Beta3-adrenoceptors in the cardiovascular system

α7 nicotinic receptors play a role in regulation of cardiac hemodynamics

The α7 nicotinic receptors (NR) have been confirmed in the heart but their role in cardiac functions has been contradictory. To address these contradictory findings, we analyzed cardiac functions in α7 NR knockout mice (α7-/-) in vivo and ex vivo in isolated hearts. A standard limb leads electrocardiogram was used, and the pressure curves were recorded in vivo, in Arteria carotis and in the left ventricle, or ex vivo, in the left ventricle of the spontaneously beating isolated hearts perfused following Langedorff's method. Experiments were performed under basic conditions, hypercholinergic conditions, and adrenergic stress. The relative expression levels of α and β NR subunits, muscarinic receptors, β1 adrenergic receptors, and acetylcholine life cycle markers were determined using RT-qPCR. Our results revealed a prolonged QT interval in α7-/- mice. All in vivo hemodynamic parameters were preserved under all studied conditions. The only difference in ex vivo heart rate between genotypes was the loss of bradycardia in prolonged incubation of isoproterenol-pretreated hearts with high doses of acetylcholine. In contrast, left ventricular systolic pressure was lower under basal conditions and showed a significantly higher increase during adrenergic stimulation. No changes in mRNA expression were observed. In conclusion, α7 NR has no major effect on heart rate, except when stressed hearts are exposed to a prolonged hypercholinergic state, suggesting a role in acetylcholine spillover control. In the absence of extracardiac regulatory mechanisms, left ventricular systolic impairment is revealed.

Therapeutic Potential for Beta-3 Adrenoreceptor Agonists in Peripheral Arterial Disease and Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Annually, peripheral arterial disease is estimated to cost over USD 21 billion and diabetic foot disease an estimated at USD 9-13 billion. Mirabegron is a TGA-approved beta-3 adrenoreceptor agonist, shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome by stimulating bladder smooth muscle relaxation. In this review, we discuss the potential use of beta-3 adrenoreceptor agonists as therapeutic agents repurposed for peripheral arterial disease and diabetic foot ulcers. The development of both conditions is underpinned by the upregulation of oxidative stress pathways and consequential inflammation and hypoxia. In oxidative stress, there is an imbalance of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase becomes uncoupled in disease states, producing superoxide and worsening oxidative stress. Agonist stimulation of the beta-3 adrenoreceptor recouples and activates endothelial nitric oxide synthase, increasing the production of nitric oxide. This reduces circulating reactive oxygen species, thus decreasing redox modification and dysregulation of cellular proteins, causing downstream smooth muscle relaxation, improved endothelial function and increased angiogenesis. These mechanisms lead to endothelial repair in peripheral arterial disease and an enhanced perfusion in hypoxic tissue, which will likely improve the healing of chronic ulcers.

Microtubule-Mediated Regulation of β2AR Translation and Function in Failing Hearts

BACKGROUND

β1AR (beta-1 adrenergic receptor) and β2AR (beta-2 adrenergic receptor)-mediated cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling has distinct effects on cardiac function and heart failure progression. However, the mechanism regulating spatial localization and functional compartmentation of cardiac β-ARs remains elusive. Emerging evidence suggests that microtubule-dependent trafficking of mRNP (messenger ribonucleoprotein) and localized protein translation modulates protein compartmentation in cardiomyocytes. We hypothesized that β-AR compartmentation in cardiomyocytes is accomplished by selective trafficking of its mRNAs and localized translation.

METHODS

The localization pattern of β-AR mRNA was investigated using single molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization and subcellular nanobiopsy in rat cardiomyocytes. The role of microtubule on β-AR mRNA localization was studied using vinblastine, and its effect on receptor localization and function was evaluated with immunofluorescent and high-throughput Förster resonance energy transfer microscopy. An mRNA protein co-detection assay identified plausible β-AR translation sites in cardiomyocytes. The mechanism by which β-AR mRNA is redistributed post-heart failure was elucidated by single molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization, nanobiopsy, and high-throughput Förster resonance energy transfer microscopy on 16 weeks post-myocardial infarction and detubulated cardiomyocytes.

RESULTS

β1AR and β2AR mRNAs show differential localization in cardiomyocytes, with β1AR found in the perinuclear region and β2AR showing diffuse distribution throughout the cell. Disruption of microtubules induces a shift of β2AR transcripts toward the perinuclear region. The close proximity between β2AR transcripts and translated proteins suggests that the translation process occurs in specialized, precisely defined cellular compartments. Redistribution of β2AR transcripts is microtubule-dependent, as microtubule depolymerization markedly reduces the number of functional receptors on the membrane. In failing hearts, both β1AR and β2AR mRNAs are redistributed toward the cell periphery, similar to what is seen in cardiomyocytes undergoing drug-induced detubulation. This suggests that t-tubule remodeling contributes to β-AR mRNA redistribution and impaired β2AR function in failing hearts.

CONCLUSIONS

Asymmetrical microtubule-dependent trafficking dictates differential β1AR and β2AR localization in healthy cardiomyocyte microtubules, underlying the distinctive compartmentation of the 2 β-ARs on the plasma membrane. The localization pattern is altered post-myocardial infarction, resulting from transverse tubule remodeling, leading to distorted β2AR-mediated cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling.

Beta-blockers in patients with liver cirrhosis: Pragmatism or perfection?

With increasing decompensation, hyperdynamic circulatory disturbance occurs in liver cirrhosis despite activation of vasoconstrictors. Here, the concept of a therapy with non-selective beta-blockers was established decades ago. They lower elevated portal pressure, protect against variceal hemorrhage, and may also have pleiotropic immunomodulatory effects. Recently, the beneficial effect of carvedilol, which blocks alpha and beta receptors, has been highlighted. Carvedilol leads to "biased-signaling" via recruitment of beta-arrestin. This effect and its consequences have not been sufficiently investigated in patients with liver cirrhosis. Also, a number of questions remain open regarding the expression of beta-receptors and its intracellular signaling and the respective consequences in the intra- and extrahepatic tissue compartments. Despite the undisputed role of non-selective beta-blockers in the treatment of liver cirrhosis, we still can improve the knowledge as to when and how beta-blockers should be used in which patients.

Myocardial infarction and oxidative damage in animal models: objective and expectations from the application of cysteine derivatives

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and associated oxidative stress are the main contributors to pathophysiological changes following myocardial infarction (MI), which is the principal cause of death from cardiovascular disease. The glutathione (GSH)/glutathione peroxidase (GPx) system appears to be the main and most active cardiac antioxidant mechanism. Hence, enhancement of the myocardial GSH system might have protective effects in the setting of MI. It follows that by increasing antioxidant capacity, the heart will be able to reduce the damage associated with MI and even prevent/weaken the occurrence of oxidative stress, which is highly ranked among the factors responsible for the occurrence of acute MI. For these reasons, the primary goal of future investigations should be to address the effects of different antioxidative compounds and especially cysteine derivatives like N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (OTC) as precursors responsible for the enhancement of the GSH-related antioxidant system's capacity. It is assumed that this will lay down the basis for elucidation of the mechanisms throughout which applicable doses of OTC will manifest a potentially positive impact in the reduction of adverse effects of acute MI. The inclusion of OTC in the models for prediction of the distribution of oxygen in infarcted animal hearts can help to upgrade existing computational models. Such a model would be based on computational geometries of the heart, but the inclusion of biochemical redox features in addition to angiogenic therapy, despite improvement of the post-infarcted oxygenated outcome could enhance the accuracy of the predictive values of oxygenation.

HIF-1-Dependent Induction of β3 Adrenoceptor: Evidence from the Mouse Retina

A major player in the homeostatic response to hypoxia is the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 that transactivates a number of genes involved in neovessel proliferation in response to low oxygen tension. In the retina, hypoxia overstimulates β-adrenoceptors (β-ARs) which play a key role in the formation of pathogenic blood vessels. Among β-ARs, β3-AR expression is increased in proliferating vessels in concomitance with increased levels of HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Whether, similarly to VEGF, hypoxia-induced β3-AR upregulation is driven by HIF-1 is still unknown. We used the mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), an acknowledged model of retinal angiogenesis, to verify the hypothesis of β3-AR transcriptional regulation by HIF-1. Investigation of β3-AR regulation over OIR progression revealed that the expression profile of β3-AR depends on oxygen tension, similar to VEGF. The additional evidence that HIF-1α stabilization decouples β3-AR expression from oxygen levels further indicates that HIF-1 regulates the expression of the β3-AR gene in the retina. Bioinformatics predicted the presence of six HIF-1 binding sites (HBS #1-6) upstream and inside the mouse β3-AR gene. Among these, HBS #1 has been identified as the most suitable HBS for HIF-1 binding. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR demonstrated an effective binding of HIF-1 to HBS #1 indicating the existence of a physical interaction between HIF-1 and the β3-AR gene. The additional finding that β3-AR gene expression is concomitantly activated indicates the possibility that HIF-1 transactivates the β3-AR gene. Our results are indicative of β3-AR involvement in HIF-1-mediated response to hypoxia.

Beta3-Adrenergic Receptor Activation Alleviates Cardiac Dysfunction in Cardiac Hypertrophy by Regulating Oxidative Stress

BACKGROUND

Excessive myocardial oxidative stress could lead to the congestive heart failure. NADPH oxidase is involved in the pathological process of left ventricular (LV) remodeling and dysfunction. β3-Adrenergic receptor (AR) could regulate cardiac dysfunction proved by recent researches. The molecular mechanism of β3-AR regulating oxidative stress, especially NADPH oxidase, remains to be determined.

METHODS

Cardiac hypertrophy was constructed by the transverse aortic constriction (TAC) model. ROS and NADPH oxidase subunits expression were assessed after β3-AR agonist (BRL) or inhibitor (SR) administration in cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, the cardiac function, fibrosis, heart size, oxidative stress, and cardiomyocytes apoptosis were also detected.

RESULTS

β3-AR activation significantly alleviated cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling in pressure-overloaded mice. β3-AR stimulation also improved heart function and reduced cardiomyocytes apoptosis, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. Meanwhile, β3-AR stimulation inhibited superoxide anion production and decreased NADPH oxidase activity. Furthermore, BRL treatment increased the neuronal NOS (nNOS) expression in cardiac hypertrophy.

CONCLUSION

β3-AR stimulation alleviated cardiac dysfunction and reduced cardiomyocytes apoptosis, oxidative stress, and fibrosis by inhibiting NADPH oxidases. In addition, the protective effect of β3-AR is largely attributed to nNOS activation in cardiac hypertrophy.

β 3 Adrenergic Receptor Stimulation Promotes Reperfusion in Ischemic Limbs in a Murine Diabetic Model

Aims/Hypothesis: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a major burden, resulting in limb claudication, repeated surgical interventions and amputation. There is an unmet need for improved medical management of PAD that improves quality of life, maintains activities of daily life and reduces complications. Nitric oxide (NO)/redox balance is a key regulator of angiogenesis. We have previously shown beneficial effects of a β₃ adrenergic receptor (β₃AR) agonist on NO/redox balance. We hypothesized that β₃AR stimulation would have therapeutic potential in PAD by promoting limb angiogenesis.

Methods: The effect of the β₃AR agonist CL 316,243 (1–1,000 nmol/L in vitro, 1 mg/kg/day s. c) was tested in established angiogenesis assays with human endothelial cells and patient-derived endothelial colony forming cells. Post-ischemia reperfusion was determined in streptozotocin and/or high fat diet-induced diabetic and non-diabetic mice in vivo using the hind limb ischemia model.

Results: CL 316,243 caused accelerated recovery from hind limb ischemia in non-diabetic and type 1 and 2 diabetic mice. Increased eNOS activity and decreased superoxide generation were detected in hind limb ischemia calf muscle from CL 316, 243 treated mice vs. controls. The protective effect of CL 316,243 in diabetic mice was associated with >50% decreases in eNOS glutathionylation and nitrotyrosine levels. The β₃AR agonist directly promoted angiogenesis in endothelial cells in vitro. These pro-angiogenic effects were β₃AR and NOS-dependent.

Conclusion/Interpretation:β₃AR stimulation increased angiogenesis in diabetic ischemic limbs, with demonstrable improvements in NO/redox balance and angiogenesis elicited by a selective agonist. The orally available β₃AR agonist, Mirabegron, used for overactive bladder syndrome, makes translation to a clinical trial by repurposing of a β₃AR agonist to target PAD immediately feasible.

Effects of Caffeine on Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis and Metabolic Homeostasis: A Review

The impact of brown adipose tissue (BAT) metabolism on understanding energy balance in humans is a relatively new and exciting field of research. The pathogenesis of obesity can be largely explained by an imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure, but the underlying mechanisms are far more complex. Traditional non-selective sympathetic activators have been used to artificially elevate energy utilization, or suppress appetite, however undesirable side effects are apparent with the use of these pharmacological interventions. Understanding the role of BAT, in relation to human energy homeostasis has the potential to dramatically offset the energy imbalance associated with obesity. This review discusses paradoxical effects of caffeine on peripheral adenosine receptors and the possible role of adenosine in increasing metabolism is highlighted, with consideration to the potential of central rather than peripheral mechanisms for caffeine mediated BAT thermogenesis and energy expenditure. Research on the complex physiology of adipose tissue, the embryonic lineage and function of the different types of adipocytes is summarized. In addition, the effect of BAT on overall human metabolism and the extent of the associated increase in energy expenditure are discussed. The controversy surrounding the primary β-adrenoceptor involved in human BAT activation is examined, and suggestions as to the lack of translational findings from animal to human physiology and human in vitro to in vivo models are provided. This review compares and distinguishes human and rodent BAT effects, thus developing an understanding of human BAT thermogenesis to aid lifestyle interventions targeting obesity and metabolic syndrome. The focus of this review is on the effect of BAT thermogenesis on overall metabolism, and the potential therapeutic effects of caffeine in increasing metabolism via its effects on BAT.

Intravenous Infusion of the β3-Adrenergic Receptor Antagonist APD418 Improves Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Dogs With Systolic Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Unlike β₁- and β₂-adrenergic receptors (ARs), β₃-AR stimulation inhibits cardiac contractility and relaxation. In the failing left ventricular (LV) myocardium, β₃-ARs are upregulated, and can be maladaptive in the setting of decompensation by contributing to LV dysfunction. This study examined the effects of intravenous infusions of the β₃-AR antagonist APD418 on cardiovascular function and safety in dogs with systolic heart failure (HF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Three separate studies were performed in 21 dogs with coronary microembolization-induced HF (LV ejection fraction [LVEF] of approximately 35%). Studies 1 and 2 (n = 7 dogs each) were APD418 dose escalation studies (dosing range, 0.35-15.00 mg/kg/h) designed to identify an effective dose of APD418 to be used in study 3. Study 3, the sustained efficacy study, (n = 7 dogs) was a 6-hour constant intravenous infusion of APD418 at a dose of 4.224 mg/kg (0.70 mg/kg/h) measuring key hemodynamic endpoints (e.g., EF, cardiac output, the time velocity integral of the mitral inflow velocity waveform representing early filling to time-velocity integral representing left atrial contraction [Ei/Ai]). Studies 1 and 2 showed a dose-dependent increase of LVEF and Ei/Ai, the latter being an index of LV diastolic function. In study 3, infusion of APD418 over 6 hours increased LVEF from 31 ± 1% to 38 ± 1% (P < .05) and increased Ei/Ai from 3.4 ± 0.4 to 4.9 ± 0.5 (P < .05). Vehicle had no effect on the LVEF or Ei/Ai. In study 3, APD418 had no significant effects on the HR or the systemic blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous infusions of APD418 in dogs with systolic HF elicit significant positive inotropic and lusitropic effects. These findings support the development of APD418 for the in-hospital treatment of patients with an acute exacerbation of chronic HF.

Recent Advances in β2-Agonists for Treatment of Chronic Respiratory Diseases and Heart Failure

β₂-Adrenoceptor (β₂-AR) agonists are widely used as bronchodilators. The emerge of ultralong acting β₂-agonists is an important breakthrough in pulmonary medicine. In this review, we will provide mechanistic insights into the application of β₂-agonists in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart failure (HF). Recent studies in β-AR signal transduction have revealed opposing functions of the β₁-AR and the β₂-AR on cardiomyocyte survival. Thus, β₂-agonists and β-blockers in combination may represent a novel strategy for HF management. Allosteric modulation and biased agonism at the β₂-AR also provide a theoretical basis for developing drugs with novel mechanisms of action and pharmacological profiles. Overlap of COPD and HF presents a substantial clinical challenge but also a unique opportunity for evaluation of the cardiovascular safety of β₂-agonists. Further basic and clinical research along these lines can help us develop better drugs and innovative strategies for the management of these difficult-to-treat diseases.

The Regulator of G Protein Signaling Homologous Domain of G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 2 Mediates Short-Term Desensitization of β3-Adrenergic Receptor

G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) kinases (GRKs) are key regulators of GPCR signaling. Canonical mechanism of GPCR desensitization involves receptor phosphorylation by GRKs followed by arrestin recruitment and uncoupling from heterotrimeric G protein. Although β3-adrenergic receptor (β3AR) lacks phosphorylation sites by GRKs, agonist treatment proved to induce β3AR desensitization in many cell types. Here we show that GRK2 mediates short-term desensitization of β3AR by a phosphorylation independent mechanism but mediated by its domain homologous to the regulator of G protein signaling (RGS). HEK293T cells overexpressing human β3AR presented a short-term desensitization of cAMP response stimulated by the β3AR agonist, BRL37344, and not by forskolin. We found that β3AR desensitization was higher in cells co-transfected with GRK2. Similarly, overexpression of the RGS homology domain but not kinase domain of GRK2 increased β3AR desensitization. Consistently, stimulation of β3AR increased interaction between GRK2 and Gαs subunit. Furthermore, in rat cardiomyocytes endogenously expressing β3AR, transfection with dominant negative mutant of RH domain of GRK2 (GRK2/D110A) increased cAMP response to BRL37344 and inhibited receptor desensitization. We expect our study to be a starting point for more sophisticated characterization of the consequences of GRK2 mediated desensitization of the β3AR in heart function and disease.

Cardioprotective Effects of Beta3-Adrenergic Receptor (β3-AR) Pre-, Per-, and Post-treatment in Ischemia-Reperfusion

The β3-AR (beta3-adrenergic receptor) is resistant to short-term agonist-promoted desensitization and delivers a constant intracellular signal, making this receptor a potential target in acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

AIM

To investigate whether selective modulation of β3-AR prior to or during ischemia and/or reperfusion may be cardioprotective.

METHODS

Isolated perfused rat hearts were exposed to 35-min regional ischemia (RI) and 60-min reperfusion. The β3-AR agonist (BRL37344, 1 μM) or antagonist (SR59230A, 0.1 μM) was applied: (i) before RI (PreT) or (ii) last 10 min of RI (PerT) or (iii) onset of reperfusion (PostT) or (iv) during both PerT+PostT. Nitric oxide (NO) involvement was assessed, using the NOS inhibitor, L-NAME (50 μM). Endpoints were functional recovery, infarct size (IS), cGMP levels, and Western blot analysis of eNOS, ERKp44/p42, PKB/Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β).

RESULTS

Selective treatment with BRL significantly reduced IS. L-NAME abolished BRL-mediated cardioprotection. BRL (PreT) and BRL (PerT) significantly increased cGMP levels (which were reduced by L-NAME) and PKB/Akt phosphorylation. BRL (PostT) produced significantly increased cGMP levels, PKB/Akt, and ERKp44/p42 phosphorylation. BRL (PerT+PostT) caused significant eNOS, PKB/Akt, ERKp44/p42, and GSK-3β phosphorylation.

CONCLUSION

β3-AR activation by BRL37344 induced significant cardioprotection regardless of the experimental protocol. However, the pattern of intracellular signaling with each BRL treatment differed to some degree and suggests the involvement of cGMP, eNOS, ERK, GSK-3β, and particularly PKB/Akt activation. The data also suggest that clinical application of β3-AR stimulation should preferably be incorporated during late ischemia or/and early reperfusion.

β3 adrenergic receptor antagonist SR59230A exerts beneficial effects on right ventricular performance in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease with a high mortality rate. Previous studies have revealed the important function of the β3 adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) in cardiovascular diseases, and the potential beneficial effects of numerous β3-AR agonists on pulmonary vasodilation. Conversely, a number of studies have proposed that the antagonism of β3-AR may prevent heart failure. The present study aimed to investigate the functional involvement of β3-AR and the effects of the β3-AR antagonist, SR59230A, in PAH and subsequent heart failure. A rat PAH model was established by the subcutaneous injection of monocrotaline (MCT), and the rats were randomly assigned to groups receiving four weeks of SR59230A treatment or the vehicle control. SR59230A treatment significantly improved right ventricular function in PAH in vivo compared with the vehicle control (P<0.001). Additionally, the expression level of β3-AR was significantly upregulated in the lung and heart tissues of PAH rats compared with the sham group (P<0.01), and SR59230A treatment inhibited this increase in the lung (P<0.05), but not the heart. Specifically, SR59230A suppressed the elevated expression of endothelial nitric oxide and alleviated inflammatory infiltration to the lung under PAH conditions. These results are, to the best of our knowledge, the first to reveal that SR59230A exerts beneficial effects on right ventricular performance in rats with MCT-induced PAH. Furthermore, blocking β3-AR with SR59230A may alleviate the structural changes and inflammatory infiltration to the lung as a result of reduced oxidative stress.

Cardiac β3 -adrenoceptors-A role in human pathophysiology?

As β₃ -adrenoceptors were first demonstrated to be expressed in adipose tissue they have received much attention for their metabolic effects in obesity and diabetes. After the existence of this subtype had been suggested to be present in the heart, studies focused on its role in cardiac function. While the presence and functional role of β₃ -adrenoceptors in the heart has not uniformly been detected, there is a broad consensus that they become up-regulated in pathological conditions associated with increased sympathetic activity such as heart failure and diabetes. When detected, the β₃ -adrenceptor has been demonstrated to mediate negative inotropic effects in an inhibitory G protein-dependent manner through the NO-cGMP-PKG signalling pathway. Whether these negative inotropic effects provide protection from the adverse effects induced by overstimulation of β₁ /β₂ -adrenoceptors or in themselves are potentially harmful is controversial, but ongoing clinical studies in patients with congestive heart failure are testing the hypothesis that β₃ -adrenceptor agonism has a beneficial effect. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Adrenoceptors-New Roles for Old Players. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.14/issuetoc.

Knockout of adenylyl cyclase isoform 5 or 6 differentially modifies the β1-adrenoceptor-mediated inotropic response

Although only β₂-adrenergic receptors (βAR) dually couple with stimulatory G protein (G_s) and inhibitory G protein (G_i), inactivation of G_i enhances both β₁AR and β₂AR responsiveness. We hypothesize that G_i restrains spontaneous adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity independent of receptor activation. Subcellular localization of the AC5/6 subtypes varies contributing to the compartmentation of βAR signaling. The primary objectives were to determine: (1) if β₁AR-mediated inotropic responses were dependent upon either AC5 or AC6; (2) if intrinsic G_i inhibition is AC subtype selective and (3) the role of phosphodiesterases (PDE) 3/4 to regulate β₁AR responsiveness. β₁AR-mediated increases in contractile force and cAMP accumulation in cardiomyocytes were measured from wild type, AC5 and AC6 knockout (KO) mice, with or without pertussis toxin (PTX) pretreatment to inactivate G_i and/or after selective inhibition of PDEs 3/4. Noradrenaline potency at β₁ARs was increased in AC6 KO. PDE4 inhibition increased noradrenaline potency in wild type and AC5 KO, but not AC6 KO. PTX increased noradrenaline potency only in wild type but increased the maximal β₁AR response in all mouse strains. PDE3 inhibition increased noradrenaline potency only in AC5 KO that was treated prior with PTX. β₁AR-evoked cAMP accumulation was increased more by PDE4 inhibition than PDE3 inhibition in wild type and AC5 KO that was amplified by G_i inhibition. These data indicate that β₁AR-mediated inotropic responses are not dependent upon either AC5 or AC6 alone. Inactivation of G_i enhanced β₁AR-mediated inotropic responses despite not coupling to G_i, consistent with G_i exerting a tonic receptor independent inhibition upon AC5/6. PDE4 seems the primary regulator of β₁AR signaling through AC6 in wild type. AC6 KO results in a reorganization of β₁AR compartmentation characterized by signaling through AC5 regulated by G_i, PDE3 and PDE4 that maintains normal contractile function.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know about β3-AR * (* But Were Afraid to Ask)

The beta-3 adrenergic receptor (β₃-AR) is by far the least studied isotype of the beta-adrenergic sub-family. Despite its study being long hampered by the lack of suitable animal and cellular models and inter-species differences, a substantial body of literature on the subject has built up in the last three decades and the physiology of β₃-AR is unraveling quickly. As will become evident in this work, β₃-AR is emerging as an appealing target for novel pharmacological approaches in several clinical areas involving metabolic, cardiovascular, urinary, and ocular disease. In this review, we will discuss the most recent advances regarding β₃-AR signaling and function and summarize how these findings translate, or may do so, into current clinical practice highlighting β₃-AR’s great potential as a novel therapeutic target in a wide range of human conditions.

Physiology and pathophysiology of the β3-adrenergic receptor

The β₃-adrenergic receptor (β₃-AR) is an important regulator of various physiological functions, such as thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue, lipolysis in white adipose tissue, negative inotropic effect in cardiomyocyte, and relaxation in blood vessel. The activation of β₃-AR by its agonists is shown to have metabolic (antiobesity and antidiabetic) and cardiovascular effects in animal models, highlighting β₃-AR as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of several human diseases. Moreover, a substantial number of studies performed on different populations have identified some β₃-AR polymorphic variants associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other disorders. The clinical phenotypes and functional characteristics of these variants provide insights into potential pathophysiological roles of β₃-AR in the development of these diseases.

Molecular pathways of oestrogen receptors and β-adrenergic receptors in cardiac cells: Recognition of their similarities, interactions and therapeutic value

Oestrogen receptors (ERs) and β-adrenergic receptors (βARs) play important roles in the cardiovascular system. Moreover, these receptors are expressed in cardiac myocytes and vascular tissues. Numerous experimental observations support the hypothesis that similarities and interactions exist between the signalling pathways of ERs (ERα, ERβ and GPR30) and βARs (β₁ AR, β₂ AR and β₃ AR). The recently discovered oestrogen receptor GPR30 shares structural features with the βARs, and this forms the basis for the interactions and functional overlap. GPR30 possesses protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation sites and PDZ binding motifs and interacts with A-kinase anchoring protein 5 (AKAP5), all of which enable its interaction with the βAR pathways. The interactions between ERs and βARs occur downstream of the G-protein-coupled receptor, through the G_αs and G_αi proteins. This review presents an up-to-date description of ERs and βARs and demonstrates functional synergism and interactions among these receptors in cardiac cells. We explore their signalling cascades and the mechanisms that orchestrate their interactions and propose new perspectives on the signalling patterns for the GPR30 based on its structural resemblance to the βARs. In addition, we explore the relevance of these interactions to cell physiology, drugs (especially β-blockers and calcium channel blockers) and cardioprotection. Furthermore, a receptor-independent mechanism for oestrogen and its influence on the expression of βARs and calcium-handling proteins are discussed. Finally, we highlight promising therapeutic avenues that can be derived from the shared pathways, especially the phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI3K/Akt) pathway.

Targeting β3-Adrenergic Receptors in the Heart: Selective Agonism and β-Blockade

Cardiac diseases, such as heart failure, remain leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with myocardial infarction as the most common etiology. HF is characterized by β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) dysregulation that is primarily due to the upregulation of G protein–coupled receptor kinases that leads to overdesensitization of β₁ and β₂ARs, and this clinically manifests as a loss of inotropic reserve. Interestingly, the “minor” βAR isoform, the β₃AR, found in the heart, lacks G protein–coupled receptor kinases recognition sites, and is not subject to desensitization, and as a consequence of this, in human failing myocardium, the levels of this receptor remain unchanged or are even increased. In different preclinical studies, it has been shown that β₃ARs can activate different signaling pathways that can protect the heart. The clinical relevance of this is also supported by the effects of β-blockers which are well known for their proangiogenic and cardioprotective effects, and data are emerging showing that these are mediated, at least in part, by enhancement of β₃AR activity. In this regard, targeting of β₃ARs could represent a novel potential strategy to improve cardiac metabolism, function, and remodeling.

Functional β2-adrenoceptors in rat left atria: effect of foot-shock stress

Altered sensitivity to the chronotropic effect of catecholamines and a reduction in the β1/β2-adrenoceptor ratio have previously been reported in right atria of stressed rats, human failing heart, and aging. In this report, we investigated whether left atrial inotropism was affected by foot-shock stress. Male rats were submitted to 3 foot-shock sessions and the left atrial inotropic response, adenylyl cyclase activity, and β-adrenoceptor expression were investigated. Left atria of stressed rats were supersensitive to isoprenaline when compared with control rats and this effect was abolished by ICI118,551, a selective β2-receptor antagonist. Schild plot slopes for the antagonism between CGP20712A (a selective β1-receptor antagonist) and isoprenaline differed from unity in atria of stressed but not control rats. Atrial sensitivity to norepinephrine, as well as basal and forskolin- or isoprenaline-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activities were not altered by stress. The effect of isoprenaline on adenylyl cyclase stimulation was partially blocked by ICI118,551 in atrial membranes of stressed rats. These findings indicate that foot-shock stress equally affects inotropism and chronotropism and that β2-adrenoceptor upregulation contributes to the enhanced inotropic response to isoprenaline.

Role of adenylyl cyclase in reduced β-adrenoceptor-mediated vasorelaxation during maturation

Beta-adrenergic receptor (βAR)-dependent blood vessel relaxation is impaired in older animals and G protein activation has been suggested as the causative mechanism. Here, we investigated the role of βAR subtypes (β1AR, β2AR, and β3AR) and cAMP in maturation-dependent vasorelaxation impairment. Aortic rings from 15 Sprague-Dawley male rats (3 or 9 weeks old) were harvested and left intact or denuded of the endothelium. Vascular relaxation in aortic rings from younger and older groups was compared in the presence of βAR subtype agonists and antagonists along with cAMP and cGMP antagonists. Isolated aortic rings were used to evaluate relaxation responses, protein expression was evaluated by western blot or real time PCR, and metabolites were measured by ELISA. Expression of βAR subtypes and adenylyl cyclase was assessed, and cAMP activity was measured in vascular tissue from both groups. Isoproterenol- and BRL744-dependent relaxation in aortic rings with and without endothelium from 9-week-old rats was impaired compared with younger rats. The β1AR antagonist CGP20712A (10^-7 M) did not affect isoproterenol or BRL744-dependent relaxation in arteries from either group. The β2AR antagonist ICI-118,551 (10^-7 M) inhibited isoproterenol-dependent aortic relaxation in both groups. The β3AR antagonist SR59230A (10^-7 M) inhibited isoproterenol- and BRL744-dependent aortic ring relaxation in younger but not in older rats. All βAR subtypes were expressed in both groups, although β3AR expression was lower in the older group. Adenylyl cyclase (SQ 22536) or protein kinase A (H89) inhibitors prevented isoproterenol-induced relaxation in younger but not in older rats. Production of cAMP was reduced in the older group. Adenylyl cyclase III and RyR3 protein expression was higher in the younger group. In conclusion, altered expression of β3AR and adenylyl cyclase III may be responsible for reduced cAMP production in the older group.

New and Emerging Therapies and Targets: Beta-3 Agonists

While crucial for the acute physiologic response to stress, the adrenergic system may become maladaptive upon prolonged stimulation in the course of development of heart failure. This has been the basis for the development of beta-blocking therapies, targeting mainly beta1-2 adrenoreceptors (B1-2AR). The third isotype, B3AR, was more recently identified in cardiac myocytes and endothelial cells from human (and many other animal species), where its distinctive coupling to nitric oxide and antioxidant pathways suggested potential protective properties that were unexploited so far. The observation of beneficial effects of B3AR expression/activation on myocardial remodeling and the availability of specific agonists for clinical use now open the way for directly testing the hypothesis in heart failure patients. We will briefly review the specificities of B3AR signaling in the context of the cardiovascular adrenergic system, the evidence supporting its beneficial effects and outline an ongoing clinical trial using the B3AR agonist, mirabegron in patients with/at risk of developing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Cardiac salvage by tweaking with beta-3-adrenergic receptors

Overstimulation of the orthosympathetic system leads to cardiovascular cell and tissue damage through prolonged activation of β-1-2 adrenergic receptors (BARs). The more recent identification of the third isotype of BAR (B3AR) in cardiac myocytes and endothelial cells with a distinctive coupling and effect on cardiac function and remodelling introduced a new facet to this paradigm. In particular, B3AR is up-regulated in cardiac disease and less prone to homologous desensitization, which may reinforce its influence on the diseased myocardium. Mice with transgenic cardiac-specific expression of the human B3AR are protected from cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in response to neurohormonal stimulation. B3AR has also been implicated in cardiac protection after ischaemia-reperfusion and the benefits of exercise on the heart. Many of these salvage mechanisms are mediated by B3AR coupling to nitric oxide synthase (eNOS and nNOS) and downstream cGMP/protein kinase G signalling. Notably, B3AR exerts antioxidant protective effects on these and other signalling elements, which may subserve its protective properties in the setting of chronic heart failure. Additional vasorelaxing properties and paracrine NO-mediated signalling by B3AR in endothelium, together with systemic metabolic effects on beige/brown fat complete the pleiotropic protective properties of this new therapeutic target.

Pathophysiological mechanisms of catecholamine and cocaine-mediated cardiotoxicity

Overactivation of the sympatho-adrenergic system is an essential mechanism providing short-term adaptation to the stressful conditions of critical illnesses. In the same way, the administration of exogenous catecholamines is mandatory to support the failing circulation in acutely ill patients. In contrast to these short-term benefits, prolonged adrenergic stress is detrimental to the cardiovascular system by initiating a series of adverse effects triggering significant cardiotoxicity, whose pathophysiological mechanisms are complex and only partially elucidated. In addition to the development of myocardial oxygen supply/demand imbalance induced by the sustained activation of adrenergic receptors, catecholamines can damage cardiomyocytes by fostering mitochondrial dysfunction, via two main mechanisms. The first one is calcium overload, consecutive to β-adrenergic receptor-mediated activation of protein kinase A and subsequent phosphorylation of multiple Ca(2+)-cycling proteins. The second one is oxidative stress, primarily related to the transformation of catecholamines into "aminochromes," which undergo redox cycling in mitochondria to generate copious amounts of oxygen-derived free radicals. In turn, calcium overload and oxidative stress promote mitochondrial permeability transition and cardiomyocyte cell death, both via the apoptotic and necrotic pathways. Comparable mechanisms of myocardial toxicity, including marked oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, have been reported with the use of cocaine, a common recreational drug with potent sympathomimetic activity. The aim of the current review is to present in detail the pathophysiological processes underlying the development of catecholamine and cocaine-induced cardiomyopathy, as such conditions may be frequently encountered in the clinical practice of cardiologists and ICU specialists.

β3 -AR and the vertebrate heart: a comparative view

Recent cardiovascular research showed that, together with β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors (ARs), β3-ARs contribute to the catecholamine (CA)-dependent control of the heart. β3-ARs structure, function and ligands were investigated in mammals because of their applicative potential in human cardiovascular diseases. Only recently, the concept of a β3-AR-dependent cardiac modulation was extended to non-mammalian vertebrates, although information is still scarce and fragmentary. β3-ARs were structurally described in fish, showing a closer relationship to mammalian β1-AR than β2-AR. Functional β3-ARs are present in the cardiac tissue of teleosts and amphibians. As in mammals, activation of these receptors elicits a negative modulation of the inotropic performance through the involvement of the endothelium endocardium (EE), Gi/0 proteins and the nitric oxide (NO) signalling. This review aims to comparatively analyse data from literature on β3-ARs in mammals, with those on teleosts and amphibians. The purpose is to highlight aspects of uniformity and diversity of β3-ARs structure, ligands activity, function and signalling cascades throughout vertebrates. This may provide new perspectives aimed to clarify the biological relevance of β3-ARs in the context of the nervous and humoral control of the heart and its functional plasticity.

Pharmacogenomics of cardiovascular complications in diabetes and obesity

Heart disease is a major cause of death in US and worldwide. The complex interplay of the mechanisms between diabetes, obesity and inflammation raises concerns for therapeutic understanding and developing treatment options for patients. Recent advances utilizing pharmacogenomics has helped researchers to probe in to disease pathophysiology and physicians to detect and, diagnose the disease in patients. The understanding developed in the area primarily addresses the issue focusing on the nature and asks the question 'Why' some individuals respond to the standard medication regimen and others do not. The central idea that genomics play a vital part in how the healthcare providers: physician, pharmacist, and nurse provide treatment utilizing the best practices available for maximum benefits. Pharmacogenomics is the scientific basis which offers the fundamental understanding for diseases, based on which therapeutic approaches can be designed and delivered. The discovery that not all humans respond to the drug in the same way is a 'paradigm shift' in how current therapies are offered. The area of pharmacogenomics at its core is linked to the genetic basis for the disease and the response to treatment. Given that diabetes and obesity are major metabolic ailments globally wherein patients also often suffer from cardiac disorders, a comprehensive genetic and pharmacogenomic understanding of these conditions enable the development of effective therapeutic strategies. In this review, we discuss various pharmacogenomic approaches with special emphasis on heart disease as it relates to diabetes and obesity. Recent information in regard to relevant patents in this topic are also discussed.

Blood lipids affect rat islet blood flow regulation through β₃-adrenoceptors

Pancreatic islet blood perfusion varies according to the needs for insulin secretion. We examined the effects of blood lipids on pancreatic islet blood flow in anesthetized rats. Acute administration of Intralipid to anesthetized rats increased both triglycerides and free fatty acids, associated with a simultaneous increase in total pancreatic and islet blood flow. A preceding abdominal vagotomy markedly potentiated this and led acutely to a 10-fold increase in islet blood flow associated with a similar increase in serum insulin concentrations. The islet blood flow and serum insulin response could be largely prevented by pretreatment with propranolol and the selective β₃-adrenergic inhibitor SR-59230A. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester prevented the blood flow increase but was less effective in reducing serum insulin. Increased islet blood flow after Intralipid administration was also seen in islet and whole pancreas transplanted rats, i.e., models with different degrees of chronic islet denervation, but the effect was not as pronounced. In isolated vascularly perfused single islets Intralipid dilated islet arterioles, but this was not affected by SR-59230A. Both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system are important for the coordination of islet blood flow and insulin release during hyperlipidemia, with a previously unknown role for β₃-adrenoceptors.

Role of β-adrenergic receptor signaling and desensitization in heart failure: new concepts and prospects for treatment

The use of beta-blockers to antagonize beta-adrenergic receptor signaling in the heart has become a standard method of treatment for heart failure, resulting in positive clinical outcomes alone and in conjunction with other modulators of cardiomyocyte contractility. However, an entire explanation for improved cardiac function in patients using beta-blockers is unknown, and in fact may be quite complicated, considering the numerous intracellular signaling pathways associated with beta-adrenergic receptors. Stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors during both normal conditions and during heart failure activate several distinct signaling cascades, which influence cardiomyocyte contraction, hypertrophy and apoptosis. This review explores the signaling cascades induced by beta-adrenergic receptor activation in normal and desensitized states to provide new insight into the effective treatment of cardiac dysfunction.

The eel heart: multilevel insights into functional organ plasticity

The remarkable functional homogeneity of the heart as an organ requires a well-coordinated myocardial heterogeneity. An example is represented by the selective sensitivity of the different cardiac cells to physical (i.e. shear stress and/or stretch) or chemical stimuli (e.g. catecholamines, angiotensin II, natriuretic peptides, etc.), and the cell-specific synthesis and release of these substances. The biological significance of the cardiac heterogeneity has recently received great attention in attempts to dissect the complexity of the mechanisms that control the cardiac form and function. A useful approach in this regard is to identify natural models of cardiac plasticity. Among fishes, eels (genus Anguilla), for their adaptive and acclimatory abilities, represent a group of animals so far largely used to explore the structural and ultrastructural myoarchitecture organization, as well as the complex molecular networks involved in the modulation of the heart function, such as those converting environmental signals into physiological responses. However, an overview on the existing current knowledge of eel cardiac form and function is not yet available. In this context, this review will illustrate major features of eel cardiac organization and pumping performance. Aspects of autocrine–paracrine modulation and the influence of factors such as body growth, exercise, hypoxia and temperature will highlight the power of the eel heart as an experimental model useful to decipher how the cardiac morpho-functional heterogeneities may support the uniformity of the whole-organ mechanics.

β3-Adrenergic receptor antagonist improves exercise performance in pacing-induced heart failure

In heart failure (HF), the impaired left ventricular (LV) arterial coupling and diastolic dysfunction present at rest are exacerbated during exercise. We have previously shown that in HF at rest stimulation of β3-adrenergic receptors by endogenous catecholamine depresses LV contraction and relaxation. β3-Adrenergic receptors are activated at higher concentrations of catecholamine. Thus exercise may cause increased stimulation of cardiac β3-adrenergic receptors and contribute to this abnormal response. We assessed the effect of L-748,337 (50 μg/kg iv), a selective β3-adrenergic receptor antagonist (β3-ANT), on LV dynamics during exercise in 12 chronically instrumented dogs with pacing-induced HF. Compared with HF at rest, exercise increased LV end-systolic pressure (PES), minimum LV pressure (LVPmin), and the time constant of LV relaxation (τ) with an upward shift of early diastolic portion of LV pressure-volume loop. LV contractility decreased and arterial elastance (EA) increased. LV arterial coupling (EES/EA) (0.40 vs. 0.51) was impaired. Compared with exercise in HF preparation, exercise after β3-ANT caused similar increases in heart rate and PES but significantly decreased τ (34.9 vs. 38.3 ms) and LVPmin with a downward shift of the early diastolic portion of LV pressure-volume loop and further augmented dV/dtmax. Both EES and EES/EA (0.68 vs. 0.40) were increased. LV mechanical efficiency improved from 0.39 to 0.53. In conclusion, after HF, β3-ANT improves LV diastolic filling; increases LV contractility, LV arterial coupling, and mechanical efficiency; and improves exercise performance.

Portal hypertension and liver cirrhosis in rats: effect of the β3-adrenoceptor agonist SR58611A

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

β(3) -Adrenoceptors participate in the regulation of vascular tone in physiological and pathological conditions. We aimed to assess the effect of pharmacological modulation of β(3) -adrenoceptors on portal pressure (PP) and systemic haemodynamics and their expression in the liver and mesenteric vessels of cirrhotic rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

PP, central venous pressure (CVP) and systemic haemodynamics were invasively assessed in control and CCl(4) -treated cirrhotic rats before and during infusion of the selective β(3) -adrenoceptor agonist, SR58611A. Tissue samples were also collected from liver, heart, portal vein and mesenteric artery for immunohistochemistry and molecular biology analysis. The effect of SR58611A on isolated portal vein was assessed.

KEY RESULTS

At baseline, cirrhotic rats showed portal hypertension, reduced CVP and hyperdynamic circulation. SR58611A induced a significant, dose-dependent decrease in PP in cirrhotic rats, but not in controls. Although both groups manifested a dose-dependent reduction in mean arterial pressure, this effect was associated with decreased cardiac index (CI) and unchanged indicized peripheral vascular resistance (PVRI) in cirrhotic rats and increased CI and decreased PVRI in control animals. Pretreatment with the selective β(3) -adrenoceptor antagonist SR59230 prevented all SR58611A-induced changes in cirrhotic rats. SR58611A concentration-dependently relaxed portal vein in cirrhotic rats to a significantly greater extent than in healthy rats; pretreatment with SR59230A completely prevented SR58611A-induced cirrhotic portal vein relaxation. Finally, β(3) -adrenoceptors were identified in the liver, heart and portal vein of cirrhotic and control animals; their expression was increased in cirrhotic rats.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

β(3) -Adrenoceptors are altered in portal hypertension of experimental cirrhosis and may represent a novel therapeutic target.

Ageing is the main determinant of haemodynamics and autonomic cardiac changes observed in post-menopausal female rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of early and physiological menopause on cardiac autonomic parameters in aged female rats. To this end, female Wistar rats (22 and 82 weeks old, N=96) were divided into 4 groups: Young Sham-operated Rats, Aged Sham-operated Rats, Young Ovariectomised (OVX) Rats, and Aged OVX Rats. Young Sham-operated and OVX rats were used as controls. The cardiac autonomic parameters were investigated using different approaches: 1) pharmacological evaluation of the autonomic tonus with methylatropine and propranolol; 2) isolated cardiac contractility with β-adrenergic agonists; and 3) quantification of the mRNA and protein level expression of cardiac β-adrenergic receptors. Among the groups of aged female rats, both the Sham-operated and OVX rats showed higher basal mean arterial pressure and heart rate (HR) values compared to their respective young counterparts. The aged groups also showed a predominance of the sympathetic autonomic component in the determination of HR, whereas the young rats showed a vagal predominance. An assessment of cardiac contractility showed that aged Sham-operated and OVX rats had lower contractile responses following the administration of dobutamine compared to their respective young counterparts. In addition, the aged groups showed higher mRNA and protein expression levels of the β1-adrenergic receptors. In conclusion, our results show that haemodynamic alterations and impairment of the autonomic parameters were similar between the groups of rats subjected to early and physiological menopause. Moreover, these results seem to be due to the ageing process and not ovarian hormone deprivation.

Regulation of atrial catecholamine enzymes and adrenoceptor gene expression after chronic stress

Chronic stress is a risk factor for the development of numerous psychopathological conditions in humans including depression. Changes in gene expression of tyrosine-hydroxylase (TH), dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), β1-, β2- and β3-adrenoceptors in right and left rat atria upon chronic unpredictable mild stress (CMS) were investigated. CMS decreased TH and DBH gene expression levels both in right and left atria and increased PNMT mRNA in left atria. No changes in mRNA levels of β1- and β2-adrenoceptors were recorded, whereas β3-adrenoreceptor mRNA level was significantly elevated in right atria of CMS rats. At the same time, CMS produced a significant increase of β1- and β2-adrenoreceptor mRNA levels in left atria, but did not affect β3-adrenoceptor mRNA level.The results presented here suggest that stress-induced depression expressed differential effects on catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes and β-adrenoceptors at molecular level in right and left atria of adult rat males. Elevated gene expression of PNMT in left atria of rats exposed to CMS can lead to altered physiological response and may play a role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular function.

Effects and selectivity of CL 316243, beta-3-adrenoceptor agonist, in term-pregnant rat myometrium

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Recent evidence supports a predominant role of β(3)-adrenoceptors at the end of pregnancy in myometrium. This study was designed to characterize the pharmacology of the selective β(3)-adrenoceptor agonist CL 316243 on oxytocin-induced myometrial contractions and the levels of cAMP and cGMP of myometrial strips isolated from term-pregnant rats.

METHODS

Myometrial strips were obtained from term-pregnant Wistar albino rats (n = 10), mounted in organ baths and tested for changes in isometric tension in response to CL 316243 (10(-10)-10(-5) M) on oxytocin-induced myometrial contractions. Effects of CL 316243 on cAMP and cGMP levels in isolated myometrial strips (n = 8) were evaluated by radioimmunoassay kits. We evaluated the effect of increasing concentrations of CL 316243 on myometrial contractions and on contractions of myometrial smooth muscle pretreated with metoprolol, ICI 118.551 and SR 59230A (β(1)-, β(2)-, β(3)-adrenoceptor antagonists, respectively, 10(-6) M).

RESULTS

The inhibition of the amplitude of oxytocin-induced contractions by CL 316243 were antagonized with SR 59230A (10(-6) M), but they were not changed by metoprolol (10(-6) M) or ICI 118.551 (10(-6) M). CL 316243 increased cAMP levels compared to the control group. CL 316243 increased cGMP levels, in the CL 316243 group more than in the control group, but this increase is less significant than cAMP levels.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that the inhibition of rat myometrial contractions with CL 316243 is mediated by β(3)-adrenoceptor subtype and increased cAMP and cGMP levels.

Pharmacogenomics of β-adrenergic receptor physiology and response to β-blockade

Myocardial β-adrenergic receptors (βARs) are important in altering heart rate, inotropic state, and myocardial relaxation (lusitropy). The β1AR and β2AR stimulation increases cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentration with the net result of myocyte contraction, whereas β3AR stimulation results in decreased inotropy. Downregulation of β1ARs in heart failure, as well as an increased β3AR activity and density, lead to decreased cyclic adenosine monophosphate production and reduced inotropy. The βAR antagonists are commonly used in patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure; however, perioperative use of βAR antagonists is controversial. Individual patient's response to beta-blocker therapy is an area of intensive research, and apart from pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and ethnic differences, genetic alterations have become more important in the last 20 years. The most common genetic variants in humans are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). There are 2 clinically relevant SNPs for the β1AR (Ser49Gly, Arg389Gly), 3 for the β2AR (Arg16Gly, Gln27Glu, Thr164Ile), and 1 for the β3AR (Trp64Arg). Although results are somewhat controversial, generally large datasets have the potential to show a relationship between βAR SNPs and outcomes such as development and progression of heart failure, coronary artery disease, vascular reactivity, hypertension, asthma, obesity, and diabetes. Although βAR SNPs may not directly cause disease, they appear to be risk factors for, and modifiers of, disease and the response to stress and drugs. In the perioperative setting, this has specifically been demonstrated for the Arg389Gly β1AR polymorphism with which patients with the Gly variant had a higher incidence of adverse perioperative events. Knowing that genetic variants play an important role, perioperative medicine will likely change from simple therapeutic intervention to a more personalized way of adrenergic receptor modulation.

SR59230A, a beta-3 adrenoceptor antagonist, inhibits ultradian brown adipose tissue thermogenesis and interrupts associated episodic brain and body heating

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis occurs episodically in an ultradian manner approximately every 80-100 min during the waking phase of the circadian cycle, together with highly correlated increases in brain and body temperatures, suggesting that BAT thermogenesis contributes to brain and body temperature increases. We investigated this in conscious Sprague-Dawley rats by determining whether inhibition of BAT thermogenesis via blockade of beta-3 adrenoceptors with SR59230A interrupts ultradian episodic increases in brain and body temperatures and whether SR59230A acts on BAT itself or via sympathetic neural control of BAT. Interscapular BAT (iBAT), brain, and body temperatures, tail artery blood flow, and heart rate were measured in unrestrained rats. SR59230A (1, 5, or 10 mg/kg ip), but not vehicle, decreased iBAT, body, and brain temperatures in a dose-dependent fashion (log-linear regression P < 0.01, R(2) = 0.3, 0.4, and 0.4, respectively, n = 10). Ultradian increases in BAT, brain, and body temperature were interrupted by administration of SR59230A (10 mg/kg ip) compared with vehicle, resuming after 162 ± 24 min (means ± SE, n = 10). SR59230A (10 mg/kg ip) caused a transient bradycardia without any increase in tail artery blood flow. In anesthetized rats, SR59230A reduced cooling-induced increases in iBAT temperature without affecting cooling-induced increases in iBAT sympathetic nerve discharge. Inhibition of BAT thermogenesis by SR59230A, thus, reflects direct blockade of beta-3 adrenoceptors in BAT. Interruption of episodic ultradian increases in body and brain temperature by SR59230A suggests that BAT thermogenesis makes a substantial contribution to these increases.

Compartmentalization of beta-adrenergic signals in cardiomyocytes

Activation of adrenergic receptors (AR) represents the primary mechanism to increase cardiac performance under stress. Activated βAR couple to Gs protein, leading to adenylyl cyclase-dependent increases in secondary-messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) to activate protein kinase A. The increased protein kinase A activities promote phosphorylation of diversified substrates, ranging from the receptor and its associated partners to proteins involved in increases in contractility and heart rate. Recent progress with live-cell imaging has drastically advanced our understanding of the βAR-induced cAMP and protein kinase A activities that are precisely regulated in a spatiotemporal fashion in highly differentiated myocytes. Several features stand out: membrane location of βAR and its associated complexes dictates the cellular compartmentalization of signaling; βAR agonist dose-dependent equilibrium between cAMP production and cAMP degradation shapes persistent increases in cAMP signals for sustained cardiac contraction response; and arrestin acts as an agonist dose-dependent master switch to promote cAMP diffusion and propagation into intracellular compartments by sequestrating phosphodiesterase isoforms associated with the βAR signaling cascades. These features and the underlying molecular mechanisms of dynamic regulation of βAR complexes with adenylyl cyclase and phosphodiesterase enzymes and the implication in heart failure are discussed.

Age-related up-regulation of beta3-adrenergic receptor in heart-failure rats

Stimulation of beta1- and beta2-adrenergic receptors (ARs) in the heart results in positive inotropy. In contrast, it has been reported that the beta3-AR is also expressed in the heart and that its stimulation leads to negative inotropic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of beta3-AR in age-related heart-failure rats and its relevance to left ventricular dysfunction. Aging male Wistar rats were divided into young and aging groups according to age, and each group included sham-operation and heart-failure subgroups. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and the ratio of left ventricular weight to body weight (LV/BW) were significantly higher for the aging heart-failure versus young heart-failure and the heart-failure versus sham-operation groups (P < 0.01, respectively). However, the left ventricular end-systolic pressure (LVESP) and the maximal rate of rise or fall of left ventricular pressure were all significantly lower for the aging heart-failure versus young heart-failure and the heart-failure versus sham-operation groups (P < 0.01, respectively). beta3-AR protein levels increased significantly when heart failure worsened in aging rats. These results suggest that beta3-AR expression in age-related heart-failure rats and left ventricular function were highly correlated.

Catecholamines, cardiac natriuretic peptides and chromogranin A: evolution and physiopathology of a 'whip-brake' system of the endocrine heart

In the past 50 years, extensive evidence has shown the ability of vertebrate cardiac non-neuronal cells to synthesize and release catecholamines (CA). This formed the mindset behind the search for the intrinsic endocrine heart properties, culminating in 1981 with the discovery of the natriuretic peptides (NP). CA and NP, co-existing in the endocrine secretion granules and acting as major cardiovascular regulators in health and disease, have become of great biomedical relevance for their potent diagnostic and therapeutic use. The concept of the endocrine heart was later enriched by the identification of a growing number of cardiac hormonal substances involved in organ modulation under normal and stress-induced conditions. Recently, chromogranin A (CgA), a major constituent of the secretory granules, and its derived cardio-suppressive and antiadrenergic peptides, vasostatin-1 and catestatin, were shown as new players in this framework, functioning as cardiac counter-regulators in 'zero steady-state error' homeostasis, particularly under intense excitatory stimuli, e.g. CA-induced myocardial stress. Here, we present evidence for the hypothesis that is gaining support, particularly among human cardiologists. The actions of CA, NP and CgA, we argue, may be viewed as a hallmark of the cardiac capacity to organize 'whip-brake' connection-integration processes in spatio-temporal networks. The involvement of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS)/nitric oxide (NO) system in this configuration is discussed. The use of fish and amphibian paradigms will illustrate the ways that incipient endocrine-humoral agents have evolved as components of cardiac molecular loops and important intermediates during evolutionary transitions, or in a distinct phylogenetic lineage, or under stress challenges. This may help to grasp the old evolutionary roots of these intracardiac endocrine/paracrine networks and how they have evolved from relatively less complicated designs. The latter can also be used as an intellectual tool to disentangle the experimental complexity of the mammalian and human endocrine hearts, suggesting future investigational avenues.

Physiological evidence for β3-adrenoceptor in frog (Rana esculenta) heart

β3-Adrenergic receptors (ARs) have been recently identified in mammalian hearts where, unlike β1- and β2-ARs, induce cardio-suppressive effects. The aim of this study was to describe β3-AR role in the frog (Rana esculenta) heart and to examine its signal transduction pathway. The presence of β3-AR, by using Western blotting analysis, has been also identified. BRL(37344), a selective β3-AR agonist, induced a dose-dependent negative inotropic effect at concentrations from 10(-12) to 10(-6)M. This effect was not modified by nadolol (β1/β2-AR antagonist) and by phentolamine (α-AR antagonist), but it was suppressed by the β3-AR-specific antagonist SR(59230) and by exposure to the Gi/o proteins inhibitor Pertussis Toxin. In addition, the involvement of EE-NOS-cGMP-PKG/PDE2 pathway in the negative inotropism of BRL(37344) has been assessed. BRL(37344) treatment induced eNOS and Akt phosphorylation as well as an increase of cGMP levels. β3-ARs activation induce a non-competitive antagonism against ISO stimulation which disappeared in presence of PKG and PDE2 inhibition. Taken together our findings provide, for the first time in the frog, a role for β3-ARs in the cardiac performance modulation which involves Gi/o protein and occurs via an EE-NO-cGMP-PKG/PDE2 cascade.

Altered circadian rhythm of cardiac β3-adrenoceptor activity following myocardial infarction in the rat

Circadian rhythms influence the incidence of adverse cardiac events but the underlying mechanisms are not well defined. We sought to investigate the role of the β3-adrenoceptor (β3-AR) in cardiac circadian disorders and arrhythmia severity after myocardial infarction (MI). MI was created by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery of the rat heart in situ. Circadian variations of the myocardial expressions of β3-AR and clock genes Bmal1 and Npas2 were examined by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Electrocardiograms and myocardial contraction were recorded in vivo and/or ex vivo. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias were induced by isoprenaline. Normal rats showed circadian oscillations in both the myocardial transcriptional expression of β3-AR and the β3-AR-induced positive chronotropic and negative inotropic cardiac effects. However, these circadian rhythms were significantly blunted or even abolished in rats with either acute MI (within 24 h) or healed MI (14 days after coronary ligation). The nocturnal level of β3-AR protein was higher in MI rats than in normal rats. In contrast, the circadian oscillations of the transcripts of Bmal1 and Npas2 in the myocardium were significantly augmented in rats with either acute MI or healed MI. BRL37344, a preferential β3-AR selective agonist, reduced the occurrence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) in rats with either acute MI or healed MI. We conclude that circadian rhythms of myocardial β3-AR activities are disturbed after MI and β3-AR activation offers anti-arrhythmic protection.

Beta 3-adrenoreceptor regulation of nitric oxide in the cardiovascular system

The presence of a third beta-adrenergic receptor (beta 3-AR) in the cardiovascular system has challenged the classical paradigm of sympathetic regulation by beta1- and beta2-adrenergic receptors. While beta 3-AR's role in the cardiovascular system remains controversial, increasing evidence suggests that it serves as a "brake" in sympathetic overstimulation - it is activated at high catecholamine concentrations, producing a negative inotropic effect that antagonizes beta1- and beta2-AR activity. The anti-adrenergic effects induced by beta 3-AR were initially linked to nitric oxide (NO) release via endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), although more recently it has been shown under some conditions to increase NO production in the cardiovascular system via the other two NOS isoforms, namely inducible NOS (iNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS). We summarize recent findings regarding beta 3-AR effects on the cardiovascular system and explore its prospective as a therapeutic target, particularly focusing on its emerging role as an important mediator of NO signaling in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders.

The beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol partly abolishes thermogenic response to bioactive food ingredients

A combination of tyrosine, capsaicin, catechins, and caffeine has been shown to possess a thermogenic effect in humans. The present objective was to investigate whether the thermogenic response to the bioactive combination (BC) could be diminished or abolished by propranolol. Twenty-two men (age, 29.0 +/- 7.1 years; body mass index, 26.0 +/- 3.6 kg/m(2); mean +/- SD) participated in a 4-way, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. The effect of the following was tested: (1) placebo, (2) BC, (3) BC + 5 mg propranolol, and (4) BC + 10 mg propranolol. Resting metabolic rate, respiratory quotient, and the thermogenic response were measured for 5 hours postintake. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate, and appetite ratings were assessed every half hour. The BC increased resting metabolic rate by 5% (73 [36; 110] kJ/5 h, mean [95% confidence interval], P < .0001) compared with placebo. Both propranolol doses blunted the thermogenic response by 50% compared with placebo (P < .01). The BC increased SBP by 3% (4 +/- 1 mm Hg, P = .003) compared with placebo. The effect of BC on SBP was reduced by 25% by propranolol (P = .07). The BC (with or without propranolol) increased DBP by 6% (4 +/- 1 mm Hg, P </= .0002). Propranolol decreased heart rate by 5% (3 +/- 1 beats per minute, P < .0001) compared with placebo and BC. No effects were observed on appetite ratings. In conclusion, the study confirms the thermogenic properties of BC. The 50% reduction of the thermogenic response by propranolol indicates that beta-adrenergic pathways are partly responsible for the thermogenic response.