Jpn. J. Pharmacol. 85 (3), 241-249 (2001)


The Influence of Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor, Rolipram, on Hemodynamics in Lipopolysaccharide-Treated Rats

Prasannajit Dutta, Deanne E. Ryan and Reza Tabrizchi*

Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NF, Canada
*Corresponding author. FAX: +1-709-737-7010
E-mail: rtabrizc@morgan.ucs.mun.ca


Abstract: Administration of bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) intravenously has been noted to produce a shock state, which is characterized by hypotension and mutli-organ system failure. The aim of the present investigation was to (a) examine the influence of rolipram on hemodynamics, plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) levels, and production of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the lungs, ex vivo, in LPS-treated rats, and (b) determine the cardiovascular effects of a selective a1-adrenoceptor agonist, methoxamine, in the absence or presence of rolipram in rats treated with LPS. Blood pressure, cardiac index, heart rate and arterial resistance were assessed in Long-Evans rats anesthetized with thiobutabarbital. Administration of LPS to animals resulted in a significant reduction in cardiac index over time. The administration of LPS to rats resulted in a substantial rise in the plasma levels of TNF-a. Furthermore, the injection of LPS resulted in a significant increase in the iNOS activity in the lungs. Pre-treatment with rolipram prevented the decline in cardiac index in animals that received LPS. Infusion of methoxamine into animals injected with rolipram and pre-treated with LPS did not result in significant changes in cardiac index. Pre-treatment with rolipram or dexamethasone in animals injected with LPS significantly prevented the rise in TNF-a when compared to the respective values in vehicle-treated animals. Our present observations support the view that the cardiac index can be maintained in animals treated with LPS independent of iNOS inhibition.

Keywords: Lipopolysacharride, Hemodynamics, Tumor necrosis factor-a, Nitric oxide synthase, a1-Adrenoceptor stimulation

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