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Query: UNIPROT:P01178 (oxytocin)
 15,767 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Bovine granulosa cells were treated in culture with alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor ligands to determine the receptor subtype mediating their response to catecholamines. The secretion of oxytocin by granulosa cells in serum-free medium was measured on the fourth day of culture (during the period of acquisition of a luteal phenotype). Cultures were performed in the presence of 0.5 mM ascorbic acid, which increased hormone output and potentiated the response to catecholamines. The effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline on oxytocin secretion were concentration-dependent; maximum stimulation was over 700% with adrenalin (EC50 92 nM) and 500% with noradrenaline (EC50 87 nM). The response to noradrenaline (10(-6) M) and adrenaline (10(-6) M) could be blocked by propranolol but not by phentolamine, suggesting that beta- rather than alpha-adrenoceptors were involved. Blockade by metoprolol and practolol (beta 1-adrenoceptor antagonists) was poor and dobutamine (beta 1-agonist) was weakly stimulatory. A concentration-dependent stimulatory response (EC50 200 nM) was obtained with salbutamol (beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist) and stimulation by adrenaline or salbutamol could be blocked by a selective beta 2-adrenoceptor antagonist (ICI 118,551). It is concluded that, during luteinization, the long-term response of bovine granulosa cells to stimulation induced by catecholamines is mediated through beta- rather than alpha-adrenoceptors. Although the beta 2-subtype is probably involved, the similar potencies of adrenaline and noradrenaline are uncharacteristic of beta 2-adrenoceptors and may be peculiar to the long-term response shown by these cells.
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PMID:Beta adrenoceptors mediate the catecholamine-induced stimulation of oxytocin secretion from cultured bovine granulosa cells. 168 97

In this study in conscious rats, we tested the hypothesis that substance P, a central pressor peptide and a potential transmitter substance of pain pathways, could be involved in the cardiovascular defense reaction that is typically associated with unpleasant sensory stimuli. The hemodynamic responses to centrally administered substance P were pharmacologically characterized. The increases in blood pressure and heart rate after intracerebroventricular injections of substance P were accompanied by mesenteric and renal vasoconstriction and hind limb vasodilation (pulsed-Doppler flow probes). The pressor and vasoconstrictor responses were attenuated by peripheral alpha 1-adrenoceptor blockade with prazosin but were not influenced by blockade of vascular vasopressin receptors with d(CH2)5Tyr(Me) arginine vasopressin (AVP). Cardiac beta 1-adrenoceptor blockade with metoprolol abolished the tachycardic and reduced the pressor responses. Substance P-induced hind limb vasodilation was not sensitive to intravenous atropine but was largely prevented by peripheral beta 2-adrenoceptor blockade with ICI 118,551. Thus, the substance P-induced pressor effects are mediated by alpha 1-adrenergic sympathetic vasoconstriction and beta 1-adrenergic cardiac stimulation, whereas the hind limb vasodilation is mainly due to beta 2-adrenergic stimulation. Substance P dose-dependently (0.01-10 micrograms i.c.v.) released oxytocin but not vasopressin or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland. High doses reduced basal ACTH levels. Together with the hemodynamic responses, a behavioral arousal reaction was observed, which included increased locomotion, grooming, scratching, and skin biting. Our results demonstrate that a neuropeptide can induce classic cardiovascular defense reaction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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PMID:Substance P induces a cardiovascular defense reaction in the rat: pharmacological characterization. 245 61

7 merino sheep in an advanced state of pregnancy received oxytocin for labour induction under the conditions of control, monotherapy with the beta 2-adrenergic tocolytic fenoterol, combination of the latter with the beta 1-blocking substance metoprolol (Beloc). Likewise, the effect of labour induction was investigated when putting an artificial stenosis around the a. uterina during simultaneous application of fenoterol alone and combined with metoprolol. The following parameters were measured: aortic pressure and heart rate both in dam and fetus, maternal left ventricular pressure rising velocity, intrauterine pressure, uterine blood flow, uterine vascular resistance and regional myometrial contraction patterns by means of an ultrasonic transit time method. Measurement of maternal cardiovascular parameters once more showed, that maternal cardiovascular derangements could excellently be antagonised by metoprolol. Intrauterine pressure measurements as well as regional myometrial contraction patterns proved evidence, that there is no counteraction between the beta 2-mimetic substance and the beta 1-blocking agent concerning the tocolytic effect. When artificially stenosing the a. uterina, a rise in uterine contraction status could be observed; this hypoxic augmentation of myometrial tone could almost completely be reverted when combining fenoterol and metoprolol. Finally, no difference could be observed in the reaction of fetal cardiovascular parameters to reduced uterine blood flow before and after application of the beta 1-blocking substance metoprolol.
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PMID:[Effect of the combination of the beta-1-blocker metoprolol with the tocolytic fenoterol on uteroplacental hemodynamics and fetal cardiovascular sensitivity with particular consideration of intrauterine fetal malnutrition. Results of animal experiments]. 689 Dec 48

Although a physiological role for oxytocin during parturition is well accepted, the mechanisms by which it activates myometrial contractility during labor have not been completely elucidated. We have previously shown the presence of Gq and two pertussis toxin (PT) substrates of the Gi family in human myometrial cells. In the present study, we have identified by Western blotting the G protein and phospholipase C (PLC) isoforms present in these cells and investigated their implication in oxytocin signaling by measuring the formation of inositol phosphates (IPs) and mobilization of intracellular calcium. We found G protein subunits alpha(q), alpha(11), alpha(i1), alpha(i2), alpha(i3), alpha(z), and two splice variants of alpha(s)- and beta-subunits. We have also detected the presence of five PLC isoforms: beta 1, beta 2, beta 3, gamma 1, and gamma 2. Oxytocin-induced IPs formation and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization were inhibited to approximately 50% after pretreatment of the cells with PT, suggesting that oxytocin activates PLC beta by interacting with at least two types of G proteins: a member of the Gq family (PT resistant) and a member of the Gi family (PT sensitive). The tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor pervanadate stimulated IPs formation in myometrial cells. Using the protein kinase inhibitors staurosporine, phenylarsine oxide, and Ro 31-8220 and the protein kinase C activator phorbol dibutyrate, we have shown that pervanadate and oxytocin activate PLC by different mechanisms. Furthermore, oxytocin did not activate tyrosine phosphorylation in human myometrial cells, as measured with an antiphosphotyrosine antibody, indicating that it does not activate a PLC gamma isoform. We conclude that oxytocin activates human myometrium by interacting with at least two G proteins and possibly three PLC beta isoforms.
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PMID:Multiple G proteins and phospholipase C isoforms in human myometrial cells: implication for oxytocin action. 896 34

Occupancy of oxytocin receptor (OTR) binding sites in pregnant rat myometrial membranes with iodinated oxytocin antagonist (OTA), followed by detergent solubilization and size selection, showed that radioactivity eluted in two distinct peaks: one corresponding in size to the isolated receptor (approximately 60 kDa) and the other ranging from 240 to 320 kDa. The unliganded 240- to 320-kDa fraction contained OTRs coupled to G proteins, as the addition of oxytocin (OT) increased guanosine 35S-labeled 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) binding up to twofold in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of OT were blocked by coincubation with OTA. G protein alpha-subunits associated with OTRs in the 240- to 320-kDa peak were identified by immunoadsorption. Significant amounts of both G alpha q/11 and G alpha i3 were associated with the OTR; a lesser amount of G alpha s was complexed. Using the same approach but with antibodies to effector enzymes, we observed that phospholipase C beta 1 (PLC beta 1) and PLA2 were also associated with the OTR. The results corroborate the well-established interaction of OTR with Gq and further show that Gi coupling might be an important component of OTR signal transduction. To further investigate the interaction of Gi with the OTR, we showed that OT stimulation of guanosine 5'-triphosphatase activity in intact myometrial membranes was inhibited by pertussis toxin. Pertussis toxin-stimulated ADP ribosylation of G alpha i in myometrial membranes was also decreased by OT treatment. These findings with pertussis toxin strongly indicate that OTR is coupled to Gi in rat myometrial membranes. The 60-kDa OTR peak (noncoupled receptor) was demonstrable in the myometrium only before the end of gestation and after parturition and accounted for about one-half the 125I-OTA binding activity. At term, there was about a fivefold increase in binding and almost a complete shift to the 240- to 320-kDa-size complex. Thus the established increased sensitivity of the myometrium to OT at term could be the result of both upregulation of OTRs and an increase in the fraction of receptors coupled to signal transduction components, one of which is Gi.
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PMID:Coupling of oxytocin receptor to G proteins in rat myometrium during labor: Gi receptor interaction. 917 88

Current tocolytic protocols rely largely on the use of beta-mimetics to induce myometrial quiescence and delay delivery. Unfortunately, the rapid transplacental passage and poor receptor specificity of the commonly used beta-mimetics results in widespread activation of intrauterine and extrauterine beta 1 and beta 2 receptors. The use of beta-mimetics is associated with a range of well-recognized and potentially dangerous side effects for mother and fetus. The value of continued use of beta-agonists after obtaining uterine quiescence also has been the subject of recent debate. In this article we have attempted to explore the biochemical and molecular rationale for the use of alternative therapeutic modalities in the treatment and prevention of PTL. In the light of the current view that the term "preterm labor" covers a considerable diversity of causes, we propose that a range of treatment regimes should be chosen on the basis of the diagnosis and classification of the patient according to the their particular condition. Although the measurement of several biochemical parameters have been suggested to be of use in predicting PTL, we believe that a panel of diagnostic indicators (e.g., free or total CRH, IL-6, extracellular matrix proteases, fetal fibronectin) is more likely to provide useful diagnostic information on which appropriate treatment modalities can be selected (Table 1). Because of the complex and interactive nature of the mechanisms operating within the intrauterine environment to regulate myometrial activation and uterotonin production, we speculate that a combination of tocolytics, anti-inflammatory agents, uterotonic antagonists, and receptor blockers is likely to be more effective than a monotherapeutic approach, which focuses on only one facet of the process of uterine activation for pharmacologic intervention. For example, the use of antibiotics, PGHS inhibitors, and/or beta-mimetics might be an appropriate first line of treatment for infection-associated PTL in extreme prematurity. If it is successful, this treatment might be followed by longer term use of a progestagen and/or NO donor to maintain myometrial quiescence until closer to term. Alternatively, use of progesterone or oxytocin antagonists may be effective in augmenting the actions of beta-mimetics while reducing their side effects, whereas other combinations may be useful as long-term prophylactics in women with a high risk of developing PTL. Improvements continue in our diagnostic ability to correctly identify the different causes of preterm labor. We anticipate that careful selection of differing combinations of therapeutic options will result in significant reductions in the morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs associated with preterm birth.
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PMID:The molecular mechanisms of term and preterm labor: recent progress and clinical implications. 932 26

1. Both in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that the adrenergic innervation of the ovary affects corpus luteum (CL) secretory function in many species. 2. In cattle, ovarian noradrenergic stimulation or the administration of noradrenaline (NA) to the ovary increases ovarian oxytocin (OT) secretion and post-translational processing of OT synthesis within a few minutes. Furthermore, NA affects both progesterone release and its synthesis by increasing cytochrome P450sec and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. This effect is mediated via luteal cell beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors. 3. The total number of luteal beta-adrenoceptors correlates with peripheral progesterone concentrations during the luteal phase. Conversely, ovarian denervation causes a decrease of steroidogenic activity in the corpus luteum, an increase in beta-adrenoceptors on luteal cells, a delay in follicular development and the disruption of cyclicity, as well as other effects. Moreover, brief pharmacological blockade of ovarian beta-adrenoceptors in the mid-cycle of cattle decreases progesterone secretion by 20-40%. 4. We conclude that tonic beta-adrenoceptor stimulation of the CL ensures the basal secretion of progesterone, whereas acute noradrenergic activation supports the CL during stressful situations that could impair its function. Dopamine concentrations within the CL are highly correlated with those of NA during the oestrous cycle and are higher in the newly formed compared with the developed CL, the regressed CL or the CL of pregnant females.
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PMID:Physiological importance of dopamine as a noradrenaline precursor in the corpus luteum. 1038 51

The present studies were conducted: (1) to determine which beta-adrenoceptor subtypes are involved in progesterone and oxytocin (OT) secretion, (2) to examine whether noradrenaline (NA) acts directly on the cytochrome P-450scc and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD), and (3) to study the effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) on NA-stimulated steroidogenesis in luteal cells. The effect of NA on progesterone secretion from luteal slices of heifers on days 8-12 of the oestrous cycle was blocked by both atenolol (beta 1-antagonist) and ICI 118.551 hydrochloride (beta 2-antagonist). OT secretion was blocked only after treatment with ICI 118.551 hydrochloride (P < 0.05). Dobutamine (10(-4)-10(-6) M), a selective beta 1 agonist and salbutamol (10(-4)-10(-6) M), a selective beta 2 agonist, both increased progesterone production (P < 0.01) with an efficiency comparable to that produced by NA (P < 0.01). The increase of OT content in luteal slices was observed only after treatment with salbutamol at the dose of 10(-5) M (P < 0.01). Dobutamine had no effect on OT production at any dose. A stimulatory effect of NA on cytochrome P-450scc activity (P < 0.05) was demonstrated using 25-hydroxycholesterol as substrate. 3 beta-HSD activity also increased following NA (P < 0.01) or pregnenolone (P < 0.05) and in tissue treated with pregnenolone together with NA (P < 0.01). PGF decreased progesterone synthesis (P < 0.05) and 3 beta-HSD activity (P < 0.01) in tissue treated with NA. We conclude that NA stimulates progesterone secretion by luteal beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors, while OT secretion is probably mediated only via the beta 2-receptor. NA also increases cytochrome P-450scc and 3 beta-HSD activity. PGF inhibits the luteotropic effect of NA on the luteal tissue.
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PMID:Mechanism of action of noradrenaline on secretion of progesterone and oxytocin by the bovine corpus luteum in vitro. 1140 89

Bone remodeling is determined by function of two basic cell forms--bone resorbing osteoclasts and bone formation activating osteoblasts. Both cells are under control of a variety of endogenic and environmental factors, which ensure balance between bone resorption and bone formation. This article reviews the neuro-hormonal factors with osteoanabolic (central isoform of serotonin, melatonin, cannabinoids, beta 1 adrenergic system, oxytocin, ACTH and TSH) or osteocatabolic effects (neuropeptide Y, neuromedin U, beta2 adrenergic system). The dual effects of the beta-adrenergic system, serotonin and leptin are also discussed. The goal of studies focused on neuro-skeletal interaction is to synthesize new molecules, which can modify osteo-anabolic or osteo-catabolic pathways.
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PMID:[Neuro-skeletal biology and its importance for clinical osteology]. 2339 Aug 67