CCKA receptor antagonism inhibits mechanisms underlying CCK-8-stimulated insulin release in isolated rat islets.

The influence of the cholecystokinin (CCK)A receptor antagonist, L-364,718, on beta-cell activation was examined in isolated perifused prelabelled rat islets. Insulin secretion and 3H efflux from myo-[2-3H]inositol-prelabelled islets (reflecting phosphoinositide hydrolysis) stimulated by CCK-8 (100 nM) were both inhibited by L-364,718, partially at 1 nM and totally at 10 nM. 45Ca2+ efflux from prelabelled islets was markedly stimulated by CCK-8. This stimulation was inhibited equally by 1 and 10 nM L-364,718. CCK-8 stimulated the 86Rb+ efflux (reflecting K+ movements) from prelabelled islets, which probably reflects an indirect effect of CCK-8 due to opening of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels. This 86Rb+ efflux was inhibited by L-364,718 at 10 nM but not affected by L-364,718 at 1 nM. It is concluded that insulin secretion, phosphoinositide hydrolysis, Ca2+ and K+ movements stimulated by CCK-8 in isolated islets are all events mediated by CCKA receptors. The L-364,718-induced inhibition of phosphoinositide hydrolysis was most closely correlated to the inhibition of insulin secretion. This suggests that induction of cellular events activated through stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis is a major mechanism underlying CCK-8-stimulated insulin secretion.     

Protection induced by cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8) in ethanol-induced gastric lesions is mediated via vagal capsaicin-sensitive fibres and CCKA receptors.

We have investigated the effect of intravenous injection of cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8) and other peptides on gastric lesion formation in response to an intragastric perfusion with 25% ethanol in rats anaesthetized with urethane. 2. Intravenous injection of CCK-8 (50-100 nmol kg-1), but not bombesin (1-100 nmol kg-1), calcitonin gene-related peptide (1-50 nmol kg-1), neurokinin A (1 mumol kg-1) or substance P (100 nmol kg-1), induced protection against gastric haemorrhagic lesions produced by ethanol. 3. The CCKA-antagonist L-364,718 (2.45 mumol kg-1, i.v.) increased the lesion index induced by ethanol and reversed the protective effect of CCK-8 (50 nmol kg-1, i.v.). The CCKB-antagonist L-365,260 (5 mumol kg-1, i.v.) and a lower dose of L-364,718 (0.25 mumol kg-1, i.v.) were ineffective. 4. The gastric protective effects afforded by CCK-8 (50 nmol kg-1, i.v.) were not observed in vagotomized-rats and were reduced by capsaicin pretreatment. In capsaicin-pretreated rats there was a worsening of gastric lesions induced by ethanol-perfusion as compared to those observed in vehicle-pretreated rats. 5. These results demonstrate that the mucosal protective effect of CCK-8 involves, at least in part, the activation of CCKA-receptors and is mediated by vagal capsaicin-sensitive fibres.     

CCK-8-related C-terminal tetrapeptides: affinities for central CCKB and peripheral CCKA receptors.

We investigated the binding affinity of new tetrapeptides derived from the C-terminal sequence of CCK8 to central CCKB and peripheral CCKA receptors. Compound 1 (Boc-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2) showed high affinity for central CCKB receptors (Ki 4.2 x 10(-8) M, pancreas/cortex ratio = 283). Compounds 2 (Suc-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2) and 3 (Suc-Trp-Leu-Asp-Phe-NH2) also exhibited high affinity (Ki 2.7 x 10(-8) M and 5.6 x 10(-8) M, respectively) but their CCKB selectivity was nearly 50 times higher (Ki ratio greater than 14,000). Replacement of Met or Leu by other amino acids resulted in less effective tetrapeptides.     

Pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure is not mediated by benzodiazepine receptors in vivo

The selective benzodiazepine antagonist RO 15-1788, labelled with carbon 11 [11C] RO 15-1788, as a specific marker, together with positron emission tomography, allows the in vivo study of benzodiazepine receptors in primates. In addition, when coupled with recordings of electroencephalographic activity, this method offers the feasibility of studying the correlation between occupancy of benzodiazepine receptors and the convulsant action of drugs acting at the benzodiazepine-GABA receptor complex in vivo. The present study showed that convulsant doses of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) could affect the binding of [11C] RO 15-1788 in vivo in two ways, depending on the doses tested: at concentrations of 20 and 30 mg/kg, pentylenetetrazol increased the binding of [11C] RO 15-1788 whereas larger concentrations displaced the binding of [11C] RO 15-1788. The direct correlation between the occupancy of respective benzodiazepine receptors, afforded by increasing convulsant doses of pentylenetetrazol, revealed that competitive interaction with benzodiazepine receptors was not necessary for pentylenetetrazol to induce the appearance of seizures in vivo.     

Opposite effects mediated by CCKA and CCKB receptors in behavioural and hormonal studies in rats

We compared the influence of two cholecystokinin (CCK) antagonists, devazepide and L,365,260 [3R-(+)-(2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1 H-1,4-benzodiazepine-3y1)-N-(3-methyl-phenyl)urea], upon two distinct phenomena, behavioural and hormonal effects of caerulein (5 g/kg s.c.), and unselective CCK agonist, in rats. Behavioural effects were assessed in the elevated plusmaze and open field tests. In separate experiments, effects on thyrotropin (TSH), prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) levels in serum of male rats were studied.Caerulein inhibited the exploratory behaviour in the plus-maze. Time spent in the open part, the number of line crossings and closed arm entries were significantly decreased, whereas the ratio of failed attempts/closed arm entries was increased. The anti-exploratory effect of caerulein was antagonized by the pretreatment with L-365,260 (10 g/kg), a preferential antagonist at CCK_B receptors, but was increased by devazepide (1–100 g/kg), a preferential CCK_A antagonist. L-365,260 (1–100 /kg) and devazepide (1–100 Fig/kg) given alone did not change the behaviour of rats in the plusmaze test. Caerulein (5 g/kg) itself did not modify the locomotor activity of rats in open field. However, the concomitant administration of caerulein with devazepide (1–10 g/kg) reduced the frequency of line crossings and rearings. In the hormonal studies caerulein significantly decreased the cold-induced increase of TSH levels in serum. GH and PRL levels were not markedly affected by caerulein. Pretreatment with devazepide (100 g/kg) antagonized, while Lr365,260 (100 Ng/kg) even increased, the suppressing effect of caerulein on TSH levels. The concomitant administration of L-365,260 and caerulein reduced the levels of GH, whereas the combination of CCK agonist with devazepide caused the opposite effect. L-365,260 and devazepide alone did not change the levels of hormones in serum.The results support the idea that CCK_A and CCK_B receptors exert an opposite influence not only upon the exploratory behaviour in rats (CCK_A receptor activation mediates an increase, CCK_B receptor activation a decrease) but also upon the secretion of two anterior pituitary hormones, TSH and probably GH (CCK_A receptor activation mediates a decrease, CCK_B receptor activation an increase). Correspondence to: P. T. Mannisto at the above address     

Comparison of CCK-8 receptors in the pancreas and brain of rats using CCK-8 analogues

The characteristics of cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors in rat pancreatic acini and in various regions of the brain were examined using synthetic CCK-8 or CCK-7 analogues. 3H-propionylated CCK-8 [( 3H]CCK-8) was used as a ligand. 1) The pancreatic CCK receptor had a single high affinity binding component with a dissociation constant, Kd, of 0.76 nM and a maximum number of specific binding sites, Bmax, of 271.91 fmol/mg protein. On the other hand, the CCK receptor in the cerebral cortex had a Kd of 1.66 nM and a Bmax of 30.15 fmol/mg protein. 2) The order of the potencies of CCK-7 and CCK-8 analogues with a substitution at position 3 or 4 to displace [3H]CCK-8 specific binding to the pancreatic acini was as follows: CCK-8 greater than CCK-7 = SucCCK-7 greater than Suc[Sar3]CCK-7 greater than Suc[D-Trp3]CCK-7 greater than Suc[D-Ala3]CCK-7 greater than [D-Trp4]CCK-8 = [D-Ala4] CCK-8. This order of potencies of CCK analogues was greatly different from that in the cerebral cortex. 3) The carboxy-terminal tetra-peptide (CCK-4) and penta-peptide (CCK-5) had very weak potencies in displacing [3H]CCK-8 binding in the pancreatic acini, which were 20 to 30-fold less than their potencies in the cerebral cortex. These results suggest that the recognition sites for CCK analogues in the pancreatic and brain CCK receptors are different.     

Prostanoid stimulation of anion secretion in guinea-pig gastric and ileal mucosa is mediated by different receptors.

1. The receptors that mediate stimulation of anion secretion by prostanoids in isolated preparations of guinea-pig gastric and ileal mucosa have been compared by use of selective prostanoid agonists and antagonists. 2. In gastric mucosa, the relative potency of agonists suggested that the control of anion secretion in this tissue was complex and may be mediated by EP2, EP3, and TP receptors. A role for TP receptors was confirmed with the TP-selective antagonist AH23848 which inhibited short circuit current responses to the TP receptor agonist U-46619 with a pA2 value of 8.44 but was without effect on responses to prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) or the EP selective agonist, sulprostone. 3. In ileal mucosa, the relative potency of agonists differed from that observed in gastric mucosa and was consistent with the view that anion secretion in this region of intestine was controlled by DP and EP2 receptors. 4. These studies suggest that anion secretion in gastric and ileal mucosa is controlled by different prostanoid receptor subtypes and so provide important information for the design of prostanoids which may protect gastric mucosa and that are free from side effects such as diarrhoea.     

Antinociceptive profile of sulfated CCK-8. Comparison with CCK-4, unsulfated CCK-8 and other neuropeptides

The antinociceptive activity of sulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8-S) was characterized by comparison with two other endogenous forms, unsulfated CCK-8 (CCK-8-U) and the carboxyl tetrapeptide fragment (CCK-4) and two other peptides present in the gut and brain: bombesin and neurotensin. By the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) route, CCK-8-S was antinociceptive in the hot plate and phenylquinone-induced writhing assays, but CCK-8-U and CCK-4 were active only in the latter test. By systemic administration, CCK-8-S retained anti-writhing activity but CCK-8-U and CCK-4 did not. Therefore, CCK receptors in brain may be involved in the apparent antinociception produced by CCK-8-U and CCK-4. Bombesin produced potent antinociceptive activity, along with a distinct, head-scratching syndrome, in both the writhing and hot plate tests. Naloxone reversed bombesin-induced elevation of latencies of mouse jump but not the head-scratching syndrome, indicating that the analgesic effect in the hot plate test was independent of the scratching behaviour. Neurotensin, unlike CCK-8-S, elevated tail-flick latencies, and was more potent in the writhing than in the hot plate test. Several differences between CCK-8-S and opioid substances included the need for relatively large doses of naloxone to block the effects of CCK-8-S in the phenylquinone-induced writhing test and the lack of effect of CCK-8-S in the tail-flick test. Global sedation can account for some, but not all, of the effects of CCK-8-S.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cocaine-induced suppression of renin secretion is partially mediated by serotonergic mechanisms.

Acute cocaine reduces renin secretion. To determine whether serotonergic neurons mediate this effect, male Sprague-Dawley rats received the serotonin (5-HT) neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (75 micrograms/side, ICV) 2 weeks prior to cocaine injections (3.75-15 mg/kg, IP). 5-HT lesions attenuated the cocaine-induced reduction of plasma renin concentration (PRC), suggesting a partial 5-HT role. To determine which receptors mediate this response, rats were pretreated with the partial 5-HT1A agonist 8-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-l-piperazinyl]ethyl]-8-azaspirol-[4,5]- decane-7,9-dione (BMY 7378) (1 mg/kg, SC), the 5-HT1C/5-HT2 antagonist ritanserin (0.1 mg/kg, SC), or the alpha 2/5-HT1A antagonist yohimbine (1 mg/kg, SC) prior to cocaine. None of the antagonists altered the cocaine-induced suppression of PRC, although BMY 7378 and yohimbine elevated PRC. The data suggest that cocaine's effect is partially mediated by a serotonergic mechanism, but do not support a role for 5-HT1A receptors, 5-HT2/5-HT1C receptors, or alpha 2-adrenoceptors in mediating the suppressive effect of cocaine on renin secretion.     

Somatostatin release by glutamate in vivo is primarily regulated by AMPA receptors.

1. We have used in vivo microdialysis in anaesthetized rats to investigate whether levels of striatal somatostatin (SRIF) can be increased in response to application of the ionotropic glutamate receptor agonists AMPA and NMDA. 2. Application of both AMPA and NMDA (10, 50, 100 and 500 microM) for 20 min periods produced concentration-dependent increases in the extracellular levels of SRIF. A 500 microM dose of each compound was shown to be the most potent concentration tested, increasing levels of SRIF by 32 fold (NMDA) and 35 fold (AMPA). At lower concentrations (10 microM) NMDA failed to evoke significant amounts of SRIF while AMPA increased levels of the peptide 2.3 fold. 3. Application of the respective receptor antagonists APV (NMDA receptor) and DNQX (AMPA receptor) abolished the abilities of the agonists to evoke release of SRIF. Interestingly DNQX abolished the ability of NMDA to evoke release of the peptide as well. 4. The ability of both AMPA and NMDA to evoke increases in the levels of extracellular SRIF further illustrates the reciprocal relationship that exists between SRIF and glutamate in the striatum which impacts particularly on dopaminergic functioning in this region.     

Evidence that the hyperphagic response to 8-OH-DPAT is mediated by 5-HT1A receptors

The 5-HT_1A agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) at dose of 1 mg/kg s.c. increased food intake in free feeding rats. 8-OH-DPAT-induced feeding was blocked by metergoline which has comparable affinity for 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_1B, 5-HT_1C and 5-HT₂ receptors. This is consistent with the hyperphagia being mediated by an action at 5-HT receptors. Evidence against the involvement of 5-HT₂ or 5-HT₃ receptors was provided by the lack of effect of methysergide, ketanserin, MDL 72222 and ICS 205930 on the feeding response. Blockade of the hyperphagia by (−)- but not (+)pendolol which stereoselectively interacts with 5-HT₁ receptors indicated an involvement of this receptor type. The lack of effect of ketanserin suggest that the 5-HT_1C site is not involved as it has high affinity for both 5-HT₂ and 5-HT_1C receptors. Blockade of the hyperphagia by spiperone suggest mediation by 5-HT_1A rather than 5-HT_1B receptors. Although spiperone also blocks dopamine and ₂-adrenoreceptors, involvement of these sites is unlikely as neither the DA antagonist haloperidol nor the ₂-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan blocked 8-OH-DPAT-included feeding. These results indicate that 8-OH-DPAT-induced feeding is mediated by 5-HT_1A receptors.     

Facilitation of amphetamine-induced hypothermia in mice by GABA agonists and CCK-8.

1. Amphetamine-induced hypothermia in mice is facilitated by dopaminergic stimulation and 5-hydroxytryptaminergic inhibition. The present study was designed to investigate: (a) the involvement of other neuronal systems, such as the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the opioid and the cholecystokinin (CCK-8) systems; (b) the possible contribution of hydroxylated metabolites of amphetamine to the hypothermia; (c) the capacity of dopamine itself to induce hypothermia and its mechanisms, in order to clarify the resistance of amphetamine-induced hypothermia to certain neuroleptics. 2. Pretreatment with the GABA antagonists, bicuculline and picrotoxin, did not inhibit amphetamine-induced hypothermia. The GABAB agonist, baclofen (2.5 mg kg-1, i.p.) potentiated this hypothermia, whereas the GABAA agonist, muscimol, did not. gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) (40 mg kg-1, i.p.) and the neuropeptide CCK-8 (0.04 mg kg-1, i.p.) also induced potentiation. The opioid antagonist, naloxone, was without effect. 3. Dopamine itself (3, 9, 16 and 27 micrograms, i.c.v.) induced less hypothermia than the same doses of amphetamine. Sulpiride did not block dopamine-induced hypothermia, but pimozide (4 mg kg-1, i.p.), cis(z)flupentixol (0.25 mg kg-1, i.p.) and haloperidol (5 micrograms, i.c.v.) did. The direct dopamine receptor agonist, apomorphine, did not alter the hypothermia. Neither the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor blocker, cyproheptadine, nor the inhibitor of 5-HT synthesis, p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), modified dopamine-induced hypothermia. Fluoxetine, an inhibitor of 5-HT reuptake, had no effect, whereas quipazine (6 mg kg-1, i.p.), a 5-HT agonist, totally prevented the hypothermia. Hypothermia was unaffected by pretreatment with CCK-8.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cholecystokinin-8 regulation of NGF concentrations in adult mouse brain through a mechanism involving CCKA and CCKB receptors

1. Nerve growth factor (NGF), a powerful agent for the growth, differentiation and regeneration of lesioned cells of the central and peripheral nervous systems, has in recent years been indicated as a potential therapeutic agent capable of reversing the processes of cell damage in neurodegenerative events in man. Since NGF does not cross the blood-brain barrier and central NGF administration requires invasive surgical procedures, the discovery of substances modulating in vivo NGF synthesis in the brain will be extremely useful for a possible clinical use of NGF.
2. The aim of the present study to analyse if the content of NGF in the brain of adult mice can be affected by peripheral administration of cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8), a well known neuropeptide which has stimulant actions on neurons in the brain and promotes a variety of neurobehavioural effects both in man and rodents.
3. The dose-response and time course effects of an i.p. injection of CCK-8 on the NGF concentrations in the hippocampus, cortex, hypothalamus and pituitary of adult male mice were analysed by use of a sensitive immunoenzymatic assay for NGF. The effects of pretreatment with selective CCK_A and CCK_B receptor antagonists and atropine on the NGF response to CCK injection were also studied.
4. The effects of CCK-8 were dose- and time-dependent and the injection of 8 nmol kg^?1 resulted in a 3 fold increase of NGF levels in the hypothalamus and pituitary, and about a 60% increase in the hippocampus. No effects were observed in the cortex. Pretreatment with a selective CCK_A receptor antagonist blocked the CCK-induced NGF increase in the hypothalamus and pituitary. In the hippocampus the same effect was obtained with a CCK_B receptor antagonist. Pretreatment with atropine suppressed the CCK-induced effects on NGF levels in all the brain regions examined.
5. Our results showing that i.p. injection with CCK-8 can modulate NGF levels in the brain through a mechanism which seems, in part, to be mediated via the vagal afferents, indicate that this neuropeptide may represent a useful pharmacological approach to enhance endogenous NGF levels in neuropathologies associated with a neurotrophin deficit.

     

Beta-adrenoceptor agonist stimulation of acid secretion by rat stomach in vitro is mediated by 'atypical' beta-adrenoceptors.

1. A previous study showed beta-adrenoceptor agonists stimulated acid secretion by rat stomach in vitro. The receptors could not be classed as either the beta 1- or beta 2-subtype. This study examines the effect of 2 'atypical' beta-agonists on acid secretion. 2. Basal and isoprenaline-stimulated acid secretion were compared in tissues bathed either in HEPES/O2- or HCO3-/CO2-buffer. Basal secretion was underestimated in HCO3- by an amount equal to the rate of base section. Tissues responded well in HEPES buffer and there was no base secretion following acid inhibition with SCH 28080. HEPES was used for the study. 3. SR 58611A stimulated acid in a concentration-related way (0.1-5 microM). Maximum response at 1 microM was equal to the response to a maximal concentration of isoprenaline. BRL 37344 (1 microM) also stimulated to the same extent. 4. Responses to isoprenaline (5 microM) and SR 58611A (1 microM) were reduced by propranolol (10 microM) but not by alprenolol (10 microM) or by practolol (12.5 microM) plus ICI 118551 (1 microM). 5. Exposure to SR 58611A (1 microM) led to desensitization to isoprenaline but not to bethanechol (1 microM) or histamine (50 microM). 6. We conclude that a HEPES/O2-buffer is advantageous when measuring gastric acid secretion in vitro and the stimulatory effect of beta-adrenoceptor agonists is mediated by 'atypical' receptors.     

Glucose-induced insulin secretion is potentiated by a new imidazoline compound

Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin secretion independent of the blood glucose concentration. This can lead to hypoglycaemia in type 2 diabetic patients. Over the last years a number of imidazoline derivatives have been identified that stimulate insulin secretion in a more glucose-dependent way. In agreement with this, our aim was to generate imidazoline derivatives with a potential for the treatment of type 2 diabetic patients. We developed the compound 2-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(2-methoxyethoxy)-2-naphthalenyl]-4,5-dihydro-1-H-imidazole monohydrochloride (LY389382) with an imidazoline moiety and investigated its effects on glucose-dependent insulin secretion in a beta-cell line, isolated rat islets and in vivo. We could demonstrate that LY389382 induces insulin secretion in MIN6 cells and rat islets in a glucose-dependent manner (EC50=1.1 microM and 0.3 microM, respectively). Furthermore during hyperglycaemia LY389382 increased insulin secretion in a dose-dependent manner in healthy rats, whereas the compound had no effect at euglycemia in a tenfold higher dosage. After 7 days of treatment of Zucker Diabetic Fatty [ZDF/ (Gmi/fa)] rats with LY389382 with a dose of 15 mg/kg twice daily the blood glucose concentration was reduced from 22.7 +/- 1.7 mM to 16.6 +/- 2.3 mM. During the same time period the glucose concentration increased from 21.7+/-1.7 mM to 28.9 +/- 1.3 mM in the vehicle-treated group (P<0.05). The drop of the insulin level was also inhibited by LY389382 in ZDF rats. In contrast to other well-characterised imidazolines that have been shown to induce a glucose-dependent insulin secretion only within a limited range of concentrations, LY389382 stimulates insulin secretion over a concentration range of at least two log units in a glucose-dependent manner. These data suggest that this imidazoline compound has a potential for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.     

Evidence that the hyperphagic response to 8-OH-DPAT is mediated by 5-HT1A receptors

The 5-HT_1A agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) at dose of 1 mg/kg s.c. increased food intake in free feeding rats. 8-OH-DPAT-induced feeding was blocked by metergoline which has comparable affinity for 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_1B, 5-HT_1C and 5-HT₂ receptors. This is consistent with the hyperphagia being mediated by an action at 5-HT receptors. Evidence against the involvement of 5-HT₂ or 5-HT₃ receptors was provided by the lack of effect of methysergide, ketanserin, MDL 72222 and ICS 205930 on the feeding response. Blockade of the hyperphagia by (−)- but not (+)pendolol which stereoselectively interacts with 5-HT₁ receptors indicated an involvement of this receptor type. The lack of effect of ketanserin suggest that the 5-HT_1C site is not involved as it has high affinity for both 5-HT₂ and 5-HT_1C receptors. Blockade of the hyperphagia by spiperone suggest mediation by 5-HT_1A rather than 5-HT_1B receptors. Although spiperone also blocks dopamine and α₂-adrenoreceptors, involvement of these sites is unlikely as neither the DA antagonist haloperidol nor the α₂-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan blocked 8-OH-DPAT-included feeding. These results indicate that 8-OH-DPAT-induced feeding is mediated by 5-HT_1A receptors.     

Insulin secretion is controlled by mGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptors

Recent evidence suggests that metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are involved in the regulation of hormone secretion in the endocrine pancreas. We report here that endogenous activation of mGlu5 receptors is required for an optimal insulin response to glucose both in clonal beta-cells and in mice. In clonal beta-cells, mGlu5 receptors were expressed at the cell surface and were also found in purified insulin-containing granules. These cells did not respond to a battery of mGlu5 receptor agonists that act extracellularly, but instead responded to a cell-permeant analog of glutamate with an increase in [Ca2+]i and insulin secretion. Both effects were largely attenuated by the mGlu5 receptor antagonist, 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine (MPEP). MPEP and its structural analog, (E)-2-methyl-6-styryl-pyridine (SIB-1893), reduced the increase in [Ca2+]i and insulin secretion induced by glucose in clonal beta-cells, whereas a mGlu1 receptor antagonist was inactive. mGlu5 knockout mice showed a defective insulin response at all times after a glucose pulse (1.5 g/kg, i.p.), whereas wild-type mice treated with MPEP (10 mg/kg, i.p.) showed a selective impairment in the late phase of insulin secretion in response to glucose challenge. Mice injected with MPEP or lacking mGlu5 receptors also showed a blunted glucagon response to an insulin challenge. We conclude that insulin secretion is under the control of mGlu5 receptors both in clonal beta-cells and in vivo. Drugs that modulate the function of mGlu5 receptors might affect glucose homeostasis by altering the secretion of pancreatic hormones.     

Promoting insulin secretion in pancreatic islets by means of bisphenol A and nonylphenol via intracellular estrogen receptors.

In this study, we investigated the effects of endocrine disrupters bisphenol A (BPA) and nonylphenol (NP) on insulin secretion from rat pancreatic islets. Following acute exposure to BPA and NP, neither BPA nor NP (0.1, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 microg/l) affected insulin secretion in concentrations of 16.7 mM glucose. However, insulin secretion following long-term exposure to BPA or NP for 24 h in 16.7 mM glucose was significantly higher than without exposure. To determine whether increased insulin secretion resulting from long-term exposure to BPA and NP is induced via intracellular estrogen receptors, we blocked the cytosolic/nuclear estrogen receptors, using actinomycin-D (Act-D), an inhibitor of RNA synthesis, and ICI 182,780 (ICI), an estrogen receptor inhibitor. Following long-term exposure to BPA (10 microg/l) or NP (10 microg/l), Act-D or ICI treatment eliminated the facilitation of insulin secretion. In conclusion, we have demonstrated for the first time that long-term exposure to endocrine disrupters, such as BPA and NP, promotes in vitro insulin secretion from the pancreatic islets, via cytosolic/nuclear estrogen receptors.     

Leukotriene-evoked cyclic chloride secretion is mediated by enteric neuronal modulation in guinea-pig colon

Short term exposure to leukotrienes evoked a well known nerve mediated increase in short circuit current. It is unknown whether leukotrienes evoke in addition oscillations in chloride secetion, as has been reported for some of the other mediators released during inflammation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the effects of a long time exposure of leukotrienes on mucosal functions. Conventional Ussing chamber and intracellular recording techniques were used to investigate the actions of leukotriene D₄ and C₄ on short-circuit current and excitability of submucosal neurons in guinea-pig distal colon. In Ussing chambers, long term exposure to leukotriene D₄ or C₄ evoked rhythmic oscillations in short-circuit current in 35% and 50% of tissues, respectively. These current bursts were blocked by tetrodotoxin, atropine, hexamethonium and piroxicam. Secretory response to short term exposure of leukotrienes was significantly higher in tissues exhibiting current bursts. Likewise, the potentiating effects of leukotrienes on the response to field stimulation was only observed in tissues exhibiting current bursts. In intracellular recording experiments, leukotrieneC₄ evoked activation of submucosal neurons that was partly sensitive to indomethacin; no oscillations in neuronal excitability could be demonstrated. Results suggested that long term exposure to leukotrienes evoked current bursts that were mediated by neural, cholinergic mechanisms as well as endogeneous prostaglandins. Received: 8 July 1996 / Accepted: 23 January 1997