Wlodzimierz Buczko

1-Methylnicotinamide (MNA), a primary metabolite of nicotinamide, exerts anti-thrombotic activity mediated by a cyclooxygenase-2/prostacyclin pathway

1‐methylnicotinamide (MNA) has been considered to be an inactive metabolite of nicotinamide. Here we assessed the anti‐thrombotic activity of MNA in vivo.

Angiotensin II AT1 Receptor Antagonists Inhibit Platelet Adhesion and Aggregation by Nitric Oxide Release

Abstract—This study investigated the process of nitric oxide (NO) release from platelets after stimulation with different angiotensin II type 1 (AT1)-receptor antagonists and its effect on platelet adhesion and aggregation. Angiotensin II AT1-receptor antagonist–stimulated NO release in platelets was compared with that in human umbilical vein endothelial cells by using a highly sensitive porphyrinic microsensor. In vitro and ex vivo effects of angiotensin II AT1-receptor antagonists on platelet adhesion to collagen and thromboxane A2 analog U46619-induced aggregation were evaluated. Losartan, EXP3174, and valsartan alone caused NO release from platelets and endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner in the range of 0.01 to 100 &mgr;mol/L, which was attenuated by NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester. The angiotensin II AT1-receptor antagonists had more than 70% greater potency in NO release in platelets than in endothelial cells. The degree of inhibition of platelet adhesion (collagen-stimulated) and aggregation (U46619-stimulated) elicited by losartan, EXP3174, and valsartan, either in vitro or ex vivo, closely correlated with the NO levels produced by each of these drugs alone. The inhibiting effects of angiotensin II AT1-receptor antagonists on collagen-stimulated adhesion and U46619-stimulated aggregation of platelets were significantly reduced by pretreatment with NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester. Neither the AT2 receptor antagonist PD123319, the cyclooxygenase synthase inhibitor indomethacin, nor the selective thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor antagonist SQ29,548 had any effect on angiotensin II AT1-receptor antagonist–stimulated NO release in platelets and endothelial cells. The presented studies clearly indicate a crucial role of NO in the arterial antithrombotic effects of angiotensin II AT1-receptor antagonists.

Antithrombotic Effect of Captopril and Losartan Is Mediated by Angiotensin-(1-7)

Abstract—It is well established that renin-angiotensin system blockers exert NO/prostacyclin-dependent antithrombotic effects. Because some beneficial effects of these drugs are mediated by angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7), in the present study we examined if their antithrombotic action could be mediated by Ang-(1-7). Intravenous infusion of Ang-(1-7) (1, 10, or 100 pmol/kg per minute for 2 hours) into rats developing venous thrombosis caused 50% to 70% reduction of the thrombus weight. This effect was dose-dependently reversed by cotreatment with A-779 (selective Ang-[1-7] receptor antagonist) or EXP 3174 (angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonist) but not by PD 123,319 (angiotensin type 2 receptor antagonist). Similarly, the antithrombotic effects of captopril (ACE inhibitor) and losartan (angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker) were attenuated by A-779 in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of Ang-(1-7) was completely abolished by concomitant administration of NO synthase inhibitor (NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester) and prostacyclin synthesis inhibitor (indomethacin), as has been shown previously for captopril and losartan. Thus, the antithrombotic effect of renin-angiotensin system blockers involves Ang-(1-7)–evoked release of NO and prostacyclin.

Effect of fenfluramine on 5 hydroxytryptamine uptake and release by rat blood platelets

1 (+)‐Fenfluramine reduces the central stores of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) by a poorly understood mechanism. 2 Rat blood platelets have been used in this study as a simple model for serotoninergic nerve endings. 3 (+)‐Fenfluramine shows a dual effect: it inhibits the uptake of [14C]‐5‐HT by platelets and it releases newly absorbed [14C]‐5‐HT from platelets. 4 The inhibition of [14C]‐5‐HT uptake induced by (+)‐fenfluramine appears very rapidly, is concentration‐dependent and seems not to be competitive. (+)‐Fenfluramine is ten times less effective than chloroimipramine but ten times more effective than (+)‐amphetamine; (+)‐fenfluramine is more active than its (‐)‐isomer or its metabolite norfenfluramine ((+)‐ or (‐)‐form). 5 The release of [14C]‐5‐HT from platelets induced by (+)‐fenfluramine is concentration‐dependent but increases with increased incubation time. Both chloroimipramine and (+)‐amphetamine are in comparison very poor release inducers; (+)‐fenfluramine is more active than its (‐)‐isomer or its metabolites. 6 The effect on [14C]‐5‐HT uptake exerted by (+)‐fenfluramine and chloroimipramine in vitro could not be observed in vivo. 7 The observed effect of fenfluramine on the uptake and release of 5‐HT may explain the lowering action of fenfluramine on the brain 5‐HT level, an effect considered of importance for the anorectic effect of this drug.

HEMOSTASIS, PLATELET FUNCTION AND SEROTONIN IN ACUTE AND CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE

A pathogenetic role for fibrin deposition and platelet activation in the kidney is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of acute renal failure (ARF). Thus, some fibrinolytic parameters and platelet function have been studied in 17 patients with ARF and compared to healthy volunteers and subjects with chronic renal failure (CRF). Since serotonin may participate in pathological processes resulting from platelet/vessel wall interactions, its level in the whole blood and plasma was also assayed. In ARF and CRF platelet aggregatory responses in both whole blood and in platelet rich plasma upon stimulation with various agonists (collagen, arachidonic acid, ADP, ristocetin) were lower than those obtained in healthy volunteers. Increased levels of lipoprotein (a), von Willebrand factor (vWF) and fibronectin were found in ARF relative to controls. Protein C activity was significantly lower in patients with ARF. Euglobulin clot lysis time was prolonged in ARF and CRF, reflecting a decreased overall fibrinolytic activity. Activity of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) inhibitor (PAI) and PAI:Ag were higher in ARF, whereas tPA:Ag, urokinase, tPA/PAI complexes, thrombin-antithrombin complexes (TAT), plasmin-antiplasmin (PAP) complexes, fibrinogen, and F1+2 did not differ between ARF and controls. In CRF elevated levels of TAT, PAP, fibrinogen and prothrombin fragments F1+2 were found, whereas concentration of fibronectin was lowered when compared to controls. In both groups of renal failure patients increased levels of fibrin monomers and d-dimer were found relative to healthy volunteers. Whole blood serotonin was significantly lower, whereas plasma serotonin was significantly higher in patients with ARF and CRF relative to controls. Serotonin uptake and its release from platelets were markedly diminished in patients with ARF and CRF. Chronic renal failure exhibit a slightly different pattern of coagulopathies that acute renal failure.

Ethanol-induced neurotoxicity is counterbalanced by increased cell proliferation in mouse dentate gyrus

Chronic ethanol abuse leads to degenerative changes in the hippocampus, which may result in subsequent cognitive impairment. Since the hippocampus retains the ability to produce neurons through adulthood, in the present study we examined if ethanol-induced neuronal loss could be counterbalanced by cell proliferation in mouse dentate gyrus (DG). A total of 14 days of ethanol administration resulted in marked increase in cells positive for TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling in all hippocampal regions studied, indicating that neurons die throughout the hippocampus by apoptotic mechanism. However, cresyl violet staining revealed approximately 20% neuronal loss following ethanol administration in CA1 and CA2 fields (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively), but not in DG. At the same time ethanol caused 2-fold increase in the number of proliferating cells in subgranular zone of DG. Thus, long-term ethanol intoxication causes permanent damage to CA1 and CA2, but not to DG which can be counterbalanced by ongoing neurogenesis.

Accumulation of toxic products degradation of kynurenine in hemodialyzed patients

In patients that developed a chronic renal failure the augmentation intryptophan degradation is reflected in the increase in plasma metabolitesof kynurenine pathway. Hemodialaysis is one of therapeutic approachesthat significantly reduce all plasma kynurenine metabolites in uremicpatients. In spite of haemodialaysis, plasma concentration of kynurenine,kynurenic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine, anthranilic acid, xanthurenicacid and quinolinic acid were still elevated in uremic patients in comparisonwith healthy volunteers. These data shows significant disturbances inkynurenine metabolism in uremic patients. Accumulation of thesesubstances in uremic blood is capable to account for certain uremicsymptoms.

H3 receptor-mediated inhibition of the neurogenic vasopressor response in pithed rats

In pithed rats, the H3 agonist R-(-)-alpha-methylhistamine (R alpha MeHA) inhibited the electrically induced increase in blood pressure without affecting the vasopressor response to exogenous noradrenaline. The effect of R alpha MeHA was not affected by the H1 and H2 antagonists dimetindene and ranitidine, but attenuated by the H3 antagonist thioperamide. At higher doses, R alpha MeHA itself increased basal blood pressure; this effect was not affected by the H1, H2 and H3 antagonists. In conclusion, the neurogenic vasopressor response can be modulated via H3 receptors, probably located presynaptically on postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibres.

Ifenprodil influences changes in mouse behaviour related to acute and chronic ethanol administration

The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of ifenprodil (a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist which also blocks 5-HT3 receptors and alpha1-adrenoceptors) on the effects of ethanol in the mouse in vivo and to elucidate the role of various receptors in these actions. The ethanol (4 g/kg i.p.)-induced sleeping time was shortened by ifenprodil 1 mg/kg but was not affected by ifenprodil 0.3 mg/kg, the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron 0.03 mg/kg and the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 ((+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo(a,d)cycloheptan-5,10-imine maleate) 0.01 mg/kg. Ifenprodil 10 mg/kg mimicked the alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin 1 mg/kg in that it prolonged the hypnotic response to ethanol (no additive effect when both drugs were given in combination); this is compatible with an involvement of alpha1-adrenoceptors in this effect of ifenprodil. Chronic exposure to ethanol (7%) induced physical dependence. The severity of ethanol withdrawal was suppressed by ifenprodil 1 and 10 mg/kg. In conclusion, ifenprodil influences ethanol-related changes in mouse behaviour and may prove to be useful in the treatment of alcoholism.

Tryptophan Metabolism via the Kynurenine Pathway in Experimental Chronic Renal Failure

Background: Kidneys are involved in tryptophan (TRP) metabolism in two ways. They eliminate TRP derivatives on the one hand, and they produce several enzymes taking part in TRP metabolism mainly via the kynurenine pathway on the other. The aim of the present study was to examine the time-course of changes in the peripheral kynurenine products degradation during experimental chronic renal failure in rats. Methods: Tryptophan, kynurenine, 3-hydroxykynurenine, kynurenic acid, xanthurenic acid, anthranilic acid and quinolinic acid were determined in plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography technique with UV, fluorescence and electrochemical detection. Results: A decreased TRP level and significant increase in kynurenine pathway metabolite concentrations in plasma of uremic rats were found. Conclusions: Substantial disturbances in the peripheral kynurenic pathway were observed in experimental chronic renal failure. They may contribute to several symptoms of uremia.