Diet-induced obesity: dopamine transporter function, impulsivity and motivation.

OBJECTIVE: A rat model of diet-induced obesity (DIO) was used to determine dopamine transporter (DAT) function, impulsivity and motivation as neurobehavioral outcomes and predictors of obesity. DESIGN: To evaluate neurobehavioral alterations following the development of DIO induced by an 8-week high-fat diet (HF) exposure, striatal D2-receptor density, DAT function and expression, extracellular dopamine concentrations, impulsivity, and motivation for high- and low-fat reinforcers were determined. To determine predictors of DIO, neurobehavioral antecedents including impulsivity, motivation for high-fat reinforcers, DAT function and extracellular dopamine were evaluated before the 8-week HF exposure. METHODS: Striatal D2-receptor density was determined by in vitro kinetic analysis of [(3)H]raclopride binding. DAT function was determined using in vitro kinetic analysis of [(3)H]dopamine uptake, methamphetamine-evoked [(3)H]dopamine overflow and no-net flux in vivo microdialysis. DAT cell-surface expression was determined using biotinylation and western blotting. Impulsivity and food-motivated behavior were determined using a delay discounting task and progressive ratio schedule, respectively. RESULTS: Relative to obesity-resistant (OR) rats, obesity-prone (OP) rats exhibited 18% greater body weight following an 8-week HF-diet exposure, 42% lower striatal D2-receptor density, 30% lower total DAT expression, 40% lower in vitro and in vivo DAT function, 45% greater extracellular dopamine and twofold greater methamphetamine-evoked [(3)H]dopamine overflow. OP rats exhibited higher motivation for food, and surprisingly, were less impulsive relative to OR rats. Impulsivity, in vivo DAT function and extracellular dopamine concentration did not predict DIO. Importantly, motivation for high-fat reinforcers predicted the development of DIO. CONCLUSION: Human studies are limited by their ability to determine if impulsivity, motivation and DAT function are causes or consequences of DIO. The current animal model shows that motivation for high-fat food, but not impulsive behavior, predicts the development of obesity, whereas decreases in striatal DAT function are exhibited only after the development of obesity.

Angiotensin II promotes atherosclerotic lesions and aneurysms in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

Increased plasma concentrations of angiotension II (Ang II) have been implicated in atherogenesis. To examine this relationship directly, we infused Ang II or vehicle for 1 month via osmotic minipumps into mature apoE(-/-) mice. These doses of Ang II did not alter arterial blood pressure, body weight, serum cholesterol concentrations, or distribution of lipoprotein cholesterol. However, Ang II infusions promoted an increased severity of aortic atherosclerotic lesions. These Ang II-induced lesions were predominantly lipid-laden macrophages and lymphocytes; moreover, Ang II promoted a marked increase in the number of macrophages present in the adventitial tissue underlying lesions. Unexpectedly, pronounced abdominal aortic aneurysms were present in apoE(-/-) mice infused with Ang II. Sequential sectioning of aneurysmal abdominal aorta revealed two major characteristics: an intact artery that is surrounded by a large remodeled adventitia, and a medial break with pronounced dilation and more modestly remodeled adventitial tissue. Although no atherosclerotic lesions were visible at the medial break point, the presence of hyperlipidemia was required because infusions of Ang II into apoE(+/+) mice failed to generate aneurysms. These results demonstrate that increased plasma concentrations of Ang II have profound and rapid effects on vascular pathology when combined with hyperlipidemia, in the absence of hemodynamic influences.

Effects of nornicotine enantiomers on intravenous S(-)-nicotine self-administration and cardiovascular function in rats.

RATIONALE: Previous neurochemical evidence indicates that R(+)-nornicotine is more potent than S(-)-nornicotine in evoking dopamine release in rat nucleus accumbens slices. OBJECTIVE: The current study tested the hypothesis that R(+)-nornicotine is also more potent than S(-)-nornicotine in selectively decreasing intravenous S(-)-nicotine self-administration in rats. RESULTS: After acute pretreatment (1-10 mg/kg for each enantiomer), R(+)-nornicotine was more potent than S(-)-nornicotine in decreasing S(-)-nicotine self-administration; in contrast, within the same dose range, the nornicotine enantiomers were equipotent in decreasing sucrose-maintained responding. This enantioselectivity does not likely reflect a difference in bioavailability, since similar levels of nornicotine were recovered from the brain 60 min after injection (5.6 mg/kg for each enantiomer). With repeated pretreatment, tolerance did not develop to the rate-decreasing effect of either nornicotine enantiomer (3 or 5.6 mg/kg) with respect to the decrease in S(-)-nicotine self-administration, although the enantioselectivity dissipated across repeated pretreatments. While both enantiomers acutely produced a similar increase in blood pressure and heart rate, tolerance developed to the blood pressure effects of R(+)-nornicotine, but not to the effects of S(-)-nornicotine, across repeated treatments. CONCLUSION: Both R(+)- and S(-)-nornicotine may have potential utility as a novel tobacco use cessation agent.

Matrix Metalloproteinases -14, -9 and -2 are Localized to the Podosome and Involved in Podosome Development in the A7r5 Smooth Muscle Cell.

AIM: The purpose of the study was to localize matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-14, -9, and -2 in the A7r5 smooth muscle cell and to understand the interaction between these MMPs and the cytoskeleton. This interaction was observed under non-stimulating and phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (PDBu)-stimulating conditions. METHODS: Confocal microscopy was utilized to define the localizations of MMPs and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in the A7r5 cell and to determine interaction between MMPs and the cytoskeleton. Under PDBu-stimulating conditions, the presence of MMP active forms and activity by gel zymography was evaluated in the A7r5 cell. Actin and microtubule-polymerization inhibitors were used to evaluate MMP interaction with the cytoskeleton and the cytoskeleton was observed on matrix and within a Type I collagen gel. RESULTS: MMP-14, -9, and -2 were localized to the podosome in the A7r5 smooth muscle cell and interactions were seen with these MMPs and the actin cytoskeleton. PDBu-stimulation induced increases in the protein abundance of the active forms of the MMPs and MMP-2 activity was increased. MMPs also interact with a-actin and not ß-tubulin in the A7r5 cell. Galardin, also known as GM-6001, was shown to inhibit podosome formation and prevented MMP localization to the podosome. This broad spectrum MMP inhibitor also prevented collagen gel contraction and prevented cell adhesion and spreading of A7r5 cells within this collagen matrix. CONCLUSION: MMPs are important in the formation and function of podosomes in the A7r5 smooth muscle cell. MMPs interact with a-actin and not ß-tubulin in the A7r5 cell. Podosomes play an important role in cell migration and understanding the function of podosomes can lead to insights into cancer metastasis and cardiovascular disease.

Location and regulation of rat angiotensinogen messenger RNA.

The presence of angiotensinogen messenger RNA (mRNA) was detected in rat vascular and adipose tissue. Angiotensinogen mRNA in rat aorta was localized in the adventitia and surrounding adipose tissue, and not in the vascular smooth muscle. Freshly dispersed and cultured endothelial and aortic smooth muscle cells did not contain detectable amounts of angiotensinogen mRNA. In addition to periaortic adipose tissue, angiotensinogen mRNA was present in other fat depots of both brown and white types. To examine regulation of angiotensinogen gene expression, Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or underwent bilateral nephrectomy. Relative levels of angiotensinogen mRNA in brown adipose tissues increased dramatically by 48 hours after bilateral nephrectomy. However, only one source of brown adipose tissue showed increased angiotensinogen mRNA levels after animals were treated for 5 days with converting enzyme inhibitor. In addition, angiotensinogen was released into the medium from incubated adipose tissues with levels increasing over a 2-hour period. These results demonstrate that angiotensinogen is synthesized by adipose tissue in the rat and may play a role in the function of this tissue.

Antagonism of AT2 receptors augments angiotensin II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms and atherosclerosis.

1. We have recently demonstrated that chronic infusion of Angiotensin II into apoE-/- mice promotes the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms. To determine the involvement of specific Angiotensin II receptors in this response, we co-infused Angiotensin II (1000 ng kg(-1) min(-1) for 28 days) with losartan (30 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) or PD123319 (3 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) to antagonize AT1 and AT2 receptors, respectively. 2. Infusion of Angiotensin II promoted the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms in 70% of mature female apoE-/- mice. The formation of aortic aneurysms was totally inhibited by co-infusion of Angiotensin II with losartan (30 mg kg(-1) day(-1); P=0.003). In contrast, the co-infusion of Angiotensin II with PD123319 resulted in a marked increase in the incidence and severity of aortic aneurysms. 3. To determine whether AT2 antagonism also promoted Angiotensin II-induced atherosclerosis, Angiotensin II was infused into young female apoE-/- mice that had little spontaneous atherosclerosis. In these mice, co-infusion of PD123319 led to a dramatic increase in the extent of atherosclerosis. This increase was associated with no change in plasma lipid concentrations and only transient and modest increases in blood pressure during co-infusion with PD123319. 4. While antagonism of AT1 receptors totally prevented the formation of aneurysms, antagonism of AT2 receptors promoted a large increase in the severity of Angiotensin II-induced vascular pathology.

DuP 753, a nonpeptide angiotensin II-1 receptor antagonist, alters dopaminergic function in rat striatum.

The purpose of this study was to determine if the nonpeptide angiotensin II-1 receptor antagonist DuP 753 after, acute or chronic administration in vivo or after in vitro exposure, altered indices of dopaminergic function in rat striatum. In vivo studies examined the effect of acute and chronic 21-day administration of DuP 753 (10 mg/kg, s.c.) on levels of dopamine (DA) and its metabolite, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC). To determine if chronic treatment with DuP 753 was able to inhibit the pressor response to angiotensin II, a single i.v. dose of angiotensin II (0.1 microgram/kg) was administered 18 hours after the last dose of DuP 753. Acute DuP 753 resulted in significantly decreased (14%) levels of DA. Chronic DuP 753 resulted in increased (1.64 fold) levels of DOPAC, although DA levels were not altered. The single i.v. administration of angiotensin II resulted in increased (88%) DOPAC levels regardless of chronic DuP 753. The in vitro effect of DuP 753 (0.1 nM-1.0 microM) on basal and field stimulation-evoked release of DA and DOPAC was determined in superfused striatal slices from drug naive rats. DA was not detected in these experiments. DuP 753 did not alter basal outflow of DOPAC. At low concentrations (1.0-10 nM), DuP 753 decreased (53%) stimulation-evoked DOPAC overflow; however, at concentrations greater than 10 nM, the inhibitory effect was diminished. Nomifensine (10 microM; a DA uptake inhibitor) was included in the superfusion buffer in order to measure the effect of DuP 753 on the concentration of DA in superfusate. DuP 753 had no effect on basal DA and DOPAC outflow.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Presynaptic modulation of neurotransmitter release by endogenous angiotensin II in brown adipose tissue.

Angiotensin II (AII) increased the evoked release of [3H]-norepinephrine (NE) from superfused slices of interscapular fat (ISF). To determine if AII was endogenously formed and subsequently released from ISF, immunoreactive AII was measured in the superfusate from ISF slices. The concentration of AII detected in the ISF superfusate was 4.51 pg/mg tissue wet wt/30 ml collected over a 30-min period. In response to electrical field stimulation, AII concentration in the superfusate increased (maximum of 2-fold). To determine if AII modulates sympathetic neurotransmission, the effect of AII (0.1-10 nM) and, in separate experiments the effect of the AII-1 receptor antagonist DuP 753 (1 nM-1 microM) on the evoked release of [3H]-NE were examined in ISF slices. AII and DuP 753 increased (100% above control) and decreased (43% of control), respectively, the evoked [3H]-NE release from ISF slices. The effect of DuP 753 was not altered by the inclusion of neuronal uptake inhibitors (nomifensine or desipramine) in the superfusion buffer. These results suggest that endogenous AII enhances the evoked release of [3H]-NE from ISF.

Neuronal deamination of endogenous and exogenous noradrenaline in the mesenteric artery of the spontaneously hypertensive rat.

The noradrenaline (NA) content of the mesenteric arteries from spontaneously-hypertensive rats (SHR) are greater than those in arteries from normotensive Kyoto Wistar rats (WKY). The possibility that impaired neuronal monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in mesenteric arteries from SHR rats was responsible for the differences in NA content was explored. The in-vitro formation of dihydroxyphenylethylene glycol (DOPEG) by intact segments of mesenteric arteries was used as an index of neuronal MAO activity. There were no differences in the production of DOPEG from endogenous NA by arteries from normotensive and hypertensive rats. Moreover, the formation of DOPEG from exogenous NA was similar in arteries from SHR and WKY rats. The neuronal uptake of NA was indistinguishable between mesenteric arteries from SHR and WKY rats. The results argue against an impairment of neuronal MAO in contributing to the enhanced content of NA in the mesenteric artery of the SHR rat.

Characterization and regulation of angiotensin II receptors in rat adipose tissue. Angiotensin receptors in adipose tissue.

Characterization and regulation of angiotensin II (AII) receptor binding sites was performed in rat membrane preparations from nonadipose (liver, lung) and adipose (interscapular (ISBAT) and periaortic (PA) brown adipose tissue; epididymal (EF) and retroperitoneal (RPF) white adipose tissue). In membrane preparations from brown and white adipose sources, [125I]AII saturation binding revealed a single, high affinity (Kd range of 0.3 -0.6 nM) binding site with a modest AII receptor density (Bmax range of 17-120 fmol/mg protein) comparable to rat lung (130 fmol/mg protein). White adipose tissue contained a greater number of AII receptor sites than brown adipose tissue. Competition displacement studies demonstrated the AT1 receptor is the only angiotensin receptor subtype localized in adipose tissue, with the rank order for competition of [125I]AII binding in all adipose tissues examined AIII > AII > losartan > angiotensin I (AI) > PD123319. The AT2 specific receptor antagonist, PD123319, was ineffective at displacing [125I]AII binding in all adipose tissues examined. Since components of the renin-angiotensin system are regulated in adipose tissue, we determined if the AII receptor is also regulated in the obese state. AII receptor binding characteristics were determined in liver, lung, ISBAT and EF membrane preparations from adult Zucker obese (fa/fa) and lean (Fa/?) rats. AII receptor density was decreased in liver from obese rats. In contrast, the affinity for [125I]AII binding was not altered in tissues from obese rats. In a separate group of obese and lean rats, regulation of the AII receptor by phenobarbital (PB) was examined. Administration of PB restored AII receptor density in liver from obese rats to levels obtained in lean rats. In summary, these results demonstrate the presence of AT1 receptor sites in brown and white adipose tissue. Moreover, AII receptor density is decreased in tissues from obese rats, with restoration of receptor density by administration of PB. Future studies will determine if PB regulates the AT1 receptor at the level of gene expression.

Enhanced vascular contractility and diminished coronary artery flow in rats made hypertensive from diet-induced obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether obesity-induced hypertension was associated with alterations in vascular contractility and/or cardiac function. DESIGN: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a low fat (LF; 11% kcal as fat) or a moderately high fat (MHF; 32% kcal as fat) diet for 11 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Body weight; mean arterial pressure; angiotensin peptides; mesenteric contractile response to phenylephrine (PE), potassium chloride (KCl), serotonin, angiotensin II (AngII), calcium chloride; baseline and isoproterenol-induced cardiac contractility; baseline and isoproterenol-induced coronary artery blood flow. RESULTS: Rats fed the MHF diet segregated into obesity-prone (OP) and obesity-resistant (OR) groups. OP rats exhibited elevations in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and elevations in systemic concentrations of angiotensin peptides. Mesenteric arteries from OP rats exhibited a greater contractile response to PE, KCl and serotonin (5-HT). Heightened responses to PE persisted in arteries from OP rats even after normalization of the response to KCl. In contrast, the response of permeabilized mesenteric arteries to a maximal concentration of calcium was similar in rats from each group. Isolated perfused hearts exhibited similar baseline and isoproterenol-induced contractility in rats from each group. However, isoproterenol was unable to increase coronary artery blood flow in hearts from OP rats. CONCLUSION: Enhanced vascular reactivity may contribute to obesity-induced hypertension, while reductions in coronary artery relaxation would impair the ability of the heart to respond to increased myocardial demand.

Role of angiotensin II in brown adipose thermogenesis during cold acclimation.

The role of angiotensin II (ANG II) in increased sympathetic neuroeffector mechanisms observed in cold-induced thermogenesis of brown adipose tissue (BAT) was examined. Cold exposure (4 degrees C) for 7 days resulted in an increase in interscapular fat (ISF) ANG II content expressed per gram wet weight or per lobe of ISF, without concomitant changes in plasma components of the renin-angiotensin system. Additionally, in ISF slices preloaded with [3H]norepinephrine (NE), ANG II (10 nM) resulted in an increase (3-fold) in evoked 3H overflow from ISF slices from cold-exposed rats compared with ambient temperature controls. However, although basal 3H outflow was increased (2-fold) in ISF slices from cold-exposed rats, evoked 3H overflow was not different between ISF slices from cold-exposed and control rats. Specific neuronal uptake of [3H]NE in ISF slices from cold-exposed rats was decreased by 64%. Administration of the non-peptide AT1-receptor antagonist losartan to cold-exposed rats resulted in complete inhibition of ANG II-mediated presynaptic facilitation of evoked 3H overflow from ISF slices. However, losartan administration had no effect on cold-induced increases in ANG II content, protein content, and decreases in neuronal [3H]NE uptake in ISF. Results from these studies suggest that cold-induced thermogenesis of BAT results in alterations in presynaptic ANG II facilitation of NE release and defects in removal of NE from the synaptic cleft (neuronal uptake), both of which would enhance sympathetic nervous system-mediated thermogenesis. Furthermore, these results demonstrate a role for ANG II in enhanced sympathetic activity of cold-induced thermogenesis in BAT.

Downregulation of the renin-angiotensin system in streptozotocin-diabetic rats.

To determine if insulin has the ability to regulate components of the renin-angiotensin system, renin and angiotensinogen mRNA and plasma concentrations were determined in 4-wk streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. In another group of STZ-diabetic rats, replacement insulin therapy was given over the 4-wk period, and the above parameters were examined. In STZ-diabetic rats, there was a significant regression of white adipose tissue that was accompanied by an increase in the yield of RNA obtained. Changes in white adipose tissue were reversed by insulin replacement therapy in STZ-diabetic rats. There were no changes in brown adipose tissue weight or RNA yield in STZ-diabetic rats. Plasma renin activity (PRA) was significantly decreased in STZ-diabetic rats; however, plasma angiotensinogen concentration was not significantly affected by diabetes. PRA was restored to control levels in STZ-diabetic rats with insulin replacement. Kidney renin mRNA as well as liver, epididymal, and interscapular fat angiotensinogen mRNA were significantly decreased in STZ-diabetic rats. Renin and angiotensinogen mRNA were not significantly different from control in all tissues examined in STZ-diabetic rats with insulin replacement therapy. Results from this study suggest a downregulation of the renin-angiotensin system in 4-wk STZ-diabetic rats at the level of mRNA expression that is restored by replacement therapy with insulin; therefore, insulin may directly or indirectly regulate the renin-angiotensin system.

Angiotensin II in brown adipose tissue from young and adult Zucker obese and lean rats.

Previous studies demonstrated that interscapular brown adipose tissue (ISBAT) produces angiotensin II (ANG II), which facilitates sympathetic neurotransmission (SN). ANG II content and regulation of SN were examined in young (17 days) and adult (16 wk) Zucker obese and lean rats. ANG II content in ISBAT from preobese rats was decreased compared with lean littermates. Evoked 3H overflow in ISBAT slices preloaded with [3H]NE was greater in preobese rats compared with control. ANG II increased evoked 3H overflow in ISBAT slices to a greater extent in preobese rats compared with control. [3H]NE uptake in ISBAT slices from preobese rats was decreased compared with control. In adult obese rats, plasma renin activity was decreased compared with control. ISBAT ANG II content was increased in adult obese rats compared with control. Evoked 3H overflow in ISBAT slices preloaded with [3H]NE was not different between obese and control. ANG II did not increase evoked 3H overflow in obese rats; however, ANG II increased evoked 3H overflow in lean rats. [3H]NE uptake in ISBAT slices from obese rats was decreased compared with control. These results suggest that ANG II modulation of SN activity is decreased in ISBAT from adult obese rats. In contrast, in young obese rats, increased SN activity and ANG II regulation of SN were evident in brown adipose tissue.

Fat cell metabolism: insulin, fatty acids, and renin.

Risk factors contributing to the potential inter-relationship between obesity and hypertension include insulin, fatty acids, and angiotensin II. All of these mediators are either produced by or act on adipocytes, influence fat cell metabolism, and have effects on the cardiovascular system. Moreover, these three mediators have several potential sites for positive feedback interaction, thus exacerbating the influence of any single risk factor. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent advances in our understanding of the influence of insulin, fatty acids, and angiotensin II on fat cell metabolism. Special emphasis is placed on potential adipose-related mechanisms of these factors, which would predictably elevate blood pressure. Given the prevalence of obesity and hypertension in the American population, delineation of potential pharmacologic targets that would influence both of these disease states is of primary importance to the successful treatment of these diseases of the metabolic syndrome X.

Influence of perivascular adipose tissue on rat aortic smooth muscle responsiveness.

Virtually every blood vessel in the body is surrounded to some degree by adipose tissue. A potential role for perivascular adipose tissue as a neurohumoral regulator of vascular responsiveness was studied. Thoracic aortae obtained from male Sprague-Dawley rats were cut into rings for use in a standard in vitro smooth muscle bath set-up. The vessels were either cleaned of surrounding adipose tissue or left intact. Contractile responses to KCl and phenylephrine as well as relaxation responses to acetylcholine, isoproterenol and sodium nitroprusside were not different between cleaned and intact tissues. However, a significant decrease in the sensitivity to norepinephrine was observed in intact vessels. This altered response was corrected by prior treatment with desipramine plus deoxycorticosterone. Contractile responses of aortic ring preparations to tyramine and a potassium-free physiological solution were significantly greater in intact tissues. Electrical stimulation resulted in no response in cleaned tissues, however, a frequency-dependent contraction was elicited in intact vessels. Phentolamine blocked the contractile responses generated by these manipulations which activate the sympathetic neuroeffector system. Responses evoked by electrical stimulation in intact vascular preparations were significantly attenuated by prior exposure to the selective angiotensin II (AII) antagonist SarI-Ile8-AII. These observations demonstrate that perivascular adipose tissue significantly influences vascular responsiveness in the in vitro setting.

Acute and chronic losartan administration: effect on angiotensin II content and modulation of [3H]norepinephrine release from rat interscapular brown adipose tissue.

To determine if acute or chronic (21 days) losartan (10 mg/kg, s.c.) regulates the renin-angiotensin system in interscapular brown adipose tissue, angiotensin II (AII) content and [3H]overflow from slices preloaded with [3H]norepinephrine were examined. Acute or chronic losartan administration had no effect on AII content. AII increased evoked [3H] overflow from slices from control rats. Losartan administration did not alter basal [3H]outflow or evoked [3H]overflow. Acute losartan administration inhibited AII-induced enhancement of evoked [3H]overflow. Tolerance developed to the inhibitory effect of losartan following chronic administration.

Presynaptic modulation of sympathetic neurotransmission in rat left ventricle slices: effect of pressure overload.

The purpose of this study was to establish the rat left ventricle (LV) tissue slice system for examination of norepinephrine (NE) release from sympathetic nerve terminals. Moreover, initial experiments were performed to use the LV tissue slice system to examine differences in NE uptake and release following cardiac pressure overload induced by abdominal aortic constriction (AC). Kinetic parameters (Vmax, Km) for the specific uptake of [3H]-NE demonstrated high affinity (Km, 1.94 +/- 0.83 microM) and moderate capacity uptake (Vmax, 182 +/- 6 fmol/mg/weight/min). Following 10 days of pressure overload, the Vmax for [3H]-NE uptake was significantly reduced (by 46%) in LV slices from AC rats compared to sham-operated (SO) controls. In control rat LV slices preloaded with [3H]-NE, electrically evoked [3H]-overflow was calcium- and stimulus pulse number-dependent. The neuronal uptake inhibitor, desipramine (DMI), increased (by 60%) evoked [3H]-overflow from LV slices. The alpha2-agonist, UK14304, decreased evoked [3H]-overflow from LV slices in a concentration-dependent manner (maximal reduction of 75%). The beta2-agonist, salbutamol, increased evoked [3H]-overflow from LV slices in a concentration-dependent manner (maximal increase of 200%). In separate experiments, the LV tissue slice system was used to examine the effect of pressure overload on evoked [3H]-overflow. Following 10 days of pressure overload, evoked [3H]-overflow from LV slices of AC rats was increased (by 50%) compared to SO control. Increases in evoked [3H]-overflow from LV slices of AC rats compared to SO controls remained evident in the presence of DMI. These results demonstrate the relative importance of NE release and uptake using an in vitro LV tissue slice system. Sympathetic nerve terminals innervating rat LV were demonstrated to possess functional presynaptic alpha2- and beta2-adrenergic receptors. Finally, using this LV tissue slice system, reductions in the uptake velocity and increases in evoked NE release were demonstrated in response to acute cardiac pressure overload.

Near-IR imaging of atheromas in living arterial tissue.

A near-IR imaging system and parallel vector supercomputer are used with a fiber-optic probe to produce chemical maps of the intimal surface of living arteries. Spectrometric information collected at hundreds of near-IR wavelengths is assembled into color pictures of the lipoprotein and apolipoprotein composition of atheromas using a vectorized 3-D cellular automaton-based algorithm that operates in parallel. The nonparametric mathematics developed to identify and quantify the constituents of each voxel in the artery wall avoid the matrix factorizations that generate excess error in other pattern recognition methods and permit analysis in a wavelength space of over 1000 dimensions using fewer than 100 calibration samples. A surface feature resolution of 5.5 microns and depth resolution of 6.5 microns are achieved with the system. Data from the fiber optics confirm the injury hypothesis of lesion formation and the differing roles of HDL and LDL in cholesterol transport. In clinical studies, approximately 1/2 of human arterial lesions appear fibrous and contain little or no lipid. As such, these lesions would not be expected to regress in response to cholesterol-lowering agents such as lovastatin. Identification of lesion types in vivo will enhance the efficacy of treatment programs.