In humans, taste is one of the five senses, and helps in the recognition of nutritionally important and potentially harmful substances. It triggers innate behaviour to accept or reject food. Humans can sense five basic tastes, which are sweet, umami, bitter, salt and sour. The receptors that mediate bitter, sweet and umami tastes belong to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. A group of three receptors sense sweet and umami tastes, whereas bitter taste is sensed by 25 bitter taste receptors (referred as T2Rs). T2Rs are activated by structurally diverse natural and synthetic bitter compounds. Many common pharmaceutical compounds are bitter in taste and these are effective ligands for T2Rs. Recent finding of T2Rs in extra-oral tissues suggests these receptors are also involved in various physiological and pathophysiological processes. To understand the structure and function of these receptors, studies directed at elucidating their mechanisms of activation, and identification of novel ligands including bitter blockers (antagonists and inverse agonists), are required. To obtain mechanistic insights into the role of the highly conserved, and receptor specific residues, two bitter taste receptors (T2R1 and T2R4) were targeted. In this study, a combination of molecular, biochemical and pharmacological approaches were used to identify the amino acids and motifs, important for T2Rs to switch from inactive to active state. A hydrogen-bonding network between transmembrane (TM) helices 1-2-7 was identified as important for T2R activation. Alanine-scan mutagenesis of intracellular loops (ICLs) 2 and 3 identified T2R regions important for G protein binding, and receptor activation. A pharmacological method was developed, to screen potential bitter blockers for T2Rs. Using this method, three novel bitter blockers, which include two natural antagonists and one synthetic inverse agonist for T2R4, were discovered. The role of expression tags in enhancing T2R4 expression was also pursued. T2R4 expression on the cell surface was increased 2.5 fold, when its N-terminus was tagged with rhodopsin N-terminal 33 residues (Rho33- T2R4 chimera). In conclusion, work carried out provides novel insights into the mechanisms of T2R activation, and in the discovery of bitter blockers for T2R4.

Purpose. To examine the outcome of a 6-month treatment with carvedilol or metoprolol on peak and submaximal exercise performance and ventilatory efficiency in patients with heart failure (HF). / Methods. 27 patients with HF were randomized to receive either metoprolol or carvedilol for 6 months and compared with 12 healthy controls. Maximal exercise capacity was assessed at baseline and after 6 months with a symptom limited incremental treadmill protocol (RAMP). Submaximal exercise was determined to be the portion of exercise below a respiratory exchange ratio of 1.0. Peak heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO2), and ventilatory equivalent for O2 and CO2 were recorded. The slopes of the VE vs. VCO2, VE vs. VO2 and VE/VCO2 vs. VO2 relationships were calculated for each subject from submaximal values. / Results. Resting HR decreased to similar extent in both treatment groups. There were no other significant changes in resting hemodynamics or ventricular function. Peak VO2 and HR decreased significantly in both treatment groups. Peak VE/VCO2 and submaximal VCO 2 vs. VE slope were not changed significantly after therapy. / Conclusion. beta-blocker treatment with either metoprolol or carvedilol does not decrease the slope of the VCO2 vs. VE relationship. The present observations may suggest that the exaggerated ventilatory response of patients with moderate HF is not mediated by beta-adrenergic receptors.

Background/Rationale: In addition to their established cardioprotective role, β-adrenergic antagonists also increase the risk of stroke and mortality. We propose that a vascular mechanism could contribute to cerebral tissue ischemia in β-blocked patients. Methods: Cardiac output (CO), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and microvascular brain oxygen tension (PBrmvO2) were measured in anesthesized mice treated with metoprolol (3mg•kg-1, i.v.). Dose-response curves (DRCs) for adrenergic-agonists were generated in mesenteric resistance arteries (MRAs; isoproterenol, clenbuterol) and posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs; phenylephrine, isoproterenol) before and after metoprolol treatment. Results: Metoprolol reduced CO, maintained MAP and increased systemic vascular resistance (SVR) resulting in a decreased PBrmvO2 in mice. Metoprolol attenuated β-adrenergic mediated vasodilation in both MRAs and PCAs. Conclusions: Metoprolol reduced brain perfusion in mice. A decrease in CO contributed however, metoprolol also inhibited β-adrenergic vasodilation of mesenteric and cerebral arteries. This provides evidence in support of a vascular mechanism for cerebral ischemia in β-blocked patients.

Background/Rationale: In addition to their established cardioprotective role, β-adrenergic antagonists also increase the risk of stroke and mortality. We propose that a vascular mechanism could contribute to cerebral tissue ischemia in β-blocked patients. Methods: Cardiac output (CO), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and microvascular brain oxygen tension (PBrmvO2) were measured in anesthesized mice treated with metoprolol (3mg•kg-1, i.v.). Dose-response curves (DRCs) for adrenergic-agonists were generated in mesenteric resistance arteries (MRAs; isoproterenol, clenbuterol) and posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs; phenylephrine, isoproterenol) before and after metoprolol treatment. Results: Metoprolol reduced CO, maintained MAP and increased systemic vascular resistance (SVR) resulting in a decreased PBrmvO2 in mice. Metoprolol attenuated β-adrenergic mediated vasodilation in both MRAs and PCAs. Conclusions: Metoprolol reduced brain perfusion in mice. A decrease in CO contributed however, metoprolol also inhibited β-adrenergic vasodilation of mesenteric and cerebral arteries. This provides evidence in support of a vascular mechanism for cerebral ischemia in β-blocked patients.

Tez (Tıpta Uzmanlık) - Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi, Tıp Fakültesi, İç Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı, 2006. / Kaynakça var.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2002. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury, 1998. / Thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 190-214).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2007. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 98-113).

Thesis (M.S.)--The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2008. / Directed by Paul Davis; submitted to the Dept. of Kinesiology. Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Jul. 20, 2010). Includes bibliographical references (p. 104-112).

Submitted by Carlos Alberto Zanutto Bassetto Júnior null (cbjunior@fc.unesp.br) on 2016-06-30T16:14:01Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DocNãoPublicação_carlosbassettojr.pdf: 427722 bytes, checksum: fe38077e0c0376645f906842534a3f88 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Paula Grisoto (grisotoana@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-07-05T16:31:24Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 bassettojunior_caz_dr_bauru.pdf: 201721 bytes, checksum: afaa803c4d84d32fc5d6b4fc9fe23555 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-05T16:31:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 bassettojunior_caz_dr_bauru.pdf: 201721 bytes, checksum: afaa803c4d84d32fc5d6b4fc9fe23555 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-06-23 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Esta tese teve como objetivo estudar as moléculas orgânicas (N-alquilbenzenossulfonamidas) como inibidoras de canais para potássio do tipo KV3.1, heterologamente expressos em células L-929. Com o presente estudo constatou-se que as moléculas, N-alquilbenzenossulfonamidas, produzem efeitos inibitórios sobre KV3.1. Através da técnica de whole cell patch clamp, observou-se que os valores de IC50 para as moléculas que bloquearam o canal foram 13,5 μM, 16,9 μM, 25,9 μM, 34,2 μM, 34,9 μM e 60 μM, respectivamente, para 4-cloro-3-nitro-N-butilbenzenossulfonamida (SMD2), 4-cloro-3-nitro-N-furfutilbenzenossulfonamida (SMD3), 4-[N-(3’aminopropil)-2-pirrolidona]-3-nitro-N-butilbenzenossulfonamida (SMD2_APP), 4-[N-(3’aminopropil)-2-pirrolidona]-3-nitro-N-furfurilbenzenossulfonamida (SMD3_APP), 4-cloro-N-butilbenzenossulfonamida (SMD2_SN) e 4-cloro-N-furfurilbenzenossulfonamida (SMD3_SN). O efeito de todas as moléculas mostrou-se reversível quanto à ligação com o canal e todas atuaram como bloqueadores de canal aberto. Em SMD2, molécula que mostrou o menor valor de IC50, observou-se um deslocamento de -8 mV em relação ao controle, nas curvas de condutância versus voltagem, nas cinéticas de ativação e na recuperação a partir da inativação em relação à voltagem. O SMD2 não alterou as constantes de tempo de desativação, embora tenha mudado as constantes de ativação e inativação, além de ter induzido o fenômeno de tail crossover. Observou-se que para potenciais mais despolarizados, ocorreu o alívio do bloqueio (Block Relief). Não foi observado o efeito da dependência do pH para o bloqueio e SMD2 não mudou a seletividade do canal. Constatou-se que pulsos despolarizantes de curta duração induzem efeitos menos intensos, ao passo que pulsos despolarizantes mais longos, produzem efeitos mais intensos de SMD2 sobre o canal. Além disso, foi observado que, quanto mais o canal é usado, ou seja, aberto, mais ele é bloqueado por SMD2. Todos esses dados sugerem que SMD2 não interage com o estado fechado e nem com o estado inativado do canal, mas sim com seu estado aberto, apresentando também um efeito dependente de uso. De um ponto de vista farmacológico, isso indica que SMD2 pode ser uma molécula importante na modulação da atividade dos canais KV3.1, presentes em células com altas frequências de disparos de potencial de ação, podendo constituir uma nova classe de moduladores farmacológicos desses canais. / This thesis had the aim of studying the organic molecules (N-alkylbenzenesulfonamides) that block KV3.1 potassium channel heterologously expressed in L-929 cells. It was found that N-alkylbenzenesulfonamides have restrained effects on KV3.1. Through the whole cell patch clamp technique, it was observed that the values of IC50, for molecules that block the channel, were 13,5 μM, 16,9 μM, 25,9 μM, 34,2 μM, 34,9 μM and 60 μM, respectively 4-Chloro-3-nitro-N-butylbenzenesulfonamide (SMD2), 4-Chloro-3-nitro-N-furfurylbenzene-sulfonamide (SMD3), 4-[N-(3′-Aminopropyl)-2-pyrrolidone]-3-nitro-N-butylbenzenesulfona-mide (SMD2_APP), 4-[N-(3′-Aminopropyl)-2-pyrrolidone]-3-nitro-N-furfurylbenzene-sulfonamide (SMD3_APP), 4-Chloro-N-butyllbenzenesulfonamide (SMD2_SN) e 4-Chloro-N-furfurylbenzenesulfonamide(SMD3_SN). The effect of all molecules was reversible regards to the linking with the channel and all act as open channel blocker. In SMD2, molecule which showed the smallest value of IC50, it was observed a displacement of -8 mV compared to control, for conductance curves versus voltage, for the kinetics of activation and for the recovery from inactivation in relation to voltage. SMD2 did not change the deactivation of time constants, although it changed the activation and inactivation constants, and more, SMD2 have induced tail crossover phenomenon. It was observed that, for more depolarized potentials, there was a block relief. It was not observed the effect of pH dependence for the block and SMD2 did not change the channel selectivity. It was observed that, short duration depolarizing pulses prompt less intense effects, whereas long duration depolarizing pulses prompt more intense effects of SMD2 on the channels. Furthermore, it was observed that the more the channel is used, in an open state, the more it is blocked by SMD2. All of these data suggest that SMD2 does not interact neither with the closed state nor the inactivated state of channel, but with its open state presenting an use-dependent manner, also showing a use-dependent effect. In a pharmacological point of view, this indicates that SMD2 may be an important molecule in the modulation of the activity in the KV3.1 channels, presents in cells with high frequency of firing of action potential and may constitute a new class of pharmacological modulators.