Effects of endotoxin on endothelin receptor in hepatic and intestinal tissues after endotoxemia in rats

INTRODUCTIONEndothelins(ETs) has a potent and sustainedvasoconstrictive effect on a variety of blood vessels.The vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)is thetarget for ETs.VSMC of the whole body containsendothelin receptor (ETR).A great number ofexperiments have shown that three distinctcomplementary DNAs of ETR have been identifiedi.e.,endothelin A receptor(ET_A receptor),endothelin B receptor(ET_B receptor)

Increased endothelin receptor B and G protein coupled kinase-2 in the mesentery of portal hypertensive rats

AIM: To elucidate the mechanisms of mesenteric vasodilation in portal hypertension (PHT), with a focus on endothelin signaling. METHODS: PHT was induced in rats by common bile duct ligation (CBDL). Portal pressure (PP) was measured directly via catheters placed in the portal vein tract. The level of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the mesenteric circulation was determined by radioimmunoassay, and the expression of the endothelin A receptor (ETAR) and endothelin B receptor (ETBR) was assessed by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Additionally, expression of G protein coupled kinase-2 (GRK2) and β-arrestin 2, which influence endothelin receptor sensitivity, were also studied by Western blot. RESULTS: PP of CBDL rats increased significantly (11.89 ± 1.38 mmHg vs 16.34 ± 1.63 mmHg). ET-1 expression decreased in the mesenteric circulation 2 and 4 wk after CBDL. ET-1 levels in the systemic circulation of CBDL rats were increased at 2 wk and decreased at 4 wk. There was no change in ETAR expression in response to CBDL; however, increased expression of ETBR in the endothelial cells of mesenteric arterioles and capillaries was observed. In sham-operated rats, ETBR was mainly expressed in the CD31+ endothelial cells of the arterioles. With development of PHT, in addition to the endothelial cells, ETBR expression was noticeably detectable in the SMA+ smooth muscle cells of arterioles and in the CD31+ capillaries. Following CBDL, increased expression of GRK2 was also found in mesenteric tissue, though there was no change in the level of β-arrestin 2. CONCLUSION: Decreased levels of ET-1 and increased ETBR expression in the mesenteric circulation following CBDL in rats may underlie mesenteric vasodilation in individuals with PHT. Mechanistically, increased GRK2 expression may lead to desensitization of ETAR, as well as other vasoconstrictors, promoting this vasodilatory effect.

Endothelin receptor antagonists for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy:A meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy(DN)is the main cause of chronic kidney disease and endstage renal disease worldwide.Although available clinical trials have shown that endothelin receptor(ER)antagonists may be a novel and beneficial drug for DN,no consistent conclusions regarding their sufficient effectiveness and safety for patients with DN have been presented.AIM To assess the effectiveness and safety of ER antagonists among patients with DN.METHODS The EMBASE,PubMed,MEDLINE,Cochrane,and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched without any language restrictions.Relative risks with 95%confidence intervals(CIs)for dichotomous data and mean differences or standardized mean difference with 95%CIs for continuous data were calculated using Review Manager 5.3 software.Publication bias was assessed using Egger’s test with Stata/SE software.RESULTS We enrolled seven studies with six data sets and 5271 participants.The ER antagonists group showed a significantly greater reduction in albuminuria and more patients with 40%reduction in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio than the control group(P<0.0001 and P=0.02,respectively).Subgroup analysis for reductions in estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)showed that for the middle-dosage subgroup,the ER antagonists group exhibited lower eGFR reduction than the control group(P<0.00001;mean difference,0.7095%CI:0.66,0.74).Moreover,significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were observed in the invention group.CONCLUSION ER blockades combined with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers may be an effective treatment to lower blood pressure and reduce proteinuria in DN with declined eGFR.However,attention should be given to adverse events,including cardiac failure,anemia,and hypoglycemia,as well as serious adverse events.

Study of the Effect of Leeching on Plasma Endothelin and Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective: to explore the mechanism of leeching in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: Forty-four patients with SLE were randomly divided into conventional corticosteroid treated group (control group, n =20) and conventional treatment group with leeching intervention added (leeching group, n =24). Before and after treatment the concentration of plasma endothelin (ET) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) were determined. Results: Before treatment the level of plasma ET and sIL-2R in the SLE patients were all higher than those in the normal healthy group, ( P <0.01). But after treatment the level of these in both groups were significantly improved than those of before treatment ( P <0.05), and comparison between these two treated groups showed that the difference between them was significant ( P <0.05). Conclusion: Leeching added to conventional treatment of SLE could be more effective in improving the level of plasma ET and sIL-2R, and ameliorating the impairment of renal tissues.

The Expression of Endothelin Receptor B in Melanoma Cells A375 and Sk-mel-1 and the Proliferative Effects of Endothelin 3 on A375 Cells

In order to investigate the expression of endothelin receptor B （ETR-B） in human malignant melanoma （MM） cells A375 and SK-mel-1 and the proliferative effects of endothelin 3 （ET3） on A375 cells, RT-PCR was applied to detect the expression of ETR-B gene in human MM cells A375 and SK-mel-1. MTT method was used to evaluate the growth enhancing effects of ET3 on A375 cell line in vitro. The results showed that ETR-B gene was expressed in both MM A375 and SK-mel-1 cells. ET3 had stronger ability to enhance the proliferation of A375 cells in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. It was suggested that ET3/ETR-B might play an important proliferative role in MM.

Correlation of calcitonin gene-related peptide and endothelin receptor A with subarachnoid hemorrhage

Numerous studies have demonstrated that endothelin-1 combines with endothelin receptor A, resulting in intense vasoconstriction. Although calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP） suppresses endothelin-1, CGRP and endothelin receptor A exhibit direct biological effects on brain tissue. The present study analyzed CGRP and endothelin receptor A expression following subarachnoid hemorrhage in rabbits using immunohistochemistry. CGRP expression was significant at 5 days after model establishment, and endothelin receptor A expression was significant at 3 days after model induction. The perimeter of the basilar artery was measured to determine the amount of cerebral vasospasm. Analytical results revealed a significantly shortened basilar artery perimeter following subarachnoid hemorrhage. Changes in the basilar artery perimeter were negatively associated with endothelin receptor A expression, but positively correlated with CGRP expression in vessels. These results suggest that following subarachnoid hemorrhage, CGRP and endothelin receptor A expressions dynamically changed in brain vessels and tissues, although these changes were not synchronous. Changes in endothelin receptor A expression exhibited a significant effect on the occurrence and development of delayed cerebral vasospasm and delayed neuronal death, while CGRP relaxed vessels and protected nerves.

Increased Expression of Endothelin Receptors in Human Cirrhosis—— Relationship with Splanchnic Hemodynamics

The purpose of the present study was to assess the correlation that likely exists among increased portal pressure (P p), portal blood flow quantity (Q p) and ET A and ET B receptor mRNA expression in human cirrhosis. In situ hybridization and reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT PCR) were performed to determine the expression of ET A and ET B receptor mRNA in liver tissues from traumatic subjects ( n =10) and cirrhotic patients ( n =15) in whom hepatic hemodynamic values were measured. The expression of the two transcripts was significantly higher in liver samples of cirrhotic patients than in those obtained from traumatic subjects. It has shown that ET A receptor mRNA predominantly located in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and vascular smooth muscle cells of intrahepatic arteries and portal veins, ET B receptor mRNA in HSCs, sinusoidal endothelial cells and Kuppfer cells. There was a highly significant direct relationship between ET A and ET B receptor mRNA and P p and Q p in cirrhotic patients. It suggests that liver paracrine endothelin system may be overactivated in human cirrhosis accompanied with increased expression of ET A and ET B receptor mRNA which may play an important role in the pathogenesis and maintenance of splanchnic hyperdynamics.

Effect of endothelin-1 receptor antagonists on histological and ultrastructural changes in the pancreas and trypsinogen activation in the early course of caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in rats

AIM: To assess the effect of non-selective ETA/B (LU 302872)and selective ETA (LU 302146) antagonist on pancreatic histology and ultrastructure of acinar cells in connection with trypsinogen activation in early caerulein-induced AP.METHODS: Male Wistar rats with caerulein-induced AP,lasting 4 h, were treated i.p. with 10 and 20 mg/kg b.w.of each antagonist. Edema, inflammatory infiltration,necrosis and vacuolization of acinar cells in the pancreas were scored at 0-3 scale. Free active trypsin (FAT), total potential trypsin (TPT) after activation with enterokinase,and index of trypsinogen activation (%FAT/TPT) were assayed in pancreatic homogenates.RESULTS: In untreated AP, the edema, inflammatory infiltration, necrosis and vacuolization increased as compared to control healthy rats (P＜0.01). None of the treatment exerted any meaningful effect on the edema and inflammatory infiltration. The selective antagonist increased slightly the necrosis score to 0.82±0.06 at higher dose (P＜0.05) vs 0.58±0.06 in untreated AP. The nonselective antagonist increased slightly the vacuolization score to 2.41±0.07 at higher dose (P＜0.01) vs 1.88±0.08in untreated AP. The decrease in the number of zymogen granules, disorganization of endoplasmic reticulum,autophagosomes and cytoplasmic vacuoles were more prominent in treated AP than in untreated AP groups.%FAT/TPT in untreated AP increased about four times (18.4±3.8 vs4.8±1.3 in control group without AP, P＜0.001).Treatment of AP with both antagonists did not affect significantly augmented trypsinogen activation.CONCLUSION: The treatment with endothelin-1 receptors (non-selective ETA/B and selective ETA) antagonists has essential effect neither on the edema and inflammatory infiltration nor on trypsinogen activation observed in the early course of caerulein-induced AP. Nevertheless a slight increase of the necrosis and vacuolization score and some of the ultrastructural data could suggest the possibility of their undesired effects in caerulein-induced AP at investigated doses.

Correlation between Pulmonary Endothelin Receptors and Alveolar-arterial Oxygen Gradient in Rats with Hepatopulmonary Syndrome

The correlation between pulmonary endothelin receptors and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient （A aDO2） in rats with hepatopulmonary syndrome was investigated. Animals were divided into 2 groups： Sham operated （Sham） group and common bile duct ligation （CBDL） group. Arterial blood gas was evaluated by a blood gas analyzer. The concentrations of ET-1 in blood and lung tissue sample were evaluated by radioimmunoassay. The distribution and expression of two kinds of subtype receptor of ET-1, ETRA and ETRB were examined by in situ hybridization. The results showed that the level of A aDO2, was higher in CBDI. group than that in Sham group （P〈0.05）. The levels of plasma and pulmonary ET-1 in CBDL group were both higher than in Sham group （P〈0.05 ）. There was no significant difference in average A of ETRA between two groups by imaging analysis （0.21±0.06 vs 0.22±0.08, P〉0.05）, while that of ETRB was higher in CBDI. group than in Sham group （0.58±0.16 vs 0.28±0.07, P〈0.05）. The expression of ETRBinlung was positively correlated with A aDO2（P〈0.05）. It was concluded that the widened A-aDO2 may be related with enhancement of the expression of ETRB in lung.

MUTATION OF THE ENDOTHELIN-B RECEPTOR AND THE ENDOTHELIN-3 GENE IN CHINESE SPORADIC CASES OF HIRSCHSPRUNG'S DISEASE

Objective To investigate the mutation of endothelin receptor B (EDNRB) gene and endothelin 3 (EDN 3) gene in sporadic Hirschsprungs disease (HD) in Chinese population. Methods Genomic DNA was extracted from bowel tissues of 34 unrelated HD patients which were removed by surgery. Exon 3, 4, 6 of EDNRB gene and Exon 1, 2 of EDN 3 gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analyzed by single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP).Results EDNRB mutations were detected in 2 of the 13 short segment HDs. One mutant was in the exon 3; the other one was in the exon 6. EDN 3 mutation was detected in 1 of the 13 short segment HDs and in the exon 2. Both EDNRB mutation and EDN 3 mutation were detected in one short segment HD. No mutations were detected in the ordinary or long segment HD. Conclusion The mutations of EDNRB gene and EDN 3 gene are found in the short segment HD of sporadic Hirschsprung's disease in Chinese population, which suggests that the EDNRB gene and EDN 3 gene play important roles in the pathogenesis of HD. the mutations of EDNRB and EDN 3 lead to the maldevelopment of the enteric nervous system.

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of an Endothelin Receptor Antagonist Ambrisentan

The title compound was synthesized and its crystal structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal is of orthorhombic system （C22H22N2O4, Mr = 378.42）, space group P2121 with a = 6.8786（12）, b = 14.259（2）, c = 19.712（3） A, V= 1933.5（6） A3, Z = 4, Dc = 1.300 g/cm3, f（000） = 800, μ= 0.090 mm-1, the final R = 0.0324 and wR = 0.0775 for 2410 observed reflections （I 〉 2σ（I））. The structure, especially the absolute configuration, of the title compound ambrisentan, an important endothelin receptor antagonist, was confirmed by single- crystal X-ray diffraction. The three aromatic rings in the lattice are basically orthogonal to one another. There is an intermolecular hydrogen bond in the crystal, which helps to further stabilize the crystal. One of the two non-classical intramolecular hydrogen bonds can help to stabilize the molecular conformation in the lattice.

Therapeutic Trial of an Endothelin Receptor Agonist for the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A/H5N1 Virus Infection in Chicks

The rapid spread of the highly pathogenic A/H5N1 avian influenza virus among domestic birds and its transmission to humans has induced world-wide fears of a new influenza pandemic. A/H5N1 has infected over 300 people since 1997, and has shown a mortality rate of over 50%. The high mortality in human cases is thought to be enhanced by the excessive secretion of various endogenous factors, including cytokines and interleukins, stimulated by viral infections. Chickens infected with A/H5N1 viruses experience sudden death without showing severe clinical symptoms or inflammation. However, severe hemorrhage and congestion are seen in various tissues in sporadic chicken cases of A/H5N1-infections, especially in the pulmonary tissues, thus indicating that there is ischemia due to vascular abnormalities. Our previous studies have focused on the expression pattern of endothelin-1, which modulates the vascular tone via endothelin receptors. An Indonesian sporadic strain of A/H5N1 virus was intranasally administered to 10-day-old chicks, and the expression of endothelin was examined in the infected birds. All birds died within five days of inoculation, and had moderate inflammation accompanied by severe hemorrhage and congestion in the lungs. Immunohistochemical studies showed enhanced expression of endothelin-1 in the infected lungs. In addition, the real-time PCR analyses revealed that endothelin-1 and endothelin receptor A mRNA were significantly elevated in the birds with A/H5N1 infections. Subsequently, H5N1-infected birds were inoculated with bosentan hydrate, a competitive antagonist of endothelin receptors. Interestingly, the mortality rate of the infected birds was dramatically decreased in a dose-dependent manner by the administration of bosentan hydrate. The pathological lesions, including congestion and hemorrhage in the pulmonary tissues, were clearly inhibited. These findings are promising, and suggest that endothelin receptor antagonists are a potential treatment for the highly pathogenic avian flu.

INTRACELLULAR REDISTRIBUTION OF CARDIAC ENDOTHELIN- 1 RECEPTOR IN RAT DURING MYOCARDIAL HYPERTROPHY

Objective. In a model of rat cardiac hypertrophy, the changes in the distribution of ET- 1 receptors in two subcellular fractions, the sarcolemma and the light vesicles during myocardial hypertrophy were studied. Methods. Cardiac hypertrophy was produced by placing a constricting clip around the suprarenal abdominal aorta of rats, and ET- 1 receptor was assayed with radioactive analysis method. Results. It was found that plasma and ventricular ET- 1 levels increased significantly on week 2 and week 4 of pressure overload. ET- 1 binding studies showed that during myocardial hypertrophy, the maximum binding capacity (Bmax) was increased by 41％ (P< 0.01) and 65％ (P< 0.01) in sarcolemma in H- 2 week and H- 4 week groups, but was decreased by 24％ (P< 0.01) and 21％ (P< 0.01) in light vesicles. The sum of Bmax of sarcolemmal and light vesicle fractions was increased by 33％ (P< 0.01) and 57％ (P< 0.01) in group H- 2 week and H- 4 week, respectively. Conclusion. ET- 1 receptors in rat heart were externalized from light vesicles to sarcolemma, which may contribute to the development of myocardial hypertrophy.

EFFECT OF ANGIOTENSIN II RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST AND ENDOTHELIN RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST ON NITROGLYCERIN TOLERANCE IN RATS

Objective. To investigate whether angiotensin II receptor antagonist and endothelin receptor antagonist can improve the nitroglycerin (Nit) tolerance in vivo. Methods. Twenty- four rats were divided into 4 groups (n=6,each): Control group, Nitroglycerin (Nit) group, Nit＋ bosentan group and Nit＋ losartan group. Nitroglycerin tolerance was induced by 2- day treatment of nitroglycerin patch (0.05 mg/h). AngiotensinⅡ receptor antagonist losartan ( 10 mg· kg－ 1· d－ 1 ) and endothelin receptor antagonist bosentan ( 100 mg· kg－ 1· d－ 1 ) were given by gavage for 2 days respectively. Results. The least hypotensive response to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was observed in Nit group . The effective percentages of hypotensive response to SNP were increased in both Nit＋ losartan group and Nit＋ bosentan group compared with Nit group [(31.95± 4.45 )％ vs (21.00± 3.69 )％ , P< 0.01 and (33.18± 6.16 )％ vs (21.00± 3.69 )％ , P< 0.01 ,respectively]. The maximal vessel relaxation induced by SNP was the same in 4 different groups but the highest EC50 (concentration which produces 50％ of the maximal response to SNP) was found in tolerant group[(34± 10) nmol/ L,P < 0.01 .The ET- 1 amounts in plasma and vascular tissue were markedly increased by 54％ and 60％ in Nit group compared with those in control group(P< 0.01).The ET- 1 amounts in plasma and vascular tissue were decreased by 30％ and 37％ in Nit＋ losartan group compared with those in Nit group (P< 0.01). Conclusion. Endothelin receptor antagonist and angiotensinⅡ receptor antagonist could prevent against the Nit tolerance .

烧冲复合伤早期肺组织ET-1及ETAR转录表达的研究

目的：探讨内皮素－１（ＥＴ－１）、内皮素Ａ型受体（ＥＴＡＲ）及肿瘤坏死因子α（ＴＮＦα）在烧冲复合伤病理生理过程中的作用和地位。方法：应用放射免疫及原位杂交和斑点杂交等核酸分子生物学技术，观测大鼠烧伤和烧冲复合伤后肺组织ＥＴ－１、ＥＴＲ及ＴＮＦα的转录表达变化、相互关系及与组织细胞损伤的关系。结果：伤后早期肺组织ＴＮＦα及ＥＴ－１的ｍＲＮＡ转录及其产生分泌均显著增加，血浆一氧化氮（ＮＯ）也有所增加，肺组织中的内皮素Ａ型受体（ＥＴＡＲ）ｍＲＮＡ升高，但ＥＴＲ却“下调”，各项指标变化均以烧冲复合伤组为显著，并与肺组织病理变化相关。结论：ＥＴ－１及其受体ＥＴＡＲ等在烧冲复合伤后肺的病理生理过程中可能起着重要作用。

激活PPAR-γ对妊娠高血压大鼠模型ET-1/ETAR信号通路的影响

目的考察过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体-γ(PPAR-γ)在妊娠高血压发病过程中的作用及机制。方法将60只妊娠SD大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、罗格列酮组和波生坦组,每组15只。模型组、罗格列酮组和波生坦组大鼠尾静脉注射内毒素建立妊娠高血压大鼠模型。罗格列酮组大鼠妊娠第15天开始每天灌胃罗格列酮(PPAR-γ激活剂,2 mg/kg)。波生坦组大鼠妊娠第15天开始每天灌胃波生坦(内皮素受体阻断剂,50 mg/kg)。免疫组化检测大鼠胎盘组织中ET-1的阳性表达。RT-qPCR和Western blot测定PPAR-γ和ETAR的mRNA和蛋白表达。结果与对照组相比,从妊娠第12天开始,随着孕龄的增加,模型组大鼠的收缩压和尿蛋白逐渐升高,而血小板计数逐渐降低(均P<0.05)。与对照组相比,模型组的ET-1的阳性率显著升高(P<0.05),而罗格列酮组和波生坦组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。与对照组相比,模型组和波生坦组的PPAR-γmRNA和蛋白表达水平显著降低,而罗格列酮组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。与对照组相比,模型组的ETAR mRNA和蛋白表达水平显著升高(P<0.05),而罗格列酮组和波生坦组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论激活PPAR-γ可通过抑制ET-1/ETAR信号通路来降低血管收缩作用,从而抑制妊娠高血压的疾病进展。

CEC、ET、ETAR与脑外伤后脑水肿、缺血性脑损害关系的实验研究

目的研究脑外伤后脑水肿、缺血性脑损害的发生与循环内皮细胞（CEC）、内皮素（ET）及内皮素A受体（ETAR）变化的关系。方法建立颅脑撞击伤的动物模型，于伤后不同时相测定CEC、血、CSF、不同脑区ET含量，原位杂交检测ETARmRNA表达，测定脑血流量、脑含水量，光镜、电镜观察神经病理学改变。结果脑外伤后CEC、ET含量显著升高，ETARmRNA表达增强，并与伤情轻重呈正相关。结论脑外伤后脑血管内皮细胞脱落致血脑屏障（BBB）破坏，升高的ET与ETAR结合使血管通透性增高，脑血流减少，参与了脑水肿、缺血性脑损害的发生。

脓毒性休克大鼠ET-1及ETAR变化的研究

目的探讨脓毒性休克大鼠内皮素-1和内皮素-A受体在各主要组织器官(心、肝、肺、肾、小肠)中的变化以及组织器官水潴留、功能受损状况。方法雄性Wistar大鼠50只,随机分为5组,正常组、对照组、脓毒症组、脓毒性休克组、干预组,每组10只;采用盲肠结扎穿刺术(CLP)模型,分别检测各组织器官ET-1及ETAR变化量、水潴留、器官功能指标。结果脓毒性休克大鼠各主要组织器官(心、肝、肺、肾)ET-1和ETAR含量较正常组和对照组均明显增加(P<0.05),水潴留及脏器功能损害明显(P<0.05);干预组中各指标较脓毒性休克组均有不同程度缓和,但肺脏水潴留及血气指标改善不明显(P>0.05);脓毒性休克组ET-1、ETAR与各器官功能及水潴留呈正相关(P<0.01)。结论 ET-1和ETAR参与了脓毒症及脓毒性休克的病理生理过程,可加重各主要脏器的水肿,同时参与脓毒症和脓毒性休克并发的多器官功能障碍综合征(MODS),ETA选择性受体阻滞剂可明显缓和这一结果,为未来治疗脓毒症引起的多器官功能障碍提供一种可能。

Gene expression profiling and endothelin in acute experimental pancreatitis

AIM:To analyze gene expression profiles in an experimental pancreatitis and provide functional reversal of hypersensitivity with candidate gene endothelin-1 antagonists.METHODS:Dibutyltin dichloride(DBTC) is a chemical used as a polyvinyl carbonate stabilizer/catalyzer,biocide in agriculture,antifouling agent in paint and fabric.DBTC induces an acute pancreatitis flare through generation of reactive oxygen species.Lewis-inbred rats received a single i.v.injection with either DBTC or vehicle.Spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia(DRG) were taken at the peak of inflammation and processed for transcriptional profiling with a cDNA microarray biased for rat brain-specific genes.In a second study,groups of animals with DBTC-induced pancreatitis were treated with endothelin(ET) receptor antagonists [ET-A(BQ123) and ET-B BQ788)].Spontaneous pain related mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity were measured.Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using anti-ET-A and ET-B antibodies on sections from pancreatic tissues and DRG of the T10-12 spinal segments.RESULTS:Animals developed acute pancreatic inflammation persisting 7-10 d as confirmed by pathological studies(edema in parenchyma,loss of pancreatic architecture and islets,infiltration of inflammatory cells,neutrophil and mononuclear cells,degeneration,vacuolization and necrosis of acinar cells) and the painrelated behaviors(cutaneous secondary mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity).Gene expression profile was different in the spinal cord from animals with pancreatitis compared to the vehicle control group.Over 260 up-regulated and 60 down-regulated unique genes could be classified into 8 functional gene families:circulatory/acute phase/immunomodulatory;extracellular matrix;structural;channel/receptor/transporter;signaling transduction;transcription/translation-related;antioxidants/chaperones/heat shock;pancreatic and other enzymes.ET-1 was among the 52 candidate genes upregulated greater than 2-fold in animals with pancreatic inflammation and visceral pain-related behavior.Treatments with the ET-A(BQ123) and ET-B(BQ-788) antagonists revealed significant protection against inflammatory pain related mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity behaviors in animals with pancreatitis(P < 0.05).Open field spontaneous behavioral activity(at baseline,day 6 and 30 min after drug treatments(BQ123,BQ788) showed overall stable activity levels indicating that the drugs produced no undesirable effects on normal exploratory behaviors,except for a trend toward reduction of the active time and increase in resting time at the highest dose(300 μmol/L).Immunocytochemical localization revealed that expression of ET-A and ET-B receptors increased in DRG from animals with pancreatitis.Endothelin receptor localization was combined in dual staining with neuronal marker NeuN,and glia marker,glial fibrillary acidic protein.ET-A was expressed in the cell bodies and occasional nuclei of DRG neurons in na ve animals.However,phenotypic expression of ET-A receptor was greatly increased in neurons of all sizes in animals with pancreatitis.Similarly,ET-B receptor was localized in neurons and in the satellite glia,as well as in the Schwann cell glial myelin sheaths surrounding the axons passing through the DRG.CONCLUSION:Endothelin-receptor antagonists protect against inflammatory pain responses without interfering with normal exploratory behaviors.Candidate genes can serve as future biomarkers for diagnosis and/or targeted gene therapy.

Effect of increased hepatic platelet activating factor and its receptor portal hypertension in CCl_4-induced liver cirrhosis

瞄准：为了在肝的血小板激活评估变化，肝脏硬化症的老鼠的门压力上的因素(PAF ) 和它的受体和他们的效果由 CCl4 导致了。方法：肝肝硬化的一个模型被 CCl4 的 intra 腹注射为 8 wk 在老鼠复制。我们由 EIA，浸透绑定和 RT-PCR 技术在门和动脉压上决定了肝的 PAF 和它的受体水平的效果。结果：比较了控制老鼠，肝脏硬化症的老鼠象更高的血浆 PAF 层次一样有更高肝的 PAF 层次和产量(P【0.01， P【0.01， P【0.05，分别地) 。两肝的 PAF 受体 mRNA 层次和 PAF 绑定是将近在肝脏硬化症的老鼠(P【0.01 ) 更大的 3 褶层。PAF (1 g/kg WT ) 的门注射分别地在控制和肝脏硬化症的老鼠增加了门压力 22% 和 33% 。相反，动脉压在两个组被减少(54% 在控制老鼠并且 42% 在肝脏硬化症的老鼠) 。PAF 对手 BN52021 (5 mg/kg WT ) 的注射减少了在肝脏硬化症的老鼠的在 16% 的门压力但是没在控制老鼠有效果。结论：起来 PAF 系统的规定在肝硬化贡献肝的血液动力学、新陈代谢的畸形，并且进发行量的 PAF 的增加的版本在全身的血液动力学上有影响。