Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: EC:3.1.4.1 (phosphodiesterase)
 18,767 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The effects of transfer of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene to the lung were studied in mice. After intratracheal administration of AdCMVbetagal, expression of the beta-galactosidase reporter gene was detected in pulmonary airway cells, in alveolar cells, and in small pulmonary arteries. Gene expression with AdCMVbetagal peaked 1 day after administration and decayed over a 7- to 14-day period, whereas gene expression after AdRSVbetagal transfection peaked on day 5 and was sustained over a 21- to 28-day period. One day after administration of AdCMVeNOS, eNOS protein levels were increased, and there was a small reduction in mean pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. The pressure-flow relationship in the pulmonary vascular bed was shifted to the right in animals transfected with eNOS, and pulmonary vasodepressor responses to bradykinin and the type V cGMP-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor zaprinast were enhanced, whereas systemic responses were not altered. Pulmonary vasopressor responses to endothelin-1 (ET-1), angiotensin II, and ventilatory hypoxia were reduced significantly in animals transfected with the eNOS gene, whereas pressor responses to norepinephrine and U46619 were not changed. Systemic pressor responses to ET-1 and angiotensin II were similar in eNOS-transfected mice and in control mice. Intratracheal administration of AdRSVeNOS attenuated the increase in pulmonary arterial pressure in mice exposed to the fibrogenic anticancer agent bleomycin. These data suggest that transfer of the eNOS gene in vivo can selectively reduce pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary pressor responses to ET-1, angiotensin II, and hypoxia; enhance pulmonary depressor responses; and attenuate pulmonary hypertension induced by bleomycin. Moreover, these data suggest that in vivo gene transfer may be a useful therapeutic intervention for the treatment of pulmonary hypertensive disorders.
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PMID:Gene transfer of endothelial nitric oxide synthase to the lung of the mouse in vivo. Effect on agonist-induced and flow-mediated vascular responses. 1038 95

We reported previously that increasing cAMP levels in endothelial cells attenuated ATP-induced increases in hydraulic conductivity (L(p)), and that the activation of cGMP-dependent pathways was a necessary step to increase L(p) in response to inflammatory mediators. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of basal levels of cAMP in microvessel permeability under resting conditions and to evaluate the cross talk between cAMP- and cGMP-dependent signaling mechanisms in regulation of microvessel permeability under stimulated conditions, using individually perfused microvessels from frog and rat mesenteries. We found that reducing cAMP levels by inhibition of adenylate cyclase or inhibiting cAMP-dependent protein kinase through the use of H-89 increased basal L(p) in both frog and rat mesenteric venular microvessels. We also found that 8-bromocAMP (8-BrcAMP, 0.2 and 2 mM) was sufficient to attenuate or abolish the increases in L(p) due to exposure of frog mesenteric venular microvessels to 8-BrcGMP (2 mM) and ATP (10 microM). Similarly, in rat mesenteric venular microvessels, application of 8-BrcAMP (2 mM) abolished the increases in L(p) due to exposure to 8-BrcGMP alone (2 mM) or with the combination of bradykinin (1 nM). In addition, application of erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine, an inhibitor of cGMP-stimulated phosphodiesterase, significantly attenuated both 8-BrcGMP- and bradykinin-induced increases in L(p). These results demonstrate that basal levels of cAMP are critical to maintaining normal permeability under resting conditions, and that increased levels of cAMP are capable of overcoming the activation of cGMP-dependent pathways, therefore preventing increases in microvessel permeability. The balance between endothelial concentrations of these two opposing cyclic nucleotides controls microvessel permeability, and cAMP levels play a dominant role.
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PMID:Dominant role of cAMP in regulation of microvessel permeability. 1074 6

The present study extends our previous finding that the endothelium-independent relaxation in porcine coronary artery rings is enhanced after short-term (20 min) exposure to a physiological concentration (1 nM) of 17beta-estradiol and demonstrates that this effect may be attributable to activation of the cyclic AMP pathway. Isometric tension was recorded in isolated rings of porcine coronary arteries. Relaxation by levcromakalim and sodium nitroprusside, but not bradykinin and calcium ionophore A23187, were significantly potentiated following 20 min treatment with 1 nM 17beta-estradiol. This enhancing effect was insensitive to the transcriptional and translational inhibitors, actinomycin D and cycloheximide respectively and absent following repeated washing of the rings prior to construction of relaxation-response curves. The potentiating actions of 1 nM 17beta-estradiol on endothelium-independent relaxation were mimicked by the cyclic AMP analogue 8-Bromo-cyclic AMP and the protein kinase A activator Sp-cyclic AMPS but not by the cyclic GMP analogue 8-Bromo-cyclic GMP. The modulatory effect of 17beta-estradiol was increased in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. The cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A inhibitor Rp-cyclic AMPS, but not the cyclic GMP antagonist Rp-8-Bromo-cyclic GMPS, effectively inhibited the enhancing effects 1 M 17beta-estradiol had on the relaxation responses of levcromakalim and sodium nitroprusside. These data support our earlier findings that physiologically relevant concentrations of 17beta-estradiol can acutely modify vasorelaxation in vitro. Furthermore, we report that this short-term effect of 17beta-estradiol on vasorelaxation appears to be mediated via non-genomic pathways and involves the cyclic AMP cascade.
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PMID:Enhanced relaxation of porcine coronary arteries after acute exposure to a physiological level of 17beta-estradiol involves non-genomic mechanisms and the cyclic AMP cascade. 1078 Sep 81

Inflammatory mediators have a role in the formation of cerebral oedema and there is evidence that cGMP is an important signal in vascular permeability increase. We have investigated the role and the source of cGMP in mediating the permeability response to acutely applied bradykinin and the histamine H(2) agonist dimaprit on single cerebral venular capillaries, by using the single vessel occlusion technique. We found that 8-bromo-cGMP applied acutely resulted in a small and reversible permeability increase with a log EC(50) -7.2 +/- 0.15 M. KT 5823, the inhibitor of cGMP-dependent protein kinase, abolished the permeability responses to both bradykinin and dimaprit, while zaprinast, an inhibitor of type 5 phosphodiesterase, potentiated the response to bradykinin. On the other hand, L-NMMA blocked the response to dimaprit, but not that to bradykinin. Inhibitors of soluble guanylyl cyclase, LY 85353 and methylene blue, also inhibited the permeability response to dimaprit, but not bradykinin. The permeability responses to the natriuretic peptides ANP and CNP were of similar magnitude to that of bradykinin with log EC(50) -10.0 +/- 0.33 M and -8.7 +/- 0.23 M, respectively. The natriuretic peptide receptor antagonist HS-142-1 blocked permeability responses to bradykinin as well as to ANP, and leukotriene D(4) blocked the responses to CNP and bradykinin, but not to dimaprit. In conclusion, the histamine H(2) receptor appears to signal via cGMP that is generated by a NO and soluble guanylyl cyclase, while bradykinin B(2) receptor also signals via cGMP but through particulate guanylyl cyclase.
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PMID:The role of guanylyl cyclases in the permeability response to inflammatory mediators in pial venular capillaries in the rat. 1192 80

The interaction between alpha2-autoreceptors and receptors for angiotensin II and bradykinin was studied in the heart of newborn rats. The tissues were labelled with [3H]noradrenaline and then superfused with cocaine-containing medium and stimulated electrically. Angiotensin II (10-300 nM) and bradykinin (3-100 nM) enhanced the evoked overflow of tritium, the maximum increase reaching 63.2% and 87.1%, respectively. Blockade of alpha2-adrenoceptors by 100 nM yohimbine reduced, and that by 1 microM abolished, the effect of both angiotensin II and bradykinin. On the contrary, chelerythrine and staurosporine--blockers of protein kinase C--as well as forskolin, an activator of adenylyl cyclase and a blocker of phosphodiesterase, markedly enhanced the facilitatory effect of angiotensin II and bradykinin. We conclude that: (1) alpha2-autoreceptors are present in the heart of newborn rats which interact with prejunctional receptors for angiotensin II and bradykinin also present in the rat heart at that age; (2) the facilitatory influence of chelerythrine and staurosporine on the one hand and that of forskolin on the other hand suggests a link between protein kinase C and cyclicAMP pathways.
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PMID:Interaction between alpha2-autoreceptors and receptors mediating the effects of angiotensin II and bradykinin in the heart of newborn rats. 1239 14

It is established that dietary protein restriction of pregnant rats results in their offspring developing hypertension. However, to date no studies have investigated peripheral vascular function of offspring using the low protein model. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess isolated resistance artery function from adult male offspring of control (C, 18% casein) and protein-restricted (PR, 9% casein) pregnant dams at two different ages. The birthweight of PR offspring did not significantly differ from that of C offspring. Systolic blood pressure was significantly elevated in PR compared with C (p < 0.05). Maximal vascular contraction to phenylephrine and the thromboxane analog U46619 were similar in C and PR offspring at postnatal d 87 and 164. Relaxation induced by the endothelium-dependent vasodilators acetylcholine or bradykinin was significantly reduced in the PR group (p < 0.05). Relaxation to the endothelium-independent vasodilator sodium nitroprusside and phosphodiesterase type 3 inhibitor cilostamide was less in the PR offspring compared with C (p < 0.01). Dietary protein restriction in pregnancy induces hypertension and vascular dysfunction in male offspring. Abnormalities in the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway may explain the defect in endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation. Reduced vasodilation may be a potential mechanism underlying the elevated systolic blood pressure observed in this model.
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PMID:Dietary protein restriction in pregnancy induces hypertension and vascular defects in rat male offspring. 1264 17

In this study, we investigated the influence of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) changes on the rat mast cell hyporesponsiveness following immunological and non-immunological stimuli. Compared with mast cells from normal rats, those recovered from 21-day diabetic animals showed a significant augmentation in the intracellular levels of cAMP, in directly correlated with secretion of lower amounts of histamine after stimulation with antigen, bradykinin and compound 48/80 in vitro. Incubation of normal mast cells with selective inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE 4) rolipram, NCS 613 and RP 73401, or the cell permeable analogue N6-2'-O-dibutyryladenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (db cAMP), led to a decrease of histamine secretion in vitro. However, the effectiveness of either NCS 613 or db cAMP in inhibiting antigen-induced degranulation is comparable in both normal and diabetic mast cells. We suggest that (a) there is a close correlation between higher levels of intracellular cAMP and hyporesponsiveness of diabetic mast cells, phenomena probably associated with a reduction in the expression and/or activity of PDE 4 and that (b) the mechanism of cAMP-mediated down-regulation of mast cell function is saturated in diabetic rats.
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PMID:Increased levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate contribute to the hyporesponsiveness of mast cells in alloxan diabetes. 1513 17

Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is the major effector molecule for nitric oxide (NO) and as such an interesting therapeutic target for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. To assess the functional importance of the sGCalpha(1)beta(1) isoform in corpus cavernosum (CC) relaxation, CC from male sGCalpha(1)(-/-) and wild-type mice were mounted in organ baths for isometric tension recording. The relaxation to endogenous NO (from acetylcholine, bradykinin and electrical field stimulation) was nearly abolished in the sGCalpha(1)(-/-) CC. In the sGCalpha(1)(-/-) mice, the relaxing influence of exogenous NO (from sodium nitroprusside and NO gas), BAY 41-2272 (NO-independent sGC stimulator) and T-1032 (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor) were also significantly decreased. The remaining exogenous NO-induced relaxation seen in the sGCalpha(1)(-/-) mice was significantly decreased by the sGC-inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one. The specificity of the impairment of the sGC-related responses was demonstrated by the unaltered relaxations seen with forskolin (adenylyl cyclase activator) and 8-pCPT-cGMP (cGMP analog). In conclusion, the sGCalpha(1)beta(1) isoform is involved in corporal smooth muscle relaxation in response to NO and NO-independent sGC stimulators. The fact that there is still some effect of exogenous NO in the sGCalpha(1)(-/- mice suggests the contribution of (an) additional pathway(s).
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PMID:Role of the soluble guanylyl cyclase alpha1-subunit in mice corpus cavernosum smooth muscle relaxation. 1805

Asthma therapy recognizes three fundamental key points: primary prevention, secondary prevention, including the control of inflammatory mechanisms and related symptoms, and tertiary prevention, consisting in the treatment of the early phases leading to airway remodelling. As for primary prevention in infants at ''high risk'' exclusive breastfeeding for at least 3-6 months and the prevention of allergen exposure, respiratory infections and tobacco smoking are recommended. Recent findings suggest a possible protective role of diet (i.e. the intake of vegetables and vitamins and the pre-probiotics). About secondary prevention, the efficacy of drugs suggested by international guidelines (GINA or ARIA) such as antihistamines, leukotriene modifiers and inhaled corticosteroids, it is well known; such drugs can be variably used in different associations, in accordance with the clinical features of the single patient. Among the new therapeutic perspectives, a special attention should be paid to anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies and other humanized monoclonal antibodies targeting and neutralizing inflammatory cytokines; chimeric allergens blocking mast cell receptors; recombinant interleukins with ''anti-inflammatory'' or ''anti-allergic'' properties; in vitro expansion of T lymphocytes with regulatory functions (Treg), and their possible therapeutic approach. Moreover, new experimental observations have identified the role of molecules derived from engineering technologies able to control allergic inflammation. As for prevention and treatment of allergic symptoms, specific immunotherapy has a relevant role, moreover in the paediatric area: it finds progressively greater consensus in terms of both efficacy and safety and is finally recognized in the latest GINA and ARIA guidelines. Tertiary prevention, which concerns the so called ''airway remodeling'', includes new therapeutic approaches such as montelukast, which can control fibroblasts proliferation and their transformation in myofibroblasts, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Finally, the use of peptide and non-peptide antagonists of Bradykinin B2 receptors seems to be of great interest.
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PMID:[Future perspectives in the therapy of asthma in children]. 1844 40

The pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia is still unknown thus effective primary prevention is not possible at the stage. The present study was conducted to research the smooth muscle responses in the pre-eclampsia model with suramin treated rats and the effect of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor on these responses. Rats of three groups; control, suramin and suramin+sildenafil were given intraperitoneal injections of saline, suramin or sildenafil citrate. Suramin injections caused increased blood pressure, protein in urine and caused fetal growth retardation. The use of sildenafil citrate straightened significantly both blood pressure and average fetus weight, but did not reach to control values. At the end of pregnancy, thoracic aorta rings were exposed to contractile and relaxant agents. KCl contraction responses, sodium nitroprusside and papaverine relaxation responses were similar in three groups. Contraction responses of phenylephrine, increased significantly in suramin group. Relaxation responses of acethylcholine and bradykinin decreased in suramin group. The use of sildenafil citrate partially straightened both relaxation and contraction responses, but did not reach to control values. In all groups in the presence of L-nitromonomethylarginine (L-NAME), 1H-(1, 2, 4) oxadiazole (4, 3-a) guinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) and indomethacin decreased the relaxation responses of acetylcholine and bradykinin. The cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) content of thoracic aorta tissue was determined by radioimmunoassay technique. The content of cGMP in suramin group decreased and use of sildenafil citrate increased the cGMP content but did not reach to control values. We conclude that in pre-eclampsia, the increase of contraction responses, the decrease of relaxation responses and the decrease of cGMP content can depend on insufficiency about synthesis or release of relaxant factors which was released from the vessel endothelium. The results in this study show that in pre-eclampsia; PDE5 inhibitors enhance endothelial function and may be used for protection. Further studies are needed to clear the efficiency and safety of PDE5 inhibitors.
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PMID:The effect of sildenafil on the altered thoracic aorta smooth muscle responses in rat pre-eclampsia model. 1853 17


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