Effects of ionophores A23187 and X537A on vascular smooth muscle activity

A mechanism of vasodilatory action of polyamines and acetylpolyamines: possible involvement of their Ca2+ antagonistic properties

Polyamines, a class of low-molecular weight organic polycations, have been shown to produce relaxing effects in vascular smooth muscles, although the mechanism has not been carefully examined. In this study, the mechanism of vascular action of polyamines and their metabolites, acetylpolyamines, was pharmacologically examined in the rabbit isolated thoracic aorta focusing on an endothelium-dependent component of vasodilatation and Ca2+ influx through plasma membrane channels. Both polyamines and acetylpolyamines (except N1-acetylputrescine, which produced no response or very slight contraction) caused concentration-dependent relaxation in preconstricted aortic rings containing an intact endothelium. Aortic rings denuded of endothelium were also responsive to both polyamines and acetylpolyamines. Inhibitors of nitric oxide (reduced haemoglobin and Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester), vasodilator prostaglandins (indomethacin) and guanylyl cyclase (methylene blue) did not affect the relaxation induced by both polyamines and acetylpolyamines in either endothelium-intact or -denuded aortic rings. Both polyamines and acetylpolyamines inhibited the concentration-dependent contraction for phenylephrine and K+. The Ca2+ agonist Bay K 8644 induced concentration-dependent contraction in segments of rabbit aorta partially depolarized with 15 mM KCl, and both polyamines and acetylpolyamines relaxed the Bay K 8644-induced contraction in a concentration-dependent manner. Interestingly, both polyamines and acetylpolyamines also decreased contractions evoked by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. The concentration-response curve to exogenous Ca2+ in K+-depolarization medium (K+ = 120 mM) was shifted to the right by both polyamines and acetylpolyamines. The response elicited by Ca2+ was increased by Bay K 8644 (10(-6) M), and this potentiation was also inhibited by both polyamines and acetylpolyamines. The results indicate that both polyamines and acetylpolyamines can induce vasorelaxation of rabbit thoracic aorta by an endothelium-independent mechanism in-vitro and relax vascular smooth muscle by acting at the plasma membrane level, decreasing the influx of Ca2+. Therefore, polyamines and acetylpolyamines may have Ca2+ antagonistic properties which may, in part, be involved in the mechanism of rabbit aortic vascular smooth muscle relaxation.

Actions of Mn(2+) in the presence of ionophore A23187 in taenia coli of guinea-pig

In this work, we have investigated whether Mn(2+)enters the cytoplasm in the presence of ionophore for divalent cations, A23187 and induces contraction of taenia coli. In Ca(2+)-free, 60 m m K(+)medium, the application of 5 m m Mn(2+)evoked contraction and a concomitant increase in Mn(2+)influx into the cytoplasm. However, in Ca(2+)-free medium, the application of 5 m m Mn(2+)in the presence of 1x10(-5)m A23187 did not evoke both contraction and Mn(2+)influx. These results suggest that Mn(2+)penetrates through Ca(2+)channels in a state of membrane depolarization with K(+)and activates the contractile proteins in taenia coli. However, Mn(2+)does not enter the cytoplasm in the presence of ionophore A23187 and then does not induce contraction.

Metabolic dependency of ionophore A23187-induced contraction of ileal longitudinal smooth muscle

1. Tonic contraction in response to K+ is well known to be highly dependent on aerobic metabolism in ileal muscle. The ionophore A23187 (10(-5) M) induced an initial contraction and successive rhythmic contraction in ileal muscle, but did not induce tonic contraction. This study, therefore, was performed to investigate the metabolic dependency during contraction induced by A23187. 2. Under hypoxic conditions, A23187 (10(-5) M) induced an initial contraction accompanied by an increase in lactate release. However, it induced only small rhythmic contractions and decreases in ATP, phosphocreatinine (PCr) and glycogen contents. 3. In glucose-free medium, A23187 (10(-5) M) induced an initial contraction and concomitant significant decrease in the ATP and glycogen contents. However, it did not induce successive rhythmic contractions. In 'glycogen-depleted muscle' stimulated repeatedly with 60 mM K+ in glucose-free medium, 60 mM K+ induced a phasic contraction without tonic contraction. A23187 induced no contraction under these conditions. 4. These results suggested that the initial contraction induced by A23187 was dependent on endogenous glycogen, while successive rhythmic contractions were dependent on aerobic metabolism after supply of external glucose to the ileal muscle.

Mode of action of an inhibitory neuropeptide SchistoFLRFamide on the locust oviduct visceral muscle

The possible mode of action of an inhibitory neuropeptide SchistoFLRFamide (PDVDHVFLRFamide) on locust oviduct visceral muscle was studied by examining its ability to inhibit calcium ionophore A23187-, caffeine- or phorbol ester-induced oviduct contractions. A23187-induced muscle contractions included two components: one which required the influx of extracellular Ca2+ through Ca2+ channels (blocked by cobalt ions), the other not blocked by cobalt ions. SchistoFLRFamide inhibited the cobalt-sensitive components, but not the latter. Caffeine induced two phases of contractions, a phasic contraction which was probably due to the release of intracellular Ca2+ and a tonic contraction which required the influx of extracellular Ca2+. SchistoFLRFamide inhibited the tonic contraction in a dose-dependent manner but did not influence the phasic contraction. The phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced muscle contraction required the presence of extracellular Ca2+, with Ca2+ probably entering through ligand-gated channels, but the contraction was not inhibited by SchistoFLRFamide. Based upon these results, it appears that SchistoFLRFamide inhibits muscle contraction by preventing the accumulation of free intracellular Ca2+ from extracellular stores. SchistoFLRFamide is incapable of inhibiting contraction induced by the release of intracellular stores of Ca2+. It is possible that SchistoFLRFamide closes or blocks voltage-gated and some ligand-gated Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane.

Effect of Ca2+ modulators on acetylcholine-induced phasic and tonic contractions and A23187-induced contractions in ileal longitudinal muscle and IP3 production

The influence of different sources of Ca2+ on the Emax and ED50 values of acetylcholine (ACh)-induced phasic and tonic contractions and on A23187-induced contractions was studied using different extracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]o) and the Ca2+ modulators TMB-8 and D600. IP3 production induced by both stimulants was also studied. The results are compatible with: (a) the mobilization of Ca2+ from an intracellular source as a primary event in the phasic response. (b) The primary involvement of a D600-sensitive inward Ca2+ current in the ACh-tonic response. (c) An inward D600-sensitive Ca2+ current associated with the ionophore transported ion. (d) The involvement of an IP3 independent, TMB-8 sensitive mechanism of Ca2+ mobilization involved in the A23187-induced responses.

Cardiovascular effects of an ionophorous antibiotic, lonomycin A, in anesthetized dogs

An intracoronary administration of ionomycin A, a K-selective ionophore, produced coronary vasodilation in the presence of pindolol in anesthetized dogs. Coronary vasodilation induced by ionomycin A, KCI and nifedipine was inhibited by pretreatment with an intracoronary injection of ouabain. This result suggests that lonomycin A-induced coronary vasodilation may be partly due to a stimulation of Na+, K+-ATPase as well as KCI and/or a decrease in Ca2+ influx as well as nifedipine.

Effects of atriopeptins I, II and III on atrial contractility, sinus nodal rate (guinea pig) and agonist-induced tension in rabbit aortic strips

The cardiovascular effects of atriopeptins (AP) I, II and III were compared in spontaneously beating or electrically stimulated guinea pig atria and in rabbit aortic strips precontracted by various agonists. Atriopeptins did not significantly affect sinus nodal rate or atrial contractility. AP II and III, although more potent than nitroprusside, exhibited similar vasorelaxant profiles against vascular strips maximally stimulated by norepinephrine, high [K+]0 or Ca2+ ionophore A23187. The ability of atriopeptins and nitroprusside to relax ionophore-induced vascular tension implies an intracellular mechanism of action.

A23187 increases calcium permeability of store sites more than of surface membranes in the rabbit mesenteric artery

The effects of a Ca ionophore, A23187, were investigated on intact and skinned smooth muscle tissues of the rabbit mesenteric artery. A23187 (over 10(-9) M) inhibited, dose dependently, contractions induced by 10(-5) M-noradrenaline (NA) or 10 mM-caffeine in Ca2+-free solution containing 2 mM-EGTA. Procaine (3 mM) led to cessation of the caffeine- or NA-induced contractions in the presence or absence of Ca2+. When A23187 (10(-7) M) was applied, the contractions in the presence of procaine were to some extent restored in Krebs solution. A23187 at a concentration of 10(-7) M did not modify the resting muscle tone, but this concentration did increase the amplitude of the contraction evoked by 20.2 or 128 mM-K+ and markedly inhibited the 10(-7) M-NA or 10 mM-caffeine-induced contraction in Krebs solution. A23187 (10(-7) M) delayed the onset and rising phase of the 10(-5) M-NA-induced contraction with inhibition of the oscillatory contractions. High concentrations of A23187 (over 10(-6) M) produced a large contraction in the presence and a small contraction in the absence of 2.6 mM-Ca2+. These A23187-induced contractions were not inhibited by 10(-7) M-nisoldipine, a Ca2+ antagonist. A23187 (over 10(-6) M) applied for a long period functionally skinned the muscle tissues. However, the Ca2+ sensitivity of the A23187-treated skinned muscles was lower than that of saponin-treated muscles. In saponin-treated skinned muscles, A23187 (below 10(-6) M) had no effect on the pCa-tension relation. After filling the store, A23187 (over 10(-7) M) generated a larger contraction than did caffeine in Ca2+-free solution, in the presence or absence of 5 mM-NaN3. When 10(-7) M-A23187 was applied once for 5 min, subsequently applied caffeine (20 mM), following application of Ca2+, no longer produced contraction of skinned muscle tissues. The present results indicate that low concentrations of A23187 show a selective Ca2+-releasing action on Ca2+ store sites in muscle cells and that high concentrations increase the Ca2+ leakage (influx) and the cell membrane is skinned.

Ultrastructural and physiological effects of the ionophore A23187 at identified frog neuromuscular junctions

The physiological and morphological effects of the calcium ionophore A23187 (calimycin) at the frog neuromuscular junction in vitro were examined. Miniature endplate potentials were recorded intracellularly during exposure to the ionophore. Preparations fixed 15 or 30 min after adding the drug to the incubating medium, which exhibited a greatly increased miniature endplate potential frequency, showed no obvious morphological differences when compared to controls with regard to synaptic vesicle number or distribution of vesicles within the terminal. However, after 45-60 min of exposure to the ionophore, when miniature endplate potential frequency had declined almost to zero, most of the nerve endings appeared devoid of synaptic vesicles and other organelles while the plasma membrane was intact. It is suggested that the apparent depletion of vesicles from the terminal induced by the calcium ionophore is a consequence of irreversible changes at the terminal.

TPA-induced contraction of isolated rabbit vascular smooth muscle

Myosin light chain phosphorylation may not regulate the sustained phase of vascular smooth muscle contraction. Another, unidentified, calcium-dependent pathway may be involved in this process. TPA, an activator of C-kinase, at concentrations of 10 to 333 nM induces a calcium-dependent contraction of vascular smooth muscle which develops slowly but progressively to reach values of 50-300 mm Hg. Arteries exposed to the ionophore A23187, in a calcium-free medium, display a uniform series of contractile responses when exposed to 1.5 mM Ca2+ for 2 min once every 10 min. Exposure to 100 nM TPA as well as ionophore leads to a progressive enhancement of these calcium-induced, contractile responses. Arteries stimulated by brief (10 sec), repetitive (every 3 min) electrical pulses, respond with a series of comparable phase 1 responses. Prior exposure of vessels to 10 nM TPA, causes a progressive increase in the magnitude of these responses to repetitive electrical stimulation. Addition of 25 microM forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, to TPA-treated, partially-contracted muscle leads to the immediate inhibition of the TPA-induced contraction. These data suggest that the activation of C-kinase plays a significant role in regulating vascular smooth muscle contraction.

The inhibitory effect of X537A on vascular and intestinal smooth muscle contraction

The effects of X537A (Lasalocid) on contractions induced in vascular and intestinal smooth muscles were examined. High K-induced sustained contractions were inhibited by X537A with an IC50 of 2.8 X 10(-6) M in rabbit aorta and 8.8 X 10(-8) M in guinea-pig Taenia coli. Changing the Ca concentration in the medium did not modify the effect of X537A. X537A also inhibited the noradrenaline-induced contraction in aorta (IC50 = 7.0 X 10(-8) M). In a solution without added glucose, the inhibitory effect of X537A on the K-induced contraction in aorta was augmented (IC50 = 1.5 X 10(-8) M). Under hypoxic conditions, the inhibitory effects of X537A on the noradrenaline-induced contractions in aorta and on the K-induced contraction in T. coli were decreased (IC50 greater than 10(-5) M and 3.2 X 10(-6) M, respectively). X537A inhibited the K-induced increase in cellular 45Ca content in aorta measured by a modified lanthanum method. However, the IC50 for 45Ca uptake (6.6 X 10(-7) M) was lower than that for K-induced contraction. In both tissues, X537A decreased the ATP content. Oxygen consumption of rat liver mitochondria was inhibited by X537A. From these results, it is concluded that the inhibitory effect of X537A on the noradrenaline-induced contraction in aorta and the K-induced contraction in T. coli, but not the K-induced contractions in aorta, may be due to the inhibition of aerobic metabolism.

Na+,K+-ATPase activity and responsiveness of vascular smooth muscle to norepinephrine, angiotensin II and calcium ionophore A23187 in guinea pig aortic strips

The functional significance of the Na+,K+-ATPase activity in defining the sensitivity of vascular smooth muscle response to pressor stimuli was studied in guinea pig aortic strips. Subthreshold doses of ouabain (10(-8), 10(-7), 10(-6)M), potentiated the norepinephrine- and angiotensin II-induced contractile responses, dose-dependently. Furthermore, in the presence of subthreshold dose of ouabain (10(-6)M), tension developments were observed with subthreshold doses of norepinephrine and angiotensin II. The mechanism by which subthreshold dose of ouabain potentiated the norepinephrine-induced contractile response was revealed to involve the enhancement both of sensitivity and contractile activity. Ouabain (10(-6)M) potentiated the norepinephrine- and A23187-induced contractile responses, even in the presence of verapamil. These facts indicate that suppression of the vascular Na+,K+-ATPase activity could favor the development of hypertension through potentiating contractile responses to various stimuli and that the potentiation could be a reflection, at least partly, of the decrease in Ca2+-efflux.

Mechanism of ionophore A23187 induction of plasma protein leakage and of its inhibition by indomethacin

Calcium ionophore A23187 produced a dose-dependent increase in plasma protein leakage on intradermal injection in rats. Studies with mepyramine and cyproheptadine indicated that histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) partially contribute to the ionophore action and experiments with compound 48/80 supported these findings. Depletion of plasma kininogen levels with cellulose sulphate administered indomethacin inhibited the ionophore response in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition was not reversed by intradermally injected prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in doses up to 50 ng/site, suggesting that PGE2 also may not be an important mediator. It is proposed that the ionophore produces plasma protein leakage by an indirect (through histamine and 5-HT release) and a direct action on vascular endothelial cells and that indomethacin antagonises both actions by inhibiting calcium transport processes.

Relaxing and metabolic inhibitory action of X537A (Lasalocid) on the taenia of the guinea-pig caecum

1. In the isolated guinea-pig taenia, application of X537A to the muscle caused a relaxation, while A23187 caused a sustained contraction. 2. Treatment with adrenergic blocking agents and tetrodotoxin had no effect on the relaxing response to X537A. 3. In the presence of a low concentration (10(-6) M) of X537A or under hypoxic conditions (bubbled with 95% N2: 5% CO2), the taenia lost the ability to respond to a high concentration (40 mM) of potassium with a sustained tonic contraction, although the rapid phasic contraction was still present. 4. When a low concentration of X537A was applied the shape of the contractile response to A23187 was changed from a sustained development of tension to an oscillatory tension which was also observed under hypoxia. 5. In tissues treated with glycerol for 3 weeks, neither X537A nor A23187 had any effect on the contractile response induced by elevation of calcium concentration (pCa = 4) in the presence of magnesium and ATP. 6. Exposure to a low concentration (10(-6) M) of X537A, or hypoxia, slightly yet significantly decreased the ATP content of the muscle. A high concentration (10(-5) M) of X537A markedly decreased the ATP content to about half normal. A23187 did not alter the ATP content. 7. Application of X537A did not alter the calcium content of the muscle and inhibited the A23187-induced increase in content. Under hypoxia, A23187 failed to increase the calcium content of the muscle. 8. The results indicate that, in contrast to A23187, X537A has a relaxing and metabolic inhibitory action on the guinea-pig taenia. The action of low concentrations of X537A resembled that of the hypoxia, indicating that X537A might exert its relaxing action, at least in part, by inhibition of aerobic energy metabolism of the muscle.

Ionophore (A23187)-induced efflux of [3H]norepinephrine and endogenous norepinephrine in the rat vas deferens

The calcium ionophore, A23187, produced a concentration-dependent increase in the release of norepinephrine from nerves in the rat vas deferens. Maximum response to A23187 (10(-6) - 10(-5) M) was delayed in onset, occurring 60-80 min after initiation of continuous superfusion with A23187. In fact. after tissue exposure to A23187 (10(-5) M) for only 5 min with subsequent superfusion in A23187-free buffer, a significant but delayed increase in norepinephrine efflux occurred. The A23187-induced increase in efflux of norepinephrine was not altered when neuronal sodium conductance was blocked with tetrodotoxin (3.1 X 10(-7) M) or when Na+, K+ -stimulated ATPase was blocked with ouabain (10(-4) M). Release of norepinephrine by A23187 was calcium-dependent since A23187-induced efflux of norepinephrine was diminished (approximately 50%), although not abolished, in calcium-free buffer. Thus, one component of A23187 action was calcium independent. A23187 caused an increased efflux of both norepinephrine formed endogenously and [3H]norepinephrine taken up into neuronal stores. However, the effects of A23187, both on rate and maximum amount of release were greater for [3H]norepinephrine than for endogenous norepinephrine. The present studies demonstrate that neurotransmitter efflux can be induced by carboxylic ionophores in a calcium-dependent process, and this approach may prove useful in studies evaluating factors that modulate neurotransmitter release processes.

Characteristics contractile response to the calcium ionophore, A23187, in guinea-pig vas deferens

1. In the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens, the calcium ionophore, A23187, initially caused a phasic contraction followed by rhythmic activity. 2. Treatment with atropine, phentolamine, tetrodotoxin and reserpine modified neither of the components of the contraction induced by the ionophore. Verapamil and nifedipine abolished the rhythmic activity but had no effect on the phasic contraction. 4. In a calcium-free solution, both components of the contraction were abolished. 5. It is suggested that A23187 is able to cause contraction by a direct action on the smooth muscle of guinea-pig vas deferens.

Haemodynamic effects of the carboxylic ionophore monensin when administered before and during shock induced by E. coli endotoxin

The haemodynamic effects of the carboxylic ionophore monensin have been examined in cats anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbitone. Marked increases in left ventricular dP/dtmax (and dP/dt at fixed isovolumic pressures) and slight increases in cardiac output and stroke volume occurred, indicating increased myocardial contractility. Heart rate was unchanged but systemic arterial pressure was substantially increased. Satisfactory increases in contractility and arterial pressure were obtained when monensin was infused intravenously in a total dose of 0.25 mg kg-1 over 10 min. Larger doses, especially if rapidly injected, resulted in very marked increases in myocardial contractility leading eventually to cardiac failure. The haemodynamic effects of monensin were markedly reduced during shock induced by E. coli endotoxin and there was unfortunately no evidence to suggest that this extremely potent compound might be potentially beneficial in this form of profound cardiovascular shock.