Investigation on thermal characteristics and desensitization mechanism of improved step ladder-structured nitrocellulose

Nitrocellulose,or cellulose nitrate,has received considerable interest due to its various applications,such as propellants,coating agents and gas generators.However,its high mechanical sensitivity caused many accidents during its storage and usage in ammunition.In this work,two kinds of insensitive step ladderstructured nitrocellulose(LNC)with different nitrogen contents were synthesized.The products were characterized by FT-IR,Raman,XRD,SEM,elemental analysis,TGA,DSC,accelerating rate calorimeter analysis(ARC),and drop weight test to study their molecular structure,thermal characteristics and desensitization performance.Compared with raw nitrocellulose,LNC has a sharper exothermic peak in the DSC and ARC curves.The H50values of the two kinds of LNC increased from 25.76 to 30.01 cm for low nitrogen content and from 18.02 to 21.84 cm for high nitrogen content,respectively.The results show that the ladder-structure of LNC which provides regular molecular arrangement and a soft buffer made with polyethylene glycol could affect the energy releasing process of LNC and reduce the sensitivity of LNC.Insensitive LNC provides an alternative to be used as a binder in insensitive propellants formulation.

Establishment and verification of theβ_(2)-AR desensitization asthma mice

Objective:To establish and verify aβ_(2)-AR desensitization asthma mice model.Methods:A total of 30 SPF male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into blank group,the common asthma group,andβ_(2)-AR desensitization asthma model group.Asthma model was established,and on this basis,the method of atom-izing inhalation and intraperitoneal injections of salbutamol was used to prepareβ_(2)-AR desensitization asthma model.After the last stimulation on the 21st day of modeling,the airway resistance of mice was measured.ELISA was used to detect the content of serum IgE;HE staining was used to observe the lung organization degree of infla-mmatory cell infiltration;Western blot method was used to detect theβ_(2)-AR content in lung tissue,RT-PCR was used to detect theβ_(2)-ARmRNA expressionin lung tissue.Results:Compared with the blank group,as acetyl choline(Mch)levels increased,groups of OVA induced airway resistance increases;but theβ_(2)-AR desensitization asthma model group increased airway resistance was more significant(P<0.05);compared with the blank group,IgE levels of common asthma group andβ_(2)-AR desensitization asthma model group elevated(P<0.01).The pathological histology observation found theβ_(2)-AR desensitization asthma airway inflammation infiltration in mice,the excessive mucus secretion and collagen deposition,and the pathological performance obviously increase compared with the common asthma group;β_(2)-AR content in the lung tissue ofβ_(2)-AR desensitization asthma model in mice,β_(2)-AR mRNA expression level in the blank group and common asthma model group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:Theβ_(2)-AR desensitization asthma mouse model was successfully established,and the buildingcycle was short.

Abstinence Following a Motivation-Skill-Desensitization-Mental Energy Intervention for Heroin Dependence: A Three-year Follow-up Result of a Randomized Controlled Trial

The high rate of relapse among heroin users remains a significant public concern in China. In the present study, we utilized a Motivation-Skill-Desensitization-Mental Energy (MSDE) intervention and evaluated its effects on abstinence and mental health. Eighty-nine male heroin users in a drug rehabilitation center were enrolled in the study. The participants in the MSDE intervention group (n=46) received MSDE intervention, which included motivational interviewing, coping skills training, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and mindfulness-based psychotherapy. The participants in the control group (h=43) received a series of lectures on skills training. A significant increase in Contemplation Ladder score (P<0.001) and decreases in scores on the Obsessive Compulsive Drug Use Scale (P<0.001), Beck Depression Inventory (P<0.001), and Aggression Questionnaire (P=O.O33) were found immediately after intervention. Compared to the control group, the MSDE intervention group reported significantly higher abstinence rates (P=0.027) and retention rates (P<0.001) at follow-up. Overall, the MSDE intervention, which uses a combined strategy for relapse prevention, could be a promising approach for preventing relapse among heroin users in China.

A comparison of desensitization methods: Rituximab with/without plasmapheresis in ABO-incompatible living donor liver transplantation

Background: Plasmapheresis is a desensitization method used prior to ABO-incompatible(ABO-I) living donor liver transplantation. However, studies on its usefulness in the rituximab era are lacking.Methods: Fifty-six adult patients underwent ABO-I living donor liver transplantation between January2012 and October 2015. A single dose of rituximab(300 mg/m~2) was administered 2 weeks before surgery with plasmapheresis in all patients until February 2014(RP group, n = 26). Patients were administered rituximab only, without plasmapheresis between March 2014 and October 2015(RO group, n = 30).Results: The 6-, 12-and 18-month overall survival rates were 92.3%, 80.8% and 76.9% in the RP group and 96.6%, 85.4% and 85.4% in the RO group, respectively(P = 0.574). When the initial isoagglutinin titers < 16, neither group showed a rebound rise of isoagglutinin titers. For patients with initial isoagglutinin titers ≥ 16, the rebound rise of isoagglutinin titers was more prominent in the RP group. There was no difference in time-dependent changes in B cell subpopulations and ABO-I-related complications.Conclusions: Sufficient desensitization for ABO-I living donor liver transplantation can be achieved using rituximab alone. This desensitization strategy does not affect the isoagglutinin titers, ABO-I-related complications and patient survival.

Influence of an emulsifier on the pressure desensitization of emulsion explosives

The desensitization degree of emulsion explosives （EE） was calculated with the peak pressure of explosion shock waves tested in water. To an explosive, the less the desensitization degree, the better the compression resistance, so the compression resistance of an explosive can be compared and analyzed quantificationally with the desensitization degree. The influence of an emulsifier on the pressure desensitization of EE was studied, including the content and category of emulsifiers. Three kinds of emulsifiers （Span-80, compound emulsifier, and T-152） were used in the tests. The experimental results show that both the content and category of emulsifiers make a great effect on the pressure desensitization of EE. The desensitization degree of EE reduces with the emulsifier content being increased, but there is an optimal content of an emulsifier for the compression resistance of EE. While the content of Span-80 reaches 4wt%, the desensitization degree of EE becomes a minimal value, and augments somewhat if the emulsifier content is increased more. That is to say, the compression resistance of EE becomes the highest while the content of Span-80 is 4wt%, and the compression resistance will decline if the content of Span-80 is increased more. The compression resistance of the explosive emulsified by compound emulsifier is the highest among all the explosives, when the content of the whole components and manufacturing engineering are kept invariable.

EFFECTS OF DESENSITIZATION AND REBOUND TO ADENOSINE ON ACTION POTENTIAL AND CONTRACTILITY IN ATRIAL CELLS IN GUINEA-PIGS

Objective To investigate the effects of desensitization and rebound to adenosine(Ado) on action potential duration(APD) and contractility in guinea-pig atrial cells. Methods Electrical activity was recorded using standard intracellular microelectrode technique and contractility was recorded using. We studied the effects of adenosine on the action potential and desensitization of contractility and rebound of contractility. Results The results showed that action potential duration were shortened by 1,10, 100μ mol·L -1Ado, the ratio of shortened APD was ( 9.58± 1.40)%,(13.80±2.26)%,(24.80±3.19)%, respectively. 1 μ mol·L -1Ado had no desensitization ( P >0.05), but the time of desensitization of 10μ mol·L -1 Ado and 100μ mol·L -1 Ado was 1 minute( P <0.05) and 5 minutes( P < 0.05), respectively. The desensitization of contractility of 10?μ mol·L -1 Ado was obvious in atrial cells, the decrease of contractility of 10?μ mol·L -1 Ado was obvious in atrial cells, the decrease of contractility was changed from (31.4± 16.04)%(2 minutes) to (50.60±15.87)% (4 minutes), compared with control. After washing out Ado, contractility was shown to rebound, the ratio of increase of contractility by 1,10,100 μ mol·L -1 Ado was (12.38±7.50)%,(19.00± 8.14)% and (27.60±13.44)%, respectively. Conclusion Ado can abbreviate APD in atrial cells. The desensitization of Ado on APD is characterized by concentration-dependent and time-dependent in atrial cells, and the desensitization of contractility of Ado is obvious and contractility was shown to rebound after washing out Ado.

DESENSITIZATION OF ACETYLCHOLINE ON THE INHIBITION EFFECTS OF BLOOD PRE SSURE IN ANESTHETIZED CANINE

Objective To investigate the desensitization of acetylcholine (ACh) on the inhibition effects of blood pressure (BP) in anesthe tized canine and build a model for studying desensitization in vivo. Methods Through changing the intervals (120, 100, 80, 60, 40, 20 seconds) of twice ACh administration (each was 15μg·kg -1,i.v.), the desensitization on the effect of systemic blood pressure of the first ACh in jection towards the subsequent ACh administration was observed. Results When ACh administration intervals were 40, 60, 80 , 100 seconds, the percentages of desensitization of ACh on systemic blood press ure were significantly increased (P<0.05). However, as the intervals were 20 and 120 seconds, the effects of twice ACh administration had no significant dif ference (P>0.05). Conclusion The results indicated that ACh contents in blo od might influence the action of next ACh administration. To some extent, the hi gher the concentration of ACh in blood, the bigger the ratio of desensitization of exogenous ACh is. In addition, this method of twice drug administration could be used as a model of studying desensitization in vivo.

Desensitization of G-protein-coupled receptors induces vascular hypocontractility in response to norepinephrine in the mesenteric arteries of cirrhotic patients and rats

BACKGROUND: The increased β-arrestin-2 and its combination with G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) lead to GPCRs desensitization. The latter may be responsible for decreased contractile reactivity in the mesenteric arteries of cirrhotic patients and rats. The present study is to investigate the machinery changes of α-adrenergic receptors and G proteins and their roles in the contractility of mesenteric arteries of cirrhotic patients and animal models. METHODS: Patients with cirrhosis due to hepatitis B and cirrhotic rats induced by CCl 4 were studied. Mesenteric artery contractility in response to norepinephrine was determined by a vessel perfusion system. The contractile effect of G protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK-2) inhibitor on the mesenteric artery was evaluated. The protein expression of the α 1 adrenergic receptor, G proteins, β-arrestin-2, GRK-2 as well as the activity of Rho associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase-1 (ROCK-1) were measured by Western blot. In addition, the interaction of α 1 adrenergic receptor with β-arrestin-2 was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: The portal vein pressure of cirrhotic patients and rats was significantly higher than that of controls. The doseresponse curve to norepinephrine in mesenteric arteriole was shifted to the right, and EC 50 was significantly increased in cirrhotic patients and rats. There were no significant differences in the expressions of the α 1 adrenergic receptor and G proteins in the cirrhotic group compared with the controls. However, the protein expressions of GRK-2 and β-arrestin-2 were significantly elevated in cirrhotic patients and rats compared with those of the controls. The interaction of the α 1 adrenergic receptor and β-arrestin-2 was significantly aggravated. This interaction was significantly reversed by GRK-2 inhibitor. Both the protein expression and activity of ROCK-1 were significantly decreased in the mesenteric artery in patients with cirrhosis compared with those of the controls, and this phenomenon was not shown in the cirrhotic rats. Norepinephrine significantly increased the activity of ROCK-1 in normal rats but not in cirrhotic ones. Norepinephrine significantly increased ROCK-1 activity in cirrhotic rats when GRK-2 inhibitor was used. CONCLUSIONS: β-arrestin-2 expression and its interaction with GPCRs are significantly upregulated in the mesenteric arteries in patients and rats with cirrhosis. These upregulations result in GPCR desensitization, G-protein dysfunction and ROCK inhibition. These may explain the decreased contractility of the mesenteric artery in response to vasoconstrictors.

Successful interferon desensitization in a patient with chronic hepatitis C infection

Treatment of hepatitis C, even when absolutely necessary, is almost impossible when interferon cannot be administered for any reason. We report a 65-year-old patient with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and fibrosis, who was unable to receive interferon because of systemic hypersensitivity. The patient was desensitized successfully through gradual incremental exposure to interferon, and HCV infection was eradicated after a complete course of treatment, with no further allergic reactions. This case report that describes successful eradication of hepatitis C in a patient with advanced liver disease after desensitization to interferon revealed that desensitization may not necessarily damage the therapeutic efficacy of the drug.

Increasing access to kidney transplantation for sensitized recipient through three-way kidney paired donation with desensitization: The first Indian report

The combination of kidney paired donation(KPD) with desensitization represents a promising method of increasing the rate of living donor kidney transplantation(LDKT) in immunologically challenging patients. Patients who are difficult to match and desensitize due to strong donor specific antibody are may be transplanted by a combination of desensitization and KPD protocol with more immunologically favorable donor. We present our experience of combination of desensitization protocol with three-way KPD which contributed to successful LDKT in highly sensitized end stage renal disease patient. All recipients were discharged with normal and stable allograft function at 24 mo follow up. We believe that this is first report from India where three-way KPD exchange was performed with the combination of KPD and desensitization. The combination of desensitization protocol with KPD improves access and outcomes of LDKT.

Mechanism of charged interface of stargazin EX1 on AMPAR opening and desensitization

OBJECTIVE AMPA-subtype iono⁃tropic glutamate receptors(iGluRs)mediate fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the mammali⁃an central nervous system(CNS).It plays the key role in many central nerves disorder such as epilepsy,depression and schizophrenia.Star⁃gazin(STZ,also named TARP-γ2),as the first TARPs found in CNS,potentiates AMPAR activity by attenuating deactivation and desensitization,enhancing recovery from desensitization,and facilitating agonist affinity and efficacy.However,it is still not fully understanding howγ-2 modu⁃late AMPAR gating.METHODS AND RESULTS The desensitization for different mutation of AMPAR andγ-2 was compared.It was shown that the electric attraction was involved in the interaction of AMPAR andγ-2.In addition,the interaction of KGK motif in ligand binding domain and pre-M1 chain of AMPAR and EX1 ofγ-2 modulate AMPAR opening and desensitization.Substitution of these charged residues had sur⁃prisingly effects on AMPAR desensitization kinet⁃ics.CONCLUSION The electric attraction has two impacts on the channels gating process the first destablizing the receptor closed state and enabling the channel opening,the second pro⁃moting the channels entering desensitization state upon the channel opening.

Effect of desensitization treatment for highly sensitized uremic patients before kidney transplantation

Objective To explore the feasibility and efficacy of desensitization protocol for highly sensitized renal transplant patients ( HSP ) . Methods Thirty - five HSPs ( HLA class - I panel reactive antibody 2〉50 % ) , including 27 patients with a positive T and/or B cell cy-

Progress on the application of graphene-based composites toward energetic materials:A review

Carbon material is an important additive in energetic materials.Graphene is a monolayer carbon material in which carbon atoms are arranged in two-dimensional honeycomb structure,who has special optical,electrical,and mechanical properties.Recently,the application of graphene-based composites in energetic materials has received extensive attention.This review mainly summarizes the applications of graphene and graphene-based nanomaterials in energetic materials.The effects of these materials on the thermal stability,sensitivity,mechanical property,ignition and combustion of energetic materials were discussed.Furthermore,the progress of functionalized modification of graphene has been summarized,including covalent bonding modification and doping modification.These studies show that graphenebased materials exhibit excellent performances and might emerge as promising candidate for energetic materials.

Increased RhoGDI2 and peroxiredoxin 5 levels in asthmatic murine model of β2-adrenoceptor desensitization： A proteomics approach

Background β2-adrenoceptor （β2AR） desensitization is a common problem in clinical practice, β2AR desensitization proceeds by at least such three mechanisms as heterologous desensitization, homologous desensitization and a kind of agonist-induced rapid phosphorylation by a variety of serine/threonine kinases. It is not clear whether there are other mechanisms, This study aimed to investigate potential mechanisms of β2AR desensitization.Methods Twenty-four BALB/c （6-8 weeks old） mice were divided into three groups, which is, group A, phosphate buffered saline （PBS）-treated; group B, ovalbumin （OVA）-induced; and group C, salbutamol-treated. Inflammatory cell counts, cytokine concentrations of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF）, pathological sections, total serum IgE, airway responsiveness, membrane receptor numbers and total amount of β2AR were observed. Asthmatic mouse model and β2AR desensitization asthmatic mouse model were established. Groups B and C were selected for two-dimensional gel electrophoresis （2DE） analysis so as to find key protein spots related to β2AR desensitization.Results Asthmatic mouse model and β2AR desensitization asthmatic mouse model were verified by inflammatory cell count, cytokine concentration of BALF, serum IgE level, airway hyperreactivity measurement, radioligand receptor binding assay, Western blot analysis, and pathologic examination. Then the two groups （groups B and C） were subjected to 2DE. Two key protein spots associated with β2AR desensitization, Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor 2 （RhoGDl2） and peroxiredoxin 5, were found by comparative proteomics （2DE and mass spectrum analysis）.Conclusion Oxidative stress and small G protein regulators may play an important role in the process of β2AR desensitization.v

Essential roles of exosome and circRNA_101093 on ferroptosis desensitization in lung adenocarcinoma

Background:Resistance to ferroptosis,a regulated cell death caused by irondependent excessive accumulation of lipid peroxides,has recently been linked to lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD).Intracellular antioxidant systems are required for protection against ferroptosis.The purpose of the present studywas to investigate whether and how extracellular system desensitizes LUAD cells to ferroptosis.Methods:Established human lung fibroblasts MRC-5,WI38,and human LUAD H1650,PC9,H1975,H358,A549,and H1299 cell lines,tumor and matched normal adjacent tissues of LUAD,and plasma from healthy individuals and LUAD patients were used in this study.Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting were used to analyze protein expression,and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR was used to analyze mRNA expression.Cell viability,cell death,and the lipid reactive oxygen species generationwere measured to evaluate the responses to ferroptosis.Exosomes were observed using transmission electron microscope.The localization of arachidonic acid(AA)was detected using click chemistry labeling followed by confocal microscopy.Interactions between RNAs and proteins were detected using RNA pull-down,RNA immunoprecipitation and photoactivatable ribonucleoside-enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation methods.Proteomic analysis was used to investigate RNA-regulated proteins,and metabolomic analysis was performed to analyze metabolites.Cellderived xenograft,patient-derived xenograft,cell-implanted intrapulmonary LUAD mouse models and plasma/tissue specimens from LUAD patients were used to validate the molecular mechanism.Results:Plasma exosome from LUAD patients specifically reduced lipid peroxidation and desensitized LUAD cells to ferroptosis.A potential explanation is that exosomal circRNA_101093(cir93)maintained an elevation in intracellular cir93 in LUAD to modulate AA,a poly-unsaturated fatty acid critical for ferroptosisassociated increased peroxidation in the plasma membrane.Mechanistically,cir93 interacted with and increased fatty acid-binding protein 3(FABP3),which transported AA and facilitated its reaction with taurine.Thus,global AA was reduced,whereas N-arachidonoyl taurine(NAT,the product of AA and taurine)was induced.Notably,the role of NAT in suppressing AA incorporation into the plasma membrane was also revealed.In pre-clinical in vivo models,reducing exosome improved ferroptosis-based treatment.Conclusion:Exosome and cir93 are essential for desensitizing LUAD cells to ferroptosis,and blocking exosome may be helpful for future LUAD treatment.

Systematic review of outcomes for endoscopic sinus surgery and subsequent aspirin desensitization in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

Objective:To review and evaluate outcomes of patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease(AERD)following endoscopic sinus surgery and subsequent aspirin desensitization.Methods:Electronic searches of OVID MEDLINE(1948 to September 10,2019),EMBASE(1980 to September 10,2019),and PubMed were performed on September 10,2019.A systematic review of the literature was performed using the 2009 PRISMA guidelines.Studies with both preoperative and postoperative data for patients with AERD who underwent sinus surgery and aspirin desensitization were considered appropriate for inclusion.Publications were written in English and included patients aged 18 years or older.Results:Six studies met inclusion criteria for this systematic review.The primary outcome measure was change in symptom profile measured by patient-reported quality of life scores.The results demonstrate statistically significant improvement in symptoms following endoscopic sinus surgery,with sustained improvement following aspirin desensitization.Revision surgery rates were significantly lower in patients maintained on aspirin therapy.Conclusion:This review suggests that surgery followed by aspirin desensitization results in improvement in both subjective and objective outcome measures.The adjunctive use of aspirin desensitization allows for long-term stability in symptom scores.Recurrence of polyps and worsening symptoms requiring revision surgery occurs when aspirin maintenance therapy is inter-rupted.

Clinical Study on Combined Acupuncture and Psychological Desensitization Therapy for Anxiety due to Heroin Addiction

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of combined acupuncture and psychological desensitization therapy for anxiety in those with heroin addiction. Methods： All 90 cases were randomly allocated into a treatment group （45 cases） and a control group （45 cases）. Cases in the treatment group received 30 min of combined acupuncture and psychological desensitization therapy for each treatment, twice a week and 8 weeks in total, whereas cases in the control group received no treatment. After that, the anxiety score and state were observed. In addition, the mental state prior to and after cue-elicited heroin craving was evaluated. Results： The total and standard scores of anxiety in the treatment group were significantly reduced compared to the control group （P〈0.05）, coupled with a significant reduction of heroin craving （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Combined acupuncture and psychological desensitization can alleviate anxiety and inhibit the short-term heroin craving.

The impact of endoscopic sinus surgery and aspirin desensitization on psychological burden in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

Background:Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease(AERD)is an aggressive inflammatory disorder of the upper and lower respiratory tract.Corticosteroids,leukotriene modifiers,endoscopic sinus surgery(ESS),aspirin(ASA)desensitization,and biological immu-nomodulators are currently used to treat the disorder.Objective:The objective of this study was to determine the psychosocial impact of ESS and ASA desensitization on AERD patients.Methods:All AERD patients who underwent complete ESS were divided into two cohorts based on ASA desensitization status.The psychosocial metrics of the SNOT-22 were collected and analyzed at the following time points:pre-operative,1-month,3-month,6-month,and 12-month after ESS.Results:One hundred and eighty-four AERD patients underwent ESS from November 2009 to November 2018.From this group,130 patients underwent ASA desensitization(AD cohort)and 54 patients remained non-desensitized(ND cohort).AD patients showed a significantly greater reduction in total SNOT-22 scores over the study period compared to ND patients(p=0.0446).Analysis of SNOT-22 psychosocial metrics showed a significantly greater improvement in patient productivity in the AD cohort when compared to the ND cohort(p=0.0214).Further,a sub-group analysis accounting for subject attrition showed a significantly greater improvement in both productivity and concentration in AD patients when compared to the ND cohort(productivity:p=0.0068;concentration:p=0.0428).Conclusions:ESS followed by ASA desensitization decreases the overall psychosocial burden in AERD patients with a significant improvement in perceived productivity and concentration.This has significant implications given the psychosocial impact of chronic diseases.

A logarithmic rapid desensitization protocol: initial experience in carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions

Aim: Hypersensitivity reactions to carboplatin are not an infrequent adverse event in ovarian cancer patients. However, reintroduction of platinum-containing schedules is the standard of care in platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer. Rapid desensitization is a procedure for gradual reintroduction of drug. It allows a safe administration of medications that are beneficial for the management of patients after certain types of hypersensitivity reactions. It is indicated in cases in which there are no reasonable therapeutic alternatives. Methods: We performed a descriptive retrospective study of high-grade ovarian cancer patients with known carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions that were treated with a 13-steps rapid desensitization protocol with 3 different solutions and infusion rates. The procedure followed a mathematic model (gradual increases with a relationship between doses following a geometric series) which is called logarithmic rapid desensitization protocol (LRDP). The aim was to describe the safety of the LRDP in terms of number and severity of infusion reactions and the effectiveness in the rate of cycles completely administered. Results: Four different patients diagnosed with recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer with a previous infusion reaction were included. LRDP was administered in 19 different cycles. LRDP was administered safety in all 19 cycles, only 2 patients had a mild cutaneous reaction in 4 different cycles during LRDP (21.05%). The foreseen dose of carboplatin was fully administered in all cycles.Conclusion: LRDP with carboplatin is a feasible and safe protocol in patients with previous infusion reaction to carboplatin. The protocol might allow a safe administration of drugs, that are beneficial for the management of patients, after certain types of hypersensitivity reactions, and it is indicated in cases in which there are no reasonable therapeutic alternatives.

Endogenous Norepinephrine Desensitizes α1D-Adrenoceptors in Cultured Rat Aorta

Desensitization is a process characterized by the loss of cellular response to an agonist when this is present for a long time. α1D-adrenergic receptor (α1D-AR) desensitization is important since this receptor is involved in the contraction of large caliber arteries, such as the aorta. The aim of this research was to evaluate the desensitization of α1D-AR due to the endogenous release of norepinephrine in cultured rat aorta. Wistar rat aorta was incubated for 2 h or 24 h in DMEM at 37°C, and then subjected to isometric tension and the action of added norepinephrine, in concentration-response curve (CRC). In some experiments, BMY-7378 (α1D-AR antagonist) or 5-methylurapidil (α1A-AR antagonist) was used to identify the α1-AR involved in the response, or BMY-7378 to protect the α1D-AR from desensitization. Results showed that α1D-AR was desensitized when the aorta was incubated for 24 h, since the CRC to exogenous norepinephrine showed lower maximal contraction and the curve was displaced to the right, indicating that the receptor involved in contraction was not the α1D-AR, as compared to the aorta incubated 2 h. The receptor stimulated by norepinephrine at 24 h was neither the α1A-AR, as shown by the lack of displacement of the curve by 5-methylurapidil, but rather it seems that α1B-AR is inducing contraction. When the aorta was incubated with BMY-7378 for 24 h, the α1D-AR antagonist protected the receptor from desensitization. Endogenous norepinephrine desensitizes α1D-AR in the cultured aorta, and the α1D-AR is protected by BMY-7378.