Ontogeny of P2-purinoceptors in the longitudinal muscle and muscularis mucosae of the rat isolated duodenum

1. The ontogeny of P2-purinoceptors in the longitudinal muscle and the muscularis mucosae of the rat isolated duodenum was investigated by use of functional assays in tissues from neonatal animals. The degradation of purinoceptor agonists by the rat duodenum muscularis mucosae was also investigated.
2. In the rat duodenum muscularis mucosae adenosine 5′-(α,β-methylene)triphosphonate (AMPCPP), adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP), uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP) and 2-methylthioadenosine 5′-triphosphate (2-Me-S-ATP) all caused a contraction from day 10 to day 40, day 10 being the earliest age it could be tested. The potency order of agonists above day 25 was AMPCPP>ATP=UTP>2-Me-S-ATP and this is similar to the potency order previously obtained for the adult tissue. However, in the neonatal tissues below day 20, 2-Me-S-ATP was the most potent agonist and at days 10 and 15 the order was 2-Me-S-ATP>AMPCPP>ATP=UTP.
3. In the rat duodenum muscularis mucosae desensitization was observed with AMPCPP at day 30 but not at day 15. At day 30, cross-desensitization was also observed between AMPCPP and 2-Me-S-ATP but not between AMPCPP and ATP or UTP, whereas no cross-desensitization was observed at day 15 with AMPCPP and any of the agonists. At day 15 and below AMPCPP and 2-Me-S-ATP may therefore both activate P2Y-receptors (2-Me-S-ATP>AMPCPP, no desensitization with AMPCPP) whereas above day 20 the agonists activate P2X-receptors (AMPCPP>2-Me-S-ATP, desensitization with AMPCPP) which is similar to the adult tissue. Since ATP and UTP were equipotent in the muscularis mucosae and as no cross-desensitization was observed with AMPCPP and UTP or ATP at days 15 or 30, it is likely that ATP and UTP both activate P2U-receptors throughout the ages, as in the adult.
4. The potency of all the agonists in causing contraction in the rat duodenum muscularis mucosae decreased with age. The potency of AMPCPP and 2-Me-S-ATP in causing contractions was highest in the neonates before day 25, and reached values not significantly different from adult by day 30, and the potency of ATP and UTP causing contractions in this tissue was also highest in the neonates at days 10 and 15, and reached values not significantly different from adult by day 20. This suggests either that the receptor populations mediating contraction are highest in the neonates below day 20 or that the agonists are degraded by the muscularis mucosae to a greater extent after day 20.
5. In the rat duodenum muscularis mucosae the degradation of ATP, UTP, 2-Me-S-ATP and AMPCPP was followed by high pressure liquid chromatography at days 15 and 30. ATP was degraded to adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP), adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP) and inosine with no adenosine being detected, 2-Me-S-ATP was degraded to 2-methylthioadenosine 5′-diphosphate (2-Me-S-ADP), 2-methylthioadenosine 5′-monophosphate (2-Me-S-AMP) and 2-methylthioadenosine (2-Me-S-adenosine), and UTP was degraded to uridine 5′-diphosphate (UDP), uridine 5′-monophosphate (UMP) and uridine. The rate of degradation of these agonists was much faster at day 30 than at day 15, probably due to the increase in the size of the tissue. AMPCPP was also degraded with adenosine 5′-(α,β-methylene)diphosphonate (AMPCP) being detected at both ages. However, at day 30 the rate of degradation of AMPCPP was much slower than for ATP, UTP or 2-Me-S-ATP.
6. In the rat duodenum longitudinal muscle 2-Me-S-ATP and AMPCPP both caused a relaxation with a potency order of 2-Me-S-ATP>AMPCPP, suggesting the activation of P2Y-receptors, as previously found for the adult tissue. Weak relaxations were observed to both the agonists at day 15 (the earliest age it could be studied), and the potency of the agonists reached values not significantly different from adult tissues by day 25.
7. Overall, these results suggest that in the neonatal rat duodenum longitudinal muscle there are P2Y-receptors mediating relaxation and that the receptor population is fully developed by day 25. In the neonatal rat duodenum muscularis mucosae before day 20 there are P2Y-receptors mediating contraction, while after day 20 P2X-receptors mediate this effect. P2U-receptors also mediate contraction throughout the ages. The results also indicate that the ectonucleotidase activity in the rat duodenum muscularis mucosae increases with age, and the potency of agonists in the rat duodenum may therefore reflect both the number and nature of the receptors involved and the activity of the ectonucleotidases in the tissue.

     

Characterization of the P1-purinoceptors mediating contraction of the rat colon muscularis mucosae.

1. Previous studies had shown that adenosine and adenine nucleotides including adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) caused contraction of the rat colon muscularis mucosae via P1 and P2Y-purinoceptors respectively, and that the stable ATP analogue adenylyl 5'-(beta,gama- methylene)diphosphonate (AMPPCP) had an unexpected direct action on the P1-purinoceptors. The P1-purinoceptors have now therefore been further characterized by use of the adenosine analogues 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) and N6-cyclopropyladenosine (CPA) and the antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), which is selective for the A1 subtype. The P2-purinoceptor antagonist suramin was also used, to investigate the selectivity of the P2 agonists. 2. The order of potency of P1 agonists for contraction was CPA greater than NECA greater than AMPPCP greater than or equal to adenosine, and DPCPX (1 nM) caused greater than two fold shifts to the right of the log concentration-response curves for each of these agonists, although the shifts were not always parallel and Schild analysis of the inhibition of the effect of adenosine resulted in a plot with a slope greater than unity. These results indicate that the P1-purinoceptor mediating contraction is of the A1 subtype, as has been found in other tissues in which adenosine causes contraction. 3. The P2-purinoceptor antagonist suramin (300 microM) had no effect on the responses to adenosine or to AMPPCP, but abolished contractions induced by the related stable ATP analogue adenosine 5'-(alpha,beta-methylene)triphosphonate (AMPCPP).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Desensitization of the P2-purinoceptors on the rat colon muscularis mucosae.

1. Adenosine 5''-triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine have been shown to contract the rat colon muscularis mucosae, and the receptors at which they act have been classified as P2Y and A1 respectively. Uridine 5''-triphosphate (UTP) also contracts this tissue, and desensitization was used to investigate the receptors by which it acts, in the light of recent suggestions that specific pyrimidinoceptors may exist for UTP, or that nucleotide receptors may exist which are responsive to both ATP and UTP but not to some ATP analogues such as 2-methylthioadenosine 5''-triphosphate (2-MeSATP). 2. ATP, UTP and adenosine each contracted the rat colon muscularis mucosae in a concentration-dependent manner over the concentration range 0.3-300 microM, although maximal responses to ATP and UTP were not obtained. ATP was approximately 4 times as potent as UTP and approximately equipotent with adenosine although the maximal response to adenosine appeared to be less than that to ATP or UTP. 3. Desensitization of the tissue with ATP (200 microM) given immediately before each concentration of the agonists reduced subsequent contractions induced by ATP itself and also by UTP, but did not reduce contractions induced by adenosine. Desensitization of the tissues with UTP (200 microM) also reduced contractions induced by ATP and UTP but not by adenosine, whereas desensitization with adenosine (200 microM) reduced contractions induced by adenosine itself but not by ATP or UTP. 4. Desensitization of the tissue with 2-MeSATP (200 microM), which is a more potent agonist than ATP at P2Y-purinoceptors, greatly reduced the responses to ATP and to UTP, but had no effect on responses induced by adenosine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Characterization of P1-purinoceptors on rat duodenum and urinary bladder.

1. The P1-purinoceptors mediating relaxation of the rat duodenum and inhibition of contraction of the rat urinary bladder were characterized by use of adenosine and its analogues 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) and 2-p-((carboxyethyl)phenethylamino)-5'- carboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680), as well as the A1-selective antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX). The stable analogue of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), adenylyl 5'-(beta,gamma-methylene)diphosphonate (AMPPCP), was also used as previous work had indicated that it has a direct action on some P1 receptors in addition to its P2-purinoceptor activity. 2. In the rat duodenum, the order of potency of the adenosine agonists was NECA greater than or equal to CPA greater than AMPPCP = adenosine greater than CGS 21680, and DPCPX antagonized CPA and AMPPCP at a concentration of 1 nM whereas equivalent antagonism of NECA and adenosine required a concentration of 1 microM. This suggests the presence of a mixture of A1 and A2 receptors in this tissue, with CPA and AMPPCP acting on the A1 and NECA and adenosine acting on the A2 receptors. 3. In the rat bladder, the order of potency of the adenosine agonists for inhibition of carbachol-induced contractions was NECA much greater than adenosine greater than CPA = CGS 21680, and a concentration of DPCPX of 1 microM was required to antagonize responses to NECA and adenosine. This suggests the presence of A2 receptors in this tissue.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Responses of the longitudinal muscle and the muscularis mucosae of the rat duodenum to adenine and uracil nucleotides.

1. Previous studies have shown that the rat duodenum contains P1 and P2Y purinoceptors via which it relaxes to adenosine and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) respectively. It has also been shown to contract to uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) and adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATP-gamma-S), and based on their differential inhibition by the P2 antagonist suramin it has been suggested that they act via two separate receptors. In addition, the rat duodenum has been shown to dephosphorylate ATP rapidly via ectonucleotidases and adenosine deaminase. In this study the responses of two preparations from the rat duodenum, the longitudinal muscle and the muscularis mucosae, were investigated using a series of nucleotides and suramin. 2. 2-Methylthioadenosine 5'-triphosphate (2-MeSATP), ATP, ATP-gamma-S and adenosine 5'-alpha,beta-methylene-triphosphonate (AMPCPP) each relaxed the longitudinal muscle, with an agonist potency order of 2-MeSATP > ATP = ATP-gamma-S > AMPCPP, while UTP and uridine 5'-diphosphate (UDP) were not observed to elicit relaxation. This indicates the presence of a relaxant P2Y-purinoceptor on the longitudinal muscle. The longitudinal muscle did not contract to any of the agonists at concentrations of 300 microM, apart from ATP-gamma-S which caused very weak contractions. 3. ATP-gamma-S, adenosine 5'-methylenediphosphonate (AMPCP), AMPCPP, ATP, UTP, adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP), UDP and 2-MeSATP each contracted the muscularis mucosae with an agonist potency order of ATP-gamma-S > or = AMPCP > or = AMPCPP = ATP = UTP = ADP = UDP >> 2-MeSATP, although maximal responses were not obtained at concentrations of 300 microM. The muscularis mucosae did not relax to any of the agonists at concentrations of 300 microM. 4. Suramin (1 mM) inhibited relaxations induced by ATP on the longitudinal muscle, shifting the relaxation concentration-response curve to the right. This further supports the presence of a P2Y-purinoceptor on this muscle layer. Suramin (1 mM) inhibited contractions induced by AMPCPP, but not those induced by ATP, UTP or ATP-gamma-S, in the muscularis mucosae. Desensitization of the muscularis mucosae was seen with AMPCPP, but not with UTP or ATP-gamma-S, and no cross-desensitization between AMPCPP and UTP or ATP-gamma-S was observed. This suggests there are two receptors which mediate contraction on the rat duodenum muscularis mucosae, one suramin-sensitive and the other suramin-insensitive. 5. ATP was rapidly degraded by the muscularis mucosae to ADP, adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) and inosine, with no adenosine being detected. A similar rate of degradation was seen for UTP with UDP, uridine 5'-monophosphate (UMP) and uridine being formed and for 2-MeSATP with 2-methylthioadenosine 5'-diphosphate (2-MeSADP), 2-methylthioadenosine 5'-monophosphate (2-MeSAMP) and 2-methylthioadenosine being formed. AMPCPP and ATP-gamma-S were both degraded more slowly, AMPCPP being degraded to AMPCP, and ATP-gamma-S to ADP, AMP and inosine. Suramin (1 mM), did not significantly affect the rate and pattern of degradation of these nucleotides, apart from AMPCPP which was degraded slightly more slowly in the presence of suramin. 6. These results show that there is a P2Y-purinoceptor which mediates relaxation in the rat duodenum longitudinal muscle. They also show that there is a contraction-mediating suramin-sensitive receptor on the rat duodenum muscularis mucosae which is desensitized by AMPCPP, and thus is probably of the P2X subtype. In addition, there is a contraction-mediating suramin-insensitive receptor on the rat duodenum muscularis mucosae which is not desensitized by UTP or ATP-gamma-S, and at which ATP and UTP show equal potency, and is thus probably of the P2U subtype. In addition, the rat duodenum muscularis mucosae contains ectonucleotidases and adenosine deaminase, which rapidly degrade nucleotides, although the inhibition by suramin of this deg     

Characterization and ontogeny of P1-purinoceptors on rat vas deferens.

1. The P1-purinoceptors which mediate the inhibition by adenosine of nerve-mediated contraction of the rat vas deferens have been investigated by use of the agonists N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) and 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) and the A1-selective antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX). The ontogeny of the responses to adenosine and to the two co-transmitters which induce the contractions in this tissue, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and noradrenaline (NA), have also been studied. 2. The order of potency for the adenosine agonists in inhibiting the nerve-mediated contractions was CPA = NECA > adenosine. Micromolar concentrations of DPCPX were required to antagonize the inhibition by adenosine and NECA of nerve-mediated responses, whereas the inhibitory effect of CPA was antagonized by nanomolar concentrations of the antagonist. 3. NECA and adenosine inhibited contractions induced by ATP (10 microM) or by NA (10 microM), NECA being at least ten fold more potent than adenosine, whereas CPA was inactive. Micromolar concentrations of DPCPX were required to antagonize the effect of adenosine on the contractions induced by ATP (10 microM). 4. Nerve-stimulated contractions could be observed in neonatal tissues from day 15 and increased with age, and could be inhibited by adenosine from this time, the potency of adenosine decreasing with age. Responses to ATP also appeared at day 15 and increased with age up to day 25, while responses to NA were present from day 10 (the earliest day tested) and decreased with age.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Ontogeny of adenosine receptors in the longitudinal muscle and muscularis mucosae of the rat distal colon

The development of adenosine A₁ and A_2B receptors on the longitudinal muscle and muscularis mucosae of the neonatal rat distal colon has been investigated using homogenate binding, quantitative autoradiography and functional studies. In homogenate binding studies 1,3-[³H]-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine ([³H]DPCPX) bound with high affinity to A₁ receptors in the muscularis mucosae and intact colon from rats aged 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 days. The affinity of [³H]DPCPX was similar to that in the adult at all ages, but the density of binding sites was higher in the neonatal tissues. Quantitative autoradiography showed a higher density of [³H]DPCPX binding sites in the longitudinal muscle than in the muscularis mucosae at all ages studied (day 10 to adult), and this binding was concentration-dependently displaced by N ⁶-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA). In functional studies the longitudinal muscle relaxed in response to 5’-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) and CPA at all ages studied (15–30 days), NECA being more potent than CPA. The potency of NECA remained constant and it was antagonised by 1 μM DPCPX at all ages with pA ₂-values consistent with activation of A₂ receptors. The inactivity of 2-[p-(carboxyethyl)-phenylethylamino]-5’-N-ethylcarbox-amidoadenosine (CGS 21680) indicated that the A₂ receptors were of the A_2B subtype. The muscularis mucosae contracted in response to CPA at all ages studied (day 15 to adult) and the antagonism by DPCPX (10 nM) were consistent with activation of A₁ receptors. In conclusion, binding, autoradiographic and functional studies identified A₁ receptors on the rat colon muscularis mucosae at all ages studied. However, while binding and autoradiographic localisation showed the presence of A₁ receptors in the longitudinal muscle at all ages studied, functional data only revealed the presence of A_2B receptors. Received: 3 July 1998 / Accepted: 25 November 1998     

Characterization of the adenosine receptor mediating contraction in rat colonic muscularis mucosae.

1. The objective of this study was to characterize the adenosine receptor mediating contraction in rat isolated colonic muscularis mucosae (RCMM). 2. Sequential additions of the adenosine receptor agonist 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA; 0.01-10 microM) elicited reproducible, concentration-related contractions in RCMM. The effects of NECA were mimicked by the adenosine A1 receptor-selective agonists cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), R-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA) and N-[1S, trans)2-hydroxycyclopentyl] adenosine (GR79236) and by S-PIA (the stereoisomer of R-PIA). The adenosine A2 agonists N-[(2-methylphenyl)methyl] adenosine (metrifudil) and 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamine]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS21680) also produced contractions in RCMM but were 54 and 165 times less potent respectively than NECA. The rank order of agonist potency for contraction of RCMM was CPA > or = GR79236 = R-PIA > or = NECA > > S-PIA = metrifudil > CGS21680, which is identical to that reported for the inhibition of spontaneous rate in rat isolated right atria and inhibition of lipolysis in rat isolated adipocytes by these same agonists. 3. R-PIA, S-PIA and metrifudil behaved as partial agonists in RCMM. 4. The adenosine A1 receptor-selective antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3- dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) inhibited the contractions produced by all the adenosine agonists tested, with pKB values between 9.2 and 9.5. The non-selective adenosine antagonist 8-phenyltheophylline (8-PT) antagonized the effects of NECA but also markedly potentiated (by 93.0 +/- 10.2% at 3 microM) the maximum contractile response to NECA in RCMM. Neither 8-PT (3 microM) nor DPCPX (0.1 microM) had any effect on the contractions produced by carbachol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Adrenergic responses of rat colonic muscularis mucosae

We have investigated adrenoceptor-mediated responses of muscularis mucosae from the proximal, mid and distal regions of the rat colon. Noradrenaline-induced relaxations of the muscularis mucosae in each region were unaffected by atenolol, butoxamine or propranolol, but they were attenuated by the selective beta3-adrenoceptor antagonist cyanopindolol. The beta3-adrenoceptor agonist CL216343 elicited concentration-dependent relaxation of the muscularis mucosae in all regions of the colon. Isoprenaline, a non-selective beta-adrenoceptor agonist, evoked concentration-dependent relaxations of the muscularis mucosae in all regions, but only in the proximal colon were these significantly larger than the maximum noradrenaline-induced relaxation. The alpha1-adrenoceptor agonist methoxamine caused large contractions of the proximal colonic muscularis mucosae. When proximal tissue was pretreated with phentolamine, an alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist, maximal noradrenaline- and isoprenaline-induced relaxations did not differ significantly. Although the mid colonic muscularis mucosae was also found to possess excitatory alpha1-adrenoceptors, these were associated with small contractions and did not modify the muscle's inhibitory responses to noradrenaline. Distal colonic muscularis mucosae lacked excitatory adrenoceptors and only responded to noradrenaline with beta3-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxations. No evidence was obtained for functional alpha2-adrenoceptors on the muscularis mucosae in any region of the rat colon. These data demonstrated that noradrenaline-induced relaxation of the rat colonic muscularis mucosae was mediated via beta3-adrenoceptors throughout, but in the proximal region this was modified by concurrent excitatory alpha1-adrenoceptor activation. Based upon these observations it appeared unlikely that noradrenaline-induced relaxation of rat colonic muscularis mucosae would be functionally linked to the secretory responses of the corresponding mucosa during periods of increased sympathetic activity.     

P2-purinoceptors regulate surfactant secretion from rat isolated alveolar type II cells.

Rat isolated alveolar Type II cells were utilized to examine the effect of purine and pyrimidine analogues on secretion of pulmonary surfactant. ATP potently stimulated [3H]-phosphatidylcholine ([3H]-PC) secretion in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The effect of ATP was noted by one hour of exposure and persisted for three hours. The EC50 (concentration producing 1/2 the maximal response) for ATP-induced [3H]-PC secretion was 100 nM. ADP was also a potent secretagogue for surfactant secretion, but AMP and adenosine had no significant effect on surfactant secretion at concentrations less than or equal to 250 microM. The EC50 for ADP-induced [3H]-PC secretion was 250 nM. Other purine and pyrimidine nucleotides (ITP, GTP, CTP, TTP) were examined for their effect on [3H]-PC secretion. All purine and pyrimidine triphosphates examined significantly augmented [3H]-PC secretion, but were much less potent than ATP. The EC50s were ITP = 10 microM; GTP = 100 microM; CTP = 250 microM; TTP = 100 microM. Neither 8-phenyltheophylline (10 microM, a P1-purinoceptor antagonist), propranolol (100 microM, a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist), nor indomethacin (10 microM, a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor) inhibited ATP-induced [3H]-PC secretion from isolated Type II cells. These data provide evidence for regulation of surfactant secretion from alveolar Type II cells by a P2-purinoceptor.     

Contribution of P2-purinoceptors to neurogenic contraction of rat urinary bladder smooth muscle.

1. The contribution of P2-purinoceptors to neurogenic contraction was investigated in rat urinary bladder smooth muscle by measurement of isotonic tension. 2. Contraction of rat urinary bladder smooth muscle induced by electrical stimulation was decreased to 84.19 +/- 3.90% of the control (n = 16) in the presence of atropine (1 microM), which was further decreased to 38.80 +/- 2.75% of the control (n = 49) in the presence of both atropine and 10 microM alpha, beta-methylene adenosine 5'-triphosphate (alpha, beta-Me ATP). 3. The contractile response induced by electrical stimulation in the presence of atropine and alpha, beta-Me ATP was decreased to 27.81 +/- 4.07% (n = 23) and 26.63 +/- 5.01% (n = 15) of the control, by the addition of 100 microM cibacron blue 3GA and 100 microM suramin, respectively. The application of 100 microM adenosine 5'-o-2-thiodiphosphate (ADP beta S) in the presence of atropine and alpha, beta-Me ATP decreased the contractile response induced by electrical stimulations to 17.15 +/- 3.71% (n = 15) of the control. 4. Pretreatment of muscle strips with 100 microM ADP beta S significantly reduced the response to either 200 microM alpha, beta-methylene adenosine 5'-diphosphate or 200 microM ADP beta S. 5. Uridine 5'-triphosphate (100 microM to 1 mM) concentration-dependently contracted muscle strips, and this contraction was significantly antagonized by desensitization of P2-receptors with alpha, beta-Me ATP (10 microM), and completely antagonized by pretreatment of muscle strips with both alpha, beta-Me ATP and ADP beta S (100 microM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Indirect action of 5-hydroxytryptamine on the isolated muscularis mucosae of the guinea-pig oesophagus

1 The site of action of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was examined on the isolated muscularis mucosae attached to the submucous plexus of the guinea-pig oesophagus. Isotonic responses of the longitudinal muscularis mucosae were recorded.

2 5-HT produced a transient contraction of the muscularis mucosae at concentrations higher than 3 μM. The contraction was rapid in onset, reaching a peak in about 15 s or less, and was restored to the basal level after 20 to 30 s without washing out 5-HT. When the 5-HT-induced contraction faded to the basal tone, successive applications of 5-HT no longer produced any contracture.

3 Nicotine (Nic), at concentrations higher than 10 μM, also produced a transient contraction which had a very similar pattern to that induced by 5-HT. Again, the successive application of Nic no longer produced any contracture following prior treatment with Nic itself. However, the 5-HT-induced contraction was not modified by the presence of Nic.

4 Exogenously applied acetylcholine (ACh) produced a concentration-dependent contraction of the muscularis mucoase, the 50% effective concentration (EC₅₀) was 69 ± 5.6 nM. The contraction was sustained during incubation with ACh, and was not modified by prior treatment with 5-HT or Nic.

5 The 5-HT (100 μM)-induced contraction was completely abolished by tetrodotoxin (0.2 μM) and atropine (0.2 μM). This means that the action is mediated by stimulating cholinergic nerves in the submucous plexus attached to muscularis mucosae. Moreover, the stimulating action of 5-HT does not involve nicotinic receptors, since the action was not blocked by hexamethonium (100 μM).

6 Among several 5-MT antagonists examined, methysergide (1 μM), ketanserin (1 μM) and morphine (100 μM) failed to modify the 5-HT (100 μM)-induced contraction significantly. Cinanserin (0.1-3 μM), cyproheptadine (3-100 nM) and phenoxybenzamine (0.1-3 μM) inhibited the 5-HT-induced contraction, in a concentration-dependent manner, and each highest concentration abolished the response. However, none of these antagonists was specific for 5-HT, but the Nic (100 μM) or ACh (0.1 μM)-induced contractions were also inhibited by them.

7 The present results indicate that 5-HT contracts the muscularis mucosae of the guinea-pig oesophagus indirectly by stimulating cholinergic nerves in the submucous plexus, and has no direct action on the muscularis mucosae. In addition, the type of 5-HT receptors responsible for the stimulant action may be different from those in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels or brain, because of the different effects of 5-HT antagonists.

     

Characterization of P2-purinoceptors in the smooth muscle of the rat tail artery: a comparison between contractile and electrophysiological responses.

1. The electrophysiological actions of the P2-purinoceptor agonists, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), 2-methylthioATP (2-meSATP), alpha, beta-methyleneATP (alpha, beta-meATP) and uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) were studied under concentration and voltage-clamp conditions in acutely dissociated rat tail artery smooth muscle cells. For comparison, their actions as vasoconstrictors were studied in intact ring preparations. 2. Rapid application of ATP (100 nM-1 microM) via a U-tube superfusion system activated concentration-dependent inward currents with a latency to onset of less than 3 ms. The inward current decayed by more than 95% during a 2 s application of 300 nM and 1 microM ATP. 3. 2-meSATP (100 mM-1 microM) and alpha, beta-meATP (100 nM-1 microM) also evoked transient inward currents. The agonist order of potency was ATP = 2-meSATP > or = alpha, beta-meATP. UTP (300 nM-1 microM) did not produce a change in the holding current. 4. A second application of ATP (300 nM and 1 microM) 10 min after the first, evoked currents which were one third of the initial amplitude. This decline was dependent upon activation of the P2-purinoceptor. Similar results were seen with 2-meSATP and alpha, beta-meATP (both 300 nM and 1 microM). Cross-desensitization was seen between ATP and 2-meSATP or alpha, beta-meATP. 5. Inward currents evoked by ATP, 2-meSATP and alpha, beta-meATP (all 1 microM) were abolished by the P2-purinoceptor antagonist suramin (100 microM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Evidence for two distinct P2-purinoceptors subserving contraction of the rat anococcygeus smooth muscle.

1. The effects of the P2-purinoceptor agonists, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), alpha, beta-methylene ATP (alpha, beta-MeATP), beta, gamma-methylene ATP (beta, gamma-MeATP), L-beta, gamma-methylene ATP (L-beta, gamma-MeATP), adenosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (ADP beta S), and 2-methylthio ATP (2-MeSATP) were investigated on the isometric tension of the rat anococcygeus muscle. 2. Non-cumulative additions of ATP (100-1500 microM), alpha, beta-MeATP (1-300 microM), beta, gamma-MeATP (10-300 microM), L-beta, gamma-MeATP (3-100 microM) and ADP beta S (1-100 microM) produced concentration-dependent contractions, whereas 2-MeSATP (1-100 microM) had no effect. The rank order of potency was alpha, beta-MeATP > L-beta, gamma-MeATP > or = ADP beta S > beta, gamma-MeATP > > ATP > 2-MeSATP. 3. Contractions to cumulative additions of ATP, alpha, beta-MeATP, beta, gamma-MeATP and L-beta, gamma-MeATP were subject to desensitization whilst those to ADP beta S were unaffected. 4. Contractions to ATP, alpha, beta-MeATP, beta, gamma-MeATP and ADP beta S were abolished by the non-selective P2X/. P2Y-purinoceptor antagonist, suramin (100 microM). In contrast, contractions to ATP, alpha, beta-MeATP and beta, gamma-MeATP were not affected by the non-selective P1-purinoceptor antagonist 8-(p-sulphophenyl)-theophylline (8SPT, 30 microM). Blockade of P2X-purinoceptors with the selective P2X-purinoceptor antagonist pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS, 10 microM) or desensitization with L-beta, gamma-MeATP (10 microM) abolished contractions to alpha, beta-MeATP, but enhanced those to ADP beta S. The P2Y-purinoceptor antagonist, reactive blue 2 (RB2, 100 microM) enhanced contractions to ATP and alpha, beta-MeATP but abolished those to ADP beta S. 5. Simultaneous addition of alpha, beta-MeATP and ADP beta S produced an additive contraction. 6. The findings suggest that in the rat anococcygeus, smooth muscle cells are endowed with two distinct P2-purinoceptors which subserve contractions: a P2X-purinoceptor activated by ATP and its analogues, and another type of P2-purinoceptor activated by ADP beta S.     

Comparison of motor reactivity of the colonic muscularis mucosae isolated from human,guinea pig and rat in vitro

We have compared the reactivity to spasmogens of longitudinal muscularis mucosae isolated from the human, guinea pig and rat colon in vitro. The muscularis mucosae isolated from the human distal colon responded with a sustained contractions to carbachol (10 nM-30 microM), in a concentration-dependent manner, and the maximum contraction was comparable to that with high potassium concentration (100 mM). Among several spasmogens, neurokinin A was the most potent with the following order of potency: carbachol, prostaglandin F2alpha and acetylcholine. Histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and bradykinin did not produce a recognizable contraction of this tissue. The muscularis mucosae isolated from the guinea pig distal colon demonstrated a concentration-dependent contraction in response to neurokinin A, carbachol, histamine and acetylcholine, but not to prostaglandin F2alpha or 5-hydroxytryptamine, and the maximum contraction was obtained with histamine. The muscularis mucosae from the rat distal colon was very sensitive to neurokinin A and bradykinin, less to carbachol and acetylcholine, and not at all sensitive to histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and prostaglandin F2alpha. It is concluded that the colonic muscularis mucosae respond to pharmacological agents in a species-different manner.     

Pharmacological characterization of the histamine receptor in the isolated muscularis mucosae of the guinea-pig oesophagus.

To characterize the histamine receptors in the muscularis mucosae, the isotonic responsiveness of the isolated muscularis mucosae of the guinea-pig oesophagus to histamine receptor agonists and antagonists was examined in vitro. Histamine (0.1-100 microM) produced a concentration-dependent contraction of the muscularis mucosae (EC50 = 1.6 +/- 0.2 microM). The contractions were rapid in onset, sustained, reversible by washing and the preparation did not show tachyphylaxis. 2-Methylhistamine (2-MH), 2-pyridylethylamine (PEA) and 4-methylhistamine (4-MH) produced similar sustained contractions of the muscularis mucosae. The order of sensitivity was histamine greater than 2-MH greater than PEA greater than 4-MH. Impromidine (10-300 microM) and dimaprit (10-300 microM) caused no response in this tissue. The contractile responses to histamine, 2-MH, and PEA were competitively antagonized by diphenhydramine, and the pA2 values were almost the same (approximately 8.1). Cimetidine (100 microM) could not modify the contractile response to these agonists. The contractile response to histamine was slightly inhibited by tetrodotoxin (0.3 microM), atropine (1 microM), indomethacin (0.1-3 microM) or aspirin (30-300 microM), and the EC50 value was increased about 2-6 times by these drugs. When the preparation was incubated in Tyrode solution containing various calcium concentrations (0, 0.45, 0.9 and 1.8 mM), the concentration-response curve to histamine was shifted to the right and downward; the effect was inversely dependent on the calcium concentration, and in a calcium-free medium the response to histamine was abolished. Verapamil (1-10 microM) partially inhibited the contractile response to histamine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Characterization of ultraviolet light-induced relaxation of the isolated duodenum of the rat.

1 Isolated duodenum of the rat, exposed to ultraviolet (u.v.) light in the presence of NO2 ions, responded with reversible relaxation. 2 The photorelaxation response did not seem to involve any known receptor mechanisms and was independent of any ganglionic or neuronal influences. 3 Changes in the ionic environment of the tissue showed that NA+ and Ca2+ were essential for the photorelaxation. K+ depolarized-tissue did not show the photoresponse. 4 The presence of the metabolic inhibitors, iodoacetic acid, 2,4-dinitrophenol, sodium fluoride, sodium azide or potassium cyanide, abolished the photorelaxation response. 5 It is proposed that the photorelaxation of the tissue resulted from the liberation of metabolic energy following NO2 ion-dependent absorption of u.v. light energy, which in turn, interfered with the Na+ ion movement across the cell membrane.     

Noradrenaline-induced relaxation of rat oesophageal muscularis mucosae: mediation solely by innervated beta 3-adrenoceptors.

We investigated the effects of cocaine and corticosterone on the noradrenaline-induced relaxation of rat oesophageal smooth muscle in the absence and presence of the selective beta2-antagonist, ICI 111,551. It was found that the concentration-response curve (CRC) of noradrenaline was not shifted by ICI 118,551 at 1 microM, whereas a clear shift to the right was observed at 100 microM of the antagonist. In the presence of corticosterone (10 microM), CRC's were clearly shifted to the left; with cocaine (10 microM) additionally present, a further leftward shift was observed, indicating the involvement of both neuronal and extraneuronal uptake sites. It was concluded that the relaxation of rat oesophageal muscularis mucosae by noradrenaline is solely mediated by beta3-adrenoceptors which are sympathetically innervated.     

Further investigations into adenosine A1 receptor-mediated contraction in rat colonic muscularis mucosae and its augmentation by certain alkylxanthine antagonists.

1. The alkylxanthine antagonists, 8-phenyltheophylline (8-PT), 8-p-sulphophenyltheophylline (8-SPT) and 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine (caffeine) produced rightward displacements of contractile concentration-effect curves to 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) in rat isolated colonic muscularis mucosae (RCMM) with concentration-ratios consistent with adenosine receptor blockade. The non-xanthine antagonist, 9 fluro-2-(2-furyl)-5,6-dihydro [1,2,4] triazo to [1,5-c]-quinazin-imine (CGS15943A) also antagonized contractions to NECA with an affinity (pKB8.1-8.5) consistent with adenosine A1 receptor blockade. 2. In addition to producing rightward shifts of the concentration-response curves, the maximum contractions to 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) were also markedly increased in the presence of 8-PT (by 83 +/- 16% at 1 microM), 8-SPT (by 37 +/- 7% at 10 microM) and caffeine (by 45 +/- 5% at 100 microM) but were unaffected by CGS15943A (at 0.01 and 0.03 microM). 3. As with NECA, the maximum contractions to the adenosine A1 receptor agonists R-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA) and N-[(1S, trans)-2-hydroxyclopentyl] adenosine (GR79236) were both antagonized and augmented by 8-PT. In addition, the contractions to NECA in the presence of 8-PT (1 microM) were inhibited by nanomolar concentrations of 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX). 4. The non-selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (1 microM) produced a marked increase in the NECA maximum without producing a rightward shift in the NECA curve, whereas a higher concentration (10 microM) virtually abolished responses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)