British journal of pharmacology
-
Pulmonary embolism (PE) represents a real diagnostic challenge. PE is associated with pulmonary hypertension due to pulmonary vascular obstruction and vasoconstriction. We recently reported that pulmonary gas embolism transiently increases exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), but it is not known whether solid emboli may alter FENO, and whether an intact endogenous NO synthesis has a beneficial effect in experimental solid pulmonary embolism. ⋯ We conclude that solid PE causes a sustained, dose-dependent increase in FENO, giving FENO a diagnostic potential in PE. Furthermore, intact NO production appears critical for tolerance to acute PE.
-
Exogenously administered thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is known to exert potent but short-acting centrally-mediated antinociceptive effects. We sought to investigate the mechanisms underlying these effects using the synthetic TRH analogue taltirelin, focusing on the descending monoaminergic systems in mice. ⋯ These findings suggest that taltirelin activates the descending noradrenergic and serotonergic pain inhibitory systems, respectively, to exert its analgesic effects on mechanical and thermal nociception.