Vol. 295, Issue 2, 824-829, November 2000

Nitric Oxide and NK₁-Tachykinin Receptors in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cystitis, in Rats¹

Anna B. Alfieri and Luigi X. Cubeddu

Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela (A.B.A., L.X.C.); and Nova Southeastern University, Health Profession Division, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (L.X.C.)

The present study was conducted to investigate the role of NK₁ receptors and of nitric oxide (NO) on the pathogenesis of cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis, in rats. This bladder toxicity was characterized by marked increases in protein plasma extravasation, urothelial damage, edema, white blood cell infiltrates, and vascular congestion. These changes were associated with appearance of Ca²⁺-independent NO-synthase (NOS) activity [characteristic of inducible NOS (iNOS)] in the bladder and with increases in urinary NO metabolites. GR205171, a selective NK₁ antagonist (10-20 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced cyclophosphamide-induced increases in protein plasma extravasation and in the urinary excretion of NO metabolites. N^G-Nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) (10 mg/kg, i.p.), a NOS inhibitor, reduced basal and cyclophosphamide-induced increases in NO metabolites and protected against cyclophosphamide-induced protein plasma extravasation. GR205171 had no effect, whereas L-NNA reduced basal NO metabolite excretion. Combined treatment with the NK₁ antagonist and the NO-synthesis inhibitor produced comparable reduction in protein plasma extravasation than that achieved with each drug given separately. Combined drug treatment ameliorated cyclophosphamideinduced urothelial damage, and the extent of edema, vascular congestion, and white blood cell infiltrates in the bladder. In summary, NK₁ receptors and iNOS play a role in NO formation and on cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis. Activation of NK₁ receptors mainly acts through the formation of NO. It is proposed that cyclophosphamide and/or its metabolites would stimulate primary afferent capsaicin-sensitive fibers in the bladder, releasing neuropeptides, which would activate NK₁ receptors. However, additional mechanisms are involved, because neither the NK₁ receptor antagonist nor the NO synthesis inhibitor, either alone or in combination, were able to completely prevent the toxicity.