Prostacyclin (PGI2) induces rapid depletion of cyclic AMP levels in brain nuclei of rats.
Intravenous injection of prostacyclin (100 micrograms/kg) in rats resulted in a decrease of systolic blood pressure within 2 minutes. Concentrations of cAMP in 15 brain regions and nuclei were determined by radioimmunoassay. In lower brain stem nuclei, such as the nucleus of the solitary tract and the lateral reticular nucleus (A1 and C1 catecholaminergic cell groups) cAMP levels were depleted significantly, while in others, including the locus coeruleus and the periaqueductal central gray, cAMP levels did not show any alterations. Levels of cAMP were also depleted in some of the hypothalamic nuclei (periventricular, anterior hypothalamic, ventromedial), and in cerebral cortical areas. Lowered cAMP levels in brain areas might indicate lower cellular activity in cells participating in baroreceptor control mechanisms.
Schmid
G
G
Medical Clinic of the University Department of Nephrology, Wuerzburg, FRG.
Bahner
U
U
Palkovits
M
M
Geiger
H
H
Heidland
A
A
D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000032:analysis; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000032:analysis*; D011464:Epoprostenol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000032:analysis; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008526:Medulla Oblongata / Q000032:analysis; D008636:Mesencephalon / Q000032:analysis; D011311:Pressoreceptors / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D011464:Epoprostenol; D000242:Cyclic AMP