Effects of protons on macroscopic and single-channel currents mediated by the human P2X7 receptor.

Human P2X7 receptors (hP2X7Rs) belong to the P2X family, which opens an intrinsic cation channel when challenged by extracellular ATP. hP2X7Rs are expressed in cells of the inflammatory and immune system. During inflammation, ATP and protons are secreted into the interstitial fluid. Therefore, we investigated the effect of protons on the activation of hP2X7Rs. hP2X7Rs were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and activated by the agonists ATP or benzoyl-benzoyl-ATP (BzATP) at different pH values. The protons reduced the hP2X7R-dependent cation current amplitude and slowed the current deactivation depending on the type and concentration of the agonist used. These effects can be explained by (i) the protonation of ATP, which reduces the effective concentration of the agonist ATP(4-) at the high- and low-affinity ATP activation site of the hP2XR, and (ii) direct allosteric inhibition of the hP2X7R channel opening that follows ATP(4-) binding to the low-affinity activation site. Due to the hampered activation via the low-affinity activation site, a low pH (as observed in inflamed tissues) leads to a relative increase in the contribution of the high-affinity activation site for hP2X7R channel opening.

Characteristics of P2X7 receptors from human B lymphocytes expressed in Xenopus oocytes.

Human B lymphocytes express an ATP-gated ion channel (P2Z receptor), which shares similarities with the recently identified P2X7 receptor. Using gene specific primers, we have now isolated P2X7 cDNA from the total RNA of human B lymphocytes. This hP2X7 receptor subtype was expressed in Xenopus oocytes and electrophysiologically characterized. The hP2X7 receptor is similar to, but does not completely match, P2Z of human B cells. The hP2X7 receptors resemble the P2Z receptors with regard to the ATP concentration of half maximal activation, reproducibility, permeation characteristics and lack of desensitization of the ATP-evoked currents. However, in contrast to the native lymphocytic P2Z receptor, the time course of activation of hP2X7 displayed an additional linearly increasing current component. Furthermore, a second, small and slowly deactivating current component exists only in hP2X7 expressed in oocytes. The activation and deactivation kinetics as well as permeation characteristics of hP2X7 are different from rat P2X7 recently expressed in oocytes. Unlike in mammalian cells, hP2X7 expressed in Xenopus oocytes is not sufficient to induce large non-selective pores.

Gating of maxi K+ channels studied by Ca2+ concentration jumps in excised inside-out multi-channel patches (myocytes from guinea pig urinary bladder).

Currents through maxi K+ channels were recorded in inside-out macro-patches. Using a liquid filament switch (Franke, C., H. Hatt, and J. Dudel. 1987. Neurosci, Lett. 77:199-204) the Ca2+ concentration at the tip of the patch electrode ([Ca2+]i) was changed in less than 1 ms. Elevation of [Ca2+]i from less than 10 nM to 3, 6, 20, 50, 320, or 1,000 microM activated several maxi K+ channels in the patch, whereas return to less than 10 nM deactivated them. The time course of Ca(2+)-dependent activation and deactivation was evaluated from the mean of 10-50 sweeps. The mean currents started a approximately 10-ms delay that was attributed to diffusion of Ca2+ from the tip to the K+ channel protein. The activation and deactivation time courses were fitted with the third power of exponential terms. The rate of activation increased with higher [Ca2+]i and with more positive potentials. The rate of deactivation was independent of preceding [Ca2+]i and was reduced at more positive potentials. The rate of deactivation was measured at five temperatures between 16 and 37 degrees C; fitting the results with the Arrhenius equation yielded an energy barrier of 16 kcal/mol for the Ca2+ dissociation at 0 mV. After 200 ms, the time-dependent processes were in a steady state, i.e., there was no sign of inactivation. In the steady state (200 ms), the dependence of channel openness, N.P(o), on [Ca2+]i yielded a Hill coefficient of approximately 3. The apparent dissociation constant, KD, decreased from 13 microM at -50 mV to 0.5 microM at +70 mV. The dependence of N.P(o) on voltage followed a Boltzmann distribution with a maximal P(o) of 0.8 and a slope factor of approximately 39 mV. The results were summarized by a model describing Ca2+- and voltage-dependent activation and deactivation, as well as steady-state open probability by the binding of Ca2+ to three equal and independent sites within the electrical field of the membrane at an electrical distance of 0.31 from the cytoplasmic side.

Desynchronising effect of the endothelium on intracellular Ca2+ concentration dynamics in vascular smooth muscle cells of rat mesenteric arteries.

The kinetics of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in rat small mesenteric arteries was investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy using the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fluo-3 AM. One micromole noradrenaline (NA) induced randomly distributed transient elevations of [Ca2+]i in several single VSMCs which were weakly temporally coupled. Higher NA concentrations of 3 or 10 microM, however, induced strongly synchronised [Ca2+]i oscillations in VSMCs. In preparations with intact endothelium, the synchronisation of [Ca2+]i signals was attenuated by acetylcholine (ACh) but augmented by the NO synthase antagonist L-NAME, pointing to a desynchronising effect of the endothelium even under basal conditions. In preparations with or without intact endothelium sodium nitroprusside (SNP) as well as the gap-junction uncoupler heptanol reversibly desynchronised the [Ca2+]i transients. The effect of ACh but not that of SNP was influenced by L-NAME. Propagated intracellular [Ca2+]i waves had a velocity of 25 microm/s. The phase shift of [Ca2+]i oscillations between single VSMCs were maximally 2s and independent of the distance of up to 90 microm between individual cells. Therefore, we consider intercellular [Ca2+]i waves to be too slow to account for the synchronisation of [Ca2+]i oscillations. We conclude that the coupling of [Ca2+]i signals in vascular smooth muscle cells is not constant but highly regulated by NA and by endothelium derived NO. Oscillations of vessel contraction at high sympathetic tone may be induced by synchronisation of [Ca2+]i transients of distinct VSMCs whereas endothelium derived NO inhibits vasomotion by desynchronising [Ca2+]i transients of single VSMCs.

Sodium block and depolarization diminish P2Z-dependent Ca2+ entry in human B lymphocytes.

Despite a high Ca2+ -permeability of the P2Z receptor in human B lymphocytes, extracellular ATP4- has only a minor effect on global [Ca2+]i. The aim of this study was to reveal the mechanisms responsible for this discrepancy. We investigated the relationship between ATP4- -application, Cai 2+ -response, membrane current and membrane potential in two human B cell lines and in human tonsillar B cells. This was achieved by a combination of FACS- and voltage clamp measurements and the usage of appropriate voltage- and Ca2 -sensitive fluorescent dyes. ATP4 -induced changes in whole-cell current and [Ca2]i were blocked by extracellular as well as intracellular Na+. Under current clamp conditions, ATP4- -induced Na+ -entry diminished the Ca2+ entry via reduction of the driving force. A substantial increase in [Ca2+]iinduced by ATP4- was only observed in Na+ -free solutions. The pathway of signal transduction activated by ATP4via P2Z receptor of human B lymphocytes under physiological conditions seems not to operate by an increase in the global intracellular Ca2+ -concentration, but rather by the depolarization of the cell membrane as a result of the Na+-influx.

Drug-dependent ion channel gating by application of concentration jumps using U-tube technique.

The rapid application system described has been used to study a variety of ionic channels in several different types of single cells. The system is inexpensive, easy to install, and can be used repeatedly. The consumption of UTS, i.e., drugs or agonists, is low. The time interval between switching the valve and the expected effect is often shorter than 150 ms for cells about 8-15 microns in diameter and is about 20-25 ms for patches positioned in the hole of the U-tube. Time and duration of substance application can be controlled by a computer connected to a digital-analog (D/A) output.

Influence of cyproheptadine on endotoxin-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in weaned pigs.

Changes in the coagulation system typical of consumption reaction, microthrombosis in the lungs and other organs and haemodynamic disturbances caused by infusion of endotoxin in weaned pigs were prevented by treatment with the serotonin receptor antagonist cyproheptadine.

Experimental studies on the antithrombotic action of a highly effective synthetic thrombin inhibitor.

The antithrombotic action of the highly effective synthetic thrombin inhibitor N alpha-(2-naphthylsulfonylglycyl)-4-amidinophenylalanine piperidide was studied in various models of experimental thrombosis in rats. Intravenous infusion of the thrombin inhibitor caused a dose-dependent inhibition or prevention of stasis-induced venous thrombosis, of arterial thrombosis after electrically-induced damage of the vessel wall and of thrombotic occlusion of an extracorporeal arterio-venous shunt.

Comparative studies on thrombin inhibitors in experimental microthrombosis.

The influence of thrombin inhibitors, which differ both in their chemical structure and type of inhibition on thrombin-induced microthrombosis was studied in rat lungs. The antithrombotically effective doses and blood levels of the compounds correlated with their kinetic constants for inhibition of thrombin. In preventing microthrombosis, some of the synthetic inhibitors tested surpassed the effectiveness of heparin and approached that of the naturally occurring inhibitor hirudin.

Antithrombotic effects of recombinant hirudin in experimental angioplasty and intravascular thrombolysis.

The effect of recombinant desulphatohirudin CGP 39393 (rH) on arterial thrombus formation and especially on thrombotic reocclusion after experimental angioplasty as well as after thrombolysis was investigated in rabbits. In the femoral artery thrombi were induced after endothelial damage of the vessel wall by a balloon catheter and following stasis. After removing the thrombus by angioplasty or after lysing it by streptokinase reocclusion of the artery was observed within a relatively short period of time. Subcutaneous injection of rH reduced the incidence of both primary thrombus formation and reocclusion in dependence on the dose administered. After a dose of rH of 2 mg/kg s.c. arterial thrombus formation was completely prevented and after administering 4 mg/kg s.c. thrombotic reocclusion did also not occur. Comparative studies with heparin showed that similar antithrombotic effects were only achieved at doses of 12 mg heparin/kg s.c. The results obtained suggest a clear potential of rH for prevention of thrombotic reocclusion in clinical states.

Anticoagulant and antithrombotic action of novel specific inhibitors of thrombin.

A series of new specific inhibitors of thrombin, cyclic amides of N alpha-arylsulfonyl-amidinophenylalanine, was studied for anticoagulant action in vitro and in vivo. The inhibitors showed strong anticoagulant effects in vitro. The time course of the anticoagulant effect of the inhibitors in rabbits and rats was monitored using plasma thrombin time determinations. In rats, the inhibitors prevented the formation of experimental venous thrombi and of thrombin-induced microthrombosis. The new derivatives of benzamidine presented may be useful as immediately acting anticoagulants.

Comparison of the anticoagulant and antithrombotic effects of synthetic thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors.

The anticoagulant effect of selected synthetic inhibitors of thrombin and factor Xa was studied in vitro in commonly used clotting assays. The concentrations of the compounds doubling the clotting time in the various assays were mainly dependent on their thrombin inhibitory activity. Factor Xa inhibitors were somewhat more effective in prolonging the prothrombin time compared to the activated partial thromboplastin time, whereas the opposite was true of thrombin inhibitors. In vivo, in a venous stasis thrombosis model and a thrombo-plastin-induced microthrombosis model in rats the thrombin inhibitors were effective antithrombotically whereas factor Xa inhibitors of numerically similar Ki value for the respective enzyme were not effective at equimolar dosage. The results are discussed in the light of the different prerequisites and conditions for inhibition of thrombin and factor Xa in the course of blood clotting.

Pharmacological studies on the antithrombotic action of hirudin in experimental animals.

The pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of hirudin were studied in dogs, rabbits and rats. Hirudin proved to be a well tolerated substance with low toxicity. After intravenous injection it was eliminated with a half time of 50 to 60 min. It was nearly completely excreted through the kidneys in biologically active form. The efficacy of hirudin in preventing venous thrombosis, vascular shunt occlusion and disseminated intravascular coagulation in rats was demonstrated.

Pharmacokinetics and anticoagulant effect of hirudin in man.

The pharmacokinetics and the effects on the haemostatic system of hirudin were assessed in six healthy subjects after single intravenous or subcutaneous dose (1000 AT-U/kg). When hirudin was given intravenously first-order elimination kinetics followed the initial distribution phase. The decline in plasma hirudin concentration was most adequately expressed by a biexponential equation describing a two compartment model. A mean elimination half-life of 0.84 hr and a mean volume of distribution of 12.9 l were calculated. After subcutaneous injection a low hirudin level (approximately 0.5 AT-U/ml) was maintained for a prolonged period of time. In the 24 hour-urine up to 50 per cent of the administered amount of hirudin was excreted in active form. Thrombin time, partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time measured in plasma samples ex vivo were prolonged dependent on the hirudin plasma level. Platelet counts, fibrinogen level and the fibrinolytic system were unchanged. Bleeding time was prolonged twice at maximum. Subcutaneous or intravenous administration of pure hirudin was tolerated without side-effects.

Antifibrinolytic therapy of subarachnoid hemorrhage by intrathecal administration of p-aminomethylbenzoic acid.

In patients suffering from subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), intrathecal administration of p-aminomethylbenzoic acid (PAMBA) was found to produce hemostatically effective concentrations of the antifibrinolytic agent in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The early clinical findings speak in favor of this mode of administration.

Antagonism by the suramin analogue NF279 on human P2X(1) and P2X(7) receptors.

The effect of the suramin analogue 8,8'-(carbonylbis(imino-4, 1-phenylenecarbonylimino-4,1-phenylenecarbonylimino))bis(1,3 , 5-naphthalenetrisulfonic acid) (NF279) was analyzed on human P2X(1) and P2X(7) receptor subtypes (human P2X(1) and human P2X(7)) heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes using the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique. At activating ATP concentrations of 1 microM (human P2X(1)) and 10 microM ATP (human P2X(7)), IC(50) values of 0.05 microM and 2.8 microM were found for human P2X(1) and human P2X(7) receptors, respectively. An increase in the activating [ATP] shifted the NF279 concentration-inhibition curve rightwards for both receptors. NF279 slowed the activation of both human P2X(1) and human P2X(7) as well as the desensitization of human P2X(1). The data support a model in which desensitization of P2X(1) is dependent on preceding activation of these P2X receptors. It is concluded that NF279 acts as a competitive antagonist with much higher potency at human P2X(1) than at P2X(7) receptors. NF279 may hence be suited to discriminate between both receptors in native tissues.

Block by extracellular Mg2+ of single human purinergic P2X4 receptor channels expressed in human embryonic kidney cells.

Single channel properties of human P2X4 receptors expressed in human embryonic kidney cells have been investigated by outside-out mode patch clamp recordings. P2X4 channel activity was characterized by very fast kinetics. The current-voltage relationship was strongly non-linear at potentials <-100 mV. A slope conductance of approximately 9 pS was estimated at the approximately linear part of the current-voltage relation (>-100 mV). External Mg2+ reversibly decreased the amplitude of ATP-evoked single channel currents in a concentration-dependent manner but independent of the membrane potential. Additionally, extracellular Mg2+ shortened the mean open time whereas the mean closed time was not affected. Thus, Mg2+ ions are proposed to inhibit the function of human P2X4 receptors by means of an open-channel block with a Mg2+ binding site at the exterior surface of the pore.

On the isolation of the thrombin inhibitor hirudin.

A procedure for isolation of hirudin from crude preparations was described. By the use of ion exchange chromatography and affinity chromatography preparations were obtained with a specific activity of 10 to 15 antithrombin units/micrograms. Separation into several fractions with the same activity suggests the existence of isoinhibitors.

Antithrombotic and haemorrhagic effects of synthetic and naturally occurring thrombin inhibitors.

The effects of the synthetic thrombin inhibitor N alpha-(2-naphthylsulfonylglycyl)-4-amidinophenylalanine piperidide (beta Nas-Gly-(pAm)Phe-Pip) and the naturally occurring inhibitors hirudin and heparin on the bleeding time were studied in mice and rats by the method of transection of the tail tip and of standardized incision of the tail. With both methods the thrombin inhibitors prolonged the bleeding time in dependence on the dose and the plasma concentration obtained. The transection bleeding time was influenced by the inhibitors in a similar manner, whereas in the case of incision of the tail heparin caused a more pronounced effect than hirudin and beta Nas-Gly-(pAm)Phe-Pip. Comparison of the antithrombotic actions of the inhibitors with their effects on the bleeding time showed that, in contrast to the selective thrombin inhibitors hirudin and beta Nas-Gly-(pAm) Phe-Pip, antithrombotically effective doses of heparin induced a clear prolongation of bleeding time.

Hirudin in haemodialysis.

The usability of recombinant hirudin as anticoagulant agent in haemodialysis was studied in nephrectomized dogs. To this end, we examined the capability of recombinant hirudin to penetrate the membranes of different capillary dialyzers used. Furthermore we investigated the pharmacokinetic behaviour of recombinant hirudin in nephrectomized dogs as well as its capability to prevent the activation of the clotting system and fibrin deposition during haemodialysis. The present results evidence the efficiency of recombinant hirudin in preventing thrombus formation in experimental haemodialysis and hence its suitability as anticoagulant in such extracorporeal circulation.