A decoy oligonucleotide to NF-κB delivered through inhalable particles prevents LPS-induced rat airway inflammation.

The inflammatory process plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of several lung pathologies, including cystic fibrosis (CF), and the involvement of NF-κB is widely recognized. The specific inhibition of NF-κB by decoy oligonucleotides delivered within the lung may be beneficial, although rationally designed systems are needed to optimize their pharmacological response. Prompted by this need, we have developed and tested in vivo an inhalable dry powder for the prolonged delivery of a decoy oligodeoxynucleotide to NF-κB (dec-ODN), consisting of large porous particles (LPPs) based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid.

Endogenous urotensin II selectively modulates erectile function through eNOS.

Background: Urotensin II (U-II) is a cyclic peptide originally isolated from the neurosecretory system of the teleost fish and subsequently found in other species, including man. U-II was identified as the natural ligand of a G-protein coupled receptor, namely UT receptor. U-II and UT receptor are expressed in a variety of peripheral organs and especially in cardiovascular tissue.

Pupil dilatation in response to vagal afferent electrical stimulation is mediated by inhibition of parasympathetic outflow in the rat.

Pupil dilatation (PD) was produced by vaginocervical mechanical stimulation (VCMS) in intact rats, and in rats with spinal cord (SC) transection at level T7 (i.e., above the level of entry into SC of all genitospinal nerves).

Superoxide dismutase mimetic with catalase activity, EUK-134, attenuates the multiple organ injury and dysfunction caused by endotoxin in the rat.

Background: Reactive oxygen species contribute to the multiple organ failure endotoxic shock. Here we investigate the effects of a salen-manganese complex, which exhibits both superoxide dismutase and catalase activity (EUK-134), on the circulatory failure and the renal and liver injury and dysfunction caused by endotoxin in the anaesthetised (thiopentone, 120 mg/kg) rat.

Material/methods: Male Wistar rats were anaesthetised with thiopentone sodium (120 mg/kg i.

Cardiovascular responses to vaginocervical stimulation in the spinal cord-transected rat.

The present study ascertained whether increases in heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) produced by vaginocervical stimulation (VS; 500 g force) persist in the unanesthetized rat after chronic spinal cord transection at selected levels. Three groups were used: spinal cord transection at T7 (n = 10) or L5 (n = 10) or a sham-operated control group (Sh, n = 10). In the Sh group, VS increased significantly both HR, by 95 +/- 14.