The GPR55 antagonist CID16020046 protects against intestinal inflammation.

BACKGROUND: G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) is a lysophospholipid receptor responsive to certain cannabinoids. The role of GPR55 in inflammatory processes of the gut is largely unknown. Using the recently characterized GPR55 inhibitor CID16020046, we determined the role of GPR55 in experimental intestinal inflammation and explored possible mechanisms of action. METHODS: Colitis was induced by either 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) supplemented in the drinking water of C57BL/6 mice or by a single intrarectal application of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). KEY RESULTS: Daily application of CID16020046 (20 mg/kg) significantly reduced inflammation scores and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. In the DSS colitis model, levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), and the expression of cyclooxygenase (Cox)-2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3) were reduced in colon tissues while in TNBS-induced colitis, levels of Cox-2, IL-1ß and IL-6 were significantly lowered. Evaluation of leukocyte recruitment by flow cytometry indicated reduced presence of lymphocytes and macrophages in the colon following GPR55 inhibition in DSS-induced colitis. In J774A.1 mouse macrophages, inhibition of GPR55 revealed reduced migration of macrophages and decreased CD11b expression, suggesting that direct effects of CID16020046 on macrophages may have contributed to the improvement of colitis. GPR55(-/-) knockout mice showed reduced inflammation scores as compared to wild type mice in the DSS model suggesting a pro-inflammatory role in intestinal inflammation. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Pharmacological blockade of GPR55 reduces experimental intestinal inflammation by reducing leukocyte migration and activation, in particular that of macrophages. Therefore, CID16020046 represents a possible drug for the treatment of bowel inflammation.

Activation of EP4 receptors prevents endotoxin-induced neutrophil infiltration into the airways and enhances microvascular barrier function.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Pulmonary vascular dysfunction is a key event in acute lung injury. We recently demonstrated that PGE2 , via activation of E-prostanoid (EP)4 receptors, strongly enhances microvascular barrier function in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of concomitant EP4 receptor activation in murine models of acute pulmonary inflammation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Pulmonary inflammation in male BALB/c mice was induced by LPS (20 µg per mouse intranasally) or oleic acid (0.15 µL·g-1 , i.v. ). In-vitro, endothelial barrier function was determined by measuring electrical impedance. KEY RESULTS: PGE2 activation of EP4 receptors reduced neutrophil infiltration, pulmonary vascular leakage and TNF-α concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation. Similarly, pulmonary vascular hyperpermeability induced by oleic acid was counteracted by EP4 receptor activation. In lung function assays, the EP4 agonist ONO AE1-329 restored the increased resistance and reduced compliance upon methacholine challenge in mice treated with LPS or oleic acid. In agreement with these findings, EP4 receptor activation increased the in vitro vascular barrier function of human and mouse pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells and diminished the barrier disruption induced by LPS. The EP2 agonist ONO AE1-259 likewise reversed LPS-induced lung dysfunction without enhancing vascular barrier function. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Our results show that activation of the EP4 receptor strengthens the microvascular barrier function and thereby ameliorates the pathology of acute lung inflammation, including neutrophil infiltration, vascular oedema formation and airway dysfunction. This suggests a potential benefit for EP4 agonists in acute pulmonary inflammation.

CRTH2 is not involved in the anti-enteropooling effect of PGD2 in the small intestine.

The majority of prostaglandins (PGs) are known to induce intestinal fluid secretion (enteropooling). In contrast, PGD(2) has been demonstrated to inhibit fluid secretion induced by other PGs. This study was aimed to investigate, by the use of selective agonists/antagonists, which type of PGD(2) receptor mediates this inhibitory effect. The DP1 agonist BW245C dose-dependently inhibited the enteropooling effect of 16,16-dimethyl-PGE(2). This inhibition was counteracted by the DP1 antagonist BWA868C. In contrast, the CRTH2 receptor does not seem to be involved in the anti-enteropooling effect of PGD(2), since the selective agonists 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD(2) and 15(R)-15-methyl-PGD(2) were without effect. Therefore, our results suggest that the inhibitory effect of PGD(2) in the small intestine is mediated via activation of the DP1 receptor.

A novel antagonist of CRTH2 blocks eosinophil release from bone marrow, chemotaxis and respiratory burst.

BACKGROUND: Chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2) has been revealed to be a novel receptor for prostaglandin (PG) D(2), which is a major mast cell product released during the allergic response. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a newly developed small molecule antagonist of CRTH2, Cay10471, on eosinophil function with respect to recruitment, respiratory burst and degranulation. METHODS: Chemotaxis of guinea pig bone marrow eosinophils and human peripheral blood eosinophils were determined using microBoyden chambers. Eosinophil release from bone marrow was investigated in the in situ perfused guinea pig hind limb preparation. Respiratory burst and degranulation were measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Cay10471 bound with high affinity to recombinant human and guinea pig CRTH2, but not DP, receptors. The antagonist prevented the PGD(2)-induced release of eosinophils from guinea pig bone marrow, and inhibited the chemotaxis of guinea pig bone marrow eosinophils and human peripheral blood eosinophils. Pretreatment with PGD(2) primed eosinophils for chemotaxis towards eotaxin, and this effect was prevented by Cay10471. In contrast, PGD(2) inhibited the C5a-induced up-regulation of CD63, a cellular marker of degranulation, in a Cay10471-sensitive manner. Finally, Cay10471 abolished the respiratory burst of eosinophils upon stimulation by PGD(2). CONCLUSION: These data further emphasize the importance of CRTH2 in eosinophil function and show that Cay10471 is a highly potent and selective antagonist of PGD(2)-induced eosinophil responses. Cay10471 might hence be a useful compound for the treatment of allergic diseases.

Effect of endotoxin treatment on the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin synthases in spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia, and skin of rats.

Peripheral inflammation causes upregulation of cyclooxygenase in the spinal cord and subsequent increase in prostaglandin biosynthesis. However, prostaglandin synthases, which are downstream of cyclooxygenase control the type of prostaglandin that is formed predominantly. Since there is little known about the regulation of prostaglandin synthases, the present study was conducted in order to determine the effect of endotoxin treatment on the expression of messenger RNA encoding interleukin 1beta, cyclooxygenase-2, and prostaglandin synthases mediating the formation of prostaglandin E(2) (membrane bound prostaglandin E synthase) and prostaglandin D(2) (lipocalin prostaglandin D synthase) in spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia and skin of rats. Endotoxin (2 mg/kg i.p.) induced the expression of interleukin-1beta, cyclooxygenase-2, and membrane bound prostaglandin E synthase messenger RNA in spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia, and skin as determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In contrast, basal expression of lipocalin prostaglandin D synthase messenger RNA in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia was not significantly altered by endotoxin. Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg s.c. at -18 h and -1 h) attenuated the effect endotoxin on the expression of interleukin-1beta, cyclooxygenase-2, and membrane bound prostaglandin E synthase messenger RNA in all tissues investigated, but did not significantly influence expression of lipocalin prostaglandin D synthase mRNA in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia. In situ hybridisation histochemistry showed endotoxin-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and membrane bound prostaglandin E synthase messenger RNA throughout gray and white matter of spinal cord sections. In dorsal root ganglia, expression of membrane bound prostaglandin E synthase seemed primarily located to non-neuronal cells, while cyclooxygenase-2 messenger RNA was not detectable. The results show that the immune response elicited by endotoxin induced cyclooxygenase-2 and membrane bound prostaglandin E synthase, but not lipocalin prostaglandin D synthase messenger RNA in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia of rats. The distribution of cyclooxygenase-2 and membrane bound prostaglandin E synthase messenger RNA expressing cells suggests major involvement of non-neuronal cells in spinal prostaglandin biosynthesis. Determination of the regulation of enzymes downstream of cyclooxygenase at the messenger RNA level may represent a valuable tool to investigate effects of analgesic/anti-inflammatory drugs on the regulation of spinal prostaglandin biosynthesis.

Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis in human endotoxin-stimulated peripheral blood monocytes: effects of caffeine.

There is an ongoing debate about possible advantages of the coadministration of caffeine with cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors in the treatment of pain. There are results suggesting interference by caffeine with COX expression and activity in rat immune cells. In the present study, we have used, therefore, human endotoxin-stimulated monocytes to investigate a possible influence of caffeine on indometacin-induced inhibition of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) formation. Endotoxin caused a concentration- and time-dependent increase in immunoreactive PGE(2) that was dependent on CD14-mediated mechanisms. In order to investigate pharmacological inhibition of the COX activity, a submaximal concentration of 1 ng/ml endotoxin (4 h exposure time) was used. Indometacin caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of PGE(2) with an apparent IC(50) of 8.9 +/- 1.4 x 10(-9) mol/l and an I(max) of 1 x 10(-7) mol/l. Caffeine (5 x 10(-6) to 1.5 x 10(-4) mol/l) on its own produced no statistically significant effect on endotoxin-induced PGE(2) formation. In the presence of caffeine (5 x 10(-6) to 1.5 x 10(-4) mol/l), inhibition of PGE(2) biosynthesis by indometacin (1 x 10(-8) mol/l) was not significantly altered. These results show that, in human monocytes, caffeine, up to concentrations severalfold higher than those reached in patients, has no significant effect on endotoxin-induced PGE(2) formation nor on its inhibition by indometacin.

Role of tachykinin receptors in the central processing of afferent input from the acid-threatened rat stomach.

Noxious challenge of the rat gastric mucosa by hydrochloric acid (HCl) is signalled via vagal afferent neurons to several brain nuclei in which tachykinins and tachykinin receptors are present. Therefore, we tested whether tachykinin receptor antagonists would modify the central transmission of input from the acid-threatened stomach. Neuronal excitation was visualized by in situ hybridization autoradiography (ISH) of c-fos messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) 45 min after intragastric (IG) administration of HCl (0.5 M; 10 ml/kg). This stimulus has previously been shown to cause neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS), lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPB), paraventricular (Pa) nuclei, supraoptic (SO) nucleus, central amygdala (CeA), area postrema (AP), subfornical organ (SFO) and habenula (Hb) to express c-fos mRNA. Intraperitoneal (IP) pretreatment with the NK1 receptor antagonist GR-205,171 (3 mg/kg) attenuated the acid-induced transcription of c-fos mRNA in NTS and augmented it in SFO. The NK2 receptor antagonist SR-144,190 (0.1 mg/kg, IP) had no effect. Subcutaneous administration of the NK3 receptor antagonist SB-222,200 (20 mg/kg) reduced the c-fos mRNA response in AP and SFO and enhanced it in Hb. These data show that the transmission of input from the acid-threatened stomach in distinct brain nuclei involves tachykinins acting at NK1 and NK3 receptors, but not NK2 receptors.

Cholera toxin induces prostaglandin synthesis via post-transcriptional activation of cyclooxygenase-2 in the rat jejunum.

The mechanisms of diarrhea in Asiatic cholera have been studied extensively. Cyclic AMP, 5-hydroxytryptamine, prostaglandins, and the function of neuronal structures have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cholera. To elucidate the role of the different isoforms (COX-1 and COX-2) of cyclooxygenase in cholera toxin (CT)-induced fluid secretion and intraluminal prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) release in the rat jejunum in vivo, the effects of the COX-2 inhibitors NS-398 ([N-(2-cyclohexaloxy-4-nitrophenyl)methanesulfonamide]) and DFU [5,5-dimethyl-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-(4-methylsulfonyl)phenyl-2(5H)-furanone], and of the COX-1 inhibitor SC-560, were studied. Net fluid transport was measured gravimetrically and PGE(2) by radioimmunoassay. COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA expression were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and COX-2 protein by Western blot analysis in mucosal scrapings. CT caused profuse net fluid secretion in all control rats. The COX-2 inhibitors NS-398 and DFU, but not the COX-1 inhibitor SC-560 or dexamethasone, dose-dependently inhibited CT-induced fluid secretion and PGE(2) release. RT-PCR showed expression of COX-1 and of COX-2 mRNA in control rats. CT did not induce an increase and dexamethasone did not reduce COX-2 mRNA, whereas lipopolysaccharide caused a marked induction of COX-2 mRNA, which was inhibited by dexamethasone. A weak band of COX-2 protein was observed in controls; however, CT enhanced COX-2 levels, which remained unaffected by dexamethasone. It can be assumed that post-transcriptional modulation is responsible for CT-induced increase in COX-2 protein. COX-1 does not seem to be involved. Therefore, PGE(2) produced by COX-2 seems to be responsible for the profuse fluid secretion induced by CT, and COX-2 appears to be a specific target for the treatment of Asiatic cholera.

Vagal afferent signaling of a gastric mucosal acid insult to medullary, pontine, thalamic, hypothalamic and limbic, but not cortical, nuclei of the rat brain.

Although gastric acid is a factor in upper abdominal pain, the signaling and processing of a gastric mucosal acid insult within the brain are not known. This study examined which nuclei in the rat brain respond to challenge of the gastric mucosa by a noxious concentration of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and whether the central input is carried by vagal afferent neurons. Activation of neurons in the brain was mapped by in situ hybridization autoradiography of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) for the immediate early gene c-fos 45 min after intragastric administration of saline or HCl. Following intragastric HCl (0.5 M) challenge, many neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii, lateral parabrachial nucleus, thalamic and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, supraoptic nucleus, central amygdala and medial/lateral habenula expressed c-fos mRNA as compared to intragastric treatment with saline (0.15 M). However, c-fos transcription in the insular cortex was not enhanced by the gastric acid insult. Hypertonic saline (0.5 M) caused only a minor expression of c-fos mRNA in the hypothalamus and amygdala. The acid-evoked c-fos induction in subcortical nuclei was depressed by at least 80% five days after bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy. Collectively, these observations indicate that vagal afferent input from the acid-threatened gastric mucosa does not reach the insular cortex but leads to activation of subcortical brain nuclei that are involved in emotional, behavioral, neuroendocrine, autonomic and antinociceptive reactions to a noxious stimulus.

Effects of terbutaline on NGF formation in allergic inflammation of the rat.

1. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the beta adrenergic agonist terbutaline on NGF increase caused by allergic inflammation in rats. 2. Intraplantar antigen injection in sensitized rats increased paw volume and stimulated NGF biosynthesis in the skin of the injected paw as determined 3 and 6 h after injection. Treatment of rats with terbutaline (0.1 - 0.3 mg kg(-1), s.c.) had no significant effect on the NGF concentration in non-inflamed skin, but reduced oedema, and at 0.3 mg kg(-1) also NGF mRNA and immunoreactive NGF in the skin of the inflamed paw in a propranolol-reversible manner. In carrageenan-induced inflammation, terbutaline did not significantly reduce the inflammation-induced increase of NGF in paw skin. 3. Exposure of sensitized rats to aerosolized antigen (twice, 24 h interval) increased protein content, eosinophil leukocytes, and immunoreactive NGF in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL, obtained 16 h after the second antigen exposure). Treatment of rats with terbutaline (0.3 mg kg(-1), s.c. 30 min before the second antigen challenge) suppressed antigen-induced elevation of protein and eosinophil leukocytes, and reduced the concentration of NGF in BAL to values similar to those found in non-sensitized rats. 4. The present results demonstrate anti-allergic properties of terbutaline in rats that were accompanied by a marked reduction of antigen-induced NGF increase in skin and BAL, respectively. These results are compatible with the assumption that terbutaline primarily suppressed the immune response to antigen thereby attenuating the release of vasoactive mediators and the stimulation of NGF biosynthesis.

Disturbance of peristalsis in the guinea-pig isolated small intestine by indomethacin, but not cyclo-oxygenase isoform-selective inhibitors.

1. Since the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) isoform-nonselective inhibitor indomethacin is known to modify intestinal motility, we analysed the effects of COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition on intestinal peristalsis. 2. Peristalsis in isolated segments of the guinea-pig small intestine was triggered by a rise of the intraluminal pressure and recorded via the pressure changes associated with peristalsis. 3. The COX-1 inhibitor SC-560, the COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 (both at 0.1 -- 1 microM) and the isoform-nonselective inhibitors flurbiprofen (0.01 - 10 microM) and piroxicam (0.1 - 50 microM) were without major influence on peristalsis, whereas indomethacin and etodolac (0.1 -- 10 microM) disturbed the regularity of peristalsis by causing nonpropulsive circular muscle contractions. 4. Radioimmunoassay measurements showed that SC-560, NS-398, indomethacin and etodolac (each at 1 microM) suppressed the release of 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1 alpha) (6-keto-PGF(1 alpha)) from the intestinal segments. 5. Reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction tests revealed that, relative to glyceraldehyde-3 phosphate dehydrogenase ribonucleic acid, the expression of COX-1 mRNA increased by a factor of 2.0 whereas that of COX-2 mRNA rose by a factor of 7.9 during the 2 h experimental period. 6. Pharmacological experiments indicated that the action of indomethacin to disturb intestinal peristalsis was unrelated to inhibition of L-type calcium channels, adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels or phosphodiesterase type IV. 7. These results show that selective inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 does not grossly alter peristaltic motor activity in the guinea-pig isolated small intestine and that the effect of indomethacin to disturb the regular pattern of propulsive motility in this species is unrelated to COX inhibition.

Effects of specific inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase-1 and cyclo-oxygenase-2 in the rat stomach with normal mucosa and after acid challenge.

1. Effects of the cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-1 inhibitor SC-560 and the COX-2 inhibitors rofecoxib and DFU were investigated in the normal stomach and after acid challenge. 2. In healthy rats, neither SC-560 nor rofecoxib (20 mg kg(-1) each) given alone damaged the mucosa. Co-treatment with SC-560 and rofecoxib, however, induced severe lesions comparable to indomethacin (20 mg kg(-1)) whereas co-administration of SC-560 and DFU (20 mg kg(-1) each) had no comparable ulcerogenic effect 5 h after dosing. 3. SC-560 (20 mg kg(-1)) inhibited gastric 6-keto-prostaglandin (PG) F(1alpha) by 86+/-5% and platelet thromboxane (TX) B(2) formation by 89+/-4% comparable to indomethacin (20 mg kg(-1)). Rofecoxib (20 mg kg(-1)) did not inhibit gastric and platelet eicosanoids. 4. Intragastric HCl elevated mucosal mRNA levels of COX-2 but not COX-1. Dexamethasone (2 mg kg(-1)) prevented the up-regulation of COX-2. 5. After acid challenge, SC-560 (5 and 20 mg kg(-1)) induced dose-dependent injury. Rofecoxib (20 mg kg(-1)), DFU (5 mg kg(-1)) and dexamethasone (2 mg kg(-1)) given alone were not ulcerogenic but aggravated SC-560-induced damage. DFU augmented SC-560 damage 1 but not 5 h after administration whereas rofecoxib increased injury after both treatment periods suggesting different time courses. 6. Gastric injurious effects of rofecoxib and DFU correlated with inhibition of inflammatory PGE(2). 7. The findings show that in the normal stomach lesions only develop when both COX-1 and COX-2 are inhibited. In contrast, during acid challenge inhibition of COX-1 renders the mucosa more vulnerable suggesting an important role of COX-1 in mucosal defence in the presence of a potentially noxious agent. In this function COX-1 is supported by COX-2. In the face of pending injury, however, COX-2 cannot maintain mucosal integrity when the activity of COX-1 is suppressed.

Effects of COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors on eicosanoid biosynthesis and the release of substance P from the guinea-pig isolated perfused lung.

OBJECTIVE: In the guinea-pig isolated perfused lung, co-administration of bradykinin (BK) and histamine causes the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides, an effect that is largely dependent on BK-induced formation of prostaglandins. Since it is known that at least two isoenzymes, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) catalyse the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxanes, the present study aimed at investigating the effect of selective COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors on the evoked release of substance P (SP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Lungs were vascularly perfused with oxygenated physiological salt solution containing peptidase inhibitors. BK (0.1 microM) and histamine (100 microM) were added to the perfusate for 10 min and 5 min, respectively. The concentrations of 6-keto-PGF1alpha, cysteinyl-leukotriene (LT), and SP were determined in the outflow by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: In non-stimulated preparations, indomethacin (2 microM) and the selective COX-1 inhibitor SC-560 (0.03-1 microM) reduced basal release of 6-keto-PGF1alpha, without significantly affecting the release of cysteinyl-LT and SP. The selective COX-2 inhibitors NS-398 (1 microM) or DFU (10 microM) had no significant effect on the basal release of eicosanoids or SP. Co-administration of BK and histamine caused a pronounced increase in the concentration of 6-keto-PGF1alpha and cysteinyl-LT, and SP in the effluate. Under these conditions, indomethacin as well as SC-560 reduced the release of 6-keto-PGF1alpha, enhanced cysteinyl-LT release, and attenuated the release of SP. In contrast, the selective COX-2 inhibitors NS 398 and DFU had no significant effect on the stimulated release of eicosanoids or SP. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that in the isolated guinea-pig lung, basal prostanoid biosynthesis as well as BK-induced stimulation of prostanoid formation and subsequent facilitation of histamine-induced SP release is primarily mediated by COX-1 without detectable involvement of COX-2.

Cooperation of NMDA and tachykinin NK(1) and NK(2) receptors in the medullary transmission of vagal afferent input from the acid-threatened rat stomach.

Noxious challenge of the rat gastric mucosa by hydrochloric acid (HCl) is signaled to the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and area postrema (AP). This study examined the participation of glutamate and tachykinins in the medullary transmission process. Activation of neurons was visualized by in situ hybridization autoradiography of c-fos messenger RNA (mRNA) 45 min after intragastric (IG) administration of 0.5 M HCl or saline. IG HCl caused many neurons in the NTS and some neurons in the AP to express c-fos mRNA. The NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist MK-801 (2 mg/kg), the NK(1) tachykinin receptor antagonist GR-205,171 (3 mg/kg) and the NK(2) receptor antagonist SR-144,190 (0.1 mg/kg) failed to significantly reduce the NTS response to IG HCl, whereas the triple combination of MK-801, GR-205,171 and SR-144,190 inhibited it by 45--50%. Only in rats that had been preexposed IG to HCl 48 h before the experiment was MK-801 alone able to depress the NTS response to IG HCl. In contrast, the c-fos mRNA response in the AP was significantly augmented by MK-801, an action that was prevented by coadministration of GR-205,171 plus SR-144,190. Inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase with 7-nitroindazole (45 mg/kg) was without effect on the IG HCl-evoked c-fos mRNA expression in the NTS and AP. Our data show that glutamate acting via NMDA receptors and tachykinins acting via NK(1) and NK(2) receptors cooperate in the vagal afferent input from the acid-threatened stomach to the NTS and participate in the processing of afferent input to the AP in a different and complex manner. These opposing interactions in the AP and NTS and the increase in NMDA receptor function in the NTS after a gastric acid insult are likely to have a bearing on the neuropharmacology of dyspepsia.

Sodium salicylate enhances the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in endotoxin-stimulated human mononuclear cells.

The effects of salicylate on the expression of cyclooxygenases, and on prostaglandin E(2) biosynthesis were examined in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated in the presence of endotoxin, which induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 protein, and caused a time-dependent increase of immunoreactive prostaglandin E(2) in the supernatant. The cycooxygenase-2 selective inhibitor N-(2-cyclohexyloxy-4-nitrophenyl)methanesulfonamide (NS-398, 1 microM) suppressed the endotoxin-induced increase of prostaglandin E(2), without significantly affecting the expression of cyclooxygenase-1 or cyclooxygenase-2. In peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to endotoxin (18 h), 1.0 and 3.0 mM sodium salicylate reduced the prostaglandin E(2) concentration of the supernatant, and, at the same time, stimulated cyclooxygenase-2 expression. After a subsequent 2 h incubation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in drug-free medium, prostaglandin E(2) concentrations in samples that had been exposed to endotoxin together with 1.0 or 3.0 mM salicylate were significantly higher than in samples exposed to endotoxin alone. These results show that salicylate can enhance the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in endotoxin-exposed peripheral blood mononuclear cells and at the same time reduce prostaglandin E(2) formation. After washout and removal of salicylate-induced cyclooxygenase inhibition, increased cyclooxygenase-2 expression resulted in enhanced prostaglandin E(2) formation. It seems possible that under certain conditions salicylate-induced stimulation of cyclooxygenase-2 expression may contribute to its clinical pharmacological profile.

Role of cyclooxygenase-2 in gastric mucosal defense.

Two isoenzymes of cyclooxygenase (COX), the key enzyme in prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis, COX-1 and COX-2, have been identified. COX-1 was proposed to regulate physiological functions, COX-2 to mediate pathophysiological reactions such as inflammation. In particular, it was suggested that maintenance of gastric mucosal integrity relies exclusively on COX-1. Recently, it was shown that a selective COX-1 inhibitor does not damage the mucosa in the healthy rat stomach, although mucosal prostaglandin formation is near-maximally suppressed. However, concurrent treatment with a COX-1 and a COX-2 inhibitor induces severe gastric damage. This indicates that in normal mucosa both COX-1 and COX-2 have to be inhibited to evoke ulcerogenic effects. In the acid-challenged rat stomach inhibition of COX-1 alone is associated with dose-dependent injury which is aggravated by additional inhibition of COX-2 activity or prevention of acid-induced up-regulation of COX-2 expression by dexamethasone. After acid exposure, COX-2 inhibitors cause substantial gastric injury when nitric oxide formation is suppressed or afferent nerves are defunctionalized. Ischemia-reperfusion of the gastric artery increases levels of COX-2 but not COX-1 mRNA. COX-2 inhibitors or dexamethasone aggravate ischemia-reperfusion-induced mucosal damage up to 4-fold, an effect abolished by concurrent administration of 16,16-dimethyl-PGE2. Furthermore, the protective effects elicited by a mild irritant or intragastric peptone perfusion are antagonized by COX-2 inhibitors. Finally, COX-2 expression is increased in experimental ulcers. COX-2 inhibitors delay the healing of chronic gastric ulcers in experimental animals and decrease epithelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis and maturation of the granulation tissue to the same extent as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These observations indicate that, in contrast to the initial concept, COX-2 plays an important role in gastric mucosal defense.

Alterations within the endogenous opioid system in mice with targeted deletion of the neutral endopeptidase ('enkephalinase') gene.

The biological inactivation of enkephalins by neutral endopeptidase (enkephalinase, NEP, EC3.4.24.11) represents a major mechanism for the termination of enkephalinergic signalling in brain. A pharmacological blockade of NEP-activity enhances extracellular enkephalin concentrations and induces opioid-dependent analgesia. Recently, knockout mice lacking the enzyme NEP have been developed [Lu et al., J. Exp. Med. 1995;181:2271-2275]. The present study investigates the functional consequences and biochemical compensatory strategies of a systemic elimination of NEP activity in these knockout mice. Using biochemical and behavioural tests we found that the lack of NEP activity in brain is not compensated by enhanced activities of alternative enkephalin-degrading enzymes. Also no change in enkephalin biosynthesis was detectable by in situ methods quantifying striatal proenkephalin-mRNA levels in NEP-deficient mice compared with wildtype. Only a 21% reduction of mu receptor density in crude brain homogenates of NEP knockout mice was observed, while delta- and kappa-opioid receptor densities were unchanged. This receptor downregulation was also confirmed functionally in the hot-plate paradigm. NEP knockouts developed normally, but showed enhanced aggressive behaviour in the resident-intruder paradigm, and altered locomotor activity as assessed in the photobeam system. Thus, although NEP plays a substantial role in enkephalinergic neurotransmission, the biochemical adaptations within the opioid system of NEP-deficient mice are of only modest nature.

The tachykinin NK(1) receptor antagonist SR140333 prevents the increase of nerve growth factor in rat paw skin induced by substance P or neurogenic inflammation.

Target-derived nerve growth factor provides trophic support for adult primary afferent neurons containing calcitonin gene-related peptide and tachykinins. Noxious chemical or thermal stimuli cause the release of these mediators from peripheral afferent nerve endings. However, little is known of the extent to which these mediators, in turn, influence nerve growth factor expression in the innervated tissue. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the possible effect of exogenous substance P, or neurogenic inflammation on the nerve growth factor concentration in the skin of the rat hindpaw. Our results show that substance P as well as topical application of mustard oil cause a significant increase in detectable nerve growth factor, an effect that was prevented by treatment of rats with the tachykinin NK(1) receptor antagonist SR140333. We did not observe a significant inhibitory effect of SR140333 on the nerve growth factor content in non-treated skin, or the nerve growth factor increase caused by carrageenan or allergic inflammation. The results provide evidence that substance P as well as neurogenic inflammation cause a rapid increase in detectable nerve growth factor in the paw skin and suggest the involvement of NK(1) receptors in this effect. We obtained no evidence for the participation of a NK(1) receptor-mediated nerve growth factor increase in models of inflammation induced by non-neurogenic stimuli.

Margatoxin and iberiotoxin, two selective potassium channel inhibitors, induce c-fos like protein and mRNA in rat organotypic dorsal striatal slices.

The isolated single organotypic slice model allows to investigate the effects of drugs and toxins on the expression of transcription factors in the striatum without dopaminergic and glutamatergic interactions. In this study the effects of margatoxin and iberiotoxin on the expression of c-fos mRNA by in situ hybridization as well as on c-fos like protein by immunohistochemistry in isolated dorsal striatum after 10 days in culture were investigated. C-fos mRNA dose-dependently increased 30 min after incubation with margatoxin and iberiotoxin. Expression of c-fos like protein was transiently detected 3h afterwards. This effect is independent from extrinsic neuronal circuitry as dopamine neurons were found to be absent in the cultured slices. It is concluded that inhibition of voltage-gated as well as calcium-activated (Slo) potassium channels leads to activation of gene transcription in striatal neurons which may trigger long-term changes in transmitter plasticity.

3,4-Methylenedioxymetamphetamine (ecstasy) induces c-fos-like protein and mRNA in rat organotypic dorsal striatal slices.

3,4-Methylenedioxymetamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") is an increasingly abused drug, which has significant effects on the dopamine system in the striatum. The isolated single organotypic slice model allows investigation of the effects of drugs of abuse on the expression of transcription factors in the striatum without dopaminergic and glutamatergic interactions. In this study the effects of MDMA on the expression of c-fos mRNA by in situ hybridization as well as the c-fos-like protein by immunohistochemistry in isolated dorsal striatum was investigated. It was shown that 100 microM MDMA induced c-fos mRNA expression 30 min after treatment. Expression of c-fos-like protein was transiently detected 3 h afterwards. The c-fos expression was inhibited by MK 801 and metoclopramide, indicating the involvement of dopaminergic D2 receptors and glutamatergic NMDA receptors. The dopaminergic D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 did not affect c-fos expression. We conclude that MDMA treatment leads to the induction of c-fos expression in isolated rat striatal slices. This effect is independent of extrinsic neuronal circuitry and seems to be associated with direct interactions between MDMA and the dopamine/glutamate receptor system.