• 제목/요약/키워드: Dihydropyridine receptor

검색결과 24건 처리시간 0.029초

Influence of Glibenclamide on Catecholamine Secretion in the Isolated Rat Adrenal Gland

  • No, Hae-Jeong;Woo, Seong-Chang;Lim, Dong-Yoon
    • Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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    • 제15권2호
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    • pp.108-117
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    • 2007
  • The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of glibenclamide, a hypoglycemic sulfonylurea, which selectively blocks ATP-sensitive K$^+$ channels, on secretion of catecholamines (CA) evoked by cholinergic stimulation and membrane depolarization from the isolated perfused rat adrenal glands. The perfusion of glibenclamide (1.0 mM) into an adrenal vein for 90 min produced time-dependently enhanced the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh (5.32 mM), high K$^+$ (a direct membrane depolarizer, 56 mM), DMPP (a selective neuronal nicotinic receptor agonist, 100 ${\mu}$M for 2 min), McN-A-343 (a selective muscarinic M1 receptor agonist, 100 ${\mu}$M for 2 min), Bay-K-8644 (an activator of L-type dihydropyridine Ca$^{2+}$ channels, 10 ${\mu}$M for 4 min) and cyclopiazonic acid (an activator of cytoplasmic Ca$^{2+}$-ATPase, 10 ${\mu}$M for 4 min). In adrenal glands simultaneously preloaded with glibenclamide (1.0 mM) and nicorandil (a selective opener of ATP-sensitive K$^+$ channels, 1.0 mM), the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh, high potassium, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644 and cyclopiazonic acid were recovered to the considerable extent of the control release in comparison with that of glibenclamide-treatment only. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that glibenclamide enhances the adrenal CA secretion in response to stimulation of cholinergic (both nicotinic and muscarinic) receptors as well as by membrane depolarization from the isolated perfused rat adrenal glands. It seems that this facilitatory effect of glibenclamide may be mediated by enhancement of both Ca$^{2+}$ influx and the Ca$^{2+}$ release from intracellular store through the blockade of K$_{ATP}$ channels in the rat adrenomedullary chromaffin cells. These results suggest that glibenclamide-sensitive K$_{ATP}$ channels may play a regulatory role in the rat adrenomedullary CA secretion.

Deficiency of Anoctamin 5/TMEM16E causes nuclear positioning defect and impairs Ca2+ signaling of differentiated C2C12 myotubes

  • Phuong, Tam Thi Thanh;An, Jieun;Park, Sun Hwa;Kim, Ami;Choi, Hyun Bin;Kang, Tong Mook
    • The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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    • 제23권6호
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    • pp.539-547
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    • 2019
  • Anoctamin 5 (ANO5)/TMEM16E belongs to a member of the ANO/TMEM16 family member of anion channels. However, it is a matter of debate whether ANO5 functions as a genuine plasma membrane chloride channel. It has been recognized that mutations in the ANO5 gene cause many skeletal muscle diseases such as limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2L (LGMD2L) and Miyoshi muscular dystrophy type 3 (MMD3) in human. However, the molecular mechanisms of the skeletal myopathies caused by ANO5 defects are poorly understood. To understand the role of ANO5 in skeletal muscle development and function, we silenced the ANO5 gene in C2C12 myoblasts and evaluated whether it impairs myogenesis and myotube function. ANO5 knockdown (ANO5-KD) by shRNA resulted in clustered or aggregated nuclei at the body of myotubes without affecting differentiation or myotube formation. Nuclear positioning defect of ANO5-KD myotubes was accompanied with reduced expression of Kif5b protein, a kinesin-related motor protein that controls nuclear transport during myogenesis. ANO5-KD impaired depolarization-induced $[Ca2^{+}]_i$ transient and reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) $Ca^{2+}$ storage. ANO5-KD resulted in reduced protein expression of the dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) and SR $Ca^{2+}-ATPase$ subtype 1. In addition, ANO5-KD compromised co-localization between DHPR and ryanodine receptor subtype 1. It is concluded that ANO5-KD causes nuclear positioning defect by reduction of Kif5b expression, and compromises $Ca^{2+}$ signaling by downregulating the expression of DHPR and SERCA proteins.

흰쥐 해마에서 Norepinephrine 유리에 미치는 Adenosine Receptor의 Post-Receptor 기전에 관한 연구 (A Study on the Post-Receptor Mechanism of Adenosine Receptor on Norepinephrine Release in the Rat Hippocampus)

  • 최봉규;김도경;양경무
    • 대한약리학회지
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    • 제32권1호
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    • pp.1-11
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    • 1996
  • 흰쥐 해마(hippocampus)에서 norepinephrine(NE) 유리에 미치는 $A_1-adenosine$ 수용체의 post-receptor 기전에 관한 지견을 얻고자 하여 $^3H-norepinephrine$으로 평형시킨 해마 절편을 사용하여 adenosine의 $^3H-NE$ 유리에 미치는 여러가지 약물의 영향을 관찰하였다. Adenosine($1{\sim}30{\mu}M$)은 전기자극(3 Hz, 2 ms, 5 Vcm-1, 구형파)에 의한 NE 유리를 용량 의존적으로 감소시켰고, 이 효과는 선택적인 $A_1-adenosine$ 수용체 차단제인 $8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine(2{\mu}M)$에 의해 차단되었다. G-단백 억제제인 N-ethylmaleimide(NEM, 10과 $30{\mu}M$)는 그 자체로써 전기자극으로 유발시킨 NE 유리를 증가시켰으며, adenosine의 NE 유리 억제효과는 NEM 전처리에 의하여 완전히 소실되었다. Protein kinase C 활성화제인 $4{\beta}-phorbol$ 12,13-dibutyrate(PDB, $1{\mu}M$)는 NE 유리 증가를 일으켰고, 이 효소 억제제인 $4{\beta}-polymyxin$ B(PMB, 0.1 mg)는 NE 유리감소를 일으켰으며, adenosine에 의한 NE 유리 감소효과는 PDB에 의해 억제되었고, PMB 전처리하에서는 감소효과가 출현하지 않았다. $Ca^{2+}$-통로 차단제인 $nifedipine(1{\mu}M$)은 adenosine의 NE 유리 억제효과에 영향을 미치지 못하고, ATP에 의존적인 $K^+-$통로 차단제인 glibenclamide역시 adenosine의 NE 유리 억제효과에 영향을 미치지 못하였다. 그러나 delayed rectifier $K^+-$통로 차단제인 tetraethylammonium(TEA, 3 mM)은 그 자체로 NE 유리를 증가 시켰으며, adenosine의 NE 유리 억제효과를 차단함을 볼 수 있었다. 8-bromo-cAMP(100과 $300{\mu}M$) 그 자체로는 NE 유리에 별다른 영향을 미치지 못하였으나 8-bromo-cAMP 전처리에 의하여 adenosine의 NE 유리 억제효과가 억제됨을 볼 수 있었다. 이상의 실험결과로 흰쥐 해마에서 $A_1-adenosine$ 수용체를 통한 adenosine의 NE 유리 감소는 G-단백에 의존적이며, 이러한 효과에 protein kinase C, TEA에 예민한 $K^+-$통로 및 adenylate cyclase계가 복합적으로 관여하고 nifedipine에 예민한 $Ca^{2+}-$통로와 glibenclamide에 예민한 $K^+-$통로는 관여하지 않는 것으로 사료된다.

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흰쥐 해마에서 Acetylcholine 유리에 관여하는 Adenosine Receptor의 Post-Receptor 기전에 관한 연구 (A Study on the Post-Receptor Mechanism of Adenosine Receptor on Acetylcholine Release in the Rat Hippocampus)

  • 최봉규;오재희
    • 대한약리학회지
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    • 제30권3호
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    • pp.263-272
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    • 1994
  • 흰쥐 해마(hippocampus)에서 acetylcholine (ACh) 유리에 미치는 $A_{1}-adenosine$ 수용체의 post-receptor 기전에 관한 지견을 얻고자 하여 $^3H-choline$으로 평형시킨 해마 slice를 사용하여 $^3H-ACh$ 유리에 미치는 여러가지 약물들의 영향을 관찰하였다. Adenosine $(0.3{\sim}300\;{\mu}M)$은 전기자극(3Hz, 2 ms, 5 $VCm^{-1}$, 구형파)에 의한 ACh 유리를 용량 의존적으로 감소 시켰으며, 이러한 효과는 $A_1-adenosine$ 수용체의 선택적 차단제인 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3-dipropylxanthine $(2\;{\mu}M)$에 의해 차단됨을 볼 수 있었다. G-단백 억제제인 N-ethylmaleimide (NEM, 10과 $30\;{\mu}M$)는 그 자체에 의하여 자극유발성 ACh 유리를 증가시켰으며, adenosine의 효과는 NEM 전처리에 의하여 완전히 소실되었다. Protein kinase C 활성화제인 $4{\beta}-phorbol$ 12, 13-dibutyrate (PDB, $1{\sim}10\;{\mu}M$)는 ACh 유리 증가를 일으켰으며 억제제인 polymyxin B (PMB, $0.03{\sim}1\;mg$)는 감소를 일으켰으나, adenosine에 의한 ACh 유리 감소효과는 PDB 및 PMB에 의해 영향을 받지 않았다. $Ca^{++}$-통로 차단제인 nifedipine $(1\;{\mu}M)$은 adenosine의 효과를 길항함을 볼 수 있었으나 $K{^+}$-통로 차단제인 glibenclamide는 adenosine의 효과에 영향을 미치지 못하였다. 8-Bromo-cAMP (100과 $300{\mu}M$) 그 자체로는 ACh 유리에 별다른 영향을 미치치 못하였으나 $300\;{\mu}M$ 8-bromo-cAMP 전처리에 의하여 $30\;{\mu}M\;adenosine$의 효과가 억제됨을 볼 수 있었다. 이상의 실험결과로 흰쥐 해마에서 $A_1-adenosine$ 수용체를 통한 adenosine의 ACh유리 감소는 G-단백에 의존적이며, 이러한 효과에 nifedipine에 예민한 $Ca^{++}$-통로와 adenylate cyclase계가 일부 관여함은 확실하나 proteinkinase C 및 glibenclamide에 예민한 $K{^+}$통로는 관여하지 않는 것으로 사료된다.

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D-Amphetamine Causes Dual Actions on Catecholamine Release from the Rat Adrenal Medulla

  • Lim, Geon-Han;Na, Gwang-Moon;Min, Seon-Young;Seo, Yoo-Seok;Park, Chan-Won;Lim, Dong-Yoon
    • The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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    • 제9권1호
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    • pp.45-53
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    • 2005
  • The present study was designed to examine the effect of d-amphetamine on CA release from the isolated perfused model of the rat adrenal gland, and to establish its mechanism of action. Damphetamine $(10{\sim}100{\mu}M$), when perfused into an adrenal vein of the rat adrenal gland for 60 min, enhanced the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh ($5.32{\times}10^{-3}$ M), excess $K^+$ ($5.6{\times}10^{-2}$ M, a membrane depolarizer), DMPP ($10^{-4}$ M, a selective neuronal nicotinic $N_n-receptor$ agonist) and McN-A-343 ($10^{-4}$ M, a selective $M_1-muscarinic$ agonist) only for the first period (4 min), although it alone has weak effect on CA secretion. Moreover, d-amphetamine ($30{\mu}M$) in to an adrenal vein for 60 min also augmented the CA release evoked by BAY-K-8644, an activator of the dihydropyridine L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channels, and cyclopiazonic acid, an inhibitor of cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$ ATPase only for the first period (4 min). However, in the presence of high concentration ($500{\mu}M$), d-amphetamine rather inhibited the CA secretory responses evoked by the above all of secretagogues. Collectively, these experimental results suggest that d-amphetamine at low concentrations enhances the CA secretion from the rat adrenal medulla evoked by cholinergic stimulation (both nicotininc and muscarinic receptors) as well as by membrane depolarization, but at high concentration it rather inhibits them. It seems that d-amphetamine has dual effects as both agonist and antagonist at nicotinic receptors of the isolated perfused rat adrenal medulla, which might be dependent on the concentration. It is also thought that these actions of d-amphetamine are probably relevant to the $Ca^{2+}$ mobilization through the dihydropyridine L-type $Ca^{2+}$ cha$N_n$els located on the rat adrenomedullary chromaffin cell membrane and the release of $Ca^{2+}$ from the cytoplasmic store.

Inhibitory Effects of Total Ginseng Saponin on Catecholamine Secretion from the Perfused Adrenal Medulla of SHRs

  • Jang, Seok-Jeong;Lim, Hyo-Jeong;Lim, Dong-Yoon
    • Journal of Ginseng Research
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    • 제35권2호
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    • pp.176-190
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    • 2011
  • There seems to be some controversy about the effect of total ginseng saponin (TGS) on the secretion of catecholamines (CA) from the adrenal gland. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether TGS can affect the CA release in the perfused model of the adrenal medulla isolated from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). TGS (15-150 ${\mu}g/mL$), perfused into an adrenal vein for 90 min, inhibited the CA secretory responses evoked by acetylcholine (ACh, 5.32 mM) and high $K^+$ (56 mM, a direct membrane depolarizer) in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. TGS (50 ${\mu}g/mL$) also time-dependently inhibited the CA secretion evoked by 1.1-dimethyl-4 -phenyl piperazinium iodide (DMPP; 100 ${\mu}M$, a selective neuronal nicotinic receptor agonist) and McN-A-343 (100 ${\mu}M$, a selective muscarinic M1 receptor agonist). TGS itself did not affect basal CA secretion (data not shown). Also, in the presence of TGS (50 ${\mu}g/mL$), the secretory responses of CA evoked by veratridine (a selective $Na^+$ channel activator (50 ${\mu}M$), Bay-K-8644 (an L-type dihydropyridine $Ca^{2+}$ channel activator, 10 ${\mu}M$), and cyclopiazonic acid (a cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$-ATPase inhibitor, 10 ${\mu}M$) were significantly reduced, respectively. Interestingly, in the simultaneous presence of TGS (50 ${\mu}g/mL$) and N${\omega}$-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride [an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, 30 ${\mu}M$], the inhibitory responses of TGS on the CA secretion evoked by ACh, high $K^+$, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644, cyclopiazonic acid, and veratridine were considerably recovered to the extent of the corresponding control secretion compared with the inhibitory effect of TGS-treatment alone. Practically, the level of NO released from adrenal medulla after the treatment of TGS (150 ${\mu}g/mL$) was greatly elevated compared to the corresponding basal released level. Taken together, these results demonstrate that TGS inhibits the CA secretory responses evoked by stimulation of cholinergic (both muscarinic and nicotinic) receptors as well as by direct membrane-depolarization from the isolated perfused adrenal medulla of the SHRs. It seems that this inhibitory effect of TGS is mediated by inhibiting both the influx of $Ca^{2+}$ and Na+ into the adrenomedullary chromaffin cells and also by suppressing the release of $Ca^{2+}$ from the cytoplasmic calcium store, at least partly through the increased NO production due to the activation of nitric oxide synthase, which is relevant to neuronal nicotinic receptor blockade, without the enhancement effect on the CA release. Based on these effects, it is also thought that there are some species differences in the adrenomedullary CA secretion between the rabbit and SHR.

Isolation and Linkage Mapping of Coding Sequences from Chicken Cosmids by Exon Trapping

  • Mannen, H.;Dote, Y.;Uratsuji, H.;Yoshizawa, K.;Okamoto, S.;Tsuji, S.
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • 제17권3호
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    • pp.309-312
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    • 2004
  • We performed exon trapping in order to locate functional genes on chicken chromosomes (GGA) and to identify functional gene sequences from chicken cosmids. Sequence analysis of 100 clones revealed 17 putative exons, five of which were identified with known sequences in a gene database search: thymopoietin beta (TMPO), U5 snRNP-specific 40 kDa protein (HPRP8BP), dihydropyridine receptor alpha 1 subunit (CACNL1A3), cystein string protein (CPS) and C15orf4. We attempted to map the genes to chicken chromosomes by using FISH and linkage analysis. The chromosomal localizations were GGA1 (TMPO), GGA10 (C15orf4), GGA23 (HPRP8BP) and GGA28 (CPS) by FISH and linkage analysis, while that of CACNL1A3 was predicted to be on a microchromosome by FISH but not by linkage analysis. Comparative mapping analyses between chickens and humans for the genes revealed both known and new synteny. The syntenic conservation between GGA1 and human chromosome (HSA) 12q23 (TMPO) and between GGA10 and HSA15q25 (C15orf4), were consistent with a recent publication, while two new syntenies were observed between GGA28 and HSA20q13.3 in CPS and between GGA23 and HSA1p34-35 in HPRP8BP. The information of presently mapped genes can contribute as anchor markers based on functional genes and the construction of a comparative map.

골격근의 수축과 가소성에 대한 신호전달-매개 단백질 및 관련 효소의 상관성 (Relationship of the Signal Transduction-mediated Proteins and Enzymes to Contractility and Plasticity in Skeletal Muscles)

  • 김중환
    • The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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    • 제19권4호
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    • pp.1-14
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    • 2007
  • Background: It is generally accepted that skeletal muscle contraction is triggered by nerve impulse and intracellular $Ca^{2+}\;([Ca^{2+}]_i)$ released from intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ stores such as sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Specifically, this process, called excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling, takes place at intracellular junctions between the plasma membrane, the transverse (T) tubule L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel (dihydropyridine-sensitive L-rype $Ca^{2+}$ channel, DHPR, also called tetrads), and the SR $Ca^{2+}$ release channel (ryanodine-sensitive $Ca^{2+}$ release channel, RyR, also called feet) of internal $Ca^{2+}$ stores in skeletal muscle cells. Furthermore, it has been reported that the $Ca^{2+-}$ dependent and -independent contraction determine the expression of skeletal muscle genes, thus providing a mechanism for tightly coupling the extent of muscle contraction to regulation of muscle plasticity-related excitation-transcription (E-T) coupling. Purpose: Expression and activity of plasticity-associated enzymes in gastrocnemius muscle strips have not been well studied, however. Methods: Therefore, in this study the expression and phosphorylation of E-C and E-T coupling-related mediators such as protein kinases, ROS(reactive oxygen species)- and apoptosis-related substances, and others in gastrocnemius muscles from rats was examined. Results: I found that expression and activity of MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases, ERK1/2, p38MAPK, and SAPK/JNK), apoptotic proteins (cleaved caspase-3, cytochrome c, Ref-1, Bad), small GTP-binding proteins (RhoA and Cdc42), actin-binding protein (cofilin), PKC (protein kinase C) and $Ca^{2+}$ channel (transient receptor potential channel 6, TRPC6) was observed in rat gastrocnemius muscle strips. Conclusion: These results suggest that MAPKs, ROS- and apoptosis-related enzymes, cytoskeleton-regulated proteins, and $Ca^{2+}$ channel may in part functionally import in E-C and E-T coupling from rat skeletal muscles.

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Inhibitory Effects of Ginsenoside-Rb2 on Nicotinic Stimulation-Evoked Catecholamine Secretion

  • Lim, Hyo-Jeong;Lee, Hyun-Young;Lim, Dong-Yoon
    • The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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    • 제18권5호
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    • pp.431-439
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    • 2014
  • The aim of the present study was to investigate whether ginsenoside-Rb2 (Rb2) can affect the secretion of catecholamines (CA) in the perfused model of the rat adrenal medulla. Rb2 ($3{\sim}30{\mu}M$), perfused into an adrenal vein for 90 min, inhibited ACh (5.32 mM)-evoked CA secretory response in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Rb2 ($10{\mu}M$) also time-dependently inhibited the CA secretion evoked by DMPP ($100{\mu}M$, a selective neuronal nicotinic receptor agonist) and high $K^+$ (56 mM, a direct membrane depolarizer). Rb2 itself did not affect basal CA secretion (data not shown). Also, in the presence of Rb2 ($50{\mu}g/mL$), the secretory responses of CA evoked by veratridine (a selective $Na^+$ channel activator ($50{\mu}M$), Bay-K-8644 (an L-type dihydropyridine $Ca^{2+}$ channel activator, $10{\mu}M$), and cyclopiazonic acid (a cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$-ATPase inhibitor, $10{\mu}M$) were significantly reduced, respectively. Interestingly, in the simultaneous presence of Rb2 ($10{\mu}M$) and L-NAME (an inhibitor of NO synthase, $30{\mu}M$), the inhibitory responses of Rb2 on ACh-evoked CA secretory response was considerably recovered to the extent of the corresponding control secretion compared with the inhibitory effect of Rb2-treatment alone. Practically, the level of NO released from adrenal medulla after the treatment of Rb2 ($10{\mu}M$) was greatly elevated compared to the corresponding basal released level. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Rb2 inhibits the CA secretory responses evoked by nicotinic stimulation as well as by direct membrane-depolarization from the isolated perfused rat adrenal medulla. It seems that this inhibitory effect of Rb2 is mediated by inhibiting both the influx of $Ca^{2+}$ and $Na^+$ into the adrenomedullary chromaffin cells and also by suppressing the release of $Ca^{2+}$ from the cytoplasmic calcium store, at least partly through the increased NO production due to the activation of nitric oxide synthase, which is relevant to neuronal nicotinic receptor blockade.

Inhibitory Mechanism of Polyphenol Compounds Isolated from Red Wine on Catecholamine Release in the Perfused Rat Adrenal Medulla

  • Yu, Byung-Sik;Ko, Woo-Seok;Lim, Dong-Yoon
    • Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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    • 제16권2호
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    • pp.147-160
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    • 2008
  • The present study was designed to examine effects of polyphenolic compounds isolated from red wine (PCRW) on the release of catecholamines (CA) from the isolated perfused model of the rat adrenal medulla, and to clarify its mechanism of action. PCRW (20${\sim}$180 ${\mu}$g/mL), given into an adrenal vein for 90 min, caused inhibition of the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh (5.32 mM), high $K^+$ (a direct membrane-depolarizer, 56 mM), DMPP (a selective neuronal nicotinic $N_N$ receptor agonist, 100 ${\mu}$M) and McN-A-343 (a selective muscarinic $M_1$ receptor agonist, 100 ${\mu}$M) in dose- and time-dependent fashion. PCRW itself did not affect basal CA secretion (data not shown). Following the perfusion of PCRW (60 ${\mu}$g/mL), the secretory responses of CA evoked by Bay-K-8644 (a L-type dihydropyridine $Ca^{2+}$ channel activator, 10 ${\mu}$M), cyclopiazonic acid (a cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$-ATPase inhibitor, 10 ${\mu}$M) and veratridine (an activator of voltage-dependent $Na^+$ channels, 10 ${\mu}$M) were also markedly blocked, respectively. Interestingly, in the simultaneous presence of PCRW (60 ${\mu}$g/mL) and L-NAME (a selective inhibitor of NO synthase, 30 ${\mu}$M), the inhibitory responses of PCRW on the CA secretion evoked by ACh, high $K^+$, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644 and cyclpiazonic acid were recovered to considerable level of the corresponding control release compared with those effects of PCRW-treatment alone. Practically, the amount of NO released from adrenal medulla after loading of PCRW (180 ${\mu}$g/mL) was significantly increased in comparison to the corresponding basal released level. Collectively, these results obtained here demonstrate that PCRW inhibits the CA secretory responses evoked by stimulation of cholinergic (both muscarinic and nicotinic) receptors as well as by direct membrane-depolarization from the isolated perfused adrenal gland of the normotensive rats. It seems that this inhibitory effect of PCRW is mediated by blocking the influx of both ions through $Na^+$ and $Ca^+{2$} channels into the rat adrenomedullary chromaffin cells as well as by inhibiting the release of $Ca^{2+}$ from the cytoplasmic calcium store, which are due at least partly to the increased NO production through the activation of nitric oxide synthase. Based on these data, it is also thought that PCRW may be beneficial to prevent or alleviate the cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and angina pectoris.