Effects of forskolin and isoproterenol on cyclic AMP and tension in the myometrium

Effect of 14-deoxyandrographolide on calcium-mediated rat uterine smooth muscle contractility

In this study, the effect of 14-deoxyandrographolide (14-DAP) on calcium channel-dependent rat uterine smooth muscle contraction was evaluated. Using a tissue bath preparation, 14-DAP was able to reduce the contractile response to 0.3 and 3.0 mm of CaCl(2), with an IC(50) of 1.24 +/- 0.23 x 10(-5) m and 5.94 +/- 0.29 x 10(-5) m, respectively. 14-DAP shifted the CaCl(2) cumulative dose response curve to the right, increasing the EC(50) from 2.08 +/- 0.20 x 10(-4) m to 4.22 +/- 0.22 x 10(-4) m (5 micrometer 14-DAP) and 2.5 +/- 1.0 x 10(-3) m (50 micrometer 14-DAP). In order to determine if 14-DAP had any effect on intracellular calcium, the relaxant response to 14-DAP following contraction by oxytocin, PGF(2alpha) and vanadate in Ca(+2)-free solution was compared with that of isoproterenol and phenylbutazone. While isoproterenol and phenylbutazone relaxed the smooth muscle in a dose-dependent manner, 14-DAP did not have any effect on either the oxytocin, PGF(2alpha) or vanadate-induced smooth muscle contraction. Based on these data, it appears that 14-DAP is an uterine smooth muscle relaxant which produces a selective blockade of voltage operated calcium channels.

Effects of SQ 22536, an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, on isoproterenol-induced cyclic AMP elevation and relaxation in newborn ovine pulmonary veins

The effects of inhibition of adenylyl cyclase on isoproterenol-induced relaxation were determined in isolated pulmonary veins of newborn lambs (7-12 days old). In veins constricted with endothelin-1, isoproterenol at concentrations < or = 3 x 10(-9) M had no effect on the cyclic AMP (cAMP) content but caused up to 56% relaxation. At higher concentrations (> or = 10(-8) M), isoproterenol elevated cAMP content and caused further relaxation. In veins constricted with endothelin-1 or U46619 (9,11-dideoxy-11, 9-epoxymethanoprostaglandin prostaglandin F2alpha), the cAMP elevation but not relaxation caused by isoproterenol was abolished by SQ 22536 [9-(tetrahydro-2-furanyl)-9H-purin-6-amine; an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor]. The effects of isoproterenol on vessel tension and cAMP content were inhibited by propranolol. Rp-8-CPT-cAMPS [8-(4-Chlorophenylthio)-adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, Rp-isomer] and Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS [beta-phenyl-1, N2-etheno-8-bromoguanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, Rp-isomer], inhibitors of cAMP- and guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinases, respectively, attenuated relaxation caused by a cAMP analog but not that by isoproterenol. In the crude membrane preparations of pulmonary veins, an increase in the activity of adenylyl cyclase caused by isoproterenol was abolished by propranolol and SQ 22536. These results suggest that cAMP may not play a critical role in isoproterenol-induced relaxation of pulmonary veins of newborn lambs.

Adenylate cyclase and potassium channels are involved in forskolin- and 1,9-dideoxyforskolin-induced inhibition of pregnant rat uterus contractility

OBJECTIVE

We sought to study the contribution of potassium channels in the effect of forskolin and 1,9-dideoxyforskolin on uterine contractility in the pregnant rat.

STUDY DESIGN

Rings taken from the middle portions of uterine horns from rats at 16 days of gestation were positioned in organ chambers containing physiologic salt solution bubbled with 5% carbon dioxide in air (37 degrees C, pH approximately 7.4) for isometric tension recording under 2 g passive tension. The effects of cumulative concentrations of forskolin and 1,9-dideoxyforskolin in the absence or presence of an adenylate cyclase inhibitor (MDL-12,330A, 10(-5) mol/L), a nonselective potassium channel blocker (tetrabutylammonium, 10(-4) mol/L), or an adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium channel blocker (glibenclamide 10(-5) mol/L) were studied.

RESULTS

Both forskolin and, to a lesser extent, 1,9-dideoxyforskolin inhibit uterine contractions. Tetrabutylammonium, glibenclamide, and MDL-12, 330A attenuated the effects of forskolin, whereas glibenclamide was less effective against 1,9-dideoxyforskolin.

CONCLUSION

Activation of adenylate cyclases, as well as adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium channels and, to a greater extent, calcium-dependent potassium channels, is involved in the inhibitory effect of forskolin in uterine rings from rats at 16 days of gestation. Inhibition of uterine contractions by 1,9-dideoxyforskolin is less than that by forskolin and involves activation of adenylate cyclase and calcium-dependent potassium channels. Whether activation of guanylate cyclase is involved in the effect of the agents on calcium-dependent potassium channels needs further investigation. 1, 9-Dideoxyforskolin is not an inactive isomer of forskolin in rat uterine rings.

Evidence for the presence of both P1 and P2 purinoceptors in the rat myometrium

1. Adenosine, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and some stable analogues of adenosine inhibited field stimulation-induced contractions of the uterus from rats treated with oestradiol cypionate (20 micrograms/kg, s.c.) 1 day previously. Adenosine was twice as potent as ATP; both were potentiated by dipyridamole (10 mumol/L). 2. The order of agonist potency of adenosine and its analogues was: 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) > N6-cyclohexyladenosine > or = R-phenylisopropyladenosine = S-phenylisopropyladenosine = 2-chloroadenosine > or = adenosine > or = ATP > > 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl) phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine. This order suggests the presence of P1 purinoceptors of the A2B subtype. 3. Responses to agonists were antagonized to differing extents by the P1 purinoceptor antagonist 8-phenyltheophylline (10 mumol/L). 4. In uterine preparations from rats pretreated for 2 days with oestrogen (20 micrograms/kg, s.c.) and for 1 day with progesterone (3 mg/animal, s.c.), the inhibitory potencies of adenosine and NECA were reduced, indicating hormonal regulation of uterine responsiveness to P1 purinoceptor agonists. 5. Stable analogues of ATP caused contractions of unstimulated myometrial preparations from oestrogen-treated animals, indicating activation of a P2 purinoceptor, possibly of the P2X subtype, because of the relative order of potency was alpha, beta-methylene ATP > beta, gamma-methylene ATP = ATP = 2-methylthio ATP.

Forskolin inhibition of K+ current in pregnant rat uterine smooth muscle cells

Two kinds of outward K+ currents were examined in single smooth muscle cells from pregnant rat uterus, using whole-cell voltage clamp. The first and faster component was more sensitive to 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), whereas the second and slower (delayed) component was more sensitive to tetraethylammonium (TEA). A possible third K+ component (Ca activated K+ current) was not recorded as the pipette solution included EGTA. Forskolin inhibited the outward current in a concentration-dependent manner (50% inhibition occurred at about 30 microM); it affected the delayed component rather than the fast component. 8-Bromo-cAMP did not alter the outward current. In addition, inhibitors of protein kinase A and GDP-beta S and GTP-gamma S did not affect the forskolin-induced inhibition. These results indicate that forskolin inhibition of the delayed component of the outward current is independent of cAMP generation in the pregnant rat myometrial cells. Therefore, forskolin seems to directly inhibit specific K+ channels, as was reported for several other cell types.

Cyclic AMP is not a direct regulator of calcium flux and hydrolysis of phosphoinositides in human lymphocytes

The regulatory effects of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) on Ca2+ flux and phosphatidylinositol (PI) turnover in human lymphocytes were studied. cAMP did not affect the intracellular accumulation of Ca2+ induced by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and histamine-trifluoromethyl toluidide derivative (HTMT) in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). In addition, cAMP also did not alter Ca2+ flux induced by PHA, anti-CD3, or PAF in T cells, or by anti-IgM and HTMT in non-rosetted cells. Similarly, cAMP did not inhibit IP accumulation induced by HTMT in PBL, anti-CD3 in T cells, and by anti-IgM or HTMT in non-rosetted cells. The only exception was the synthesis of IP induced by PHA in T cells that was inhibited by cAMP. Furthermore, prolonged treatment of T cells with cholera toxin inhibited Ca2+ accumulation in response to CD3. The degree of inhibition of Ca2+ and IP responses was not proportional to the levels of intracellular cAMP generated.

Studies of connexin 43 and cell-to-cell coupling in cultured human uterine smooth muscle

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the presence and the permeability of gap junctions between human uterine smooth-muscle cells in culture.

STUDY DESIGN

The uterine smooth muscles obtained from term-pregnant women were cultured. The presence of gap junction was evaluated by immunocytochemistry with gap junction protein antibodies and by measuring input resistance and intercellular spread of lucifer yellow. These measures also evaluated the permeability of gap junctions. Octanol, isoproterenol, dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate and forskolin were applied to the cultures to assess their effects on the permeability of gap junctions.

RESULTS

During culture, immunocytochemical staining of gap junction protein (connexin 43) was increased and input resistance was decreased on day 2 of culture versus day 21 (18.4 +/- 7.87 M omega day 2; 3.8 +/- 1.76 M omega, day 21; p < 0.001). However, the decrease in input resistance was related to cell density rather than time in culture (16.4 +/- 5.01 M omega, single cells on days 1 and 2; 5.3 +/- 2.35 M omega, high-density cultures on days 1 and 2; p < 0.001). Octanol increased input resistance and intercellular spread of lucifer yellow in confluent cultures; isoproterenol, dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate, and forskolin did not.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased staining of connexin 43 and the decreased input resistance during culture are evidence of elevated number of gap junctions between cells. The rapid and reversible increase in input resistance and decrease in spread of lucifer yellow by octanol are the result of decreased permeability of gap junctions. These two methods of modulation of gap junctions in human uterine smooth muscles are thought to be major mechanisms for the control of uterine contractility.

Effects of porcine relaxin on contraction, membrane response and cyclic AMP content in rat myometrium in comparison with the effects of isoprenaline and forskolin

1. The longitudinal muscle from the uterus of oestrogen-treated rats was quiescent in Mg-free Krebs solution. Electrical stimulation generated phasic contraction, which was depressed to 35% and 18% by 50 mu and 150 mu porcine relaxin, respectively. 2. The phasic contractions were more strongly depressed to 26% by 50 mu relaxin in solution containing 0.6 mM Mg, and the depression lasted for more than 4 h after the removal of relaxin. During the persisting depression, raising the external Ca to 7.5 mM did not restore the contraction, but the contraction was restored by removal of Mg. 3. The depression of the phasic contraction by relaxin, examined in Mg-free solution, was enhanced and reduced by pretreatment of the tissue with 0.6 mM Mg and 0.6 mM Mn, respectively, for about 15 min. In contrast, the depression of contraction by isoprenaline or forskolin was enhanced by pretreatment with either Mg or Mn. 4. The cellular content of cyclic AMP was measured in Krebs solution containing 0.6 mM Mg. The values were 1.24 (pmol mg-1 protein) in control solution, and 2.31 and 1.56 when the tissues were treated with 150 mu relaxin and 10(-9) M isoprenaline, respectively. 5. The cyclic AMP production in response to 10(-7) M forskolin measured in Mg-free solution was enhanced when the tissue was pretreated with either 0.6 mM Mg or Mn for 15 min. The cyclic AMP production in response to 100 mu relaxin was increased when the tissue was pretreated with 0.6 mM Mg, and was unchanged by pretreatment with Mn. The cyclic AMP production in response to 10(-9) M isoprenaline was unchanged by pretreatment with the divalent cations. 6. The membrane potential of the muscle was -60.8 mV in Krebs solution containing 0.3 mM Mg, and electrical stimulation induced an action potential which consisted of spike and plateau components. Application of 150 mu relaxin reduced the duration of the plateau; the contractions were progressively depressed. The resting membrane potential and membrane resistance were unchanged by application of 150 mu relaxin. The membrane was hyperpolarized by 2.8 mV, accompanied by a decrease in membrane resistance, when 10(-9) M isoprenaline was applied. 7. Although there were several differences between the effects of relaxin and isoprenaline, it is probable that some process, which is cyclic AMP-dependent, accelerated by Mg and depressed by Mn, is involved in the depressant action of relaxin on contraction.

Effects of magnesium and terbutaline on contractility and K+ uptake in isolated human uterine muscle

Mg++ (3 and 6 mmol/L), the beta 2-adrenergic agonist terbutaline (1 and 10 mumol/L), and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate (0.1 and 1 mmol/L) suppressed spontaneous activity and the increase in contractile activity induced by ouabain or K(+)-free buffer in isolated human pregnant myometrium. The ouabain-suppressible rubidium 86 or potassium 42 uptake was unaffected by the presence of Mg++ (3 and 6 mmol/L), the beta 2-adrenergic agonist terbutaline (1 and 10 mumol/L), or dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate (1 mmol/L). However, loading of the strips with Na+ and incubation in high K+ induced a fivefold increase in rubidium 86 uptake. On the basis of these flux rates, our previous data on the total concentration of sodium-potassium pumps in the human myometrium, and an estimated maximum transport rate of the sodium-potassium pump of 8900 K+ ions per minute at 30 degrees C, it could be calculated that the sodium-potassium pump in the Na(+)-loaded strips reached around 80% of its maximal rate. Taken together, these results showed that the relaxant effects of Mg++, terbutaline, and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate on human myometrium are not due to a stimulation of active sodium-potassium transport.

Inhibition of rat uterine contractions by rat and human CGRP

Effects of rat and human calcitonin gene-related peptide (r alpha CGRP and h beta CGRP, respectively) upon uterine contractile force were investigated using uterine horns from nonpregnant rats, r alpha CGRP and h beta CGRP were equipotent (pD2 = 8.85-9.09) in inhibiting spontaneous and electrically evoked uterine contractions. r alpha CGRP was relatively ineffective in inhibiting potassium-induced contractures of preparations from stilbestrol-pretreated rats. The use of selective antagonists established that r alpha CGRP did not release prostanoids, or release or act at receptors for catecholamines and histamine. The effects of the peptides were not significantly modulated by estrogen levels since pD2 values were similar (8.56-8.86) in field-stimulated preparations from rats in proestrus/estrus or metestrus/diestrus.

Actions of forskolin and isoprenaline on the separated myometrial layers of the guinea-pig uterus: influence of ovarian steroids and pregnancy

Responses to forskolin and isoprenaline of electrically stimulated preparations of longitudinal and circular myometrium were compared. The guinea-pigs used were: untreated (dioestrous), ovarian steroid-treated, pregnant and post-partum. Forskolin inhibited electrically evoked contractions of both myometrial layers obtained from all groups; there was no change in its potency or its maximum effect (90-100% inhibition). The inhibition of contractions of longitudinal myometrium by isoprenaline was enhanced with steroid treatment, attaining a maximum in late pregnancy and immediately post-partum. In circular myometrium, there was no significant change in the potency of isoprenaline on tissues from ovarian steroid-treated animals. However, maximum potency as well as maximum response was observed in late pregnancy. Since the effects of isoprenaline but not of forskolin were modulated, we suggest that ovarian steroids and pregnancy may alter the coupling of beta-adrenoceptors to the adenylate cyclase system.

Uncoupling of excitation from contraction in uterine smooth muscle in near-term ewes

We infused forskolin in 30% ethanol or 30% ethanol systemically in seven chronically catheterized near-term sheep to determine the response of ovine uterine musculature to cyclic adenosine monophosphate stimulation. Maternal and fetal arterial pressure, fetal venous pressure, intrauterine pressure, and uterine electromyogram activity were monitored continuously. Prostaglandin E2 was infused at a delivery rate that caused a minimal 5 mm Hg increase in intrauterine pressure with definite contraction-like pressure spikes and associated uterine electromyogram activity. Forskolin (10 mg in 30% ethanol) or ethanol (vehicle) was then infused for 20 minutes. The prostaglandin E2 challenge was repeated 3 minutes later and again every 30 minutes over a 2 1/2-hour period. Data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance. Infusion of ethanol (n = 2) had no apparent effect on either the intrauterine pressure or the uterine electromyogram response to prostaglandin E2 challenge. Forskolin infusion (n = 5) caused an attenuation of the intrauterine pressure response to prostaglandin E2 for 93 minutes. This effect was greatest 33 minutes after the infusion ended when the integrated pressure signal was 37% of the initial prostaglandin E2 response. The forskolin infusion had no effect on uterine electromyogram response to prostaglandin E2. We conclude that forskolin causes an uncoupling of excitation from contraction in the intact near-term ovine uterus.

Augmentation by external Mg ions of beta-adrenoceptor-mediated actions in the longitudinal muscle of rat uterus

1. The longitudinal muscle isolated from the uterus of oestrogen-treated rats was not spontaneously active in Locke solution, and electrical stimulation evoked phasic contraction. Isoprenaline (3 x 10(-11) - 10(-8) M) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (db cyclic AMP, 0.1-0.8 mM) depressed the phasic contraction; the depression was enhanced in the presence of 0.6 mM Mg. 2. The contracture generated by 40 mM K was partially relaxed by isoprenaline (10(-11) - 10(-8) M) and db cyclic AMP (0.1-0.8 mM). Mg (0.6 mM) enhanced the isoprenaline-induced relaxation, but not that induced by db cyclic AMP. 3. The membrane potential of the muscle was -61 mV, and electrical stimulation induced an action potential which consisted of spike and plateau components. Application of isoprenaline and db cyclic AMP mainly reduced the duration of the plateau potential. The effect was potentiated by 0.6 mM Mg. 4. The membrane was hyperpolarized, accompanied by a decrease in membrane resistance, when 10(-8) M isoprenaline or 0.8 mM db cyclic AMP was applied. The effects of isoprenaline were prominently augmented in the presence of 1.2 mM Mg, while those of db cyclic AMP were slightly potentiated. 5. Forskolin (0.1 microM) or papaverine (10 microM) inhibited the phasic contraction and the K-contracture. The effect on the phasic contraction was potentiated by 0.6 mM Mg, while that on the K-contracture was not affected. 6. Forskolin shortened the action potential at 0.3 microM, and hyperpolarized the membrane with a decrease in membrane resistance at 3.0 microM. The membrane effects were augmented by 0.6 and 1.2 mM Mg, respectively. 7. It was hypothesized that external Mg ions could affect at least two processes involved in actions at beta-adrenoceptors on rat myometrium; receptor-agonist interaction and cyclic AMP-mediated inhibition of membrane excitability.

Interactions between forskolin, calcium and Bay K 8644 in K+-depolarized rat uterine muscle

1. Forskolin (FORS) (0.03 to 10 microM) caused a concentration-dependent rightward shifts of the dose-response curves to CaCl2 in the isolated K+-depolarized rat uterus, with apparent, pA2 value of 8.3, but the slope was different from unity (0.55). 2. In presence of Bay K 8644 (10 and 100 nM), the pA2 values for FORS against CaCl2 contractions were reduced in a concentration-dependent manner and increased the slopes of Schild plots to values no longer different from unity. 3. In presence of low Ca2+ concentration (0.22 nM), the potency of FORS in antagonizing CaCl2 contractions was reduced in about 2-fold. 4. FORS (0.3-3 microM) caused a dose- and time-dependent relaxation of sustained contraction induced by CaCl2 (0.5 mM). 5. FORS (0.3 microM) like nifedipine (NIF, 30 pM) caused a concentration-dependent displacement to the right of the dose-response curve to Bay K 8644 (0.1-100 nM) in K+-depolarized preparations. 6. Higher concentration of both FORS (1 and 3 microM) and NIF (0.01 and 0.03 nM) also reduced the maximal response of Bay K 8644. 7. Both drugs caused a concentration-dependent relaxation of uterine muscle contracted by Bay K 8644 (100 nM) and K+ (80 nM), but neither FORS nor NIF discriminated the two types of contraction.

Pharmacological characterization of mare uterus motility with special reference to calcium antagonists and beta-2-adrenergic stimulants

1. Uterine motility was studied in vitro in the myometrial tissue obtained from pregnant and non-pregnant mares. 2. The spontaneous contractions of the preparations were not modified by tetrodotoxin, by anticholinergics, antiadrenergics, histamine H1 and H2 blockers, antiserotoninergic and opioid antagonists; but disappeared in Ca2+ and Na+ free medium. 3. beta 2-adrenergic stimulants like salbutamol and hexoprenaline and the calcium channel blockers nifedipine and verapamil were effective inhibitors of the amplitude of phasic contractions (ID50S for salbutamol and nifedipine were 7.7 nM and 14.6 nM, respectively in oestrus preparations). 4. The above data indicated that the mare myometrium contractility in vitro is very sensitive to the action of beta 2 mimetic compounds and calcium antagonists; nifedipine, in particular, seems to be a very promising alternative to beta 2 stimulants in the tocolytic therapy.

Role of cyclic AMP- and cyclic GMP-phosphodiesterases in the control of cyclic nucleotide levels and smooth muscle tone in rat isolated aorta. A study with selective inhibitors

Three isoforms of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) have been recently isolated from aortic tissue and two of them specifically hydrolyzed adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), respectively (Lugnier et al., Biochem. Pharmac. 35, 1743, 1986). The role of these forms in controlling cyclic nucleotide levels and smooth muscle tone was investigated by the use of PDE inhibitors. The effects of selective inhibitors of the two forms specifically hydrolyzing cAMP or cGMP (cAMP-PDE and cGMP-PDE, respectively) were compared to those of non-selective inhibitors of the three aortic PDE forms, including the calmodulin-sensitive one (CaM-PDE). Relaxation responses and accumulation of tissue cAMP and cGMP induced by these drugs were studied in precontracted rat isolated aorta, and compared to the effects of isoprenaline and forskolin (stimulants of adenylate cyclase) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and sodium azide (stimulants of guanylate cyclase). The eight PDE inhibitors tested all relaxed aorta with potencies that correlated with their potencies as inhibitors of cAMP-PDE, but not of cGMP-PDE. At a concentration producing half-maximal relaxation, all PDE inhibitors induced a moderate but significant accumulation of cAMP, which was comparable to the accumulation of cAMP elicited by half-maximally relaxing concentrations of adenylate cyclase stimulating agents. At this concentration, some PDE inhibitors (M&B 22,948, dipyridamole and to a lesser extent, trequinsin) also induced a significant increase in cGMP levels, of the same order of magnitude as that caused by agents stimulating guanylate cyclase. However, the cGMP-increasing effect of these inhibitors was dissociated from their relaxing effect. In particular, the relaxing concentrations of M&B 22,948 (a selective inhibitor of cGMP-PDE) were clearly higher than the cGMP-increasing concentrations of the compound. At a concentration at which they elicited 10% relaxation by themselves, the selective cAMP-PDE inhibitor, rolipram, as well as the mixed inhibitor of cAMP- and cGMP-PDE, AAL 05 (a cilostamide analogue) enhanced both the cAMP-increasing and the relaxing effect of isoprenaline. Under the same conditions, no clear enhancement of the relaxation induced by SNP was observed. Only M&B 22,948 showed a slight potentiating effect on SNP-induced relaxation, but this effect was limited to low concentrations of SNP (less than 10 nM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

A new look at uterine muscle contraction

Recent progress in our understanding of uterine smooth muscle contraction is reviewed. We no longer believe that actin-myosin interaction in the myometrium occurs through activation of the thin filament; but it is triggered by calcium-dependent phosphorylation of myosin in the thick filament. Calcium is now thought to originate from both extracellular and intracellular sources. Calcium can enter the cell through either a voltage- or a hormone-controlled calcium channel. The intracellular source of calcium is the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The effect of oxytocin in human labor is no longer considered the result of increased circulating oxytocin but rather of increased oxytocin receptors. In contrast, the contractile action of some prostaglandins is related to increased prostaglandin formation at human parturition. The step between hormone binding and cellular action is mediated by second messengers. The uterine-relaxing action of cyclic adenosine monophosphate is now thought to be limited to the inhibition of myosin phosphorylation. Recently discovered second messengers for contraction of the myometrium are phosphoinositides; their turnover causes calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Guanine nucleotides are thought to be modulators of these two second messengers.

Different types of relationship between beta-adrenergic relaxation and activation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase in canine saphenous and portal veins

We examined the relationships between the relaxation mediated by beta-adrenoceptor and either the associated cyclic AMP production or the activation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (A-PK) in canine saphenous and portal veins. In the saphenous vein constricted with methoxamine, isoproterenol caused concentration-dependent relaxation (maximum relaxation 92.7%), and concomitant increases in cyclic AMP and A-PK activity ratio (from 52.8 to 73.5%). The portal vein was only slightly relaxed by isoproterenol (14.7% in the longitudinal strips) after constriction with methoxamine, while cyclic AMP and A-PK activation increased significantly. Isoproterenol markedly activated A-PK of the portal vein after KCl constriction (from 52.6 to 74.6%) but the maximum relaxation was only slight (13.3%). The portal vein also showed a smaller relaxation response to either forskolin or dibutyryl cyclic AMP than the saphenous vein. These results indicated that the relationship between the relaxation response to isoproterenol and either cyclic AMP production or A-PK activation was different in the saphenous and portal veins.

Elevation of cyclic AMP by prostacyclin is accompanied by relaxation of bovine coronary arteries and contraction of rabbit aortic rings

The role of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the control of vascular smooth muscle tension was examined by comparing the effects of prostacyclin (PGI2) on tension and cAMP levels in helical strips of bovine coronary arteries and in rabbit aortic rings, both denuded of endothelium. In bovine coronary arteries, PGI2 elevated cAMP levels and relaxed the muscles. The PGI2-induced cAMP elevation preceded the relaxation and both parameters were altered in a dose-dependent manner by increasing concentrations of PGI2 (0.3, 3 and 30 microM). These results are consistent with a role for cAMP as a mediator of vascular smooth muscle relaxation. Cyclic AMP levels were also elevated by PGI2 in a concentration- and time-dependent manner in rabbit aortic rings. However, in direct contrast to the results in the bovine coronary arteries, PGI2-induced elevation of cAMP in the aortic rings was accompanied by contraction rather than relaxation. Isoproterenol, a drug which is generally believed to relax smooth muscles by virtue of its ability to increase tissue levels of cAMP, relaxed PGI2-contracted aortic rings with no further elevation of cAMP beyond that caused by the PGI2 alone. These results demonstrate that cAMP elevation and relaxation of vascular smooth muscle are not always well correlated. It is possible that some form of functional compartmentalization of cAMP or cAMP-dependent protein kinase exists in these tissues.

The effect of forskolin on the isometric contraction of the isolated hemidiaphragm of the rat

The effects of forskolin on the parameters of the isometric contraction alone and in combination with aminophylline and isoprenaline were studied on the isolated hemidiaphragm of the rat during direct electrical stimulation. Forskolin (2.6 - 18.2 mumol l-1) produced a concentration-dependent increase in tension developed (Td) and, to a lesser extent, in the maximum rate of rise in tension (dT/dt max). The dose-response curve for the action of forskolin (2.6 - 18.2 mumol l-1) on Td was shifted to the left in the presence of a standard concentration of aminophylline (0.32 mmol l-1). Forskolin (5.2 mumol l-1) produced a further and significant increase in both Td and dT/dt max in the presence of isoprenaline (0.24 mumol l-1) in the bath. In a calcium-free medium, the effects of forskolin (7.80 and 18.2 mumol l-1) on Td and dT/dt max were significantly weaker than in a medium containing calcium. These data indicate that forskolin increases the isometric contraction of the isolated hemidiaphragm probably by activating the adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) generating system. These effects are possible only in the presence of calcium.

Effects of prostaglandin E1, isoproterenol and forskolin on cyclic AMP levels and tension in rabbit aortic rings

The role of cyclic AMP in the control of vascular smooth muscle tone was studied by monitoring the effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), isoproterenol and forskolin on cyclic AMP levels and tension in rabbit aortic rings. PGE1, isoproterenol and forskolin all increased cyclic AMP levels in rabbit aortic rings. Isoproterenol and forskolin relaxed phenylephrine-contracted aortic rings, but PGE1 contracted the rings in the presence or absence of phenylephrine. Isoproterenol relaxed these PGE1-contracted aortic rings without further change in total cyclic AMP levels, which were already elevated by the PGE1 alone. Pretreatment with forskolin potentiated the effects of PGE1 on cyclic AMP levels. PGE1 caused contractions in muscles partially relaxed by forskolin, even though very large increases in cyclic AMP levels (30 fold) were produced by PGE1 in the presence of forskolin. Isoproterenol was able to relax these forskolin-treated, PGE1-contracted muscles with no further increase in cyclic AMP levels. Thus, there does not appear to be a good correlation between total tissue levels of cyclic AMP and tension in these experiments. Our results suggest that, if cyclic AMP is responsible for relaxation of smooth muscle, some form of functional compartmentalization of cyclic AMP must exist in this tissue.

Relaxant effect of forskolin in rabbit detrusor smooth muscle: role of cyclic AMP

Forskolin caused a concentration dependent relaxation of rabbit detrusor muscle strips. The relaxant effect of forskolin was potentiated by the cyclic AMP sensitive phosphodiesterase inhibitor, Ro20-1274. Pretreatment with the beta-adrenergic antagonist, propranolol, did not inhibit the relaxation of rabbit detrusor induced by forskolin, whereas the relaxation response to forskolin was inhibited in part by the adenylate cyclase inhibitor, SQ22536. Forskolin also increased cyclic AMP levels significantly in rabbit detrusor muscle. These data suggest that detrusor muscle relaxation by forskolin may be mediated by cyclic AMP and that forskolin may activate adenylate cyclase without stimulating beta-adrenergic receptors in detrusor muscle.

Forskolin effects on longitudinal myometrial strips from the pregnant rat: relationship with membrane potential and cyclic AMP

The effects of forskolin on tension, membrane potential and cyclic AMP accumulation were studied in longitudinal myometrial strips from pregnant rats. 0.1 microM forskolin reduced the amplitude of spontaneous contractions by decreasing the frequency of action potential discharge without a change in resting potential or cyclic AMP accumulation. Forskolin, 1.0 microM, abolished contractions and action potentials, hyperpolarized the membrane and increased cyclic AMP accumulation. Ouabain, 1 mM, depolarized the muscle and increased resting tension. Ouabain reduced potential change produced by forskolin but did not prevent the relaxation or cAMP accumulation. Therefore changes in membrane potential are not prerequisite for the inhibitory actions of forskolin. The cyclic AMP-related relaxation may result primarily from intracellular events that remove calcium from the contractile elements.