Evidence that tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors mediate non-adrenergic non-cholinergic excitation and contraction in the circular muscle of guinea-pig duodenum.

1. In the presence of atropine (1 microM), guanethidine (3 microM), indomethacin (3 microM), apamin (0.1 microM) and L-nitroarginine (L-NOARG, 30 microM), electrical field simulation (EFS) produced a nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) excitatory junctional potential (e.j.p.), action potentials and contraction of the circular muscle of the guinea-pig proximal duodenum, recorded by the single sucrose gap technique. 2. The selective tachykinin (TK) NK1 receptor antagonist, GR 82,334 (30 nM-3 microM) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the EFS-evoked NANC e.j.p. and contraction. Similarly, the selective NK2 receptor antagonists, MEN 10,627 (30 nM-3 microM) and GR 94,800 (100 nM-10 microM), both produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the EFS-evoked NANC e.j.p. and contraction. GR 82,334 inhibited the electrical and mechanical NANC responses to EFS in an almost parallel manner, while MEN 10,627 and GR 94,800 were more effective in inhibiting the mechanical than the electrical response to EFS. 3. Activation of the NK1 or NK2 receptor by the selective agonists, [Sar9]substance P (SP) sulphone and [beta Ala8]neurokinin A (NKA) (4-10), respectively (0.3 microM each), produced depolarization, action potentials and contractions. GR 82,334 selectively inhibited the responses to [Sar9]SP sulphone, without affecting the responses to [beta Ala8]NKA (4-10). MEN 10,627 and GR 94,800 inhibited or abolished the responses to [beta Ala8]NKA (4-10), without affecting the responses to [Sar9]SP sulphone. 4. Nifedipine (1 microM) abolished the action potentials and contraction produced either by EFS or by the TK receptor agonists [Sar9]SP sulphone or [beta Ala8]NKA (4-10). 5. In the presence of nifedipine, the NANC e.j.p. produced by EFS was biphasic: in the majority of strips tested (21 out of 29) an early fast phase of depolarization was followed by a second slow component. The combined administration of GR 82,334 and GR 94,800 (3 microM each) reduced both components, the slow phase being inhibited to a greater extent than the fast phase. 6. The P2 purinoreceptor antagonist, suramin (100 microM) reduced the fast phase of the e.j.p. produced by EFS in the presence of nifedipine, without affecting the slow phase. The combined administration of suramin, GR 82,334 and GR 94,800 produced a nearly complete blockade of the e.j.p. produced by EFS in the presence of nifedipine. 7. When tested in the absence of apamin and L-NOARG, EFS induced a NANC inhibitory junction potential (i.j.p.) followed by an e.j.p., and the selective P2Y receptor agonist, adenosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (ADP beta S, 10 microM), produced membrane hyperpolarization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Effect of cyclopiazonic acid on contractions produced by tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptor agonists in the circular muscle of guinea-pig colon

1 This study aimed to assess the effect of cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), an inhibitor of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium (Ca) pump, against contractile responses produced by selective tachykinin NK₁ and NK₂ receptor agonists, [Sar⁹]substance P (SP) sulfone and[βAla⁸]neurokinin A (NKA) (4–10), respectively, on the circular muscle of guinea-pig colon. All experiments were performed in the presence of atropine (1 μm ) and indomethacin (10 μm ). 2 In organ bath experiments, a submaximally equieffective concentration of the two agonists (10 nm ) was selected: [Sar⁹]SP sulfone (10 nm ) produced a biphasic contraction, the two amplitudes averaging 75 ± 2 and 43 ± 3% of the maximal response to KCl (80 mm ) at 1 and 15 min from application of the agonist, respectively. CPA (3 μm for 60 min) slightly reduced the phasic response to [Sar⁹]SP sulfone (16 ± 4% inhibition) and markedly suppressed the tonic component (89 ± 3% inhibition). 3 The contraction produced by [βAla⁸]NKA (4–10) (10 nm ) was more sustained than that induced by the NK₁ receptor agonist: it averaged 69 ± 5 and 73 ± 4% of the response to KCl at 1 and 15 min from application of the agonist, respectively. CPA slightly and evenly depressed the response to [βAla⁸]NKA (4–10) (18 ± 7 and 21 ± 5% inhibition at 1 and 15 min). 4 In the presence of tachykinin NK₁ and NK₂ receptor antagonists (SR 140333 and MEN 10627, respectively, 1 μm each) and of l -nitroarginine (100 μm ), KCl (40 mm ) produced a distinct phasic and tonic contraction which was suppressed by 1 mm nifedipine. CPA (3 μm ) did not affect the phasic contraction to KCl but abolished the tonic component of the response. 5 In the presence of 1 μm nifedipine, the response to [βAla⁸]NKA (4–10) was slightly depressed (32 ± 6% inhibition) in its early component only, while the response to [Sar⁹]SP sulfone was abolished. CPA produced a slight inhibition (15 ± 9 and 33 ± 10% at 1 and 15 min, respectively) of the nifedipine-resistant response to [βAla⁸]NKA (4–10), an effect similar to that observed in the absence of nifedipine. Therefore, a large part of the response to [βAla⁸]NKA (4–10) persisted in the presence of both CPA and nifedipine. 6 In the sucrose gap, a prolonged superfusion with [Sar⁹]SP sulfone (0.1 μm for 5 min) produced sustained depolarization with superimposed spikes and contraction. CPA (3 μm ) produced transient depolarization and contraction. In the presence of CPA, the initial responses (depolarization, spikes and contraction) to [Sar⁹]SP sulfone were unaffected but the sustained component of contraction was absent; the latter effect was accompanied by a suppression of spikes while the sustained depolarization was present. 7 We conclude that, during sustained depolarization produced by the NK₁ receptor agonist, blockade of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca pump by CPA produces a faster Ca-dependent inactivation of Ca channels, thereby eliminating spikes and abolishing the tonic component of contraction. Ca mobilization/reuptake from a CPA-sensitive store seems to be of minor importance for regulating the NK₂ receptor-mediated contractile responses.     

Tachykinin NK1 but not NK2 receptors mediate non-cholinergic excitatory junction potentials in the circular muscle of guinea-pig colon.

1. The effect of tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptor antagonists on noncholinergic excitatory junction potentials (e.j.ps) evoked by electric field stimulation (EFS) in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig proximal colon was investigated by means of a sucrose-gap technique. 2. In the presence of 1 microM atropine, submaximal EFS (10 Hz, 20-30 V, 0.5 ms pulse width, 1 s train duration) evoked an inhibitory junction potential (i.j.p.) followed by e.j.p. with superimposed action potentials (APs) and contraction. Addition of either NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG, 0.1 mM) or apamin (0.1 microM) inhibited the evoked i.j.p. and the combined administration of the two agents almost abolished it. In the presence of both L-NOARG and apamin, an atropine-resistant e.j.p. was the only electrical response evoked by EFS in 50% of cases and a small i.j.p. (10% of original amplitude) followed by e.j.p. was evident in the remainder. 3. In the presence of L-NOARG and apamin, the tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonists, (+/-)-CP 96,345 and GR 82,334 (10 nM-3 microM) concentration-dependently inhibited the atropine-resistant e.j.p. and accompanying contraction evoked by EFS. EC50 values were: 0.77 microM (e.j.p. inhibition) and 0.22 microM (inhibition of contraction) for (+/-)-CP 96,345; 0.61 microM (e.j.p. inhibition) and 0.20 microM (inhibition of contraction) for GR 82,334. The tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonists, MEN 10,376 (up to 3 microM) and SR 48,968 (up to 1 microM) had no effect on the atropine-resistant e.j.p. MEN 10,376 (3 microM) but not SR 48,968 produced a slight inhibition of the evoked contraction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

NK2 tachykinin receptors and contraction of circular muscle of the human colon: characterization of the NK2 receptor subtype.

The contractile effect of substance P, neurokinin A, receptor selective agonists for tachykinin receptors and NK2 tachykinin receptor antagonists was investigated in mucosa-free circular strips of the human isolated colon. Neurokinin A and substance P produced concentration-dependent contractions which approached 80-90% of the maximal response to carbachol. Neurokinin A was about 370 times more potent than substance P. The action of neurokinin A and substance P was not modified by peptidase inhibitors (bestatin, captopril and thiorphan, 1 microM each). The NK2 receptor selective agonist, [beta-Ala8]neurokinin A-(4-10) closely mimicked the response to neurokinin A while NK1 and NK3 receptor selective agonists were active only at microM concentrations. The pseudopeptide, MDL 28,564, which is one of the most selective NK2 ligands available, behaved as a full agonist. Responses to [beta-Ala8]neurokinin A were antagonized by NK2 receptor selective antagonists, with the rank order of potency MEN 10,376 greater than L 659,877 much greater than R 396. These data indicate that NK2 tachykinin receptors play a dominant role in determining the contraction of the circular muscle of the human colon to peptides of this family. The NK2 receptor subtype responsible for this effect belongs to the same subtype (NK2A) previously identified in the rabbit pulmonary artery and guinea-pig bronchi.     

Tachykinin receptors in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig ileum.

1. We have studied the mechanical response of circular strips of the guinea-pig ileum to tachykinins and characterized the receptors involved by means of receptor-selective agonists. 2. The strips responded to both substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA), as well as to [Pro9]-SP sulphone (selective NK1-receptor agonist), [beta Ala8]-NKA(4-10) (selective NK2-receptor agonist) and [MePhe7]-neurokinin B (selective NK3-receptor agonist). The ED50s of the various peptides (calculated as the concentration of agonist which produced 50% of the response to 10 microM carbachol) were similar, in the range of 40-200 nM, i.e. no clearcut rank order of potency was evident. 3. The response to a submaximal (10 nM) concentration of SP or NKA was unaffected in the presence of peptidase inhibitors (thiorphan, captopril and bestatin, 1 microM each). 4. The response to the NK1-agonist was totally atropine-resistant, but was reduced (about 30% inhibition) by tetrodotoxin. The response to the NK3-receptor agonist was halved by atropine and abolished by tetrodotoxin. The response to the NK2-agonist was unaffected by either atropine or tetrodotoxin. 5. The response to the selective NK2-agonist was unchanged after desensitization of NK1- or NK3-receptors. 6. The response to the NK2-selective agonist was strongly inhibited by [Tyr5, D-Trp6,8,9, Arg10]-NKA(4-10) (MEN 10,207) a selective NK2-receptor antagonist which did not modify the response to the NK1-selective agonist. 7. Our findings indicate that all the three known types of tachykinin receptors mediate the contractile response of the circular muscle of the guinea-pig ileum to peptides of this family.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Tachykininergic transmission to the circular muscle of the guinea-pig ileum: evidence for the involvement of NK2 receptors.

1. The effect of newly developed, receptor-selective tachykinin antagonists (GR 71,251 for NK1 receptors, MEN 10,376 and L 659,877 for NK2 receptors) on noncholinergic transmission to the circular muscle of the guinea-pig ileum has been investigated. 2. In circular muscle strips of the ileum, electrical field stimulation in the presence of atropine (2 microM) and apamin (0.1 microM) evoked a complex motor response. The tonic primary contraction in this response was reduced by GR 71,251 (10 microM) and MEN 10,376 (3-10 microM) but not by L 659,877 (up to 10 microM). The presence of apamin was necessary in this experimental arrangement to unmask an atropine-resistant primary contraction, sensitive to tachykinin antagonists. The motor response was abolished by tetrodotoxin. 3. In circular strips of the ileum GR 71,251 (10 microM) inhibited the tonic contraction produced by [Sar9] substance P sulphone, a selective NK1 receptor agonist but not that produced by [beta Ala8] neurokinin A (4-10), a selective NK2 receptor agonist. By contrast, MEN 10,376 antagonized the effect of the NK2 agonist while leaving the response to the NK1 agonist unaffected. 4. In whole segments of the ileum, distension of the gut wall by an intraluminal balloon placed at about 1 cm from the point of recording of mechanical activity of the circular muscle produced atropine-sensitive phasic contractions (ascending enteric reflex). In the presence of atropine (2 microM), a noncholinergic response was elicited, which required larger volumes of distension that the cholinergic one. The atropine-resistant ascending enteric reflex was enhanced by apamin (0.1 microM) and abolished by tetrodotoxin, either in the presence or absence of apamin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptor antagonists and atropine-resistant ascending excitatory reflex to the circular muscle of the guinea-pig ileum.

1. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of various antagonists, selective for the tachykinin NK1 or NK2 receptor, on the atropine-resistant ascending excitatory reflex (AER) to the circular muscle of the guinea-pig ileum elicited by radial stretch (balloon distension) or electrical field stimulation. 2. Submaximal and maximal atropine- (1 microM) resistant AER elicited by balloon distension averaged about 40-50% and 70-90% of maximal circular spasm to 80 mM KCl, respectively. The NK1 receptor antagonist, (+/)-CP 96,345 (1 microM) inhibited both maximal and submaximal AER. FK 888 (1-3 microM) inhibited submaximal AER only. RP 67,580 (1 microM) was ineffective. The NK2 receptor antagonist, GR 94,800, inhibited both maximal and submaximal AER at all concentrations tested (0.1-3.0 microM), while SR 48,968 was effective only at 1.0 microM. The NK2 receptor antagonists, MEN 10,376 and MEN 10,573 inhibited both submaximal and maximal AER at 10 and 1.0 microM, respectively. 3. In other experiments, an NK1 receptor antagonist, (+/-)-CP 96,345 or FK 888 (1.0 microM in each case) was administered first and the effect of GR 94,800 (1.0 microM) on the residual AER response was determined; or GR 94,800 was administered first and the effect of (+/-)-CP 96,345 or FK 888 was determined. The results of these experiments indicated an additive effect produced by the combined treatment with NK1 and NK2 receptor antagonists.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Characterization of NK1 and NK2 tachykinin receptors in guinea-pig and rat bronchopulmonary and vascular systems.

1. NK1 and NK2 tachykinin receptors were characterized in guinea-pig and rat bronchopulmonary systems and in the vasculature of the rat by use of radioligand binding and/or functional studies. 2. The radioligands for NK1 and NK2 receptors ([3H]-SP and [3H]-pNKA, respectively) did not label tachykinin receptors in homogenates of rat lungs or bronchi. In contrast, in the guinea-pig, [3H]-SP bound with high affinity to these tissues (KD = 0.23 +/- 0.08 nM and 0.34 +/- 0.05 nM, for lungs and bronchi, respectively). The total number of binding sites was 4.6 fold greater in bronchus (Bmax = 135 +/- 27 fmol mg-1 protein) than in lung homogenates (Bmax = 29.3 +/- 0.1 fmol mg-1 protein). Furthermore, this binding was markedly displaced by CP-96,345 (pKi = 9.5 +/- 0.1) and RP 67580 (pKi = 7.6 +/- 0.1), antagonists of NK1 receptors, slightly displaced by SR 48968 (pKi = 6.6 +/- 0.1), but not affected by actinomycin D or L-659,877, antagonists of NK2 receptors. Specific binding of [3H]-pNKA, detected in guinea-pig bronchi (KD = 5.2 +/- 0.1 nM, and Bmax = 203 +/- 19 fmol mg-1 protein) but not in lungs, was similarly (40 to 53%) displaced by RP 67580 (1 microM), CP-96,345 (10 and 100 nM) or SR 48968 (10 and 100 nM). The displacement approximately doubled (87 to 91%) when SR 48968 (10 nM) was combined with either RP 67580 (1 microM) or CP-96,345 (10 nM), but not when RP 67580 was combined with CP-96,345. 3. In urethane-anaesthetized guinea-pigs, i.v. injections of the NK1 receptor agonists SP, [Pro9]-SP, [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP and septide, as well as the NK2 receptor agonists NKA and [Lys5,MeLeu9,NLeu10]-NKA(4-10) (0.1-10 micrograms kg-1, i.v.), dose-dependently increased lung inflation pressure. The most potent of these peptides were septide and [Lys5, MeLeu9,NLeu10]-NKA(4-10) (EC50 = 0.38 +/- 0.07 and 0.07 +/- 0.02 microgram kg-1, respectively). Interestingly, septide was 130 fold less potent than SP in displacing [3H]-SP from its binding sites in the guinea-pig lung, whereas it was 14 fold more potent than SP as a bronchoconstrictor. RP 67580 (0.3-5 mg kg-1, i.v.) and CP-96,345 (0.01-3 mg kg-1, i.v.) dose-dependently reduced the bronchoconstriction produced by the NK1 receptor agonists.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Antimuscarinic, calcium channel blocker and tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist actions of otilonium bromide in the circular muscle of guinea-pig colon

We have analyzed, by the sucrose gap method, the action of otilonium bromide, a quaternary ammonium derivative in use for the symptomatic therapy of irritable bowel syndrome, on the electrical and mechanical responses initiated by different stimuli in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig proximal colon. Otilonium bromide produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of membrane depolarization (IC₅₀ 4.1 μM), action potentials (APs) and contraction (IC₅₀ 3.7 μM) produced by the muscarinic receptor agonist, methacholine. It also produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of APs and accompanying contraction (IC₅₀ 31 μM) produced by KCl (30 mM), and had a biphasic effect on the cholinergic excitatory junction potential (e.j.p.) produced by single pulse electrical field stimulation: at low concentrations (0.1–0.3 μM) otilonium bromide enhanced the e.j.p. and, at higher concentrations (IC₅₀ 22 μM and 16 μM toward depolarization and contraction), produced a concentration-dependent inhibition. Otilonium bromide eliminated the APs superimposed on the depolarization induced by the tachykinin NK₁ receptor agonist, [Sar⁹]substance P-sulphone and suppressed the corresponding contraction (IC₅₀ 43 μM) but had little effect on the sustained membrane depolarization induced by this agonist. On the other hand, otilonium bromide produced a similar inhibitory effect on both membrane depolarization and contraction (IC₅₀ 38 μM and 45 μM, respectively) induced by the tachykinin NK₂ receptor agonist [βAla⁸]neurokinin A (4–10). When tested in the presence of nifedipine (1 μM), otilonium bromide had no effect on the membrane depolarization induced by [Sar⁹]substance P-sulphone but inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the depolarization induced by [βAla⁸]neurokinin A (4–10) (IC₅₀ 41 μM). In contrast, the blocker of receptor-operated cation channels, SKF 96365, inhibited with similar potency the depolarization induced by both [Sar⁹]substance P-sulphone and [βAla⁸]neurokinin A (4–10) (IC₅₀ 60 μM and 54 μM, respectively). In radioligand binding experiments otilonium bromide produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the binding of both an agonist ([¹²⁵I]neurokinin A, K _i 7.2 μM) and an antagonist ([³H]SR 48968, K _i 2.2 μM) to membranes of Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with the human tachykinin NK₂ receptor. In conclusion, the present findings demonstrate that, in the μM range of concentrations, otilonium bromide acts as a muscarinic and tachykinin NK₂ receptor antagonist and as a calcium channel blocker. The latter property is likely to account for its ability to suppress contraction initiated by the tachykinin NK₁ receptor agonist. Therefore multiple mechanisms of action account for the ability of otilonium bromide to reduce stimulated motility of intestinal smooth muscle. Received: 27 November 1998 / Accepted: 2 February 1999     

Differential activation of the epithelial and smooth muscle NK1 receptors by synthetic tachykinin agonists in guinea-pig trachea

1. The presence of tachykinin NK₁ receptors have been shown in the epithelium and smooth muscle of guinea-pig airways. Previous data showed that substance P (SP), and the NK₁ receptor agonist, [Sar⁹, Met (O₂)¹¹]-SP, relax guinea-pig tracheal tube preparations by stimulation of epithelial NK₁ receptors and via nitric oxide (NO) release. However, the selective tachykinin NK₁ receptor agonist, septide, was unable to produce this effect. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of a series of SP analogues to stimulate NK₁ receptors of guinea-pig airway epithelium.
2. Isometric tension was recorded in isolated tracheal tube preparations in which compounds were administered intraluminally in the presence of phosphoramidon, indomethacin (both 1 μM) and the tachykinin NK₂ receptor antagonist, SR 48,968 ((S)-N-methyl N-(4-acetyl-amino-4-phenylpiperidino)-2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)butyl)benzamide) (0.1 μM). Cumulative concentration-response curves were obtained in preparations under resting tone or in preparations precontracted with acetylcholine (ACh, 10 μM).
3. Contractile responses to low concentrations (0.1–10 nM) of substance P (SP) and the selective agonist of NK₁ receptors, [Pro⁹]-SP, in non precontracted tracheae were higher in preparations pretreated with the NO-synthase inhibitor, N^G-monomethyl L-arginine (L-NMMA, 100 μM) than in preparations pretreated with its inactive enantiomer D-NMMA (100 μM). Tracheal tube preparations precontracted with ACh and pretreated with D-NMMA were relaxed by low concentrations of SP and [Pro⁹]-SP (0.1–10 nM). In contrast, after pretreatment with L-NMMA, SP and [Pro⁹]-SP contracted tracheae at all the concentrations tested.
4. Concentration-response curves to the NK₁ receptor agonists, SP methyl ester, [Apa^9–10]-SP and [pGlu⁶] SP (6–11) obtained in non-precontracted tracheae were similar in the presence of either D-NMMA or L-NMMA. SP methyl ester, [Apa^9–10]-SP and [pGlu⁶] SP (6–11) did not produce any relaxation, but instead, cause contractions in tracheal tube preparations precontracted with ACh and pretreated with D-NMMA. Concentration-response curves produced by all these agonists were similar in preparations precontracted with ACh and pretreated with L-NMMA or D-NMMA.
5. In guinea-pig tracheal tube preparations two groups of NK₁ receptor agonists can be distinguished: one group, including [Pro⁹]-SP, stimulator epithelial NK₁ receptors, the other group, including SP methyl ester, [Apa^9–10]-SP and [pGlu⁶] SP (6–11), does not. One possible explanation for these findings and for the existence of compounds with a peculiar ‘septide-like'' pharmacological profile in the guinea-pig trachea could be the recently proposed phenomenon referred to as ‘agonist-directed receptor trafficking''.

     

Antagonist discrimination between subtypes of tachykinin receptors in the guinea-pig ileum

The effects of substance P and eledoisin on spontaneous and electrically-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine, and on smooth muscle were studied in the guinea-pig myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle preparation preloaded with [3H]choline. Substance P and eledoisin caused transient increases in spontaneous release of [3H]-acetylcholine and in longitudinal muscle tone. Both tachykinins were equipotent in contracting the muscle, but eledoisin was more potent than substance P in eliciting [3H]acetylcholine release. The release caused by substance P was enhanced in the presence of naloxone and scopolamine which suggests that the release is modulated through opioid and muscarinic receptors. Substance P and eledoisin inhibited the release of [3H]acetylcholine evoked by electrical stimulation at 0.1 Hz. The inhibition was not due to an activation of alpha-adrenoceptors, histamine or opioid receptors. The substance P antagonists (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9)SP (10 and 30 microM) and (Arg5, D-Trp7,9, Nle11)SP5-11 (1 and 10 microM) competitively antagonized both the contractile effects of substance P and eledoisin, and the inhibition by the tachykinins of the electrically-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine. The increase in spontaneous [3H]acetylcholine release elicited by substance P and eledoisin was not prevented by the substance P antagonists. The results suggest that the neuronal receptor whose activation causes inhibition of acetylcholine release and the smooth muscle receptor correspond to the SP-P type, whereas the neuronal receptor mediating an increase in spontaneous acetylcholine release is of the SP-E type. The two antagonists, (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9)SP and (Arg5, D-Trp7,9, Nle11)SP5-11, selectively block only the SP-P receptor.     

Prejunctional M1 and postjunctional M3 muscarinic receptors in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig ileum

The effects of subtype-selective muscarinic receptor antagonists on electrically evoked release of acetylcholine and muscle contraction were compared in circular muscle preparations of the guinea-pig ileum. Incubation of the preparation with [³H]choline resulted in the formation of [³H]acetylcholine. Electrical stimulation caused the release of [³H]acetylcholine which was abolished by tetrodotoxin and omission of calcium from the medium. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (10 M) and the nicotinic agonist 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (300 M) did not change acetylcholine release. The muscarinic antagonists pirenzepine (M1 selective), AF-DX 116 (M2 selective) and hexahydrosiladifenidol (M3 selective) caused concentration-dependent increases in the evoked release of acetylcholine, and inhibitions of the circular muscle contraction. The postjunctional affinity constants (pA₂ values) obtained for hexahydrosiladifenidol (8.06), pirenzepine (6.95) and AF-DX 116 (6.60) identified the muscular receptor as an M3 subtype. Pirenzepine was more potent in facilitating the evoked release than hexahydrosiladifenidol and AF-DX 116. These findings suggest that the release of acetylcholine in the circular muscle is inhibited by M1 muscarinic autoreceptors whereas muscle contraction is mediated by M3 receptors.     

Identification of both NK1 and NK2 receptors in guinea-pig airways.

1. NK1 and NK2 receptors have been characterized in guinea-pig lung membrane preparations by use of [125I-Tyr8]-substance P and [125I]-neurokinin A binding assays in conjunction with tachykinin-receptor selective agonists ([Sar9Met(O2)11]substance P for NK1 and [beta Ala8]neurokinin A (4-10) for NK2) and antagonists (CP-99,994 for NK1 and SR48968 for NK2). 2. The presence of high affinity, G-protein-coupled NK1 receptors in guinea-pig lung parenchymal membranes has been confirmed. The rank order of affinity for competing tachykinins was as predicted for an NK1 receptor: substance P = [Sar9Met(O2)11]substance P > substance P-methyl ester = physalaemin > neurokinin A = neurokinin B >> [beta Ala8]neurokinin A (4-10). The novel NK1 antagonist CP-99,994 has a Ki of 0.4 nM at this NK1 site. 3. In order to characterize [125I]-neurokinin A binding to guinea-pig lung, the number of [125I]-neurokinin A specific binding sites was increased 3-4 fold by purification of the parenchymal membranes over discontinuous sucrose gradients. The rank order of affinity determined for NK1- and NK2-receptor agonists and antagonists in competition for these sites showed that the majority (80%) of [125I]-neurokinin A specific binding was also to the NK1 receptor. 4. Under conditions where the guinea-pig lung parenchymal NK1 receptor was fully occupied by a saturating concentration of either [Sar9Met(O2)11]substance P (1 microM) or CP-99,994 (2.7 microM), residual [125I]-neurokinin A specific binding was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by both [beta Ala8]neurokinin A and SR48968. This result shows that the NK2 receptor is also present in these preparations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Comparative behavioural profile of centrally administered tachykinin NK1, NK2 and NK3 receptor agonists in the guinea-pig.

1. The NK1 tachykinin receptor agonists, septide, [Sar9,Met(O2)11]SP and [Pro9]SP produced locomotor hyperactivity (10-20 min) when injected intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) in the guinea-pig. The most potent in eliciting this hyperactivity was septide (from 0.63 to 5 micrograms), compared to [Sar9,Met(O2)11]SP, which was active at 2.5 and 5 micrograms and [Pro9]SP which induced a non-significant increase even at 10 micrograms. 2. Wet-dog shakes were elicited by septide, [Sar9,Met(O2)11]SP and [Pro9]SP injected by the i.c.v. route in the guinea-pig. [Sar9,Met(O2)11]SP, active from 0.16 to 2.5 micrograms was more potent than septide (active at 1.25 micrograms) and [Pro9]SP (active at 0.63 micrograms) in eliciting such behaviour. To a lesser extent, grooming was also observed after injection of these agonists. 3. The NK2 tachykinin receptor agonist, [Lys5,MeLeu9,Nle10]NKA(4-10), up to the dose of 10 micrograms i.c.v. had no effect in the guinea-pig. It neither modified locomotor activity nor induced a characteristic behavioural response. At higher doses (20 micrograms), some toxic effects were noted. 4. The NK3 tachykinin receptor agonist, senktide, contrasts with the NK1 receptor agonists in that it elicited only wet-dog shakes, at doses ranging from 0.32 to 1.25 micrograms. It neither modified locomotor activity (1 microgram) nor induced grooming (up to 5 micrograms) in the guinea-pig. 5. To our knowledge, these results are the first demonstration that the guinea-pig could be useful to differentiate tachykinin agonists on the basis of their behavioural profile, distinct from those obtained in mice and rats.     

Role of kappa opioid receptors in modulating cholinergic twitches in the circular muscle of guinea-pig colon.

1. Single pulse electrical field stimulation (EFS, 0.5 ms pulse width, 60 V at a frequency of 0.05 Hz) induced twitch contractions of mucosa-free circular muscle strips from the guinea-pig proximal colon which were abolished by atropine (0.3 microM), tetrodotoxin (0.3 microM) or omega-conotoxin GVIA (0.1 microM). 2. Various opioid receptor agonist concentration-dependently inhibited twitches with the following rank order of potency (EC50 values in brackets): U 50488 (0.31 nM) > dermorphin (4.3 nM) = dynorphin A (1-13) (6.2 nM) > [D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly5-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO, 33.5 nM) = [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]-enkephalin (DADLE, 60 nM) > [D-Pen2, D-Pen2, D-Pen5]-enkepahlin (DPDPE, 1144 nM). 3. Peptidase inhibitors (captopril, thiorphan and bestatin, 1 microM each) did not modify the amplitude of twitches. In the presence of peptidase inhibitors the concentration-response curve to dynorphin A (1-13) was displaced to the left to yield an EC50 of 0.35 nM, comparable to that of the selective kappa receptor agonist, U50488. The curves to the other opioid receptor agonist were unaffected by peptidase inhibitors. 4. DPDPE, DADLE, dermorphin and DAMGO consistently induced a concentration-unrelated transient increase in basal tone and a small and transient facilitation of twitches before development of their inhibitory effect. These transient excitatory effects were not observed upon application of dynorphin A (1-13) or U 50488. The contraction produced by DPDPE (30 nM) was largely inhibited (> 80%) by 1 microM atropine. 5. Twitches suppression induced by dynorphin A (1-13) (30 nM) was partly reversed (46 +/- 8%, n = 6) by naloxone (0.3 microM). The potent and selective kappa opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (Nor-BNI, 3-100 nM)) did not affect the amplitude of twitches and potently antagonized (pKB 9.83 +/- 0.09, n = 10) the inhibitory effect of dynorphin. 6. Naloxone (1-300 nM) concentration-dependently depressed the cholinergic twitches: this depressant effect was largely counteracted in the presence of apamin (0.1 microM) and NG-nitro-L-arginine (30 microM) which potentiated cholinergic twitches on their own. 7. Dynorphin A (1-13) (10 nM, n = 6) did not affect the contractile response to exogenous acetylcholine (1 microM), indicating that depression of evoked twitches occurs prejunctionally. 8. We conclude that multiple opioid receptors modulate cholinergic twitches in the circular muscle of guinea-pig proximal colon. While mu and delta opioid receptor agonists produced mixed excitatory and inhibitory effects, kappa opioid receptors, activated by sub-nanomolar concentrations of dynorphin A (1-13), mediate a powerful and pure prejunctional inhibition of acetylcholine release.     

MEN 11420, a potent and selective tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist in the guinea-pig and human colon

We have characterized the action of the novel, water-soluble, tachykinin NK₂ receptor antagonist MEN 11420 ([Asn(2-AcNH-β-D-Glc)-Asp-Trp-Phe-Dap-Leu] c(2β–5β)) on the circular muscle of the guinea-pig and human colon in vitro and on the guinea-pig colon in vivo. In organ bath experiments on guinea-pig colon MEN 11420 produced a concentration-dependent rightward shift of the concentration-response curve to the NK₂ receptor selective agonist, [βAla⁸]neurokinin A (NKA) (4–10) with a pK_B value of 8.1. Up to 1 μM MEN 11420 had no effect on the concentration-response curve to methacholine, to the NK₁ receptor selective agonist, [Sar⁹]substance P (SP) sulfone, to the NK₃ receptor selective agonist, senktide, or on the response to exogenous SP. The response to exogenous NKA was inhibited, although the shift of the concentration-response curve to NKA produced by MEN 11420 at 1 μM (dose ratio 5.3) was much smaller than that produced against [βAla⁸]NKA (4–10) (dose ratio 102), presumably because NKA also stimulates NK₁ receptors at relatively low concentrations. In sucrose gap, MEN 11420 concentration-dependently inhibited both depolarization (IC₅₀ 0.34 μM) and contraction (IC₅₀ = 0.32 μM) produced by [βAla⁸]NKA (4–10) (0.3 μM for 10 s) in the guinea-pig colon without affecting the corresponding responses produced by [Sar⁹]SP sulfone. When similar experiments were performed in the circular muscle of the human colon MEN 11420 concentration-dependently inhibited both depolarization and contraction induced by [βAla⁸]NKA(4– 10) with IC_50s of 99 and 75 nM, respectively. MEN 11420 (1 μM) had no effect on the nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) depolarization and contraction produced by a short period of electrical field stimulation (EFS, 10 Hz for 1 s) in the guinea-pig colon and selectively inhibited the sustained component of depolarization produced during a prolonged period of EFS (3 Hz for 3 min), without affecting the concomitant depolarization. Nifedipine (1 μM) eliminated the NANC contraction to a short period of EFS and the phasic contraction in response to a prolonged period of EFS. MEN 11420 (1 μM) abolished the nifedipine-resistant NANC contraction produced by prolonged period of electrical field stimulation (EFS, 3 Hz for 3 min). All electrical and mechanical NANC responses to EFS which were resistant to MEN 11420, either in the absence or presence of nifedipine, were abolished by the subsequent application of the NK₁ receptor antagonist, SR 140333 (1 μM). Up to 3 μM, MEN 11420 had no significant effect on the cholinergic excitatory junction potential or the NANC inhibitory junction potential evoked by single pulse EFS, nor did it affect membrane conductance. In urethane-anaesthetized guinea-pigs MEN 11420 (10– 100 nmol/kg i.v.) produced a dose-dependent and long lasting (> 3 h) inhibition of the contractile response (15 ± 2 mmHg) of the proximal colon induced by [βAla⁸]NKA (4–10) (3 nmol/kg i.v.). MEN 11420 (300 nmol/kg i.v.) did not affect the contraction produced by [Sar⁹]SP sulfone. MEN 11420 (300 nmol/kg) produced a limited (Emax about 40% inhibition) and transient (recovery within 60 min) inhibition of the atropine- and hexamethonium-sensitive phasic contractions of the proximal colon induced by threshold distension of a colonic balloon. On the other hand, MEN 11420 (10–300 nmol/kg i.v.) produced a dose-dependent complete and prolonged (> 2 h from administration) inhibition of the atropine-resistant and hexamethonium-sensitive phasic contraction induced by suprathreshold distension of the colonic balloon. We conclude that MEN 11420 is a potent and selective tachykinin NK₂ receptor antagonist devoid of significant inhibitory activity toward excitatory transmission mediated via tachykinin NK₁ or muscarinic receptors. The present findings indicate that SP and NKA are likely involved in the preferential activation of NK₁ and NK₂ receptors during tachykininergic transmission, although NKA can act as an effective NK₁ receptor ligand. Received: 24 March 1997 / Accepted: 9 June 1997     

Excitatory transmission to the circular muscle of the guinea-pig ileum: evidence for the involvement of cannabinoid CB1 receptors

1. The effect of cannabinoid drugs has been investigated on cholinergic and non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) contractile responses to the circular smooth muscle of guinea-pig ileum elicited by electrical field stimulation (EFS).
2. The cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 (1–1000 nM) and the putative endogenous ligand anandamide (0.1–100 μM) both produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the cholinergic (9–57% and 1–51% inhibition) and NANC (9–55% and 2–57% inhibition) contractile responses. WIN 55,212-2 and anandamide did not modify the contractions produced by exogenous acetylcholine or substance P.
3. Apamin (30 nM), a blocker of Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels, reduced the inhibitory effect of WIN 55,212-2 on cholinergic, but not NANC, contractile response. N^G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (100 μM), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, or naloxone (1 μM), an opioid receptors antagonist, did not modify the inhibitory effect of WIN 55,212-2 on both cholinergic and NANC contractions.
4. The inhibitory effects of WIN 55,212-2 and anandamide on both cholinergic and NANC contractile response was competitively antagonized by the cannabinoid CB₁ receptor antagonist SR 141716A (10–1000 nM).
5. In absence of other drugs, SR 141716A (1–1000 nM) enhanced cholinergic (1–45% increase) and NANC (2–38% increase) contractile responses elicited by electrical stimulation, but did not modify the contractions produced by acetylcholine or substance P.
6. It is concluded that activation of prejunctional cannabinoid CB₁ receptors produces inhibition of cholinergic and NANC excitatory responses in the guinea-pig circular muscle. The inhibition of cholinergic (but not NANC) transmission involves activation of apamin-sensitive K⁺ channels. In addition, an endogenous cannabinoid ligand could inhibit cholinergic and NANC transmission in the guinea-pig ileal circular muscle.

     

Tachykinins activate guinea-pig alveolar macrophages: involvement of NK2 and NK1 receptors.

1. The effects of substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and neurokinin B (NKB) were evaluated on superoxide anion (O2-.) production by guinea-pig alveolar macrophages (AM). 2. SP dose-dependently (ED50 = 0.7 nM) evoked O2-. production from guinea-pig AM; the N-terminal heptapeptide, SP(1-7), was ineffective. In the presence of thiorphan (10(-5) M), an enkephalinase inhibitor, the stimulating effects of SP were not significantly modified. NKA and NKB were both able to induce O2-. production from guinea-pig AM, ED50 values being 0.1 and 1.3 nM, respectively. Therefore, the rank order of activity of natural tachykinins was NKA greater than SP greater than NKB. Tachykinin-evoked effects were quantitatively similar to those elicited by the autacoid mediator PAF-acether and less than those induced by the synthetic peptide N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP). 3. The NK2 receptor agonist [beta-Ala8]-NKA (4-10) dose-dependently evoked O2-. production from guinea-pig AM; the NK1 receptor agonist [Pro9]-SP sulphone acted only at high concentrations, while the NK3 receptor agonist [Me,Phe7]-NKB was ineffective. 4. These findings indicate that guinea-pig AM possess NK2 and possibly some NK1 tachykinin receptors and further suggest tachykinin involvement in lung pathophysiology.     

Galanin suppresses neurally evoked contractions of circular muscle in the guinea-pig ileum

The effect of galanin, a 29 amino-acid peptide, on intestinal smooth muscles was studied in guinea-pig ileum. Galanin did not affect the basal activity of longitudinal or circular muscles. Galanin decreased neurally evoked circular muscle contractions in a dose-dependent manner, but failed to affect neurally evoked longitudinal muscle contractions. Galanin also decreased neurally evoked circular muscle contractions in the presence of atropine. The neurally evoked phasic contractions were blocked by TTX. These findings indicate that galanin has an inhibitory role in circular muscle contractions via myenteric neurons in the guinea-pig ileum.