaneous as well as evoked (KCl) NE release, was decreased by BNP and CNP (50 and 100 nM for spontaneous release and 1, 10, 50 and 100 nM for evoked output). The present results suggest that BNP and CNP may regulate catecholamine secretion and modulate adrenomedullary biological actions mediated by catecholamines, such as blood arterial pressure, smooth muscle tone, and metabolic activities.
Research Interests:
The effects of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) on [3H]norepinephrine ([3H]NE) release evoked by a sodium-free medium (SFM) were studied. Experiments were performed in rat adrenal medulla slices incubated in vitro. Results showed that... more
The effects of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) on [3H]norepinephrine ([3H]NE) release evoked by a sodium-free medium (SFM) were studied. Experiments were performed in rat adrenal medulla slices incubated in vitro. Results showed that [3H]NE release evoked by the omission of Na+ was decreased by 10 nM ANF. In addition, when the Ca2+ was omitted from the SFM, NE output was partially diminished. Nevertheless, if ANF was added to SFM/Ca(2+)-free medium (CFM), NE secretion showed no modifications compared with SFM/CFM. Present results raise the hypothesis that two mechanisms could be involved in NE output evoked by a SFM in the rat adrenal medulla: one independent of and the other dependent on the extracellular calcium. Moreover, ANF only diminished NE secretion evoked by SFM dependent on extracellular calcium and did not modify calcium-independent NE release.