Therapeutic Benefit of the Association of Lodenafil with Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Hypoxia-induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by the remodeling of pulmonary arteries, with an increased pulmonary arterial pressure and right ventricle (RV) overload. This work investigated the benefit of the association of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) with lodenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, in an animal model of PAH. Male Wistar rats were exposed to hypoxia (10% O2) for three weeks plus a weekly i.p. injection of a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor (SU5416, 20 mg/kg, SuHx). After confirmation of PAH, animals received intravenous injection of 5.105 hMSCs or vehicle, followed by oral treatment with lodenafil carbonate (10 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. The ratio between pulmonary artery acceleration time and RV ejection time reduced from 0.42 ± 0.01 (control) to 0.24 ± 0.01 in the SuHx group, which was not altered by lodenafil alone but was recovered to 0.31 ± 0.01 when administered in association with hMSCs. RV afterload was confirmed in the SuHx group with an increased RV systolic pressure (mmHg) of 52.1 ± 8.8 normalized to 29.6 ± 2.2 after treatment with the association. Treatment with hMSCs + lodenafil reversed RV hypertrophy, fibrosis and interstitial cell infiltration in the SuHx group. Combined therapy of lodenafil and hMSCs may be a strategy for PAH treatment.

Treatment with Adenosine Receptor Agonist Ameliorates Pain Induced by Acute and Chronic Inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune condition, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plays an important role in its pathophysiology. In vitro, (E)-N'-(3,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)-N-methylbenzohydrazide (LASSBio-1359) has exhibited anti-TNF-α properties, and in vivo these effects are mediated via activation of adenosine receptor. This work investigates the antinociceptive action of LASSBio-1359 in murine models of acute and chronic inflammatory pain. Male mice received an intraperitoneal injection of LASSBio-1359 and then were evaluated in formalin- and carrageenan-induced paw edema assays. Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) was used to induce a mouse model of monoarthritis. These mice were treated with LASSBio-1359 by oral gavage to evaluate thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia. TNF-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression as well as histologic features were analyzed. The time of reactivity to formalin in the neurogenic phase was reduced from 56.3 ± 6.0 seconds to 32.7 ± 2.2 seconds and 23.8 ± 2.6 seconds after treatment with LASSBio-1359 at doses of 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg, respectively. A reversal of the antinociceptive action of LASSBio-1359 was observed in the inflammatory phase after treatment with ZM 241385 [4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furly)[1,2,4]triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol], an adenosine A2A antagonist. Carrageenan-induced thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia were reduced after treatment with LASSBio-1359. Similarly, CFA-induced thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia were reduced after treatment with LASSBio-1359 (25 and 50 mg/kg). Levels of TNF-α and iNOS expression increased in the monoarthritis model and were normalized in animals treated with LASSBio-1359, which was also associated with beneficial effects in the histologic analysis. These results suggest that LASSBio-1359 represents an alternative treatment of monoarthritis.

Novel agonist of adenosine receptor induces relaxation of corpus cavernosum in guinea pigs: an in vitro and in vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: To test the relaxation effect of a new adenosine receptor agonist N-acylhydrazone derivative, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl-N-methyl-benzoylhydrazide (LASSBio-1359), on in vitro and in vivo preparation of corpus cavernosum (CC), and its interaction with type-5 phosphodiesterase enzyme inhibitor, sildenafil. METHODS: For in vitro study, an increasing concentration of LASSBio-1359 was added in the solution at the plateau isometric tension recording of isolated guinea pig CC induced by phenylephrine (30 µM). Concentration-response curve was repeated in the presence of A2A receptor antagonist, ZM 241385 (10 µM). Sildenafil-induced CC relaxing effect was compared with that of LASSBio-1359. Isobolographic analysis was performed to identify possible synergistic interaction between LASSBio-1359 and sildenafil. For in vivo study, blood pressure response in the CC of guinea pig was measured after administration of LASSBio-1359 (10 mg/kg intravenously) or sildenafil (10 mg/kg intravenously). RESULTS: LASSBio-1359 caused relaxation of phenylephrine-induced contraction of isolated CC in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 10.1 ± 1.8 µM), which was shifted to the right in the presence of ZM 241385 (IC50 = 27.1 ± 1.4 µM; P <.05). Isobolographic analysis showed synergistic interaction between LASSBio-1359 and sildenafil. As sildenafil, LASSBio-1359 increased blood pressure oscillation in the CC confirming its systemic efficacy. CONCLUSION: CC relaxing effects induced by the adenosine A2A receptor agonist, LASSBio-1359, demonstrated in vitro and in vivo experimental protocols, represent a promise therapeutic option for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Synergistic interaction of LASSBio-1359 with sildenafil suggests a combined use to reach a higher population of patients with erectile dysfunction.

Laceration in rat gastrocnemius. Following-up muscle repairing by ultrasound biomicroscopy (in vivo), contractility test (ex vivo) and histopathology.

PURPOSE: Implement a laceration protocol of the rat lateral gastrocnemius (LG) and following-up its repair with ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), contractility tests and histology. METHODS: Sixty-three male Wistar rats were distributed into two groups. One, with sub-groups GI, GII and GIII (n=12), each containing right LG lacerated (n=6), control and sham (n=3) animals. LG muscles in GI, GII and GIII were inspected by UBM (40 MHz) immediately after, 14 and 28 days post-surgery and thereafter excised with four (GI), 14 (GII) and 28 (GIII) days post-surgery for histology. Animals in second group were distributed into right LG lacerated and control sub-groups. LG muscles in lacerated sub-group were submitted to contractility tests at four (n=8), 14 (n=8) and 28 (n=8) days post-surgery, while in the control sub-group (n=5) were submitted to contractility tests along the course of the experiments. RESULTS: Descriptive findings agreed between the lesion model, muscle repair, UBM images and histology. Contractility results for right LG were different (p<0.05) between control and injured muscle with four and 14 days post-surgery, at tetanic stimulating frequencies (50 and 70 Hz). CONCLUSION: A laceration protocol of the lateral gastrocnemius was implemented and ultrasound biomicroscopy, contractility and histology findings agreed regarding the following-up of injured muscle repair.

Laceration in rat gastrocnemius. Following-up muscle repairing by ultrasound biomicroscopy (in vivo), contractility test (ex vivo) and histopathology

PURPOSE: Implement a laceration protocol of the rat lateral gastrocnemius (LG) and following-up its repair with ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), contractility tests and histology. METHODS: Sixty-three male Wistar rats were distributed into two groups. One, with sub-groups GI, GII and GIII (n=12), each containing right LG lacerated (n=6), control and sham (n=3) animals. LG muscles in GI, GII and GIII were inspected by UBM (40 MHz) immediately after, 14 and 28 days post-surgery and thereafter excised with four (GI), 14 (GII) and 28 (GIII) days post-surgery for histology. Animals in second group were distributed into right LG lacerated and control sub-groups. LG muscles in lacerated sub-group were submitted to contractility tests at four (n=8), 14 (n=8) and 28 (n=8) days post-surgery, while in the control sub-group (n=5) were submitted to contractility tests along the course of the experiments. RESULTS: Descriptive findings agreed between the lesion model, muscle repair, UBM images and histology. Contractility results for right LG were different (p<0.05) between control and injured muscle with four and 14 days post-surgery, at tetanic stimulating frequencies (50 and 70 Hz). CONCLUSION: A laceration protocol of the lateral gastrocnemius was implemented and ultrasound biomicroscopy, contractility and histology findings agreed regarding the following-up of injured muscle repair. .

Oral treatment with Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açaí) extract improves cardiac dysfunction and exercise intolerance in rats subjected to myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of Euterpe oleracea Mart., popularly known as "açaí", on rats subjected to myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: Hydroalcoholic extracts of açaí were obtained from a decoction of the seeds. Two male Wistar rat groups were delineated: 1) the sham-operated group (control, n = 6), with no surgical amendment, and 2) the MI group (n = 12), in which the anterior descendent coronary artery was occluded during surgery. MI group was divided into two subgroups, in which rats were either treated with hydroalcoholic extract of Euterpe oleracea seeds (100 mg/kg/day p.o.) or received no treatment. Treatment began on the day of surgery, and lasted 4 weeks. Subsequently, rats were subject to an exercise test protocol, hemodynamic evaluation, and histological analysis of the left ventricle. Groups were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Dunnett's test. RESULTS: The total running distance of sham rats was 1339.0 ± 276.6 m, MI rats was 177.6 ± 15.8 m (P < 0.05), and MI-açaí rats was 969.9 ± 362.2 m. Systolic arterial pressure was significantly decreased in MI rats (86.88 ± 4.62 mmHg) compared to sham rats (115.30 ± 7.24 mmHg; P < 0.05). Açaí treatment prevented a reduction in systolic arterial pressure (130.00 ± 8.16 mmHg) compared to MI rats (P < 0.05). Left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure was significantly augmented in MI rats (17.62 ± 1.21 mmHg) compared to sham rats (4.15 ± 1.60 mmHg; P < 0.05), but was 3.69 ± 2.69 mmHg in açaí-treated rats (P < 0.05 vs. MI). The LV relaxation rate (-dp/dt) was reduced in MI rats compared to the sham group, whereas açaí treatment prevented this reduction. Açaí treatment prevented cardiac hypertrophy and LV fibrosis in MI rats. CONCLUSIONS: Euterpe oleracea treatment of MI rats prevented the development of exercise intolerance, cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and dysfunction.

Vasodilator activity of the essential oil from aerial parts of Pectis brevipedunculata and its main constituent citral in rat aorta.

The essential oil of Pectis brevipedunculata (EOPB), a Brazilian ornamental aromatic grass, is characterized by its high content of citral (81.9%: neral 32.7% and geranial 49.2%), limonene (4.7%) and α-pinene (3.4%). Vasodilation induced by EOPB and isolated citral was investigated in pre-contracted vascular smooth muscle, using thoracic aorta from Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats which was prepared for isometric tension recording. EOPB promoted intense relaxation of endothelium-intact and denuded aortic rings with the concentration to induce 50% of the maximal relaxation (IC50) of 0.044% ± 0.006% and 0.093% ± 0.015% (p < 0.05), respectively. The IC50 values for citral in endothelium-intact and denuded rings were 0.024% ± 0.004% and 0.021% ± 0.004%, respectively (p > 0.05). In endothelium-intact aorta, EOPB-induced vasorelaxation was significantly reduced by L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. The vasodilator activity of citral was increased in the KCl-contracted aorta and citral attenuated the contracture elicited by Ca2+ in depolarized aorta. EOPB and citral elicited vasorelaxation on thoracic aorta by affecting the NO/cyclic GMP pathway and the calcium influx through voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels, respectively.

Antihypertensive profile of 2-thienyl-3,4-methylenedioxybenzoylhydrazone is mediated by activation of the A2A adenosine receptor.

Several N-acylhydrazone derivatives synthesized from safrole have been found to promote intense vasodilation and antihypertensive activity. The present work describes the synthesis and antihypertensive profile of 2-thienyl-3,4-methylenedioxybenzoylhydrazone (LASSBio-1027), a new analogue of the lead compound 3,4-methylenedioxybenzoyl-2-thienylhydrazone. Thoracic aortas from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were prepared for isometric tension recording. Noninvasive blood pressure measurements were made during 14 days of intraperitoneal (10 mg/kg) or oral (20 mg/kg) administration of LASSBio-1027. LASSBio-1027 exhibited partially endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant activity, which was attenuated in the presence of l-NAME, glibenclamide, or ZM 241385. LASSBio-1027 exhibited an antihypertensive effect in SHR during 14 days of intraperitoneal or oral administration, but did not induce a hypotensive effect in normotensive WKY rats. LASSBio-1027-induced vascular relaxation of aortas from WKY rats was mediated by the activation of A(2A) adenosine receptors. Docking studies and binding assays suggested that LASSBio-1027 has affinity for A(2A) and A(3) adenosine receptors. This new N-acylhydrazone derivative represents a potential strategy for the treatment of arterial hypertension.

Vasodilatory activity and antihypertensive profile mediated by inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 1 induced by a novel sulfonamide compound.

LASSBio-985 is a sulfonamide compound designed as a simplified structure of a nonselective phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE-4) inhibitor that promotes vasodilatory activity in vitro. PDE are enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of cyclic adenosine 3',5'- monophosphate and cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate. Five different isozymes of PDE are found in vascular smooth muscle (PDE1-PDE5). Aortic rings, with or without endothelium, from male normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were prepared for isometric tension recording. Blood pressure was measured in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats and SHR during intravenous infusion of LASSBio-985 (10 mg/kg/min) during 15 min. LASSBio-985 induced a concentration-dependent vasodilation in aortic rings from normotensive and SHR, which was almost completely inhibited in endothelium-denuded vessels. Vasodilatory activity was also reduced in endothelium-intact aortic rings that had been pretreated with N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor and 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolod[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), a guanylate cyclase inhibitor. LASSBio-985-induced vasodilation was also inhibited by sildenafil (100 µm) and SQ 22536, a PDE5 inhibitor and adenylate cyclase inhibitor, respectively. To evaluate the involvement of some endothelial receptors, atropine, diphenhydramine, HOE 140, naloxone, propranolol, indomethacin, and wortmannin were tested, but none inhibited the effects of LASSBio-985. The residual effect observed on endothelium-denuded aortic rings was abolished by nicardipine, a voltage-sensitive-Ca(2+)-channel blocker. Intravenous infusion of LASSBio-985 (10 mg/kg/min) significantly reduced systolic and diastolic pressures in both WKY and SHR. LASSBio-985 is a compound with vasodilatory activity, which could be consequent to PDE1 inhibition and voltage-sensitive-Ca(2+)-channel blockade.

Caracterização anestésica da nanoemulsão não lipídica de propofol / Anesthetic profile of a non-lipid propofol nanoemulsion / Caracterización anestésica de la nanoemulsión no lipídica de propofol

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Uso clínico de formulação lipídica de propofol causa dor durante injeção, reação alérgica e crescimento microbiano. Propofol tem sido reformulado em diferentes apresentações não lipídicas para reduzir os efeitos adversos, mas essas mudanças podem modificar sua farmacocinética e farmacodinâmica. Neste trabalho, investigamos a farmacologia e a toxicologia do propofol lipídico (CLP) e da nanoemulsão não lipídica (NLP). MÉTODO: CLP and NLP foram infundidos na veia jugular de ratos sob medida da pressão arterial (PA), frequência cardíaca (FC) e frequência respiratória (FR). Ambas as formulações (1 por cento) foram infundidas (40 µL.min-1) durante 1 hora. Doses hipnóticas e anestésicas, assim como recuperações, foram determinadas. A dor induzida pelo veículo do CLP e NLP foi comparada por meio da contagem do número de contorções abdominais ("writhing test") após injeção intraperitonial (i.p.) em camundongos. Ácido acético (0,6 por cento) foi usado como controle positivo. RESULTADOS: As doses hipnóticas e anestésicas com 1 por cento CLP (6,0 ± 1,3 e 17,8 ± 2,6 mg.kg-1, respectivamente) e 1 por cento NLP (5,4 ± 1,0 e 16,0 ± 1,4 mg.kg-1, respectivamente) não foram significativamente diferentes. A recuperação da hipnose e da anestesia foi mais rápida com NLP do que com CLP. As alterações de FC, PA e FR causadas pelo NLP não foram significativamente diferentes das do CLP. Ácido acético e veículo do CLP provocaram 46,0 ± 2,0 e 12,5 ± 0,6 contorções em 20 min após injeção i.p., respectivamente. Observou-se ausência de contorções abdominais com veículo de NLP. Nenhuma resposta inflamatória abdominal foi notada com a injeção i.p. de ambos os veículos de propofol. CONCLUSÕES: O NLP pode representar melhor alternativa do que o CLP para anestesia venosa com menores efeitos adversos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The clinical use of a lipid propofol formulation causes pain during injection, allergic reactions, and bacterial growth. Propofol has been reformulated in different non-lipid presentations to reduce the incidence of adverse effects, but those changes can modify its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. In the present study, we investigate the pharmacology and toxicology of lipid propofol (CLP) and the non-lipid nanoemulsion (NLP). METHODS: Conventional lipid formulation of propofol and NLP were infused in the jugular veins of rats and blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and respiratory rate (RR) were measured. Both formulations (1 percent) were infused (40 µL.min-1) over 1 hour. Hypnotic and anesthetic doses as well as recoveries were determined. The pain induced by the CLP and NLP vehicles was compared by counting the number of abdominal contortions ("writhing test") after the intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection in mice. Acetic acid (0.6 percent) was used as positive control. RESULTS: Hypnotic and anesthetic doses of 1 percent CLP (6.0 ± 1.3 and 17.8 ± 2.6 mg.kg-1, respectively) and 1 percent NLP (5.4 ± 1.0 and 16.0 ± 1.4 mg.kg-1, respectively) were not significantly different. Recovery from hypnosis and anesthesia was faster with NLP than with CLP. Changes in HR, BP, and RR caused by NLP were not significantly different from those caused by CLP. Acetic acid and the vehicle of CLP caused 46.0 ± 2.0 and 12.5 ± 0.6 abdominal contortions 20 min after i.p. injection, respectively. The absence of abdominal contractions was observed with the vehicle of NLP. Abdominal inflammatory response was not observed after the i.p. injection of both propofol vehicles. CONCLUSIONS: Non-lipid formulation of propofol can be a better alternative to CPL for intravenous anesthesia with fewer adverse effects.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El uso clínico de la formulación lipídica del propofol, causa dolor durante la inyección, reacción alérgica y crecimiento microbiano. El propofol ha sido reformulado en diferentes presentaciones no lipídicas para reducir los efectos adversos, pero esos cambios pueden modificar su farmacocinética y farmacodinámica. En este trabajo, investigamos la farmacología y la toxicología del propofol lipídico (CLP) y de la nanoemulsión no lipídica (NLP). MÉTODO: El CLP y el NLP fueron infundidos en la vena yugular de ratones midiendo la presión arterial (PA), frecuencia cardíaca (FC) y frecuencia respiratoria (FR). Las dos formulaciones (1 por ciento) fueron infundidas (40 µL.min-1) durante 1 hora. Dosis hipnóticas y anestésicas y recuperaciones, fueron determinadas. El dolor inducido por el vehículo del CLP y NLP se comparó por medio del conteo del número de contorciones abdominales ("writhing test") después de la inyección intraperitoneal en ratones. El ácido acético (0,6 por ciento) fue usado como control positivo. RESULTADOS: Las dosis hipnóticas y anestésicas con 1 por ciento CLP (6,0 ± 1,3 y 17,8 ± 2,6 mg.kg-1, respectivamente) y 1 por ciento NLP (5,4 ± 1,0 y 16,0 ± 1,4 mg.kg-1, respectivamente), no fueron significativamente diferentes. La recuperación de la hipnosis y de la anestesia fue más rápida con NLP que con CLP. Las alteraciones de FC, PA y FR causadas por el NLP no fueron significativamente diferentes de las del CLP. El ácido acético y el vehículo del CLP provocaron 46,0 ± 2,0 y 12,5 ± 0,6 contorciones en 20 minutos después de la inyección i.p., respectivamente. No se observaron contorciones abdominales con vehículo de NLP. Ninguna respuesta inflamatoria abdominal fue notada con la inyección i.p. de los dos vehículos de propofol. CONCLUSIONES: El NLP puede representar una mejor alternativa que el CLP para la anestesia venosa, con menores efectos adversos.

Efeitos hemodinâmicos do atracúrio e do cisatracúrio e o uso de difenidramina e cimetidina / Hemodynamic effects of atracurium and cisatracurium and the use of diphenhydramine and cimetidine / Efectos hemodinámicos del atracurio y del cisatracurio y el uso de la difenidramina y la cimetidina

Justificativa e objetivos: Haja visto que atracúrio pode causar hipotensão arterial no homem, investigaram-se os efeitos hemodinâmicos promovidos pelo atracúrio e pelo cisatracúrio e a proteção hemodinâmica conferida pela difenidramina e cimetidina em ratos. Método: 1) Ratos Wistar anestesiados com pentobarbital sódico e preparados de acordo com Brown e col. para avaliar doses de atracúrio e cisatracúrio para redução de T4/T1 da sequência de quatro estímulos maior ou igual a 95 por cento. 2) Avaliação das alterações hemodinâmicas de atracúrio e cisatracúrio por injeção venosa, medindo-se a pressão arterial sistêmica da artéria carótida e eletrocardiograma de ratos. 3) Observação de proteção hemodinâmica pelo tratamento prévio com difenidramina (2 mg.kg-1) e/ou cimetidina (4 mg.kg-1) por injeção venosa. Análise estatística: teste t de Student, ANOVA. Resultados: O atracúrio e o cisatracúrio não modificaram a pressão arterial média (PAM) nas doses de 1 mg.kg-1 e 0,25 mg.kg-1, respectivamente. Doses de 4 mg.kg-1 promoveram diminuição da PAM de 62,8 ± 4,5 por cento do controle para o atracúrio, e de 82,5 ± 2,3 por cento do controle para o cisatracúrio. Com difenidramina e cimetidina, a pressão sistólica diminuiu 95,4 ± 2,5 por cento do controle. Com cimetidina, pressão diastólica diminuiu 82,7 ± 8,4 por cento do controle. O efeito conjunto sobre as pressões sistólica e diastólica refletiu-se nos valores observados da PAM. Conclusões: A difenidramina e a cimetidina, isoladamente, não impediram a diminuição da pressão arterial média induzida pelo atracúrio. No entanto, associação destes dois fármacos foi eficaz na prevenção dos efeitos hemodinâmicos induzidos pelo atracúrio. O cisatracúrio nas doses do experimento não promoveu diminuição da pressão arterial que justificasse as medidas preventivas aplicadas nos grupos onde se utilizou o atracúrio.

Background and objectives: Since atracurium can cause hypotension in humans, the hemodynamic effects of atracurium and cisatracurium as well as the hemodynamic protection of diphenhydramine and cimetidine were investigated in rats. Methods: 1) Wistar rats were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital and prepared according to Brown et al. to evaluate different doses of atracurium and cisatracurium in the reduction of T4/T1 equal or greater than 95 percent. 2) Assessment of the hemodynamic changes caused by the intravenous administration of atracurium and cisatracurium by monitoring the blood pressure in the carotid artery and the electrocardiogram of rats. 3) Observation of the hemodynamic protection of prior treatment with the intravenous administration of diphenhydramine (2 mg.kg-1) and/or cimetidine (4 mg.kg-1). Statistical analysis: Student t test and ANOVA. Results: Doses of 1 mg.kg-1 and 0.25 mg.kg-1 of atracurium and cisatracurium respectively did not change the mean arterial pressure (MAP). Doses of 4 mg.kg-1 of atracurium and cisatracurium decreased MAP to 62.8 ± 4.5 percent and 82.5 ± 2.3 percent respectively when compared to control levels. When the rats were pre-treated with diphenhydramine and cimetidine, diastolic pressure was reduced to 95.4 percent ± 2.5 percent. With cimetidine, diastolic pressure was reduced to 82.7 ± 8.4 percent when compared to the control group. The effects on systolic and diastolic blood pressure were reflected in the levels of MAP. Conclusions: The isolated administration of diphenhydramine and cimetidine did not prevent the reduction in mean arterial pressure induced by atracurium. However, the association of both drugs was able to prevent the hemodynamic effects of atracurium. The doses of cisatracurium used in this study did not cause a reduction in blood pressure significant enough to justify the use of the preventive measures used in the atracurium groups.

Justificativa y objetivos: Habida cuenta de que el atracurio puede causar hipotensión arterial en el hombre, se investigaron los efectos hemodinámicos promovidos por el atracurio y por el cisatracurio, y la protección hemodinámica dada por la difenidramina y la cimetidina en ratones. Método: 1) Ratones Wistar anestesiados con pentobarbital sódico y preparados de acuerdo con Brown y col. para evaluar las dosis de atracurio y cisatracurio para la reducción de T4/T1 de la secuencia de cuatro estímulos mayor o igual al 95 por ciento. 2) Evaluación de las alteraciones hemodinámicas del atracurio y el cisatracurio por inyección venosa, midiendo la presión arterial sistémica de la arteria carótida y electrocardiograma de ratones. 3) Observación de la protección hemodinámica por el tratamiento previo con difenidramina (2 mg.kg-1) y/o cimetidina (4 mg.kg-1) por inyección venosa. Análisis estadístico: test t de Student, ANOVA. Resultados: El atracurio y el cisatracurio no modificaron la presión arterial promedio (PAP) en las dosis de 1 mg.kg-1 y 0,25 mg.kg-1, respectivamente. Las dosis de 4 mg.kg-1 disminuyeron la PAP de 62,8 ± 4,5 por ciento del control para el atracurio, y de 82,5 ± 2,3 por ciento del control para el cisatracurio. Con la difenidramina y la cimetidina, la presión sistólica se redujo a 95,4 ± 2,5 por ciento del control. Con la cimetidina, la presión diastólica disminuyó 82,7 ± 8,4 por ciento del control. El efecto con-junto sobre las presiones sistólica y diastólica se reflejó en los valores observados de la PAP. Conclusiones: La difenidramina y la cimetidina, aisladamente, no impidieron la disminución de la presión arterial promedio inducida por el atracurio. Sin embargo, la asociación de esos de los fármacos fue eficaz en la prevención de los efectos hemodinámicos inducidos por el atracurio. El cisatracurio, en las dosis del experimento, no promovió una disminución de la presión arterial que justificase las medidas preventivas...

Effects of azumolene on normal and malignant hyperthermia-susceptible skeletal muscle.

Malignant hyperthermia is a pharmacogenetic disease of skeletal muscle in which a life-threatening, hypermetabolic syndrome is induced by exposure of susceptible patients to halogenated general anaesthetics and/or succinylcholine. Dantrolene sodium, the only drug effective for treatment of malignant hyperthermia, has low water solubility that makes its clinical use difficult. The aim of this study was to investigate the potency of azumolene, a 30-fold more water-soluble analogue, in comparison to the prototype dantrolene sodium, on mammalian and human skeletal muscles. The twitches of extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscles from mice were inhibited by azumolene with IC(50) of 2.8 +/- 0.8 and 2.4 +/- 0.6 microM, respectively. The IC(50) of dantrolene sodium in these muscles was 1.6 +/- 0.4 and 3.5 +/- 1.2 microM, respectively, with no difference in comparison to azumolene. Previous in vitro exposure of mouse soleus muscle to azumolene and dantrolene sodium (10 microM) significantly inhibited 8 mM caffeine-induced contractures. Azumolene was just effective as dantrolene sodium in relaxing caffeine-induced contractures of mouse soleus muscle. Intravenous injection caused dose-dependent decreases in twitches of guinea pig gastrocnemius muscle with IC(50) of 1.2 +/- 0.1 and 1.5 +/- 0.2 mg/kg for azumolene and dantrolene sodium, respectively. Azumolene, 10 microM, was effective in blocking and reversing caffeine-induced contracture of human malignant hyperthermia susceptible skeletal muscle in vitro. These studies provide evidence that azumolene is equipotent to dantrolene sodium in blocking pharmacologic-induced muscle contractures and that azumolene should be efficacious for treatment/prevention of malignant hyperthermia.