Pharmacological characterization of endothelin-induced contraction in the guinea-pig oesophageal muscularis mucosae

1. In the oesophageal muscularis mucosae, we examined the effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1), endothelin-2 (ET-2), endothelin-3 (ET-3) and sarafotoxin S6c (SX6c) as agonists, and {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"FR139317","term_id":"258103156","term_text":"FR139317"}}FR139317, BQ-123 and RES-701-1 as endothelin receptor antagonists.
2. All of the endothelins produced tonic contractions which were frequently superimposed on rhythmic motility in a concentration-dependent manner. The order of potency (−log EC₅₀) was ET-1 (8.61)=SX6c (8.65)>ET-2 (8.40)>ET-3 (8.18).
3. {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"FR139317","term_id":"258103156","term_text":"FR139317"}}FR139317 (1–3 μM) and BQ-123 (1 μM) caused parallel rightward shifts of the concentration-response curve to ET-1, but at higher concentrations caused no further shift. RES-701-1 (3 μM) caused a rightward shift of the concentration-response curve to ET-1, while RES-701-1 (10 μM) had no additional effect. RES-701-1 (0.1–1 μM) concentration-dependently caused a rightward shift of the concentration-response curve to SX6c. The contraction to ET-1 (10 nM) in preparations desensitized to the actions of SX6c was greatly inhibited by pretreatment with {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"FR139317","term_id":"258103156","term_text":"FR139317"}}FR139317 (10 μM).
4. Modulation of the Ca²⁺ concentration in the Krebs solution caused the concentration-response curve to ET-1 or SX6c to shift to the right and downward as external Ca²⁺ concentrations decreased. Verapamil (30 μM) abolished rhythmic motility induced by ET-1 or SX6c. Ni²⁺ (0.1 mM) weakly inhibited ET-1- or SX6c-induced tonic contraction. SK&F 96365 (60 μM) completely inhibited ET-1-induced contractions.
5. We conclude that there are two types of ET-receptors, excitatory ET_A- and ET_B-receptors in the oesophageal muscularis mucosae. These receptors mediate tonic contractions predominantly by opening receptor-operated Ca²⁺ channels (ROCs) and partly by opening T-type Ca²⁺ channels, and mediate rhythmic motility by opening L-type Ca²⁺ channels.

     

Pharmacological modulation of responses of guinea-pig airways contracted with arachidonic acid.

Arachidonic acid (AA) was used to induce contractions of guinea-pig tracheal and lung parenchymal preparations in the presence of indomethacin. Prior addition of FPL55712, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), piriprost, benoxaprofen or nafazatrom, in order of potency, inhibited AA-induced contractions of trachea. Higher concentrations (2 - 3 fold) were necessary to inhibit contractions of parenchyma. FPL55712 and piriprost appeared to act as pharmacological antagonists of leukotrienes because they rapidly reduced the tone of the airways established by AA. Administration of exogenous AA to indomethacin-treated trachea appears to be a good model to examine leukotriene receptor antagonists and inhibitors of the lipoxygenase pathway.     

Relative contributions of direct and indirect mechanisms mediating endothelin-induced contraction of guinea-pig trachea.

1. The present study was undertaken to determine the mechanism of action of endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced contraction of the guinea-pig isolated trachea. 2. ET-1 (1 nM-0.3 microM) produces a concentration-dependent contraction of guinea-pig trachea with an EC50 of approximately 25 nM. The combination of the peptidoleukotriene receptor antagonist, SK&F 104353 (10 microM) and the H1-histamine receptor antagonist, mepyramine (10 microM), which abolishes antigen-induced contraction in guinea-pig trachea, was without effect on ET-1 concentration-response curves. Furthermore, the platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist, WEB 2086, (1 or 10 microM) did not inhibit ET-induced contraction. 3. ET-1 (0.3 microM) did not stimulate histamine or immunoreactive peptidoleukotriene release from guinea-pig isolated trachea. 4. The release of various prostanoids from guinea-pig trachea was increased significantly by ET-1 (0.3 microM); the profile of release was prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) = PGE2 = 6-keto PGF1 alpha (PGI2 metabolite) > thromboxane B2 = PGF2 alpha >> 9 alpha, 11 beta PGF2 (PGD2 metabolite). ET-1-induced release of prostaglandins, which was about 30% of that elicited by antigen in sensitized tissues, was not affected by epithelium removal and was observed in tissues from which the smooth muscle had been removed. Previous studies in our laboratory indicated that indomethacin potentiated contraction produced by high concentrations of ET-1, whereas a thromboxane receptor antagonist was without appreciable effect on ET-1 concentration-response curves. 5. Pretreatment of tissues for 1 h with capsaicin (10 microM), which depletes different sensory neurones, produced a small, but significant, inhibitory effect on ET-1 concentration-response curves in the presence but not the absence of the epithelium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Mechanism of endothelin-induced contraction in guinea-pig trachea: comparison with rat aorta.

1. Endothelin (1 nM-0.3 microM) produced a concentration-dependent contraction of guinea-pig epithelium-containing (intact) trachea (EC50 = 30.9 nM). Endothelin was a less potent agonist than leukotriene D4 (LTD4; EC50 = 0.77 nM), but was more potent than carbachol (EC50 = 0.15 microM) or substance P (EC50 = 1.4 microM). Endothelin was a more potent contractile agent in rat endothelium-denuded aorta (EC50 = 2.1 nM) than in guinea-pig trachea. 2. Endothelin-induced contraction in guinea-pig trachea was unaffected by mepyramine (10 microM), atropine (1 microM), SK&F 104353 (10 microM), a leukotriene receptor antagonist, or SQ 29,548 (1 microM), a thromboxane receptor antagonist. The contraction produced by 0.3 microM endothelin was potentiated by cyclo-oxygenase inhibition with 5 microM indomethacin. 3. Nicardipine (0.01 or 0.1 microM) or incubation in calcium-free medium +0.1 mM EGTA for 30 min had a relatively minor or no effect on endothelin concentration-response curves in guinea-pig intact trachea, but markedly inhibited responses produced by endothelin in endothelium-denuded aorta of the rat. Increasing the EGTA concentration in calcium-free medium to 1 mM abolished endothelin-induced contraction in guinea-pig trachea. 4. In guinea-pig trachea, ryanodine (10 microM) produced a 2.1 fold shift to the right of endothelin concentration-response curves and reduced the maximum response elicited by 0.3 microM endothelin. 5. Staurosporine (0.01 microM and 0.1 microM), a protein kinase C inhibitor, was without effect on endothelin- or carbachol-induced contraction in guinea-pig trachea, but markedly inhibited the response produced by endothelin in rat aorta. 6. Endothelin (3 nM-0.3 microM) produced a concentration-dependent stimulation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) turnover in guinea-pig intact trachea, with an EC50 value of 45.9 nM. 7. Removal of the epithlium markedly potentiated endothelin-induced contraction in guinea-pig trachea, producing a 4.7 fold leftward shift in endothelin concentration-response curves and an increase in the contractile response elicited by 0.3 microM endothelin. 8. These data indicate that endothelin is a potent agonist in guinea-pig trachea whose response is markedly enhanced by removal of the airway epithelium. Endothelin-induced contraction is not mediated to a marked extent by calcium influx via dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels and does not involve the release of histamine, acetylcholine, leukotrienes or thromboxane. Rather, endothelin appears to produce contraction of guinea-pig trachea via a direct action which involves stimulation of PI turnover and utilization of calcium from intracellular stores and, also, calcium influx via a pathway that is not sensitive to dihydropyridine calcium channel inhibitors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Pharmacological modulation of responses of guinea-pig airways contracted with antigen and calcium ionophore A23187

Ovalbumin (OA) and calcium ionophore A23187 were used to induce contractions of sensitized guinea-pig tracheal and lung parenchymal preparations in the presence and absence of indomethacin. This model was used to examine the properties of a series of compounds reported to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase or to antagonize lipoxygenase products at the receptor level. FPL55712 and piriprost appeared to act as pharmacological antagonists because they rapidly reduced tracheal tone established by OA. The prolonged phase (i.e. greater than 10 min post-challenge) of airways contractions induced by OA is assumed to be lipoxygenase-dependent and was inhibited by nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), FPL55712, nafazatrom and benoxaprofen, in order of potency. Piriprost had similar inhibitory effects on the trachea, but not on lung parenchyma. The inhibitory effects of NDGA and FPL55712 were reduced, and those of nafazatrom increased by indomethacin. Indomethacin decreased the inhibitory effect of piriprost on the trachea, but facilitated inhibition by this agent on the parenchyma. A roughly similar pattern was seen on A23187-induced contractions, but FPL55712 did not modify these contractions and benoxaprofen enhanced the response of the trachea. BW755C enhanced the overall contractile response of OA- and A23187-induced tracheal contractions (but not parenchymal contractions) in a bell-shaped manner, an effect not seen in the presence of indomethacin. This indicated that BW755C could be acting as a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor. The results suggested that, although inhibitors of the lipoxygenase pathway were partially effective in inhibiting the contractions of the airways induced by OA or A23187, other mediators in addition to those of the lipoxygenase pathway contribute to these contractions.     

Mechanism of vanadate-induced contraction of airways smooth muscle of the guinea-pig.

The characteristics of vanadate-induced contraction of airways smooth muscle are described in isolated preparations of guinea-pig central and peripheral airways. Vanadate (1-1000 microM) induced sustained contractions of trachea and lung parenchymal strips within 1 min of challenge. It was more potent (P less than 0.001) on the lung strip (EC50 = 63 microM) than on the trachea (EC50 = 123 microM). The lung strip also developed greater maximum isometric tension (P less than 0.001) than the trachea. The efficacy on the lung strip was 2 and the trachea 0.6, relative to the response to acetylcholine (efficacy = 1). Vanadate-induced contractions of the trachea were not inhibited by atropine, mepyramine, phentolamine or indomethacin, nor after mast cell depletion by compound 48/80, showing that contractions were not mediated via specific receptors or by release of endogenous mediators of tone. Inorganic phosphate specifically inhibited vanadate responses in a dose-dependent and reversible manner, suggesting a common site of action. Contractions could be elicited in depolarized muscle and after treatment with ouabain plus propranolol, showing that membrane depolarization and inhibition of the Na, K-ATPase system were not involved in the contractile action of vanadate. Pretreatment of tracheal smooth muscle with verapamil had no influence on contractions elicited by vanadate. After removal of extracellular calcium, vanadate-induced contractions declined slowly with time, indicating that influx of extracellular calcium was not giving rise to contractions elicited by vanadate. Vanadate markedly increased the rate of calcium efflux from trachealis muscle loaded with 45Ca into both Ca2+-free and normal Krebs solutions; this is compatible with vanadate mobilizing an intracellular store of Ca2+. Such a store involving sites with Ca-ATPase activity would be consistent with the action of vanadate in isolated membrane preparations. Membrane-skinned tracheal fibres contracted by micromolar Ca2+ were relaxed by vanadate in a reversible dose-related manner, indicating that the contractile action of vanadate was not related to its interaction with proteins at the cross-bridge level.     

Leukotriene-induced contraction and thromboxane production in guinea-pig lung parenchymal strips

Addition of leukotrienes (LTs)C4 and D4 to guinea-pig isolated lung parenchymal strips stimulated the production of thromboxane A2(TxA2) and prostacyclin (PGI2) as determined by radioimmunoassay of their respective degradation products, thromboxane B2(TxB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto PGF1 alpha) in the bathing medium. However, contraction of the lung strips in response to LTD4 preceded the increases in the levels of these products in the organ bath. Pretreatment of the lung strips with aspirin, indomethacin or BW 755C abolished the formation of TxA2 and PGI2 but had no significant effect (10-25% inhibition) on LT-induced contraction. By contrast, a similar concentration of indomethacin significantly inhibited LTD4-induced contractions when the agonist was administered as a bolus to superfused lung strips. It is concluded that the production of metabolites of arachidonic acid in response to the leukotrienes is not a major mechanism mediating their contractile action in peripheral lung tissues at equilibrium, but its contribution to the contractile response may vary with experimental technique.     

Suppression by neuropeptide Y of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerve-mediated contraction in guinea-pig airways.

1. In the present study we have examined whether neuropeptide Y (NPY) interferes with non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerve-mediated contractions and relaxations in the guinea-pig airways. In these experiments we have used ring preparations of bronchi and trachea, incubated in the presence of atropine, propranolol and indomethacin (each 1 microM). 2. The contractile response to electrical stimulation of non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerve fibres was suppressed by NPY and NPY 13-36 in a concentration-dependent manner, these agents having similar inhibitory potencies. NPY caused a more complete inhibition than the C terminal fragment. 3. NPY affected neither the basal tension nor the substance P-evoked contraction in the bronchi and trachea and did not interfere with nerve-mediated, non-adrenergic relaxation in the trachea. 4. On the basis of these results, it is suggested that NPY may act on the terminals of sensory neurones in the airways to prevent antidromic, excitatory neurotransmission by inhibiting transmitter release.     

Poly-L-arginine-mediated release of acetylcholine from parasympathetic nerves in rat and guinea-pig airways.

1. The synthetic cationic polypeptide, poly-L-arginine (0.03-1 mg ml-1) induced concentration-dependent contraction of guinea-pig and rat isolated trachea. In guinea-pig isolated trachea, this response was attenuated in the presence of the muscarinic cholinoceptor antagonist, atropine (0.1 microM) and augmented by the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, ecothiophate (0.1 microM). The neuronal sodium channel blocker, tetrodotoxin (3 microM) failed to alter the contractile response to poly-L-arginine and acetylcholine. 2. The contractile response to poly-L-arginine in rat isolated trachea was inhibited in the presence of atropine (0.1 microM) and the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor antagonist, methysergide (1 microM). Treatment of rat tracheal preparations with capsaicin (100 microM) or tetrodotoxin (3 microM) failed to alter the contractile response to poly-L-arginine. In contrast, ecothiophate (0.1 microM) augmented the contractile response to poly-L-arginine in rat isolated trachea. 3. Electrical field stimulation (5 Hz, 2 min) of epithelium-denuded guinea-pig tracheal preparations preloaded with [3H]-choline resulted in a contractile response and the simultaneous efflux of radioactivity into the superfusate. Both these responses were abolished in the presence of tetrodotoxin (1.5 microM). Poly-L-arginine (1 mg ml-1) also increased the efflux of total radioactivity from epithelium-denuded guinea-pig isolated tracheal preparations preloaded with [3H]-choline, but this response was tetrodotoxin-insensitive. The negatively charged polyanion, heparin (1 mg ml-1) failed to increase significantly the efflux of radioactivity from epithelium-denuded preparations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Pharmacological characterization of the muscarinic receptor antagonist, glycopyrrolate, in human and guinea-pig airways.

1. In this study we have evaluated the pharmacological profile of the muscarinic antagonist glycopyrrolate in guinea-pig and human airways in comparison with the commonly used antagonist ipratropium bromide. 2. Glycopyrrolate and ipratropium bromide inhibited EFS-induced contraction of guinea-pig trachea and human airways in a concentration-dependent manner. Glycopyrrolate was more potent than ipratropium bromide. 3. The onset of action (time to attainment of 50% of maximum response) of glycopyrrolate was similar to that obtained with ipratropium bromide in both preparations. In guinea-pig trachea, the offset of action (time taken for response to return to 50% recovery after wash out of the test antagonist) for glycopyrrolate (t1/2 [offset]=26.4+/-0.5 min) was less than that obtained with ipratropium bromide (81.2+/-3.7 min). In human airways, however, the duration of action of glycopyrrolate (t1/2 [offset]>96 min) was significantly more prolonged compared to ipratropium bromide (t1/2 [offset]= 59.2+/-17.8 min). 4. In competition studies, glycopyrrolate and ipratropium bromide bind human peripheral lung and human airway smooth muscle (HASM) muscarinic receptors with affinities in the nanomolar range (K1 values 0.5-3.6 nM). Similar to ipratropium bromide, glycopyrrolate showed no selectivity in its binding to the M1-M3 receptors. Kinetics studies, however, showed that glycopyrrolate dissociates slowly from HASM muscarinic receptors (60% protection against [3H]-NMS binding at 30 nM) compared to ipratropium bromide. 5. These results suggest that glycopyrrolate bind human and guinea-pig airway muscarinic receptors with high affinity. Furthermore, we suggest that the slow dissociation profile of glycopyrrolate might be the underlying mechanism by which this drug accomplishes its long duration of action.     

Mediators of adenosine- and ovalbumen-induced bronchoconstriction of sensitized guinea-pig isolated airways

The mediators of bronchoconstriction of isolated lungs and trachea from ovalbumen sensitized guinea-pigs to adenosine and ovalbumen were examined using relevant antagonists. Changes in perfusion pressure and tension of paired lung halves and tracheal spiral strips, respectively, were recorded in response to adenosine (1 mM lung, 300 microM trachea), histamine (10 microM), methacholine (10 microM) and ovalbumen (10 microg). One half was perfused with antagonist while the other received vehicle. Tracheal strips were superfused throughout with the P(1) receptor antagonist 8-phenyltheophylline, to examine 8-phenyltheophylline-resistant responses. The histamine H(1) receptor antagonist, mepyramine (1.5 mM), the cyclooxygenase inhibitors, indomethacin (5 mM) and diclofenac (5 mM), the leukotriene receptor antagonist, zafirlukast (1 mM), and the lipoxygenase inhibitor, zileuton (20 mM), alone failed to inhibit bronchoconstriction by adenosine and ovalbumen of the lung and trachea. When two antagonists were combined, only mepyramine and zafirlukast significantly reduced the lung responses to adenosine and ovalbumen. The tracheal adenosine response was substantially reduced, although not significantly, while ovalbumen was significantly reduced. When mepyramine, indomethacin and zafirlukast were combined, the lung constriction by adenosine and ovalbumen were virtually abolished. Similarly, the combination of mepyramine, diclofenac and zafirlukast significantly attenuated the lung responses to adenosine and ovalbumen. Thus, histamine, cyclooxygenase products and leukotrienes alone are not responsible for the bronchoconstriction of isolated sensitized lung tissues to adenosine or ovalbumen, which appears to be due to the release of all three mediators.     

Neurokinin A-induced contraction of guinea-pig isolated trachea: potentiation by hepoxilins.

1. Hepoxilin A3 (8R and 8S isomers) (HxA3), hepoxilin A3-C (8R and 8S isomers) (HxA3-C) and trioxilin A3 (8S isomer) (TrXA3, the stable derivative of HxA3) were tested for their effects on helicoidal strips of guinea-pig isolated tracheae. 2. None of the compounds (10(-9)-10(-6) M) tested had a direct effect on resting tension of trachea. 3. HxA3 (8S) and HxA3-C (8R) (10(-8) M) produced a significant leftward shift of the log concentration-response curves to neurokinin A (NKA) (EC50 (nM), control = 29.0 +/- 2.8, HxA3 (8S) = 21.7 +/- 3.7, HxA3-C (8R) = 13.8 +/- 3.8, n = 6 for each). Also the maximal response to NKA was significantly increased when the tissues were exposed to these hepoxilins (% of the maximal response to NKA, control = 100, HxA3 (8S) = 114.5 +/- 5.3, HxA3-C (8R) = 139.0 +/- 6.2, n = 6 for each). The threshold concentrations for both hepoxilins was 10(-8) M and their effects were dose-related. 4. Stereochemical specificity was observed. The 8S-isomer of HxA3 was active in potentiating the NKA-induced contraction of the trachea while the 8R isomer was inactive. In contrast, the 8R isomer of HxA3-C was active while the 8S isomer was inactive. The trihydroxy metabolite of the active isomer of HxA3 (8S), i.e. TrXA3 (8S) (10(-6) M), was inactive in potentiating the NKA-induced contraction of the trachea. 5. It is concluded that hepoxilins sensitize the guinea-pig isolated trachea to the potent bronchoconstrictor, NKA.     

Effects of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide on antigen-induced bronchoconstriction and thromboxane release in guinea-pig lung.

1. Exogenous vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) infused into the pulmonary artery of isolated and ventilated lungs of guinea-pigs decreased, in a dose-dependent fashion (1.0-10.0 nmol), airway resistance and thromboxane B2 (TXB2, the stable hydrolysis product of TXA2) release in the perfusion medium. Prostacyclin (PGI2) synthesis, as reflected by the release of its stable hydrolysis product 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha, was unaffected. Pretreatment with the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor BWA4c (3.5 x 10(-5) M) did not modify the bronchodilatory effect of VIP or its inhibitory action on TXB2 release. 2. Basal release of immunoreactive VIP from perfused lungs decreased from an initial value of 0.96 +/- 0.10 ng min-1 (mean +/- s.e.mean) in the first 2 min to an average of 0.58 +/- 0.10 ng min-1 in the following 15-20 min. 3. Antigen challenge with ovalbumin (0.1%) in sensitized lungs caused an anaphylactic reaction in 45% of tested lungs, concomitant with a 5 fold increase in both VIP and TXB2 release. Tetrodotoxin pretreatment (10(-6) M) reduced basal VIP release by > 80% and abolished the VIP increase observed during anaphylaxis, without modifying TXB2 release or the bronchoconstrictor response. 4. Indomethacin (10(-6) M) inhibited TXB2 synthesis and release by > 90%, delayed the bronchoconstrictor response and blunted the increased VIP release during lung anaphylaxis, without influencing basal VIP release. 5. The 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor BWA4c (3.5 x 10(-5) M) blunted the increase of TXB2 and VIP release from guinea-pig lung and attenuated the bronchoconstrictor response following ovalbumin challenge.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cholecystokinin-octapeptide constricts guinea-pig and human airways.

1. Cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-OP, 10(-10)-3 x 10(-6) M) produced a concentration-dependent contractile response in guinea-pig trachea which was enhanced by both the mechanical removal of the epithelium and by indomethacin (10(-5) M), with an EC50 of 6.18 +/- 0.10 x 10(-8) M. 2. Sub-threshold concentrations of CCK-OP, which did not alter the resting tone of the smooth muscle, did not alter responses produced to electrical field stimulation (EFS) or to vagal nerve stimulation in an intact tracheal tube preparation. Atropine (2 x 10(-6) M) did not alter the concentration-response curve to CCK-OP, indicating that CCK-OP contraction is not mediated by cholinergic mechanisms. 3. The inhibition of neutral endopeptidase (endopeptidase-24.11) by phosphoramidon (10(-5) M) gave a leftward shift in the CCK-OP concentration-response curve in tissues with intact epithelium obtained from normal animals, but had no effect in tissues denuded of epithelium or in tissues obtained from animals which had been actively sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OA). 4. CCK-OP-induced contractile responses were antagonized by the CCK-receptor antagonists dibutyryl cyclic guanosine monophosphate (pA2 = 4.3) and L-364,718 (pA2 = 9.6). 5. CCK-OP induced bronchoconstriction in large, but not small, human airways and was antagonized by the CCK-receptor antagonist L-364,718. CCK-OP had no effect on cholinergic neural responses elicited by EFS in human airways.     

Effects of Bay K 8644 on contraction of the human isolated bronchus and guinea-pig isolated trachea.

The effects of Bay K 8644, a dihydropyridine which increases calcium flux through the potential-operated channels were studied on the contractions induced by histamine, acetylcholine, KCl and Ca2+ on human isolated bronchial strips and the results were compared to those obtained on guinea-pig isolated tracheal spirals. Subsequently the contractant effects of Bay K 8644 in K+-enriched medium and in the presence of Ca2+ 0.03 mM were investigated. In Krebs normal calcium medium, Bay K 8644 did not significantly modify the EC50 of acetylcholine or histamine on the human bronchus, but in concentrations of 10(-7)-10(-6)M it potentiated the effects of KCl on that preparation. It did not modify the EC50 of acetylcholine, histamine or KCl on the guinea-pig trachea. In Ca2+-free Krebs medium with additional K+ (30 mM), Ca2+ concentration-response curves were displaced to the left by Bay K 8644 in the two preparations. Shifts were 0.52 +/- 0.11 and 0.72 +/- 0.16 log units respectively with Bay K 8644 10(-8) and 10(-7) M on human bronchus (n = 4) and 0.67 +/- 0.16 and 1.06 +/- 0.19 log units respectively with Bay K 8644 10(-7) and 10(-6) M on the guinea-pig trachea (n = 5). In Krebs medium with Ca2+ 0.03 mM and K+ 30 mM, Bay K 8644 (10(-8) to 10(-6) M) contracted both the human bronchus and the guinea-pig isolated trachea. This effect was competitively antagonized by nicardipine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Pharmacological characterization of endothelin-induced rat pulmonary arterial dilatation

1. The aim of study was to characterize endothelin (ET)-induced vasodilatation in isolated extrapulmonary rat arteries (EPA) and in intrapulmonary arteries (IPA) preconstricted with 1 μM phenylephrine.
2. The ET-3 (1 nM–100 nM)- and ET-1 (10 nM–100 nM)-induced transient vasodilatations in EPA were more potent than those in IPA. The vasodilatation induced by ET-3 (100 nM) was larger than that induced by ET-1 (100 nM).
3. Both the ET_B antagonist, BQ788 (3 μM) and or endothelium denudation, but not the ET_A antagonist, BQ123 (3 μM), abolished the vasodilatation induced by ET-1 or ET-3 (100 nM each) in EPA and in IPA. The ATP-sensitive K+channel blocker, glibenclamide (20 μM) and the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N^G-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 1 mM) suppressed the ET-induced vasodilatation in EPA and in IPA.
4. We conclude that the vasodilatation induced by endothelins is markedly reduced in rat isolated IPA, and suggest that the endothelial ET_B-mediated vasodilatation varies depending on rat pulmonary arterial regions. Furthermore, ET_B-mediated vasodilatation involves activation of ATP-sensitive K⁺ channels and of nitric oxide synthase in rat isolated EPA and IPA.

     

Pharmacological modulation of inhaled sodium metabisulphite-induced airway microvascular leakage and bronchoconstriction in the guinea-pig.

1. We have investigated the effects of chlorpheniramine, atropine and capsaicin pretreatment on inhaled sodium metabisulphite (MBS)-induced airway microvascular leakage and bronchoconstriction in anaesthetized guinea-pigs in order to clarify the mechanisms involved in these responses. The effects of frusemide and nedocromil sodium were also examined. 2. Lung resistance (RL) was measured for 6 min after inhalation of MBS (20, 40, 80 and 200 mM; 30 breaths), followed by measurement of extravasation of Evans blue dye into airway tissues, used as an index of airway microvascular leakage. MBS caused an increase in RL and leakage of dye at all airway levels in a dose-dependent manner. 3. Chlorpheniramine (10 mg kg-1, i.v.), atropine (1 mg kg-1, i.v.), their combination or inhaled nedocromil sodium (10 mg ml-1, 7 min) had no effect against the airway microvascular leakage induced by 80 mM MBS (30 breaths). Capsaicin pretreatment (50 mg kg-1, s.c.) caused a significant decrease in the leakage of dye in the main bronchi and inhaled frusemide (10 mg ml-1, 7 min) also in the main bronchi and proximal intrapulmonary airway. 4. Chlorpheniramine, atropine, their combination, capsaicin pretreatment and frusemide, but not nedocromil sodium, inhibited significantly the peak RL induced by 80 mM MBS (30 breaths) by approximately 50%. 5. We conclude that a cholinergic reflex and neuropeptides released from sensory nerve endings may participate in the mechanisms of MBS-induced airway responses. Frusemide but not nedocromil sodium may have an inhibitor effect on these neural mechanisms. The inhibitory effect of nedocromil sodium against lower doses of MBS is not excluded.     

Relaxation by dexamethasone of isolated guinea-pig airways precontracted with endothelin-1

Dexamethasone (1–100 μM) produced concentration-dependent relaxations of isolated guinea-pig tracheal and bronchial strips precontracted with endothelin-1 (100 nM), which were not affected by the removal of the epithelium. Dexamethasone neither induced relaxation of tissues precontracted with carbachol (0.1 μM) or KCl (25 mM) nor inhibition of endothelin-1 (1–100 nM)-induced peak contractions after 10-min preincubation of the tissues with dexamathasome. These findings indicate that acute corticosteroid treatment can reverse the bronchoconstrictor action of endothelin-1.     

Longitudinal contraction of isolated guinea-pig ileum induced by rapid cooling

1. Rapid change of bath temperature from 37 degrees C to 27 degrees C and vice versa caused longitudinal contraction of the isolated guinea-pig ileum. 2. Tetrodotoxin, tropicamide, noradrenaline, isoprenaline, morphine, and the met-enkephalin analogue FK 33-824 depressed the responses or accelerated the fade of the contraction induced by rapid cooling when added after the response had reached its maximum. 3. Hexamethonium had no influence on the responses. 4. Physostigmine potentiated all responses and reversed the fade of contraction induced by rapid cooling when added after this contraction had reached its maximum. 5. The effects of rapid cooling or warming were not altered in preparations made tachyphylactic to substance P; the response to rapid warming, but not cooling, was partially inhibited under tachyphylaxis to 5-hydroxytryptamine. 6. Antazoline, phentolamine, naloxone, and indomethacin did not block the responses. 7. Capsaicin firt potentiated and subsequently depressed the responses to both rapid cooling and warming. 8. The results indicate that rapid change of bath temperature induces longitudinal contraction by excitation of postganglionic cholinergic fibres.     

Pharmacological characterization of thromboxane and prostanoid receptors in human isolated urinary bladder

1. Cumulative concentration-response curves (CRC) to prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁), PGE₂, PGD₂ and PGF_2α (0.01–30 μM) and to the thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂) receptor agonist U-46619 (0.01–30 μM) were constructed in human isolated detrusor muscle strips both in basal conditions and during electrical field stimulation.
2. All the agonists tested contracted the detrusor muscle. The rank order of agonist potency was: PGF_2α>U-46619>PGE₂ whereas weak contractile responses were obtained with PGD₂ and PGE₁. Any of the agonists tested was able to induce a clear plateau of response even at 30 μM.
3. The selective TXA₂ antagonist, GR 32191B (vapiprost), antagonized U-46619-induced contractions with an apparent pK_B value of 8.27±0.12 (n=4 for each antagonist concentration). GR 32191B (0.3 μM) did not antagonize the contractile responses to PGF_2α and it was a non-surmountable antagonist of PGE₂ (apparent pK_B of 7.09±0.04; n=5). The EP receptor antagonist AH 6809 at 10 μM shifted to the right the CRC to U-46619 (apparent pK_B value of 5.88±0.04; n=4).
4. Electrical field stimulation (20 Hz, 70 V, pulse width 0.1 ms, trains of 5 s every 60 s) elicited contractions fully sensitive to TTX (0.3 μM) and atropine (1 μM). U-46619 (0.01–3 μM) potentiated the twitch contraction in a dose-dependent manner and this effect was competitively antagonized by GR 32191B with an estimated pK_B of 8.54±0.14 (n=4 for each antagonist concentration). PGF_2α in the range 0.01–10 μM (n=7), but not PGE₂ and PGE₁ (n=3 for each), also potentiated the twitch contraction of detrusor muscle strips (23.5±0.3% of KCl 100 mM-induced contraction) but this potentiation was unaffected by 0.3 μM GR 32191B (n=5).
5. Cumulative additions of U-46619 (0.01–30 μM) were without effect on contractions induced by direct smooth muscle excitation (20 Hz, 40 V, 6 ms pulse width, trains of 2 s every 60 s, in the presence of TTX 1 μM; n=3). Moreover, pretreatment of the tissue with 0.3 μM U-46619 did not potentiate the smooth muscle response to 7 μM bethanecol (n=2).
6. We concluded that TXA₂ can induce direct contraction of human isolated urinary bladder through the classical TXA₂ receptor. Prostanoid receptors, fully activated by PGE₂ and PGF_2α are also present. All these receptors are probably located post-junctionally. The rank order of agonist potency and the fact that GR32191B, but not AH6809, antagonized responses to PGE₂ seem to indicate the presence of a new EP receptor subtype. Moreover, we suggest the presence of prejuctional TXA₂ and FP receptors, potentiating acetylcholine release from cholinergic nerve terminals.