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Tica OS, Tica AA, Cojocaru D, Gheonea M, Tica I, Alexandru DO, Cojocaru V, Petcu LC, Tica VI. Dexamethasone on absent end-diastolic flow in umbilical artery, in growth restricted fetuses from early-onset preeclamptic pregnancies and the perinatal outcome. Ann Med 2021; 53:1455-1463. [PMID: 34463170 PMCID: PMC8409927 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2021.1968030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Absent end-diastolic flow (AEDF) in the umbilical artery (UA) worsens the already poor prognosis of growth-restricted fetuses (GRFs) in pregnancies complicated by early-onset preeclampsia with severe features (ESP). METHOD We assessed the correlation between the effect of maternal dexamethasone (Dex) on AEDF in the UA and perinatal outcomes, in 59 GRFs from EPS-complicated pregnancies. The maternal outcome was also evaluated. RESULTS The mean maternal age at inclusion was 22.4 ± 5.9 years. Dex transiently restored EDF in the UA in 38 (64.4%) cases (trAEDF group), but in 21 (35.6%) patients, the flow was persistently absent (prAEDF group). The effect lasted up to the 4th day.The gestational age at diagnosis, number of days from admission until delivery, and fetal weight were significantly lower in the prAEDF group than in the trAEDF group (p < .05). The same group had a significantly increased rate of fetal proximal deterioration, low APGAR scores, neonatal hypoxia, assisted ventilation, mild intraventricular haemorrhage (I/II), and respiratory distress syndrome, as well as maternal deterioration, especially in cases of resistant hypertension (p < .05). Although the rates of fetal acidemia and perinatal mortality in the prAEDF group were respectively three times and two times higher, the differences were not significant (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS The Dex no-effect on UA Doppler in GRFs with AEDF in the UA, in EPS-complicated pregnancies, can be a useful marker for a higher risk of proximal fetal deterioration, poor state at delivery, neonatal hypoxic complications, and worsening maternal condition, but not for perinatal mortality. The findings also highlight the alarmingly younger age of patients with EPS. Finally, all these pregnancies should be monitored in a complex multidisciplinary manner in tertiary referral units.Key messageThe effect of dexamethasone on absent end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery in growth-restricted fetuses from pregnancies complicated by early-onset preeclampsia with severe features can be a useful prognostic factor for perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Sorina Tica
- Department of “Mother and Child”, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
- Emergency Clinical County Hospital of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Andrei Adrian Tica
- Emergency Clinical County Hospital of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Doriana Cojocaru
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy Chisinau, Chisinau, Moldova
- Timofei Mosneaga Republican Clinical Hospital, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Mihaela Gheonea
- Emergency Clinical County Hospital of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Irina Tica
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University “Ovidius” Constanta, Constanta, Romania
- University Regional Emergency Hospital of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | - Dragos Ovidiu Alexandru
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Victor Cojocaru
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy Chisinau, Chisinau, Moldova
- Timofei Mosneaga Republican Clinical Hospital, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Lucian Cristian Petcu
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University “Ovidius” Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | - Vlad Iustin Tica
- University Regional Emergency Hospital of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University “Ovidius” Constanta, Constanta, Romania
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Vafaei H, Kaveh Baghbahadorani F, Asadi N, Kasraeian M, Faraji A, Roozmeh S, Zare M, Bazrafshan K. The impact of betamethasone on fetal pulmonary, umbilical and middle cerebral artery Doppler velocimetry and its relationship with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:188. [PMID: 33676432 PMCID: PMC7937237 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03655-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal corticosteroid administration is known to be an effective strategy in improving fetal pulmonary maturity. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of maternal betamethasone administration on fetal pulmonary and other arteries Doppler velocity and the correlation between RDS development and Doppler indices results. Methods Fifty one singleton pregnancies between 26 and 34 gestational weeks with a diagnosis of preterm labor were included in the exposed group and received betamethasone. Fifty one uncomplicated pregnancies were included in the non-exposed group. Fetal pulmonary, umbilical and middle cerebral arteries Doppler parameters were evaluated before and 24 to 48 h after steroid administration in the exposed group and two times at same intervals in the non-exposed group. Maternal records were matched to neonatal charts if delivery happened, and demographic and outcome data were abstracted. Results When compared with the nonexposed group, fetuses treated with corticosteroids demonstrated significantly decreased umbilical artery Pulsatility index (PI) and significantly increased the middle cerebral artery PI, pulmonary artery Acceleration time (AT) and pulmonary artery AT/ET (Ejection time), while all other indices remained similar. We found significantly decreased pulmonary artery AT in the fetuses with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) compared to those that did not. Conclusions The results of our study showed that maternal antenatal betamethasone administration caused significant changes in the fetus blood velocity waveforms and also affected the blood flow in the pulmonary artery which led to an increase in the pulmonary artery AT and AT/ET. Among those fetuses with RDS, we found a significant decrease in the pulmonary artery AT, but we did not observe any pulmonary artery AT/ET differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homeira Vafaei
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Kaveh Baghbahadorani
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Perinatology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nasrin Asadi
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Maryam Kasraeian
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Azam Faraji
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shohreh Roozmeh
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Marjan Zare
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Khadije Bazrafshan
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Levine TA, Grunau RE, Segurado R, Daly S, Geary MP, Kennelly MM, O’Donoghue K, Hunter A, Morrison JJ, Burke G, Dicker P, Tully EC, Malone FD, Alderdice FA, McAuliffe FM. Pregnancy-specific stress, fetoplacental haemodynamics, and neonatal outcomes in women with small for gestational age pregnancies: a secondary analysis of the multicentre Prospective Observational Trial to Optimise Paediatric Health in Intrauterine Growth Restriction. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e015326. [PMID: 28637734 PMCID: PMC5734406 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine associations between maternal pregnancy-specific stress and umbilical (UA PI) and middle cerebral artery pulsatility indices (MCA PI), cerebroplacental ratio, absent end diastolic flow (AEDF), birthweight, prematurity, neonatal intensive care unit admission and adverse obstetric outcomes in women with small for gestational age pregnancies. It was hypothesised that maternal pregnancy-specific stress would be associated with fetoplacental haemodynamics and neonatal outcomes. DESIGN This is a secondary analysis of data collected for a large-scale prospective observational study. SETTING This study was conducted in the seven major obstetric hospitals in Ireland and Northern Ireland. PARTICIPANTS Participants included 331 women who participated in the Prospective Observational Trial to Optimise Paediatric Health in Intrauterine Growth Restriction. Women with singleton pregnancies between 24 and 36 weeks gestation, estimated fetal weight <10th percentile and no major structural or chromosomal abnormalities were included. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Serial Doppler ultrasound examinations of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries between 20 and 42 weeks gestation, Pregnancy Distress Questionnaire (PDQ) scores between 23 and 40 weeks gestation and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS Concerns about physical symptoms and body image at 35-40 weeks were associated with lower odds of abnormal UAPI (OR 0.826, 95% CI 0.696 to 0.979, p=0.028). PDQ score (OR 1.073, 95% CI 1.012 to 1.137, p=0.017), concerns about birth and the baby (OR 1.143, 95% CI 1.037 to 1.260, p=0.007) and concerns about physical symptoms and body image (OR 1.283, 95% CI 1.070 to 1.538, p=0.007) at 29-34 weeks were associated with higher odds of abnormal MCA PI. Concerns about birth and the baby at 29-34 weeks (OR 1.202, 95% CI 1.018 to 1.421, p=0.030) were associated with higher odds of AEDF. Concerns about physical symptoms and body image at 35-40 weeks were associated with decreased odds of neonatal intensive care unit admission (OR 0.635, 95% CI 0.435 to 0.927, p=0.019). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that fetoplacental haemodynamics may be a mechanistic link between maternal prenatal stress and fetal and neonatal well-being, but additional research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terri A Levine
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ruth E Grunau
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ricardo Segurado
- UCD CSTAR and School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sean Daly
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael P Geary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mairead M Kennelly
- University College Dublin Centre for Human Reproduction, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Keelin O’Donoghue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Alyson Hunter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - John J Morrison
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Gerard Burke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mid-Western Regional Maternity Hospital, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Patrick Dicker
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elizabeth C Tully
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fergal D Malone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona A Alderdice
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Fionnuala M McAuliffe
- UCD Perinatal Research Centre, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Joshi AA, Vaidya SS, St-Pierre MV, Mikheev AM, Desino KE, Nyandege AN, Audus KL, Unadkat JD, Gerk PM. Placental ABC Transporters: Biological Impact and Pharmaceutical Significance. Pharm Res 2016; 33:2847-2878. [PMID: 27644937 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-016-2028-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The human placenta fulfills a variety of essential functions during prenatal life. Several ABC transporters are expressed in the human placenta, where they play a role in the transport of endogenous compounds and may protect the fetus from exogenous compounds such as therapeutic agents, drugs of abuse, and other xenobiotics. To date, considerable progress has been made toward understanding ABC transporters in the placenta. Recent studies on the expression and functional activities are discussed. This review discusses the placental expression and functional roles of several members of ABC transporter subfamilies B, C, and G including MDR1/P-glycoprotein, the MRPs, and BCRP, respectively. Since placental ABC transporters modulate fetal exposure to various compounds, an understanding of their functional and regulatory mechanisms will lead to more optimal medication use when necessary in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand A Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0533, USA
| | - Soniya S Vaidya
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0533, USA
- Novartis Institutes of Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marie V St-Pierre
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrei M Mikheev
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, 98109, USA
| | - Kelly E Desino
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
- Abbvie Inc, North Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Abner N Nyandege
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0533, USA
| | - Kenneth L Audus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Jashvant D Unadkat
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Phillip M Gerk
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0533, USA.
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Morales-Roselló J, Khalil A, Salvi S, Townsend R, Premakumar Y, Perales-Marín A. Abnormal Middle Cerebral Artery Doppler Associates with Spontaneous Preterm Birth in Normally Grown Fetuses. Fetal Diagn Ther 2015; 40:41-7. [PMID: 26575261 DOI: 10.1159/000441519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our aim was to evaluate whether Doppler changes in the fetal middle cerebral (MCA) and umbilical arteries (UA) suggesting fetal hypoxemia precede the onset of spontaneous preterm birth (PTB). METHODS We studied 2,340 appropriate-for-gestational-age singleton pregnancies that had MCA and UA pulsatility indices (PI) recorded at 28-32 weeks. Values including the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) were converted into multiples of the median and evaluated according to both gestational age at the onset of labor and the interval between ultrasound and labor. ROC analysis was used to calculate the ability in the prediction of spontaneous PTB before 32, 34 and 37 weeks' gestation. RESULTS While no correlations were observed for the UA PI and CPR, lower MCA PI values were associated with an earlier onset of labor (p < 0.001) and a shorter ultrasound-labor interval (p = 0.028). The ROC analysis at different gestational ages and intervals to labor indicated that MCA PI values were poorly predictive of spontaneous PTB (all areas under the curve <0.7). CONCLUSIONS Low MCA PI values at 28-32 weeks are associated with subsequent spontaneous PTB, indicating that fetal hypoxemia unrelated with placental disease might be implicated in the onset of labor. This association, however, is unlikely to be useful in the prediction of PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Morales-Roselló
- Servicio de Obstetricia, Hospital Universitario y Politx00E9;cnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
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Lian IA, Langaas M, Moses E, Johansson Å. Differential gene expression at the maternal-fetal interface in preeclampsia is influenced by gestational age. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69848. [PMID: 23936112 PMCID: PMC3729459 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide transcription data of utero-placental tissue has been used to identify altered gene expression associated with preeclampsia (PE). As many women with PE deliver preterm, there is often a difference in gestational age between PE women and healthy pregnant controls. This may pose a potential bias since gestational age has been shown to dramatically influence gene expression in utero-placental tissue. By pooling data from three genome-wide transcription studies of the maternal-fetal interface, we have evaluated the relative effect of gestational age and PE on gene expression. A total of 18,180 transcripts were evaluated in 49 PE cases and 105 controls, with gestational age ranging from week 14 to 42. A total of 22 transcripts were associated with PE, whereas 92 transcripts with gestational age (nominal P value <1.51*10−6, Bonferroni adjusted P value <0.05). Our results indicate that gestational age has a great influence on gene expression both in normal and PE-complicated pregnancies. This effect might introduce serious bias in data analyses and needs to be carefully assessed in future genome-wide transcription studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid A. Lian
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mette Langaas
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Eric Moses
- Centre for Genetic Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Åsa Johansson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Uppsala Clinical Research Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Fahlbusch FB, Ruebner M, Volkert G, Offergeld R, Hartner A, Menendez-Castro C, Strick R, Rauh M, Rascher W, Dötsch J. Corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulates expression of leptin, 11beta-HSD2 and syncytin-1 in primary human trophoblasts. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2012; 10:80. [PMID: 22971074 PMCID: PMC3492048 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-10-80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placental syncytiotrophoblast is the major source of maternal plasma corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the second half of pregnancy. Placental CRH exerts multiple functions in the maternal organism: It induces the adrenal secretion of cortisol via the stimulation of adrenocorticotropic hormone, regulates the timing of birth via its actions in the myometrium and inhibits the invasion of extravillous trophoblast cells in vitro. However, the auto- and paracrine actions of CRH on the syncytiotrophoblast itself are unknown. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is accompanied by an increase in placental CRH, which could be of pathophysiological relevance for the dysregulation in syncytialisation seen in IUGR placentas. METHODS We aimed to determine the effect of CRH on isolated primary trophoblastic cells in vitro. After CRH stimulation the trophoblast syncytialisation rate was monitored via syncytin-1 gene expression and beta-hCG (beta-human chorionic gonadotropine) ELISA in culture supernatant. The expression of the IUGR marker genes leptin and 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (11beta-HSD2) was measured continuously over a period of 72 h. We hypothesized that CRH might attenuate syncytialisation, induce leptin, and reduce 11beta-HSD2 expression in primary villous trophoblasts, which are known features of IUGR. RESULTS CRH did not influence the differentiation of isolated trophoblasts into functional syncytium as determined by beta-hCG secretion, albeit inducing syncytin-1 expression. Following syncytialisation, CRH treatment significantly increased leptin and 11beta-HSD2 expression, as well as leptin secretion into culture supernatant after 48 h. CONCLUSION The relevance of CRH for placental physiology is underlined by the present in vitro study. The induction of leptin and 11beta-HSD2 in the syncytiotrophoblast by CRH might promote fetal nutrient supply and placental corticosteroid metabolism in the phase before labour induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian B Fahlbusch
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias Ruebner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gudrun Volkert
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ramona Offergeld
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrea Hartner
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carlos Menendez-Castro
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Reiner Strick
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manfred Rauh
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Rascher
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg Dötsch
- Childrens’ and Adolescents’ Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Wang B, Parobchak N, Rosen T. RelB/NF-κB2 regulates corticotropin-releasing hormone in the human placenta. Mol Endocrinol 2012; 26:1356-69. [PMID: 22734038 DOI: 10.1210/me.2012-1035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental CRH may be part of a clock that governs the length of human gestation. The mechanism underlying differential regulation of CRH in the human placenta is poorly understood. We report here that constitutively activated RelB/nuclear factor-κB2 (NF-κB)-2 (p100/p52) acts as an endogenous stimulatory signal to regulate CRH by binding to an NF-κB enhancer of CRH gene promoter in the human placenta. Nuclear staining of NF-κB2 and RelB in villous syncytiotrophoblasts and cytotrophoblasts was coupled with cytoplasmic CRH in syncytial knots of cytotrophoblasts. Chromatin immunoprecipitation identified that CRH gene associated with both RelB and NF-κB2 (p52). Dexamethasone increased synthesis and nuclear translocation of RelB and NF-κB2 (p52) and their association with the CRH gene. In contrast, progesterone, a down-regulator of placental CRH, repressed NF-κB2 (p100) processing, nuclear translocation of RelB and NF-κB2 (p52), and their association with the CRH gene. Luciferase reporter assay determined that the NF-κB enhancer of CRH was sufficient to regulate transcriptional activity of a heterologous promoter in primary cytotrophoblasts. RNA interference-mediated repression of RelB or NF-κB2 resulted in significant inhibition of CRH at both transcriptional and translational levels and prevented the dexamethasone-mediated up-regulation of CRH transcription and translation. These results suggest that the noncanonical NF-κB pathway regulates CRH production in the human placenta and is responsible for the positive regulation of CRH by glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, USA.
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Urocortin in second trimester amniotic fluid: its role as predictor of preterm labor. Mediators Inflamm 2009; 2009:947981. [PMID: 19893766 PMCID: PMC2773374 DOI: 10.1155/2009/947981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2009] [Revised: 06/27/2009] [Accepted: 08/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgound. The existence of a “placental clock” which determines the duration of gestation has been previously proposed. It is related to placental CRH secretion and is
active from an early phase in human pregnancy. Urocortin is a specific ligand for the
corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor expressed by human trophoblast and
fetal membranes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether urocortin
concentrations in the early second trimester amniotic fluid might serve to predict
preterm delivery. Method. The urocortin concentrations in early second trimester amniotic fluid were
measured in 41 pregnancies with term delivery and in 41 pregnancies with preterm
delivery by using an immunoradiometric assay. Conditional logistic regression
analysis was used for statistical analysis. Results. Mean amniotic fluid urocortin concentrations in women with preterm labor were 1.55 ± 0.63 ng/mL while those in women with term labor were 1.6 ± 0.49 ng/mL
(p: NS). No statistical significant results were found when comparing amniotic fluid
urocortin concentrations in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes
leading to preterm labor (n = 19) to women with term delivery without premature
rupture of membranes. Conclusion. These results suggest that urocortin concentrations in the amniotic fluid
of genetic amniocentesis are not predictive of preterm labor and birth.
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Ralph JA, Zocco D, Bresnihan B, Fitzgerald O, McEvoy AN, Murphy EP. A role for type 1alpha corticotropin-releasing hormone receptors in mediating local changes in chronically inflamed tissue. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2007; 170:1121-33. [PMID: 17322394 PMCID: PMC1864887 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2007.061000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is an important regulator of localized inflammatory responses. The aim of this study is to define the pathological signaling pathways in which peripheral CRH receptor-mediated responses reside. We report that PECAM-1-expressing synovial membrane endothelial cells are the principal source of CRH receptor subtype 1alpha in chronically inflamed synovial tissue (ST). Analysis of ST from an early arthritis patient cohort (n = 9) established that expression of CRH-R1alpha significantly (P < 0.03) colocalized with PECAM-1 and E-selectin expression in vivo. Freshly excised ST explants released a mediator(s) that acts to promote CRH-R1alpha mRNA to levels present in inflamed human synovium (n = 8). We tested the ability of conditioned medium and individual inflammatory mediators to modulate CRH-R1alpha expression. Histamine selectively induced the expression of CRH-R1alpha, and these effects were mediated through the histamine receptor type 1. Ectopic expression of CRH-R1alpha in normal human endothelial and synoviocyte cells resulted in the induction of the orphan receptor NR4A2 through the reconstitution of cAMP/protein kinase A/cAMP response element-binding protein signaling and identified a role for CRH in modulating nuclear factor kappaB transcriptional activity. CRH enhanced the expression of nitric-oxide synthase (NOS III) to promote NO production from CRH-R1alpha-expressing cells. These data establish a role for CRH receptor-mediated responses in regulating vascular changes associated with chronic synovitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Ralph
- College of Life Sciences, Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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Meyer Zu Schwabedissen HEU, Grube M, Heydrich B, Linnemann K, Fusch C, Kroemer HK, Jedlitschky G. Expression, localization, and function of MRP5 (ABCC5), a transporter for cyclic nucleotides, in human placenta and cultured human trophoblasts: effects of gestational age and cellular differentiation. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2005; 166:39-48. [PMID: 15631998 PMCID: PMC1602292 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)62230-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The placenta functions both as site for nutrition and protection of the fetus. Transport proteins, including members of the multidrug resistance protein (MRP)/ABCC subfamily, have been recognized to contribute to the latter function. MRP5 (ABCC5) was identified as transmembrane transport protein for cyclic nucleotides, especially 3',5'-cyclic GMP (cGMP), indicating an additional role in signal transduction and a potential role in placenta development. We therefore studied expression, localization, and function of MRP5 in placenta of different gestational ages. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed expression of MRP5 in all 60 samples from pre-term and term placenta, with a decreasing mean expression with gestational age (MRP5/18S-ratio x 1000; < 32 weeks: 2.91 +/- 0.73, n = 15; 32 to 37 weeks: 2.10 +/- 0.87, n = 15; > 37 weeks: 0.46 +/- 0.08, n = 30; P < 0.01). Immunofluorescence microscopy with an anti-MRP5 antibody indicated localization of MRP5 preferentially in the basal membrane of syncytiotrophoblasts and in and around fetal vessels. ATP-dependent [(3)H]cGMP transport as evidence for MRP5 function could be demonstrated in isolated basal membrane vesicles. Moreover, the influence of cellular differentiation on MRP5 expression was studied in isolated trophoblasts, revealing an increase of the MRP5 expression in parallel with the hCG production (MRP5/18S-ratio x 1000 was 2.4 +/- 0.5 at day 5 of culture and 1.45 +/- 0.5 at day 0 of culture, n = 3 preparations, significant difference with P < 0.05). In conclusion, MRP5 expression depends on gestational age and varies throughout the differentiation process. In view of the important role of cGMP for cellular differentiation, MRP5 may play a role in placental development in context with a specific need for cellular cGMP export.
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Abstract
Preeclampsia, which manifests itself as hypertension, proteinuria, and edema in pregnancy, requires the presence of trophoblast tissue but not a fetus. It is characterized by abnormal trophoblast invasion of the spiral arteries of the decidua and myometrium leading to a failure to establish an adequate uteroplacental blood flow and, therefore, is thought to give rise to relatively hypoxic trophoblast tissue. This, in turn, may promote an exaggerated state of oxidative stress in the placenta. This hypoxia/oxidative stress may then further attenuate trophoblast invasion but also alters placental villous angiogenesis leading to a poorly developed fetoplacental vasculature with abnormal reactivity. Oxidative stress per se may also affect vascular reactivity, blood flow, and oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus, which ultimately may be compromised. The synthetic and transport functions of the syncytiotrophoblast may also be altered, and there is an increased rate of trophoblast apoptosis. The linkage among abnormal trophoblast invasion, trophoblast dysfunction, and the maternal disease remains unidentified. The presumptive humoral factor that is released by the preeclamptic placenta to cause maternal disease remains elusive. Current therapies to prevent preeclampsia aim toward preventing the maternal syndrome, not preventing the primary pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Myatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, PO Box 670526, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0526, USA.
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13
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Aggelidou E, Hillhouse EW, Grammatopoulos DK. Up-regulation of nitric oxide synthase and modulation of the guanylate cyclase activity by corticotropin-releasing hormone but not urocortin II or urocortin III in cultured human pregnant myometrial cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2002; 99:3300-5. [PMID: 11854458 PMCID: PMC122513 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.052296399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological actions of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the human myometrium during pregnancy and labor are unknown. We hypothesized that CRH may modulate the nitric oxide system, and influence myometrial relaxation/contractility. Incubation of myometrial cells with CRH, but not urocortin II or urocortin III, for 8-16 h significantly induced mRNA and protein expression of endothelial and brain but not inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms. This action resulted in increased activity of soluble guanylate cyclase (GC(s)), demonstrated by the enhanced cGMP-producing capacity of the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside. CRH also caused acute activation of the membrane-bound GC, shown by increased basal or atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-stimulated cGMP production. These effects appeared to be mediated via the R1 receptors because the CRH receptor antagonists, astressin and antalarmin but not anti-sauvagine 30, could block them. The acute effects of CRH were significantly reduced by inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) activity, suggesting it is partially PKA dependent. Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) resulted in significant inhibition of both ANP-and CRH-stimulated cGMP production, suggesting a direct effect of PKC on membrane-bound GC. In conclusion, CRH appears to have a dual effect on myometrial NOS/GC pathway, a short term effect predominantly mediated by PKA, and a long-term effect increasing constitutive NOS expression, mediated by a PKA-independent mechanism. This mechanism could potentially be active during human pregnancy, and, because cGMP stimulates myometrial relaxation, these findings further suggest that during pregnancy CRH primarily activates intracellular signals that contribute to the maintenance of myometrial quiescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Aggelidou
- Sir Quinton Hazell Molecular Medicine Research Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
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14
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Huang Y, Chan FL, Lau CW, Tsang SY, He GW, Chen ZY, Yao X. Urocortin-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation of rat coronary artery: role of nitric oxide and K+ channels. Br J Pharmacol 2002; 135:1467-76. [PMID: 11906960 PMCID: PMC1573252 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
1. The mechanisms underlying the vasodilator response to urocortin are incompletely understood. The present study was designed to examine the role of endothelial nitric oxide and Ba(2+)-sensitive K(+) channels in the endothelium-dependent component of urocortin-induced relaxation in the rat left anterior descending coronary artery. 2. Urocortin induced both endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation with respective pD(2) of 8.64+/-0.03 and 7.90+/-0.10. Removal of endothelium reduced the relaxing potency of urocortin. In rings pretreated with 10(-4) M N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, 10(-5) M methylene blue or 10(-5) M ODQ, the urocortin-induced relaxation was similar to that observed in endothelium-denuded rings. L-Arginine (5x10(-4) M) antagonized the effect of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. 3. The relaxant response to urocortin was reduced in endothelium-intact rings preconstricted by 3.5x10(-2) M K(+) and abolished when extracellular K(+) was raised to 5x10(-2) M. Pretreatment with 10(-4) M BaCl(2) significantly inhibited urocortin-induced relaxation. Combined treatment with 10(-4) M BaCl(2) plus 10(-4) M N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester did not cause further inhibition. In urocortin (10(-8) M)-relaxed rings, BaCl(2) induced concentration-dependent reversal in vessel tone. Tertiapin-Q (10(-6) M) also attenuated urocortin-induced relaxation. In contrast, BaCl(2) did not alter urocortin-induced relaxation in endothelium-denuded rings. 4. In endothelium-denuded rings, hydroxylamine- and nitroprusside-induced relaxation was inhibited by 10(-4) M BaCl(2), but not by 10(-6) M tertiapin-Q. 5. The endothelium of the coronary artery was moderately stained with the antiserum against urocortin. 6. Taken together, the present results indicate that the urocortin-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation of rat coronary arteries is likely attributable to endothelial nitric oxide and subsequent activation of Ba(2+)- or tertiapin-Q-sensitive K(+) channels. The urocortin-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation appears to be mediated by cyclic GMP-dependent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Huang
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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15
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Lubomirov L, Gagov H, Petkova-Kirova P, Duridanova D, Kalentchuk VU, Schubert R. Urocortin relaxes rat tail arteries by a PKA-mediated reduction of the sensitivity of the contractile apparatus for calcium. Br J Pharmacol 2001; 134:1564-70. [PMID: 11724764 PMCID: PMC1573098 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
1. Urocortin is an endogenous vasodilator although the mechanism of vasorelaxation is not completely understood. The hypothesis that an alteration of smooth muscle calcium concentration is involved was tested using isometric tension recording and calcium fluorimetry. The relationship between contraction and intracellular calcium was also estimated. 2. Urocortin produced a concentration dependent relaxation (pD(2) 8.59+/-0.06, n=6) of vessels pre-contracted with a physiological salt solution containing 42 mM KCl (42 mM K-PSS). 3. Removal of the endothelium did not alter the effect of urocortin, pD(2) was 8.49+/-0.11, n=5. 4. Corticotropin-releasing factor relaxed 42 mM K-PSS pre-contracted vessels with less potency compared to urocortin (pD(2) 6.99+/-0.28, n=5). 5. Urocortin at 100 nM relaxed vessels pre-contracted with 42 mM K-PSS by 59.6+/-4.6% (n=8) and vessels pre-contracted with 500 nM noradrenaline by 25.2+/-6.8% (n=6). Both effects were not accompanied by a change in the intracellular calcium concentration. 6. Urocortin at 100 nM produced a significant rightward shift of 0.33+/-0.07 units of normalized intracellular calcium (n=5) of the relationship between tension and intracellular calcium. 7. The urocortin-induced relaxation was considerably reduced in the presence of 0.3 mM Rp-8-CPT-cAMPS, a cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) inhibitor. 8. The PKA-activator Sp-5,6-DCl-cBIMPS relaxed 42 mM K-PSS pre-contracted vessels (pD(2) 4.98+/-0.07, n=6). Sp-5,6-DCl-cBIMPS at 0.1 mM relaxed vessels by 85.3+/-2.5% (n=5), but did not change the intracellular calcium concentration. 9. In conclusion, the data show that urocortin is a potent, endothelium-independent dilator of rat tail arteries and suggest that this effect is mediated by PKA causing a reduction of the sensitivity of the contractile apparatus for calcium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubomir Lubomirov
- Institute of Biophysics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Hristo Gagov
- Institute of Biophysics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Author for correspondence:
| | - Polina Petkova-Kirova
- Institute of Biophysics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Dessislava Duridanova
- Institute of Biophysics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Vjatscheslav U Kalentchuk
- Institute of Experimental Cardiology, Cardiology Research Center, 3rd Cherepkovskaya Street 15A, 121552 Moscow, Russia
| | - Rudolf Schubert
- University of Rostock, Institute of Physiology, PSF 100888, 18055 Rostock, Germany
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16
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Cantarella G, Lempereur L, Lombardo G, Chiarenza A, Pafumi C, Zappalà G, Bernardini R. Divergent effects of corticotropin releasing hormone on endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase are associated with different expression of CRH type 1 and 2 receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2001; 134:837-44. [PMID: 11606324 PMCID: PMC1573013 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
1. Endothelium is a target for an array of factors involved in inflammation. Endothelial cells express receptors for CRH, a neuropeptide produced during inflammation. We report both the concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of CRH upon cytokine-stimulated nitrite release by H5V murine endothelioma cells, and its stimulatory one in HUVEC cells. 2. Western blot analysis showed that CRH inhibits cytokine-stimulated iNOS protein in H5V cells, and, instead, potentiated it in HUVEC cells. 3. H5V cells expressed both CRH receptors (CRH-R1 and R2) mRNAs, whereas HUVEC cells expressed the CRH-R2 mRNA solely. 4. CRH increased medium nitrites and iNOS protein expression in H5V cells pretreated with the selective CRH-R1 antagonist CP 154,526. However, the selective CRH-R2 antagonist anti-Svg-30 failed to produce similar effects. In fact, anti-Svg-30 inhibited CRH-induced increase of nitrite release and iNOS expression in HUVEC cells. 5. Our results confirm the activating role of CRH on endothelial cells, although it suggests its possible inhibitory role in the late phase of the inflammatory response. NO-mediated effects of CRH on endothelial cells could be exploited in therapeutic strategies related to inflammatory and/or degenerative diseases.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Cell Line
- Cell Line, Transformed
- Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/pharmacology
- Endothelium, Vascular/cytology
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Humans
- Interleukin-1/pharmacology
- Nitric Oxide Synthase/drug effects
- Nitric Oxide Synthase/metabolism
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III
- Nitrites/metabolism
- Peptide Fragments/pharmacology
- Protein Isoforms/genetics
- Pyrimidines/pharmacology
- Pyrroles/pharmacology
- RNA, Messenger/drug effects
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/genetics
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Time Factors
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Catania School of Medicine, I-95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Laurence Lempereur
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Catania School of Medicine, I-95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriella Lombardo
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Catania School of Medicine, I-95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Chiarenza
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Catania School of Medicine, I-95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Carlo Pafumi
- Microbiological and Gynecological Sciences, University of Catania School of Medicine, I-95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanna Zappalà
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Catania School of Medicine, I-95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Catania School of Medicine, I-95125 Catania, Italy
- Author for correspondence:
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17
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Karalis KP, Kontopoulos E, Muglia LJ, Majzoub JA. Corticotropin-releasing hormone deficiency unmasks the proinflammatory effect of epinephrine. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1999; 96:7093-7. [PMID: 10359844 PMCID: PMC22067 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.96.12.7093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, the adrenal gland has been considered an important endocrine component of the pathway to inhibit acute inflammation via hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-mediated secretion of glucocorticoid. Immunoreactive CRH found in inflamed tissues is a potent proinflammatory factor. Using genetic and pharmacological models of CRH deficiency, we now show that CRH deficiency unmasks a major proinflammatory effect of epinephrine secreted from the adrenal medulla. Together, epinephrine and peripheral CRH stimulate inflammation, and glucocorticoid acts as a counterbalancing force in this regard. Our findings suggest that stimulation of the acute inflammatory response should be included with the other "fight-or-flight" actions of epinephrine.
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Affiliation(s)
- K P Karalis
- Division of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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