The actions of the in vivo metabolite of PGE1, 13,14-dihydro-PGE1 (PGE0), on platelet and neutrophil (PMN) function and vessel tone were studied in vitro. PGE0 inhibited aggregation, ATP release and thromboxane generation by human platelets (IC50 10-100 nmoles/l). The compound also inhibited superoxide anion generation and lysosomal enzyme release from human PMN. PGE0 was equipotent to PGE1 in both systems, while 15-keto-PGE1 was ineffective in platelets but produced some inhibition in PMN. These inhibitory effects of PGE0 and PGE1 were paralleled by concentration-dependent increases in cyclic AMP in platelets and PMN. Both compounds were also potent relaxants of several arterial preparations in the rabbit at comparable concentrations. In general, the vasorelaxing properties of PGE0 were somewhat lower and the contractile effects somewhat stronger in comparison to PGE1. These data demonstrate a significant and concentration-dependent inhibition of receptor-mediated activation of human platelets and PMN by PGE0. The molar potency of the compound is comparable to that of PGE1. Generation of PGE0 from infused PGE1 may contribute to the clinical efficacy of PGE1 in treatment of severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
This study investigates the effects of 13,14-Dihydro-PGE1 (PGE0) in comparison to PGE1 on human platelets, human polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN) and a number of vessel preparations of different species. The potency of PGE0 in inhibition of platelet and neutrophil activation is similar to PGE1. The vascular action differs. At a comparable molar potency, PGE0 showed stronger contractile and less relaxing effects than PGE1. The biological activities of PGE0 may contribute to the in vivo effects of PGE1 in treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease, in particular at high-dose i.v. administration.
Secondary degeneration of nerve tissue adjacent to a traumatic injury results in further loss of neurons, glia and function, via mechanisms that may involve oxidative stress. However, changes in indicators of oxidative stress have not yet been demonstrated in oligodendrocytes vulnerable to secondary degeneration in vivo. We show increases in the oxidative stress indicator carboxymethyl lysine at days 1 and 3 after injury in oligodendrocytes vulnerable to secondary degeneration. Dihydroethidium staining for superoxide is reduced, indicating endogenous control of this particular reactive species after injury. Concurrently, node of Ranvier/paranode complexes are altered, with significant lengthening of the paranodal gap and paranode as well as paranode disorganisation. Therapeutic administration of 670 nm light is thought to improve oxidative metabolism via mechanisms that may include increased activity of cytochrome c oxidase. Here, we show that light at 670 nm, delivered for 30 minutes per day, results in in vivo increases in cytochrome c oxidase activity co-localised with oligodendrocytes. Short term (1 day) 670 nm light treatment is associated with reductions in reactive species at the injury site. In optic nerve vulnerable to secondary degeneration superoxide in oligodendrocytes is reduced relative to handling controls, and is associated with reduced paranode abnormalities. Long term (3 month) administration of 670 nm light preserves retinal ganglion cells vulnerable to secondary degeneration and maintains visual function, as assessed by the optokinetic nystagmus visual reflex. Light at a wavelength of 670 nm may serve as a therapeutic intervention for treatment of secondary degeneration following neurotrauma.