Tadalafil treatment improves cardiac, renal and lower urinary tract dysfunctions in rats with heart failure.

Tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor, shown to exert a protection to heart failure (HF) associated damage or lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Thus, we investigated the contribution of tadalafil chronic treatment in the alterations of LUTS in HF rats. Male rats were subjected to aortocaval fistula model for HF induction. Echocardiography, cystometric, renal function and redox cell balance, as well as concentration-response curves to carbachol, KCl, ATP and frequency-response curves to electrical field stimulation (EFS) were evaluated in Sham, HF, Tadalafil and HF-Tadalafil (12 weeks endpoint) groups. HF group to present increased in left-ventricle (LV) mass and in LV end-diastolic- and LV end-systolic volume, with a decreased ejection fraction. Tadalafil treatment was able to decrease in hypertrophy and improve the LV function restoring cardiac function. For micturition function (in vivo), HF animals shown an increase in basal pressure, threshold pressure, no-voiding contractions and decreased bladder capacity, being that the tadalafil treatment restored the cystometric parameters. Contractile mechanism response (in vitro) to carbachol, KCl, ATP and EFS in the detrusor muscles (DM) were increased in the HF group, when compared to Sham group. However, tadalafil treatment restored the DM hypercontractility in the HF animals. Moreover, renal function as well as the oxidative mechanism was impaired in the HF animals, and the tadalafil treatment improved all renal and oxidative parameters in HF group. Our data shown that tadalafil has potential as multi-therapeutic drug and may be used as a pharmacological strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular, renal and urinary dysfunctions associated with HF.

Constitutive LH receptor activity impairs NO-mediated penile smooth muscle relaxation.

Timely activation of the luteinizing hormone receptor (LHCGR) is critical for fertility. Activating mutations in LHCGR cause familial male-limited precocious puberty (FMPP) due to premature synthesis of testosterone. A mouse model of FMPP (KiLHRD582G), expressing a constitutively activating mutation in LHCGR, was previously developed in our laboratory. KiLHRD582G mice became progressively infertile due to sexual dysfunction and exhibited smooth muscle loss and chondrocyte accumulation in the penis. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that KiLHRD582G mice had erectile dysfunction due to impaired smooth muscle function. Apomorphine-induced erection studies determined that KiLHRD582G mice had erectile dysfunction. Penile smooth muscle and endothelial function were assessed using penile cavernosal strips. Penile endothelial cell content was not changed in KiLHRD582G mice. The maximal relaxation response to acetylcholine and the nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside, was significantly reduced in KiLHRD582G mice indicating an impairment in the nitric oxide (NO)-mediated signaling. Cyclic GMP (cGMP) levels were significantly reduced in KiLHRD582G mice in response to acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside and the soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, BAY 41-2272. Expression of NOS1, NOS3 and PKRG1 were unchanged. The Rho-kinase signaling pathway for smooth muscle contraction was not altered. Together, these data indicate that KiLHRD582G mice have erectile dysfunction due to impaired NO-mediated activation of soluble guanylate cyclase resulting in decreased levels of cGMP and penile smooth muscle relaxation. These studies in the KiLHRD582G mice demonstrate that activating mutations in the mouse LHCGR cause erectile dysfunction due to impairment of the NO-mediated signaling pathway in the penile smooth muscle.

Toll-like receptor 9 regulates metabolic profile and contributes to obesity-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in mice.

BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is associated with obesity and prostatic inflammation. The present study investigated the participation of toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) in obesity-induced BPH, focusing on metabolic impairments, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMP) levels and prostatic oxidative stress generation. METHODS: C57BL/6 (WT) and TLR9 mutant male mice were fed with regular or high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Metabolic profile, functional protocols, reactive-oxygen species (ROS) generation, prostatic histological analysis and DAMP levels were analyzed. Western blotting for prostatic TLR9 signaling pathway was also performed. RESULTS: BPH in WT obese animals was characterized by increased prostate weight, smooth muscle hypercontractility and prostatic epithelial hyperplasia. Higher epididymal fat weight and prostatic ROS generation along with increased fasting glucose, triglyceride and circulating DAMP levels were also observed in WT obese group. Conversely, TLR9 mutant obese animals exhibited lower epididymal fat weight, fasting glucose and triglyceride levels associated with reduced prostate hypercontractility, prostatic ROS and circulating DAMP levels. However, TLR9 mutant obese mice were not protected from obesity-associated prostatic overgrowth and epithelial hyperplasia. Interestingly, TLR9 mutant lean mice exhibited augmented fasting glucose and prostatic ROS levels compared with WT lean mice. Despite increased prostatic expression of TLR9 in WT obese mice, no differences were seen in MyD88 expression between groups. CONCLUSION: Improved obesity-induced BPH-related prostatic smooth muscle hypercontractility in TLR9 obese mice may be associated with amelioration in the metabolic profile, ROS and DAMP generation. Therefore, TLR9 could be a valuable target to improve obesity-associated metabolic disorders and prostate smooth muscle hypercontractility in BPH.

Impaired Corpus Cavernosum Relaxation Is Accompanied by Increased Oxidative Stress and Up-Regulation of the Rho-Kinase Pathway in Diabetic (Db/Db) Mice.

Basal release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells modulates contractile activity in the corpus cavernosum via inhibition of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling pathway. We aimed to investigate nitric oxide bioavailability, oxidative stress and the Rho-kinase pathway in the relaxation of the corpus cavernosum of an obese and diabetic model of mice (db/db mice). We hypothesized that in db/db mice impaired relaxation induced by Rho-kinase inhibitor is accompanied by diminished NO bioavailability, increased oxidative stress and upregulation of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signalling pathway. Cavernosal strips from male lean and non-diabetic db/+ and db/db mice were mounted in myographs and isometric force in response to Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 was recorded. Enzyme activity and protein expression of oxidative stress markers and key molecules of the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway were analyzed. The Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 concentration-dependently caused corpus cavernosum relaxation and inhibited cavernosal contractions. Nonetheless, a rightward shift in the curves obtained in corpus cavernosum of db/db mice was observed. Compared to db/+, this strain presented increased active RhoA, higher MYPT-1 phosphorylation stimulated by phenylephrine, and increased expression of ROKα and Rho-GEFs. Further, we observed normal expression of endothelial and neuronal NOS in corpus cavernosum of db/db mice. However, nitrate/nitrate (NOx) levels were diminished, suggesting decreased NO bioavailability. We measured the oxidant status and observed increased lipid peroxidation, with decreased SOD activity and expression. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that in db/db mice, upregulation of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signalling pathway was accompanied by decreased NO bioavailability and increased oxidative stress contributing to impaired relaxation of the corpus cavermosum of db/db mice.

Beneficial effect of the soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulator BAY 41-2272 on impaired penile erection in db/db-/- type II diabetic and obese mice.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and obesity are major risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED). In diabetes, increased oxidative stress leads to decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, and diabetic patients appear to be less responsive to conventional therapy with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. We investigated whether the soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulator BAY 41-2272 (5-cyclopropyl-2-[1-(2-fluoro-benzyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-3-yl]pyrimidin-4ylamine) is effective in improving impaired corpus cavernosum (CC) relaxation in obese DM2 mice by reducing oxidative stress. Adult db/db(-/-) mice or their lean db(/+) littermates were used to assess vascular function, cGMP levels, antioxidant status, NADPH oxidase expression, and superoxide formation in the absence or presence of BAY 41-2272. Results showed that BAY 41-2272 (10(-8) to 10(-5) M) potently relaxed CC from db(/+) or db/db(-/-) mice in a similar manner. BAY 41-2272 significantly enhanced both endothelium-dependent and nitrergic relaxation induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS), and improved the impaired relaxation to acetylcholine and EFS in the diabetic animals in a concentration-dependent manner (10(-8) to 10(-7) M). BAY 41-2272 increased cGMP levels and potentiated relaxation responses to exogenous NO in CC. Total antioxidant status was reduced in plasma and urine whereas expression of vascular NADPH oxidase subunits (gp91phox, p22phox, and p47phox) was increased in the CC of db/db(-/-) mice, suggesting a state of oxidative stress. These effects were prevented by BAY 41-2272 in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that BAY 41-2272 improves CC relaxation in db/db(-/-) mice by increasing cGMP and augmenting antioxidant status, making this drug is a potential novel candidate to treat ED.

L-Carnitine supplementation impairs endothelium-dependent relaxation in mesenteric arteries from rats.

L-Carnitine (L-Car) is taken as fat burner. The risks of L-Car supplementation for the cardiovascular system are unclear. We evaluated the relaxing responses of the mesenteric and aorta rings from rats after four weeks of L-Car supplementation and/or physical training. Concentration response curves to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), as well as cyclic GMP levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated. Physical training decreased body weight gain that was potentiated by L-Car. In mesenteric rings, L-Car impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation whereas endothelium independent relaxation was increased. In aorta, exercise improved endothelium-dependent relaxation; however, it was partially inhibited by L-Car. SNP-induced relaxation was similar in aorta of all groups. Basal cGMP were increased in aorta of exercised rats. SOD activity and MDA levels were unaltered. In conclusion, L-Car and physical exercise promotes body weight loss; however, it impairs endothelium-dependent vaso-relaxation possibly involving alterations in muscarinic receptors/eNOS/NO signalling pathway in mesenteric artery.

Superoxide anion production by NADPH oxidase plays a major role in erectile dysfunction in middle-aged rats: prevention by antioxidant therapy.

INTRODUCTION.: Prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) increases progressively with aging, but the ED pathophysiology at its early stages is still poorly investigated. AIM.: This study aimed to evaluate the functional and molecular alterations of erectile function at middle age, focusing on the contribution of oxidative stress in erectile tissue for the ED. METHODS.: Young (3.5-month) and middle-aged (10-month) male Wistar rats were used. Rat corpus cavernosum (RCC) was dissected free and mounted in 10-mL organ baths containing Krebs solution. Intracavernosal pressure (ICP) in anesthetized rats was evaluated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES.: Concentration-response curves to endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent agents, as well as to electrical field stimulation (EFS), were obtained in RCC strips. Measurement of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and expressions of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS), gp91(phox) and superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) expressions in RCC were evaluated. RESULTS.: ICP was significantly reduced in middle-aged compared with young rats. RCC relaxations to acetylcholine (10(-8) to 10(-2) M), sodium nitroprusside (10(-8) to 10(-2) M), sildenafil (10(-9) to 10(-5) M), BAY 41-2272 (10(-9) to 10(-5) M), and EFS (4-32 Hz) were decreased in middle-aged group, which were nearly normalized by apocynin (NADPH oxidase inhibitor; 10(-4) M) or SOD (75 U/mL). Prolonged treatment with apocynin (85 mg/rat/day, 4 weeks) also restored the impaired relaxations in middle-aged rats. Relaxations to 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate sodium salt (8-Br-cGMP; 10(-8) to 3 × 10(-4) M) remained unchanged between groups. Basal and stimulated cGMP production were lower in middle-aged group, an effect fully restored by apocynin and SOD. Protein expression of nNOS and phosphorylated eNOS (p-eNOS) (Ser-1177) reduced, whereas gp(91phox) mRNA expression increased in RCC from middle-aged rats. CONCLUSIONS.: ED in middle-aged rats is associated with decreased NO bioavailability in erectile tissue due to upregulation of NADPH oxidase subunit gp91(phox) and downregulation of nNOS/p-eNOS. Antioxidant therapies may be a good pharmacological approach to prevent ED at its early stages.

Heme-dependent and independent soluble guanylate cyclase activators and vasodilation.

Since the discovery of nitric oxide (NO), which is released from endothelial cells as the main mediator of vasodilation, its target, the soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), has become a focus of interest for the treatment of diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction. NO donors were developed to suppress NO deficiency; however, tolerance to organic nitrates was reported. Non-NO-based drugs targeting sGC were developed to overcome the problem of tolerance. In this review, we briefly describe the process of sGC activation by its main physiological activator NO and the advances in the development of drugs capable of activating sGC in a NO-independent manner. sGC stimulators, as some of these drugs are called, require the integrity of the reduced heme moiety of the prosthetic group within the sGC and therefore are called heme-dependent stimulators. Other drugs are able to activate sGC independent of heme moiety and are hence called heme-independent activators. Because pathologic conditions modulate sGC and oxidize the heme moiety, the heme-independent sGC activators could potentially become drugs of choice because of their higher affinity to the oxidized enzyme. However, these drugs are still undergoing clinical trials and are not available for clinical use.

Evaluation of the relaxant effect of the nitric oxide-independent soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulator BAY 41-2272 in isolated detrusor smooth muscle.

The nitric oxide (NO)-independent soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulator stimulator BAY 41-2272 was reported to produce relaxant response in different types of smooth muscle. However no study was carried out to investigate the effects of BAY 412282 in detrusor smooth muscle. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the relaxant effects of BAY 41-2272, in isolated mouse, rat and rabbit detrusor smooth muscle. Mouse, rat and rabbit were anesthetized, and urinary bladder removed. Detrusor smooth muscle was transferred to 10-mL organ baths containing oxygenated and warmed Krebs-Henseleit solution. Tissues were connected to force-displacement transducers and changes in isometric force were recorded. BAY 41-2272 (0.001-100 microM) produced concentration-dependent detrusor smooth muscle relaxations in mouse, rat and rabbit with maximal responses of 61.3+/-6.6%, 95.1+/-9.9% and 91.7+/-5.9%, respectively. Sodium nitroprusside and glyceryl trinitrate, as well as 8-bromo-cGMP also produced detrusor relaxations, but to a much lesser extent than BAY 41-2272. The NO synthesis inhibitor L-NAME and the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil had no effect in BAY 41-2272-induced responses. However, the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ significantly reduced BAY 41-2272-induced relaxations. BAY 41-2272 increased the bladder cGMP levels by about of 14- and 20-fold for 10 and 100 microM, respectively, which were markedly reduced by ODQ. The cAMP levels were unaffected by BAY 41-2272. Moreover, BAY 41-2272 significantly reduced the contractile responses to extracellular Ca(2+) in an ODQ-insensitive manner. In conclusion, rabbit detrusor smooth muscle relaxations by BAY 41-2272 involve mainly cGMP production, but an additional mechanism involving Ca(2+) influx blockade independently of cGMP production appears to be involved.

Up-regulation of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling pathway in corpus cavernosum from endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (NOS), but not neuronal NOS, null mice.

We tested the hypothesis that the basal release of nitric oxide (NO) from endothelial cells modulates contractile activity in the corpus cavernosum (CC) via inhibition of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling pathway. Cavernosal strips from wild-type (WT), endothelial nitric-oxide synthase knockout [eNOS(-/-)], and neuronal nitric-oxide synthase knockout [nNOS(-/-)] mice were mounted in myographs, and isometric force was recorded. mRNA and protein expression of key molecules in the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. The cGMP levels were determined. The Rho-kinase inhibitors (R)-(+)-trans-N-(4-pyridyl)-4-(1-aminoethyl)-cyclohexanecarboxamide (Y-27632) and (S)-(+)-2-methyl-1-[(4-methyl-5-isoquinolinyl)sulfonyl] homopiperazine (H-1152) reduced cavernosal contractions evoked by phenylephrine or electrical field stimulation (EFS) in a concentration-dependent manner, although this inhibition was less effective in tissues from eNOS(-/-) mice. Y-27632 enhanced relaxations induced by sodium nitroprusside, EFS, and NO (administered as acidified NaNO2) without affecting the cGMP content of the cavernosal strips. This enhancement was less prominent in CC from eNOS(-/-). The protein expression of RhoA, Rho-guanine dissociation inhibitor, and Rho-kinase beta did not differ among the strains. However, in eNOS(-/-) CC, the protein expression of Rho-kinase alpha and both mRNA and protein expression of p115-Rho-associated guanine exchange factor (RhoGEF), PDZ-RhoGEF, and leukemia-associated RhoGEF were up-regulated. Phosphorylation of MYPT1 at Thr696 was higher in tissues from eNOS(-/-) mice. A high concentration of Y-27632 significantly enhanced NO release in CC stimulated by EFS. These results suggest a basal release of NO from endothelial cells, which inhibits contractions mediated by the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway and modulates the expression of proteins related to this pathway in mouse CC. It indicates that endothelial integrity is essential to the maintenance of erectile function.

Upregulation of gp91phox subunit of NAD(P)H oxidase contributes to erectile dysfunction caused by long-term nitric oxide inhibition in rats: reversion by regular physical training.

OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that glyco protein 91phox (gp91(phox)) subunit of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H] oxidase is a fundamental target for physical activity to ameliorate erectile dysfunction (ED). Vascular risk factors are reported to contribute to ED. Regular physical exercise prevents cardiovascular diseases by increasing nitric oxide (NO) production and/or decreasing NO inactivation. METHODS: Male Wistar rats received the NO synthesis inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) for 4 weeks, after which animals were submitted to a run training program for another 4 weeks. Erectile functions were evaluated by in vitro cavernosal relaxations and intracavernous pressure measurements. Expressions of gp91(phox) subunit and neuronal nitric oxidase synthase in erectile tissue, as well as superoxide dismutase activity and nitrite/nitrate (NO(x)) levels were determined. RESULTS: The in vitro acetylcholine- and electrical field stimulation-induced cavernosal relaxations, as well as the increases in intracavernous pressure were markedly reduced in sedentary rats treated with l-NAME. Run training significantly restored the impaired cavernosal relaxations. No alterations in the neuronal nitric oxidase synthase protein expression (and its variant penile neuronal nitric oxidase synthase) were detected. A reduction of NO(x) levels and superoxide dismutase activity was observed in l-NAME-treated animals, which was significantly reversed by physical training. Gene expression of subunit gp91(phox) was enhanced by approximately 2-fold in erectile tissue of l-NAME-treated rats, and that was restored to basal levels by run training. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that ED seen after long-term l-NAME treatment is associated with gp91(phox) subunit upregulation and decreased NO bioavailability. Exercise training reverses the increased oxidative stress in NO-deficient rats, ameliorating the ED.

Comparative relaxing effects of sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil in human corpus cavernosum: contribution of endogenous nitric oxide release.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the direct relaxant activity of sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil in the human corpus cavernosum (HCC) and to investigate their modulatory effects on nitric oxide (NO)-mediated responses. Phosphodiesterase (PDE)-5 inhibitors cause cavernosal smooth muscle relaxation and penile erection. METHODS: HCC strips were mounted in 10-mL organ baths containing Krebs solution and connected to force-displacement transducers. The changes in isometric force were recorded using the Powerlab 400 data acquisition system. Corporeal smooth muscle was precontracted submaximally with phenylephrine (10 micromol/L). RESULTS: All PDE-5 inhibitors tested (0.001-10 micromol/L) relaxed phenylephrine-precontracted HCC with similar values of potency in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the maximal relaxations induced by tadalafil (83% +/- 4%) were significantly lower compared with sildenafil (107% +/- 5%) and vardenafil (111% +/- 3%). The NO synthesis inhibitor N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (100 micromol/L) caused significant rightward shifts in the concentration-response curves for sildenafil (4.0-fold), vardenafil (4.6-fold), and tadalafil (3.2-fold) in HCC tissue. The guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (10 micromol/L) also produced similar rightward shifts for these PDE-5 inhibitors. The cavernosal relaxations evoked by either acetylcholine or the NO donor glyceryl trinitrate were markedly potentiated by sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil (0.1 micromol/L each). All PDE-5 inhibitors significantly increased the duration of electrical field stimulation-induced relaxations (8 Hz). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings have shown that sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil relax HCC tissues in a concentration-dependent manner, but the maximal relaxation obtained with tadalafil was significantly lower than that obtained with sildenafil and vardenafil. Moreover, the PDE-5 inhibitors interacted with endogenous and exogenous NO, amplifying its HCC relaxation.

Oxidative stress impairs vasorelaxation induced by the soluble guanylyl cyclase activator BAY 41-2272 in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

BACKGROUND: BAY 41-2272 (5-cyclopropyl-2-[1-(2-fluoro-benzyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-yl]-pyrimidin-4-ylamine) relaxes mesenteric arteries (MA) in a synergistic fashion with nitric oxide (NO). We hypothesized that the relaxation to BAY 41-2272 is decreased in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) because of the reduced NO bioavailability in this strain and that relaxation would be improved by inhibiting the oxidative stress. We aimed to evaluate the influence of oxidative stress in BAY 41-2272-induced vasorelaxation in isolated MA from SHR. METHODS: MA function was evaluated by concentration-response curves to BAY 41-2272. We measured protein expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and human-antigen R (HuR) (sGC mRNA-stabilizing protein), sGC activity and plasma levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant status (TAS). RESULTS: Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent and -independent relaxation induced by BAY 41-2272 (0.0001-1 micromol/l) was impaired in SHR compared with Wistar-Kyoto (WKY). We observed reduced expression of eNOS, sGC and HuR, and decreased sGC activity in SHR. Plasma levels of SOD and TAS were also diminished in SHR. Incubation with SOD or indomethacin increased relaxation to BAY 41-2272 in SHR. Furthermore, acetylcholine (ACh)-induced relaxation was increased in the presence of BAY 41-2272 or SOD, apocynin, or indomethacin. CONCLUSION: Augmented oxidative stress in SHR impaired cGMP-dependent and -independent relaxation induced by BAY 41-2272, by decreasing NO bioavailability and sGC expression and by increasing contractile activity. Inhibiton of oxidative stress improved the relaxation of BAY 41-2272 in SHR. BAY 41-2272 might be an alternative therapeutic tool for hypertension if administrated with antioxidant compounds.

Effect of the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil on rat anococcygeus muscle: functional and biochemical aspects.

1. The anococcygeus muscle is part of the erectile machinery in male rodents. Phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5 inhibitors enhance and prolong the effects of cGMP, which has a key role in penile erection. The aim of the present study was to provide a functional and biochemical comparison of the three PDE5 inhibitors, namely sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil, in the rat anococcygeus muscle. 2. Muscle strips were mounted in 4 mL organ baths and isometric force recorded. Levels of cGMP were measured using an enzyme immunoassay kit. Western blots were used to determine PDE5 protein expression. 3. The PDE5 inhibitors concentration-dependently relaxed carbachol-precontracted anococcygeus muscle; however, vardenafil was more potent (pEC(50) = 8.11 +/- 0.05) than sildenafil (7.72 +/- 0.06) or tadalafil (7.69 +/- 0.05). Addition of N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (100 micromol/L) or 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (10 micromol/L) to the organ baths caused significant rightward shifts in concentration-response curves for all PDE5 inhibitors. 4. Sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil (all at 0.1 micromol/L) caused leftward shifts in the glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) concentration-response curves (by 4.0-, 3.7- and 5.5-fold, respectively). In addition, all three PDE5 inhibitors significantly potentiated relaxation responses to both GTN (0.01-10 micromol/L) and electrical field stimulation (EFS; 1-32 Hz), with vardenafil having more pronounced effects. 5. All three PDE5 inhibitors reduced EFS-evoked contractions in a concentration-dependent manner over the concentration range 0.001-1 micromol/L. There were no significant differences between the effects of the three PDE5 inhibitors. 6. Vardenafil (0.01-0.1 micromol/L) was more potent in preventing cGMP degradation in vitro than sildenafil (0.01-0.1 micromol/L) and tadalafil (0.01-0.1 micromol/L). 7. Under control conditions, the expression of PDE5 was higher in the anococcygeus muscle than in the corpus cavernosum. 8. In conclusion, PDE5 inhibitors enhance exogenous and endogenous nitric oxide-mediated relaxation in the rat anococcygeus muscle. The potency of vardenafil was greater than that of either sildenafil or tadalafil.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluations of sildenafil analogues for treatment of erectile dysfunction.

The 5-[2-ethoxy-5-(4-methylpiperazin-1-ylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-3-propyl-1,6-dihydro-7 H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one, sildenafil, is a cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor used for penile erectile dysfunction. In the search for more potent and selective PDE5 inhibitors, new sildenafil analogues (6a-v), characterized by the presence on the sulfonyl group in the 5' position of novel N-4-substituted piperazines or ethylenediamine moiety, were prepared by traditional and microwave-assisted synthesis and tested in rabbit isolated aorta and corpus cavernosum. Similarly to sildenafil, several analogues showed IC50 values in the nanomolar range. In the in vitro studies, all the tested compounds caused concentration-dependent relaxations in both rabbit isolated aorta and corpus cavernosum. All sildenafil analogues potentiated the nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation in endothelium-intact rabbit aorta. Compound 6f exhibited great pEC50 value in corpus cavernosum, and compounds 6r and 6u in isolated aorta were found as potent as sildenafil for inhibiting PDE5. Because several analogues were significantly more lipophilic than sildenafil, these compounds may offer a new lead for development of new sildenafil analogues.

Pharmacokinetic profile of atenolol aspirinate.

We report microwave-assisted synthetic routes, the pharmacokinetic profile along with results from ulcerogenicity and mutagenicity studies of atenolol aspirinate, and an already described derivative, in which acetyl salicylic acid (aspirin) was connected to atenolol by an ester linkage. Atenolol aspirinate was stable towards aqueous hydrolysis but rapidly hydrolyzed in plasma (t(1/2) = 7.6 min). The results showed that the rapid and complete hydrolysis generates atenolol salicylate, which assumes a conformation stabilized by two intramolecular H-bonds, avoiding its further hydrolysis to salicylic acid and atenolol.

Vascular effects of long-term propranolol administration after chronic nitric oxide blockade.

Long-term propranolol treatment reduces arterial blood pressure in hypertensive individuals mainly by reducing peripheral vascular resistance, but mechanisms underlying their vasodilatory effect remain poorly investigated. This study aimed to investigate whether long-term propranolol administration ameliorates the impairment of relaxing responses of aorta and mesenteric artery from rats made hypertensive by chronic nitric oxide (NO) deficiency, and underlying mechanisms mediating this phenomenon. Male Wistar rats were treated with N(omega)-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 20 mg/rat/day) for four weeks. DL-Propranolol (30 mg/rat/day) was given concomitantly to L-NAME in the drinking water. Treatment with L-NAME markedly increased blood pressure, an effect largely attenuated by DL-propranolol. In phenylephrine-precontracted aortic rings, the reduction of relaxing responses for acetylcholine (0.001-10 microM) in L-NAME group was not modified by DL-propranolol, whereas in mesenteric rings the impairment of acetylcholine-induced relaxation by L-NAME was significantly attenuated by DL-propranolol. In mesenteric rings precontracted with KCl (80 mM), DL-propranolol failed to attenuate the impairment of acetylcholine-induced relaxation by L-NAME. The contractile responses to extracellular CaCl2 (1-10 mM) were increased in L-NAME group, and co-treatment with DL-propranolol reduced this response in both preparations in most Ca2+ concentrations used. The NO2/NO3 plasma levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were reduced in L-NAME-treated rats, both of which were significantly prevented by DL-propranolol. In conclusion, propranolol-induced amplification of the relaxation to acetylcholine in mesenteric arteries from L-NAME-treated rats is sensitive to depolarization. Additional mechanisms involving blockade of Ca2+ entry in the vascular smooth muscle and increase in NO bioavailability contributes to beneficial effects of long-term propranolol treatment.

Comparative pharmacological analysis of Rho-kinase inhibitors and identification of molecular components of Ca2+ sensitization in the rat lower urinary tract.

We aimed to compare the expression and function of molecular components of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling pathway in the contractile responses of detrusor, trigonal and urethral smooth muscle, using selective Rho-kinase inhibitors. Contractility studies and molecular approaches were employed to demonstrate the expression patterns and functional activity of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling pathway in the lower urinary tract. Frequency-response curves (1-32 Hz) and concentration-response curves (CRC) to carbachol (CCh, 0.01-30 microM), phenylephrine (PE, 0.01-300 microM) and endothelin-1 (ET-1, 0.01-100 nM) were significantly attenuated (p<0.01) following incubation with the Rho-kinase inhibitors H-1152 (0.1-1 microM), Y-27632 (1-10 microM) or HA-1077 (10 microM). Addition of Rho-kinase inhibitors also markedly reduced (p<0.01) the contractions evoked by either KCl (80 mM) or alpha,beta-methylene ATP (alpha,beta-mATP, 10 microM). Among the Rho-kinase inhibitors tested, H-1152 was approximately 9-16 times more potent than Y-27632 or HA-1077. In addition, basal tone of detrusor and trigonal strips was reduced following addition of Y-27632 (10 microM), H-1152 (1 microM) and HA-1077 (10 microM). The expression of RhoA, RhoGDI, leukemia-associated RhoGEF (LARG) and p115RhoGEF was similar among the detrusor, trigone and urethra, whereas Rho-kinase alpha, Rho-kinase beta and PDZ-RhoGEF protein levels were significantly lower in the urethra. Components of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling are expressed in detrusor, trigonal and urethral smooth muscle and dynamically regulate contraction and tone. Manipulation of RhoGEF expression may provide further understanding of mechanisms involving Ca(2+) sensitization in the lower urinary tract.

Effects of 5-cyclopropyl-2-[1-(2-fluoro-benzyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-3-yl]pyrimidin-4-ylamine (BAY 41-2272) on smooth muscle tone, soluble guanylyl cyclase activity, and NADPH oxidase activity/expression in corpus cavernosum from wild-type, neuronal, and endothelial nitric-oxide synthase null mice.

We aimed to characterize the relaxation induced by the soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) stimulator 5-cyclopropyl-2-[1-(2-fluorobenzyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-3-yl]pyrimidin-4-ylamine (BAY 41-2272) and its pharmacological interactions with nitric oxide (NO) in the corpus cavernosum (CC) from wild-type (WT), endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS)(-/-), and neuronal (n)NOS(-/-) mice. The effect of BAY 41-2272 on superoxide formation and NADPH oxidase expression was also investigated. Tissues were mounted in myographs for isometric force recording. Enzyme immunoassay kits were used for cGMP determination. sGC activity was determined in the supernatant fractions of the cavernosal samples by the conversion of GTP to cGMP. Superoxide formation and expression of NADPH oxidase subunits were studied using the reduction of ferricytochrome c and Western blot analysis, respectively. BAY 41-2272 (0.01-10 microM) relaxed CC with pEC(50) values of 6.36 +/- 0.07 (WT), 6.27 +/- 0.06 (nNOS(-/-)), and 5.88 +/- 0.07 (eNOS(-/-)). The relaxations were accompanied by increases in cGMP levels. N(omega)-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester inhibited BAY 41-2272-evoked responses in CC from WT and nNOS(-/-), but not eNOS(-/-).1H-[1,2,4]Oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one reduced and sildenafil potentiated the relaxations induced by BAY 41-2272 in all groups. BAY 41-2272 enhanced NO (endogenous and exogenous)-induced relaxations in a concentration-dependent manner. Expression and activity of sGC was similar among the different groups. Superoxide formation was reduced by BAY 41-2272 (0.1-1 microM). The compound also inhibited p22(phox) and gp91(phox) expression induced by 9,11-dideoxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-epoxymethanoprostaglandin F(2 alpha (U46619). Our results demonstrated that sGC activation in the penis by BAY 41-2272 directly or via enhancement of NO effects may provide a novel treatment for erectile dysfunction, particularly in the event of an increased intrapenile oxidative stress.

Neurophysiological basis of penile erection.

Penile erection involves a complex interaction between the central nervous system and local factors. It is a neurovascular event modulated by psychological and hormonal factors. The discovery of nitric oxide (NO) as an intercellular messenger or neurotransmitter paved the way for identifying important mechanisms underlying physiological and pathophysiological events in the penis, in addition to providing the knowledge for the development of new therapeutics based on a novel concept of molecule and cell interaction. Despite the fact that sinusoidal endothelial cells also produce and release NO in response to chemical and possibly physical stimuli, roles of neurogenic NO in penile erection appear to be more attractive and convincing, since the pharmacological neuromodulation represents an essential step to attaining penile erection. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is caused by a variety of pathogenic factors, particularly impaired formation and action of NO. Hence, a thorough knowledge of the physiology of erection is essential for future pharmacological innovations in the field of male ED, particularly targeting NO or intracellular cyclic GMP, which represent the most promising therapeutic approach to treat patients with ED.