A1 and A2 adenosine receptor modulation of contractility in the cauda epididymis of the guinea-pig

1. The effects of adenosine receptor agonists upon phenylephrine-stimulated contractility and [³H]-cyclic adenosine monophosphate ([³H]-cyclic AMP) accumulation in the cauda epididymis of the guinea-pig were investigated. The α₁-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine elicited concentration dependent contractile responses from preparations of epididymis. In the absence or presence of the L-type Ca²⁺ channel blocker, nifedipine (10 μM) the non-selective adenosine receptor agonist, 5′-N-ethylcarboxamido-adenosine (NECA, 1 μM) shifted phenylephrine concentration-response curves to the left (4 and 5 fold respectively). Following the incubation of preparations with pertussis toxin (200 ng ml⁻¹ 24 h) NECA shifted phenylephrine concentration-response curves to the right (5.7±0.9 fold).
2. In the presence of phenylephrine (1 μM), NECA and the A₁ adenosine receptor selective agonists, N⁶-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) and (2S)-N⁶-[2-endo-norbornyl]adenosine ((S)-ENBA) elicited concentration-responses dependent contractions from preparations of epididymis (pEC₅₀ values 8.18±0.19, 7.79±0.29 and 8.15±0.43 respectively). The A₃ adenosine receptor agonists N⁶-iodobenzyl-5′-N-methyl-carboxamido adenosine (IBMECA) and N⁶-2-(4-aminophenyl) ethyladenosine (APNEA) mimicked this effect (but only at concentrations greater than 10 μM). In the presence of 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX, 30 nM) CPA concentration-response curves were shifted, in parallel to the right (apparent pK_B 8.75±0.88) and the maximal response to NECA was reduced.
3. In the presence of DPCPX (100 nM) the adenosine agonist NECA and the A_2A adenosine receptor selective agonist, CGS 21680 (2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)-phenethylamino-N-ethylcarboxamido adenosine), but not CPA, inhibited phenylephrine (20 μM) stimulated contractions (pIC₅₀ 7.15±0.48). This effect of NECA was blocked by xanthine amine congener (XAC, 1 μM) and the A_2A adenosine receptor-selective antagonist 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol (ZM 241385; 30 nM).
4. (S)-ENBA (in the absence and presence of ZM 241385, 100 nM), but not NECA or CPA inhibited the forskolin (30 μM)-stimulated accumulation of [³H]-cyclic AMP in preparations of the epididymis of the guinea-pig (by 17±6% of control). In the presence of DPCPX (100 nM) NECA and CGS 21680, but not (S)-ENBA, increased the accumulation of [³H]-cyclic AMP in preparations of epididymis (pEC₅₀ values 5.35±0.35 and 6.42±0.40 respectively), the NECA-induced elevation of [³H]-cyclic AMP was antagonised by XAC (apparent pK_B 6.88±0.88) and also by the A_2A adenosine receptor antagonist, ZM 241385 (apparent pK_B 8.60± 0.76).
5. These studies are consistent with the action of stable adenosine analogues at post-junctional A₁ and A₂ adenosine receptors in the epididymis of the guinea-pig. A₁ Adenosine receptors potentiate α₁-adrenoceptor contractility, an effect blocked by pertussis toxin, but which may not be dependent upon an inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. The epididymis of the guinea-pig also contains A₂ adenosine receptors, possibly of the A_2A subtype, which both inhibit contractility and also stimulate adenylyl cyclase.

     

Facilitatory and inhibitory modulation by endogenous adenosine of noradrenaline release in the epididymal portion of rat vas deferens

Summary The present study aimed at determining the modulation by adenosine of the release of noradrenaline in the epididymal portion of the rat vas deferens. The tissues were treated with pargyline and perifused in the presence of desipramine and yohimbine. Up to four periods of electrical stimulation were applied (5 Hz, 9 min).The A₁-adenosine receptor selective agonist R-N⁶-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA; 100–900 nmol·l^–1) reduced, whereas the A_2A-receptor selective agonist 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS21680; 3–30nmol·l^–1) increased the electrically-evoked noradrenaline overflow in a concentration-dependent manner. The nonselective agonist 5-N-ethy1carboxamidoadenosine (NECA; 30–300 nmol·l^–1) reduced noradrenaline overflow, but the effect did not depend on the concentration. Adenosine deaminase at the concentration of 0.5 ·ml^–1 decreased but at that of 2.0 ·ml^–1 increased noradrenaline overflow. The inhibitors of adenosine uptake, S-(4-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine (NBTI; 50 nmol·l^–1) and dipyridamole (3 mol·l^–1), increased the electrically-evoked noradrenaline overflow. The A₁-adenosine receptor antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX; 20 nmol·l^–1) caused an increase whereas the A₂-adenosine receptor antagonist 3,7-dimethyl-1-(2-propynyl)xanthine (DMPX; 0.1 mol·l^–1) caused a decrease. NBTI (50 nmol·l^–1), partially antagonized the effect of both DPCPX (20 nmol·l^–1) and DMPX (0.1 mol·l^–1).It is concluded that, in the epididymal portion of the rat vas deferens, endogenous adenosine tonically modulates the release of noradrenaline evoked by electrical stimulation, through activation of both inhibitory (A₁) and facilitatory (A_2A) adenosine receptors.Abbreviations CGS 21680 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine - DMPX 3,7-dimethyl-l-(2-propynyl)xanthine - DPCPX 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine - NBTI S-(4-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine - NECA 5-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine - R-PIA R-N⁶-phenylisopropyladenosine Correspondence to J. Gongalves at the above address     

P1-purinoceptor-mediated modulation of neural noradrenaline and ATP release in guinea-pig vas deferens

The effect of P₁-purinoceptor activation on contractions, release of noradrenaline and release of ATP elicited by electrical field stimulation (210 pulses, 7 Hz) was studied in the superfused vas deferens of the guinea pig. Release of noradrenaline was assessed as overflow of total tritium after preincubation with [³H]-noradrenaline. ATP was measured by means of the luciferinluciferase technique.Electrical stimulation elicited reproducible contraction, tritium overflow and ATP overflow. In the absence of other drugs, adenosine (10–100 M) did not change evoked contractions but reduced the evoked overflow of tritium and ATP. In subsequent experiments ₁-adrenoceptors were blocked by prazosin, P₂-purinoceptors by suramin and ₂-adrenoceptors by rauwolscine. No or almost no contraction remained under these conditions. The evoked overflow of tritium was 505% and the evoked overflow of ATP 34% of that observed in the absence of prazosin, suramin and rauwolscine. Adenosine (1–100 M) again reduced the evoked overflow of tritium and ATP, and so did the A₁-selective agonist 2-chloro-N⁶-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA; 0.032–0.32 M). Adenosine and CCPA decreased the evoked overflow of ATP to a greater extent than the evoked overflow of tritrium.It is concluded that neural release of both postganglionic sympathetic cotransmitters, noradrenaline and ATP, is decreased upon activation of prejunctional P₁- (A₁-) purinoceptors in guinea-pig vas deferens. The A₁-receptor-mediated inhibition of the release of ATP is more marked than the inhibition of the release of noradrenaline, a pattern opposite to the inhibition produced by activation of prejunctional ₂-autoreceptors. Correspondence to: B. Driessen at the above address     

Effects of T-type calcium channel blockers and thalidomide on contractions of rat vas deferens

Background and purpose:

In rat vas deferens, nerve mediated-contractions to a single electrical stimulus consist of an early purinergic and a later adrenergic component with differing sensitivities to L-type calcium channel blockers. We have investigated the effects of the T-type calcium channel blockers mibefradil and (1S, 2S)-2-[2-[[3-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)propyl]methylamino]ethyl]-6-fluoro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-(1-methylethyl)-2-naphthalenyl cyclopropanecarboxylic dihydrochloride (NNC 55-0396) against contractions in rat vas deferens. In addition, the actions of thalidomide were examined.

Experimental approach:

Prostatic and epididymal portions of rat vas deferens were stimulated with a single electrical stimulus every 5 min, and mouse whole vas deferens was stimulated with 40 pulses at 10 Hz every 5 min.

Key results:

Both mibefradil and NNC 55-0396 (100 µM) produced inhibition of contractions of epididymal portions (42 ± 13%, n= 7, and 43 ± 4%, n= 15, of control respectively). However, both agents produced small inhibitions of responses in prostatic portions, presumably by L-type calcium channel block. Thalidomide (100 µM) inhibited contractions in epididymal (55 ± 4% of control, n= 17) but not in prostatic portions of rat vas deferens. Thalidomide (10–100 µM) also inhibited contractions in mouse vas deferens.

Conclusions and implications:

The T-type calcium channel blockers mibefradil and NNC 55-0396 block particularly the adrenoceptor-mediated, nifedipine-resistant response to nerve stimulation in rat vas deferens, and this may suggest that this component involves T-type calcium channels. In addition, thalidomide has actions that resemble those of the T-type calcium channel blockers, in that it blocks nifedipine-resistant contractions in epididymal portions.     

Ouabain-induced potentiation on the contractions of the guinea-pig vas deferens

This contractile responses of the guinea-pig vas deferens to norepinephrine, isoproterenol, tyramine, ACh, carbachol, histamine and 5-HT were non-specifically potentiated by ouabain (10^?6?10^?5 g/ml); potentiations of tyramine and 5-HT were particularly marked. Ouabain enhanced the responses to norepinephrine, 5-HT and angiotensin on the denervated preparation.The response of the tissue to 5-HT consisted of a fast and a slow component. The latter was augmented by methysergide. The marked potentiation of the slow phase by ouabain was prevented by pretreatment with reserpine, cocaine or phentolamine. Denervation abolished the slow phase abolished but increased the fast phase. The latter was inhibited by phenoxybenzamine, but not by phentolamine. Therefore, the slow and fast phases may be due to actions of 5-HT at pre- and post-synaptic sites, respectively.From these results, it is concluded that ouabain potentiation is due to increased catecholamine release and to excitation of the post-synaptic membrane.     

Cholinergic innervation of the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens

Recently, a cholinergic neurogenic component of contraction has been characterised in the aganglionic mouse vas deferens. In this paper, a cholinergic component of contraction in the guinea-pig vas deferens is characterised pharmacologically. A residual, tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX, 0.3 μM), neurogenic contraction was revealed after prolonged exposure (5 h) to the adrenergic neurone blocker bretylium (20 μM) or in the presence of prazosin (100 nM) and α,β-methylene ATP (1 μM), a purinergic agonist which desensitizes P2X receptors. The bretylium-resistant component was potentiated by the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor neostigmine (10 μM) and inhibited by the muscarinic-receptor (mAChR) antagonist cyclopentolate (1 μM). Nicotine (30 μM) enhanced the bretylium-resistant component. Neostigmine increased the second component of contraction in the presence of prazosin and α,β-methylene ATP, whilst yohimbine (1 μM), an α₂ adrenergic receptor antagonist, enhanced both the first and second components of the electrically evoked contraction. These enhanced contractions were blocked by cyclopentolate in both cases. Nicotine enhanced the cholinergic component of contraction revealed by neostigmine but failed to have any detectable effects in the presence of cyclopentolate. Neostigmine alone increased the slow component of contraction which was reversed by cyclopentolate to control levels. The M₃ receptor-antagonist 4-DAMP (10 nM) markedly inhibited the cholinergic component of contraction to a level comparable with cyclopentolate. Laser microscopy has shown that neostigmine also increased the frequency of spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients remaining in smooth muscle cells after perfusion with prazosin and α,β-methylene ATP, an effect blocked by 4-DAMP. These experimental data show that there is a functional cholinergic innervation in the guinea-pig vas deferens whose action is limited by acetylcholinesterase, blocked by cyclopentolate and mediated through M3 receptors. Moreover, by blocking the cholinesterase, the increased amount of ACh generates spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients in smooth muscle cells. An erratum to this article is available at .     

Prostaglandin-versus alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated control of sympathetic neurotransmitter secretion in guinea-pig isolated vas deferens

Noradrenaline (NA) secretion of isolated superfused guinea-pig vas deferenswas studied by determination of total field stimulation-induced efflux of tritium, after preincubation with ³H-l-NA. The medium contained optimal concentrations of desmethylimipramine and normetanephrine to block local rebinding of free NA. Further addition of the two chemically different inhibitors of prostaglandin synthetase, 5,811,14 eicosatetraynoic acid or indomethacin, consistently enhanced the nerve stimulation-induced output of tritium at a frequency of 5/sec, but not at 10/sec. The α-adrenoceptor blocking agent, phenoxybenzamine further strongly elevated nerve stimulation-induced output of tritium. This rise was abolished by low concentrations of exogenous prostaglandin E₂. The results show that sympathetic neurotransmitter secretion in the guinea-pig vas deferens, during low frequency stimulation, is restricted by local formation of prostaglandin E. However and in addition, neurotransmitter secretion appears to be restricted by an α-adrenoceptor-mediated mechanism, which does not appear to depend on endogenous prostaglandin E as a chemical mediator.     

Facilitation of noradrenaline release by adenosine A(2A) receptors in the epididymal portion and adenosine A(2B) receptors in the prostatic portion of the rat vas deferens

The adenosine-receptor modulation of noradrenaline release was compared in prostatic and epididymal portions of rat vas deferens. In both portions, tritium overflow elicited by electrical stimulation (100 pulses/8 Hz) was reduced by the adenosine A(1) receptor agonist, N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine, and enhanced by the nonselective receptor agonist, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, in the presence of the adenosine A(1) receptor antagonist, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX; 20 and 100 nM). The adenosine A(2A) receptor agonist, 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethyl-amino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, increased tritium overflow, but only in the epididymal portion. The enhancement caused by NECA was prevented by the adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist, 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo-[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol (ZM 241385; 20 nM), in the epididymal and by the adenosine A(2B) receptor antagonist, alloxazine (1 microM), in the prostatic portion. Inhibition of adenosine uptake enhanced tritium overflow in both portions, an effect blocked by ZM 241385 in the epididymal and by alloxazine in the prostatic portion. The results indicate that adenosine exerts an adenosine A(1) receptor-mediated inhibition, in both portions, and facilitation mediated by adenosine A(2A) receptors in the epididymal and by A(2B) receptors in the prostatic portion.     

Effects of cannabinoid receptor activation on rabbit bisected vas deferens strips

1. In the present study, the effects of anandamide and WIN 55,212-2, cannabinoid receptor agonists, were investigated on electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced biphasic twitch responses obtained from the epididymal and prostatic portions of rabbit vas deferens strips. 2. Anandamide and WIN 55,212-2 dose-dependently inhibited both the first and second phases of the EFS-induced twitch responses recorded from epididymal and prostatic portions of the vas deferens over the concentration range 10(-9) to 3 x 10(-6) mol/L. 3. The cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist AM 251 (10(-6) mol/L) and the cannabinoid CB2 receptor antagonist AM 630 (10(-6) mol/L) had no effect on the inhibitory action of anandamide on the biphasic twitch responses in the prostatic and epididymal portions of the rabbit vas deferens. 4. In both the prostatic and epididymal portions of the rabbit vas deferens, AM 251 significantly, but not completely, reversed the inhibitory effect of WIN 55,212-2 on the first phase of the twitch response. In contrast, AM 630 did not have any effect on the inhibitory action of WIN 55,212-2 in the rabbit vas deferens strips. 5. The inhibitory effects of anandamide or WIN 55,212-2 on EFS-induced twitch responses of both the prostatic and epididymal portions of the rabbit vas deferens were not altered in the presence of 10(-5) mol/L naloxone. 6. These results suggest that cannabinoid receptors may have a modulatory role in the regulation of sympathetic transmission in the rabbit vas deferens. However, further investigation is required to characterize the receptors involved.     

Modulation of neural noradrenaline and ATP release by angiotensin II and prostaglandin E2 in guinea-pig vas deferens

Effects of angiotensin II and prostaglandin E₂ on contractions, release of noradrenaline and release of ATP elicited by electrical stimulation (210 pulses, 7 Hz) were studied in the isolated vas deferens of the guinea pig. Release of noradrenaline was assessed as overflow of tritium after preincubation with [³H]-noradrenaline. ATP was measured by means of the luciferin-luciferase technique. In some experiments postsynaptic a ₁-adrenoceptors and P_2X-purinoceptors were blocked by prazosin and suramin, respectively, to isolate the neural fraction of the overflow of ATP.Electrical stimulation elicited an overflow of tritium and ATP and, in the absence of prazosin and suramin, contraction. In the absence of prazosin and suramin, angiotensin II (1–100 nM) enhanced contractions as well as the evoked overflow of tritium and ATP. All parameters were increased by about the same percentage for a given concentration of angiotensin 11. The effect of prostaglandin E₂ (1–100 nM) was complex. Contractions were mainly enhanced, the evoked overflow of tritium was reduced, whereas the evoked overflow of ATP was predominantly increased. No or almost no contraction remained in the presence of prazosin and suramin, and the evoked overflow of ATP was decreased to about 16%. Angiotensin II (1–100 nM) again enhanced the evoked overflow of tritium and ATP. Both were increased by about the same percentage for a given concentration of angiotensin II and also were increased by about the same percentage as obtained in the absence of prazosin and suramin. Prostaglandin E₂ (1–100 nM) decreased the evoked overflow of tritium and ATP in the presence of prazosin and suramin, both by about the same percentage at a given prostaglandin E₂ concentration.It is concluded that neural release of ATP, like the release of noradrenaline, is presynaptically facilitated by angiotensin II and depressed by prostaglandin E₂. In the case of angiotensin II, increases in neural and postsynaptic ATP release contribute to the increase in ATP over flow observed in the absence of prazosin and suramin. In the case of prostaglandin E₂, an increase in postsynaptic ATP release can override the reduction in neural ATP release and give rise to an increase in ATP overflow in the absence of prazosin and suramin. No evidence for a differential modulation of neural noradrenaline versus ATP release was found. Correspondence to: B. Driessen at the above address     

The interaction of diadenosine polyphosphates with P2X-receptors in the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens

1. The site(s) at which diadenosine 5′,5′′′-P¹,P⁴-tetraphosphate (AP₄A) and diadenosine 5′, 5′′′-P¹,P⁵-pentaphosphate (AP₅A) act to evoke contraction of the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens was studied by use of a series of P₂-receptor antagonists and the ecto-ATPase inhibitor 6-N,N-diethyl-D-β,γ-dibromomethyleneATP (ARL 67156).
2. Pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulphonic acid (PPADS) (300 nM–30 μM), suramin (3–100 μM) and pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (P-5-P) (3–1000 μM) inhibited contractions evoked by equi-effective concentrations of AP₅A (3 μM), AP₄A (30 μM) and α,β-methyleneATP (α,β-meATP) (1 μM), in a concentration-dependent manner and abolished them at the highest concentrations used.
3. PPADS was more potent than suramin, which in turn was more potent than P-5-P. PPADS inhibited AP₅A, AP₄A and α,β-meATP with similar IC₅₀ values. No significant difference was found between IC₅₀ values for suramin against α,β-meATP and AP₅A or α,β-meATP and AP₄A, but suramin was more than 2.5 times more potent against AP₄A than AP₅A. P-5-P showed the same pattern of antagonism.
4. Desensitization of the P_2X1-receptor by α,β-meATP abolished contractions evoked by AP₅A (3 μM) and AP₄A (30 μM), but had no effect on those elicited by noradrenaline (100 μM).
5. ARL 67156 (100 μM) reversibly potentiated contractions evoked by AP₄A (30 μM) by 61%, but caused a small, significant decrease in the mean response to AP₅A (3 μM).
6. It is concluded that AP₄A and AP₅A act at the P_2X1-receptor, or a site similar to the P_2X1-receptor, to evoke contraction of the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens. Furthermore, the potency of AP₄A, but not AP₅A, appears to be inhibited by an ecto-enzyme which is sensitive to ARL 67156.

     

Rolofylline,an adenosine A1 receptor antagonist,inhibits osteoclast differentiation as an inverse agonist

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Adenosine may be generated by hydrolysis of extracellular nucleotides by ectonucleotidases, including ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1 (CD39), ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73), nucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterase 1 (NPP-1) and tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP). Previous work from our laboratory has uncovered a critical role for adenosine A₁ receptors (A₁R) in osteoclastogenesis; blockade or deletion of these receptors diminishes osteoclast differentiation. Interestingly, selective A₁R agonists neither affect basal osteoclastogenesis nor do they reverse A₁R antagonist-mediated inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. In this study, we determined whether ectonucleotidase-mediated adenosine production was required for A₁R antagonist-mediated inhibition, and, when we saw no effect, determined whether A₁R was constitutively activated and the antagonist was acting as an inverse agonist to diminish osteoclast differentiation.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Osteoclast formation derived from wild-type, CD39 knockout (KO), CD73 KO, NPP-1 KO and TNAP KO mice was examined by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand–macrophage colony-stimulating factor-stimulated osteoclasts and osteoclast gene expression (Ctsk, Acp5, MMP-9 and NFATc1). Intracellular cAMP concentration was determined by elisa.

KEY RESULTS

Rolofylline inhibited osteoclast formation in a dose-dependent manner (IC₅₀ = 20–70 nM) in mice lacking all four of these phosphatases, although baseline osteoclast formation was significantly less in precursors from CD73 KO mice. Rolofylline (1 μM) stimulates cAMP production in bone marrow macrophages by 10.23 ± 0.89-fold.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Based on these findings, we hypothesize that the A₁R is constitutively activated in osteoclast precursors, thereby diminishing basal AC activity, and that A₁R antagonists act as inverse agonists to release A₁R-mediated inhibition of basal AC activity and permit osteoclast differentiation. The constitutive activity of A₁R promotes osteoclast formation and down-regulation of this activity blocks osteoclast formation.     

Effects of carbenoxolone on syncytial electrical properties and junction potentials of guinea-pig vas deferens

The effects of the putative gap junction blocker carbenoxolone on smooth muscle syncytial properties and junction potentials were studied in guinea pig vas deferens (GPVD). Treatment with 50 μM carbenoxolone reversibly and significantly increased input resistance (R _in) (by 682.5 ± 326.0 %, P < 0.05) and abolished cable potentials within 6–7 mins of incubation, without disturbing resting membrane potential. Carbenoxolone reversibly and significantly increased the amplitude of spontaneous excitatory junction potentials (sEJPs) by 96.9 ± 35.45% (P < 0.05), shifted their amplitude distribution rightwards, and reduced their frequency of occurrence by 58.17 ± 17.7% (P < 0.05), without altering their time courses. Similarly, carbenoxolone increased the amplitude of evoked excitatory junction potentials (eEJPs) by 17.7 ± 5.88% and τ _decay by 19.43 ± 8.29% (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that carbenoxolone alters the electrical properties and junctional potentials of the GPVD by a mechanism consistent with a relatively specific block of gap junctions. These results suggest that gap junction mediated cell-to-cell communication may significantly modulate the electrical properties and junctional potentials of the GPVD and consequently the physiological functioning of this tissue.     

Effect of extracellular pH on contractile responses of the guinea-pig vas deferens

1. Effects of changing the pH of the bathing solution (7.0, 7.4 and 7.8) on the contractile response of the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens to ATP, noradrenaline (NA) and ATP in the presence of NA or electrical field stimulation (EFS) were investigated. 2. Low pH tended to augment the phasic contractile response to ATP (0.01-1 mmol/L), while high pH significantly reduced the contractile response to ATP. In contrast, low pH depressed the tonic contractile response to NA (0.1-10 mumol/L), while high pH augmented the response to NA. The contractile response to 1 mmol/L ATP was markedly potentiated in the presence of 0.1-10 mumol/L NA. The potentiated contractile response to ATP in the presence of NA was unaffected by changes in pH. 3. Electrical field stimulation produced a biphasic contractile response. Low pH enhanced the initial rapid phasic contractile response to EFS, while high pH depressed the response. In contrast, the second slow tonic contractile response to EFS was unaffected by changes in pH. 4. These findings may indicate that the phasic contractile response to EFS is mainly caused by ATP while the tonic contractile response is a synergistic response to ATP and NA concomitantly released from sympathetic nerve terminals.     

The mechanisms of enhancement and inhibition of field stimulation responses of guinea-pig vas deferens by prostacyclin analogues

1. In the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens preparation bathed in Tyrode''s solution, the prostacyclin analogues, cicaprost, TEI-9063, iloprost, taprostene and benzodioxane-prostacyclin, enhanced twitch responses to submaximal electrical field stimulation (20%-EFS). The high potency of cicaprost (EC₁₅₀=1.3 nM) and the relative potencies of the analogues (equi-effective molar ratios=1.0, 0.85, 1.6, 17 and 82, respectively) suggest the involvement of a prostacyclin (IP-) receptor.
2. Maximum enhancement induced by cicaprost in 2.5 mM K⁺ Krebs-Henseleit solution was similar to that in Tyrode solution (2.7 mM K⁺), but was progressively reduced as the K⁺ concentration was increased to 3.9, 5.9 and 11.9 mM. There was also a greater tendency for the other prostacyclin analogues to inhibit EFS responses in 5.9 mM standard K⁺ Krebs-Henseleit solution; this may be attributed to their agonist actions on presynaptic EP₃-receptors resulting in inhibition of transmitter release.
3. The EFS enhancing action of cicaprost was not affected by the α₁-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (100 and 1000 nM). Cicaprost (20 and 200 nM) did not affect contractile responses of the vas deferens to either ATP (5 μM) or α,β-methylene ATP (1 μM) in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX, 100 nM). In addition, enhancement by cicaprost of responses to higher concentrations of ATP (30 and 300 μM) in the absence of TTX, as shown previously by others, was not seen. Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂, 10 nM) and another prostacyclin analogue TEI-3356 (20 nM) enhanced purinoceptor agonist responses. Unexpectedly, TTX (0.1 and 1 μM) partially inhibited contractions elicited by 10–1000 μM ATP; contractions elicited by 1–3 μM ATP were unaffected. Further studies are required to establish whether a pre- or post-synaptic mechanism is involved.
4. In a separate series of experiments, cicaprost (5–250 nM), TEI-9063 (3–300 nM), 4-aminopyridine (10–100 μM) and tetraethylammonium (100–1000 μM) enhanced both 20%-EFS responses and the accompanying overflow of noradrenaline to a similar extent. In further experiments with the EP₁-receptor antagonist AH 6809, TEI-3356 (1.0–100 nM) and the EP₃-receptor agonist, sulprostone (0.1–1.0 nM) inhibited both maximal EFS responses and noradrenaline overflow, thus confirming previous reports of the high activity of TEI-3356 at the EP₃-receptor. Cicaprost had no significant effect on noradrenaline overflow at 10 and 100 nM, but produced a modest inhibition at 640 nM.
5. In conclusion, our studies show that prostacyclin analogues (particularly TEI-3356) can inhibit EFS responses of the guinea-pig vas deferens by acting as agonists at presynaptic EP₃-receptors. Prostacyclin analogues (particularly cicaprost and TEI-9063) can also enhance EFS responses through activation of IP-receptors. The mechanism of the enhancement has not been rigorously established but from our results we favour a presynaptic action to increase transmitter release.

     

Failure of tyramine to release neuronal ATP as a cotransmitter of noradrenaline in the guinea-pig vas deferens

Contractions, release of noradrenaline and r elease of ATP elicited by the indirectly acting sympathomimetic amine tyramine and responses elicited by exogenous noradrenaline were studied in the isolated vas deferens of the guinea pig. Release of noradrenaline was assessed as overflow of tritium after preincubation with [³H]-noradrenaline. ATP was measured by means of the luciferin-luciferase technique.In tissues pretreated with pargyline 1 mM, tyramine 300 M, when added to the superfusion medium for 2 min, elicited contraction and an overflow of tritium (mainly [³H]-noradrenaline) and ATP. Contraction and ATP overflow responses were prevented and tritium overflow was greatly reduced by desipramine 10 M Prazosin 0.3 M abolished contractions and evoked ATP overflow without changing tritium overflow. Blockade of postjunctional P₂-purinoceptors by suramin 300 M caused a marked decrease of tyramine-evoked contractions and a slight reduction of tritium overflow whereas evoked ATP overflow was markedly increased. The effect on contraction was not shared by two other P₂-purinoceptor antagonists, namely pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2,4-disulfonic acid (PPADS) 32 M and diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2-disulfonic acid (DIDS) 32 M: PPADS increased contractions about fourfold, whilst DIDS had no effect at all. When the vas deferens was superfused for 24 min with medium containing tyramine 300 M, evoked contractions and tritium overflow continued throughout whereas ATP overflow faded rapidly to basal values. In the presence of prazosin 0.3 M, tyramine 300 M again failed to elicit contractions as well as an overflow of ATP. Application of noradrenaline 10 M instead of tyramine also resulted in prolonged contraction and an overflow of ATP that declined rapidly.It is concluded that all ATP released by tyramine is non-neuronal in origin, secondary to the activation of postjunctional ₁-adrenoceptors by released noradrenaline. The non-neural ATP does not seem to play a functional role in smooth muscle contraction and derives from a postjunctional source which is subject to a rapid depletion upon sustained ₁-adrenoceptor activation.     

Prejunctional inhibitory alpha-adrenoceptors and dopaminoceptors of the rat vas deferens and the guinea-pig ileum in vitro.

The effects of α-adrenoceptor and dopaminoceptor agonists and antagonists were investigated on prejunctional receptors of the rat vas deferens and the guinea-pig ileum. The order of potency of the agonists for twitch inhibition of the rat vas deferens was clonidine > oxymetazoline > dopamine > apomorphine > noradrenaline whilst the order of potency for inhibiting the stimulated guinea-pig ileum was clonidine > oxymetazoline > noradrenaline > dopamine > apomorphine. Yohimbine readily blocked the inhibitory effects of clonidine, oxymetazoline and noradrenaline in both tissues but was less effective against dopamine and apomorphine. Pimozide selectively blocked the effects of dopamine and apomorphine on the rat vas deferens and was almost completely ineffective against clonidine, oxymetazoline and noradrenaline. However, pimozide significantly antagonized the noradrenaline-induced twitch inhibition of the stimulated guinea-pig ileum in addition to antagonising dopamine and apomorphine action. The pA₂ values for pimozide against dopamine, apomorphine and noradrenaline in both tissues were significantly different. It is concluded that the prejunctional α-adrenoceptors of the rat vas deferens are the same as those located on the terminal cholinergic neurones of the guinea-pig ileum whilst the prejunctional dopaminoceptors in these tissues appear to differ from one another.     

The fade of the purinergic neurogenic contraction of the guinea-pig vas deferens: analysis of possible mechanisms

The purinergic response of the guinea-pig vas deferens to long trains of pulses at high frequency consists of an initial twitch followed by a much lower plateau. Mechanical, neurochemical and electrophysiological techniques were used to examine the reason for the fade. Mechanical measurements. In tissues stimulated by trains of 180 pulses/10 Hz and treated with prazosin to suppress the noradrenergic contraction component, the response to ,-methylene ATP and to exogenous ATP was as high during the secondary plateau of the purinergic neurogenic contraction as it was outside electrical stimulation periods; the response to 50 pulses/100 Hz was also unchanged during the low plateau. The plateau was not increased by reactive blue 2, 8-(p-sulphophenyl)theophylline, propranolol or capsaicin. Neurochemical measurements. In tissues preincubated with [³H]-noradrenaline, electrical stimulation elicited an overflow of tritium and of ATP. In the absence of drugs as well as in the presence of prazosin and suramin to suppress contractions, the overflow of tritium per pulse decreased slightly in the course of trains of 90 pulses/10 Hz; the overflow of ATP per pulse decreased to a greater extent on average, but the decrease was not statistically significant. In the presence of prazosin and nifedipine, also to suppress contractions, the overflow of tritium per pulse again decreased slightly in the course of trains of 105 pulses/10 Hz, but the overflow of ATP per pulse if anything tended to increase. Electrophysiological measurements. Extracellular recording in the presence of prazosin showed that electrical stimulation by 180 pulses/10 Hz elicited excitatory junction currents (EJCs) which facilitated and summated to reach threshold for the initiation of action potentials in the smooth muscle cells. In most tissues, smooth muscle action potentials ceased after a few seconds although EJCs continued. Intracellular recording in the presence of prazosin and nifedipine showed that excitatory junction potentials (EJPs) elicited by 180 pulses/10 Hz facilitated and summated to a plateau after about 10 stimuli. The EJPs continued unchanged, and the plateau depolarization was maintained, throughout the train.It is concluded that the fade of the purinergic neurogenic contraction is not due to P_2Y-purinoceptor desensitization. It also is not due to a secondary relaxation mediated by P_2Y- or P₁-purinoceptors, -adrenoceptors or a compound originating from primary afferent axons. Moreover, a fade of the release of ATP in the course of the pulse train is not responsible for the contraction fade. Rather, the reason is a failure of the process by which the smooth muscle cell depolarization triggers action potentials. Inactivation of l-type Ca²⁺ channels that are under the control of released ATP may be the underlying mechanism. Correspondence to: B. Driessen at the above address     

Human adenosine A1 receptor and P2Y2-purinoceptor-mediated activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade in transfected CHO cells

1. The mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signalling pathway can be activated by a variety of heterotrimeric G_i/G_o protein-coupled and G_q/G₁₁ protein-coupled receptors. The aims of the current study were: (i) to investigate whether the G_i/G_o protein-coupled adenosine A₁ receptor activates the MAP kinase pathway in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-A1) and (ii) to determine whether adenosine A1 receptor activation would modulate the MAP kinase response elicited by the endogenous P2Y2 purinoceptor.
2. The selective adenosine A₁ receptor agonist N⁶-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) stimulated time and concentration-dependent increases in MAP kinase activity in CHO-A1 cells (EC50 7.1±0.4 nM). CPA-mediated increases in MAP kinase activity were blocked by PD 98059 (50 μM; 89±4% inhibition), an inhibitor of MAP kinase kinase 1 (MEKI) activation, and by pre-treating cells with pertussis toxin (to block G_i/G_o-dependent pathways).
3. Adenosine A₁ receptor-mediated activation of MAP kinase was abolished by pre-treatment with the protein tyrosine inhibitor, genistein (100 μM; 6±10% of control). In contrast, daidzein (100 μM), the inactive analogue of genistein had no significant effect (96±12 of control). MAP kinase responses to CPA (1 μM) were also sensitive to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors wortmannin (100 nM; 55±8% inhibition) and LY 294002 (30 μM; 40±5% inhibition) but not to the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor Ro 31-8220 (10 μM).
4. Activation of the endogenous P2Y₂ purinoceptor with UTP also stimulated time and concentration-dependent increases in MAP kinase activity in CHO-A1 cells (EC₅₀=1.6±0.3 μM). The MAP kinase response to UTP was partially blocked by pertussis toxin (67±3% inhibition) and by the PKC inhibitor Ro 31-8220 (10 μM; 45±5% inhibition), indicating the possible involvement of both G_i/G_o protein and G_q protein-dependent pathways in the overall response to UTP.
5. CPA and UTP stimulated concentration-dependent increases in the phosphorylation state of the 42 kDa and 44 kDa forms of MAP kinase as demonstrated by Western blotting.
6. Co-activation of CHO-A1 cells with CPA (10 nM) and UTP (1 μM) produced synergistic increases in MAP kinase activity which were not blocked by the PKC inhibitor Ro 31-8220 (10 μM).
7. Adenosine A1 and P2Y2 purinoceptor activation increased the expression of luciferase in CHO cells transfected with a luciferase reporter gene containing the c-fos promoter. However, co-activating these two receptors produced only additive increases in luciferase expression.
8. In conclusion, our studies have shown that the transfected adenosine A₁ receptor and the endogenous P2Y₂ purinoceptor couple to the MAP kinase signalling pathway in CHO-A1 cells. Furthermore, co-stimulation of the adenosine A1 receptor and the P2Y₂ purinoceptor produced synergistic increases in MAP kinase activity but not c-fos mediated luciferase expression.