Mechanisms underlying vasorelaxation induced in rat aorta by galetin 3,6-dimethyl ether, a flavonoid from Piptadenia stipulacea (Benth.) Ducke

Molecules. 2014 Nov 27;19(12):19678-95. doi: 10.3390/molecules191219678.

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the relaxant action of galetin 3,6-dimethyl ether (FGAL) on rat aorta. The flavonoid relaxed both PMA‑ and phenylephrine (Phe)-induced contractions (pD2 = 5.36 ± 0.11 and 4.17 ± 0.10, respectively), suggesting the involvement of PKC and Phe pathways or α1 adrenergic receptor blockade. FGAL inhibited and rightward shifted Phe-induced cumulative contraction‑response curves, indicating a noncompetitive antagonism of α1 adrenergic receptors. The flavonoid was more potent in relaxing 30 mM KCl- than 80 mM KCl-induced contractions (pD2 = 5.50 ± 0.22 and 4.37 ± 0.12). The vasorelaxant potency of FGAL on Phe-induced contraction was reduced in the presence of 10 mM TEA+. Furthermore, in the presence of apamin, glibenclamide, BaCl2 or 4-AP, FGAL-induced relaxation was attenuated, indicating the participation of small conductance calcium-activated K+ channels (SKCa), ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP), inward rectifier K+ channels (Kir) and voltage-dependent K+ channels (KV), respectively. FGAL inhibited and rightward shifted CaCl2-induced cumulative contraction-response curves in both depolarizing medium (high K+) and in the presence of verapamil and phenylephrine, suggesting inhibition of Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV) and receptor operated channels (ROCs), respectively. Likewise, FGAL inhibited Phe-induced contractions in Ca2+-free medium, indicating inhibition of Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). FGAL potentiated the relaxant effect of aminophylline and sildenafil but not milrinone, suggesting the involvement of phosphodiesterase V (PDE V). Thus, the FGAL vasorelaxant mechanism involves noncompetitive antagonism of α1 adrenergic receptors, the non-selective opening of K+ channels, inhibition of Ca2+ influx through CaV or ROCs and the inhibition of intracellular Ca2+ release. Additionally, there is the involvement of cyclic nucleotide pathway, particularly through PDE V inhibition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aminophylline / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Aorta / drug effects
  • Aorta / physiology*
  • Calcium Chloride / pharmacology
  • Fabaceae / chemistry*
  • Flavonoids / chemistry
  • Flavonoids / pharmacology*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Male
  • Milrinone / pharmacology
  • Myocardial Contraction / drug effects
  • Phenylephrine / pharmacology
  • Piperazines / pharmacology
  • Potassium Channel Blockers / pharmacology
  • Purines / pharmacology
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • Sulfonamides / pharmacology
  • Vasodilation / drug effects*
  • Verapamil / pharmacology

Substances

  • Flavonoids
  • Piperazines
  • Potassium Channel Blockers
  • Purines
  • Sulfonamides
  • galetin 3,6-dimethyl ether
  • Phenylephrine
  • Aminophylline
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • Verapamil
  • Milrinone
  • Calcium Chloride