Calcium release in smooth muscle

Different profiles of desensitization dynamics in guinea-pig jejunal longitudinal smooth muscle after stimulation with histamine and methacholine

1. In the present study we investigated desensitization phenomena of guinea-pig jejunal longitudinal smooth muscle responses after stimulation with 100 microM histamine or methacholine, using a superfusion method. 2. Histamine H1-receptor-mediated contractions appear to be rapidly reduced after application of 100 microM histamine. Muscarinic responses were not affected following desensitization with 100 microM histamine, indicating a homologous desensitization. 3. Initial contractions to 0.3 microM histamine were reduced by 90%, recovered quickly, but did not reach control levels within 1 h. Desensitization of histamine responses could be separated into two phases; a rapid, but transient, desensitization and a more sustained desensitization. As a consequence of this sustained effect the pD2 for histamine shifted from 6.7 +/- 0.1 (control) to 6.1 +/- 0.1 (desensitized). 4. Desensitization with 100 microM methacholine caused a heterologous desensitization, reflected by the development of a refractory period, in which neither histamine nor methacholine was able to elicit a contraction. After a few minutes responses to both agents recovered to control levels. 5. During the refractory period after methacholine desensitization, muscle strips were still responsive to 40 mM KCl but did not contract in response to 10 mM caffeine, suggesting that the heterologous desensitization is caused by a modification of an intracellular Ca2(+)-store, which is used by both histamine and methacholine. 6. The recovery of the responses after methacholine desensitization was not dependent on extracellular Ca2+, suggesting that the recovery is not dependent on refilling of the intracellular Ca2+ store with extracellular Ca2+. 7. The protein kinase C activator, phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate, concentration-dependently inhibited histamine- and methacholine-induced contractions. Protein kinase C seems therefore not to be implicated in the observed homologous H,-receptor desensitization. 8. These data suggest that different forms of desensitization can be distinguished in this model, each with a different time course and dependent on the applied stimulus.

Purification and characterization of the inositol 1,4,5- trisphosphate receptor protein from rat vas deferens

Among rat peripheral tissues examined, Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptor binding is highest in the vas deferens, with levels about 25% of those of the cerebellum. We have purified the InsP(3) receptor binding protein from rat vas deferens membranes 600-fold. The purified protein displays a single 260 kDa band on SDS/PAGE, and the native protein has an apparent molecular mass of 1000 kDa, the same as in cerebellum. The inositol phosphate specificity, pH-dependence and influence of various reagents are the same for purified vas deferens and cerebellar receptors. Whereas particulate InsP(3) binding in cerebellum is potently inhibited by Ca(2+), particulate and purified vas deferens receptor binding of InsP(3) is not influenced by Ca(2+). Vas deferens appears to lack calmedin activity, but the InsP(3) receptor is sensitive to Ca(2+) inhibition conferred by brain calmedin. The vas deferens may prove to be a valuable tissue for characterizing functional aspects of InsP(3) receptors.

Endotoxin-induced impairment of vascular smooth muscle contractions elicited by different mechanisms

The current study was designed to analyse the mechanisms which are impaired in the vascular hyporeactivity to contractile agents induced by E. coli lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (LPS). Endothelium-denuded aortic rings were prepared from thoracic aorta removed from control and LPS-pretreated rats (20 mg/kg i.p., 4 h before the experiment). In order to determine whether LPS treatment altered the contractile components that depend on intracellular calcium release and extracellular calcium entry to the same extent, rings were contracted under various experimental conditions. The responses elicited by indanidine, phenylephrine (without and with nitrendipine 1 microM), (-) Bay K 8644, (+) S 202-791 and the calcium ionophore calimycin in the presence of 1.25 mM external CaCl2 were all impaired by LPS pretreatment (maximal contractions 19, 63, 44, 28, 22 and 22% of controls, respectively). Concentration-effect curves for CaCl2 made in depolarizing medium (KCl 40 and 100 mM) and in the presence of calimycin (3 microM) were shifted to the right in rings from LPS-pretreated rats. However, the LPS-induced depression of contraction was overcome by the addition of CaCl2 (up to 30 mM). Additionally, in the absence of external CaCl2, the contraction induced by caffeine (50 mM) was not significantly altered by LPS treatment. It is concluded that LPS treatment does not reduce the ability of aortic smooth muscle cells to contract. The results suggest that LPS treatment impairs mechanisms involved in calcium handling within smooth muscle cells after stimulation of calcium entry through different pathways and activation of intracellular calcium release by alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonists.

Effects of calcium channel blockers on pharmacologically induced contractions of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) intestine

Calcium depletion/replacement studies were carried out to examine the role of calcium in contraction of trout intestinal smoot muscle in vitro. Three chemically distinct calcium channel blockers were used to determine whether voltage operated calcium channels (VOCs) were involved in calcium entry with either agonist or depolarization-induced contractions. Contractions induced by depolarizing intestinal smooth muscle with potassium were totally dependent on extracellular calcium, whereas receptor-mediated responses to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and carbachol also relied on calcium derived from intracellular stores. The calcium channel blockers, verapamil, nitrendipine, and diltiazem, all shifted the calcium-response curve for potassium to the right, supporting the existence of VOCs in trout intestinal smooth muscle. The calcium-response curve for 5-HT was also shifted to the right, suggesting that 5-HT can induce calcium uptake into the smooth muscle via VOCs, in addition to mobilizing intracellular calcium. Verapamil also appeared to block 5-HT receptors directly. Carbachol-induced contractions were only reduced by diltiazem at low concentrations of calcium (0.1-1 mM), suggesting that diltiazem has some other mechanisms of action than the other calcium channel blockers. Activation of muscarinic receptors may induce calcium entry through channels other than the VOCs, in addition to mobilizing intracellular calcium.

Time-varying magnetic fields increase cytosolic free Ca2+ in HL-60 cells

Electromagnetic fields have been reported to cause a variety of biological effects. It has been hypothesized that many of these phenomena are mediated by a primary effect on the concentration of cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i). We investigated the effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields on [Ca2+]i in HL-60 cells using the Ca2(+)-sensitive fluorescent indicator indo-1. Indo-1-loaded cell samples were exposed to a radiofrequency electromagnetic field, a static magnetic field, and a time-varying magnetic field, which were generated by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit. We found that a 23-min exposure to all three fields, in combination, induced a significant increase in [Ca2+]i of 31 +/- 8 (SE) nM (P less than 0.01, n = 13) from a basal level of 121 +/- 8 nM. Also, cells exposed to only the time-varying magnetic field had a mean [Ca2+]i that was 34 +/- 10 nM (P less than 0.01, n = 11) higher than parallel control samples. Separate exposure to the radio-frequency (6.25 MHz) or static field (0.15 T) had no detectable effects. These results demonstrate that time-varying magnetic fields alter [Ca2+]i and suggest that at least some of the reported biological effects of time-varying magnetic fields may arise from elevation of [Ca2+]i.

KT-362 related effects on intracellular calcium release and associated clinical potential: arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, and hypertension

The following discourse addresses the pharmacologic profile of KT-362, its clinical potential as an anti-arrhythmic agent with associated hypotensive effects, as well as its additional related potential in myocardial ischemia and related sequellae, and the specific cellular actions that may be responsible for these potential therapeutic effects. Although these include specific actions on both sodium and calcium entry, the focus is on the relevance of independent effects on calcium release. KT-362 relaxes arterial smooth muscle, concomitantly reducing the total peripheral resistance and mean arterial blood pressure. Vascular relaxing actions are attributed primarily to inhibitory effects on calcium release and secondarily to inhibitory effects on calcium entry via both potential-gated and receptor-linked channels. The "intracellular calcium antagonist" properties are correlated with a decrease in the production of the major second messenger, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, which is responsible for calcium release and a concurrent ryanodine-like action that further decreases the amount of calcium released. Ventricular arrhythmias associated with coronary occlusion, cardiac glycosides, catecholamines, and chloroform are prevented by KT-362. General antiarrhythmic properties are associated with a use-dependent block of the "fast" sodium channel, primarily in the activated state, with ancillary effects on the "slow" calcium current. More selective effects on arrhythmias specifically associated with delayed after-depolarizations are attributed to effects on calcium release. In myocardial ischemia, KT-362 primarily reduces myocardial oxygen consumption rather than increases oxygen supply. The former is accomplished by depressing myocardial contractility and reducing afterload, while the latter is associated with a limited effect on coronary collateral blood flow. The negative inotropic effect is fundamentally related to its effects on calcium release, with additional contributions from its effects on calcium entry. Thus, the one intrinsic property of KT-362 that consistently emerges as significant and relevant in cardiovascular disease is the capacity to diminish calcium release.

Role of protein kinase C in renal vasoconstriction caused by angiotensin II

In this study we have examined the subcellar pathways along which angiotensin II (ANG II) causes renal vasoconstriction. Using the isolated perfused rat kidney model, we found that renal vasoconstriction produced by ANG II (100 pM) was not altered by the calmodulin antagonists calmidazolium (1 microM) and N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalensulfonamide (W-7, 10 microM) but was blunted by staurosporine (100 nM) and 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methyl-piperazine (H-7, 50 microM), two structurally distinct putative protein kinase C inhibitors. The phorbol ester 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (1-100 nM) did not alter renal vascular resistance, whereas phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 1-100 nM) caused potent and dose-dependent vasoconstriction that was prevented by staurosporine (100 nM) and H-7 (50 microM). The vasoconstrictory effects of ANG II and PMA were attenuated by the calcium channel blockers verapamil (5 microM) and nifedipine (5 microM) and were reversibly inhibited when cobaltous chloride (2 mM) was added to the perfusate. Taken together, our findings support the concept that the renal vasoconstrictory effect of ANG II is essentially mediated by protein kinase C activation, which either requires or enhances the entrance of extracellular calcium.

Effects of inorganic cations on K(+)-, 5-hydroxytryptamine- and noradrenaline-induced contractions of the isolated rat jugular vein and aorta

We investigated the inhibitory effects of 1 mM of the inorganic cations, La3+, Cd2+, Mn2+, Ni2+ and Co2+ on contractions induced by K+ (100 mM) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 10(-5) M) in the isolated rat jugular vein and on contractions induced by K+ (100 mM), 5-HT (10(-5] and noradrenaline (NA, 10(-5) M) in the rat aorta. In the venous preparation, both K(+)- and 5-HT-induced Ca2+ influx could be suppressed completely by all cations studied. In the aorta, the K(+)-induced Ca2+ influx was antagonized completely only by Cd2+. The other cations were less effective and Mn2+ was completely ineffective. Similarly to that in the venous preparation, the 5-HT-induced Ca2+ influx in the aorta was abolished by all the cations. A similar picture was found for the NA-induced Ca2+ influx with the exception of Mn2+, which antagonized the NA-induced contractions only slightly. Although organic calcium entry blockers (CEBs) (nifedipine, diltiazem, flunarizine and gallopamil) inhibited NA-induced contractions to the same extent as did Mn2+, a combination of organic CEBs and Mn2+ abolished the NA-induced Ca2+ influx completely. Apparently, organic CEBs and Mn2+ block different components of the NA-induced Ca2+ influx pathway.

K(+)-channel openers for relaxation of isolated penile erectile tissue from rabbit

The effects of the K(+)-channel openers (KCOs) cromakalim (BRL 34915) and pinacidil were investigated and compared with those of papaverine on isolated corpus cavernosum from rabbit. Preparations were mounted in organ baths and isometric tension was recorded. Spontaneous contractile activity was effectively abolished by the KCOs tested, cromakalim being the most potent of them. The KCOs concentration-dependently and effectively depressed electrically induced contractions and also contractions induced by exogenously applied noradrenaline and by low (less than or equal to 20 mM) concentrations of K+. Cromakalim was three to four times more potent than pinacidil. Pinacidil and cromakalim were shown to cause increases in the efflux of 86Rb from preloaded cavernous tissue. Papaverine also effectively depressed spontaneous contractile activity, and contractions evoked by electrical stimulation and noradrenaline. It had a potency 19 to 36 times lower than that of cromakalim. However, papaverine did not increase 86Rb efflux from preloaded tissue. The results show that cromakalim and pinacidil effectively relax penile erectile tissue, probably by the opening of K(+)-channels and subsequent hyperpolarization. Further investigations on human material seems motivated in order to elucidate if the principle of K(+)-channel opening offers any therapeutic advantages to other drugs in the diagnosis and treatment of penile erectile dysfunction.

Neuropeptide Y in cerebrovascular function: comparison of membrane potential changes and vasomotor responses evoked by NPY and other vasoconstrictors in the guinea pig basilar artery

The membrane depolarization and vasomotor response evoked by NPY and other vasoconstrictors were compared in guinea pig basilar artery. Concentrations below the pD2 value of amines and PGF2 alpha induced contractions without significant membrane depolarization, while higher agonist concentrations depolarized the membrane slightly. Potassium-induced contractions were paralleled by strong depolarization. NPY evoked a slow depolarization which correlated to vasoconstriction over a wide concentration range. The mechanism of activation did not appear to involve the endothelium. The results suggest that NPY induces prolonged cerebrovascular smooth muscle tone by evoking longlasting depolarization, at least partly in conjunction with activation of voltage-operated calcium channels.

Inhibitory effects of cadralazine and its metabolite, ISF-2405, on contractions and the level of cytosolic Ca2+ in vascular smooth muscle

The inhibitory effects of a hypotensive agent, cadralazine and its metabolite, ISF-2405, on the level of cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) and on contractions were examined in isolated vascular smooth muscle. Cadralazine slightly inhibited the transient norepinephrine-induced contraction in rabbit aorta and canine femoral, renal and mesenteric arteries and saphenous vein, and prostaglandin F2 alpha-induced contractions in canine basilar and coronary arteries. In contrast, ISF-2405 inhibited the contractions induced by prostaglandin F2 alpha in canine basilar and coronary arteries and those induced by norepinephrine in canine renal and femoral arteries and rabbit aorta. In aorta, ISF-2405 inhibited the increase in [Ca2+]cyt and muscle tension caused by norepinephrine. A Ca2+ channel blocker, verapamil, inhibited the norepinephrine-stimulated increase in [Ca2+]cyt more potently than it inhibited the increase in muscle tension, and ISF-2405 inhibited the verapamil-resistant part of the contraction. In Ca2(+)-free solution, norepinephrine induced transient increases in [Ca2+]cyt and muscle tension. ISF-2405 inhibited these changes. However, ISF-2405 did not inhibit the transient contraction induced by caffeine in the aorta. These results suggest that cadralazine is metabolized to ISF-2405 and inhibits vascular smooth muscle contraction by inhibiting receptor-mediated Ca2+ influx, Ca2+ release and Ca2+ sensitization of contractile elements.

Direct inhibition of chicken gizzard smooth muscle contractile apparatus by caffeine

The mechanism of the inhibitory effect of caffeine on smooth muscle contraction was examined using chicken gizzard. Caffeine (0.1-5 mmol/l) inhibited the KCl-induced contraction of the muscle with an IC50 of 1.1 mmol/l. Forskolin (0.01-10 mumol/l) also inhibited KCl-induced contraction. The inhibitory effect of caffeine was potentiated by a low concentration of forskolin (0.3 mumol/l) and the inhibitory effect of forskolin was potentiated by a low concentration of caffeine (0.1 mmol/l). Although caffeine and forskolin increased tissue cyclic AMP levels, caffeine inhibited the KCl-induced contraction more strongly than forskolin at a given cyclic AMP level. Caffeine (1-40 mmol/l) inhibited the contractions induced by 3 mumol/l Ca2+ in Triton X-100-permeabilized muscle. Caffeine (1-40 mmol/l) inhibited the phosphorylation of 20 kDa myosin light chain (MLC) in native actomyosin preparation and the inhibition was enhanced by decreasing the ATP concentration in the reaction medium. Calmodulin (CaM) activity, as monitored by Ca2+/CaM-dependent erythrocyte membrane (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase, was not affected by 20 mmol/l caffeine. Time-dependent dephosphorylation of MLC upon removal of Ca2+, an indicator of phosphate activity, was not affected by caffeine. Caffeine also inhibited the Ca2(+)-independent contraction in thiophosphorylated permeabilized muscle. These results indicate that caffeine inhibits smooth muscle contraction by a direct inhibition of MLC kinase and actin-myosin interaction. A part of the inhibitory effect may be mediated by cyclic AMP-dependent mechanism(s).

Species differences in the effects of leukotriene D4 on inositol trisphosphate accumulation, cyclic AMP formation and contraction in iris sphincter of the mammalian eye

The effects of leukotriene (LT) D4 on inositol trisphosphate (IP3) accumulation, cAMP formation, and contraction in the iris sphincter smooth muscle of different mammalian species were investigated and functional and biochemical reciprocal interactions between the IP3-Ca2+ and cAMP second messenger systems were demonstrated. The effects of the LT on the biochemical and pharmacological responses are dose- and time-dependent, and are not mediated through the release of acetylcholine or prostaglandins. Addition of LTD4 (0.1-1 microM) to cat and bovine iris sphincters increased IP3 accumulation by 60% of that of the control and induced muscle contraction (the EC50 value for the contractile response in the cat sphincter was 4.8 x 10(-9) M), but had no effect on cAMP formation in these species. In contrast, addition of LTD4 to dog, human, pig, and rabbit sphincters increased cAMP formation by 53-61% of their respective controls, but had no effect on IP3 accumulation and on the contractile state. The rates of formation of LTs in iris sphincters of the different species were found to increase in the following order: bovine less than cat less than human less than dog less than pig less than rabbit. This could suggest that desensitization of LT receptors may in part underlie the species differences observed in the effects of LTD4. We suggest that LTD4 may be involved in regulation of contraction and relaxation in the iris sphincter by increasing IP3 accumulation and consequently Ca2+ mobilization and muscle contraction, and by elevating the level of cAMP which in turn may be involved in the regulation of muscle tension.

Effects of inhibitors of eicosanoid synthesis in the uterus of ovariectomized rats and rats in natural oestrus: relation with calcium

1. The effects of 4 inhibitors of eicosanoid synthesis (ESIs)--mepacrine (MEP, 10(-5) - 3 x 10(-4) M), nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDHGA, 10(-6) - 2 x 10(-5) M), indomethacin (IND, 2 x 10(-6) M and 2 x 10(-5) M) and imidazole (IMI, 10(-5) M and 10(-4) M)--on the motility induced by oxytocin (OT, 0.5 and 4 mU/ml) in uterus of rats in natural oestrus and of ovariectomized rats have been studied. 2. MEP, NDHGA and IND, but not IMI, inhibited the motility induced by both concentrations of OT in natural oestrus. Ovariectomy enhanced the effects of all ESIs, except the one of MEP. 3. MEP and NDHGA, but not IND or IMI, inhibited the contractions induced by methacholine (10(-5) M) and prostaglandin F2a (10(-6) M) and relaxed in a dose-dependent way the tonic component of the contractile response to KCl 60 mM (DI50: 6.14 +/- 0.38 and 1.38 +/- 0.29 x 10(-5) M, respectively). 4. CaCl2 (0.1-10 mM) reverted the relaxation of KCl contractions produced by MEP but not by NDHGA.

Long-term inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme suppresses calcium channel agonist-induced contraction of aorta in hypertensive rats

To elucidate functional changes in the vascular smooth muscle of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) after chronic inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme, we examined the contractile responses to different pharmacological interventions in the isolated aortas from SHR treated with a novel angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, CS-622 (10 mg/kg/day) for 20 weeks. In normal K+ medium, a marked contraction was elicited by increasing Ca2+ concentration from 0 to 3 mM in aortas from a control group of SHR, but not in aortas from SHR treated with CS-622. In 60 mM K+ medium, however, the sensitivity of aorta to Ca2+ was almost the same in the two groups. A calcium channel activator, CGP-28392 (10(-7) to 10(-6) M), induced a marked contraction in the aortas from control SHR, but not in the aortas from CS-622-treated SHR. When slightly depolarized in 10 or 12 mM K+ solution, the aortas from CS-622-treated SHR contracted in response to CGP-28392. The aortic sensitivity to KCl contraction was much lower in CS-622-treated SHR than in untreated SHR, whereas the sensitivity to phenylephrine contraction was little different in the two groups. These contractile profiles of aortas from CS-622-treated SHR were very similar to those from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats but not to those from hydralazine-treated SHR. These data suggest that contractions due to Ca2+ through voltage-dependent calcium channels are exaggerated in SHR aorta and that long-term treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor suppresses the abnormal contractility of SHR vascular smooth muscle, probably through alterations of voltage-related functions of calcium channels.

Calcium influx and protein kinase C activation involved in uterine vasoconstriction in guinea pigs

The mechanical responses of circular segments of uterine arteries to different combinations of vasoactive agents and putative inhibitors of calcium fluxes were examined using a sensitive in vitro method. Exposure to high potassium (127 mM) or to noradrenaline (NA; 0.1 mM) resulted in a rapid, initial increase in tension of the vascular preparation to reach a sustained level of contraction (approximatively 12 mN) which lasted for at least 15 min. The protein kinase C activator, 4-beta-phorbol-12,13-esther-dibutyrate (10 microM), induced a slowly developing but sustained contractile response with a maximum (PDBumax) of only 4 mN. Addition of the calcium ionophore, A23187, to PDBu-contracted vessels did not increase tension, while the maximum tension evoked by A23187 per se (3 microM) was 5 mN. Ionomycin had only a small contractile effect on the uterine artery. The contraction evoked by depolarization (potassium) or alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation (NA) was decreased in nominally calcium-free medium containing EDTA (0-100 microM) or EGTA, while uterine arteries loaded intracellularly with the calcium chelator, quin-2, responded to the vasoconstrictors almost as well as the control preparations. Blockade of calcium influx with Cd2+ (greater than 0.01 mM), nifedipine (greater than 3 microM), verapamil (greater than 1 microM) and TMB-8 (greater than 10 microM) reduced the tension evoked by potassium somewhat more than it reduced the contractions induced by NA, while the opposite was seen in the presence of Ni2+ (greater than 0.1 mM). Inhibition of calmodulin-dependent enzymes by W7 (greater than 10 microM) reduced the maximum tension evoked by potassium and NA to a similar extent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inhibitory effect of a toxin okadaic acid, isolated from the black sponge on smooth muscle and platelets

1. Effects of okadaic acid, a toxin isolated from marine sponges, on smooth muscle contraction and platelet activation were examined. 2. Contractions in rabbit aorta induced by high concentrations of K+ and noradrenaline were inhibited by 0.1-1 microM okadaic acid in a concentration-dependent manner. Spontaneous rhythmic contractions as well as high K+-induced contraction in guinea-pig taenia caeci were also inhibited by 1 microM okadaic acid. 3. High K+-induced contraction in rabbit aorta was accompanied by increased Ca2+ influx measured with 45Ca2+ and increased cytosolic Ca2+ [( Ca2+]cyt) measured with fura-2-Ca2+ fluorescence. Okadaic acid inhibited the contraction without inhibiting Ca2+ influx and produced only a small decrease in [Ca2+]cyt. 4. In a saponin-skinned taenia, Ca2+-induced contraction was not inhibited but rather potentiated by okadaic acid. 5. Okadaic acid, 1 microM, inhibited aggregation, ATP release and increased in [Ca2+]cyt induced by thrombin in washed rabbit platelets. Okadaic acid itself did not change the platelet activities. 6. Okadaic acid did not change the cyclic AMP content of rabbit aorta although the inhibitory effects of okadaic acid were similar to those of cyclic AMP. 7. Although the mechanism of the inhibitory effect of okadaic acid was not clarified in the present experiments, it is suggested that okadaic acid acts by inhibiting protein phosphatases resulting in an indirect activation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein phosphorylation.

Inhibitory effects of calcium channel blockers on intestinal motility in the dog

Calcium channel blockers are now widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. However, data concerning their effects on intestinal motility in vivo are still rather fragmentary. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of three prototype calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem) on intestinal motility in five fasting, conscious dogs fitted with electrodes and strain-gauges along the small bowel. The myoelectric data were analyzed by a recently developed and validated computer program which allows accurate monitoring of intestinal spike activity. The mechanical data were analyzed by calculating a motility index. After recording of at least two migrating motor complexes (control), an i.v. infusion of one of the following calcium channel blockers was maintained for 3 h: 0.29 or 0.87 mumol/kg per h nifedipine, 1.02 or 2.04 mumol/kg per h verapamil and 1.11 or 2.22 mumol/kg per h diltiazem. Nifedipine 0.29 mumol/kg per h significantly reduced (P less than 0.05) spike activity and motility index during phases II and III without disrupting migrating motor complex cycling. The higher dose suppressed migrating motor complex cycling and almost completely abolished both spike and mechanical activities. The two doses of verapamil had effects similar to those of the two doses of nifedipine. Both doses of diltiazem significantly reduced (P less than 0.05) spike activity and motility index during phases II and III without disrupting migrating motor complex cycling. We conclude that all the agents tested, apart from their well known cardiovascular effects, also have a profound inhibitory effect on intestinal motility in vivo, the order of potency being nifedipine greater than verapamil greater than diltiazem. The search for more selective calcium channel blockers for the treatment of intestinal motor disorders with minimal cardiovascular effects is warranted.

Ca2+ localization and sensitivity in vascular smooth muscle

An increase in cytosolic Ca2+ level ([Ca2+]i) is a prerequisite for smooth muscle contraction. Simultaneous measurements of [Ca2+]i and muscle tension give direct information on the Ca2+ regulation of smooth muscle. The photoprotein aequorin and the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fura-2 are widely used for this purpose. Although there are some inconsistencies between the results obtained with these two indicators, comparison between [Ca2+]i and muscle tension in vascular smooth muscle indicates that stimulation of alpha-adrenoceptors increases, whereas stimulation of beta-adrenoceptors decreases, both the Ca2+ sensitivity of contractile elements and [Ca2+]i. Thus, as Hideaki Karaki explains, contractility of vascular smooth muscle may be regulated not only by [Ca2+]i but also by the Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile elements.

Galanin: Ca2+-dependent contractile effects on the isolated mouse distal colon

Galanin provoked concentration-dependent contractions of the longitudinal muscle of the mouse distal colon. The responses were not affected by atropine, mepyramine, methysergide, phentolamine, timolol, naloxone or tetrodotoxin. In contrast, the contractile responses were reduced by nifedipine and in Ca2+-free medium. These observations indicate that the contractile effects of galanin on the mouse distal colon result from a direct activation of smooth muscle cells and that these effects are mainly dependent on an increase in Ca2+ inflow.

Sources of calcium for ATP-induced contractions in rat urinary bladder smooth muscle

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP 10(-4) M) induced monophasic contractions in preparations of rat urinary bladder strips. These responses were reversibly abolished in calcium (Ca2+)-free, ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-amino-ethyl ether)-N,N'-tetra-acetic acid (EGTA 0.1 mM)-containing medium, and were partially inhibited by 10(-6) M verapamil (43%) and 10(-6) M diltiazem (32%). However, the inhibition of ATP-stimulated 45Ca uptake by verapamil and diltiazem was more pronounced (109 and 75%, respectively). The results suggest that, in addition to the primary role of extracellular Ca2+, intracellular Ca2+ is involved in ATP-induced contractions.

Effects of calcium entry blocking agents on 5-hydroxytryptamine- and noradrenaline-induced contractions of rat isolated jugular vein and aorta

We calculated the contribution of the intracellular releasable calcium pool to the contractile responses induced by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NA) by constructing time-response curves to the agonists in Ca2+-deficient medium in the isolated rat jugular vein and aorta. Biexponential curves were obtained compatible with a two compartment model. In the aorta the intracellular calcium pools are likely to be different for both 5-HT and NA. Moreover, we investigated the effect of maximally effective concentrations of calcium entry blocking agents (CEB's) on K+, 5-HT- and NA-induced contractions in Ca2+-containing medium. Only a moderate inhibiting effect of nifedipine, diltiazem, flunarizine and gallopamil on 5-HT- and NA-induced Ca2+ influx could be observed; in contrast, K+-induced Ca2+ influx could be antagonized completely. The calculated contribution of intracellular Ca2+ to 5-HT- and NA-induced contractions, obtained from the experiments in Ca2+-"free" medium was much lower than that obtained after pretreatment with CEB's, leading to the conclusion that after CEB-pretreatment a Ca2+ influx component persists. This hypothesis was supported by the observation that contractions in Ca2+-"free" medium consist of a monophasic, fast response only, whereas after CEB-pretreatment a response similar to the control, including a slow, sustained component, was obtained. The Ca2+ influx component not affected by maximally effective concentrations of CEB's seems to represent an inflow of extracellular Ca2+ directly into the cytosol and not into an intracellular calcium store.

Direct inhibition of contractile apparatus by analogues of amiloride in the smooth muscle of guinea-pig taenia caecum and chicken gizzard

The relaxant effects of amiloride and its analogues, benzamil, 5-(N,N-diethyl)-amiloride (DEAM) and 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride (EIAM), were investigated using smooth muscle of guinea-pig taenia caeci and chicken gizzard. High K+-induced contractions of intact taenia and gizzard were inhibited by these compounds (1-100 microM) with the order of potency; benzamil greater than or equal to EIAM greater than DEAM greater than amiloride. Contractions of permealized taenia and gizzard were also inhibited by these compounds at concentrations 8-35 times higher than those needed to inhibit the contractions of intact tissues. These compounds inhibited 20 K myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation at the concentrations needed to inhibit the contraction in the permealized muscles. Calmodulin (CaM) activity, as monitored by erythrocyte membrane (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase and phosphodiesterase activities, was inhibited by DEAM and EIAM at similar concentrations as those to inhibit the MLC phosphorylation. Benzamil also inhibited CaM activity at concentrations 4-8 times higher than those required to inhibit MLC phosphorylation. However, amiloride failed to inhibit CaM activity. Among these compounds, amiloride and benzamil inhibited Ca2+/CaM-independent MLC phosphorylation due to trypsin-treated MLC kinase. Taenia tissue gradually accumulated these compounds and the tissue/medium ratio exceeded 3.5-17 after a 3-hr incubation period. These results indicate that amiloride and its analogues inhibit smooth muscle contraction mainly by the direct inhibition of MLC phosphorylation. The inhibitory effect of amiloride may be attributable to the inhibition of MLC kinase, whereas the inhibitory effect of DEAM and EIAM may largely be attributable to the inhibition of CaM. Benzamil may inhibit contraction by the inhibition of both MLC kinase and CaM. Differences in the drug-sensitivity between intact and permealized tissues may be attributable to the difference in drug accumulation by the cell.

Contractile effects of substance P and other tachykinins on the mouse isolated distal colon

1. Substance P (SP), physalaemin, eledoisin and kassinin induced concentration-related contractions of the longitudinal muscle of the mouse distal colon. The responses were not antagonized by atropine (1.5 x 10(-7) M), mepyramine (2.5 x 10(-7) M), methysergide (5 x 10(-7) M), timolol (10(-6) M), phentolamine (10(-6) M) or naloxone (4 x 10(-7) M). They were enhanced by tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1.5 x 10(-7) M). These observations indicate that the contractile responses to the tachykinins result from a direct activation of smooth muscle cells. 2. The contractile activity provoked by SP and physalaemin was inhibited by nifedipine (a Ca2+-entry blocker) and was abolished in Ca2+-free EGTA solution. Such data suggest that the myogenic effects of SP and physalaemin are mainly dependent on their ability to promote Ca2+ influx. 3. Eledoisin and kassinin evoked a contractile response in the absence of external Ca2+ and their myogenic activity was, to some extent, resistant to the inhibitory effect of nifedipine. This may indicate that an additional process, probably the release of an intracellularly bound Ca2+ store, participates in the mechanism by which eledoisin and kassinin contract the mouse distal colon. 4. After desensitization of the mouse distal colon to SP, the contractile activity provoked by SP or physalaemin was totally abolished whilst the responses evoked by eledoisin and kassinin were barely affected. These observations and other experimental findings indirectly support the assumption that the mouse distal colon could possess different tachykinin-binding sites.

Endothelin: differential effects in vascular and nonvascular smooth muscle

Endothelin, a potent vasoconstrictor, produced concentration-dependent contractions in aorta, trachea and bladder body obtained from rat and rabbit. Contractions developed slowly, reaching maxiMum within 15-20 min. Although, in both rat and rabbit tissues, endothelin was 3- to 10-fold more potent in contracting vascular (approximate EC50, 1 nM) than nonvascular smooth muscle, rat trachea and rabbit bladder did contract in response to endothelin. Rat bladder body and rabbit trachea were the least sensitive tissues with only modest contractile responses to endothelin. To determine the role of calcium in these endothelin-induced contractions, the effects of diltiazem and nitrendipine were examined. Although diltiazem (5 x 10-5) M) or nitrendipine (10(-6) M) markedly attenuated contractions produced by KCl, neither agent significantly affected concentration response curves produced by endothelin in rabbit aorta or rat trachea. In rat aorta, nitrendipine had no effect on endothelin responses, whereas diltiazem modestly decreased the maximal contraction to endothelin. However, in rabbit bladder, both calcium channel blockers significantly decreased the maximum response to endothelin with no change in EC50. These results indicate that smooth muscle sensitivity to the contractile effects of endothelin may be both species and tissue specific.

Different effects of R 56865 and calcium entry blockers on K+- and noradrenaline-induced contractions and 45Ca uptake in rat aorta

The effects of R 56865, nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem and flunarizine on K+- and NA-induced contractions and K+-induced 45Ca uptake were compared in the isolated rat aorta. The calcium entry blockers concentration dependently inhibited the K+-induced contraction and 45Ca uptake over the same dose-range. R 56865 inhibited the K+-induced 45Ca uptake, but only partly inhibited the K+-induced contraction. The calcium entry blockers caused a slight rightward shift and a depression of the maximum of the concentration-response curve for the NA-induced contraction. In contrast, R 56865 caused a strong, dose-dependent rightward shift and a depression of the maximum, 10(-6) and 10(-5) M being equieffective. The effects of R 56865 and nifedipine were independent of each other. Nevertheless, the NA-induced increase in 45 Ca uptake, a putative model for Ca influx, was attenuated by R 56865. In conclusion, R 56865 is a weak inhibitor of the K+-induced Ca influx but is without effect on the NA-induced Ca influx. The discrepancy between its effects on K+-induced contractions and 45Ca uptake may be explained by an inhibition of the uptake of 45Ca from the cytosol into the 45Ca pool. The interaction between R 56865 and the alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated contractions may be explained by an action at a site that is distinct from the NA-binding-site on the alpha 1-adrenoceptor.

Effects of sodium nitroprusside on cytosolic calcium level in vascular smooth muscle

The inhibitory effect of sodium nitroprusside on the cytosolic Ca2+ level ([Ca2+]cyt), measured simultaneously with contraction by means of a fluorescence dye, fura-2, and on the 45Ca2+ uptake was tested in the isolated rat aortic smooth muscle. Norepinephrine increased muscle tension, 45Ca2+ uptake and [Ca2+]cyt. In a Ca2+-deficient solution, norepinephrine transiently increased muscle tension and [Ca2+]cyt. Sodium nitroprusside inhibited all changes induced by norepinephrine although the inhibition of [Ca2+]cyt was less than that of muscle contraction. Sodium nitroprusside also inhibited the high K+-induced contraction at concentrations higher than those needed to inhibit norepinephrine-induced contraction. Inhibition of the high K+induced contraction was accompanied by a small decrease in [Ca2+]cyt and a smaller decrease in 45Ca2+ uptake. Methylene blue antagonized, and M&B 22,948 potentiated the inhibitory effect of sodium nitroprusside. These results suggest that sodium nitroprusside has multiple sites of action. At relatively low concentrations, sodium nitroprusside could inhibit the Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release. At relatively high concentrations, this inhibitor could also augment Ca2+ sequestration and decrease the sensitivity of contractile elements to Ca2+.

Inhibitory effects of procaine on contraction and calcium movement in vascular and intestinal smooth muscles

1. The effects of procaine on muscle tension and 45Ca2+ movements were investigated in vascular smooth muscle of the rabbit aorta and intestinal smooth muscle of the taenia isolated from guinea-pig caecum. 2. Procaine (10 mM) induced a contraction in the taenia but had little effect on the resting tension in the aorta. 3. Procaine, 0.5-10 mM, relaxed the sustained contractions induced by 65.4 mM KCl and 10(-6) M noradrenaline in the aorta, and by 45.4 mM KCl, 10(-6) M carbachol and 10(-6) M histamine in the taenia. The inhibitory effect of procaine on the high K+-induced contractions was antagonized by external Ca2+ but not by the Ca2+ channel activators, Bay K 8644 and CGP 28,392. 4. 45Ca2+ uptake was increased by high K+ or noradrenaline in the aorta and by high K+ or carbachol in the taenia. The increments were inhibited by procaine at the concentrations needed to inhibit the muscle contractions. 5. In a Ca2+-free solution, noradrenaline and caffeine induced a transient contraction in the aorta, whereas a second application of each stimulant was almost ineffective. Addition of 1-10 mM procaine shortly before the first application of the stimulant inhibited the contraction. After washing the muscle with a Ca2+-free solution without procaine, the second application of the stimulant induced a greater contraction than that in control muscle without procaine pretreatment. 6. Noradrenaline and caffeine released 45Ca2+ from a cellular site in the aorta. Procaine inhibited the effects of these stimulants. 7. It was concluded that procaine may inhibit both the opening of Ca2+ channels and the release of Ca2 + from cellular stores and the former but not the latter effect may be attributable to a local anaesthetic action.