Molecular cloning of cDNAs coding for ligand-gated ion channel subunits makes it possible to study the pharmacology of recombinant receptors with defined subunit compositions. Many laboratories have used these techniques recently to study actions of agents that produce general anesthesia. We review the effects of volatile and intravenous anesthetics on recombinant GABAA, glycine, AMPA, kainate,...

This study examined the hypothesis that 5HT3 mechanisms mediate the postprandial gastrocolonic response in humans. Fasting and postprandial colonic tone and motility were studied in 12 healthy volunteers and the effects of a selective 5HT3 antagonist, ondansetron assessed in a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled fashion. A manometry barostat assembly was positioned in the transverse or...

In the present study, interactive effects of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors antagonists and different periods of lithium pretreatment on morphine dependence in mice have been investigated. This study was designed to investigate whether the hypothesis that lithium and dopaminergic mechanisms via their effects on phosphoinositide pathways and calcium flux could influence morphine withdrawal respons...

Up to date, there are four pharmacologically characterized subtypes of muscarinic receptors (M1, M2, M3 and M4). In our study we have investigated muscarinic receptor subtypes in smooth muscle layers of human stomach. Isolated preparations of longitudinal and circular muscle layers from human stomach were used. Acetylcholine, bethanechol, carbachol, pilocarpine and AHR -602 produced concen...

elevated amounts of free radicals due to ionizing radiation have damaging effects on the body. h2-receptor antagonists have potential oxygen radical scavenging properties. we tried to determine the effects of two h2-receptor antagonists (cimetidine and ranitidine) on lipid peroxidation (lpo) and lipid profile (lp) in plasma and liver of γ-irradiated (1gy/day for 3 days) balb/c mice. the control...

The development of novel non-peptide compounds with high affinity for-angiotensin II (Ang II) receptors has greatly facilitated the subclassification of Ang II receptors into AT1- and AT2-receptor subtypes. Whereas PD 123177 (1-(4-amino-3-methylphenyl)methyl-5-diphenyl-acetyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro- 1H-imidazol [4,5-c]pyridine-6-carboxylic acid) is the prototypical antagonist for AT2-receptors, DuP...

In the present study, interactive effects of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors antagonists and different periods of lithium pretreatment on morphine dependence in mice have been investigated. This study was designed to investigate whether the hypothesis that lithium and dopaminergic mechanisms via their effects on phosphoinositide pathways and calcium flux could influence morphine withdrawal respons...

To identify the molecular determinants underlying the pharmacological diversity of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, we compared the alpha7 homo-oligomeric and alpha4beta2 hetero-oligomeric receptors. Sets of residues from the regions initially identified within the agonist binding site of the alpha4 subunit were introduced into the alpha7 agonist binding site, carried by the homo-oli...

In the 1990s, serotonin receptor agonist 5-HT1B/1D (the triptans) became available on the market for migraine treatment. Although the triptans are highly effective in aborting migraine attacks, the vasoconstrictor effect in cerebral and coronary territory limits their use. In the “post-triptans” era, new molecules, without vasoactive components are about to expand migraine treatment armamentari...