Aspects on the role of tachykinins and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in control of secretion, motility and blood flow in the gut

Tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors mediate non-adrenergic non-cholinergic excitatory neuromuscular transmission in the guinea-pig stomach

By using selective tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptor antagonists and agonists, we studied the excitatory non-adrenergic non-cholinergic transmission to the circular muscle of the corpus of guinea-pig stomach by the sucrose-gap method. After elimination of inhibitory junction potentials by apamin (0.1 microM), L-nitroarginine (30 microM) and tetraethylammonium (10 mM), electrical field stimulation (10 Hz) in the presence of atropine (1 microM) and nifedipine (1 microM) evoked a pure excitatory junction potential and contraction. The selective tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist, MEN 11420, concentration-dependently inhibited the non-adrenergic non-cholinergic excitatory junction potential (EC50=0.09 microM) and contraction (EC50=0.04 microM) evoked by electrical field stimulation. On the other hand, the selective NK1 receptor antagonist GR 82334 (3 microM) only slightly (by about 30%) inhibited the excitatory junction potential while leaving the contraction unaffected. The combined administration of GR 82334 (1 microM) and MEN 11420 (0.3 microM) produced an additive inhibition of the excitatoryjunction potential, significantly larger than that produced by each antagonist alone. In the presence of both GR 82334 (1 microM) and MEN 11420 (0.3 microM), the P2 purinoreceptor antagonist pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (30 microM) remarkably inhibited the fast component of the excitatory junction potential. In the presence of atropine (1 microM), indomethacin (3 microM) and guanethidine (3 microM) either the selective NK2 receptor agonist, [betaAla8]neurokinin A (4-10) (0.01 microM), or the selective NK1 receptor agonist, [Sar9]substance P sulfone (0.3 microM), produced tetrodotoxin-(1 microM) and nifedipine-(1 microM) resistant depolarization and contraction. The [Sar9]substance P sulfone (0.3 microM)-induced contraction, but not that induced by [betaAla8]neurokinin A (4 10) (0.01 microM), was potentiated by apamin (0.1 microM) plus L-nitroarginine (30 microM). In the presence of atropine (1 microM), indomethacin (3 microM), guanethidine (3 microM), apamin (0.1 microM) and L-nitroarginine (30 microM), the selective tachykinin NK2 and NK1 receptor agonists, [betaAla8]neurokinin A (4-10) and [Sar9]substance P sulfone, both produced a concentration-dependent depolarization and contraction of the circular muscle. MEN 11420 inhibited the responses to [[Ala8]neurokinin A (4-10) without affecting the responses to [Sar9]substance P sulfone, while GR 82334 inhibited the responses to [Sar9]substance P sulfone but not that to [betaAla8]neurokinin A (4-10). These data provide evidence that tachykinin NK2 receptors predominantly mediate the non-adrenergic non-cholinergic excitatory transmission to the circular muscle of the corpus of guinea-pig stomach. In addition, after blocking the non-adrenergic non-cholinergic inhibitory junction potential by apamin, L-nitroarginine and tetraethylammonium, the fast component of the non-adrenergic non-cholinergic excitatory junction potential could be mediated by adenosine triphosphate.

Tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors mediate non-adrenergic non-cholinergic excitatory neuromuscular transmission in the human ileum

Tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptor selective antagonists and agonists were used to study excitatory non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) transmission in circular muscle strips from human ileum by the sucrose-gap method. In the presence of atropine (1 microM), guanethidine (3 microM), indomethacin (3 microM), apamin (0.1 microM), and N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG, 30 microM), electrical field simulation (EFS) produced a NANC inhibitory junction potential (i.j.p.) followed by NANC excitatory junction potential (e.j.p.) with superimposed action potentials and contraction of the circular muscle of human ileum. The selective tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, GR 82334 (0.1-3 microM) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the EFS-evoked NANC e.j.p. (IC50 = 0.21 microM) and contraction (IC50 = 0.21 microM). The selective tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist, MEN 10627 (0.01-1 microM), likewise produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the EFS-evoked NANC e.j.p. (IC50 = 0.07 microM) and contraction (IC50 = 0.03 microM). Either antagonist was more effective in inhibiting the mechanical than the electrical response to EFS. Neither GR 82334 nor MEN 10627 had any effect on the apamin- and L-NOARG-resistant NANC i.j.p. Activation of the NK1 or NK2 receptors by the selective receptor agonists, [Sar9]substance P (SP) sulfone and [beta Ala8]neurokinin A (NKA) (4-10), respectively (0.3 microM for 20 s each), produced depolarization with superimposed action potentials and contractions. GR 82334 selectively inhibited the responses to [Sar9]]SP sulfone, without affecting the responses to [beta Ala8]NKA (4-10). MEN 10627 inhibited the responses to [beta Ala8]NKA (4-10), without affecting the responses to [Sar9]SP sulfone. We conclude that both tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors co-operate in producing NANC excitation and contraction of the circular muscle in human ileum.

Tachykinin receptors mediate atropine-resistant rat duodenal reflex contractions in vivo

The study aimed to establish the possible role of tachykinins as mediators of atropine-resistant reflex contractions evoked by balloon distension in the proximal duodenum of urethane-anesthetized, guanethidine (34 mumol/kg s.c.)-pretreated rats. Distension of the balloon with a small amount (0.2-0.3 ml) of saline induced the appearance of phasic rhythmic contractions (about 11 mmHg in amplitude) which were promptly suppressed by either atropine (3 mumol/kg i.v.) or hexamethonium (28 mumol/kg i.v.). Despite the continuous i.v. infusion of atropine (2 mumol/h), low-amplitude rhythmic phasic contractions recovered, which were promptly suppressed by hexamethonium, to indicate the involvement of an atropine-resistant excitatory reflex. The amplitude of these atropine-resistant contractions was increased to about 4-5 mmHg by further distension of the balloon (0.4-0.6 ml) : under these conditions, the atropine-resistant contractions undergo a progressive fading. The fading was prevented by i.v. administration of the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, L-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 55 mumol/h), to provide a suitable baseline (amplitude of contractions was 7-8 mmHg) for studying the effect of tachykinin receptor antagonists. I.v. administration of the selective tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonists, MEN 10,627 (10-100 nmol/kg) and SR 48968 (100-300 nmol/kg) or of the selective NK1 antagonist SR 140333 (100 nmol/kg), at doses which do not affect the duodenal contractions induced by acetylcholine (5.5 mumol/kg i.v.), produced a prompt and long lasting suppression of the atropine-resistant reflex duodenal contractions produced by balloon distension in urethane-anesthetized rats, whilst SR-48965 (300 nmol/kg), the enantiomer of SR-48968 devoid, of NK2 receptor blocking activity, was without effect. I.v. administration of the selective NK1 receptor agonists [Sar9] substance P sulfone and septide or of the NK2 receptor selective agonist, [beta Ala8] neurokinin A(4-10) produced dose-dependent contractions of the duodenum. SR 140333 (100 nmol/kg i.v.) selectively antagonized the duodenal contractions produced by [Sar9] substance P sulfone and septide without affecting those produced by [beta Ala8] neurokinin A(4-10). On the other hand, MEN 10,627 (30-100 nmol/kg i.v.) and SR 48968 (100-300 nmol/kg i.v.) but not SR 48965 (300 nmol/kg i.v.) antagonized, at a comparable extent, duodenal contractions induced by both the selective NK2 and NK1 receptor agonists. We conclude that endogenous tachykinins are involved in mediating atropine-resistant reflex contractions evoked by distension of the rat duodenum in vivo: both NK1 and NK2 receptors are activated by endogenous ligands to produce NANC contractions of rat duodenum in vivo. However, the contractile response to i.v. administered NK1 receptor agonists, [Sar9] substance P sulfone and septide, may involve the release of mediators producing smooth muscle contraction via NK2 receptors.

Effect of niflumic acid on electromechanical coupling by tachykinin NK1 receptor activation in rabbit colon

We have investigated the effect of the Cl- channel blocker, niflumic acid, on the contractile response and electromechanical coupling activated by stimulation of the tachykinin NK1 receptor in the longitudinal muscle of rabbit proximal colon, in the presence of indomethacin (5 microM). The application of submaximal equieffective concentrations of the tachykinin NK1 receptor-selective agonist [Sar9]substance P sulfone (30 nM), of carbachol (300 nM) and KCl (40 mM), produced distinct phasic and tonic components of contraction. Niflumic acid (10-100 microM) preferentially and markedly inhibited the tonic component of the response to [Sar9]substance P sulfone and to carbachol, without affecting the response to KCl. Nifedipine (1 microM) abolished the response to KCl and greatly reduced the response to [Sar9]substance P sulfone and carbachol. The nifedipine-resistant response to [Sar9]substance P sulfone was attenuated by niflumic acid (100 microM), while that to carbachol was unaffected. In sucrose gap experiments, superfusion with niflumic acid (100 microM), in the presence of nifedipine (3 microM), produced membrane hyperpolarization, which was totally blocked by tetraethylammonium (10 mM). Niflumic acid inhibited both depolarization and contraction induced by [Sar9]substance P sulfone, both in the absence or in the presence of tetraethylammonium. The present findings support the idea that a niflumic acid-sensitive mechanism, probably an effect on Cl- channels, takes part in the post-receptorial events activated by tachykinin NK1 receptor stimulation in the longitudinal muscle of rabbit colon, and suggest that this mechanism would be more important for generating the sustained tonic than the phasic component of contraction.

Role of tachykinins as excitatory mediators of NANC contraction in the circular muscle of rat small intestine

1. The aim of this study was to assess the role of tachykinins, acting via NK1 and NK2 receptors, in mediating nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) contractions produced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) in the circular muscle of the rat small intestine. 2. In the presence of atropine (1 microM), guanethidine (3 microM), indomethacin (10 microM), apamin (0.3 microM) and L-nitroarginine (L-NOARG, 100 microM) and after in vitro capsaicin (10 microM for 15 min) pretreatment, EFS (0.25 ms pulse width, 100 V, 1-30 Hz for 5 s) produced a frequency-dependent NANC contraction of mucosa-free circular muscle strips from the rat proximal duodenum and terminal ileum. In the duodenum, the NANC contraction was preceded by a transient NANC relaxation. All responses to EFS were abolished by 1 microM tetrodotoxin. 3. The NK1 receptor selective antagonist, SR 140,333 (0.1 microM for 60 min) and the NK2 receptor selective antagonist, MEN 10,627 (0.1 microM for 60 min), both produced a partial inhibition of the contractile response to EFS. The co-administration of SR 140,333 and MEN 10,627 produced a profound inhibition of the response to EFS in the duodenum, larger than that produced by each antagonist alone; a fraction (about 25% of the response at 30 Hz) of the NANC contraction of the duodenum persisted in the presence of the two antagonists. This residual response was however abolished after co-administration of the NK1 and NK2 receptor antagonists, GR 94,800 (1 microM) and GR 82,334 (10 microM). The co-administration of SR 140,333 and MEN 10,627 nearly abolished the NANC contraction to EFS in the ileum. 4. Nifedipine (1 microM) induced a profound depression of the NANC contraction to EFS in both duodenal and ileal strips. A fraction of the response to EFS (about 25 and 5-10% of the response at 30 Hz in the duodenum and ileum, respectively) was nifedipine-resistant. SR 140,333 (0.1 microM) had little effect on the nifedipine-resistant response to EFS in the duodenum although it reduced by about 50% the response in the ileum. MEN 10,627 (0.1 microM) produced a partial inhibitory effect of the nifedipine-resistant response in both regions. The co-administration of SR 140,333 and MEN 10,627 nearly abolished the nifedipine-resistant response in the ileum while a small fraction (about 20% of control) of the response persisted in the duodenum.

Tachykinin receptors in gastrointestinal motility

For a long time research on the action of TKs on gastrointestinal tissue has been demonstrating the importance of the TKs as non-cholinergic stimulators of motility in most parts of the mammalian gastrointestinal tract. The past years witnessed the development of TK agonists and antagonists selective for the various receptor types, which prompted a wealth of new insight into the pharmacology and molecular biology of the TK receptors. This knowledge now allows a more specific elucidation of the role of TKs and their receptors in the various aspects of gastrointestinal motility, not only in normal tissue but also under pathological conditions.

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

1. In the presence of atropine (1 microM), guanethidine (3 microM), indomethacin (3 microM), apamin (0.1 microM) and L-nitroarginine (L-NOARG, 30 microM), electrical field simulation (EFS) produced a nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) excitatory junctional potential (e.j.p.), action potentials and contraction of the circular muscle of the guinea-pig proximal duodenum, recorded by the single sucrose gap technique. 2. The selective tachykinin (TK) NK1 receptor antagonist, GR 82,334 (30 nM-3 microM) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the EFS-evoked NANC e.j.p. and contraction. Similarly, the selective NK2 receptor antagonists, MEN 10,627 (30 nM-3 microM) and GR 94,800 (100 nM-10 microM), both produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the EFS-evoked NANC e.j.p. and contraction. GR 82,334 inhibited the electrical and mechanical NANC responses to EFS in an almost parallel manner, while MEN 10,627 and GR 94,800 were more effective in inhibiting the mechanical than the electrical response to EFS. 3. Activation of the NK1 or NK2 receptor by the selective agonists, [Sar9]substance P (SP) sulphone and [beta Ala8]neurokinin A (NKA) (4-10), respectively (0.3 microM each), produced depolarization, action potentials and contractions. GR 82,334 selectively inhibited the responses to [Sar9]SP sulphone, without affecting the responses to [beta Ala8]NKA (4-10). MEN 10,627 and GR 94,800 inhibited or abolished the responses to [beta Ala8]NKA (4-10), without affecting the responses to [Sar9]SP sulphone. 4. Nifedipine (1 microM) abolished the action potentials and contraction produced either by EFS or by the TK receptor agonists [Sar9]SP sulphone or [beta Ala8]NKA (4-10). 5. In the presence of nifedipine, the NANC e.j.p. produced by EFS was biphasic: in the majority of strips tested (21 out of 29) an early fast phase of depolarization was followed by a second slow component. The combined administration of GR 82,334 and GR 94,800 (3 microM each) reduced both components, the slow phase being inhibited to a greater extent than the fast phase. 6. The P2 purinoreceptor antagonist, suramin (100 microM) reduced the fast phase of the e.j.p. produced by EFS in the presence of nifedipine, without affecting the slow phase. The combined administration of suramin, GR 82,334 and GR 94,800 produced a nearly complete blockade of the e.j.p. produced by EFS in the presence of nifedipine. 7. When tested in the absence of apamin and L-NOARG, EFS induced a NANC inhibitory junction potential (i.j.p.) followed by an e.j.p., and the selective P2Y receptor agonist, adenosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (ADP beta S, 10 microM), produced membrane hyperpolarization. After addition of apamin and L-NOARG, the ij.p. was blocked, and EFS produced a pure NANC e.j.p.; ADPPS produced depolarization, action potentials and contraction.8. Suramin (100 microM) blocked the depolarization, action potentials and contractions produced by ADP beta S in the presence of apamin and L-NOARG, without affecting the responses produced by the NK1receptor agonist, [Sar9}SP sulphone.9. We conclude that NK1 and NK2 receptors cooperate in producing NANC excitation and contraction of the circular muscle in the guinea-pig proximal duodenum. Activation of either TK receptor produces membrane depolarization and both receptors contribute to generate action potentials which are essential for producing muscle contraction, via nifedipine-sensitive calcium channels. It appears that endogenous ATP chiefly acts as an inhibitory transmitter but, after blockade of NANC inhibitory mechanism(s),ATP may act as a fast signalling excitatory transmitter.

Specialization of tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors in producing fast and slow atropine-resistant neurotransmission to the circular muscle of the guinea-pig colon

We studied the relative contribution of tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors in producing nonadrenergic noncholinergic excitation of the circular muscle of the guinea-pig proximal colon in response to electrical field stimulation. All experiments were performed in the presence of atropine, guanethidine, indomethacin, apamin and L-nitroarginine. In organ bath experiments, electrical stimulation produced a tetrodotoxin-sensitive frequency-dependent contraction. The NK1 receptor antagonists, FK 888 (1-10 microM) and GR 82,334 (0.3-3 microM) markedly reduced but did not abolish the nonadrenergic noncholinergic response. The NK2 receptor antagonist, GR 94,800 (0.3-3 microM) was partly effective at 3 microM. The combined administration of FK 888 (10 microM) and GR 94,800 (3 microM) or GR 82,334 and GR 94,800 abolished the nonadrenergic noncholinergic contraction. The response to a prolonged period of stimulation (3 Hz for 5 min) was evenly depressed by FK 888 or GR 82,334, while GR 94,800 was more effective in inhibiting the late (87% inhibition) than the peak response (25% inhibition). In the presence of nifedipine (1 microM) a marked inhibition of the nonadrenergic noncholinergic contraction was observed and a time lag was evident between stimulus application and onset of contraction, which showed slow onset and offset kinetics. The nifedipine-resistant nonadrenergic noncholinergic contraction was unaffected by FK 888 or GR 82,334 but was suppressed by GR 94,800. Submaximally effective (1-3 nM) concentrations of substance P and neurokinin A produced distinct patterns of contraction: the response to substance P was fast and declined rapidly toward baseline; the response to neurokinin A was slow and sustained. In the presence of nifedipine, the response to substance P was greatly depressed and became slower in onset; nifedipine did not affect the contraction to neurokinin A but slowed its time-course. In sucrose gap experiments, either a short (10 Hz for 1 s) or a prolonged period of electrical stimulation (3 Hz for 3 min) evoked membrane depolarization, action potentials and contraction: in response to the "prolonged" stimulation, distinct phasic and tonic component of contraction were observed. Nifedipine abolished action potentials and the phasic contraction produced by a short period of stimulation, reduced by about 50% the maximal contraction developed during the prolonged stimulation without affecting the amplitude of the tonic response. In the presence of nifedipine, GR 82,334 (3 microM) blocked the membrane depolarization but did not affect contraction; GR 94,800 (0.1 microM) did not affect depolarization but abolished contraction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Tachykinin NK3 receptor mediates NANC hyperpolarization and relaxation via nitric oxide release in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig colon

In the presence of atropine (1 microM), guanethidine (3 microM) and of the tachykinin NK1 (SR 140,333 0.1 microM) and NK2 (GR 94,800 3 microM) receptor antagonists, the application of the tachykinin NK3 receptor selective agonist senktide, or that of neurokinin B, produced concentration-dependent sustained nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) relaxation of mucosa-free circular muscle strips from the guinea-pig proximal colon. The maximal relaxant responses to senktide and neurokinin B were similar, approaching about 70% of the relaxation to 1 microM isoprenaline. Senktide (EC50 0.16 nM) was about 64-fold more potent than neurokinin B (EC50 10.3 nM). When tested in the presence of peptidase inhibitors (thiorphan 1 microM, captopril 1 microM and amastatin 10 microM), neurokinin B (EC50 0.24 nM) was equipotent to senktide (EC50 0.19 nM). At 1 nM, substance P and neurokinin A were ineffective in producing a NANC relaxation of the colon. At 1 microM substance P, neurokinin A and neurokinin B produced a NANC relaxation, which averaged 23, 40 and 79% of the maximal response to isoprenaline, respectively. In the presence of peptidase inhibitors, 1 nM substance P and neurokinin A produced threshold relaxant responses and, at 1 microM, the three natural tachykinins were equieffective (66 +/- 8, 72 +/- 5 and 75 +/- 5% of the relaxation to isoprenaline for substance P, neurokinin A and neurokinin B, respectively). The relaxant response to 1 nM senktide (producing about 70-80% of its maximal effect) was totally abolished by 1 microM tetrodotoxin and largely (> 90%) inhibited by 100 microM L-nitroarginine (L-NOARG). The inhibition by L-NOARG was partially reversed by L-arginine (3 mM) but not D-arginine. Apamin (1 microM) produced a slight (about 20%) inhibition of the response to senktide. The peptide blocker of N-type calcium channels, omega-conotoxin (0.1 microM) was ineffective. In sucrose gap electrophysiological experiments, superfusion with senktide (0.1 microM for 10 s) produced a slowly developing and prolonged hyperpolarization of the membrane and relaxation. Both effects were inhibited by L-NOARG while apamin had no effect. These findings indicate that a neuronal NK3 receptor mediates NANC hyperpolarization and relaxation of the circular muscle of the guinea-pig proximal colon, principally through the release of NO. NO generation/release in response to NK3 receptor stimulation does not require calcium influx through N-type calcium channels.

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

1. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of various antagonists, selective for the tachykinin NK1 or NK2 receptor, on the atropine-resistant ascending excitatory reflex (AER) to the circular muscle of the guinea-pig ileum elicited by radial stretch (balloon distension) or electrical field stimulation. 2. Submaximal and maximal atropine- (1 microM) resistant AER elicited by balloon distension averaged about 40-50% and 70-90% of maximal circular spasm to 80 mM KCl, respectively. The NK1 receptor antagonist, (+/)-CP 96,345 (1 microM) inhibited both maximal and submaximal AER. FK 888 (1-3 microM) inhibited submaximal AER only. RP 67,580 (1 microM) was ineffective. The NK2 receptor antagonist, GR 94,800, inhibited both maximal and submaximal AER at all concentrations tested (0.1-3.0 microM), while SR 48,968 was effective only at 1.0 microM. The NK2 receptor antagonists, MEN 10,376 and MEN 10,573 inhibited both submaximal and maximal AER at 10 and 1.0 microM, respectively. 3. In other experiments, an NK1 receptor antagonist, (+/-)-CP 96,345 or FK 888 (1.0 microM in each case) was administered first and the effect of GR 94,800 (1.0 microM) on the residual AER response was determined; or GR 94,800 was administered first and the effect of (+/-)-CP 96,345 or FK 888 was determined. The results of these experiments indicated an additive effect produced by the combined treatment with NK1 and NK2 receptor antagonists. 4. Electrical field stimulation (10 Hz for 0.5 s, 10-20 V, 0.15-0.3 ms pulse width) with electrodes placed at 1.4-1.8 cm anal to the recording site, produced ascending contractions which were almost abolished by 10 MicroM hexamethonium (electrically-evoked AER). In the presence of apamin (0.1 MicroM) and N0-nitro-L-arginine (30 MicroM) these contractions were reproducible over 10 consecutive stimulation cycles.GR 94,800 (1 MicroM) and FK 888 (1 MicroM) both produced a partial inhibition of the electrically-evoked AER and their combined administration produced an inhibitory effect which was larger than that induced by each antagonist alone.5. FK 888 (1-3 MicroM), GR 94,800 (1-3 MicroM), MEN 10,573 (1 MicroM) and MEN 10,376 (10 MicroM) did not significantly affect the atropine-sensitive twitch contractions produced by electrical field stimulation of the guinea-pig ileum longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparation, which were abolished by 10-30 MicroM procaine, 1 MicroM tetrodotoxin or 1 MicroM atropine. (+/-)-CP 96,345 (1 MicroM) and SR 48,968 (1 ILM)produced 12% and 27% inhibition of cholinergic twitches in the longitudinal muscle of the ileum,respectively.6. We conclude that both NK1 and NK2 receptors mediate the atropine-resistant AER to the circular muscle of the ileum. NK2 receptor activation plays a more important role than NK1 receptor activation in the AER evoked by radial stretch. Since a consistent fraction of the distension- and electrically evoked atropine-resistant AER persists in the presence of combined NK1 and NK2 receptor blockade,the existence of a third excitatory transmitter to the circular muscle of the ileum, in addition to acetylcholine and tachykinins, is suggested.

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

1. The effect of tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptor antagonists on noncholinergic excitatory junction potentials (e.j.ps) evoked by electric field stimulation (EFS) in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig proximal colon was investigated by means of a sucrose-gap technique. 2. In the presence of 1 microM atropine, submaximal EFS (10 Hz, 20-30 V, 0.5 ms pulse width, 1 s train duration) evoked an inhibitory junction potential (i.j.p.) followed by e.j.p. with superimposed action potentials (APs) and contraction. Addition of either NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG, 0.1 mM) or apamin (0.1 microM) inhibited the evoked i.j.p. and the combined administration of the two agents almost abolished it. In the presence of both L-NOARG and apamin, an atropine-resistant e.j.p. was the only electrical response evoked by EFS in 50% of cases and a small i.j.p. (10% of original amplitude) followed by e.j.p. was evident in the remainder. 3. In the presence of L-NOARG and apamin, the tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonists, (+/-)-CP 96,345 and GR 82,334 (10 nM-3 microM) concentration-dependently inhibited the atropine-resistant e.j.p. and accompanying contraction evoked by EFS. EC50 values were: 0.77 microM (e.j.p. inhibition) and 0.22 microM (inhibition of contraction) for (+/-)-CP 96,345; 0.61 microM (e.j.p. inhibition) and 0.20 microM (inhibition of contraction) for GR 82,334. The tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonists, MEN 10,376 (up to 3 microM) and SR 48,968 (up to 1 microM) had no effect on the atropine-resistant e.j.p. MEN 10,376 (3 microM) but not SR 48,968 produced a slight inhibition of the evoked contraction. 4. (+/- )-CP 96,345 (3 microM) and GR 82,334 (3 microM) markedly reduced (81 and 89% inhibition, respectively)the atropine-resistant ej.p. in the absence of L-NOARG and apamin, without affecting the ij.p. MEN 10,376 (3 microM) and SR 48,968 (1 microM) had no significant effect on noncholinergic ij.p. and ej.p. evoked in the absence of apamin and L-NOARG.5. The electrical and mechanical responses to the NK, receptor agonist [Sar9]substance P (SP) sulfone were blocked by (+/-)-CP 96,345 (3 1M) or GR 82,334 (3 microM) which, at the same concentration, failed to affect the responses to the NK2 receptor agonist [PAla8] neurokinin A (NKA) (4-10). In contrast, MEN10,376 (3 microM) or SR 48,968 (1 microM) blocked the response to [beta Ala8]NKA(4-10) without affecting the response to [Sar9]SP sulfone.6. In the presence of L-NOARG and apamin, and in the absence of atropine, EFS of low pulse width(0.02-0.03 ms, other parameters as above) produced cholinergic ej.ps and contraction which were unaffected by GR 82,334 (3 microM). (+/-)-CP 96,345 (3 JAM) produced 24% reduction in the area of the atropine-sensitive ej.p. without affecting the peak amplitude of ej.p. or contraction.7. These findings demonstrate that the noncholinergic ej.ps and accompanying contraction of the circular muscle of the guinea-pig colon are produced through activation of intramural tachykininergic nerves and that the resultant smooth muscle response is almost entirely mediated through NK1 receptors.