title: Release of mast cell mediators, vasoconstriction and edema in the isolated, perfused head of the rat following intracarotid infusion of neurotensin.
abstract: Intracarotid infusions of neurotensin (NT) into the isolated, perfused head of rats trigger concentration-dependent histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) release from the perfused organ. The secretory event was accompanied by a concentration-dependent rise in perfusion pressure and facilitation of edema formation. The three NT effects were markedly reduced in heads derived from rats pretreated with high doses of compound 48/80 to produce mast cell depletion. The vasoconstrictor response to NT was greatly attenuated by the 5-HT receptor antagonist methysergide but unaffected by antihistaminic drugs. The results were interpreted as an indication that NT stimulates histamine and 5-HT release from mast cells of the rat perfused head. The results also suggest that the vasoconstrictor response to NT in the rat head is mediated by mast cell 5-HT. The potentiation of edema formation by NT was attributed to the action of mast cell mediators (most likely histamine and 5-HT) released by NT on microvessels.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rioux
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kérouac
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: St-Pierre
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000494:pharmacology; D004487:Edema / Q000139:chemically induced; D006257:Head / Q000098:blood supply; D006636:Histamine Release / Q000187:drug effects; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008297:Male; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000187:drug effects*; D009496:Neurotensin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010477:Perfusion; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects*; D003189:p-Methoxy-N-methylphenethylamine / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D012701:Serotonin; D009496:Neurotensin; D003189:p-Methoxy-N-methylphenethylamine; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium