EP3 receptors mediate PGE2-induced hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus excitation and sympathetic activation
We examined this question using PGE2, the relatively selective EP receptor agonists misoprostol and sulprostone, and the available selective antagonists for EP1, EP3, and EP4. In urethane-anesthetized rats, intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of PGE2, sulprostone or misoprostol increased renal sympathetic nerve activity, blood pressure, and heart rate. These responses were significantly reduced by ICV pretreatment with the EP3 receptor antagonist; the EP1 and EP4 receptor antagonists had little or no effect. ICV PGE2 or misoprostol increased the discharge of neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). ICV misoprostol increased the c-Fos immunoreactivity of PVN neurons, an effect that was substantially reduced by the EP3 receptor antagonist. Real-time PCR detected EP...

Ferring Pharmaceuticals buys Cytokine PharmaSciences
Ferring Pharmaceuticals has acquired Cytokine PharmaSciences Inc. and its subsidiary, Controlled Therapeutics Ltd. of Scotland. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Cytokine of King of Prussia, Pa., specializes in developing women’s health-care products. Its lead product candidate is a misoprostol vaginal insert used for cervical ripening when labor is induced. Ferring of Switzerland is already well-established in the field of women’s health. “This acquisition advances our vision to become the global scientific and commercial leader in reproductive health, and perfectly complements our already strong portfolio of obstetrics products,” said Michel Pettigrew, president and chief operating officer at Ferring. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Hospitals headlines)