The effects of pollen, propolis, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester on tyrosine hydroxylase activity and total RNA levels in hypertensive rats caused by nitric oxide synthase inhibition: experimental, docking and molecular dynamic studies.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of propolis, pollen, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity and total RNA levels of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) inhibition of nitric oxide synthase in the heart, adrenal medulla, and hypothalamus of hypertensive male Sprague dawley rats. The TH activity in the adrenal medulla, heart, and hypothalamus of the rats was significantly increased in the L-NAME group vs. control (p < 0.05). Treatment with L-NAME led to a significant increase in blood pressure (BP) in the L-NAME group compared to control (p < 0.05). These data suggest that propolis, pollen, and CAPE may mediate diminished TH activity in the heart, adrenal medulla, and hypothalamus in hypertensive rats. The decreased TH activity may be due to the modulation and synthesis of catecholamines and BP effects. In addition, the binding mechanism of CAPE within the catalytic domain of TH was investigated by means of molecular modeling approaches. These data suggest that the amino acid residues, Glu429 and Ser354 of TH may play a pivotal role in the stabilization of CAPE within the active site as evaluated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Gibbs binding free energy (ΔGbinding) of CAPE in complex with TH was also determined by post-processing MD analysis approaches (i.e. Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) method).

Direct effect of hypothalamic neuropeptides on the release of catecholamines by adrenal medulla in sheep - study ex vivo.

Stress causes the activation of both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis and sympatho-adrenal system, thus leading to the release from the adrenal medulla of catecholamines: adrenaline and, to a lesser degree, noradrenaline. It has been established that in addition to catecholamines, the adrenomedullary cells produce a variety of neuropeptides, including corticoliberine (CRH), vasopressin (AVP), oxytocin (OXY) and proopiomelanocortine (POMC) - a precursor of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The aim of this study was to investigate adrenal medulla activity in vitro depending, on a dose of CRH, AVP and OXY on adrenaline and noradrenaline release. Pieces of sheep adrenal medulla tissue (about 50 mg) were put on 24-well plates and were incubated in 1 mL of Eagle medium without hormone (control) or supplemented only once with CRH, AVP and OXY in three doses (10-7, 10-8 and 10-9 M) in a volume of 10 µL. The results showed that CRH stimulates adrenaline and noradrenaline release from the adrenal medulla tissue. The stimulating influence of AVP on adrenaline release was visible after the application of the two lower doses of this neuropeptide; however, AVP reduced noradrenaline release from the adrenal medulla tissue. A strong, inhibitory OXY effect on catecholamine release was observed, regardless of the dose of this hormone. Our results indicate the important role of OXY in the inhibition of adrenal gland activity and thus a better adaptation to stress on the adrenal gland level.

Inhibitory effects of pine nodule extract and its component, SJ-2, on acetylcholine-induced catecholamine secretion and synthesis in bovine adrenal medullary cells.

Extract of pine nodules (matsufushi) formed by bark proliferation on the surface of trees of Pinus tabulaeformis or Pinus massoniana has been used as an analgesic for joint pain, rheumatism, neuralgia, dysmenorrhea and other complaints in Chinese traditional medicine. Here we report the effects of matsufushi extract and its components on catecholamine secretion and synthesis in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells. We found that matsufushi extract (0.0003-0.005%) and its component, SJ-2 (5-hydroxy-3-methoxy-trans-stilbene) (0.3-100 µM), but not the other three, concentration-dependently inhibited catecholamine secretion induced by acetylcholine, a physiological secretagogue. Matsufushi extract (0.0003-0.005%) and SJ-2 (0.3-100 µM) also inhibited 45Ca2+ influx induced by acetylcholine in a concentration-dependent manner, similar to its effect on catecholamine secretion. They also suppressed 14C-catecholamine synthesis and tyrosine hydroxylase activity induced by acetylcholine. In Xenopus oocytes expressing α3ß4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, matsufushi extract (0.00003-0.001%) and SJ-2 (1-100 µM) directly inhibited the current evoked by acetylcholine. The present findings suggest that SJ-2, as well as matsufushi extract, inhibits acetylcholine-induced catecholamine secretion and synthesis by suppression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-ion channels in bovine adrenal medullary cells.

Ikarisoside A inhibits acetylcholine-induced catecholamine secretion and synthesis by suppressing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-ion channels in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells.

Ikarisoside A is a natural flavonol glycoside derived from plants of the genus Epimedium, which have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as tonics, antirheumatics, and aphrodisiacs. Here, we report the effects of ikarisoside A and three other flavonol glycosides on catecholamine secretion and synthesis in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells. We found that ikarisoside A (1-100 µM), but not icariin, epimedin C, or epimedoside A, concentration-dependently inhibited the secretion of catecholamines induced by acetylcholine, a physiological secretagogue and agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Ikarisoside A had little effect on catecholamine secretion induced by veratridine and 56 mM K(+). Ikarisoside A (1-100 µM) also inhibited (22)Na(+) influx and (45)Ca(2+) influx induced by acetylcholine in a concentration-dependent manner similar to that of catecholamine secretion. In Xenopus oocytes expressing α3ß4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, ikarisoside A (0.1-100 µM) directly inhibited the current evoked by acetylcholine. It also suppressed (14)C-catecholamine synthesis and tyrosine hydroxylase activity induced by acetylcholine at 1-100 µM and 10-100 µM, respectively. The present findings suggest that ikarisoside A inhibits acetylcholine-induced catecholamine secretion and synthesis by suppression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-ion channels in bovine adrenal medullary cells.

Lycium europaeum fruit extract: antiproliferative activity on A549 human lung carcinoma cells and PC12 rat adrenal medulla cancer cells and assessment of its cytotoxicity on cerebellum granule cells.

Cancer is a major worldwide health problem and one of the leading causes of death either in developed or developing countries. Plant extracts and derivatives have always been used for various disease treatments and many anticancer agents issued from plants and vegetables are clinically recognized and used all over the world. Lycium europaeum (Solanaceae) also called "wolfberry" was known since ancient times in the Mediterranean area as a medicinal plant and used in several traditional remedies. The Lycium species capacity of reducing the incidence of cancer and also of halting or reserving the growth of cancer was reported by traditional healers. In this study, the antiproliferative capacity, protective properties, and antioxidant activity of the hydro-alcoholic fruit extract of Lycium europaeum were investigated. Results showed that Lycium extract exhibits the ability to reduce cancer cell viability, inhibits proliferation, and induces apoptosis in A549 human lung cancer cells and PC12 rat adrenal medulla cancer cells, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Cytotoxic effect on normal rat cerebellum granule cells was assessed to be nonsignificant. Results also showed that Lycium fruit extract protected lipids, proteins, and DNA against oxidative stress damages induced by H2O2 via scavenging reactive oxygen species.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on anxiety and sympathetic-adrenal medulla system in rats with insomnia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the action mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Shenmen" (HT 7) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) on insomnia. METHODS: Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group and an EA group, 10 cases in each group. The insomnia model was made by immobilization method in the model group and EA group. After model establishment, rats in the blank group and model group were treated with fixation and no treatment was given. Rats in the EA group were treated with EA at "Shenmen" (HT 7) and "San-yinjiao" (SP 6) for 15 min, once a day for 4 days. After treatment, the level of daytime and nighttime activity, open-arm entry percentage and open-arm time percentage of elevated plus-maze test were measured; the content of noradrenaline (NE), dopamine (DA) and epinephrine (EPI) in plasma and NE, DA in thalamus and brainstem were detected by using euzymelinked immunosorbent assay method. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the daytime activity was increased and nighttime activity was reduced in the model group (both P<0. 05); the open-arm entry percentage and open-arm time percentage of elevated plus-maze test were both reduced in the model group (both P<0. 05); the contents of NE, DA, EPI in the plasma and NE, DA in thalamus and brainstem were increased in the model group (all P<0. 05). Compared with the model group, the daytime activity was reduced and nighttime activity was increased in the EA group (both P<0. 05); the open-arm entry percentage and open-arm time percentage of elevated plus-maze test were both increased in the EA group (both P<0. 05); the contents of NE, DA, EPI in the plasma and NE, DA in thalamus and brainstem were reduced in the EA group (all P< 0. 05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture at "Shenmen" (HT 7) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) can restrain the over-activity of the sympathetic-adrenal medullary system to treat the insomnia.

The effects of enalapril and losartan on mechanical ventilation-induced sympathoadrenal activation and oxidative stress in rats.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a method of maintaining appropriate gas exchange in patients who are unable to sustain adequate alveolar ventilation. While lifesaving in the short-term, prolonged MV leads to altered cardiovascular responses and enhanced lung injury, but the exact mechanism is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the involvement of the sympathoadrenergic and renin-angiotensin system in MV-induced altered cardiovascular responses. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups: (1) spontaneous breathing (SB); (2) SB + enalapril (100 µg/kg intravenous infusion); (3) SB + losartan (100 µg/kg infusion); (4) 12 h of MV; (5) MV + enalapril; and (6) MV + losartan. After the animals were sacrificed, blood and tissue samples were collected. Tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine beta hydroxylase, and neuropeptide Y were measured in adrenal medulla and hypothalamus, whereas AT1 was measured in lung tissues by Western blot. Norepinephrine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and total antioxidant capacity were assayed in plasma. RESULTS: Our findings indicated that MV increases the sympathetic activation markers in adrenal medulla and hypothalamus. Moreover, oxidative stress was increased in lung and brain tissues. Treatment with enalapril or losartan reduced the lipid peroxidation in lung and brain tissues, while preserving the tissue glutathione content and plasma antioxidant capacity. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that the inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system by enalapril or losartan may reduce the MV-induced increase in sympathetic activity markers and oxidative stress, and thus, may have a beneficial effect as adjuvant therapy.

Bidirectional regulation of bakuchiol, an estrogenic-like compound, on catecholamine secretion.

Excess or deficiency of catecholamine (CA) secretion was related with several diseases. Recently, estrogen and phytoestrogens were reported to regulate the activity of CA system. Bakuchiol is a phytoestrogen isolated from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia L. (Leguminosae) which has been used in Traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic or aphrodisiac. In the present study, bovine adrenal medullary cells were employed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of bakuchiol on the regulation of CA secretion. Further, its anti-depressant like and anti-stress effects were evaluated by using behavioral despair and chronic immobilization stress models. Our results indicated that bakuchiol showed bidirectional regulation on CA secretion. It stimulated basal CA secretion in a concentration dependent manner (p<0.01), while it reduced 300µM acetylcholine (ACh) (p<0.01), 100µM veratridine (Ver) (p<0.01) and 56mM K(+) (p<0.05) induced CA secretion, respectively. We also found that the stimulation of basal CA secretion by bakuchiol may act through estrogen-like effect and the JNK pathway in an extra-cellular calcium independent manner. Further, bakuchiol elevated tyrosine hydroxylase Ser40 and Ser31 phosphorylation (p<0.01) through the PKA and ERK1/2 pathways, respectively. Bakuchiol inhibited ACh, Ver and 56mM K(+) induced CA secretion was related with reduction of intracellular calcium rise. In vivo experiments, we found that bakuchiol significantly reduced immobilization time in behavioral despair mouse (p<0.05 or 0.01), and plasma epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) levels in chronic immobilization stress (p<0.05). Overall, these results present a bidirectional regulation of bakuchiol on CA secretion which indicated that bakuchiol may exert anti-stress and the potential anti-depressant-like effects.

Overpressure blast-wave induced brain injury elevates oxidative stress in the hypothalamus and catecholamine biosynthesis in the rat adrenal medulla.

Explosive overpressure brain injury (OBI) impacts the lives of both military and civilian population. We hypothesize that a single exposure to OBI results in increased hypothalamic expression of oxidative stress and activation of the sympatho-adrenal medullary axis. Since a key component of blast-induced organ injury is the primary overpressure wave, we assessed selective biochemical markers of autonomic function and oxidative stress in male Sprague Dawley rats subjected to head-directed overpressure insult. Rats were subjected to single head-directed OBI with a 358kPa peak overpressure at the target. Control rats were exposed to just noise signal being placed at ~2m distance from the shock tube nozzle. Sympathetic nervous system activation of the adrenal medullae (AM) was evaluated at 6h following blast injury by assessing the expression of catecholamine biosynthesizing enzymes, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine-ß hydroxylase (DßH), neuropeptide Y (NPY) along with plasma norepinephrine (NE). TH, DßH and NPY expression increased 20%, 25%, and 91% respectively, following OBI (P<0.05). Plasma NE was also significantly elevated by 23% (P<0.05) following OBI. OBI significantly elevated TH (49%, P<0.05) in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) of the brain stem while AT1 receptor expression and NADPH oxidase activity, a marker of oxidative stress, was elevated in the hypothalamus following OBI. Collectively, the increased levels of TH, DßH and NPY expression in the rat AM, elevated TH in NTS along with increased plasma NE suggest that single OBI exposure results in increased sympathoexcitation. The mechanism may involve the elevated AT1 receptor expression and NADPH oxidase levels in the hypothalamus. Taken together, such effects may be important factors contributing to pathology of brain injury and autonomic dysfunction associated with the clinical profile of patients following OBI.

Effects of intravenous magnesium infusion on in vivo release of acetylcholine and catecholamine in rat adrenal medulla.

We applied microdialysis technique to the left adrenal medulla of anesthetized rats and examined the effects of intravenous Mg(2+) infusion on presynaptic acetylcholine (ACh) release and postsynaptic catecholamine release induced by electrical stimulation of splanchnic nerves. The dialysis probes were perfused with Ringer's solution containing neostigmine. Low-dose MgSO4 (25 µmol/kg/min for 30 min i.v.) increased mean plasma Mg(2+) concentration to 2.5mM; the administration suppressed norepinephrine (NE) release by approximately 30% and epinephrine (Epi) release by approximately 20%, but did not affect ACh release. High-dose MgSO4 (50 µmol/kg/min for 30 min i.v.) increased mean plasma Mg(2+) concentration to 3.8mM; the administration suppressed ACh release by approximately 25%, NE release by approximately 60% and Epi release by approximately 45%. Administration of Na2SO4 (50 µmol/kg/min for 30 min i.v.) did not change the release of ACh, NE or Epi. Local administration of nifedipine (200 µM) suppressed NE release by approximately 40% and Epi release by approximately 30%, but did not affect ACh release. In the presence of nifedipine, low-dose MgSO4 did not suppress the release of ACh, or further suppress NE or Epi compared to nifedipine alone, but high-dose MgSO4 suppressed ACh release by approximately 25% and further suppressed NE release by approximately 60% and Epi release by approximately 50% compared to nifedipine alone. In conclusion, intravenous administration of Mg(2+) inhibits both presynaptic ACh release and postsynaptic catecholamine release in the adrenal medulla, but L-type Ca(2+) channel-controlled catecholamine release may be more sensitive to Mg(2+) than non-L-type Ca(2+) channel-controlled ACh release.

Modulating effects of selenium in adrenal medulla of rats exposed to 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemopreventive potential of organoselenium compounds (Se I and Se II) in the well-established rat model treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), by monitoring the extent of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity, adrenomedullin (ADM) level and total RNA level in adrenal medulla. Organic pollutants are the most important environmental factor for the biologic systems. DMBA exposure appears to be associated with a number of physiological disease processes. METHODS: The effects of Se I and Se II compounds were investigated on TH activity, ADM and total RNA levels in adrenal medulla of rats exposed to DMBA. RESULTS: TH activity, ADM and total RNA levels were found to be increased significantly due to the effect of DMBA (p < 0.05). This increase was restricted in the Se I- and Se II-treated groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present data showed that the organoselenium compounds may have important effects in the maintainance of homeostasis against stress induced by DMBA.

Fetal glucocorticoid synthesis is required for development of fetal adrenal medulla and hypothalamus feedback suppression.

During pregnancy, fetal glucocorticoid is derived from both maternal supply and fetal secretion. We have created mice with a disruption of the Cyp11a1 gene resulting in loss of fetal steroid secretion but preserving the maternal supply. Cyp11a1null embryos have appreciable although lower amounts of circulating corticosterone, the major mouse glucocorticoid, suggesting that transplacental corticosterone is a major source of corticosterone in fetal circulation. These embryos thus provide a means to examine the effect of fetal glucocorticoids. The adrenal in Cyp11a1 null embryos was disorganized with abnormal mitochondria and oil accumulation. The adrenal medullary cells did not express phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase and synthesized no epinephrine. Cyp11a1 null embryos had decreased diencephalon Hsd11b1, increased diencephalon Crh, and increased pituitary Pomc expression, leading to higher adrenocorticotropin level in the plasma. These data indicate blunted feedback suppression despite reasonable amounts of circulating corticosterone. Thus, the corticosterone synthesized in situ by the fetus is required for negative feedback suppression of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and for catecholamine synthesis in adrenal medulla.

The role of catecholaminergic neurons in the hypothalamus and medullary visceral zone in response to restraint water-immersion stress in rats.

The activity of catecholaminergic neurons in the hypothalamus and the medullary visceral zone (MVZ) in rats in response to restraint water-immersion stress (RWIS) was measured by use of dual Fos and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry. In RWIS rats Fos immunoreactive (Fos-IR) nuclei dramatically increased in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), the supraoptic nucleus (SON), the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV), the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), the area postrema (AP), and the ventrolateral medulla (VLM). A small number of TH-immunoreactive (TH-IR) and Fos/TH double-labeling neurons in the PVN, and their absence from the SON, were observed in both RWIS and nonstressed rats. More TH-IR neurons were observed in the MVZ of RWIS rats than in nonstressed rats. In RWIS and nonstressed rats, the percentage of Fos-IR nuclei in TH-IR neurons was 38.0 and 14.3% in the DMV, 34.4 and 9.7% in the NTS, 18.6 and 4.5% in the AP, and 45.7 and 18.9% in the VLM, respectively. In conclusion, catecholaminergic neurons in the MVZ are involved in the response to RWIS; although the PVN and SON also participate in the response to RWIS, the mechanism is not via catecholaminergic neurons.

Methylxanthines and human health: epidemiological and experimental evidence.

When considering methylxanthines and human health, it must be recognized that in many countries most caffeine is consumed as coffee. This is further confounded by the fact that coffee contains many bioactive substances in addition to caffeine; it is rich in phenols (quinides, chlorogenic acid, and lactones) and also has diterpenes (fatty acid esters), potassium, niacin, magnesium, and the vitamin B(3) precursor trigonelline. There is a paradox as consumption of either caffeine or caffeinated coffee results in a marked insulin resistance and yet habitual coffee consumption has repeatedly been reported to markedly reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. There is strong evidence that caffeine reduces insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle and this may be due to a combination of direct antagonism of A(1) receptors and indirectly ß-adrenergic stimulation as a result of increased sympathetic activity. Caffeine may also induce reduced hepatic glucose output. With the exception of bone mineral, there is little evidence that caffeine impacts negatively on other health issues. Coffee does not increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases or cancers and there is some evidence suggesting a positive relationship for the former and for some cancers, particularly hepatic cancer.

Dual effects of nobiletin, a citrus polymethoxy flavone, on catecholamine secretion in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells.

Nobiletin, a compound of polymethoxy flavones found in citrus fruits, possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities. Here we report the effects of nobiletin on catecholamine secretion in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells. Nobiletin (1.0-100 microM) concentration-dependently stimulated catecholamine secretion and (45)Ca(2+) influx. Its stimulatory effect of nobiletin on catecholamine secretion was abolished by deprivation of extracellular Ca(2+) and partially inhibited by specific inhibitors of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels and Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchangers. On the other hand, nobiletin suppressed catecholamine secretion and (22)Na(+) and (45)Ca(2+) influx induced by acetylcholine, an agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, in a concentration-dependent manner. It also inhibited catecholamine secretion, (22)Na(+) influx and/or (45)Ca(2+) influx induced by veratridine, an activator of voltage-dependent Na(+) channels, and 56 mM K(+), an activator of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels. In Xenopus oocytes expressing alpha3beta4 neuronal acetylcholine receptors, nobiletin directly inhibited the current evoked by acetylcholine in a concentration-dependent manner similar to that observed in catecholamine secretion. The present findings suggest that nobiletin, by itself, stimulates catecholamine secretion via activation of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels or Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchangers, whereas it inhibits catecholamine secretion induced by acetylcholine through the suppression of Na(+) influx and Ca(2+) influx in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells.

Immunohistochemistry of catecholamines in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system with special regard to fatal hypothermia and hyperthermia.

Catecholamines are involved in various stress responses. Previous studies have suggested applicability of the postmortem blood levels to investigations of physical stress responses or toxic/hyperthermic neuronal dysfunction during death process. The present study investigated cellular immunopositivity for adrenaline (Adr), noradrenaline (Nad) and dopamine (DA) in the hypothalamus, adenohypophysis and adrenal medulla with special regard to fatal hypothermia (cold exposure) and hyperthermia (heat stroke) to examine forensic pathological significance. Medicolegal autopsy cases (n=290, within 3 days postmortem) were examined. The proportions of catecholamine (Adr, Nad and DA)-positive cells (% positivity) in each tissue were quantitatively estimated using immunostaining. Hyperthermia cases (n=12) showed a lower neuronal DA-immunopositivity in the hypothalamus than hypothermia cases (n=20), while Nad- and DA-immunopositivities in the adrenal medulla were higher for hyperthermia than for hypothermia. Rates of Nad-immunopositivity in the adrenal medulla were very low for hypothermia. No such difference between hypothermia and hyperthermia was seen in the adenohypophysis. In hypothermia cases, cellular Nad-immunopositivity in the adrenal medulla correlated with the Nad level in cerebrospinal fluid (r=0.591, p<0.01). These observations suggest a characteristic immunohistochemical pattern of systemic stress response to fatal hypothermia and hyperthermia, involving the hypothalamus and adrenal medulla.

Centrally evoked increase in adrenal sympathetic outflow elicits immediate secretion of adrenaline in anaesthetized rats.

To examine whether feedforward control by central command activates preganglionic adrenal sympathetic nerve activity (AdSNA) and releases catecholamines from the adrenal medulla, we investigated the effects of electrical stimulation of the hypothalamic locomotor region on preganglionic AdSNA and secretion rate of adrenal catecholamines in anaesthetized rats. Pre- or postganglionic AdSNA was verified by temporary sympathetic ganglionic blockade with trimethaphan. Adrenal venous blood was collected every 30 s to determine adrenal catecholamine output and blood flow. Hypothalamic stimulation for 30 s (50 Hz, 100-200 microA) induced rapid activation of preganglionic AdSNA by 83-181% depending on current intensity, which was followed by an immediate increase of 123-233% in adrenal adrenaline output. Hypothalamic stimulation also increased postganglionic AdSNA by 42-113% and renal sympathetic nerve activity by 94-171%. Hypothalamic stimulation induced preferential secretion of adrenal adrenaline compared with noradrenaline, because the ratio of adrenaline to noradrenaline increased greatly during hypothalamic stimulation. As soon as the hypothalamic stimulation was terminated, preganglionic AdSNA returned to the prestimulation level in a few seconds, and the elevated catecholamine output decayed within 30-60 s. Adrenal blood flow and vascular resistance were not affected or slightly decreased by hypothalamic stimulation. Thus, it is likely that feedforward control of catecholamine secretion from the adrenal medulla plays a role in conducting rapid hormonal control of the cardiovascular system at the beginning of exercise.

Dual effects of lipophilic extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) on catecholamine secretion in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) is a well known traditional Chinese herb, which has been used widely in China for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in clinic. AIM OF THIS STUDY: The aim of the present study is to clarify the effects of lipophilic extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza (LESM) on catecholamine (CA) secretion, a traditional Chinese medicine used widely for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in China. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LESM was evaluated for its effects on CA secretion using HPLC-ECD method. The effects of LESM on 22Na+ influx and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) were also investigated. RESULTS: Our results showed that LEMS directly stimulated basal CA secretion in an extracellular Ca2+-dependent manner. And the stimulation was not affected by combination of hexamethonium (Hex),an inhibitor of nAChR. LESM also directly elevated [Ca2+]i. In addition, using selective blockers of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, such as nitrendipine (for L-type), omega-agatoxin-IVA (for P-type) and -conotoxin-GVIA (for N-type), it was found that nitrendipine suppressed the elevation of [Ca2+]i induced by LESM, but not omega-agatoxin-IVA or omega-conotoxin-GVIA. Compared with acetylcholine (ACh) only, however, combination of LESM with ACh inhibited the raise of CA secretion, 22Na+ influx and [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, LESM also inhibited CA secretion induced by veratridine (Ver), and 56 mM K+ at concentrations similar to those for [Ca2+]i rise. One of the lipophilic active compounds, cryptotanshione (Cryp), also had the same effects on CA secretion with LESM. CONCLUSIONS: All these findings suggest that LESM exerts dual effects on CA secretion in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells. LESM exerts antagonistic effects on nAChR, voltage-dependent Na+ and Ca2+ channels, whereas it is an agonist of L-type Ca2+ channel when it used alone.

Increase of beta-endorphin secretion by syringin, an active principle of Eleutherococcus senticosus, to produce antihyperglycemic action in type 1-like diabetic rats.

We employed streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-diabetic rats) as type 1 diabetes-like animal models to investigate the mechanism(s) of antihyperglycemic action produced by syringin, an active principle purified from the rhizome and root part S of ELEUTHEROCOCCUS SENTICOSUS (Araliaceae). Bolus intravenous (i. v.) injection of syringin dose-dependently decreased the plasma glucose of STZ-diabetic rats in 30 minutes in a way parallel to the increase of plasma beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity (BER). Syringin enhanced BER release from the isolated adrenal medulla of STZ-diabetic rats in a concentration-dependent manner from 0.001 to 10 micromol/l. Bilateral adrenalectomy in STZ-diabetic rats eliminated the activities of syringin (1 mg/kg, i. v.) including the plasma glucose-lowering effect and the plasma BER-elevating effect. Also, syringin failed to lower plasma glucose in the presence of micro-opioid receptor antagonists and/or in the micro-opioid receptor knockout diabetic mice. In conclusion, the obtained results suggest that syringin can enhance the secretion of beta-endorphin from adrenal medulla to stimulate peripheral micro-opioid receptors resulting in a decrease of plasma glucose in diabetic rats lacking insulin.

Neuroendocrine profiling in inherited stress-induced arterial hypertension rat strain with stress-sensitive arterial hypertension.

The functions of the hypothalamic adrenal cortical and sympathetic adrenal medullary systems were studied in rats with inherited stress-induced arterial hypertension (ISIAH strain). A characteristic feature of the ISIAH strain is an increase in arterial blood pressure measured both under basal conditions and after restraint stress in particular. In the control ISIAH rats, the basal plasma ACTH concentration was slightly lower than that in the normotensive Wistar albino Glaxo (WAG) rats, and no differences were found in plasma corticosterone. However, the 0.5-h restraint stress produced higher activation of the adrenal cortex in the ISIAH rats. Gluco- and mineralocorticoid responses to the blood volume reduction stresses and ACTH and corticosterone responses to social stress were stronger in the ISIAH than in the control WAG rats. An increase in epinephrine content in adrenals in the basal state and enhanced response of the sympathetic adrenal medullary system to handling stress were observed in the ISIAH rats. Restraint stress produced significantly higher expression of genes encoding corticotropin-releasing hormone-mRNA in hypothalamus and proopiomelanocortin-mRNA in pituitary in the ISIAH than in the WAG rats. Restraint stress produced a decrease in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene expression (GR-mRNA) in hippocampus in the ISIAH, but not in the WAG rats. A persistent increase in tyrosine hydroxylase-mRNA in adrenals of the ISIAH rats was found. It is concluded that the ISIAH rat strain is an appropriate model of stress-sensitive hypertension with the predominant involvement of the hypothalamic adrenal cortical and sympathetic adrenal medullary systems in its pathogenesis.