Evidence for purinergic receptors on vascular smooth muscle in rat pancreas

Cell-To-Cell Communication in the Resistance Vasculature

The arterial vasculature can be divided into large conduit arteries, intermediate contractile arteries, resistance arteries, arterioles, and capillaries. Resistance arteries and arterioles primarily function to control systemic blood pressure. The resistance arteries are composed of a layer of endothelial cells oriented parallel to the direction of blood flow, which are separated by a matrix layer termed the internal elastic lamina from several layers of smooth muscle cells oriented perpendicular to the direction of blood flow. Cells within the vessel walls communicate in a homocellular and heterocellular fashion to govern luminal diameter, arterial resistance, and blood pressure. At rest, potassium currents govern the basal state of endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Multiple stimuli can elicit rises in intracellular calcium levels in either endothelial cells or smooth muscle cells, sourced from intracellular stores such as the endoplasmic reticulum or the extracellular space. In general, activation of endothelial cells results in the production of a vasodilatory signal, usually in the form of nitric oxide or endothelial-derived hyperpolarization. Conversely, activation of smooth muscle cells results in a vasoconstriction response through smooth muscle cell contraction. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12: 1-35, 2022.

Nesfatin-1 stimulates cholecystokinin and suppresses peptide YY expression and secretion in mice

Nesfatin-1 is an 82 amino acid secreted peptide encoded in the precursor, nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2). It is an insulinotropic anorexigen abundantly expressed in the stomach and hypothalamus. Post-prandial insulin secretion is predominantly regulated by incretins glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Nesfatin-1 was previously reported to modulate GLP-1 and GIP secretion in vitro in an enteroendocrine (STC-1) cell line. Intestine is a source of additional hormones including cholecystokinin (CCK) and peptide YY (PYY) that regulate metabolism. We hypothesized that nesfatin-1 modulates CCK and PYY secretion. Immunofluorescence histochemistry showed NUCB2/nesfatin-1 co-localizing CCK and PYY in the intestinal mucosa of mice. Static incubation of STC-1 cells with nesfatin-1 upregulated both CCK mRNA expression (1 and 10 nM) and secretion (0.1, 1 and 10 nM) at 1 h post-incubation. In contrast, nesfatin-1 treatment for 1 h downregulated PYY mRNA expression (all doses tested) and secretion (0.01 and 0.1 nM) in STC-1 cells. Continuous infusion of nesfatin-1 using osmotic mini-pumps for 12 h upregulated CCK mRNA expression in large intestine, and downregulated PYY mRNA expression in both large and small intestines of male C57BL/6J mice. In these tissues, Western blot analysis found a corresponding increase in CCK and a decrease in PYY content. Collectively, we provide new information on the cell specific localization of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 in the intestinal mucosa, and a novel function for nesfatin-1 in modulating intestinal CCK and PYY expression and secretion in mice.

Purinergic signaling and blood vessels in health and disease

Purinergic signaling plays important roles in control of vascular tone and remodeling. There is dual control of vascular tone by ATP released as a cotransmitter with noradrenaline from perivascular sympathetic nerves to cause vasoconstriction via P2X1 receptors, whereas ATP released from endothelial cells in response to changes in blood flow (producing shear stress) or hypoxia acts on P2X and P2Y receptors on endothelial cells to produce nitric oxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, which dilates vessels. ATP is also released from sensory-motor nerves during antidromic reflex activity to produce relaxation of some blood vessels. In this review, we stress the differences in neural and endothelial factors in purinergic control of different blood vessels. The long-term (trophic) actions of purine and pyrimidine nucleosides and nucleotides in promoting migration and proliferation of both vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells via P1 and P2Y receptors during angiogenesis and vessel remodeling during restenosis after angioplasty are described. The pathophysiology of blood vessels and therapeutic potential of purinergic agents in diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemia, thrombosis and stroke, diabetes, and migraine, is discussed.

Investigation of the functional expression of purine and pyrimidine receptors in porcine isolated pancreatic arteries

Receptors for purines and pyrimidines are expressed throughout the cardiovascular system. This study investigated their functional expression in porcine isolated pancreatic arteries. Pancreatic arteries (endothelium intact or denuded) were prepared for isometric tension recording and preconstricted with U46619, a thromboxane A(2) mimetic; adenosine-5'-diphosphate (ADP), uridine-5'-triphosphate (UTP) and MRS2768, a selective P2Y(2) agonist, were applied cumulatively, while adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) and αβ-methylene-ATP (αβ-meATP) response curves were generated from single concentrations per tissue segment. Antagonists/enzyme inhibitors were applied prior to U46619 addition. ATP, αβ-meATP, UTP and MRS2768 induced vasoconstriction, with a potency order of αβ-meATP > MRS2768 > ATP ≥ UTP. Contractions to ATP and αβ-meATP were blocked by NF449, a selective P2X(1) receptor antagonist. The contraction induced by ATP, but not UTP, was followed by vasorelaxation. Endothelium removal and DUP 697, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, had no significant effect on contraction to ATP but attenuated that to UTP, indicating actions at distinct receptors. MRS2578, a selective P2Y(6) receptor antagonist, had no effect on contractions to UTP. ADP induced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation which was inhibited by MRS2179, a selective P2Y(1) receptor antagonist, or SCH58261, a selective adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist. The contractions to ATP and αβ-meATP were attributed to actions at P2X(1) receptors on the vascular smooth muscle, whereas it was shown for the first time that UTP induced an endothelium-dependent vasoconstriction which may involve P2Y(2) and/or P2Y(4) receptors. The relaxation induced by ADP is mediated by P2Y(1) and A(2A) adenosine receptors. Porcine pancreatic arteries appear to lack vasorelaxant P2Y(2) and P2Y(4) receptors.

Purinergic signalling in the pancreas in health and disease

Pancreatic cells contain specialised stores for ATP. Purinergic receptors (P2 and P1) and ecto-nucleotidases are expressed in both endocrine and exocrine calls, as well as in stromal cells. The pancreas, especially the endocrine cells, were an early target for the actions of ATP. After the historical perspective of purinergic signalling in the pancreas, the focus of this review will be the physiological functions of purinergic signalling in the regulation of both endocrine and exocrine pancreas. Next, we will consider possible interaction between purinergic signalling and other regulatory systems and their relation to nutrient homeostasis and cell survival. The pancreas is an organ exhibiting several serious diseases - cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and diabetes - and some are associated with changes in life-style and are increasing in incidence. There is upcoming evidence for the role of purinergic signalling in the pathophysiology of the pancreas, and the new challenge is to understand how it is integrated with other pathological processes.

Cellular Distribution and Functions of P2 Receptor Subtypes in Different Systems

This review is aimed at providing readers with a comprehensive reference article about the distribution and function of P2 receptors in all the organs, tissues, and cells in the body. Each section provides an account of the early history of purinergic signaling in the organ?cell up to 1994, then summarizes subsequent evidence for the presence of P2X and P2Y receptor subtype mRNA and proteins as well as functional data, all fully referenced. A section is included describing the plasticity of expression of P2 receptors during development and aging as well as in various pathophysiological conditions. Finally, there is some discussion of possible future developments in the purinergic signaling field.

P2X and P2Y purinoceptor expression in pancreas from streptozotocin-diabetic rats

The expression of the nucleotide receptors P2X1, P2X2, P2X7, P2Y1, P2Y2 and P2Y4, in the pancreas of the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat was investigated using immunohistochemistry. In diabetic animals, P2X7 receptor expression, normally located in the outer periphery of the islet, was increased and located inside the islet. Double-labelling experiments, using antibodies raised against insulin, somatostatin and glucagon, showed, for the first time, an increase in immunostaining for P2X7 receptors on islet glucagon-containing alpha cells (which had migrated to the interior), while no P2X7 receptors were found in beta and delta cells. P2Y1 receptors were present in intra-islet capillaries, while P2Y4 receptors were found on both alpha and beta cells. P2Y1 and P2Y2 receptor expression was also found in pancreatic duct cells and P2X1, P2X2, P2Y1 and P2Y2 receptors were identified in small blood vessels.

Glucose-induced islet blood flow increase in rats: interaction between nervous and metabolic mediators

This study investigated the mechanisms for glucose-induced islet blood flow increase in rats. The effects of adenosine, adenosine receptor antagonists, and vagotomy on islet blood flow were evaluated with a microsphere technique. Vagotomy prevented the islet blood flow increase expected 3, 10, and 20 min after injection of glucose, whereas theophylline (a nonspecific adenosine receptor antagonist) prevented the islet blood flow increase from occurring 10 and 20 min after glucose administration. Administration of selective adenosine receptor antagonists suggested that the response to theophylline was mediated by A1 receptors. Exogenous administration of adenosine did not affect islet blood flow, but local accumulation of adenosine, induced by the adenosine uptake inhibitor dipyridamole, caused a doubling of islet blood flow. In conclusion, the increased islet blood flow seen 3 min after induction of hyperglycemia is caused by the vagal nerve, whereas the increase in islet blood perfusion seen at 10 and 20 min after glucose administration is caused by both the vagal nerve and adenosine.

Endothelium-dependent sensory non-adrenergic non-cholinergic vasodilatation in rat thoracic aorta: involvement of ATP and a role for NO

The involvement of non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) transmitters, such as adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and nitric oxide (NO), in the neurogenic relaxation of rat thoracic aorta was investigated in vessel segments suspended for isometric tension recording by polygraph. Responses to electrical field stimulation (EFS) and exogenous vasodilator were investigated in vessels precontracted with 5-hydroxytryptamine. EFS (100 V, 2-16 Hz, for 10 s at 3-min intervals), in the presence of guanethidine (10 microM) and atropine (10 microM) produced frequency-dependent relaxations. Pretreatment with tetrodotoxin (1 microM) markedly reduced the relaxation and desensitization with capsaicin (10 microM) significantly inhibited the relaxation. Exogenously added ATP caused concentration-dependent relaxations. Mechanical removal of the endothelium significantly inhibited EFS- and ATP-induced relaxation by 30+/-3% and 37+/-2%, respectively. Pretreatment with a P1-purinoceptor antagonist, 8-phenyltheophylline (10 microM) or P2X-purinoceptor antagonist, Evans blue (10 microM) did not influence the relaxations to EFS and exogenously added ATP. In contrast, the P2Y-purinoceptor antagonist, basilen blue (100 microM) markedly reduced the relaxations to EFS by 52+/-4% in the endothelium-intact preparations. However, in the endothelium-denuded preparations and capsaicin-pretreated preparations, basilen blue did not change relaxations elicited by EFS. The NO synthase inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 microM) also significantly inhibited the relaxations to EFS and ATP by 40+/-6% and 30+/-2%, respectively, in the endothelium-intact preparations but had no effect on the relaxations in the endothelium-denuded preparations or capsaicin-pretreated preparations. In addition, the EFS-induced relaxations were also inhibited 43+/-7% by pretreatment with 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo[4,3-alpha]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; 1 microM), soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor. This study suggests that the NANC nerve system is present in the thoracic aorta of rat, mediating vasodilatation by sensory nerves. ATP, as a neurotransmitter released from sensory nerves, activates P2Y-purinoceptors located on the endothelium and stimulates the NO/cyclic GMP pathway, resulting in vasodilatation.

Modulation of cochlear blood flow by extracellular purines

Humoral adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), adenosine and uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) have been shown to have a role in controlling local blood flow in a variety of tissues. The presence of P1 and P2 receptors in the cochlea, and particularly the highly vascular region, the stria vascularis, implies a vasoactive role for these compounds in the inner ear. To test the effect of extracellular purines and pyrimidines on cochlear blood flow, cochleae from anaesthetised guinea-pigs were perfused with ATP (1 microM-10 mM), adenosine (1 microM-10 mM) and UTP (1 mM) in artificial perilymph while blood flow through the cochlea was measured. An acute perilymphatic perfusion technique was established via tubing placed through a hole in the bone overlying scala tympani of the first cochlear turn, with an outlet hole in scala vestibuli of the fourth turn. Blood flow was measured by placing the probe of a laser Doppler blood perfusion monitor on the bone overlying the stria vascularis in the third cochlear turn. ATP and adenosine produced a significant dose dependent increase in cochlear blood flow (28.8-229.0% and 35.8-258.1%, respectively). The effect of ATP (100 microM) on cochlear blood flow was reduced in the presence of reactive blue 2 (1 mM) and pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (1 mM). The blood flow response to adenosine (10 microM) was reduced in the presence of 1,3-dimethylxanthine (theophylline, 100 microM), but not with either 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (10 microM) or 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (10 microM). UTP did not produce any change in the cochlear blood flow. To determine if the ATP effect was also mediated by adenosine derived from ectonucleotidase activity, the perilymphatic compartment was perfused with either ATP plus theophylline (100 microM) or with the non-metabolisable form of ATP, adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiophosphate) (ATPgammaS, 100 microM). The effect of ATP on cochlear blood flow was unaffected with the inclusion of theophylline while ATPgammaS produced an increase in cochlear blood flow similar to the one observed with ATP. These findings indicate that extracellular ATP and its metabolite adenosine have a modulatory role in cochlear blood flow possibly mediated by both P1 and P2 receptors.

Evidence for two different types of P2 receptors stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic B cell

Adenine nucleotides have been shown to stimulate insulin secretion by acting on P2 receptors of the P2Y type. Since there have been some discrepancies in the insulin response of different analogues of ATP and ADP, we investigated whether two different types of P2 receptors exist on pancreatic B cells. The effects of alpha,beta-methylene ATP, which is more specific for the P2X subtype, were studied in vitro in pancreatic islets and isolated perfused pancreas from rats, in comparison with the potent P2Y receptor agonist ADPbetaS. In isolated islets, incubated with a slightly stimulating glucose concentration (8.3 mM), alpha,beta-me ATP (200 microM) and ADPbetaS (50 microM) similarly stimulated insulin secretion; by contrast, under a non stimulating glucose concentration (3 mM), alpha,beta-me ATP was still effective whereas ADPbetaS was not. In the same way, in islets perifused with 3 mM glucose, alpha,beta-me ATP but not ADPbetaS induced a partial but significant reduction in the peak 86Rb efflux induced by the ATP-dependent potassium channel opener diazoxide. In the isolated pancreas, perfused with a non stimulating glucose concentration (4.2 mM), ADPbetaS and alpha,beta-me ATP (5-50 microM), administered for 10 min, induced an immediate, transient and concentration-dependent increase in the insulin secretion; their relative potency was not significantly different. In contrast, with a slightly stimulating glucose concentration (8.3 mM), ADPbetaS was previously shown to be 100 fold more potent than alpha,beta-me ATP. Furthermore, at 4.2 mM glucose a second administration of alpha,beta-me ATP was ineffective. In the same way, ADPbetaS was also able to desensitize its own insulin response. At 3 mM glucose, alpha,beta-me ATP as well as ADPbetaS (50 microM) induced a transient stimulation of insulin secretion and down regulated the action of each other. These results give evidence that pancreatic B cells, in addition to P2Y receptors, which potentiate glucose-induced insulin secretion, are provided with P2X receptors, which transiently stimulate insulin release at low non-stimulating glucose concentration and slightly affect the potassium conductance of the membrane.

Endothelium-dependent sensory NANC vasodilatation: involvement of ATP, CGRP and a possible NO store

1 Non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) vasodilator nerves regulate tone in certain vascular beds. We have investigated the mechanisms of the NANC dilator response in the isolated small mesenteric artery of the rabbit by use of the tension myograph. 2 Small second or third order (150-300 microm in diameter) arteries of the rabbit mesenteric bed were mounted in a Mulvany tension myograph. Responses to electrical field stimulation (EFS) and exogenous vasodilators were investigated. 3 EFS (0.5-16 Hz, 10 V, 0.3 ms for 5 s), in the presence of guanethidine (5 microM) and atropine (1 microM) produced frequency-dependent relaxation of small arteries. Pretreatment with tetrodotoxin (1 microM) abolished the relaxation and desensitization with capsaicin (10 microM) strongly inhibited the relaxation. 4 Pretreatment with a P2Y-purinoceptor antagonist, basilen blue (3 microM) or a human calcitonin gene-related peptide (hCGRP) receptor antagonist, hCGRP8-37 (1 microM) suppressed the NANC relaxation by approximately 40-60 % in each case and combined pretreatment almost abolished the relaxation. 5 The EFS-induced relaxation was suppressed by endothelium-removal, pretreatment with the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ (1 microM) and the NO scavenger oxyhaemoglobin (OxyHb; 20 microM) but not by NO synthase inhibitors NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 300 microM) or NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG; 300 microM). Combined pretreatment with ODQ and CGRP8-37 almost abolished the relaxation. 6 A P2Y-purinoceptor agonist, 2-methylthio ATP, produced endothelium-dependent relaxation which was inhibited by L-NAME and ODQ (1 microM), whilst hCGRP produced endothelium-independent and ODQ-insensitive relaxation. 7 Ultraviolet light (320 nm, 5 shots over 20 s) produced relaxation that was blocked by both OxyHb and ODQ but not by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 300 microM). 8 The present study suggests that EFS-induced NANC relaxation of the mesenteric small artery of the rabbit is mediated mainly by capsaicin-sensitive sensory C-fibres and that both ATP and CGRP are involved. The action of ATP released by EFS appears to be endothelium-dependent and involve activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase, but is resistant to inhibitors of NO synthase. The response to CGRP is endothelium-independent. These results show that ATP and CGRP account fully for the NANC relaxation of this vessel type and that the endothelium is involved in NANC-induced relaxation. The endothelium-dependent part of the response is consistent with the release of NO, either from NO synthase, incompletely inhibited by the NO synthase inhibitors, or by some preformed stores.

How should P2X purinoceptors be classified pharmacologically?

When ATP is released as a neurotransmitter from central and peripheral nerves it acts at P2X purinoceptors to produce postsynaptic depolarization and excitation. The P2X purinoceptor was originally classified on the basis of the relative agonist potencies of ATP and a number of its structural analogues. However, it is now clear that the potency of some agonists is greatly decreased by breakdown by ectonucleotidase enzymes, leading to an incorrect determination of agonist potency order. In this article, Charles Kennedy and Paul Leff discuss recent results that indicate that the established classification of P2X purinoceptors is no longer valid and needs redefinition.

Adenosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) is a potent agonist at P2 purinoceptors mediating insulin secretion from perfused rat pancreas

1. The effects of a P2 purinoceptor agonist, adenosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (ADP-beta-S) have been studied on insulin secretion and flow rate of the isolated perfused pancreas of the rat. 2. In the presence of a moderately stimulating glucose concentration (8.3 mM), ADP-beta-S (4.95-495 nM) evoked a biphasic insulin response in a concentration-dependent manner. A comparison of relative potency between ADP-beta-S and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) showed that ADP-beta-S was 100 times more potent than ATP. On the other hand, in the presence of a non stimulatory glucose concentration (4.2 mM), ADP-beta-S (165 nM) did not modify the basal insulin secretion. 3. ADP-beta-S, at concentrations effective on insulin secretion and also at higher concentrations (1.65 and 16.5 microM), provoked an increase of the pancreatic flow rate in a concentration-dependent manner. 4. Our results show that ADP-beta-S is a potent insulin secretory P2 purinoceptor agonist. As it is resistant to hydrolysis it might be useful in studying the effect of activation of the P2 purinoceptor of beta cells on insulin secretion in vivo.

P2 purinoceptor-mediated cyclic AMP accumulation in bovine vascular smooth muscle cells

Extracellular ATP has been shown to induce intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and adenylate cyclase inhibition via P2 purinoceptors in several species of cells. Now we found that in calf vascular smooth muscle cells the addition of ATP to the medium did not induce inhibition but stimulation of cyclic AMP accumulation, in addition to stimulation of inositol phosphate production. Adenosine and AMP also induced cyclic AMP accumulation but their efficacy was much less than that of ATP. The ATP action was not influenced by the presence of either adenosine deaminase or of an ATP regenerating system, whereas the AMP action was increased by the regenerating system. The results indicate that the cyclic AMP accumulation by ATP is due to ATP itself but neither to adenosine nor to AMP, both of which are produced from ATP. ATP receptor coupled to the cyclic AMP generation was shown to be different from that coupled to phospholipase C based on the difference in the potency order of the receptor agonists and in the sensitivity of P2 receptor agonists to 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (CPX)- and suramin-induced antagonism. We conclude that in the aortic smooth muscle cells a novel P2-type receptor directly coupled to adenylate cyclase activation exists in addition to the previously known P2 receptor linked to phospholipase C activation.

Dual regulation of pancreatic vascular tone by P2X and P2Y purinoceptor subtypes

The effects of ATP on the pancreatic vascular bed of the rat were studied under resting tone. ATP exerted two different effects depending on the concentration used: a slight vasodilatation in the 1.65-49.5 microM range which was statistically significant only at 16.5 microM and a concentration-related vasoconstriction in the 495-4 950 microM range. Theophylline, a P1 purinoceptor antagonist, did not modify the vasodilator effect of ATP. The existence of two P2 purinoceptor subtypes (P2y and P2x) in our preparation may be responsible for the dual effect of ATP. The P2y antagonist 2,2'pyridylisatogen (PIT) used at 5 microM, revealed a vasoconstrictor effect of ATP 165 microM, a concentration without effect per se. Furthermore, the transient vasoconstrictor effect of ATP 495 microM was changed into a long-lasting one in the presence of PIT. On the other hand, the blockade of P2x purinoceptors by the desensitizing agent, alpha,beta-methylene ATP, increased the vasodilator effect of ATP 16.5 microM. In conclusion, two subtypes of P2 purinoceptor do exist on the pancreatic vascular bed: P2y inducing vasodilatation and P2x inducing vasoconstriction. At vascular resting tone, the effect observed with ATP therefore depends on the concentration used and on the balance between P2y/P2x purinoceptors.

Electrophysiological effects of extracellular ATP on Necturus gallbladder epithelium

The effects of addition of ATP to the mucosal bathing solution on transepithelial, apical, and basolateral membrane voltages and resistances in Necturus gallbladder epithelium were determined. Mucosal ATP (100 microM) caused a rapid hyperpolarization of both apical (Vmc) and basolateral (Vcs) cell membrane voltages (delta Vm = 18 +/- 1 mV), a fall in transepithelial resistance (Rt) from 142 +/- 8 to 122 +/- 7 omega.cm2, and a decrease in fractional apical membrane resistance (fRa) from 0.93 +/- 0.02 to 0.83 +/- 0.03. The rapid initial hyperpolarization of Vmc and Vcs was followed by a slower depolarization of cell membrane voltages and a lumen-negative change in transepithelial voltage (Vms). This phase also included an additional decrease in fRa. Removal of the ATP caused a further depolarization of membrane voltages followed by a hyperpolarization and then a return to control values. fRa fell to a minimum after removal of ATP and then returned to control values as the cell membrane voltages repolarized. Similar responses could be elicited by ADP but not by adenosine. The results of two-point cable experiments revealed that ATP induced an initial increase in cell membrane conductance followed by a decrease. Transient elevations of mucosal solution [K+] induced a larger depolarization of Vmc and Vcs during exposure to ATP than under control conditions. Reduction of mucosal solution [Cl-] induced a slow hyperpolarization of Vmc and Vcs before exposure to ATP and a rapid depolarization during exposure to ATP. We conclude that ATP4- is the active agent and that it causes a concentration-dependent increase in apical and basolateral membrane K+ permeability. In addition, an apical membrane electrodiffusive Cl- permeability is activated by ATP4-.

Difference in the potentiating effect of adenosine triphosphate and alpha, beta-methylene ATP on the biphasic insulin response to glucose

1. The effects of exogenous adenine nucleotides and structural analogues on the biphasic insulin response to an increase of glucose concentration in the physiological range (from 4.2 to 8.3 mM) were studied in the isolated perfused rat pancreas. Purinoceptor agonists were added either simultaneously or 15 min before increasing glucose. 2. ATP and ADP at 16.5 microM were ineffective per se in the presence of the non stimulatory glucose concentration (4.2 mM) but markedly potentiated the biphasic insulin response to glucose rise in both experimental protocols. 3. Two more stable analogues of ATP and ADP (adenylylimidodiphosphate and alpha, beta-methylene ADP (alpha, beta-MeADP)) at 16.5 microM behaved like the natural compounds: they were ineffective at a glucose concentration of 4.2 mM and potentiated both phases of insulin response to glucose rise. 4. alpha, beta-MeATP added simultaneously with the high glucose concentration, markedly potentiated the first phase of insulin response to glucose rise but did not potentiate the second one. When alpha, beta-MeATP infusion began 15 min before glucose rise, the biphasic response to glucose was not potentiated, in contrast to what occurred with ATP. 5. In the presence of alpha, beta-MeATP, the ATP potentiating effect was unaffected. 6. It is concluded that ATP and ADP, via activation of beta cell P2 gamma purinoceptors, potentiates the biphasic insulin response to an increase of glucose concentration. On the other hand, alpha, beta-MeATP did not behave like natural and other structural analogues of ATP and ADP: this difference appears not to be the consequence of desensitization of beta cell P2 gamma purinoceptors by alpha, beta-MeATP.

Origin, metabolism and function of extracellular adenine nucleotides in the blood

In previous views the role of adenine nucleotides was thought to be confined to the intracellular space of the cell. However, research of the last decades has revealed that nucleotides also occur in the extracellular space. This survey deals with the sources, metabolism and the role in blood of the extracellular adenine mononucleotides ATP, ADP, AMP and the dinucleotides diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) and diadenosine triphosphate (Ap3A). The latter two are novel compounds, which have recently been discovered in human platelets. The mononucleotides originate from damaged tissues, from red blood cells during haemolysis, from activated platelets, the working muscle and from the nervous system, whereas the dinucleotides are exclusively released from stimulated platelets. Both the adenine mono- and the dinucleotides act as signal molecules on blood cells as well as on cells of the vascular wall, thereby modulating physiological processes such as platelet aggregation, histamine release from mast cells, regulation of vascular tone and white cell functions. In order to limit the signal effects of extracellular nucleotides, blood cells, plasma and the interior of the vessel walls are provided with nucleotide splitting enzymes: ATP, ADP and AMP are mainly degraded by ectoenzymes present on blood cells, endothelial and on smooth muscle cells, whereas dinucleotides are primarily metabolized by plasma enzymes. This review closes with the presentation of the clinical utility of Ap3A and Ap4A as tools for the diagnosis of platelet storage pool defects.

Effects of 2-methylthio ATP on insulin secretion in the dog in vivo

The effects of 2-methylthio ATP, an ATP analogue that is more specific for the P2Y receptor, were investigated on insulin secretion in the anesthetized dog in vivo. 2-Methylthio ATP was infused directly into the pancreaticoduodenal artery for 15 min. The infusion was performed so as to obtain a pancreaticoduodenal artery blood level of about 15 microM. 2-Methylthio ATP induced an immediate and significant stimulation of insulin secretion measured from the pancreaticoduodenal vein by means of a T-shaped catheter. After the infusion was stopped, the secretion of insulin progressively decreased and at 30 min was close to basal values. The stimulation of insulin secretion induced a transient but significant reduction of peripheral venous blood glucose levels.

Role of adenine compounds in autonomic neurotransmission

Clearly adenine compounds exert numerous effects throughout the autonomic nervous system. The responses of various peripheral tissues to purines are summarized in Table 2. The evidence supporting a possible excitatory neurotransmitter function for ATP is very good in the vas deferens and good in both the bladder detrusor and certain blood vessels. ATP may also be an excitatory neurotransmitter in the colon, hepatocytes and frog atrium. These responses appear to be mediated by P2x-purinoceptors. There is good evidence supporting a role for ATP as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the taenia coli and duodenum, and some support in the anal sphincter and possibly the rabbit portal vein; these responses appear to be mediated by P2y-purinoceptors. There is good evidence against ATP being an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the stomach fundic muscle and ileum. ATP (or more likely its metabolite adenosine) may act as an inhibitory neurotransmitter by interacting with postsynaptic P1-purinoceptors in cultured sympathetic neurones and also in the parasympathetic vesicle ganglion of the cat. It seems likely that ATP released from heart, platelets or vascular endothelium could be an endogenous relaxant of blood vessels through its actions on the endothelium. Although the addition of exogenous adenosine affects many tissues, evidence supporting modulatory functions for endogenous extracellular adenosine has only been clearly demonstrated in the ileum, gallbladder, vas deferens, fallopian tubes, kidney, blood vessels, carotid sinus, heart and adipose tissue. Both ATP and adenosine, released during periods of hypoxia or ischemia, could exert negative inotropic, chronotropic and dromotropic actions in the heart. In many cases, the potential sources of extracellular purines have not been established. This is particularly important when attempting to establish a neurotransmitter function for ATP in a tissue. For instance, the one outstanding piece of evidence required to confirm that ATP is an excitatory neurotransmitter released from sympathetic nerves in blood vessels is the unequivocal demonstration that it is, in fact, released from the sympathetic nerves when they are stimulated. To date, only the release of radiolabeled metabolites of ATP, possibly from post- rather than presynaptic sites, has been detected. Studies of the release of ATP are complicated by its rapid degradation extracellularly by ecto-ATPase. Unfortunately, there are no specific inhibitors of ecto-ATPase available at present, but one hopes that a suitable inhibitor will be developed shortly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Evidence for two different P2-purinoceptors on beta cell and pancreatic vascular bed

1 The effects of a 2-substituted analogue of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), 2-methylthioadenosine triphosphate (2-methylthio ATP) have been studied on insulin secretion and flow rate of the isolated pancreas of the rat, perfused in the presence of glucose (8.3 mM). 2 2-Methylthio ATP (16.5-1650 nM) increased insulin secretion in a biphasic and concentration-dependent manner; the kinetics were comparable to those previously obtained with ATP. A comparison of relative potency between ATP and 2-methylthio ATP showed that 2-methylthio ATP was 45 times more potent than ATP. 3 2-Methylthio ATP also provoked a transient decrease of the flow rate in a concentration-dependent manner but at concentrations (165-825 microM) about 1000 fold higher than those needed to increase insulin secretion. A comparison of relative potency between the natural derivative and 2-methylthio ATP showed that 2-methylthio ATP was only twice as potent as ATP. 4 These and other previous results (with phosphate-modified analogues of ATP) provide evidence for two different types of P2-purinoceptors on endocrine cell and vessel cells of the pancreas. A P2Y subtype, mediating an increase of insulin secretion, is present on the beta cell of the pancreas. A P2X subtype, mediating vasoconstriction, is present on the vascular bed of the rat pancreas.

P2-purinoceptors of two subtypes in the rabbit mesenteric artery: reactive blue 2 selectively inhibits responses mediated via the P2y-but not the P2x-purinoceptor

alpha,beta-Methylene ATP and ATP both produced concentration-dependent contractions of the isolated mesenteric artery of the rabbit that were not inhibited by reactive blue 2. In preparations where the tone had been raised with noradrenaline, ATP and 2-methylthio ATP, but not alpha,beta-methylene ATP, produced relaxations of the vessel. These relaxations were inhibited in the presence of reactive blue 2. Reactive blue 2 did not inhibit the contractions to noradrenaline, and only slightly inhibited relaxations to adenosine and acetylcholine. The rank order of potency of purine nucleotide analogues in contracting the vessel was: alpha,beta-methylene ATP greater than beta,gamma-methylene ATP = 2-methylthio ATP greater than ATP, and in relaxing the vessel at raised tone was: 2-methylthio ATP greater than ATP greater than beta,gamma-methylene ATP greater than alpha,beta-methylene ATP. It is concluded from this study that in the isolated mesenteric artery of the rabbit, purine nucleotides act via P2y-purinoceptors to cause the muscle to relax and via P2x-purinoceptors to cause the muscle to contract. The results also suggest that reactive blue 2 selectively inhibits responses mediated via the P2y-purinoceptor, at least within a limited concentration range.

A dual function for adenosine 5'-triphosphate in the regulation of vascular tone. Excitatory cotransmitter with noradrenaline from perivascular nerves and locally released inhibitory intravascular agent

A dual function for adenosine 5'-triphosphate in the regulation of vascular tone is considered. Adenosine 5'-triphosphate can cause vasodilation, acting via P2-purinoceptors located on vascular endothelial cells to release an endothelium-derived relaxing factor which diffuses to the vascular smooth muscle and induces vasodilation. The main source of intraluminal adenosine 5'-triphosphate is likely to be endothelial cells, and its release can be measured during pathophysiological conditions such as ischemia and hypoxia, in amounts likely to be sufficient to activate endothelial P2-purinoceptors. Adenosine 5'-triphosphate can also be released during intravascular platelet aggregation and from intact and damaged vascular smooth muscle cells, and so may play a role in the complex physiological mechanisms controlling local vascular tone under normoxic conditions and during vessel injury. Evidence is also presented for adenosine 5'-triphosphate acting as an excitatory cotransmitter with noradrenaline from sympathetic perivascular nerves, to cause vasoconstriction via excitatory P2-purinoceptors located on vascular smooth muscle. The postjunctional mechanical and electrical responses of a number of blood vessels following perivascular nerve stimulation contain a component that is resistant to blockade of the alpha-adrenoceptor. This nonadrenergic response is mimicked by adenosine 5'-triphosphate and can be blocked by selective desensitization of the P2-purinoceptor by alpha,beta-methylene adenosine 5'-triphosphate. Vesicular storage of adenosine 5'-triphosphate and its release from sympathetic perivascular nerves has also been demonstrated. The functional significance of adenosine 5'-triphosphate acting intraluminally as a vasodilator and extraluminally as a vasoconstrictor neuronal agent in the control of vascular tone is discussed.

Characteristics of P2 (nucleotide) receptors mediating contraction and relaxation of rat aortic strips: possible physiological relevance

ATP and ADP relaxed rat aortic strips precontracted with noradrenaline by an endothelium-dependent mechanism. 5'-AMP was much less potent and adenosine was essentially without effect. The metabolically stable analogues alpha,beta-methylene ATP and beta,gamma-methylene ATP further contracted precontracted aorta. Aortic strips, which had not been precontracted with noradrenaline, contracted when exposed to either ATP or alpha,beta-methylene ATP, the latter nucleotide being much more potent than the former. Removal of the endothelium increased the contractions to ATP. ANAPP3 had no effect on the endothelium-dependent relaxations produced by ATP but it antagonized contractions produced by alpha,beta-methylene ATP. These results provide evidence for the possible existence of two subtypes of P2 receptors in rat aorta; a P2 receptor mediating contraction residing on smooth muscle which can be antagonized by ANAPP3 and where alpha,beta-methylene ATP is more potent than ATP, and a P2 receptor mediating relaxation located on the endothelium which cannot be antagonized by ANAPP3 and where ATP is much more potent than alpha,beta-methylene ATP.

Is there a basis for distinguishing two types of P2-purinoceptor?

It is suggested that the P2-purinoceptor may be separated into two subtypes largely on the basis of the rank order of agonist potency of structural analogues of ATP and also on the activity of antagonists at the P2-purinoceptor: Subtype 1 (designated P2X), potency order: alpha, beta-methyleneATP, beta, gamma-methyleneATP greater than ATP = 2 methylthioATP; antagonism by ANAPP3 and selectively desensitisation following administration of alpha, beta-methyleneATP; present in the vas deferens and urinary bladder of guinea-pig and rat, frog and rat ventricle, and also in the smooth muscle of the rat femoral artery and rabbit central ear artery, where they mediate excitation. Subtype 2 (designated P2Y), potency order: 2-methylthioATP much greater than ATP greater than alpha, beta-methyleneATP, beta, gamma-methyleneATP; weak antagonism by ANAPP3 and desensitisation following administration of alpha, beta-methyleneATP; present in the guinea-pig taenia coli and the longitudinal muscle layer of the rabbit portal vein, where they mediate relaxation and also on the vascular endothelial cells of the rat femoral artery and pig aorta (where occupation leads to the production of endothelium-derived relaxing factor). Differences in the structure of the P2-purinoceptor in various tissues may be useful in the development of drugs for the treatment of vascular, gastrointestinal and urinoglenital disorders.