Distribution of peptide- and catecholamine-containing neurons in the gastro-intestinal tract of rat and guinea-pig: immunohistochemical studies with antisera to substance P, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, enkephalins, somatostatin, gastrin/cholecystokinin, neurotensin and dopamine beta-hydroxylase

Glycogenolytic effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide in the rat in vivo

The effects of VIP (300 pmol/kg), injected via the portal vein, on the glycogen content of the liver and on glycemia, were studied in the rat in vivo. VIP enhanced glycogenolysis and caused hyperglycemia in a time-dependent manner.

Enteric neural modulation of slow-wave activity in cat colon

These studies test the hypothesis that the generation of colonic slow waves can be modulated by stimulation of intrinsic enteric nerves and attempt to identify a neurotransmitter that may be responsible for this change in slow-wave activity. Isolated segments from the mid-colon of the cat generated regular, continuous slow waves at 6.5 +/- 1.1 cpm. Activation of the intrinsic nerves by electrical field stimulation transiently reduced the rate of slow-wave generation to 4.7 +/- 0.7 cpm (P less than 0.001). The response to electrical stimulation was blocked by tetrodotoxin and alpha-chymotrypsin. The following antagonists were not effective in blocking the response: atropine, hexamethonium, phenoxybenzamine, propranolol, methysergide, naloxone, or imidazole. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (5 x 10(-7) M) decreased slow wave frequency to 4.5 +/- 0.4 cpm. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) fragment 10-28 inhibited the effect of electrical field stimulation but also decreased the slow-wave frequency. VIP-immunoreactive nerves were much more abundant in the plexus submucosus extremus than in the circular muscle of the muscularis externa. Thus, pacemakers for colonic slow waves may be modulated by intrinsic colonic nerves, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide may be the neurotransmitter responsible for this modulation.

Substance P, neurokinin A and calcitonin gene-related peptide during development of the rat gastrointestinal tract

Substance P, neurokinin A and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were determined in the stomach and small intestine of rats during late foetal development and up to 35 days postnatal life. Concentrations of substance P in stomach and intestine increased from 14 gestational days to 3 days postpartum, and declined thereafter. Concentrations of neurokinin A in stomach declined from 14 days gestation over the period 3-35 postnatal days. In the intestine, concentrations of neurokinin A increased steadily from 14 days gestation to 21-35 postnatal days. Concentrations of CGRP in stomach and intestine declined from 14 days gestation to 7 postnatal days. Thereafter, concentrations of CGRP increased in both stomach and intestine. Total contents of each of the three peptides increased progressively with gestational and postnatal age in parallel with increasing stomach and intestinal weights. The results demonstrate different patterns of change in the concentrations of substance P, neurokinin A and CGRP during the dynamic phases of growth and maturation of the gastrointestinal tract in the foetal and postnatal rat.

Effect of opioid peptides on circular muscle of canine duodenum

1. The effects of opioid peptides on inhibitory transmission in the circular muscle layer of canine duodenum were investigated in vitro using simultaneous mechanical and intracellular electrical recording techniques. 2. Exogenously added [Met5]enkephalin, [Leu5]enkephalin and dynorphin (1-13) decreased the amplitude of non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) evoked by transmural nerve stimulation. 3. A selective delta-receptor agonist, DPDPE ([D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin), and a selective mu-receptor agonist, PL017 (Try-Pro-NMePhe-D-Pro-NH2), decreased the amplitude of IJPs whereas a selective kappa-receptor agonist, U-50,488H ([trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-91-pyrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl]- benzeneacetamide methanesulphonate), in large doses (1 microM) produced only a small reduction. 4. A selective delta-receptor antagonist, ICI-174,864, blocked the effect of DPDPE but not that of PL017 suggesting the presence of distinct delta- and mu-opioid receptors on inhibitory motor nerves. 5. Exogenously added dynorphin (1-13) decreased the amplitude of IJPs. delta-Opioid receptors appeared to be involved because ICI-174,864, a selective delta-antagonist, blocked the inhibitory effect of exogenously added dynorphin (1-13). 6. The inhibitory effect of the opioid peptides was still observed in preparations of circular muscle devoid of myenteric and submucosal plexuses, indicating that the site of action was on inhibitory motor nerve fibres located within the circular muscle layer and not on neuronal cell bodies in the enteric plexuses. 7. It was concluded that in the canine small intestine, opioid peptides could modulate release of inhibitory transmitter(s) at or near nerve terminals of inhibitory motor nerves innervating circular muscle cells.

Inhibition by neurotensin of azaserine-induced carcinogenesis in rat pancreas

The effect of neurotensin on pancreatic carcinogenesis induced by azaserine was investigated in Wistar rats. Rats were given weekly injections of 10 mg/kg body weight of azaserine for 25 weeks and 200 micrograms/kg body weight of neurotensin in depot form every other day for 62 weeks. Carcinogen-induced pancreatic lesions were examined by histochemical techniques, and were classified as ATPase-positive or ATPase-negative. In week 62, quantitative histological analysis showed that prolonged administration of neurotensin significantly reduced the volume (as percent of parenchyma) of ATPase-positive pancreatic lesions, which are closely correlated with the ultimate development of pancreatic cancer. Histologically, pancreatic adenocarcinomas occurred at a significantly lower rate in rats treated with neurotensin than in untreated rats. Administration of neurotensin also significantly decreased the labelling indices of carcinogen-induced pancreatic lesions, but not of the surrounding acinar cells. These findings indicate that neurotensin inhibits pancreatic carcinogenesis, and that this may be related to the reduction of ATPase-positive lesions and to the inhibition of cell proliferation in neoplastic lesions of the pancreas.

Regulatory peptide and serotonin content and brush-border enzyme activity in the rat gastrointestinal tract following neonatal treatment with capsaicin; lack of effect on epithelial markers

The possible trophic influence of the capsaicin-sensitive extrinsic innervation of the gastrointestinal mucosa was investigated. Rats were treated neonatally with capsaicin. The gastrointestinal content of serotonin and glucagon-like immunoreactivity were used as a measure of the effect on the endocrine gut mucosa and gastrointestinal aminopeptidase and alkaline phosphatase activities were used as a measure of the effect on the gut brush-border. The gastrointestinal content of the neuropeptides substance P, VIP and CGRP were used to monitor effects on the innervation of the gut. The depletion of substance P-immunoreactivity(-IR) and calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP)-IR in extracts of urinary bladder and lung from the capsaicin-treated rats is evidence of the efficacy of capsaicin treatment in affecting a loss of C-fibre sensory nerves. The significant depletion of CGRP-IR measured in the stomach and duodenum of capsaicin-treated rats indicated the loss of the C-fibre sensory innervation to the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal content of VIP and substance P, which are predominantly within intrinsic gut neurones, were unaffected by capsaicin treatment. In all regions of the gastrointestinal tract of capsaicin-treated rats, the serotonin and glucagon-IR levels were not significantly different from those in controls. Similarly the levels of activity of the brush-border enzymes were not significantly effected by capsaicin treatment. This suggest the absence of any major trophic influence of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves on the gut endocrine mucosa and the brush border.

Occurrence, release, and effects of multiple tachykinins in cat colonic tissues and nerves

Neurokinin A (NKA)-immunoreactivities and substance P (SP)-immunoreactivities were found in picomolar amounts in colonic tissues and almost an order of magnitude higher amounts in vagal, pelvic, splanchnic, and lumbar colonic nerves of the cat. Continuous electric stimulation of the pelvic nerve at 4 Hz or intermittent electric burst stimulation of the pelvic nerve at 40 Hz during 1 second with 10-second rest periods produced a marked release of NKA-like immunoreactivity (NKA-LI) and SP-LI from the colon to blood (P less than 0.001). Reflex activation of the pelvic nerve by mechanical stimulation of the anus or rectal distension produced a less pronounced release of NKA-LI and SP-LI from the colon to blood (P less than 0.01). There was a simultaneous colonic contraction and vasodilation during each nerve stimulation. Reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography showed presence of NKA, NKA oxide, NKA (3-10)/NKA (4-10), and neuropeptide K (NPK) in colonic tissues and release of all these molecular forms except NPK on nerve stimulation. Substance P and SP oxide were present both in colonic tissue extracts and in released material. Close intraarterial infusions of NKA, neurokinin B, SP, NPK, eledoisin, and physalaemin at doses of 0.1-100 pmol/min induced dose-dependent contractions of the proximal and distal colon (P less than 0.001) and vasodilatation (P less than 0.001), NKA being the most potent. The effects of the tachykinins were reduced after tetrodotoxin (P less than 0.05) and atropine (P less than 0.05) but unchanged after treatment with hexamethonium. Our findings indicate that tachykinins are released from the pelvic nerve to induce a nonadrenergic noncholinergic contraction and vasodilatation of the colon in the cat.

Characterization of the gene and messages for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in rat and mouse

We have studied the structure and expression of the gene for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in rodents. We used a human cDNA to identify and clone a fragment of the rat VIP gene. This genomic fragment contained two separate exons, one encoding VIP itself and the other encoding a closely related neuropeptide, peptide histidine-isoleucine (PHI-27). Probes containing either exon, or both, hybridized to two messages: a prominent 1700-base (b) mRNA and a rare 1000-b species. These messages are expressed together in a tissue-specific manner, with highest levels in polyadenylated RNA from cerebral cortex and from small intestine, paralleling the reported levels of the neuropeptides themselves in these tissues. Using the rat genomic fragment as a probe, we isolated the mouse VIP gene in its entirety. The mouse gene is similar in organization to its human counterpart, with a total of 7 exons spanning 8 kilobases (kb). The 7th and largest exon, which is transcribed into the bulk of the 3' untranslated region of the messages, bears two potential polyadenylation sites 700 basepairs (bp) apart. S-1 nuclease protection with a fragment of this exon indicated that the two identifiable VIP messages differ in the extent of their 3' untranslated regions. Conversely, we found no evidence for differential splicing to produce messages encoding only one of the neuropeptides. Instead, specific oligonucleotide-directed digestion with RNase H demonstrated that all of the detectable mRNA from this gene contains both VIP and PHI coding sequences.

Interactions between sialoadenectomy and capsaicin-sensitive afferent fibers on gastric acid secretion in rats

In this study we have investigated the relative influence of capsaicin-sensitive afferents and sialoadenectomy on gastric acid secretion. Sialoadenectomized (SALX) rats showed a decrease in gastric acid secretion and an increase in gastric calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity (CGRP-li) as compared to sham-operated animals. Capsaicin pretreatment (50 + 100 mg kg-1 in two days) markedly decreased gastric CGRP-li in both sham and SALX-operated rats and increased acid concentration and output only in SALX animals. In this latter case the concomitant absence of two potent endogenous antisecretory agents (CGRP and epidermal growth factor; EGF) may contribute to the observed hypersecretion. Gastric content of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-li was unaffected in SALX and capsaicin-treated rats. Capsaicin-sensitive afferents and EGF contained in the salivary glands may interact in the regulation of the gastric acid secretion.

Rat small intestinal morphology and tissue regulatory peptides: effects of high dietary fat

Sprague-Dawley rats (3 weeks old) were fed on isoenergetic diets in which 40% of the total energy was provided as fat either in the form of butter (high saturated fat), olive oil (high monounsaturated fat) or maize oil (high polyunsaturated fat), with one group on low-fat (10% of total energy) standard diet as a control. Animals were killed after 8.4 (se 0.8) weeks by cardiac puncture. Similar pieces of jejunum and ileum were prepared for morphometric studies. Extracts of tissue from the proximal and distal segments of the whole small intestine from four animals per group were assayed using established techniques for enteroglucagon, motilin, neurotensin, somatostatin, substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). We found that maize oil and olive oil increased villus height: crypt depth ratio in both jejunum and ileum. Maize oil increased tissue concentrations of somatostatin (P less than 0.05) and substance P (P less than 0.005) in the proximal segment. Both maize oil and olive oil increased tissue concentrations of neurotensin and substance P (P less than 0.005) in the distal segments. These observations may explain the improvement of intestinal absorption of fluid following supplementation with polyunsaturated fat.

Alterations in receptors for sensory neuropeptides in human inflammatory bowel disease

Glutamate and several neuropeptides are synthesized and released by subpopulations of primary afferent neurons. These sensory neurons play a role in regulating the inflammatory and immune responses in peripheral tissues. We have explored what changes occur in the location and concentration of receptor binding sites for sensory neurotransmitters in two human inflammatory diseases, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, using quantitative receptor autoradiography. The sensory neurotransmitter receptors included bombesin, calcitonin gene-related peptide-alpha, cholecystokinin, galanin, glutamate, somatostatin, neurokinin A (substance K), substance P, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. Of the nine receptor binding sites examined only binding sites for substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide were significantly altered in the inflamed tissue. These data suggest that substance P is involved in regulating the inflammatory and immune responses in human inflammatory diseases and indicate a specificity of efferent action for each sensory neurotransmitter in peripheral tissues.

Modulation by opiates of small intestinal prostaglandin E2 and 3',5'cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels and of indomethacin-induced ulceration in the rat

We studied the effect of parenteral morphine and naloxone administration on intestinal mucosal Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 3',5' cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and on indomethacin-induced intestinal ulceration in the rat. Compared to the control group, morphine significantly decreased whereas naloxone markedly increased both PGE2 and cAMP mucosal levels, respectively. Morphine or naloxone alone did not cause mucosal injury. However, when given with indomethacin, morphine significantly potentiated the ulcerogenic effect of indomethacin while naloxone exerted a protective effect. These results suggest that opioid peptides may play a role in modulation of intestinal mucosal PGE2 and cAMP levels. In addition, enhancement of indomethacin-induced ulcer formation by morphine and amelioration by naloxone might be in part mediated through their effect on mucosal PGE2 and cAMP levels.

Enkephalins modulate inhibitory neuromuscular transmission in circular muscle of human colon via delta-opioid receptors

1. A sucrose-gap technique was used to investigate the neuromodulatory actions of enkephalins on non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) in the circular muscle of the human large intestine. 2. The native enkephalins, [Leu5]enkephalin (LENK) and [Met5]enkephalin (MENK) caused a concentration-dependent reduction in amplitude of IJPs without a significant effect on the smooth muscle membrane. 3. The actions of LENK and MENK were mimicked by the delta-selective opioid receptor agonists [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE) and [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE). 4. The actions of LENK, MENK and DPDPE were antagonized to similar extents by the delta-selective opioid receptor antagonist ICI 174,864. 5. The mu-selective opioid receptor agonist [D-Ala2, Me Phe, Gly-ol5]enkephalin was approximately 100-fold less potent than any of the native or synthetic enkephalins at reducing the amplitude of the IJP. Dynorphin A and beta-endorphin both had very weak activity. 6. Responses to all of the agonists were inhibited by naloxone. The degree of antagonism of DPDPE or DADLE by naloxone (1 microM) was the same as that of LENK or MENK. 7. Neither MENK nor LENK affected hyperpolarization of the smooth muscle membrane induced by ATP or 5-hydroxytryptamine. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (1 pM-1 microM) did not produce any observable responses and this lack of reactivity was not affected by the enkephalins. 8. It is concluded that in the circular muscle of the human colon, LENK and MENK can act on prejunctional delta-opioid receptors to produce inhibition of non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic inhibitory neuromuscular transmission. Possible physiological significance of this prejunctional receptor is discussed.

Further studies of the changes in alkaline secretion, transepithelial potential difference and net fluid transport induced by the heat-stable enterotoxin of Escherichia coli (STa) in the rat jejunum in vivo

A pH-stat technique was used to study the mechanisms underlying the intestinal alkalinization evoked by the heat-stable enterotoxin of Escherichia coli (STa) in the rat denervated jejunum in vivo. In addition, concomitant changes of transepithelial potential difference and fluid transport were also investigated. To test the possible involvement of the enteric nervous system in the STa-stimulated alkaline secretion and potential difference, the mesenteric nerves were electrically stimulated or neuropeptide Y or methionine-enkephalin was infused intravenously. None of these interventions inhibited to any large extent the STa-stimulated alkaline secretion, whereas a greater suppression was noted on the concomitantly increased potential difference. Furthermore, neuropeptide Y but not methionine-enkephalin significantly inhibited STa-induced jejunal fluid secretion although neuropeptide Y was without effect on basal fluid transport. It is concluded that the enteric nervous reflex(es) which are of significant importance in explaining STa-evoked fluid secretion plays a minor role in controlling alkaline secretion. Furthermore, alkaline secretion may not contribute to the increase in potential difference caused by STa Amiloride (10(-4) or 10(-3) M) had no effect on the STa-stimulated alkaline secretion, implying that some cellular mechanism other than an inhibition of Na+/H+ exchanger explains the observed response. Similarly, acetazolamide had no effect on the STa-stimulated alkaline secretion or potential difference, suggesting that the secreted alkaline is of extracellular origin rather than from the cellular metabolism in the enterocytes.

Distribution of neuropeptide Y and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide immunoreactive nerves in normal and transplanted pancreatic tissue

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) immunoreactive nerves were demonstrated in 21-day-old embryonic pancreatic tissue fragments transplanted into the anterior eye chamber of rats for 22, 45 and 109 days and in 60-day-old normal adult pancreas using immunohistochemical technique. In normal adult tissue, NPY-positive neurons lie close to the basal and lateral walls of the acinar cells. NPY-containing nerve fiber plexuses were found around blood vessels. VIP-immunopositive nerves were also discernible in the outer parts of the islets of Langerhans and on pancreatic ducts. In the transplants, it is not only the neural elements that survived but also the pancreatic ducts and the endocrine cells. VIP- and NPY-positive neurons were found in the stroma of the surviving pancreatic tissue. The distribution of these neural elements is similar to that of normal tissue in the surviving pancreatic ducts but different with regards to the acinar tissue. This study confirms that intrinsic nerves can survive and synthesize polypeptides even after 109 days of transplantation into the anterior eye chamber.

Evaluation of the activity of chemically identified enteric neurons through the histochemical demonstration of cytochrome oxidase

The measurement of the density of the reaction product produced by the histochemical demonstration of cytochrome oxidase activity provides a method for the visual identification of physiologically active enteric neurons. The current study utilized the cytochrome oxidase technique in order to evaluate the metabolic history of neurons in different regions of the bowel and in chemically identified types of neuron. In addition, the effect of drugs or neurotoxins commonly used in the immunocytochemical identification of enteric neuronal phenotypes was also analyzed. Cytochrome oxidase activity was visualized with a blue-black reaction product resulting from the cobalt-intensified oxidation of 3,3'-diaminobenzidine. Peptides or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were localized with biotinylated secondary antibodies and alkaline phosphatase-labeled avidin. Bound avidin or endogenous alkaline phosphatase was visualized with a red reaction product in the presence or absence, respectively, of levamisole. Use of measured without interference from a simultaneously demonstrated histo- or immunochemical marker. A multi-peptidergic class of cholinergic submucosal secretomotor neuron containing neuropeptide Y (NPY) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) immunoreactivities was found to be less metabolically active than the average of all submucosal neurons. In contrast, a non-cholinergic submucosal secretomotor neuron containing dynorphin (which is also known to contain vasoactive intestinal peptide) immunoreactivity was more metabolically active than submucosal neurons that do not contain this peptide. On average, submucosal neurons were more metabolically active than those of the myenteric plexus, and levels of metabolic activity in the myenteric plexus were found to be higher in the duodenum and the cecum than in the jejunum-ileum or colon. Myenteric neurons characterized by CGRP or NPY immunoreactivities or by endogenous alkaline phosphatase activity, were all less metabolically active than the average of all neurons in myenteric ganglia. Colchicine, which stimulates intestinal motility, was observed to increase cytochrome oxidase activity in enteric neurons, suggesting that an effect on the enteric nervous system contributes to its action on the bowel. The neurotoxins, 6-hydroxydopamine and 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) were each found to stimulate neuronal metabolic activity. 5,7-DHT appeared to activate excitatory subtypes of 5-HT receptor since its effects were blocked or mimicked by compounds that act as antagonists or agonists, respectively, at these receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Transiently catecholaminergic (TC) cells in the bowel of the fetal rat: precursors of noncatecholaminergic enteric neurons

Experiments were done to study the fate of transient catecholaminergic (TC) cells that develop in the rodent gut during ontogeny. When they are first detected, at Day E11 in rats, TC cells are distributed along the vagal pathway, in advance of the descending fibers of the vagus nerves, and in the foregut. The early TC cells coexpress the immunoreactivities of several neural markers, including 150-kDa neurofilament protein, peripherin, microtubule associated protein (MAP) 5, and growth-associated protein (GAP)-43, with those of the catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH). All cells in the fetal rat bowel at Day E11 that express neural markers also express TH immunoreactivity. The primitive TC cells also express the immunoreactivities of neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor (and NGF receptor mRNA). By Day E12 TC cells are found along the vagal pathway and throughout the entire preumbilical bowel. At this age TC cells acquire additional characteristics, including MAP 2 and synaptophysin immunoreactivities and acetylcholinesterase activity, which indicate that they continue to mature as neurons. In addition, TC cells of the rat are immunostained at Day E12 by the NC-1 monoclonal antibody, which in rats labels multiple cell types including migrating cells of neural crest origin. Despite their neural properties, at least some TC cells divide and therefore are neural precursors and not terminally differentiated neurons. At Day E10 TH mRNA-containing cells were not detected by in situ hybridization; however, by Day E11 TH mRNA was detected in sympathetic ganglia and in scattered cells in the mesenchyme of the foregut and vagal pathway. At this age, the number of enteric and vagal cells containing TH mRNA is about 30% less than the number of cells containing TH immunoreactivity in adjacent sections. The ratio of TH mRNA-containing cells to TH-immunoreactive vagal and enteric cells is even less at Day E12, especially in more caudal regions of the preumbilical bowel. A similar decline in the ratio of TH mRNA-containing to TH-immunoreactive cells was not observed in sympathetic ganglia. After Day E12 TH mRNA cannot be detected in enteric or vagal cells by in situ hybridization; nevertheless, TH immunoreactivity continues to be present through Day E14. DBH, NPY, and NGF receptor immunoreactivities are expressed by TH-immunoreactive transitional cells in the fetal rat gut after TH mRNA is no longer detectable.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Morphine inhibits secretion of bicarbonate from the human duodenal mucosa. Possible role of endogenous opioids in the regulation of human duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion

Mucus and bicarbonate secreted from the epithelium are thought to be important for the protection of the duodenal mucosa against acid and pepsin, but so far little is known about the regulation of human duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion. After isolating a segment of the proximal human duodenum from gastric and pancreaticobiliary secretion we quantified the secretion of bicarbonate from the human duodenal mucosa. The method was evaluated by measurements of basal and prostaglandin E1 analogue-stimulated bicarbonate secretion. The duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion was inhibited 70% after intravenous infusion of morphine in a dose of 73.6 micrograms/kg/h and increased after intravenous administration of naloxone. Thus, the inhibition is most likely mediated by mu-receptors, and the results suggest a role of endogenous opioids in the regulation of the secretion of bicarbonate from the human duodenal mucosa.

Neuropeptide release from isolated myenteric nerve endings derived from the guinea pig myenteric plexus

Isolated myenteric nerve varicosities prepared from the myenteric plexus of the guinea pig ileum were investigated as a suitable model system with which to study the release of several neuropeptide-like immunoreactivities (-LI). Basal release of substance P-LI, neurokinin A-LI, Leu-enkephalin-LI and Met-enkephalin-LI was determined, and clear depolarization-induced release of the enkephalin-LI's and neurokinin A-LI was obtained using this preparation, providing further support for their roles as putative mediators in the enteric nervous system. Evoked-release of these peptides was dependent on the presence in the incubation mixture of certain antagonists to known endogenous neuronal mediators. In the absence of such antagonists, no unequivocal evidence of release was seen. Clear evoked release of Leu-enkephalin-LI occurred only in the presence of the adenosine receptor antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-p-sulfophenylxanthine (DPSPX), atropine and naloxone. Release of Met-enkephalin-LI occurred in the presence of either atropine or naloxone. The release of neurokinin A-LI was evident in the presence of DPSPX. These findings suggest the existence of either distinct subpopulations of nerve varicosities or distinct neuronal pools containing each peptide and that these peptides may be under differential regulation by endogenous inhibitory mediators. It is concluded that, under suitable conditions, isolated myenteric nerve varicosities provide a useful model system for the study of release, and the modulation of release, of endogenous neuropeptides.

Ileal glucagon gene expression: ontogeny and response to massive small bowel resection

Massive small bowel resection with re-anastomosis of the residual jejunum and terminal ileum results in marked adaptive responses. Various luminal and humoral factors have been implicated in the adaptive response, which may be analogous to the changes occurring in the ileum in the postnatal growth phase. Enteroglucagon, which is synthesized in the L cells of the intestinal mucosa, is thought to be an important humoral factor in this response. In this study, the levels of glucagon gene expression in the rat ileum both after massive small bowel resection and during development are examined. Glucagon messenger RNA levels are increased threefold as part of the adaptive response; the increase is maximal at 2 days and is at least partly dependent on luminal nutrition. Levels of glucagon messenger RNA in the developing ileum increase in the postnatal period until weaning when they decrease somewhat before gradually reaching adult levels.

The antisecretory effects of somatostatin and analogues in rat descending colon mucosa

Somatostatin-14 (SS-14) and somatostatin-28 (SS-28) produce concentration dependent reductions in short-circuit current in rat colonic mucosa. EC50 values of 15.0 and 13.3 nM were obtained for SS-14 and SS-28 respectively while the N-terminal fragments of SS-28, namely somatostatin-(1-12) (SS1-12) and somatostatin-(1-14) (SS1-14) were inactive. Cyclo(Pro-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Phe) and cyclo(Pro-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Phe) were potent antisecretory peptides, like SS-14 and SS-28; while the putative somatostatin antagonist, cyclo(7-aminoheptanoyl-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr[Bzl]) exhibited neither agonist nor antagonist effects. Responses to SS-14 could be regulated by agents which affected the secretory state of the epithelium. Antisecretory effects of SS-14 were markedly attenuated by piroxicam and were restored following piroxicam plus either forskolin or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). SS-14 also attenuated secretory responses produced by carbachol, substance P (SP), VIP and alpha- and beta-calcitonin gene related peptide (alpha-, beta-CGRP). Therefore, SS-14 exhibits broad spectrum antisecretory effects in rat descending colon mucosa.

Characterization of kappa-opioid receptors in the guinea-pig ileum

Equilibrium binding saturation studies with [3H]bremazocine, under mu- and delta-suppressed conditions and [3H]U69593 have demonstrated that both radioligands bind with high affinity to an apparently homogeneous population of binding sites in the guinea-pig ileum longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparation. In competition studies, the absolute affinities and slopes of the inhibition curves for several unlabelled ligands against [3H]bremazocine were not significantly different to those against [3H]U69593 and were consistent with binding to the kappa-opioid binding site. In the intestinal layers underlying the longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus [3H]bremazocine, under kappa-selective conditions, recognized both a high and low affinity site. In contrast, [3H]U69593 bound to a homogeneous population of binding sites. The [3H]U69593 binding site and the [3H]bremazocine high affinity site demonstrated comparable characteristics to the single, kappa site identified in the longitudinal muscle layer. The nature of the low affinity site was not investigated due to difficulties associated with low specific binding, and its significance therefore remains to be investigated.

Effects of substance P and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide on contractile activity and epithelial transport in the ferret jejunum

Previous studies in the ferret demonstrated that vagal nerve stimulation induced an atropine-resistant water secretion. Substance P and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide are possible mediators of this secretory response. The objectives of this study were to investigate the in vivo effects of substance P and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide on the jejunal musculature and epithelium. Substance P caused an increase in jejunal motility, water secretion, and transmural potential difference. Cholinergic blockade did not affect the substance P-induced contractions, but did reduce the increase in transmural potential difference, suggesting an inhibition of water secretion. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide abolished motor activity; however, it induced an increase in transmural potential difference that was atropine and tetrodotoxin resistant. By immunohistochemical methods, immunoreactive vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and immunoreactive substance P were localized to both nerve cell bodies and nerve fibers in the ferret intestine. Determination of intestinal concentrations of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and substance P in the ferret showed concentrations of these two neuropeptides that were similar to those in human intestine and demonstrated much higher concentrations of these substances in the muscular layer than in the epithelial layer. Our data demonstrate that in the ferret substance P excites and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide inhibits jejunal motor activity. However, both peptides increase water secretion. Our results suggest that in response to vagal stimulation, neuronally released substance P or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide may participate in the atropine-resistant water secretion.

Cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer and the hepatoduodenal branch of the vagus nerve

We investigated the role of the autonomic nervous system in gastric acid secretion, somatostatin concentration and PAS-positive mucus production in Brunner's glands in cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer. Vagotomized rats were used. No ulcers occurred in the groups with vagotomies of the hepatoduodenal, truncal or gastric branches after cysteamine administration. However, in the hepatoduodenal branch vagotomized group, there was an increase in gastric acid secretion after cysteamine administration. A similar increase was observed in the control group, but the decreases in somatostatin concentration and PAS-positive mucus seen in the control group were not found in the hepatoduodenal vagotomized group. These results suggest that the hepatoduodenal branch of the vagus nerve might play an important role in the ulcerogenic process of cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer.

Release of substance P-like immunoreactivity from the vascularly perfused rat stomach

The release of gastric substance P-like immunoreactivity (SP-LI) has been studied in the vascularly perfused rat stomach. In the presence of 20 microM bacitracin and captopril, basal release of SP-LI was sustained throughout the experiments. Gastric SP-LI release was stimulated in a concentration-dependent manner by increasing the concentration of KCl in the perfusion medium. This stimulated release was reduced by the omission of Ca2+, indicating that a Ca2(+)-dependent mechanism was involved. Naloxone did not alter basal SP-LI secretion. [Met5]Enkephalin also had no significant effect on K(+)-stimulated secretion suggesting that enkephalinergic mechanisms are not involved. Gastric SP-LI release was also increased by capsaicin perfusion but this was not sustained. In conclusion, the present results provide the first evidence for the release of SP-LI into the rat stomach vasculature.

Distribution of neurotensin-like immunoreactivities in porcine and human gut

The distribution of neurotensin-like immunoreactivity (NTLI) in porcine and human intestine was studied by extraction of mucosal and muscular layers of esophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon. NTLI was quantitated and characterized by radioimmunoassays and gel filtration chromatography. Porcine tissue was obtained in anesthetized animals (n = 6) and human tissue during surgery (n = 28). Concentrations of NTLI increased gradually from the distal esophagus to the ileum. Highest concentrations were found in 2.0 M acetic acid extracts of proximal ileal mucosa (150 (131-223) and 525 (500-729) pmol/g wet tissue, respectively (medians and interquartile range]. After acid extraction, concentrations of intact NT and COOH-terminal and NH2-terminal NTLI were similar, but in water concentrations of NH2-terminal NTLI were high and intact NT and COOH-terminal NTLI low. The distribution of NTLI was similar in the two species. Gel chromatography of ileal, jejunal, and duodenal mucosa indicated that in these tissues NTLI consisted primarily of intact NT. In antral mucosa COOH-terminal immunoreactivity different from NT was detected. The chemical identity is unknown, but it may represent precursor forms of NT.

Calbindin neurons of the guinea-pig small intestine: quantitative analysis of their numbers and projections

The distribution of nerve cells with immunoreactivity for the calcium-binding protein, calbindin, has been studied in the small intestine of the guinea-pig, and the projections of these neurons have been analysed by tracing their processes and by examining the consequences of nerve lesions. The immunoreactive neurons were numerous in the myenteric ganglia; there were 3500 +/- 100 reactive nerve cells per cm2 of undistended intestine, which is 30% of all nerve cells. In contrast, reactive nerve cells were extremely rare in submucous ganglia. The myenteric nerve cells were oval in outline and gave rise to several long processes; this morphology corresponds to Dogiel's type-II classification. Processes from the cell bodies were traced through the circular muscle in perforating nerve fibre bundles. Other processes ran circumferentially in the myenteric plexus. Removal of the myenteric plexus, allowing time for subsequent fibre degeneration, showed that reactive nerve fibres in the submucous ganglia and mucosa came from the myenteric cell bodies. Operations to sever longitudinal or circumferential pathways in the myenteric plexus indicated that most reactive nerve terminals in myenteric ganglia arise from myenteric cell bodies whose processes run circumferentially for 1.5 mm, on average. It is deduced that the calbindin-reactive neurons are multipolar sensory neurons, with the sensitive processes in the mucosa and with other processes innervating neurons of the myenteric plexus.

Distinct distribution of CGRP-, enkephalin-, galanin-, neuromedin U-, neuropeptide Y-, somatostatin-, substance P-, VIP- and serotonin-containing neurons in the two submucosal ganglionic neural networks of the porcine small intestine

In addition to differences between the two submucosal ganglionic neural networks, i.e., the plexus submucosus externus (Schabadasch) and the plexus submucosus internus (Meissner), with respect to the occurrence and distribution of serotonin as neurotransmitter, immunocytochemistry also revealed a distinct distribution for various neuropeptides in these two plexuses. Immunoreactivity for galanin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide, substance P, neuromedin U, enkephalin, somatostatin and neuropeptide Y was found in varicose and non-varicose nerve fibres of both submucosal ganglionic plexuses, albeit with a distinct distributional pattern. The difference in neurotransmitter and/or neuromodulator content between both neural networks became even more obvious when attention was focussed on the immunoreactivity of the nerve cell bodies for these substances. Indeed, neuropeptide Y, enkephalin- and somatostatin-immunoreactive neuronal perikarya as well as serotonergic neuronal cell bodies appear solely in the plexus submucosus externus. Neuromedin U-immunoreactive perikarya, mostly coexisting with substance P, are observed in large numbers in the plexus submucosus internus, whilst they are rare in the plexus submucosus externus. Double-labelling immunostaining for substance P with CGRP and galanin revealed a different coexistence pattern for the two submucosal ganglionic plexuses. The differing chemical content of the neuronal populations supports the hypothesis that the existence of the two submucosal ganglionic plexuses, present in most large mammals including man, not only reflects a morphological difference but also points to differentiated functions.

On the role of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and tachykinins in the secretory reflex elicited by chemical peritonitis in the cat small intestine

Peritonitis induced by serosal application of 0.1 M hydrochloric acid causes net fluid secretion via the enteric nervous system. The aim of the present study was to investigate the roles of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and tachykinins in this reflex(es). The release of tachykinins (substance P [SP], neurokinin A [NKA], neuropeptide K [NPK]) and VIP into the mesenteric circulation, net fluid transport, intestinal blood flow and sometimes motility were recorded simultaneously in extrinsically denervated jejunal segments of the cat in vivo. The release of both VIP and NKA was increased upon application of HCl to the cat jejunal serosa. Tetrodotoxin, hexamethonium and methionine enkephalin inhibited both the induced VIP release and the secretory response. The increased release of NKA was unaffected by hexamethonium. We propose that the intramural secretory reflex evoked by acid application of the serosa consists of an 'afferent' tachykinin neuron, a cholinergic interneuron and an 'efferent' VIPergic neuron innervating the secretory enterocytes.

Enkephalin affects ion transport via the enteric nervous system in guinea-pig ileum

The endogenous opioid enkephalin drives ion transport towards absorption. To determine the site and mechanism of this effect, fractionated stripping of guinea-pig ileum was carried out. The muscularis propria, including myenteric plexus, was removed by partial stripping. The submucosa, including the submucosal plexus, plus the muscularis mucosae were removed by total stripping. For binding studies, epithelial cells were removed by the method of Weiser leaving the lamina propria mucosae with the mucosal plexus. Radio-receptor-assay with (3H)2-D-ala-5-D-leu-enkephalin revealed enkephalin binding sites in the submucosa plus muscularis mucosae (KD = 3.6 nmol l-1; Vmax = 7.3 fmol mg-1) and in the lamina propria mucosae (KD = 4.2 nmol l-1; Vmax = 5.1 fmol mg-1. The binding was stereospecific in both layers. No binding was detected on epithelial cells. In the Ussing chamber, partially stripped ileum exhibited spontaneous ISC which was abolished by addition of tetrodotoxin (TTX) or by total stripping indicating that this ISC was neuronally stimulated by the submucosal plexus. Electrogenic chloride secretion was identified as contributing to this ISC, since the TTX-sensitive part of ISC in the partially stripped ileum was lacking in Cl- and HCO3-free medium, reappeared after addition of Cl consistent with Michaelis-Menten kinetics (Km = 19 nmol l-1) and was reversed by serosal addition of bumetanide. In addition, enkephalin increased electroneutral NaCl-absorption as obtained by Na- and Cl-flux measurements. Enkephalin decreased this spontaneous neuronally stimulated electrogenic Cl-secretion in the partially stripped ileum, but had no effect in totally stripped ileum if ISC was stimulated at the cellular level by theophylline or PGE1. We conclude that ganglia located in the submucosal plexus regulate intestinal ion transport. Enkephalin acts by presynaptic inhibition via receptors on these neurons in the submucosa and/or via receptors on their neurites in the lamina propria mucosae.

Some pharmacological characteristics of the guinea pig ileum opioid system activated by cholecystokinin

Naloxone, added after contractions induced by CCK-8 on the guinea pig ileum preparation, elicited a contraction attributed to the release of endogenous opioid which could inhibit the excitatory action of the peptide. With large concentrations of CCK-8, the preparation gave reproducible responses with time. Naloxone, added before the peptide, protracted the excitatory response to CCK-8, but not its height. Morphine decreased the response to CCK-8 but simultaneously raised the response to naloxone. The latter effect appeared very similar to the withdrawal contraction observed after brief exposure of the opioid in the guinea pig ileum to opioids. Clonidine, and alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist, and nifedipine, a calcium channel antagonist, both known to interfere with tolerance and physical dependence, affected the excitatory response to CCK-8 and the subsequent response to naloxone in a different way.

Peripheral nerve pathways to neurons in the guinea pig inferior mesenteric ganglion determined electrophysiologically after chronic nerve section

Peripheral synaptic pathways to neurons in the guinea pig inferior mesenteric ganglion (IMG) were studied. Nerve trunks innervating neurons in the ganglion were surgically sectioned and intracellular electrical responses to nerve stimulation were measured 6-8 days after surgery. In all animals ganglia were decentralized by removal of the lumbar sympathetic chain ganglia L2 through L4 and in addition two peripheral nerves were sectioned leaving the ganglion innervated by only one peripheral nerve. Fast and slow excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) were evoked with electrical stimulation of each of the nerve trunks and with distension of the colon. The thresholds to evoke fast EPSPs and the amplitude of slow EPSPs were compared for each nerve trunk among the different surgical groups including sham-operated controls and completely denervated ganglia. Both fast and slow EPSPs could be evoked electrically from each intact peripheral nerve trunk after the other three nerve trunks had been sectioned, which demonstrates that nerve fibers with cell bodies in the regions innervated by the peripheral nerves make functional synaptic connections with neurons in the inferior mesenteric ganglion. In general, nerve sections increased the threshold for evoking fast EPSPs and decreased the amplitude of electrically-evoked slow EPSPs compared to control ganglia. Synaptic potentials could also be evoked with stimulation of cut nerve trunks, demonstrating that branches of nerve fibers from peripheral nerves enter other nerve trunks. The hypogastric nerve was unique in that branches of axons eliciting fast but not slow synaptic potentials in the ganglion entered this nerve trunk. Distension-induced fast and slow EPSPs were present only if the lumbar colonic nerve was intact and they were not altered by section of the other nerve trunks. In contrast, the slow EPSPs evoked with electrical stimulation of the lumbar colonic nerve were significantly smaller when at least one other nerve trunk was sectioned suggesting that the axon branches from other nerve trunks which enter the lumbar colonic nerve are not activated by distension. These studies demonstrate that neurons eliciting either fast or slow synaptic potentials with cell bodies in regions innervated by the peripheral nerve trunks make functional synaptic connections with neurons of the inferior mesenteric ganglion. The results also suggest that the majority of mechanosensory neurons mediating excitatory synaptic responses to colon distension are neurons with a peripheral cell body.

Differential effects of intracerebroventricular colchicine administration on the expression of mRNAs for neuropeptides and neurotransmitter enzymes, with special emphasis on galanin: an in situ hybridization study

The axonal transport blocker colchicine has been extensively used in immunohistochemical studies to induce accumulation of neuroactive compounds, especially neuropeptides, in neuronal somata and thus improve their visualization. To assess whether colchicine might, in addition, influence the synthesis of such compounds, we have now used in situ hybridization to examine the levels of mRNAs encoding for several neuropeptides (galanin [GAL], cholecystokinin [CCK], somatostatin [SOM], neuropeptide Y [NPY]) and neurotransmitter-synthesizing enzymes (choline acetyltransferase [ChAT], tyrosine hydroxylase [TH], amino acid decarboxylase [AADC], and glutamic acid decarboxylase [GAD]) after intraventricular administration of the drug. The results show that colchicine differentially modifies the levels of several mRNA species in different brain areas. Thus GAL mRNA levels increase in virtually all regions examined, including the basal forebrain, hypothalamus, dorsal raphe nucleus, locus coeruleus, and nucleus tractus solitarii. In addition, after colchicine treatment, GAL mRNA appears to be induced in the ipsilateral hemisphere in regions such as the cortex, hippocampus, striatum, lateral septum, and some nuclei of the thalamus as well as within white matter, where it cannot be detected in control animals. Although GAL mRNA in the vast majority of cases is neuronal, some findings indicate a possible glial localization. In parallel, colchicine depletes ChAT mRNA and increases GAD mRNA in the basal forebrain and striatum and decreases AADC mRNA in the dorsal raphe nucleus and locus coeruleus. In the latter nucleus, NPY and TH mRNA levels are increased by colchicine. In contrast, TH mRNA and also CCK mRNA levels decrease in the substantia nigra. In the cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus ipsilateral to colchicine injection CCK mRNA levels are markedly decreased, whereas SOM mRNA is decreased and NPY mRNA increased in the hippocampus but unchanged in the cortex. The results are discussed with reference to the possible artifacts that the use of colchicine might induce in immunohistochemical mapping studies and in relation to possible neurotoxic actions of colchicine, in some cases perhaps related to impaired retrograde transport of growth factor(s).

Opioid-like immunoreactive neurons in secretomotor pathways of the guinea-pig ileum

In this study we sought to establish the distribution, projections and neurochemical coding of opioid immunoreactive neurons in secretomotor pathways of the guinea-pig ileum. Non-cholinergic secretomotor neurons in the submucous ganglia have been shown to be immunoreactive for dynorphin A 1-8, dynorphin A 1-17, dynorphin B and alpha neo-endorphin while cholinergic neurons have been shown to be immunoreactive for dynorphin A 1-8 only. Thus all submucous neurons in the guinea-pig ileum are immunoreactive for prodynorphin-derived peptides. Two major populations of opioid immunoreactive fibres projecting to the submucous ganglia have been established. Firstly, neurons immunoreactive for prodynorphin-derived peptides and vasoactive intestinal peptide project anally from the myenteric plexus to the submucous ganglia. Secondly, a substantial proportion of sympathetic postganglionic fibres immunoreactive for tyrosine hydroxylase, and projecting from the coeliac ganglion to submucous ganglia, have been shown to be immunoreactive for prodynorphin-derived peptides. Other smaller populations of opioid-immunoreactive neurons include fibres immunoreactive for substance P, enkephalin and dynorphin A 1-8 which project from the myenteric plexus to the non-ganglionated plexus of the submucosa. These fibres are probably excitatory motor neurons to the muscularis mucosae. The present paper has described several distinct populations of opioid immunoreactive neurons in secretomotor pathways of the guinea-pig ileum. Furthermore we have shown that these enteric or postganglionic sympathetic neurons contain opioid peptides in combination with other neurotransmitter substances. These results should provide a firmer basis on which to plan functional experiments to elucidate the physiological role of opioid peptides in the enteric nervous system.

Peptides and vasomotor mechanisms

The multiple and diverse roles played by neuropeptide Y, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide and other biologically active peptides in the cardiovascular system are considered. A model of the vascular neuroeffector junction is described, which illustrates the interactions of peptidergic and nonpeptidergic transmitters that are possible at pre- and postjunctional sites. The effects of peptides on specific endothelial receptors are also described, which highlights the ability of these agents to act as dual regulators of vascular tone at both adventitial and intimal surfaces, following local release from nerves, or from endothelial cells themselves. Changes in expression of vascular neuropeptides that occur during development and aging in some disease situations and following nerve lesion are discussed.

Neurotensin binding sites in porcine jejunum: biochemical characterization and intramural localization

Neurotensin is present in high concentrations in the mammalian gut, especially in enteroendocrine cells of the mucosa. Exogenous neurotensin has been shown to alter ion transport by the mucosa and contractile activity of intestinal smooth muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of neurotensin binding sites within the intestinal wall. Initially, biochemical characteristics of [125I]neurotensin binding sites were determined within two preparations of the distal porcine jejunum: (1) the mucosa and submucosa, and (2) the circular and longitudinal muscle with their intramural plexuses. Ligand binding data for the preparation including the mucosa and submucosa indicated that [125I]neurotensin bound specifically to two sites having apparent equilibrium dissociation constants of approximately 0.046 and 0.37 nM. A binding site with a dissociation constant of approximately 0.38 nM was confirmed for the preparation of muscle and associated intramural plexuses. Xenopsin and neurotensin were equipotent to neurotensin in competing for these binding sites; neuromedin N was approximately 40 times less potent in the preparation of mucosa and submucosa. Receptor autoradiography was used to determine the distribution of [125I]neurotensin binding sites within the wall of the jejunum. Autoradiograms of [125I]neurotensin bound to cross sections of the proximal and distal jejunum showed that the highest densities of silver grains were associated with the internal submucosal ganglia, external submucosal plexus and myenteric ganglia. A moderate density of silver grains was associated with the circular muscle. The localization of neurotensin binding sites to submucosal ganglia is consistent with observations that neurotensin effects on active anion secretion by the mucosa are blocked by tetrodotoxin. Immunohistochemical localization of neurotensin in the porcine jejunum demonstrated a limited population of neurotensin immunoreactive cells within the mucosal epithelium. It is possible that neurotensin released from these cells in the mucosa as well as neurotensin-related peptides released from enteric neurons may be the endogenous ligands for the binding sites visualized in this study.

The co-localization of neuropeptides in the submucosa of the small intestine of normal Wistar and non-diabetic BB rats

Immunocytochemical double and triple staining techniques were employed on whole mounts of the submucosal plexus from normal Wistar and non-diabetic BB rat jejunum and ileum, to determine the patterns of co-localization of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-, peptide histidine-isoleucine-, somatostatin-, neuropeptide Y-, calcitonin gene-related peptide-, substance P-, and galanin-immunoreactive nerves. Neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity was found in 38% of submucosal plexus neurons, within the same neuronal elements as vasoactive intestinal polypeptide immunoreactivity (39% of submucosal plexus neurons) and peptide histidine-isoleucine immunoreactivity. A small population (1% of submucosal plexus neurons) containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide- and peptide histide isoleucine-like immunoreactivity without NPY-like immunoreactivity was also observed. A significant population of fibers containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and galanin immunoreactivity were observed in the mucosa and submucosa, although no cell bodies were detected which contained both neuropeptides. Galanin-like immunoreactivity was seen in a small (2% of submucosal plexus neurons) population, not co-localized with any of the other neuropeptides examined. All somatostatin-immunoreactive neuronal elements (18% of submucosal plexus neurons) contained calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactivity, just over half of which also contained substance P immunoreactivity. An additional 25% of submucosal plexus neurons contained calcitonin gene-related peptide- without somatostatin-like immunoreactivity and 28% of submucosal plexus neurons contained substance P without somatostatin-like immunoreactivity. Some degree of co-localization was seen between calcitonin gene-related peptide- and substance P-like immunoreactivity, however, this could not be directly quantified.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of cholera toxin, Escherichia coli heat stable toxin and sodium deoxycholate on neurotensin release from the ileum in vivo

Neurotensin (NT) is a biologically active peptide found in specialized epithelial cells (N-cells) in the distal small intestine. In this study we tested the hypothesis that NT may be released by luminal secretagogues, i.e., cholera toxin, Escherichia coli heat-stable toxin and sodium deoxycholate. Cholera toxin elicited net fluid secretion in anesthetized cats. This secretion was accompanied by an increased release of NT-like immunoreactivity (NTLI) into the mesenteric vein when NTLI was measured with either a C-terminally or a N-terminally directed antibody. An increasing plasma NTLI concentration (N-terminally directed antibody) was recorded in the mesenteric vein and femoral artery in cholera experiments. These results indicate that cholera toxin releases NT from the small intestine. Since neurotensin causes intestinal fluid secretion at least in part via an activation of enteric nerves we propose that the N-cell functions as a 'receptor cell' which activates an intramural secretory reflex upon luminal stimulation by cholera toxin. This study does not support a similar role for NT in the secretion elicited by the heat stable toxin of Escherichia coli or by sodium deoxycholate since we were unable to demonstrate any intestinal release of NTLI after exposing the intestine to these secretory agents.

Alpha-adrenergic influences on exocrine pancreatic secretion in the rabbit

Action of phenylephrine (35 micrograms/Kg/min) alone or previously blocked by phentolamine (100 micrograms/Kg/min) on exocrine pancreatic secretion of anaesthetized rabbits has been studied, in basal state or under stimulation by secretin (1 C.U./Kg/h) or by the octapeptide of cholecystokinin (OP-CCK) (0.15 Ivy dog units/Kg/h). Phenylephrine increased arterial pressure. This effect was blocked by phentolamine. However no variations were seen in pancreatic blood flow in any of the experimental conditions assayed. Phenylephrine produced a secretin-like effect on hydroelectrolytic secretion in basal conditions. This action was maintained after the infusion of secretin but not after OP-CCK. This effect was not blocked by phentolamine. Phenylephrine increased protein secretion in the basal state, an action that was blocked by phentolamine. After secretin or OP-CCK stimulation phenylephrine did not increase protein secretion. It is concluded that phentolamine blocks the effects of phenylephrine on acinar cells but not on ductular cells.

Neurotensin receptors on circular smooth muscle of canine small intestine: role of disulfide bridges

We have studied the effect of sulfhydryl agents on the binding of 125I-tyr3-neurotensin to the purified plasma membranes from circular smooth muscle and on the in vitro response of circular muscle strips of canine small intestine to neurotensin. Dithiothreitol (DTT) enhanced the binding by about 80%. Cysteine (a reductant) also enhanced the binding while cystine (an oxidant) reduced the binding to the similar extent. DTT stimulated the tissue in the organ bath and abolished the stimulatory response to low concentrations of neurotensin. The stimulatory response to acetylcholine was not altered by DTT. The implications of the role of disulfide bridges in the neurotensin response is discussed.

Stimulation of kappa opiate receptors in intestinal wall affects stress-induced increase of plasma cortisol in dogs

In dogs, an acoustic stress (A.S.) produced by hearing of intense music (less than or equal to 90 dB) through earpieces for 1 h induced a 520% maximal rise in plasma cortisol 15-30 min after the beginning of stress. Oral administration of the specific kappa agonists, U-50488 (0.1 mg/kg) and PD 117302 (0.05 mg/kg), 30 min before the A.S. session reduced significantly (P less than 0.01) by 71.2% and 80.9% the maximal increase of plasma cortisol but did not affect the increase observed after intracerebroventricular administration of ovineCRF (100 ng/kg). These effects which are not reproduced by intravenous administration of the drugs at similar doses, were blocked by previous treatment with MR 2266 (0.1 mg/kg) or local anesthesia and vagotomy, suggesting that kappa opioid agonists inhibit the stress-induced activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) system by acting selectively on specific receptors located in the wall of the proximal gut.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide. An inhibitor of feline gastric smooth muscle in vitro

Dose-response characteristics of feline corpus circular muscle were studied in vitro for three neuropeptides individually and with vasoactive intestinal peptide. Bombesin, substance P, and cholecystokinin-octapeptide each elicited concentration-dependent isometric contractions that were reduced by 10(-8) M or 10(-7) M vasoactive intestinal peptide (P less than 0.01). The concentration of each neuropeptide producing a half-maximal response was increased more than one logfold to greater than or equal to 10(-6) M by vasoactive intestinal peptide. Tetrodotoxin blocked responses to bombesin (P less than 0.001) and reduced responses to substance P (P less than 0.05), but had no effect on responses to cholecystokinin-octapeptide (P greater than 0.1). These results demonstrate inhibition of neuropeptide responses of gastric smooth muscle and support vasoactive intestinal peptide as an inhibitory regulator of gastric motor function.

Neuropeptide-hydrolysing activities in synaptosomal fractions from dog ileum myenteric, deep muscular and submucous plexi. Their participation in neurotensin inactivation

The mapping of neuropeptidases in synaptosomal fractions prepared from dog ileum myenteric, deep muscular and submucous plexus was established by means of fluorigenic substrates and specific inhibitors. Endopeptidase 24.11, angiotensin-converting enzyme and aminopeptidases were found in all tissues, the highest amounts being recovered in the submucous preparation. Post-proline dipeptidyl aminopeptidase was obtained in high quantities whatever the tissue source while proline endopeptidase was detected in low amounts and pyroglutamyl-peptide hydrolase was never detectable. The above peptidases were examined for their putative participation in the inactivation of neurotensin by monitoring the effect of specific inhibitors on the formation of the metabolites of labeled neurotensin separated by HPLC. Endopeptidases 24.11, 24.15 and 24.16 were respectively responsible for the formation of neurotensin(1-11), neurotensin(1-8) and neurotensin(1-10) that are devoid of biological activity. The secondary attacks occurring on neurotensin degradation products were the following: cleavage of neurotensin(1-10) into neurotensin(1-8) by angiotensin-converting enzyme; conversion of neurotensin(9-13) into neurotensin(11-13) by post-proline dipeptidyl aminopeptidase; hydrolysis of neurotensin(11-13) into free tyrosine by aminopeptidase(s).