Non-cholinergic,non-adrenergic responses to nerve stimulation of different regions of the guinea-pig small intestine

Summary Non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic responses to nerve stimulation recorded from smooth muscles of the guinea-pig duodenum, jejunum, proximal and terminal ileum were investigated in an attempt to characterize these responses.In the presence of atropine (1–2 mol · l^–1) and guanethidine (10 mol · l^–1) coaxial stimulation induced in all regions of the guinea-pig small intestine an initial relaxation (primary relaxation) upon which contraction (primary contraction) appeared, followed by rebound contraction.Noradrenaline decreased the cholinergic smooth muscle twitches, predominantly at low stimulation frequencies, and had a similar effect on the non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic primary relaxation, primary and rebound contractions.ATP decreased the smooth muscle twitches; however, this agent had only a transient influence on the non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic responses of muscle (tension and membrane potential) to single stimuli. With higher stimulus frequencies ATP increased the primary relaxation and decreased the contraction phases. ATP also inhibited the post-tetanic inhibition induced by non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic nerve stimulation.In most of the muscle cells of the guinea-pig proximal and terminal ileum the non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic nerve stimulation generated i.j.p.s., while about 15–20% of the cells responded with e.j.p.s. During long-lasting stimulation (10s) the i.j.p.s. were sometimes interrupted by action potentials or by a gradual depolarization of the membrane. The i.j.p.s. were followed by a marked rebound depolarization accompanying the action potentials. Those cells which generated i.j.p.s. in response to field stimulation, were depolarized by ATP, while those cells, which generated e.j.p.s, were hyperpolarized by ATP.A reduction in the concentration of extracellular sodium chloride decreased both the primary and rebound contractions; the primary contraction was, however, more sensitive than was the rebound contraction.Theophylline increased the primary and rebound contractions with no marked influence on the primary relaxation, lowered the action potential threshold, increased the rebound depolarization and did not markedly influence the i.j.p.s.Quinidine enhanced the primary relaxation and inhibited the primary contraction in a concentration-dependent manner. Inhibition of the rebound contraction by quinidine was slight (less than 50%).The present results demonstrate that primary relaxation, primary and rebound contractions are associated with i.j.p.s and e.j.p.s., and rebound depolarization with action potentials, respectively; they are typical responses of various regions of the guinea-pig small intestine to activation of inhibitory and excitatory non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic nerves. The P₁ and P₂ receptors, proposed by Burnstock (1975), probably do not mediate the non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic postsynaptic responses of the guinea-pig small intestine. A possible physiological function of ATP as a mediator of non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic nerves of the guinea-pig small intestine is discussed.This study was supported in part by JSPS Japan     

A possible effect of sulfhydryl reagents on the contractile activity of the rat detrusor muscle

We aimed to investigate the effect of sulfhydryl (SH) inactivating agents, ethacrynic acid and N-ethylmaleimide, on the contractile activity of rat detrusor muscle. Wistar Kyoto rats weighing 150-250 g were anaesthetized with ketamine and bled to death. The urinary bladders were surgically removed and detrusor strips were mounted under 0.5 g tension in organ baths. The responses were recorded with isotonic transducers on polygraph paper. After an equilibrium period, the tissues were contracted by electrical field stimulation, acetylcholine, ethacrynic acid or N-ethylmaleimide and the effects of l-cysteine, glutathione, verapamil, Ca²⁺-free solution, sodium nitroprusside or atropine were then examined on these contractions. Verapamil, Ca²⁺-free solution or atropine significantly reduced the contractions elicited by electrical field stimulation and acetylcholine whereas l-cysteine, glutathione or sodium nitroprusside had no effect on the contractions in response to these stimuli. l-Cysteine, glutathione, verapamil or Ca²⁺-free solution significantly inhibited the contractions induced by ethacrynic acid or N-ethylmaleimide. Sodium nitroprusside slightly inhibited only the contraction induced by ethacrynic acid but not that with N-ethylmaleimide. Atropine has no action on the contractions in response to these SH reagents. These findings suggest that SH reagents may play a role in the contractile activity of rat detrusor muscle and this action seems to be related to the gating of Ca²⁺ channels. Further experiments are needed to determine the cellular mechanism(s) of action by which these SH reagents act on the detrusor smooth muscle.     

A modulating role of prostaglandins in contractions of the guinea-pig ileum

1 The role of prostaglandins in contractions of the guinea-pig ileum evoked either directly by acetylcholine or indirectly by angiotensin and by coaxial stimulation has been investigated.2 Prostaglandin E(2) in low concentration (6 nM) slightly augmented both types of contraction. Indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, markedly reduced the indirectly evoked contractions but did not affect contractions in response to acetylcholine. The addition of prostaglandin E(2) to the preparation treated previously with indomethacin restored the effect of indirect stimulation.3 The pretreatment of the preparation with guanethidine or alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine prevented the inhibitory effect of indomethacin on indirectly evoked contractions. Prostaglandin E(2) addition to such preparations considerably augmented both types of contraction.4 The stimulation of non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic inhibitory nerves in the taenia coli and ileum preparations evoked hyperpolarization and relaxation of the preparations followed by action potentials and contraction. These responses were not changed by indomethacin pretreatment and prostaglandin E(2), but rebound contraction was sometimes augmented by the prostaglandin.5 Two mechanisms for the effects of prostaglandin E(2) are suggested: a direct effect on smooth muscle, and an indirect action through the sympathetic nerves which by release of noradrenaline affect the acetylcholine release from parasympathetic nerve endings.     

Effects of prostaglandin E2 and indomethacin on the rebound of the guinea-pig taenia coli.

The effects of prostaglandin E₂ (0.2 μM) and indomethacin (50 μM) on the rebound of smooth muscle cells of the guinea-pig taenia coli were studied. Stimulation of the non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic, intramural nerves caused membrane hyperpolarizaiton, known as the inhibitory junction potential (I.J.P.). This hyperpolarization was followed by a rebound depolarization and a rather small rebound contraction in quiescent preparations; the rebound depolarization was often accompanied by action potentials, resulting in a pronounced rebound contration. The effects of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) on the membrane were comparable with the phenomena observed during the rebound, i.e. membrane depolarization, development of action potentials and contraction of the smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, an increase in amplitude of the I.J.P., enhancement of the spike discharge and a concomitant increase in rebound contraction were observed in the presence of PGE₂. Indomethacin did not modify the membrane potential or the amplitude of the I.J.P., but inhibited the rebound contraction and suppressed the development of action potentials during the rebound. The action of PGE₂ on the smooth muscle cell membrane was not modified by indomethacin, but the rebound contraction in the presence of both compounds was decreased. These experimental results indicate: that the rebound contraction is accompanied by depolarization of the membrane following the hyperpolarization caused by stimulation of the non-cholinergic non-adrenergic nerves; that the rebound activity can be mimicked by PGE₂; that indomethacin does not interfere with the action of PGE₂ applied exogenously and that the observations are consistent with the assumption that prostaglandins might be involved in the rebound.     

Suppression by neuropeptide Y of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerve-mediated contraction in guinea-pig airways.

1. In the present study we have examined whether neuropeptide Y (NPY) interferes with non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerve-mediated contractions and relaxations in the guinea-pig airways. In these experiments we have used ring preparations of bronchi and trachea, incubated in the presence of atropine, propranolol and indomethacin (each 1 microM). 2. The contractile response to electrical stimulation of non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerve fibres was suppressed by NPY and NPY 13-36 in a concentration-dependent manner, these agents having similar inhibitory potencies. NPY caused a more complete inhibition than the C terminal fragment. 3. NPY affected neither the basal tension nor the substance P-evoked contraction in the bronchi and trachea and did not interfere with nerve-mediated, non-adrenergic relaxation in the trachea. 4. On the basis of these results, it is suggested that NPY may act on the terminals of sensory neurones in the airways to prevent antidromic, excitatory neurotransmission by inhibiting transmitter release.     

Effects of suramin on electrical and mechanical activities in antrum smooth muscle of the guinea-pig stomach

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Suppression by NG-nitro-L-arginine of relaxations induced by non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerve stimulation in dog duodenal longitudinal muscle.

In dog duodenal longitudinal muscle strips, transmural electrical stimulation (10 Hz, 15 sec) elicited a transient contraction, which was abolished by tetrodotoxin and atropine but potentiated by treatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA), a nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibitor. The potentiation was reversed by L-arginine but not by its D-enantiomer. Acetylcholine-induced contractions were not influenced by L-NA. After treatment with atropine, the electrical neural stimulation relaxed the muscle strips partially contracted with bradykinin, the relaxation being abolished by tetrodotoxin and suppressed by L-, but not D-, NA. L-arginine reversed the L-NA-induced inhibition. Oxyhemoglobin abolished the relaxation caused by nerve stimulation and NO. The neurally-induced relaxation was not attenuated by adrenoceptor antagonists and indomethacin. It is concluded that electrical stimulation of non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerves relaxes dog duodenal smooth muscle, due possibly to NO produced upon neural excitation, and potentiation by L-NA of the contractile response to cholinergic nerve stimulation, would be derived from elimination of the neurally-induced relaxation.     

Comparative effects of verapamil and sodium nitroprusside on contraction and 45Ca uptake in the smooth muscle of rabbit aorta, rat aorta and guinea-pig taenia coli.

The effects of verapamil and sodium nitroprusside on muscle tension and 45Ca uptake activated in different ways were compared in rabbit aorta, rat aorta and guinea-pig taenia coli. In rabbit aorta, K-induced contraction was specifically inhibited by verapamil and noradrenaline-induced contraction by sodium nitroprusside. In rat aorta, both K-induced and noradrenaline-induced contractions were inhibited by verapamil or by sodium nitroprusside also. In taenia, both K- and histamine-induced sustained contractions were inhibited by verapamil but not by sodium nitroprusside. The effect of verapamil was competitively antagonized by external Ca, while that of sodium nitroprusside was not. High K, noradrenaline and histamine increased the rate of 45Ca uptake in aortae and taenia. In rabbit aorta the increment in response to high K was specifically inhibited by verapamil and the increment induced by noradrenaline was specifically inhibited by sodium nitroprusside. In rat aorta, increments induced by both high K and noradrenaline were inhibited by verapamil and by sodium nitroprusside. In taenia, the increments induced by high K and by histamine were inhibited by verapamil but not by sodium nitroprusside. These results suggest different characteristics of Ca entry systems in these smooth muscles. In rabbit aorta, there seem to be two Ca channels, one of which is activated by high K and inhibited by verapamil, while the other is activated by noradrenaline and inhibited by sodium nitroprusside. In rat aorta, both K- and noradrenaline-activated Ca pathways are sensitive to both verapamil and sodium nitroprusside whereas, in taenia, both K- and histamine-activated Ca pathways are sensitive only to verapamil.     

Effects of indomethacin on non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic motility of stomach and small intestine

Stimulation of the sectioned cervical vagal nerve of anaesthetized cats (ether-chloralose), pretreated with guanethidine and atropine, in the peripheral direction produced gastric relaxation as well as jejunal and ileal contraction. The administration of indomethacin markedly enhanced intestinal tone and the amplitude of spontaneous phasic activity while the basal gastric motility was essentially unchanged. This suggests that endogenous prostaglandins exert an inhibitory influence on intestinal motility. The vagally induced gastric relaxation was significantly inhibited by indomethacin, with could suggest that prostaglandins modulate non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic inhibitory neurotransmission in the stomach.     

Mechanisms of the responses to Non-Cholinergic,Non-Adrenergic Nerve Stimulation and to ATP in Isolated Rabbit Urinary Bladder: Evidence for ADP Evoked Prostaglandin Release

Abstract: The contractile effects of ATP and related purine compounds on the isolated rabbit detrusor were investigated. It was found that ATP produced an initial rapid, phasic contraction followed by a slowly developing and maintained increase in tension. ADP caused a contraction closely mimicking the tonic response to ATP. The ADP induced contraction and the tonic response to ATP could both be abolished by indomethacin. β, γ-methylene ATP (APPCP), which is not degraded to ADP, elicited a rapid, phasic response, which could be abolished by nifedipine. AMP, dibutyryl-cAMP, and adenosine in low concentrations had no contractile effects; high concentrations of adenosine and 2-chloroadenosine, which is resistant to adenosine deaminase, decreased tone and spontaneous activity. The amplitude of the ATP induced contraction was positively correlated to the Ca²⁺-concentration in the extracellular medium; removal of Ca²⁺ abolished the ATP contraction before the responses to high K⁺ and carbachol disappeared. Responses to electrical field stimulation, mediated by non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic mechanisms were abolished by nifedipine and significantly reduced by indomethacin. It is concluded that in isolated rabbit detrusor, a direct contractile response can be elicited only by tripolyphosphates (ATP and APPCP), and that the diphosphate moiety ADP stimulates synthesis of prostaglandins. The similarity between the effects of stimulation of non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic neurones and the phasic response to ATP supports the view that in rabbit detrusor ATP may be involved in excitation.     

The role of cyclic AMP in non-adrenergic non-cholinergic contraction in guinea-pig bronchi.

1. We investigated the role of adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) in non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) contraction in guinea-pig bronchial strips. 2. Forskolin (3 nM to 1 microM) reduced NANC contraction induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) in a concentration-dependent fashion (-log EC50 was 7.22 +/- 0.12 M and maximum inhibition was 100 +/- 0.01%). However, forskolin (less than 1 microM) did not alter the contraction induced by substance P (SP, 1 microM). 3. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (1 mM) also reduced NANC contractions induced by EFS (100 +/- 0.01%) without significant effect on SP (1 microM)-induced contractions. In contrast, dibutyryl cyclic GMP (1 mM) was without effect against either NANC or SP-induced contractions. 4. Both the beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist, procaterol (0.1 nM to 3 nM) and theophylline (100 nM to 1 mM) concentration-dependently reduced EFS-induced NANC contractions without significant effect on SP (1 microM)-induced contractions. 5. In contrast to forskolin, procaterol and theophylline, both sodium nitroprusside and cromakalim inhibited the EFS-induced contractions only at those concentrations that similarly reduced the contractions induced by SP (1 microM). 6. These results suggest that cyclic AMP may mediate pre-junctional inhibition of NANC contractions in guinea-pig bronchi.     

Relative roles of nitric oxide and cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid in the contractile responses of rat renal arcuate arteries.

1. We have examined the effects of inhibition of nitric oxide synthase, cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase on the responses of renal arcuate arteries of Wistar rats, with and without endothelium, to noradrenaline, potassium chloride, endothelin-1, acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. 2. Noradrenaline, potassium chloride and endothelin-1 caused concentration-dependent contraction of the vessels. Indomethacin (14 microM) attenuated the contractile response to noradrenaline and to potassium chloride. The inhibitory effect of indomethacin persisted following endothelial removal. 3. Acetylcholine produced concentration-dependent relaxation of the vessels which was potentiated by indomethacin (14 microM). 4. NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 microM) did not affect the contractile response to either noradrenaline or potassium chloride but abolished relaxation to acetylcholine. In addition, L-NAME abolished the affects of indomethacin on acetylcholine-induced relaxation and noradrenaline- and potassium chloride-induced contraction. 5. BWC755C attenuated noradrenaline and potassium chloride-induced contraction. This effect persisted in the presence of indomethacin. 6. In vessels pretreated with CHAPS, BW755C inhibited both noradrenaline and potassium chloride-induced contraction. In these vessels BW755C had no additional inhibitory effect to indomethacin on noradrenaline- and potassium-induced contraction. 7. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with L-NAME (100 microM) attenuated the effect of BW755C on noradrenaline- and potassium-induced contraction. 8. BW755C alone did not affect endothelium-dependent relaxation as assessed by the response to acetylcholine. However, in the presence of indomethacin, BW755C inhibited acetylcholine-induced relaxation. 9. BW755C did not affect endothelium-independent relaxation as assessed by the response to sodium nitroprusside in vessels with or without endothelium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Peptide YY (PYY) stimulates intrinsic enteric motor neurones in the rat small intestine

Summary The effects of peptide YY (PYY) on motor activity of the rat small intestine, were studied using isolated organ bath preparations arranged for recording muscle activity in the longitudinal axis. PYY induced TTX sensitive concentration-dependent contractions and/or relaxations of the longitudinal muscle in different regions of the small intestine. In the duodenum PYY evoked only cholinergic contractions (3 × 10^–8–3 × 10^–7 M). In the jejunum, PYY-evoked concentrations were non-cholinergic, and contractions were never seen in the ileum. In the jejunum and ileum, PYY-evoked relaxations (3 × 10^–3 × 10^–7 M) were unaffected by adrenoceptor or cholinergic receptor blockade, thus indicating that these relaxations were mediated by non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) inhibitory nerves. Another action of PYY was to cause inhibition of field stimulation-evoked cholinergic concentrations. This inhibitory action was primarily due to antagonism of post-junctional, cholinergic receptor mediated events. In addition, PYY inhibited histamine evoked contractions of the longitudinal muscle. All regions of the small intestine could be desensitized to PYY. Such PYY-densensitization did not affect the ability of the longitudinal muscle to relax in response to applied ATP or papaverine. These results suggest PYY has potent concentration-dependent stimulatory actions at intrinsic inhibitory and excitatory motor nerves. In addition, PYY interferes with contractions but not relaxations of the longitudinal muscle.This study was funded by a development grant from the Medical Research Council of Canada Send offprint requests to A. Krantis at the above address     

Functional antagonism between nitric oxide and ATP in the motor responses of guinea-pig ileum

1. The interaction of nitric oxide and ATP in the non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) motor responses and the presence of NADPH-diaphorase and quinacrine-positive myenteric neurones were studied on guinea-pig ileum using mechanographic, histochemical and quinacrine-fluorescence techniques. In the presence of phentolamine, propranolol and atropine, the non-precontracted longitudinally oriented organ bath preparations responded to sodium nitroprusside (1-100 microM) or ATP (5-50 microM) with tetrodotoxin (0.1 microM)-resistant relaxation or contraction, respectively. The effects of ATP were suramin (50 microM)- and apamin (5 microM)-sensitive. 2. The NANC motor responses elicited by electrical stimulation (0.8 ms, 1-20 Hz, 20 s) consisted of tetrodotoxin-sensitive relaxation phase followed by a phase of twitch-like and tonic contractions. 3. NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, 0.1-0.5 mM) inhibited or abolished the relaxation phase. L-arginine (0.5 mM), but not D-arginine (0.5 mM), restored the relaxation phase in L-NNA-pretreated preparations. The relaxation phase increased after ATP-induced desensitization of purinoceptors and in the presence of suramin (50 mciroM) but was abolished by apamin (5 microM). 4. The phase of contractions was enhanced by L-NNA (0.1-0.5 mM) and restored by L-arginine (0.5 mM). The twitch-like and tonic contractions were decreased during ATP-induced purinoceptor desensitization and in the presence of suramin (50 microLM). Apamin (5 microM) inhibited the tonic contractions. 5. The desensitization of purinoceptors by ATP did not change the L-NNA-induced inhibition of the relaxation phase but decreased the L-NNA-increased phase of contractions. L-NNA reduced the relaxation phase and increased the phase of contractions during purinoceptor desensitization. 6. We conclude that in the longitudinal muscle layer of the guinea-pig ileum, nitric oxide mediates the relaxation phase while ATP contributes via smooth muscle P2 purinoceptors to the phase of contractions suggesting a postjunctional functional antagonism between nitric oxide and ATP. The presence of NADPH-diaphorase- and quinacrine-positive neuronal cells and processes running to the muscle cells confirms a physiological role of nitric oxide and ATP in the ileal neurotransmission.     

Neurogenic responses of urethra isolated from the dog.

Electrical transmural stimulation evoked contraction and relaxation in isolated urethral circular muscle of the dog. The responses were abolished by tetrodotoxin, indicating their neurogenic origin. The contractile force in the middle urethra was greater than that in the proximal and distal urethra. The contractions were not affected by atropine and propranolol, but were completely inhibited by phenoxybenzamine, prazosin and guanethidine. In preparations contracted with prostaglandin F2 alpha, electrical stimulation induced frequency-dependent relaxation in all urethral portions. Atropine, phenoxybenzamine, prazosin and guanethidine had no effect on the relaxation, while propranolol slightly attenuated the relaxation induced at the highest frequency used (5 Hz). The non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic relaxation was also not affected by ketanserin, methysergide, diphenhydramine, alpha,beta-methylene ATP or capsaicin. Exogenously applied phenylephrine and clonidine both produced contractions but the maximal response to clonidine was much smaller than that to phenylephrine. Acetylcholine produced no or feeble contractions. In the preparations contracted with prostaglandin F2 alpha, isoproterenol and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) produced relaxation. These results suggest that the circular muscle of dog urethra is reciprocally innervated by sympathetic adrenergic and non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerves, and that the neurogenic responses are markedly affected by muscle tension and the portion of the urethra examined.     

Age-related changes in the sensitivity to verapamil and sodium nitroprusside of vascular smooth muscle of rabbit aorta.

Age-related changes in the sensitivity to verapamil and sodium nitroprusside were examined in isolated aortic strips of the rabbit. In the aortae of newborn rabbits within 10 days of birth, the resting tone of the muscle was strongly reduced by sodium nitroprusside but not by either Ca-deficient solution or by verapamil. High K-induced contraction and noradrenaline-induced contraction were both inhibited by verapamil or sodium nitroprusside. In the aortae of 24 day-old rabbits, resting tension was slightly reduced by sodium nitroprusside but not by verapamil. High K-induced contraction was less sensitive to sodium nitroprusside than to verapamil whereas noradrenaline-induced contraction was less sensitive to verapamil than to sodium nitroprusside. In the aortae isolated from 60 day-old or older rabbits, resting tension was not affected by either sodium nitroprusside or verapamil. High K-induced contraction was inhibited by verapamil whereas sodium nitroprusside showed only a weak inhibitory effect. Noradrenaline-induced contraction was inhibited by sodium nitroprusside although verapamil had only a slight inhibitory effect. In the aortae of 1 day-old and also in adult rabbits, noradrenaline induced an additional increase in muscle tension when applied during the sustained contraction induced by high K. It is suggested that, in the newborn rabbit aorta, the voltage-dependent Ca channel is sensitive to both verapamil and sodium nitroprusside and the sensitivity to sodium nitroprusside gradually decreases during maturation whereas the receptor-linked Ca channel is also sensitive to both of the inhibitors at birth but the sensitivity to verapamil gradually decreases with age.     

The effect of local anaesthetics on noncholinergic-nonadrenergic (NCNA) responses of the gut

The newly synthesized carbamate local anaesthetics (heptacaine and BK-141) affected the NCNA responses of different segments of the guinea-pig small (jejunum, ileum) and large (colon, taenia coli) intestine in a similar manner to the classic local anaesthetics (procaine and trimecaine). The sensitivity of NCNA responses to the action of local anaesthetics was, in order: primary contraction greater than rebound contraction greater than primary relaxation. The action of the carbamate local anaesthetics resembled that of trimecaine more than that of procaine. The results presented suggest that different Ca2+ channels participate in primary and rebound contraction and that local anaesthetics affect the receptor-operated Ca2+ channels in lower concentrations than the voltage-dependent ones.     

Role of ellagic acid against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats

Sennosides, the most popular irritant laxatives, cause purgative actions in the intestine through biotransformation to rhein anthrone; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to define colonic motor actions of sennoside A with special reference to purgative action. Mice received a single oral dose of 30 mg/kg sennoside A, and the colon was removed about 6 hr later. Contractions of longitudinal and circular muscles were recorded using an isometric force transducer and a pressure transducer, respectively. In longitudinal muscle preparations, spontaneous contractions were augmented in distal colon compared to control. In circular muscle preparations, contractions were reduced in the proximal colon, but increased in the distal colon. Particularly in the proximal colon, the frequency of high-amplitude contraction was reduced. In the control group, non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic treatment decreased the amplitude of contractions in the proximal colon, but not in the distal colon. In the sennoside A group, non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic treatment only slightly depressed the amplitude of contractions in the proximal and distal colon. To confirm a causal relationship between luminal prostaglandin level and purgative action of sennoside A, the mice were treated with indomethacin. Significant changes induced by sennoside A were attenuated by indomethacin treatment. The present study indicates that spontaneous motility is inhibited by sennoside A in the proximal colon, but accelerated in the distal colon, and that effects are associated with luminal prostanoid level and only partially with cholinergic nerve mediation.     

ATP and nitric oxide: inhibitory NANC neurotransmitters in the longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparation of the rat ileum.

1. The nature of neurotransmitter(s) involved in non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) relaxations induced by electrical stimulation (10 s trains, 1-8 Hz) was investigated in the precontracted longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparation of the rat ileum. 2. Electrical stimulation of the tissue induced complex responses, consisting of a primary contraction, a primary relaxation, an off-relaxation and a rebound contraction, which were all tetrodotoxin(TTX)-sensitive. 3. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and carbon monoxide (CO) did not induce relaxations. alpha-Chymotrypsin did not reduce the relaxations induced by electrical stimulation, while zinc protoporphyrin IX had non-specific effects. 4. Nitric oxide (NO) induced concentration-dependent relaxations. NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) abolished the primary contractions and off-relaxations, while it partially reduced the primary relaxations. 5. ATP induced relaxations and ATP-desensitization of the tissues partially reduced the primary relaxations. Suramin and reactive blue 2 did not consistently influence the primary relaxations. 6. The ATP-induced relaxations were not influenced by L-NAME or TTX. The inhibitory effect of ATP-desensitization and L-NAME did not summate. 7. The cyclic AMP content of the tissue did not increase upon electrical stimulation or after addition of NO or ATP. The cyclic GMP content of the tissue increased upon electrical stimulation and addition of NO, but not after addition of ATP. 8. It is concluded that the relaxation induced by electrical stimulation consists of two types of responses. The off-relaxation is completely nitrergic, while the primary relaxation is mediated by NO, ATP and an as yet unknown transmitter which is not VIP or CO.     

Evidence that prostaglandin is responsible for the 'rebound contraction' following stimulation of non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic ('purinergic') inhibitory nerves.

The prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, indomethacin, blocks the "rebound contractions" which characteristically follow the inhibitory responses of the guinea-pig taenia coli to non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (purinergic) nerves and to exogenously applied ATP, without affecting the responses to periaterial adrenergic nerves. Since adenine nucleotides are known to induce prostaglandin synthesis, this result is consistent with the purinergic hypothesis and suggests that purinergic nerves may form a link with prostaglandin in the physiological regulation of a variety of organs.