The decline of the photopic negative response (PhNR) in the rat after optic nerve transection

PURPOSE

To investigate the contribution to the photopic negative response (PhNR) of the electroretinogram (ERG) by retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The PhNR was assessed longitudinally following optic nerve transection (ONTx).

METHODS

Photopic ERGs were recorded from each eye of an anesthetized (ketamine/xylazine, 60 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg) Brown Norway rat using custom made electrodes (PT-IR Tef., A-M System Inc). ERGs were elicited using green Ganzfeld flashes (11.38 scd/m(2), 22.76 cds/m(2)) and a rod suppressing green-background (40 cd/m(2)). PhNRs were compared before and after optic nerves were transected. Cresyl violet stained retinal flatmounts were used to estimate cell loss in the ganglion cell layer 3 and 15 weeks after optic nerve transection. The pharmacological effect of 1.3 microM intravitreal TTX on the PhNR was also evaluated.

RESULTS

There was a significant loss (p <0.05) in the PhNR of 20, 36, 34, 35, 48, 48 and 56% for ONTx eye versus the contralateral eye, at post ONTx times of 24 h, 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 and 15 weeks. B-wave amplitudes of ONTx eyes were not significantly different from the control eyes. In ONTx eyes, mean cell loss in the retinal ganglion cell layer was 27 and 55% at the 3 week and 15 week time periods. In the eyes with ONTx, the decline of PhNR amplitudes was correlated positively with RGC loss (r = 0.98; p < 0.01). Thirty minutes after intravitreal TTX injection, the PhNR was significantly reduced (57%, p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a time-dependent decline in the PhNR after ONTx, as exemplified by a 35% reduction from 1-3 weeks, a 48% decline for 4-8 weeks and a 56% decline after 15 weeks. The correlation between the decline in the PhNR and retinal ganglion cell loss suggests that the PhNR depends on inner retina integrity and the PhNR may be important biological signal or detecting glaucomatous damage and the monitoring of RGC function changes in early glaucoma.

Solution-phase, parallel synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of acylguanidine derivatives as potential sodium channel blockers

Solution-phase synthesis of various acylguanidine derivatives and the evaluation of a small library of compounds as potential sodium channel blockers are described.

Discovery of inhibitors of human renin with high oral bioavailability

Knowledge of the sequence of a bioactive protein (angiotensinogen) and the availability of a natural product inhibitor lead (pepstatin) were the starting point for discovery of potent penta- and hexapeptide renin inhibitors. Study of the metabolism and disposition of these substances forced the discovery of simpler inhibitors leading to the discovery of oral activity in Terlakiren (22). Modification of physical properties led to the synthesis of aminopiperidine 30, which was identified by oral efficacy profiling. Structural modification to give enzymatic stability produced the bioavailable benzylsuccinate inhibitor 34. Its bioactive monomethylamine metabolite (35, CP-108,671) was subsequently found to have uniformly high oral bioavailability and activity in various species including primates.

CP-71,362: a pentapeptide renin inhibitor selective for the canine enzyme

Most renin inhibitors are primate-specific. In the present paper, we describe the effects of CP-71,362, a pentapeptide which preferentially inhibits canine (and to a lesser extent, rat) plasma renin. Vs. the canine enzyme, its affinity (IC50 = 3.3 x 10(-12) M) is 1000x greater than for rat renin (IC50 = 3.3 x 10(-9) M), and 1000x greater than for human (IC50 = 2.3 x 10(-8) M), cynomolgus monkey (IC50 = 1.6 x 10(-8) M), or guinea pig (IC50 = 5.2 x 10(-8) M) enzyme. In anesthetized, sodium-depleted dogs, intravenous infusion of CP-71,362 (ED50 = 1.1 micrograms/kg/min) resulted in dose-dependent decreases (up to -35 mm Hg) in mean arterial pressure (MAP). The maximum fall in MAP was equivalent to that produced by i.v. captopril (5 mg/kg). Similar falls in MAP were observed in conscious sodium-depleted SHR (ED50 = 5 micrograms/kg/min). Via bolus injection, the action of CP-71,362 was relatively brief in dog, guinea pig, and SHR. We conclude that CP-71,362 is a potent canine/rat renin inhibitor and causes profound MAP lowering in these species.

Comparison of angiotensin converting enzyme and renin inhibition in rats following myocardial infarction

Renal and systemic hemodynamics were studied in rats 1 month after induction of myocardial infarction by ligation of the left coronary artery. The mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and cardiac index were not different from controls, but there were striking elevations in heart weight (p < 0.001), left ventricular end diastolic pressure (p < 0.002), and renal vascular resistance (p < 0.01). Renal blood flow and the percent of cardiac output perfusing the kidneys were reduced by 18% (p < 0.01) and 14% (p < 0.01), respectively. Acute angiotensin inhibition was studied at a dose of the converting enzyme inhibitor, enalapril, or the renin inhibitor, CP71362, that lowered the mean arterial pressure by 15 mm Hg in normal rats. In normal rats, enalapril and CP71362 were without effect on renal blood flow (RBF), renal vascular resistance (RR), and RBF as a percent of cardiac output. However, in rats with myocardial infarction, enalapril and CP71362 increased the RBF and RBF as a percent of cardiac output and lowered the RR to levels similar to normal controls (p < 0.02). Enalapril and CP71362 were equally effective in reducing the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and total peripheral resistance in rats with myocardial infarction. These data demonstrate significant intrarenal vasoconstriction following myocardial infarction in the absence of detectable changes in mean arterial pressure or cardiac index. Converting enzyme inhibition or renin inhibition had similar beneficial effects on cardiorenal function, suggesting that both classes of compounds act by a similar mechanism to improve renal hemodynamics in congestive heart failure.

Central DuP 753 does not lower blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Oral administration of the angiotensin II receptor subtype 1 (AT1) antagonist DuP 753 causes long-lasting lowering of mean arterial pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats. We examined whether the antihypertensive action of DuP 753 is a result of inhibition of brain angiotensin II. In normal spontaneously hypertensive rats, we found that intracerebroventricular DuP 753 (10 micrograms) blocked the pressor action of intracerebroventricular angiotensin II (100 ng); however, intracerebroventricular DuP 753 (10 micrograms) had no effect on the pressor response to 300 ng/kg angiotensin II administered intravenously (48 +/- 3 mm Hg in the presence of intracerebroventricular DuP 753 versus 49 +/- 4 mm Hg in its absence). In both normal and furosemide-treated spontaneously hypertensive rats (low Na+ diet plus furosemide), intracerebroventricular DuP 753 alone at 10 or 100 micrograms caused transient but significant pressor responses; however, no significant reduction in pressure (versus controls) was observed over the next 48 hours. In contrast to its central effects, we found that oral DuP 753 (10 or 30 mg/kg) in normal spontaneously hypertensive rats resulted in sustained mean arterial pressure decreases of up to -74 mm Hg. These data suggest that, although the pressor effect of brain angiotensin II is mediated by the AT1 receptor, blockade of these receptors does not lower blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats. In the spontaneously hypertensive rat, DuP 753 depresses blood pressure by blockade of peripheral, not central, AT1 receptors.

CP-66,948: an antisecretory histamine H2-receptor antagonist with mucosal protective properties

CP-66,948 is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist with gastric antisecretory activity and mucosal protective properties. The affinity of CP-66,948 for the guinea pig atria histamine H2-receptor is 15 times greater than that of cimetidine and seven times greater than that of ranitidine. In vivo, the ED50 value for inhibition of gastric acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats is 2 mg/kg intraduodenally, and in histamine or pentagastrin-stimulated Heidenhain pouch dogs the antisecretory ED50 values are 0.3 mg/kg per os and 1.0 mg/kg per os, respectively. CP-66,948 also inhibits ethanol-induced gastric hemorrhagic lesions in rats following either oral or systemic administration (ED50 values of 12 mg/kg per os and 6 mg/kg subcutaneously). In addition, the mucosal protective activity is independent of prostaglandin synthesis. CP-66,948 inhibits gastric acid secretion in man, and its mucosal protective activity may provide additional benefits in peptic ulcer therapy.

SDS purification of porcine H,K-ATPase from gastric mucosa

A highly purified membrane fraction of H,K-ATPase was isolated from hog gastric mucosa by using differential centrifugation, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS:0.125%) treatment and density-gradient centrifugation. The final fraction showed a major band at 97 kD by SDS-gel electrophoresis. This purified H,K-ATPase sedimented at the interface of a 28-35% sucrose step gradient and displayed a specific activity of 140-170 mumol Pi/h/mg protein and a ratio of K-stimulated ATPase activity to Mg-stimulated ATPase activity of 6.5-8.7. The apparent Km for ATP was 0.154 mM and the Km for K+ was o.6 mM. The enzymatic activity recovered from this purification procedure was K(+)-ionophore-independent. SDS treatment in the presence of 2.5 mM ATP did not change the kinetic properties of the isolated enzyme. Exclusion of ATP during SDS solubilization diminished the enzymatic activity by 90%, indicating that ATP protection is essential for the full recovery of enzymatic activity. In summary, mild SDS solubilization can be used to purify relatively large quantities of active H,K-ATPase to near homogeneity without altering the enzyme's kinetic properties.

Antiulcer agents. 4-substituted 2-guanidinothiazoles: reversible, competitive, and selective inhibitors of gastric H+,K(+)-ATPase

A series of 4-substituted 2-guanidinothiazoles has been found to inhibit the gastric proton-pump enzyme H+,K(+)-ATPase. In general, these compounds were reversible inhibitors of canine gastric H+,K(+)-ATPase, competitive at the K+ site, and selective relative to canine renal Na+,K(+)-ATPase. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies on this series revealed no general replacement for the guanidinothiazole. On the other hand, use of pyrrolyl, phenyl, and indolyl groups as the C-4 substituent yielded active compounds. Extensive studies of substitution patterns on these 4-aryl groups led to more active compounds, but no consistent SAR became apparent. Monosubstitution of the guanidine and substitution of the thiazole at C-5 both often led to increased activity, but combining these changes generated compounds less active than the parents. Despite 100-fold improvement in in vitro inhibitory potency, only a 3-fold increase in gastric antisecretory activity in rats was observed for these agents.

Combined renin and converting enzyme inhibition in rats

The effects of combined renin inhibition and converting enzyme inhibition on mean arterial pressure and the plasma renin-angiotensin system were studied in conscious rats. In sodium-replete rats the infusion of the renin inhibitor CP71362 (100 micrograms/kg/min) decreased blood pressure by 13 +/- 1 mm Hg (p less than 0.0001), reduced plasma renin activity to undetectable levels, but did not lower plasma angiotensin II. In rats treated chronically with enalapril (30 mg/kg/day), CP71362 decreased blood pressure by an additional 5 +/- 2 mm Hg (p less than 0.025) and reduced plasma renin activity and angiotensin II concentrations to undetectable levels. The effects of renin inhibition were also tested under conditions where the renin-angiotensin system was stimulated. In rats on a low sodium diet, CP71362 decreased blood pressure by 15 +/- 2 mm Hg (p less than 0.0001), a decrease similar to that in rats on a normal diet. Plasma renin activity was decreased below detectable limits, but plasma angiotensin II concentrations were not reduced. In rats on a low sodium diet treated chronically with enalapril, CP71362 did not further decrease blood pressure although angiotensin II levels were significantly reduced. An additive effect of combined converting enzyme and renin inhibition on blood pressure lowering and inhibition of plasma angiotensin II was found in rats anesthetized with Inactin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

ADH-PGE2 interactions in cortical collecting tubule. I. Depression of sodium transport

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) (200 microunits/ml Pitressin or synthetic arginine vasopressin) causes a transitory increase followed by a sustained decrease in the potential difference (PD) and in the net fluxes of sodium and chloride across rabbit cortical collecting tubules perfused in vitro. The inhibitory action of vasopressin is reversible; removal of the hormone from the bath promotes recovery in the PD and in the transport of sodium and chloride to the level of the controls. After 70 min of incubation with ADH, 10(-5) M meclofenamate, an inhibitor of the synthesis of prostaglandins, was added to the bath of some tubules. Despite the presence of ADH, the PD and ionic fluxes increased to control levels. The introduction of exogenous prostaglandin E2 (10(-5) M PGE2) to the bathing medium containing ADH and meclofenamate mimicked the inhibitory action of ADH, decreasing the PD and the reabsorption of sodium and chloride. Pretreatment of collecting tubules with meclofenamate prevented the inhibitory effect of ADH. These findings show that vasopressin exerts a prolonged inhibitory action on PD and on net reabsorption of Na and Cl and that this action may be exerted through stimulating the biosynthesis of prostaglandin E2 by the cortical collecting tubule.

ADH-PGE2 interactions in cortical collecting tubule. II. inhibition of Ca and P reabsorption

In the absence of ADH, microperfused cortical collecting tubules of rabbits reabsorb calcium and phosphorus. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) (200 microunits/ml Pitressin or synthetic arginine vasopressin) inhibits the reabsorption and may promote the secretion of calcium and phosphorus. At 5 min after incubation with ADH, there was a transitory increase in the potential difference and the reabsorption of sodium. The fluxes of calcium and phosphorus, however, showed no significant change from the control values. At 30-50 min after treatment with ADH, the reabsorption of calcium and phosphorus was inhibited and in some tubules calcium and phosphorus were secreted. The removal of vasopressin from the bath or the addition of 10(-5) M meclofenamate in vitro prevented ADH from inhibiting the reabsorption of calcium and phosphorus. Treatment of tubules with 10(-5) M prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) subsequent to incubation in a medium containing ADH and meclofenamate inhibited the reabsorption or even promoted the secretin of calcium and phosphorus, as did the prolonged incubation with ADH alone. We conclude that cortical collecting tubules reabsorb calcium and phosphorus in the absence of vasopressin and that ADH inhibits calcium and phosphorus reabsorption. Endogenous synthesis of PGE2 may mediate the inhibitory action of ADH, since meclofenamate (an inhibitor of the synthesis of prostaglandins) opposes and exogenous PGE2 mimics ADH.

The influence of vasopressin on the passage of tritiated water through the isolated amniotic membrane and other tissues from the fetal guinea pig

Amniotic membranes from fetal guinea pigs (0.62–1.00 of term), were kept in a continuous-flow perfusion cell. Vasopressin (50–500 mU/ml; fetal surface) increased the unidirectional maternal–fetal flux of 3H2O by up to 12.3 ± 1.5%. The corresponding reverse flux increased only 1.6%. The responses in the maternal–fetal direction showed a linear relationship with the log dose of vasopressin. Over the same period (35 min), there was a 13.6 ± 6.3% increase in the maternal–fetal flux of 22Na+. Therefore, vasopressin may influence water movement by an effect on ions, such as Na+ or Cl−.Isolated midterm fetal skin showed closely similar effects; vasopressin (500–1000 mU/ml; outer surface) increased the amniotic–fetal flux of 3H2O by up to 30.4 ± 13.7%. The late-term fetal bladder responded to vasopressin (100 mU/ml; outer, serosal surface), by increasing the flux of 3H2O from lumen to fetus by 49.4 ± 17.8%; one bladder showed a transient rise close to 85%.The sensitivities of the skin and amnion were similar, but the bladder was about 12 times more sensitive to vasopressin. The possibility that vasopressin influences an extraplacental route for the supply of water to the fetus, through the amnion, skin, and bladder, is suggested.

The effect of prolactin on sodium flux through the isolated amniotic membrane of the guinea pig

Amniotic membranes from fetal guinea pigs (0.46–0.87 of term) were maintained in a continuous-flow perfusion cell, with amniotic saline on both surfaces. Prolactin (10 μg/ml; fetal surface) increased the unidirectional diffusional flux of 22Na+ in the fetal–maternal direction (maximum, about 75%; average over 3rd h, 53.6 ± 10.1%). This increase was significant when compared with albumin controls (P < 0.05) and with the initial base-line fluxes (P < 0.01). Albumin controls showed no significant change from the base-line flux. Therefore, prolactin appeared to increase the unidirectional flux of sodium out of the potential amniotic cavity.One membrane, at term and overdue, failed to respond.Experiments on the reverse, maternal–fetal flux of 22Na+ showed no differences between membranes treated with prolactin or albumin. Therefore, prolactin had no effect on the unidirectional flux of sodium into the potential amniotic cavity.Sodium permeability rose dramatically in membranes close to birth or overdue; 22Na+ fluxes increased about 20-fold in both directions.Prolactin appears capable of causing a net movement of sodium through the amnion, out of the amniotic fluid. Also, it is able to slow the movement of water in the same direction. These factors, taken together, suggest a partial explanation for the maintenance of a hypotonic amniotic fluid.