Effect of the ionophore A23187 on chloride transport across isolated frog cornea.

The ionophore A23187 at a concentration of 10(-7) to 10(-5) M stimulated active transport of Cl across the isolated frog cornea. The ionophore had no effect in a Cl-free medium. Both unidirectional Cl fluxes were increased by A23187. The electrical resistance was decreased, and this can be totally accounted for by the increment in passive Cl fluxes. The effect of A23187 on Cl transport and permeability mimicked the effects of cyclic AMP, isoproterenol, and epinephrine. A23187 had no effect when the corneas were fully stimulated by epinephrine or isoproterenol. A23187 produced normal stimulation of the SCC in corneas pretreated with alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockers. The stimulation of the SCC by A23187 was dependent on the presence of Ca in the Ringer solution. Excess Ca (10 mM) resulted in a reduced response. Increasing the Mg concentration in the medium reduced the stimulation of the SCC with Ca concentrations of 0.1-5 mM, but prevented the relative inhibition of 10 mM Ca. Intracellular Ca concentration seemed to regulate Cl permeability of the cornea.     

The short-term influence of catecholamines on acid-base balance of rat soleus muscle in vitro

The short-term influence of catecholamines on surface pH (pHs) and intracellular pH (pHi) of superficial muscle fibres has been investigated in rat soleus in vitro using single-barrelled and double-barrelled glass micro-electrodes. pHs means the pH recorded at the surface of a muscle fibre. All measurements were performed in high-Ca2+ (10 mM) Ringer's solutions. Adrenaline caused an intracellular and surface acidification which increased with concentration in the range 6 X 10(-9)-6 X 10(-6) M. The effect was inhibited by propranolol (10(-5)M) but not by phentolamine (1.5 X 10(-7) M). Noradrenaline and isoproterenol (6 X 10(-6) M) also acidified the intracellular fluid. The relative effect of catecholamines on steady-state pHi was: adrenaline = isoproterenol greater than noradrenaline. Adrenaline (6 X 10(-9)-6 X 10(-6) M) did not accelerate pHi recovery following intracellular acid-loading by NH+4 or CO2. It is concluded that activation of beta-adrenoceptors by catecholamines causes an early intracellular acidosis presumably by enhancing synthesis of metabolic acids. The surface acidification seems at least partly due to non-ionic permeation of sarcolemma by metabolic acids, secondarily inducing accumulation of H+ ions at the cell surface.     

The beta3-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation induced by epinephrine in guinea pig taenia caecum.

The mechanisms of the beta-adrenoceptor mediated relaxation induced by epinephrine in guinea pig taenia caecum were examined. The relaxant response to epinephrine was unaffected by propranolol (approximately 10(-5) M) or phentolamine (approximately 10(-5) M). The response to epinephrine was antagonized in a concentration dependent manner by bupranolol, and Schild plot of the data revealed the pA2 value of 5.87. Epinephrine significantly increased cyclic AMP level in this preparation. Bupranolol (10(-4) M) significantly decreased the cyclic AMP level that was elicited by epinephrine, whereas propranolol (10(-5) M) produced no effect. These results suggest that the relaxant response to epinephrine in the guinea pig taenai caecum is mainly mediated by beta3-adrenoceptors.     

Chloride transport in glands of frog skin

The effects of beta-adrenergic stimulation on the bidirectional fluxes of Na+ and Cl- across the frog skin glands were determined. Isoproterenol elicited net serosal-to-mucosal fluxes of both Na+ (JNanet) and Cl- (JClnet) equal to 0.19 +/- 0.05 (SE) and 0.57 +/- 0.05 mueq X cm-2 X h-1, respectively. The residual current (JClnet - JNanet) of 0.38 +/- 0.05 mueq X cm-2 X h-1 closely approximates the isoproterenol-induced short-circuit current of 0.30 +/- 0.04 mueq X cm-2 X h-1. Furosemide added to the serosal side prior to isoproterenol inhibited the isoproterenol-induced net fluxes of both Na+ and Cl-. The addition of dibutyryl cAMP and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine to the serosal side mimicked the action of isoproterenol by stimulating glandular short-circuit current. We conclude that an active Cl(-)-transport mechanism resides in the frog skin glands and is 1) stimulated by a beta-adrenergic agonist (its action is mimicked by cAMP) and 2) inhibited by the loop diuretic furosemide.     

The effect of catecholamines on Na-K transport and membrane potential in rat soleus muscle.

1. The action of catecholamines on the transport and the distribution of Na and K and the resting membrane potential (E(M)) has been investigated in soleus muscles isolated from fed rats.2. In a substrate-free Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer adrenaline (ADR) (6 x 10(-6)M) increased (22)Na efflux by 83%, (42)K influx by 34%, and E(M) by 10%. Similar effects were exerted by noradrenaline (NA), phenylephrine, salbutamol and isoprenaline. The effects of ADR on Na-K transport and E(M) were suppressed by ouabain (10(-3)M) and propranolol (10(-5)M), but not by thymoxamine (10(-5)M) or tetracaine (10(-4)M).3. Following 90 min of incubation in the presence of ADR (6 x 10(-6)M), the intracellular K/Na-ratio was increased threefold. NA produced almost the same change, and both catecholamines seem to induce a new steady-state distribution of Na and K which can be maintained for several hours in vitro.4. The effect of ADR on (22)Na efflux and E(M) could be detected at concentrations down to 6 x 10(-9) and 6 x 10(-10)M, respectively, and half-maximum increase was obtained at around 2 x 10(-8)M. NA was at least one order of magnitude less potent.5. The effect of low concentrations of ADR on (22)Na efflux was potentiated by theophylline (2 mM). When added together, dibutyryl-cyclic AMP and theophylline mimicked the action of ADR on (22)Na efflux, (42)K influx, Na/K content and E(M). Ouabain (10(-3)M) also suppressed the effect of dibutyryl-cyclic AMP and theophylline on Na-K transport.6. Following the addition of ouabain (10(-3)M), E(M) rapidly dropped from a mean of -71 to -63 mV, and then showed a slow linear fall for up to 4hr.7. The hyperpolarization induced by ADR was associated with a decrease in membrane conductance, (22)Na influx and (42)K efflux. The time course and the response to ouabain suggests that all of these effects are secondary to stimulation of the active coupled transport of Na and K.8. It is concluded that in rat soleus muscle, the active Na-K transport is electrogenic and susceptible to stimulation by catecholamines via beta-adrenoceptors. This effect is mediated by adenyl cyclase activation and may account for the increase in E(M) and the intracellular K/Na ratio.     

Ouabain, acetazolamide, and Cl-flux in isolated frog skin: evidence for two distinct active Cl-transport mechanisms.

Two distinctly different mechanisms for active Cl- transport in epithelia may exist: one, ouabain-sensitive and cation-dependent, and the other, acetazolamide-sensitive and cation-independent. As a test of this hypothesis the three active Cl- transport systems in isolated short-circuited skin of Rana pipiens were examined. Sensitivity to ouabain (10(-4) M) and acetazolamide (5 X 10(-3) M) and dependence on Na+ and K+ in the medium were ascertained. The first system, net chloride influx in ordinary Ringer, exhibited specific ouabain sensitivity and acetazolamide insensitivity. As we have previously shown this system to be clearly dependent on Na+ on the cis and K+ on the trans side, cation dependence was not re-studied. The second system, isoproterenol-stimulated net Cl- outflux, was also ouabain-sensitive and acetazolamide-insensitive. It was dependent on the presence of Na+ on the cis side, but the K+ dependence was less clear. In contrast to the first two, the third system (net influx in low Cl- medium sulfate Ringer containing 2.4 mM Cl-) was largely ouabain-insensitive, completely acetazolamide-sensitive and independent of both Na+ and K+. Thus, the hypothesis of two distinct mechanisms seems to hold for the three active Cl- transport systems in frog skin. Data from various other Cl- transporting epithelia are examined, and the general applicability of such a scheme of categorization for active Cl- transport mechanisms is discussed.     

Effect of cardiotoxic concentrations of catecholamines on Na+-Ca2+ exchange in cardiac sarcolemmal vesicles

The mechanism by which the administration of large doses of catecholamines produces myocardial necrosis in experimental animals and humans has not yet been ascertained. One of the consequences of such administration is the accumulation of high concentrations of Ca in the heart and it has therefore been suggested that this is the factor that leads to cell injury. The elevated intracellular Ca appears to be due in part to enhanced Ca influx resulting from catecholamine-induced opening of membrane Ca channels and in part to increased membrane permeability caused by membrane damage. It is not clear, however, why the myocardial cells are unable to extrude their extra load of Ca, at least initially, so as to maintain normal Ca concentrations. The effects of high concentrations of epinephrine and isoproterenol on Na+-Ca2+ exchange transport in isolated sarcolemmal vesicles prepared from hearts of Sprague-Dawley rats were determined. It was found that catecholamine concentrations of 10(-4) to 10(-2) M inhibited the exchange in a dose-related manner while choline, in the same concentrations, had no effect. It is therefore possible that cardiotoxic concentrations of catecholamines also interfere with Na+-Ca2+ exchange transport across the myocardial sarcolemma in vivo and thereby inhibit the efflux of intracellular Ca.     

Membrane potential and conductance of frog skin gland acinar cells in resting conditions and during stimulation with agonists of macroscopic secretion

Frog skin glands were stripped of connective tissue and investigated using the nystatin-permeabilized whole-cell patch-clamp configuration. The membrane potential in unstimulated acinar cells was -69.5+/-0.7 mV, and the conductance was dominated by K+, based on ion substitution experiments. The cells were electrically coupled through heptanol- and halothane-sensitive gap junctions. During application of gap junction blockers, the whole-cell current/voltage relationship displayed strong outward rectification. Outward currents were blocked by barium. Stimulation by agonists known to cause increases in either cytosolic cAMP ([cAMP]c) (isoproterenol, prostaglandin E2, both at 2 microM) or free cellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) (noradrenaline, 10 microM, added with propranolol, 5 microM; carbachol, 100 microM) in the frog skin glands caused reversible depolarization: by 34+/-3 mV, 36+/-3 mV, 25+/-3 mV (plateau-phase), and 20+/-3 mV, respectively. Ion substitution experiments showed that stimulation through either pathway (cAMP or Ca2+) resulted in the activation of a Cl- conductance. Application of noradrenaline or adrenaline resulted in a faster depolarization (rates 22 mV/s, 26 mV/s) than stimulation by isoproterenol or prostaglandin E2 (5.6-5.7 mV/s). Cells that were depolarized by exposure to isoproterenol or prostaglandin E2 partially repolarized when stimulated by noradrenaline. The repolarization was blocked by Ba2+ (5 mM) or prazosine (1 microM), consistent with the activation of Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels via alpha1-adrenergic receptors. We conclude that in the frog skin gland both Ca(2+)-dependent and cAMP-dependent Cl- channels are present in the apical membrane. Increases in free [Ca2+]c in the cAMP-stimulated gland results in the activation of K+ channels, thereby increasing the driving force for Cl- exit.     

Catecholamine sensitive adenylate cyclase activity in different segments of the rabbit nephron

The sensitivity to catecholamines of the adenylate cyclase (AC) activity contained in single tubule samples was investigated on 10 different well defined segments, isolated by microdissection from collagenase treated rabbit kidneys. No responsiveness to isoproterenol (10(-6) M) was observed in the proximal tubule (convoluted and straight portions), the thin descending and thick ascending limbs of the loop of Henle, and the first ("bright") portion of the distal convoluted tubule (DCTb); in contrast high responses (stimulation factors: 4 to 6 fold) were obtained in the second ("granular") portion of the distal convoluted tubule (DCTg), as well as in both the "granular" (CCTg) and the "light" (CCTl) portions of the cortical collecting tubule. In absolute value, however, the CCTl response was definitely lower than those measured in DCTg and CCTg, as is its control activity. In the medullary portion of the collecting tubule, the AC response to isoproterenol was rather poor both in absolute and relative terms. Dose-response curves measured on DCTg samples indicated a threshold response with an isoproterenol concentration below 10(-8) M; half maximal effect corresponded to about 3 x 10(-8) M. CCTl sensitivity to isoproterenol was of the same order of magnitude. Isoproterenol as well as norepinephrine effects in DCTg and CCTl were completely suppressed by 10(-4) M propranolol, indicating that the observed AC stimulation was mediated via receptors of the beta type. In beta blocked CCTl, 10(-6) M norepinephrine did not inhibit vasopressin-induced AC stimulation; in the presence of 10(-6) M norepinephrine, 10(-4) M phentolamine resulted in no additional AC stimulation in DCTg and CCTl; these data suggest the absence of alpha receptors inhibiting AC activity in these structures. In DCTg, AC stimulation induced either by 10(-6) M isoproterenol or by 1 U/ml PTH were observed to be additive when the two hormones were given together. The presence of catecholamine-dependent AC activity in three distal portions of the rabbit nephron is discussed in relation to its possible physiological implications.     

Alpha and beta adrenergic effects on metabolism in contracting, perfused muscle

The role of alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation for the effect of epinephrine on muscle glycogenolysis, glucose- and oxygen uptake and muscle performance was studied in the perfused rat hindquarter at rest and during electrical stimulation (60 contractions/min). Adrenergic stimulation was obtained by epinephrine in a physiological concentration (2.4 X 10(-8) M) and alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade by 10(-5) M phentolamine and propranolol, respectively. Epinephrine enhanced net glycogenolysis during contractions most markedly in slow-twitch red fibers. In these fibers the effect was mediated by alpha- as well as by beta-adrenergic stimulation, the latter involving production of cAMP, phosphorylase activation and synthase inactivation. In contrast, in fast-twitch fibers only beta-adrenergic mechanisms were involved in the glycogenolytic effect of epinephrine. Moreover, inactivation of synthase was less in these fibers. Epinephrine also increased the net release of lactate from the hindquarter, an effect abolished by combined alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade but by neither alpha- nor beta-adrenergic blockade alone. Epinephrine increased uptake of oxygen and glucose by stimulation of alpha-adrenergic receptors and had a positive inotropic effect during contractions which was abolished by alpha- as well as by beta-adrenergic blockade. The results indicate that epinephrine has profound effects on contracting muscle, and that these effects are elicited through different combinations of alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation.     

Selective inhibition of cholera toxin- and catecholamine-stimulated lipolysis by blocking agents.

Vibrio cholerae enterotoxin stimulates lipolysis in rat epididymal fat cell suspensions. Like hormones this toxin increases adenylate cyclase activity, raising levels of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP), which activates a cellular lipase. Using specific blocking agents, we studied the responses to the adrenergic lipolytic hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine, and isoproterenol, and to cholera toxin. All stimulators were used at 100 x threshold dose. Propranolol (34 muM), a beta blocking agent, inhibited epinephrine stimulation (P less than 0.001) but not that of toxin (P greater than 0.2). Choleragenoid (25 mug/ml), a natural toxoid of cholera toxin, blocked stimulation by toxin (P less than 0.001) but not that of the adrenergic agents (P greater than 0.2). A beta blocker, practolol (3 mM), inhibited stimulation by the catecholamines tested (P less than 0.005) but not that of toxin (P greater than 0.05). Higher concentrations of propranolol (340 muM) and the alpha blocking agents phenoxybenzamine (3 mM) and phentolamine (1.6 mM) inhibited all agonists (P less than 0.001). The response to theophylline was inhibited by all blockers (P less than 0.05) except propranolol at the lower concentration (34 muM). A combined beta and alpha blockade using propranolol and epinephrine together did not inhibit toxin-mediated lipolysis. It appears that stimulation by cholera toxin is independent of beta adrenergic receptors. A major inhibition of theophylline-mediated lipolysis by alpha blocking drugs indicated a nonspecific effect of these agents at the concentrations used. The uninhibited response to toxin in the presence of propranolol and epinephrine suggests a lack of relationship of the toxin receptor to either alpha or beta receptors.     

alpha-Sympathetic control of glucose output of mouse liver perfused in situ.

Electrical stimulation of perivascular nerve bundles of mouse liver perfused in situ at constant flow resulted in an increase of glucose production that was maximal at 20 Hz. The neurally induced glucose output was inhibited significantly by the beta-blocker propranolol, and to a considerably greater extent by the alpha-blockers, phenoxybenzamine and phentolamine. The effect of 20-Hz electrical stimulation could be matched by an infusion of norepinephrine at a concentration of 5 X 10(-7) M. It is suggested that the carbohydrate metabolism of the liver is controlled by its own nerve supply rather than by circulating catecholamines and that alpha-adrenergic receptors have a greater effect than beta-receptors on hepatic glucose production resulting from electrical and catecholamine stimulation.     

Effect of adrenergic compounds, aminophylline and hydrocortisone, on in vitro immunoglobulin synthesis by normal human peripheral lymphocytes

Suspensions of normal human peripheral lymphocytes were exposed briefly to various concentrations of propranolol, isoproterenol, epinephrine, or aminophylline (both without and with added hydrocortisone) and then incubated for 72 hours at 37 ° C. After this incubation the amount of immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesized and secreted into the cultured supernatants was quantitated by radiaimmunoassay. Significantly increased Ig formation compared to controls was observed with the following concentrations of the experimental compounds (without hydrocortisone): 10^?9 to 10^?7M propranolol, 10^?10 to 10^?7M isoproterenol, 10^?8M epinephrine, and 10^?7 to 10^?5M aminophylline. When cell suspensions were exposed briefly to these same compounds but with hydrocortisone added, the following concentrations of compounds significantly increased Ig synthesis: 10^?10 to 10^?8M propranolol, 10^?10 to 10^?6M isoproterenol, 10^?9 to 10^?7M epinephrine, and 10^?8 to 10^?5M aminophylline. Of the four compounds studied, only the epinephrine data suggest that hydrocortisone enhanced the stimulation of Ig synthesis by this catecholamine.     

Adrenaline-regulated Cl- transport in cultured single rat epididymal cells measured by an entrapped Cl-(-)sensitive fluorophore.

1. Isolated cells from primary cultures of rat epididymal epithelial cells were employed for the study of adrenaline-stimulated Cl- transport using a Cl-(-)sensitive fluorophore 6-methoxy-N-(3-sulphopropyl) quinolinium (SPQ). SPQ was loaded into the cells by the hypotonic shock method. 2. The resting intracellular Cl- concentration, estimated in the presence of nigericin and tributyltin in high-K+ solution, was 62.3 +/- 0.2 mM. This value was not altered in the presence of 1 microM adrenaline. When extracellular Cl- was replaced by NO3-, an increase in fluorescence corresponding to a decrease in intracellular Cl- was observed. The initial outward Cl- movement was estimated to be 0.54 +/- 0.08 mM s-1. This value was increased by incubating the cells with adrenaline. The stimulatory effect of adrenaline was reduced by 1 mM DPC. 3. Addition of Cl- to cells previously depleted of Cl- caused an instantaneous decrease in fluorescence due to the entry of Cl-. The initial rate of Cl- entry was -0.62 +/- 0.13 mM s-1. Adrenaline increased the rate of entry to -2.13 +/- 0.08 mM s-1. The adrenaline-stimulated rate of entry was reduced by DPC or frusemide (0.5 mM) and was completely blocked in the presence of both agents. 4. In Na(+)-free solution, the adrenaline-stimulated rise of rate of Cl- entry was reduced in the presence of DPC. Frusemide had no effect on the entry rate. 5. The stimulatory effect of adrenaline were abolished by propranolol (5 microM) but not by phentolamine (5 microM). Conversely, isoprenaline (1 microM) and forskolin (1 microM) mimicked the effects of adrenaline.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of adrenaline on the action potential of sympathetic ganglion cells in bullfrogs.

The effects of catecholamines (adrenaline, noradrenaline and isoproterenol) on ionic conductance changes during the generation of action potentials of bullfrog sympathetic and spinal ganglion cells were studied with intracellular microelectrodes. In sympathetic ganglion cells, adrenaline (3X10(-5)-1X10(-3)M) reversibly decreased the peak amplitude and positive after-potential of action potentials, and prolonged the duration of spike potentials without changes in the resting membrane potential and conductance in the Ringer solution. The maximum rates of rise and fall of spike potentials were also decreased. The action of noradrenaline was similar to that of adrenaline, but isoproterenol did not show any effects. Adrenaline (3X10(-5)-3X10(-4)M) markedly depressed the peak amplitude and maximum rate of rise of both TEA-potential and Ca-potential produced either in TEA solution containing TTX or in the isotonic CaCl2 solution. Similar actions were observed with noradrenaline but not isoproterenol. In spinal ganglion cells, catecholamines did not show any effects of the action potentials in Ringer and TEA solutions. It was concluded that adrenaline inhibited the increases in Ca2+, K+ and Na+ conductances during the generation of action potentials of sympathetic ganglion cells.     

Central-type benzodiazepines and the octadecaneuropeptide modulate the effects of GABA on the release of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone from frog neurointermediate lobe in vitro

The involvement of the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex in the regulation of melanotropin secretion has been investigated using perfused frog neurointermediate lobes. The GABAA agonist 3-amino-1 propane sulfonic acid mimicked the biphasic effect of GABA on alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone secretion: a brief stimulation followed by an inhibition of melanotropin secretion. The GABAA antagonist SR 95531 (10(-4) M) inhibited both stimulation and inhibition of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone release induced by GABA (10(-4) M). Since the inhibitory effect of baclofen (10(-4) M) was partially antagonized by SR 95531 (10(-4) M), it appears that the GABAergic control of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone release is mainly achieved through activation of GABAA receptors. GABA-induced stimulation of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone release was inhibited by tetrodotoxin (10(-5) M), an Na+ -channel blocker, or nifedipine (10(-5) M), a voltage-dependent Ca2+ -channel blocker, suggesting that Na+ and Ca2+ ions are involved in the stimulatory phase of GABA action. Only central-type benzodiazepine binding site agonists such as clonazepam (10(-4) M) modified alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone release. In fact, clonazepam (10(-7) to 10(-5) M) led to a dose-dependent potentiation of both GABA-induced stimulation and inhibition of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone release. This potentiating effect was antagonized by the GABAA antagonist SR 95531 (10(-4) M) or by the central-type benzodiazepine binding site antagonist flumazenil (10(-4) M), whereas picrotoxin (10(-4) M) abolished only the stimulatory phase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

α2-Adrenoceptors inhibit antidiuretic hormone-stimulated Na+ absorption across tight epithelia (Rana esculenta)

In the present study we examined the effect of alpha-adrenergic regulation of active transepithelial Na+ absorption across the isolated frog skin epithelium. alpha-Adrenergic stimulation was achieved by addition of the adrenergic agonist noradrenaline in the presence of the beta-adrenergic blocker propranolol. alpha-Adrenergic stimulation inhibited basal as well as antidiuretic hormone (ADH)-stimulated Na+ transport. The ADH-induced increase in Na+ transport was accompanied by a membrane depolarisation due to an increase in the apical Na+ permeability. The subsequent application of noradrenaline inhibited the Na+ transport and repolarised the membrane potential, suggesting that alpha-adrenergic stimulation had reduced the apical Na+ permeability. The inhibition was abolished by the alpha2-adrenergic antagonist yohimbine whereas it was insensitive to the alpha1-adrenergic antagonist prazosin. alpha-Adrenergic stimulation had no effect on the cytosolic free [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i). Incubation of the epithelium in the presence of ADH increased the cellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) content, an increase which was abolished by alpha-adrenergic activation. The effect of alpha-adrenergic stimulation on cAMP production was abolished by the alpha2-adrenergic antagonist yohimbine. We conclude that the noradrenaline-induced inhibition of the ADH-stimulated Na+ absorption and cAMP content is mediated by activation of alpha2-adrenoceptors. The data further indicate that the principal cells of the epithelium do not express alpha1-adrenoceptors. The noradrenaline-induced inhibition of the ADH-stimulated Na+ transport was concentration dependent, with 0.24+/-0.03 microM eliciting a half-maximal response. This alpha2-adrenergic-mediated down-regulation of Na+ absorption is achieved at a concentration of noradrenaline which begins to activate the NaCl secretion via the skin glands. The alpha2-adrenoceptors therefore appear to have considerable physiological importance.     

Effect of catecholamines on somatostatin secretion by isolated perfused rat stomach

The secretion of somatostatin-like immunoreactivity (SRIF-LI) by the isolated perfused rat stomach was studied in response to stimulation by catecholamines. Gastric SRIF-LI secretion was significantly stimulated in a dose-dependent manner by norepinephrine at 10(-6) and 10(-8) M, and the effect of norepinephrine (10(-8) M) was attenuated by the addition of propranolol (10(-6) M) but not of phentolamine (10(-6) M). SRIF-LI secretion was also stimulated by dopamine at concentrations of 10(-4) and 10(-6) M but not at 10(-8) M. The effect of dopamine (10(-6) M) was not altered by the addition of haloperidol (10(-4) to 10(-7)) or metoclopramide (10(-4) M), and bromocriptine (10(-6) M) was without effect on SRIF-LI secretion. These results suggest that gastric SRIF-LI secretion is stimulated by a beta-adrenergic mechanism and raise the possibility that gastric somatostatin contributes to the inhibitory effect of norepinephrine on gastric acid secretion.     

Dispersed rat parotid acinar cells. II. Characterization of adrenergic receptors.

The in vitro characterization of adrenergic receptors in isolated rat parotid acinar cells was accomplished through investigations of the transmembrane influxes of K and of the secretion of amylase in response to interactions of the cells with selected agonists and antagonists. Interaction of epinephrine (EPI) at concentrations of 10(-3)-10(-9) M with the alpha-adrenergic receptors resulted in rapid efflux of K from the cells. This effect was inhibited by phentolamine but not by propranolol or atropine. The process of secretion of amylase by these cells involved the activation of the beta-adrenergic receptors by the adrenergic agonists DL-isoproterenol (IPR) and EPI at similar to above concentrations. The interaction of these agonists with the beta receptors was inhibited by propranolol but not by phentolamine or atropine. Dibutyryl clclic AMP stimulated secretion of amylase at concentrations of 10(-8) M. A progressive increase in the secretory response of the cells was observed with increases in the dibutyryl cyclic AMP concentrations up to 10(-5) M. This effect was not inhibited by propranolol. This study demonstrates that dispersed rat parotid acinar cells have functionally intact adrenergic receptors and could be used as experimental tools for the studies of receptor physiology and pharmacology as well as other aspects of secretion at the cellular level.     

Active transepithelial potassium transport in frog skin via specific potassium channels in the apical membrane

In frog skin bathed in Cl--Ringer's solution the short circuit current (SCC) is equal to the net Na+ flux. In the present study Na+ and K+ transport across frog skin have been investigated in skins bathed in a solution where all Cl- has been substituted by the impermeable anion gluconate. In this solution the net Na+ flux (9.22 +/- 0.72 nmole/cm2/min) was significantly higher than the SCC (7.61 +/- 0.63) nmole/cm2/min). Measurement of the transepithelial K+ influx and K+ efflux showed that the discrepancy between the net Na+ flux and the SCC was caused by an active outwards going transepithelial K+ transport. The K+ but not the Na+ transport could be blocked by adding the K+ channel blocking agent Ba++ to the apical solution. Thus, the K+ transport occurs via a K+ specific pathway in the apical membrane. Ouabain blocked both the Na+ and the K+ transport, whereas the presence of the Na+ channel blocking agent amiloride in the apical solution blocked the Na+ transport and reduced the K+ transport. In the presence of amiloride in the apical solution the SCC and the transepithelial potential difference (PD) reversed so that the outside (the apical side) of the frog skin became positive with respect to the basolateral side. The inverted SCC was carried by an active transepithelial K+ transport, this K+ transport required the presence of Na+ in the basolateral solution. The experiments show that frog skin can insert or activate K+ channels in the apical membrane, indicating that the frog may regulate its K+ content by varying the K+ permeability of the apical membrane.