Dual modulation by thrombin of the motility of rat oesophageal muscularis mucosae via two distinct protease-activated receptors (PARs): a novel role for PAR-4 as opposed to PAR-1

Since protease-activated receptors (PARs) are distributed throughout the gastrointestinal tract, we investigated the role of PARs in modulation of the motility of the rat oesophageal muscularis mucosae. Thrombin produced contraction of segments of the upper and lower part of the smooth muscle. Trypsin contracted both the muscle preparations only at high concentrations. SFLLR-NH(2) and TFLLR-NH(2) (PAR-1-activating peptides), but not the PAR-1-inactive peptide FSLLR-NH(2), evoked a marked contraction. In contrast, the PAR-2 agonist SLIGRL-NH(2) and the PAR-4 agonist GYPGKF-NH(2) caused no or only a negligible contraction. In oesophageal preparations precontracted with carbachol, thrombin produced a dual action i.e. relaxation followed by contraction. TFLLR-NH(2) further contracted the precontracted preparations with no preceding relaxation. GYPGKF-NH(2), but not the inactive peptide GAPGKF-NH(2), produced marked relaxation. Trypsin or SLIGRL-NH(2) caused no relaxation. The PAR-1-mediated contraction was completely abolished in Ca(2+)-free medium and considerably attenuated by nifedipine (1 microM) and in a low Na(+) medium. The PAR-4-mediated relaxation was resistant to tetrodotoxin (10 microM), apamin (0.1 microM), charybdotoxin (0.1 microM), L-N(G)-nitroarginine methyl ester (100 microM), indomethacin (3 microM), propranolol (5 microM) or adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, 8-bromo, Rp-isomer (30 microM). Thus, thrombin plays a dual role in modulating the motility of the oesophageal muscularis mucosae, producing contraction via PAR-1 and relaxation via PAR-4. The PAR-1-mediated effect appears to occur largely through increased Na(+) permeability followed by activation of L-type Ca(2+) channels and subsequent influx of extracellular Ca(2+). Our data could provide evidence for a novel role of PAR-4 as opposed to PAR-1, although the underlying mechanisms are still open to question.     

Activity of recombinant trypsin isoforms on human proteinase-activated receptors (PAR): mesotrypsin cannot activate epithelial PAR-1, -2, but weakly activates brain PAR-1

Trypsin-like serine proteinases trigger signal transduction pathways through proteolytic cleavage of proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) in many tissues. Three members, PAR-1, PAR-2 and PAR-4, are trypsin substrates, as trypsinolytic cleavage of the extracellular N terminus produces receptor activation. Here, the ability of the three human pancreatic trypsin isoforms (cationic trypsin, anionic trypsin and mesotrypsin (trypsin IV)) as recombinant proteins was tested on PARs.Using fura 2 [Ca(2+)](i) measurements, we analyzed three human epithelial cell lines, HBE (human bronchial epithelial), A549 (human pulmonary epithelial) and HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells, which express functional PAR-1 and PAR-2. Human mesotrypsin failed to induce a PAR-mediated Ca(2+) response in human epithelial cells even at high concentrations. In addition, mesotrypsin did not affect the magnitude of PAR activation by subsequently added bovine trypsin. In HBE cells, which like A549 cells express high PAR-2 levels with negligible PAR-1 levels (<11%), half-maximal responses were seen for both cationic and anionic trypsins at about 5 nM. In the epithelial cells, mesotrypsin did not activate PAR-2 or PAR-1, whereas both anionic and cationic trypsins were comparable activators.We also investigated human astrocytoma 1321N1cells, which express PAR-1 and some PAR-3, but no PAR-2. High concentrations (>100 nM) of mesotrypsin produced a relatively weak Ca(2+) signal, apparently through PAR-1 activation. Half-maximal responses were observed at 60 nM mesotrypsin, and at 10-20 nM cationic and anionic trypsins.Using a desensitization assay with PAR-2-AP, we confirmed that both cationic and anionic trypsin isoforms cause [Ca(2+)](i) elevation in HBE cells mainly through PAR-2 activation. Desensitization of PAR-1 with thrombin receptor agonist peptide in 1321N1 cells demonstrated that all three recombinant trypsin isoforms act through PAR-1.Thus, the activity of human cationic and anionic trypsins on PARs was comparable to that of bovine pancreatic trypsin. Mesotrypsin (trypsin IV), in contrast to cationic and anionic trypsin, cannot activate or disable PARs in human epithelial cells, demonstrating that the receptors are no substrates for this isoenzyme. On the other hand, mesotrypsin activates PAR-1 in human astrocytoma cells. This might play a role in protection/degeneration or plasticity processes in the human brain.     

Protease-activated receptors: potential therapeutic targets in irritable bowel syndrome?

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are a family of four G-protein-coupled receptors (PAR-1 to PAR-4) activated by the proteolytic cleavage of their N-terminal extracellular domain. This activation first involves the recognition of the extracellular domain by proteases, such as thrombin, but also trypsin or tryptase which are particularly abundant in the gastrointestinal tract, both under physiological circumstances and in several digestive diseases. Activation of PARs, particularly of PAR-1 and -2, modulates intestinal functions, such as gastrointestinal motility, visceral nociception, mucosal inflammatory response, and epithelial functions (intestinal secretion and permeability). As these physiological properties have been shown to be altered in various extents and combinations in different clinical presentations of irritable bowel syndrome, PARs appear as putative targets for future therapeutic intervention in these patients.     

Review article: proteinase-activated receptors - novel signals for gastrointestinal pathophysiology

Proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) have the common property of being activated by the proteolytic cleavage of their extracellular N-terminal domain. The new NH2-terminus acts as a 'tethered ligand' binding and activating the receptor itself. Four members of this family have been cloned, three of which are activated by thrombin (PAR-1, PAR-3 and PAR-4) while the fourth (PAR-2) is activated by trypsin or mast cell tryptase. In physiological or pathophysiological conditions, the gastrointestinal tract is exposed more than other tissues to proteinases (digestive enzymes, proteinases from pathogens or proteinases from inflammatory cells) that can activate PARs. Since PARs are highly expressed throughout the gastrointestinal tract, the study of the role of PARs in these tissues appears to be particularly important. It has already been shown that PAR-2 activation induces calcium mobilization and eicosanoid production in enterocytes as well as changes in ion transport in jejunal tissue segments. PAR-2 activation also causes calcium mobilization and stimulates amylase release from pancreatic acini. Moreover, both PAR-1 and PAR-2 activation can alter the gastrointestinal motility. In inflammatory or allergic conditions, the proteinases that constitute the major agonists for PARs (thrombin, trypsin and mast cell tryptase) are usually released. The activation of PARs by these proteinases might contribute to the gastrointestinal disorders associated with these pathologies. A complete understanding of the role of PARs in the gastrointestinal tract will require the development of selective receptor antagonists that are not yet available. Nonetheless, the use of PAR agonists has already highlighted new potential functions for proteinases in the gastrointestinal tract, thus the control of PAR activation might represent a promising therapeutic target.     

Protease-activated receptors: potential therapeutic targets in irritable bowel syndrome?

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are a family of four G-protein-coupled receptors (PAR-1 to PAR-4) activated by the proteolytic cleavage of their N-terminal extracellular domain. This activation first involves the recognition of the extracellular domain by proteases, such as thrombin, but also trypsin or tryptase which are particularly abundant in the gastrointestinal tract, both under physiological circumstances and in several digestive diseases. Activation of PARs, particularly of PAR-1 and -2, modulates intestinal functions, such as gastrointestinal motility, visceral nociception, mucosal inflammatory response, and epithelial functions (intestinal secretion and permeability). As these physiological properties have been shown to be altered in various extents and combinations in different clinical presentations of irritable bowel syndrome, PARs appear as putative targets for future therapeutic intervention in these patients.     

Physiology of protease-activated receptors (PARs): involvement of PARs in digestive functions

The protease-activated receptor (PAR), a G protein-coupled receptor present on cell surface, mediates cellular actions of extracellular proteases. Proteases cleave the extracellular N-terminal of PAR molecules at a specific site, unmasking and exposing a novel N-terminal, a tethered ligand, that binds to the body of receptor molecules resulting in receptor activation. Amongst four distinct PARs that have been cloned, PARs 1, 3 and 4 are activated by thrombin, but PAR-2 is activated by trypsin or mast cell tryptase. Human platelets express two distinct thrombin receptors, PAR-1 and PAR-4, while murine platelets express PAR-3 and PAR-4. Apart from roles of PARs in platelet activation, PARs are distributed to a number of organs in various species, predicting their physiological importance. We have been evaluating agonists specific for each PAR, using multiple procedures including a HEK cell calcium signal receptor desensitization assay. Using specific agonists that we developed, we found the following: 1) the salivary glands express PAR-2 mRNA and secret saliva in response to PAR-2 activation; 2) pancreatic juice secretion occurs following in vivo PAR-2 activation; 3) PAR-1 and PAR-2 modulate duodenal motility. Collectively, PAR plays various physiological and/or pathophysiological roles, especially in the digestive systems, and could be a novel target for drug development.     

Protease-activated receptor (PAR), a novel family of G protein-coupled seven trans-membrane domain receptors: activation mechanisms and physiological roles

The protease-activated receptor (PAR) belongs to the large superfamily of G-protein-coupled seven trans-membrane domain receptors. The activation of PARs is achieved by proteolytic unmasking of the cryptic N-terminal receptor-activating sequence that binds to the body of the same receptor molecule. PARs-1, -3 and -4 are activated by thrombin, while PAR-2 is activated by trypsin or mast cell tryptase, but not by thrombin. PARs are widely distributed to a variety of tissues and participate in a number of physiological or pathophysiological phenomena such as platelet aggregation, inflammation and cardiovascular, digestive or respiratory functions. Thus, PARs are of physiological importance and also of pharmacological interest as the novel target for drug development.     

Dual effect mediated by protease-activated receptors on the mechanical activity of rat colon

1. The present study examined the mechanical effects of agonist enzymes and receptor-activating peptides for protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1 and PAR-2 on longitudinal and circular muscle of rat isolated colonic segments in the attempt to clarify the PAR functional role in intestinal motility. 2. The responses to PAR-1 and PAR-2 activation were examined in vitro by recording simultaneously the changes of endoluminal pressure (index of circular muscle activity) and of isometric tension (index of longitudinal muscle activity). 3. Both PAR-1 agonists, thrombin (0.1 nM - 3 microM) and SFLLRN-NH2 (1 nM - 3 microM), and PAR-2 agonists, trypsin (0.1 nM - 10 microM) and SLIGRL-NH2 (1 nM - 10 microM), induced different effects in the two muscular layers: a reduction of the spontaneous contractions in the circular muscle and a contractile effect or biphasic, relaxation followed by contraction, depending on the concentration, in the longitudinal muscle. 4. The inhibitory effects were greatly reduced or abolished by apamin (0.1 microM) indicating that they mainly occur via activation of Ca2+-dependent small conductance, K+-channels. 5. The responses to PAR-1 and PAR-2 were unaffected by tetrodotoxin (1 microM) or indomethacin (1 microM) suggesting that are independent by products of cyclooxygenase or by neural action potentials. 6. These findings indicate that both PAR-1 and PAR-2 are functionally expressed in rat colon. PARs mediate changes of the mechanical activity of longitudinal and circular muscle which might explain the alterations of colonic motility observed during inflammatory conditions.     

Proteinase-activated receptors

Proteinase-activated receptors are a recently described, novel family of seven-transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptors. Rather then being stimulated through ligand receptor occupancy, activation is initiated by cleavage of the N terminus of the receptor by a serine protease resulting in the generation of a new tethered ligand that interacts with the receptor within extracellular loop-2. To date, four proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) have been identified, with distinct N-terminal cleavage sites and tethered ligand pharmacology. In addition to the progress in the generation of PAR-1 antagonists, we describe the role of thrombin in such processes as wound healing and the evidence implicating PAR-1 in vascular disorders and cancer. We also identify advances in the understanding of PAR-1-mediated intracellular signaling and receptor desensitization. The cellular functions, signaling events, and desensitization processes involved in PAR-2 activation are also assessed. However, other major aspects of PAR-2 are highlighted, in particular the ability of several serine protease enzymes, in addition to trypsin, to function as activators of PAR-2. The likely physiological and pathophysiological roles for PAR-2 in skin, intestine, blood vessels, and the peripheral nervous system are considered in the context of PAR-2 activation by multiple serine proteases. The recent discovery of PAR-3 and PAR-4 as additional thrombin-sensitive PARs further highlights the complexity in assessing the effects of thrombin in several different systems, an issue that remains to be fully addressed. These discoveries have also highlighted possible PAR-PAR interactions at both functional and molecular levels. The future identification of other PARs and their modes of activation are an important future direction for this expanding field of study.     

Endothelium-dependent and -independent responses to protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) activation in mouse isolated renal arteries

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are receptors which require proteolytic cleavage to be self-activated by newly exposed N-terminal `tethered ligands'', and hence serve as sensors for protelytic enzymes. While both the thrombin receptor (PAR-1) and PAR-2 (activated by tryptic enzymes) have been shown to mediate endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, only PAR-1 has been shown to cause direct vascular smooth muscle contraction. In this study, we report that trypsin and the PAR-2 selective peptide ligand SLIGRL-NH₂ not only caused endothelium-dependent relaxation of mouse renal arteries but also direct smooth muscle contraction if endothelial nitric oxide synthase was inhibited or if the endothelium was removed.     

Heterogeneous mechanisms of endothelium-dependent relaxation for thrombin and peptide activators of protease-activated receptor-1 in porcine isolated coronary artery

1. Mechanisms of protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1)- and PAR2-induced relaxation were investigated in pre-contracted porcine coronary artery ring preparations. 2. Thrombin (0.01 - 0.3 u ml(-1)) and the PAR1-activating peptide SFLLRN (0.1 - 10 microM) caused concentration- and endothelium-dependent relaxation. pEC(50)s (-log u ml(-1) for enzymes, -log M for peptides) and maximum relaxations (R(max), %) for thrombin were 1.8+/-0.1 and 93.5+/-2.8% respectively, and for SFLLRN 6.8+/-0.1 and 90.8+/-1.3%. Similar concentration- and endothelium-dependent relaxations occurred with trypsin (pEC(50) 2.3+/-0.2; R(max) 94.1+/-1.9%) and the PAR2-activating peptide SLIGRL (pEC(50) 6.5+/-0.2; R(max) 92.4+/-1.6%). 3. Relaxations to thrombin, SFLLRN, trypsin and SLIGRL were significantly inhibited (P<0.05) to similar extents by the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG; 100 microM) and the NO scavenger oxyhaemoglobin (20 microM), both separately and in combination. 4. In the presence of the L-type voltage-operated calcium channel (L-VOCC) inhibitor nifedipine (0.3 microM), K(+) (67 mM) abolished the L-NOARG-resistant relaxations to thrombin, SFLLRN, trypsin and SLIGRL. However, nifedipine alone significantly (P<0.05) reduced the pEC(50) (1.5+/-0.1) and R(max) (77.5+/-7.0%) for thrombin but had no effect on relaxations to SFLLRN, trypsin or SLIGRL. Furthermore, L-NOARG-resistant relaxations to thrombin were abolished by nifedipine, whereas relaxations to SFLLRN, trypsin or SLIGRL were not further inhibited by combined treatment with nifedipine and L-NOARG, than they were with L-NOARG treatment alone. 5. Similar selective inhibition of the L-NOARG-resistant relaxation to thrombin, but not SFLLRN, occurred with verapamil (1 microM) and diltiazem (3 microM). 6. Our results suggest heterogeneous mechanisms in the NO-independent relaxation to thrombin and peptide activators of PAR1 in the porcine coronary artery.     

Signaling mechanism of thrombin-induced gingival fibroblast-populated collagen gel contraction

1.--Thrombin is activated during gingival tissue injury and inflammation. Thrombin (platelet)-rich plasma has been used for periodontal regeneration with success. Thrombin and other bacterial proteases also affect the functions of adjacent periodontal cells via stimulation of protease-activated receptors (PARs). 2.--We noted that thrombin (0.1-2 U ml(-1)), human, and frog PAR-1 agonist peptide (20-240 microM) induced the gingival fibroblast (GF)-populated collagen gel contraction within 2 h of exposure. However, PAR-2, PAR-3, and PAR-4 agonist peptide (20-240 microM) showed little effect on collagen gel contraction. U73122 (phospholipase C inhibitor) and 2-APB (IP3 antagonist) were effective in inhibition of GF contraction. 3.--Thrombin-induced GF contraction was inhibited by 5 mM EGTA (an extracellular calcium chelator) and verapamil (an L-type calcium channel blocker). In addition, W7 (10 and 25 microM, a calcium/calmodulin (CaM) inhibitor), ML-7 (50 microM, myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) inhibitor), and HA1077 (100 microM, Rho kinase inhibitor) completely inhibited the thrombin-induced collagen gel contraction. Thrombin also induced the phosphorylation of ERK1/ERK2 and elevated the Rho-GTP levels in GF. 4.--However, U0126 only partially inhibited the thrombin-induced GF contraction. Similarly, wortmannin (100 nM), LY294002 (20 microM) (two PI3K inhibitor) and genistein also showed partial inhibition. Moreover, NAC was not able to suppress the GF contraction, as supported by the slight decrease in reactive oxygen species production in GF by thrombin. 5.--Thrombin also stimulated metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-3 production in GF. But addition of GM6001 or 1,10-phenanthroline, two MMP inhibitors, could not inhibit the thrombin-induced GF contraction. 6.--These results indicate that thrombin is crucial in the periodontal inflammation and wound healing by promoting GF contraction. This event is mainly mediated via PAR-1 activation, PLC activation, extracellular calcium influx via L-type calcium channel, and the calcium/CaM-MLCK and Rho kinase activation pathway.     

Modulation of airway smooth muscle tone by protease activated receptor-1,-2,-3 and -4 in trachea isolated from influenza A virus-infected mice

Relaxant and contractile effects of the tethered ligand domain sequences of murine PAR-1, PAR-2, PAR-3 and PAR-4, and of the proteases thrombin and trypsin were examined in mouse isolated tracheal preparations. The epithelium- and cyclo-oxygenase-dependence of these effects and the potential modulatory effects of respiratory tract viral infection were also investigated. In carbachol-contracted preparations, trypsin, thrombin, and the tethered ligand domain sequences of murine PAR-1 (SFFLRN-NH(2)), PAR-2 (SLIGRL-NH(2)) and PAR-4 (GYPGKF-NH(2)), but not PAR-3 (SFNGGP-NH(2)), induced transient, relaxant responses that were abolished by the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. Repeated administration of SFFLRN-NH(2), SLIGRL-NH(2) or GYPGKF-NH(2) (30 microM) was associated with markedly diminished relaxation responses (homologous desensitization), although there was no evidence of cross-desensitization between these peptides. The tethered ligand domain sequences for PAR-1 and PAR-4 induced a rapid, transient contractile response that preceded the relaxant response. Contractions were not inhibited by indomethacin and were not induced by either thrombin or trypsin. Influenza A virus infection did not significantly affect the responses induced by either the proteases or peptides. Furthermore, epithelial disruption caused by mechanical rubbing had no significant effect on responses to these PAR activators in preparations from either virus- or sham-infected mice. In summary, the proteases trypsin and thrombin, and peptide activators of PAR-1, PAR-2 and PAR-4 induced relaxant responses of mouse isolated tracheal smooth muscle preparations, which were mediated by a prostanoid, probably PGE(2). Interestingly, PAR-mediated relaxations were not significantly diminished following acute damage to the epithelium caused by mechanical rubbing and/or the respiratory tract viral pathogen, influenza A. British Journal of Pharmacology (2000) 129, 63 - 70.     

Protease activated receptor 2: a new target for IBS treatment

Proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) are G-protein-coupled receptors that are activated by the proteolytic cleavage of their N-terminal domain. The new N-terminal sequence that is exposed by proteolysis acts as a tethered ligand, which binds to and activates the receptor. PAR-2 is highly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract, where it is found in endothelial cells, colonic myocytes, enterocytes (both on basolateral and apical membranes), enteric neurons, terminals of mesenteric afferent nerves and immune cells. In the gastrointestinal tract, PAR-2 may be activated by tryptase from mast cells but also by luminal proteases such as trypsin and possibly bacterial proteases. In addition to effects on motility, ion and mucus secretion, activation of PAR-2 receptors from luminal affects visceral pain. In rats, the intracolonic infusion of PAR-2 agonists (SLIGRL, trypsin) initiates a delayed hypersensitivity to colonic distension. These effects are locally mediated since they are not observed for systemic administration. Interestingly, such pronociceptive effect of local activation of PAR-2 is associated with increased colonic paracellular permeability. Blockade of such increase in permeability, prevents the occurrence of hypersensitivity to rectal distension suggesting that activation of the local immune system by luminal toxins and antigens is responsible for the sensitization of primary afferent terminals to mechanical stimuli. Consequently, blockade of PAR-2 receptors at the periphery and/or inhibition of colonic luminal protease activity may be new interesting targets for the treatment of gut hypersensitivity and IBS. A recent study has evidenced that stool supernatants from diarrhea predominant IBS patients have a high level of serine-protease activity that increases permeability and colonic hypersensitivity when infused intra-colonically in mice, and these effects are linked to activation of PAR-2 receptors. These data support a possible role of luminal proteases in the pathogenesis of IBS and give a rationale to target PARs and more specifically PAR-2 as future treatment of IBS.     

Enzymatic activation of endothelial protease-activated receptors is dependent on artery diameter in human and porcine isolated coronary arteries

Protease-activated receptor (PAR)-mediated vascular relaxations have been compared in coronary arteries of different diameters isolated from both humans and pigs. Thrombin, trypsin, and the PAR1-activating peptide, TFLLR, all caused concentration-dependent relaxation of both large (epicardial; approximately 2 mm internal diameter) and small (intramyocardial; approximately 200 microm internal diameter) human coronary arteries. EC(50) values for thrombin (0.006 u ml(-1) in epicardial, 1.69 u ml(-1) in intramyocardial) and trypsin (0.02 u ml(-1) in epicardial, 1.05 u ml(-1) in intramyocardial) were significantly (P<0.01) greater in intramyocardial arteries. By contrast, EC(50) values for TFLLR were not different between epicardial (0.35 microM) and intramyocardial (0.43 microM) arteries. In porcine coronary arteries, EC(50) values for relaxations to thrombin (0.03 u ml(-1) in epicardial 0.17 u ml(-1) in intramyocardial) were also significantly (P<0.01) greater in the smaller arteries. EC(50) values for both TFLLR and the PAR2-activating peptide, SLIGKV, were not different between the two different-sized pig coronary arteries. PAR1-immunoreactivity was localized to the endothelium of human epicardial and intramyocardial arteries and both PAR1- and PAR2-immunoreactivity was observed in endothelial cells of equivalent porcine arteries. These findings indicate that enzymatic activation of endothelial cell PARs in human (PAR1) and porcine (PAR1 and PAR2) coronary arteries is markedly reduced in intramyocardial arteries when compared with epicardial arteries, suggesting increased regulation of PAR-mediated vascular responses in resistance-type arteries.     

Inhibition by salbutamol of the proliferation of human airway smooth muscle cells grown in culture.

1 beta 2-Adrenoceptor agonists may exacerbate asthma by reducing the release of the anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory molecule, heparin from mast cells in the airway. In this study, the direct effects of the clinically used bronchodilator, salbutamol, on the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells grown in culture and stimulated with a range of mitogens have been examined. 2 In mitogen-stimulated cells, salbutamol (0.1-100 nM) inhibited [3H]-thymidine incorporation in a concentration-dependent manner. Salbutamol (100 nM) pretreatment reduced the mitogenic responses to thrombin (0.3 u ml-1), epidermal growth factor (EGF) (300 pM) and U46619 (100 nM) by 61.7 +/- 6.1%, 46.9 +/- 13.9% and 57.6 +/- 12.7%, respectively. However, salbutamol pretreatment did not appear to reduce the small mitogenic response to endothelin-1. 3 Increases in [3H]-leucine incorporation in thrombin (0.3 u ml-1)-stimulated cells were reduced by salbutamol (100 nM) by 27.7 +/- 2.8%. Similarly, thrombin (0.3 u ml-1)-stimulated increases in cell number were also inhibited by salbutamol (100 nM) pretreatment. Thus, the effect of salbutamol in decreasing thrombin-induced [3H]-leucine incorporation may, at least in part, be explained by inhibition of cell proliferation. 4 The inhibition of cell proliferation by salbutamol was prevented by pretreatment with either the non-selective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, propranolol (0.3 microM) or the selective beta 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, ICI 118551 (50 nM). 5 These results indicate that salbutamol, through activation of a beta 2-adrenoceptor, has a direct inhibitory effect on proliferation elicited by the mitogens thrombin, EGF, and U46619.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Evidence that PAR-1 and PAR-2 mediate prostanoid-dependent contraction in isolated guinea-pig gallbladder

We have investigated the ability of protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1), PAR-2, PAR-3 and PAR-4 agonists to induce contractile responses in isolated guinea-pig gallbladder. Thrombin, trypsin, mouse PAR-1 activating (SFLLRN-NH(2)) peptide, and mouse PAR-2 activating (SLIGRL-NH(2)) and human PAR-2 activating (SLIGKV-NH(2)) peptides produced a concentration-dependent contractile response. Mouse PAR-4 activating (GYPGKF-NH(2)) peptide, the mouse PAR-1 reverse (NRLLFS-NH(2)) peptide, the mouse PAR-2 reverse (LRGILS-NH(2)) and human PAR-2 reverse (VKGILS-NH(2)) peptides caused negligible contractile responses at the highest concentrations tested. An additive effect was observed following the contractile response induced by either trypsin or thrombin, with the addition of a different PAR agonist (SFLLRN-NH(2) and SLIGRL-NH(2), respectively). Desensitization to PAR-2 activating peptide attenuated the response to trypsin but failed to attenuate the response to PAR-1 agonists, and conversely desensitization to PAR-1 attenuated the response to thrombin but failed to alter contractile responses to PAR-2 agonists. The contractile responses produced by thrombin, trypsin, SFLLRN-NH(2) and SLIGRL-NH(2) were markedly reduced in the presence of the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin, whilst the small contractile response produced by NRLLFS-NH(2) and LRGILS-NH(2) were insensitive to indomethacin. The contractile responses to thrombin, trypsin, SFLLRN-NH(2) and SLIGRL-NH(2) were unaffected by the presence of: the non-selective muscarinic antagonist, atropine; the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L-NAME; the sodium channel blocker, tetrodotoxin; the combination of selective tachykinin NK(1) and NK(2) receptor antagonists, (S)-1-[2-[3-(3,4-dichlorphenyl)-1 (3-isopropoxyphenylacetyl) piperidin-3-yl] ethyl]-4-phenyl-1 azaniabicyclo [2.2.2] octane chloride (SR140333) and (S)-N-methyl-N-[4-acetylamino-4-phenylpiperidino-2-(3, 4-dichlorophenyl)-butyl] benzamide (SR48968), respectively. The results indicate that PAR-1 and PAR-2 activation causes contractile responses in the guinea-pig gallbladder, an effect that is mediated principally by prostanoid release, and is independent of neural mechanisms.