Copresence of prostaglandin EP2 and EP3 receptors on gastric enterochromaffin-like cell carcinoid in African rodents

EP4 activation ameliorates liver ischemia/reperfusion injury via ERK1/2‑GSK3β‑dependent MPTP inhibition

Prostaglandin E receptor subtype 4 (EP4) is widely distributed in the heart, but its role in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), particularly in mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) modulation, is yet to be elucidated. In the present study, an EP4 agonist (CAY10598) was used in a rat model to evaluate the effects of EP4 activation on liver I/R and the mechanisms underlying this. I/R insult upregulated hepatic EP4 expression during early reperfusion. In addition, subcutaneous CAY10598 injection prior to the onset of reperfusion significantly increased hepatocyte cAMP concentrations and decreased serum ALT and AST levels and necrotic and apoptotic cell percentages, after 6 h of reperfusion. Moreover, CAY10598 protected mitochondrial morphology, markedly inhibited mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening and decreased liver reactive oxygen species levels. This occurred via activation of the ERK1/2-GSK3β pathway rather than the janus kinase (JAK)2-signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)3 pathway, and resulted in prevention of mitochondria-associated cell injury. The MPTP opener carboxyatractyloside (CATR) and the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 also partially reversed the protective effects of CAY10598 on the liver and mitochondria. The current findings indicate that EP4 activation induces ERK1/2-GSK3β signaling and subsequent MPTP inhibition to provide hepatoprotection, and these observations are informative for developing new molecular targets and preventative therapies for I/R in a clinical setting.

Prostaglandin E Receptor Subtype 4 Signaling in the Heart: Role in Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Cardiac Hypertrophy

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is an endogenous lipid mediator, produced from the metabolism of arachidonic acids, upon the sequential actions of phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenases, and prostaglandin E synthases. The various biological functions governed by PGE2 are mediated through its four distinct prostaglandin E receptors (EPs), designated as EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4, among which the EP4 receptor is the one most widely distributed in the heart. The availability of global or cardiac-specific EP4 knockout mice and the development of selective EP4 agonists/antagonists have provided substantial evidence to support the role of EP4 receptor in the heart. However, like any good drama, activation of PGE2-EP4 signaling exerts both protective and detrimental effects in the ischemic heart disease. Thus, the primary object of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current progress of the PGE2-EP4 signaling in ischemic heart diseases, including cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. A better understanding of PGE2-EP4 signaling should promote the development of more effective therapeutic approaches to treat the ischemic heart diseases without triggering unwanted side effects.

Gastric mucosal protection against ethanol by EP2 and EP4 signaling through the inhibition of leukotriene C4 production

Prostaglandin (PG)E derivatives are widely used for treating gastric mucosal injury. PGE receptors are classified into four subtypes, EP(1), EP(2), EP(3), and EP(4). We have tested which EP receptor subtypes participate in gastric mucosal protection against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury and clarified the mechanisms of such protection. The gastric mucosa of anesthetized rats was perfused at 2 ml/min with physiological saline, agonists for EP(1), EP(2), EP(3), and EP(4), or 50% ethanol, using a constant-rate pump connected to a cannula placed in the esophagus. The gastric microcirculation of the mucosal base of anesthetized rats was observed by transillumination through a window made by removal of the adventitia and muscularis externa. PGE(2) and subtype-specific EP agonists were applied to the muscularis mucosae at the window. Application of 50% ethanol dilated the mucosal arterioles and constricted the collecting venules. Collecting venule constriction by ethanol was completely inhibited by PGE(2) and by EP(2) and EP(4) agonists (100 nM) but not by an EP(1) or an EP(3) agonist. Ethanol-induced mucosal injury was also inhibited by EP(2) and EP(4) agonists. When leukotriene (LT)C(4) levels in the perfusate of the gastric mucosa were determined by ELISA, intragastric ethanol administration elevated the LTC(4) levels sixfold from the basal levels. These elevated levels were significantly (60%) reduced by both EP(2) and EP(4) agonists but not by other EP agonists. Since LTC(4) application at the window constricted collecting venules strongly, and an LTC antagonist reduced ethanol-induced mucosal injury, reductions in LTC(4) generation in response to EP(2) and EP(4) receptor signaling may be relevant to the protective action of PGE(2). The present results indicate that EP(2) and EP(4) receptor signaling inhibits ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury through cancellation of collecting venule constriction by reducing LTC(4) production.

Expression of cyclo-oxygenase-2 in gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors

BACKGROUND

Cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 overexpression is observed in various neoplasms and COX-2 inhibition has been attempted as prevention and/or therapy in these neoplasms. Carcinoid tumors are thought to arise from neuroendocrine cells and originate mainly in the gastrointestinal tract. Cyclo-oxygenase-2 is reportedly expressed in neuroendocrine cells of normal colorectal mucosa. The role of COX in carcinoids has not previously been investigated. The aim of the present paper was to clarify the expression of COX-1 and -2, and their role in human gastrointestinal carcinoids.

METHODS

Expression of COX-1 and -2 was studied immunohistochemically in 38 gastrointestinal carcinoids. Five bronchopulmonary and seven metastatic carcinoids were also examined, for comparison with gastrointestinal carcinoids. The immunohistochemical score (IHS) was calculated from staining intensity and immunoreactive cell population, and ranked according to four grades (negative to strong).

RESULTS

Cyclo-oxygenase-2 was expressed in all gastrointestinal carcinoids (weak, 1; moderate, 13; strong, 24) and bronchopulmonary carcinoids (weak, 1; moderate, 4), as well as their metastases (moderate, 3; strong, 4). The IHS of COX-2 in larger tumors was significantly lower than that in smaller tumors. However, the IHS of COX-2 at the advancing tumor edge was significantly higher than that at the centers of tumors >or=10 mm in size. Faint COX-1 expression was detected in only one duodenal, one rectal and four bronchopulmonary carcinoids.

CONCLUSIONS

Enhanced COX-2 expression was observed in gastrointestinal as well as bronchopulmonary carcinoids and their metastases, especially at the advancing edges of the tumors. Cyclo-oxygenase-2 may play a role in carcinoid progression.

Dual action of prostaglandin E2 on gastric acid secretion through different EP-receptor subtypes in the rat

We examined the role of prostaglandin E (EP) receptor subtypes in the regulation of gastric acid secretion in the rat. Under urethane anesthesia, the stomach was superfused with saline, and the acid secretion was determined at pH 7.0 by adding 50 mM NaOH. The acid secretion was stimulated by intravenous infusion of histamine or pentagastrin. Various EP agonists were administered intravenously, whereas EP antagonists were given subcutaneously 30 min or intravenously 10 min before EP agonists. PGE(2) suppressed the acid secretion stimulated by either histamine or pentagastrin in a dose-dependent manner. The acid inhibitory effect of PGE(2) was mimicked by sulprostone (EP(1)/EP(3) agonist) but not butaprost (EP(2) agonist) or AE1-329 (EP(4) agonist). The inhibitory effect of sulprostone, which was not affected by ONO-8711 (EP(1) antagonist), was more potent against pentagastrin- (50% inhibition dose: 3.6 mug/kg) than histamine-stimulated acid secretion (50% inhibition dose: 18.0 mug/kg). Pentagastrin increased the luminal release of histamine, and this response was also inhibited by sulprostone. On the other hand, AE1-329 (EP(4) agonist) stimulated the acid secretion in vagotomized animals with a significant increase in luminal histamine. This effect of AE1-329 was totally abolished by cimetidine as well as AE3-208 (EP(4) antagonist). These results suggest that PGE(2) has a dual effect on acid secretion: inhibition mediated by EP(3) receptors and stimulation through EP(4) receptors. The former effect may be brought about by suppression at both parietal and enterochromaffin-like cells, whereas the latter effect may be mediated by histamine released from enterochromaffin-like cells.

Prostaglandin E2 protects gastric mucosal cells from apoptosis via EP2 and EP4 receptor activation

Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) has a strong protective effect on the gastric mucosa in vivo; however, the molecular mechanism of a direct cytoprotective effect of PGE(2) on gastric mucosal cells has yet to be elucidated. Although we reported previously that PGE(2) inhibited gastric irritant-induced apoptotic DNA fragmentation in primary cultures of guinea pig gastric mucosal cells, we show here that PGE(2) inhibits the ethanol-dependent release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. Of the four main subtypes of PGE(2) receptors, we also demonstrated, using subtype-specific agonists, that EP(2) and EP(4) receptors are involved in the PGE(2)-mediated protection of gastric mucosal cells from ethanol-induced apoptosis. Activation of EP(2) and EP(4) receptors is coupled with an increase in cAMP, for which a cAMP analogue was found here to inhibit the ethanol-induced apoptosis. The increase in cAMP is known to activate both protein kinase A (PKA) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways. An inhibitor of PKA but not of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase blocked the PGE(2)-mediated protection of cells from ethanol-induced apoptosis, suggesting that a PKA pathway is mainly responsible for the PGE(2)-mediated inhibition of apoptosis. Based on these results, we considered that PGE(2) inhibited gastric irritant-induced apoptosis in gastric mucosal cells via induction of an increase in cAMP and activation of PKA, and that this effect was involved in the PGE(2)-mediated protection of the gastric mucosa from gastric irritants in vivo.

[Gastrointestinal cytoprotection by prostaglandin E and EP receptor subtypes]

Endogenous prostaglandins (PGs) play important roles in modulating the mucosal integrity and various functions of the gastrointestinal tract. Among them, E-type PGs are most effective in these actions. This article reviews recent studies dealing with the relationship of the cytoprotective action of PGE2- and EP-receptor subtypes in the gastrointestinal mucosa. PGE2 exerts gastric cytoprotection against HCl/ethanol and indomethacin. These effects were mimicked by only EP1 agonists and attenuated by EP1 antagonists. Likewise, the adaptive cytoprotection induced by a mild irritant was attenuated by EP1 antagonists as well as indomethacin. On the other hand, the protective effect of dmPGE2 against indomethacin-induced small intestinal lesions was mimicked by only EP3 and EP4 agonists. Similar results were obtained in EP-receptor knockout mice; i.e., PGE2 failed to exhibit both direct and adaptive cytoprotection in EP1-receptor knockout mice, while the protective action in both the duodenum and small intestine was hampered in EP3-receptor knockout mice. The underlying mechanism related to these actions of PGE2 in the stomach, duodenum or small intestine may be related to inhibition of stomach contraction, stimulation of duodenal alkaline secretion, or suppression of bacterial translocation due to inhibition of intestinal contraction as well as stimulation of mucus secretion, respectively.

Effect of rebamipide on prostaglandin EP4 receptor gene expression in rat gastric mucosa

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays an important role in the regulation of gastric mucus secretion. We have previously shown that the prostaglandin EP4 receptor (EP4) gene is abundantly expressed in gastric mucus-producing cells. Furthermore, we have shown that EP4 is present in a rat normal gastric mucosal cell line (RGM1) and that PGE2 increases mucus secretion from these cells via EP4. Rebamipide, an anti-gastric ulcer agent, has been reported to promote gastric PGE2 production and mucus secretion. However, it is unclear whether rebamipide influences mucus secretion by altering expression of the EP4 gene. Therefore, we tested the effect of rebamipide on EP4 gene expression in the gastric mucosa. Seven-week-old Wistar rats received oral rebamipide (100 mg/kg) with and without water-immersion restraint stress (WRS). All rats were killed, and their gastric tissues were used to investigate the expression of mRNA for EP4 and cyclooxygenase types 1 and 2. The thickness of the gastric mucus layer was also measured. The effect of rebamipide on EP4 gene expression and PGE2 production in RGM1 cells was also investigated in vitro. Furthermore, the effect of PGE2 on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production by RGM1 cells with or without rebamipide was studied. Oral rebami-pide significantly increased EP4 gene expression in the gastric antrum but not in the corpus after WRS. Furthermore, it increased surface mucus thickness and suppressed ulcer formation in the gastric mucosa after WRS. In vitro, rebamipide significantly augmented EP4 gene expression in RGM1 cells, and PGE2 significantly increased the cAMP production by RGM1 cells incubated with rebamipide. Rebamipide promotes EP4 gene expression and may consequently increase the gastric mucus secretion via EP4 receptors in the rat antral mucosa.

Kupffer cell-derived prostaglandin E(2) is involved in alcohol-induced fat accumulation in rat liver

Destruction of Kupffer cells with gadolinium chloride (GdCl(3)) and intestinal sterilization with antibiotics diminished ethanol-induced steatosis in the enteral ethanol feeding model. However, mechanisms of ethanol-induced fatty liver remain unclear. Accordingly, the role of Kupffer cells in ethanol-induced fat accumulation was studied. Rats were given ethanol (5 g/kg body wt) intragastrically, and tissue triglycerides were measured enzymatically. Kupffer cells were isolated 0-24 h after ethanol, and PGE(2) production was measured by ELISA, whereas inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2) mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. As expected, ethanol increased liver triglycerides about threefold. This increase was blunted by antibiotics, GdCl(3), the dihydropyridine-type Ca(2+) channel blocker nimodipine, and the COX inhibitor indomethacin. Ethanol also increased PGE(2) production by Kupffer cells about threefold. This increase was also blunted significantly by antibiotics, nimodipine, and indomethacin. Furthermore, tissue triglycerides were increased about threefold by PGE(2) treatment in vivo as well as by a PGE(2) EP(2)/EP(4) receptor agonist, whereas an EP(1)/EP(3) agonist had no effect. Moreover, permeable cAMP analogs also increased triglyceride content in the liver significantly. We conclude that PGE(2) derived from Kupffer cells, which are activated by ethanol, interacts with prostanoid receptors on hepatocytes to increase cAMP, which causes triglyceride accumulation in the liver. This mechanism is one of many involved in fatty liver caused by ethanol.

The roles of prostaglandin E receptor subtypes in the cytoprotective action of prostaglandin E2 in rat stomach

AIM

To investigate the EP receptor subtype involved in the gastroprotective action of prostaglandin (PG) E2 using various EP receptor agonists in rats, and using knockout mice lacking EP1 or EP3 receptors.

METHODS

Male SD rats and C57BL/6 mice were used after an 18-h fast. Gastric lesions were induced by oral administration of HCl/ethanol (150 mM HCl in 60% ethanol). Rats were given various EP agonists i.v. 10 min before HCl/ethanol: PGE2, sulprostone (EP1/EP3 agonist), butaprost (EP2 agonist), 17-phenyl-omega-trinorPGE2 (17-phenylPGE2: EP1 agonist), ONO-NT012 (EP3 agonist) and 11-deoxyPGE1 (EP3/EP4 agonist). In a separate study, the effect of PGE2 on HCl/ethanol lesions was examined in EP1- and EP3-receptor knockout mice.

RESULTS

Gastric lesions induced by HCl/ethanol were dose dependently prevented by PGE2: this effect was mimicked by sulprostone and 17-phenylPGE2 and was significantly antagonized by ONO-AE-829, an EP1 antagonist. Neither butaprost, ONO-NT012 nor 11-deoxyPGE1 exhibited any protective activity against HCl/ethanol-induced gastric lesions. PGE2 caused an inhibition of gastric motility as well as an increase of mucosal blood flow and mucus secretion, the effects being mimicked by prostanoids activating EP1 receptors, EP2/EP3/EP4 receptors and EP4 receptors, respectively. On the other hand, although HCl/ethanol caused similar damage in both wild-type mice and knockout mice lacking EP1 or EP3 receptors, the cytoprotective action of PGE2 observed in wild-type and EP3-receptor knockout mice totally disappeared in mice lacking EP1 receptors.

CONCLUSION

The gastric cytoprotective action of PGE2 is mediated by activation of EP1 receptors. This effect may be functionally associated with inhibition of gastric motility but not with increased mucosal blood flow or mucus secretion.

Interactive roles of endogenous prostaglandin and nitric oxide in regulation of acid secretion by damaged rat stomachs

BACKGROUND

The acid inhibitory mechanism in the damaged stomach is known to involve endogenous nitric oxide (NO) as well as prostaglandin (PG).

AIM

To investigate the interaction between PG and NO in regulation of acid secretion in the stomach following damage.

METHODS

Under urethane anaesthesia, a rat stomach was mounted in an ex vivo chamber and perfused with saline. Acid secretion, luminal PGE2, NO metabolites (NOx) and histamine output were measured before and after application of 20 mM taurocholate Na (TC) for 30 min, with or without pre-treatment with indomethacin and/or N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME).

RESULTS

Exposure of the stomach to TC caused a decrease in acid secretion, with concomitant increase of both luminal NOx and PGE2. Either L-NAME or indomethacin reduced the decrease in acid secretion in response to TC, but only L-NAME allowed acid secretion to increase over basal values. L-NAME prevented the increase of luminal NOx after TC treatment, while indomethacin inhibited PGE2 release during and after exposure to TC. The increase in acid secretion in the presence of L-NAME was prevented when indomethacin was given concomitantly. TC treatment increased histamine output in the lumen, a process that was enhanced by L-NAME but reduced by indomethacin.

CONCLUSIONS

Damage to the stomach increases both NO and PG in the lumen, and decreases acid secretion. Inhibiting NO production increases acid secretion in the damaged stomach, but only when PG biosynthesis is intact. It is assumed that endogenous PG has a dual role in the regulation of acid secretion in the damaged stomach: an inhibitory effect at the parietal cell and an excitatory effect probably through enhancing the release of mucosal histamine.

Regulatory mechanism of acid secretion in the damaged stomach: role of endogenous nitric oxide

The present article overviews the regulatory mechanism of acid secretion in the stomach after damage with taurocholate (TC), one of the bile acids. Mucosal exposure of a rat stomach to 20 mmol/L TC for 30 min caused a decrease of acid secretion with a concomitant increase in nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PG) E2 (PGE2) as well as Ca2+ in the luminal contents. Prior administration of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), as well as indomethacin, significantly attenuated the reduction of acid secretion by TC and acid secretion was even increased in the presence of L-NAME. The acid stimulatory effect of L-NAME in the damaged stomach was not mimicked by aminoguanidine and was antagonized by co-administration of L-arginine but not D-arginine. Increased NO release in the damaged stomach was suppressed by pretreatment with L-NAME or co-application of EGTA and the latter also inhibited the increase in luminal Ca2+. The enhanced acid secretory response in the presence of L-NAME was also inhibited by cimetidine, FPL-52694 (a mast cell stabilizer) or sensory deafferentation. Mucosal exposure to TC caused an increase in luminal histamine output, together with a decrease in the number of mucosal mast cells in the stomach. These changes were prevented by FPL-52694 and sensory deafferentation and were also partly suppressed by indomethacin. In addition, the acid stimulatory action of L-NAME in the damaged stomach was significantly mitigated when indomethacin was administered together with L-NAME. We conclude that: (i) damage in the stomach may activate acid a stimulatory pathway in addition to a PG-, NO- and Ca2+-dependent inhibitory mechanism, but the latter effect overcomes the former, resulting in a decrease in acid secretion; (ii) acid stimulation in the damaged stomach is mediated by histamine released from the mucosal mast cell, a process interacting with capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves; (iii) the increase in luminal Ca2+ plays a role in increasing NO production and, hence, in regulating acid secretion; and (iv) PG may have a dual role in the regulation of acid secretion in the damaged stomach: an inhibitory effect at the parietal cell and an excitatory effect, probably through enhancing the release of mucosal histamine.

EP4 receptor mediation of prostaglandin E2-stimulated mucus secretion by rabbit gastric epithelial cells

Prostaglandin (PG) E receptors are divided into four subtypes (EP1-EP4). We investigated the EP receptor subtype involved in PGE2-stimulated mucus secretion by rabbit gastric epithelial cells. Northern blot analysis revealed that epithelial cells express EP3 and EP4 receptor mRNAs, but neither EP1 nor EP2 receptor mRNAs were detected. PGE2, 11-deoxy-PGE1 (an EP3/EP4/EP2 agonist) and 16,16-dimethyl-PGE2 (an EP3/EP2/EP4 agonist) concentration-dependently promoted mucus secretion. In contrast, 17-phenyl-PGE2 (an EP3/EP1 agonist), sulprostone (an EP3/EP1 agonist), and butaprost (an EP2 agonist) failed to stimulate secretion. The effective concentrations of PGE2, 11-deoxy-PGE1, and 16,16-dimethyl-PGE2 were associated with their affinities for the EP4 receptor. In addition, PGE2, 11-deoxy-PGE1, and 16,16-dimethyl-PGE2 increased cyclic AMP (cAMP) production, but the other prostanoids had no effect. SQ22536 [9-(tetrahydro-2'-furyl)adenine; an adenylate cyclase inhibitor] inhibited both the increased cAMP production and mucus secretion induced by PGE2, 11-deoxy-PGE1, and 16,16-dimethyl-PGE2. H-89 (N-[2-((p-bromocinnamyl)amino)ethyl]-5-isoquinoline sulfonamide; a protein kinase A inhibitor) also abolished the stimulatory effects of the prostanoids on mucus secretion, but calphostin C (a protein kinase C inhibitor) did not. These results indicate that PGE2 promotes mucus secretion by rabbit gastric epithelial cells, mediated through EP4 receptor stimulation and the subsequent activation of protein kinase A.

Prostaglandin E(2) stimulates rat and human colonic mucin exocytosis via the EP(4) receptor

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Mucins form an integral part of innate host defenses against intestinal pathogens and irritants. However, the mechanisms whereby mucin secretion is regulated during inflammation are poorly understood. Because prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) is prominent during intestinal inflammation, we investigated its receptor-signaling pathway coupled to mucin exocytosis in the colonic epithelial cell line LS174T and rat colon.

METHODS

Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and [(3)H]PGE(2) binding assays were used to identify the PGE(2) receptors (EP). Intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate ([cAMP](i)) was quantified by enzyme immunoassay. Mucins were metabolically labeled with [(3)H]glucosamine, and mucin secretion was quantified by Sepharose 4B column chromatography, immunoblot analysis, and cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation.

RESULTS

RT-PCR and DNA sequence analysis identified EP(2), EP(3), and EP(4) receptors. Mucin secretion and [cAMP](i) production by LS174T cells were stimulated dose-dependently by PGE(2), the EP(4)-receptor agonist 1-OH-PGE(1), and the EP(3)/EP(4) agonist M&B28767 and were inhibited with the adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ22536. The EP(1), EP(2), and EP(3)/EP(1)-receptor agonists iloprost, butaprost, and sulprostone, respectively, had no effect. Similar results were obtained in rat colonic loop studies confirming that the EP(4) receptor is linked to mucin exocytosis in vivo. [(3)H]PGE(2) binding to cell membranes identified a high-affinity binding site that was competitively inhibited by M&B28767 (EP(3)/EP(4)) > 1-OH-PGE(1) (EP(4)) > sulprostone (EP(3)/EP(1)) > butaprost (EP(2)).

CONCLUSIONS

PGE(2) coupling to the EP(4) receptor stimulates [cAMP](i)-dependent mucin exocytosis.

Impaired duodenal bicarbonate secretion and mucosal integrity in mice lacking prostaglandin E-receptor subtype EP(3)

BACKGROUND & AIMS

To examine the involvement of EP(3) receptors in physiological regulation of duodenal HCO(3)(-) secretion, we disrupted the gene encoding EP receptors in mice by homologous recombination and evaluated acid-induced HCO(3)(-) secretion, which is physiologically important in the mucosal defense against acid injury, using EP(1)- and EP(3)-receptor knockout mice.

METHODS

The experiments were performed in the following 3 groups of mice after 18 hours of fasting: wild-type [WT (+/+)] mice, EP(1)-receptor knockout [EP(1) (-/-)] mice, and EP(3)-receptor knockout [EP(3) (-/-)] mice. Under urethane anesthesia, the proximal duodenal loop was perfused with saline that was gassed with 100% O(2), heated at 37 degrees C, and kept in a reservoir, and HCO(3)(-) secretion was measured at pH 7.0 using a pH-stat method and by adding 5 mmol/L HCl.

RESULTS

The duodenum of WT (+/+) mice increased HCO(3)(-) secretion in response to luminal perfusion of prostaglandin E(2) and forskolin as well as mucosal acidification. The latter effect was significantly inhibited by prior administration of indomethacin. HCO(3)(-) response to acid was observed in EP(1) (-/-) mice but disappeared totally in EP(3) (-/-) animals, although the acidification increased mucosal PGE(2) generation by similar degrees in all groups. The HCO(3)(-) stimulatory action of PGE(2) was also absent in EP(3) (-/-) but not EP(1) (-/-) mice, but forskolin effect was observed in both groups of animals, similar to WT (+/+) mice. Perfusion of the duodenum with 20 mmol/L HCl for 4 hours caused severe damage in EP(3) (-/-) mice and WT (+/+) animals pretreated with indomethacin, but not in EP(1) (-/-) mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of EP(3)-receptors is essential for maintaining duodenal HCO(3)(-) secretion and mucosal integrity against luminal acid.

Dilatation and constriction of rat gastric mucosal microvessels through prostaglandin EP2 and EP3 receptors

BACKGROUND

Prostaglandin (PG)E2 has both a vasodilating action and a protective function in the gastric mucosa. There are four subtypes of PGE2-sensitive, or EP, receptors.

AIM

To identify the subtype of EP receptors in the microvessels of the rat gastric mucosa using EP2 and EP3 receptor agonists.

METHODS

The posterior wall of the anaesthetized rat stomach was secured in a chamber and superfused with Tyrode's solution, and the gastric microcirculation of the mucosal base was observed through a window with transillumination. PGE2 and its derivatives (20 microL) were applied topically in the window.

RESULTS

PGE2 (0.001-10 micromol/L), misoprostol (EP2/EP3 receptor agonist; 0.01-100 micromol/L) and butaprost (EP2 receptor agonist; 1-1000 micromol/L) dilated the arterioles dose-dependently, but M&B 28 767 (EP3 receptor agonist; 0.001-10 micromol/L) did not alter their diameters. M&B 28 767 constricted the venules and collecting venules dose-dependently whereas butaprost dilated them. PGE2 and misoprostol had bell-shaped dose-response curves: constriction by low doses of PGE2 and misoprostol (0.001-0.1 micromol/L and 0.01-1 micromol/L) and dilation by high doses of PGE2 and misoprostol (0.1-100 micromol/L and 1-100 micromol/L).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that PGE2 dilated both arterioles and venules in the rat gastric mucosa through the EP2 receptors and constricted the venules through the EP3 receptors.

Prostaglandin E-type receptor subtypes and gastroduodenal bicarbonate secretion in rats

We investigated the relationship between prostaglandin E-type receptor (EP receptor) subtypes and gastroduodenal HCO₃^- secretion in rats. Under urethane anaesthesia, a stomach mounted in an ex vivo chamber or a proximal duodenal loop was perfused with saline and the HCO₃^- secretion was measured at pH 7.0 using a pH-stat method and by adding 10 mmol/L HCl. Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂ , i.V.) increased HCO₃^- secretion in both the stomach and duodenum; this action was verapamil sensitive and only in the duodenum was potentiated by isobutylmethyl xanthine (IBMX). Duodenal HCO₃^- secretion was also stimulated by both sulprostone (EP₁ /EP₃ agonist), enprostil (EP₁ /EP₃ agonist), misoprostol (EP₂ /EP₃ agonist), 11-deoxy PGE₁ (EP₃ /EP₄ agonist) and ONO-NT-012 (EP₃ agonist), but was not affected by either butaprost (EP₂ agonist) or 17-phenyl-ω-trinor-PGE₂ (EP₁ agonist). In contrast, gastric HCO₃^- secretion was stimulated by sulprostone, enprostil and 17-phenyl-ω-trinor-PGE₂ , but not by misoprostol, butaprost, 11-deoxy PGE₁ or ONO-NT-012. The EP₁ antagonist SC-51089 inhibited the HCO₃^- stimulatory action of sulprostone in the stomach but not in the duodenum. Isobutylmethyl xanthine potentiated the HCO₃^- response to sulprostone in the duodenum, while verapamil reduced the response in both the stomach and duodenum. These results suggest that PGE₂ stimulates HCO₃^- secretion via different EP receptor subtypes in the stomach and duodenum: in the former the EP₁ receptors linked to Ca²⁺ and in the latter, the EP₃ receptors coupled with both cAMP and Ca²⁺ .

Prostaglandins inhibit secretion of histamine and pancreastatin from isolated rat stomach ECL cells

1. The present study examines the effect of naturally occurring prostanoids and prostaglandin (PG) congeners on gastrin- and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP)-evoked histamine and pancreastatin secretion from isolated rat stomach ECL cells. 2. ECL cells (75-85% purity) were isolated from rat stomach using pronase digestion followed by repeated counter-flow elutriation and cultured for 48 h before secretion experiments. The release of histamine and pancreastatin was determined by radioimmunoassay. 3. None of the PGs tested stimulated the release of either histamine or pancreastatin. 4. PGE1 and PGE2 inhibited both gastrin- and PACAP-evoked histamine and pancreastatin secretion (IC50 = 1-2 x 10(-10) M). Most other naturally occuring prostanoids and PG congeners had no or little inhibitory effect. The PGE analogues misoprostol and sulprostone were more potent (IC50 = 0.9 x 10(-11) M and 2 x 10(-11) M respectively) than PGE1 and PGE2. The rank order of potency was misoprostol > sulprostone > PGE1 = PGE2, suggesting the involvement of the so-called EP3 receptor. 5. The effects of PGs on the stomach ECL cells may be direct or indirect, for instance through the stimulated release of somatostatin from contaminating D cells (2-3%). However, the amount of somatostatin in the cell culture after 48 h was below the limit of detection, and somatostatin immunoneutralization did not prevent misoprostol from inhibiting secretion from the ECL cells. 6. The misoprostol-induced inhibition was reversed by pertussis toxin suggesting the involvement of G-protein subunits G alpha(0) and/or G alpha(i). 7. In view of the potency by which PGE1, PGE2, misoprostol and sulprostone inhibited the stimulated release of histamine and pancreastatin, we suggest that the ECL cells represent a primary target for prostaglandins acting via an EP3 receptor in the oxyntic mucosa. 8. The results suggest that the clinically useful effect of misoprostol as an anti-ulcer drug reflects its ability to inhibit stomach ECL-cell histamine secretion.

Comparison of the signal transduction pathways activated by gastrin in enterochromaffin-like and parietal cells

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Gastrin stimulates acid secretion from parietal cells and histamine release from enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells through identical gastrin receptors. However, gastrin has been shown to have a trophic effect only on ECL cells. The aim of this study was to compare gastrin-induced signal transduction pathways in the ECL and parietal cells of Mastomys natalensis, an African rodent.

METHODS

Both ECL and parietal cells were isolated from the gastric mucosa of M. natalensis, and intracellular signal transduction events in response to gastrin were investigated.

RESULTS

Gastrin elicited histamine release from ECL cells and acid secretion from parietal cells in association with enhanced inositol phospholipid turnover. Although gastrin increased [3H]thymidine incorporation into ECL cells, it had no effect on parietal cells. Moreover, tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase as well as c-fos and c-jun gene expression were augmented only in ECL cells. In addition, gastrin increased the formation of guanosine triphosphate-Ras with a simultaneous decrease in guanosine diphosphate-Ras levels in ECL but not in parietal cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Although gastrin receptors are present in both ECL and parietal cells, they activate the Ras-MAP kinase pathway only in ECL cells.

Distribution of prostaglandin E receptors in the rat gastrointestinal tract

AIMS

In order to study the role of prostaglandin in the regulation of the gastrointestinal functions, gene expression of prostaglandin receptors along the rat gastrointestinal tracts were investigated.

METHODS

Rats were used for the study. The combination of counterflow elutriation separation of mucosal cells and Northern blot analysis was used to detect the gene expression of prostaglandin receptors in gastrointestinal tracts.

RESULTS

In small intestine and colon, prostaglandin E2 EP1 and EP3 receptor mRNAs were mainly localized in the deeper intestinal wall containing muscle layers. EP4 receptor gene expression, on the other hand, was detected in the intestinal mucosal layer. In the stomach, EP1 mRNA was detected in gastric muscle layers, whereas EP3 and EP4 receptor gene expression was mainly present in the gastric mucosal layer containing epithelial cells. In gastric epithelial cells, parietal cells were found to have both EP3 and EP4 receptors. At lower concentrations, prostaglandin E2 inhibited gastric acid secretion by parietal cells probably through EP4 receptors. At higher concentrations, however, it stimulated it. On the other hand, mucous cells possessed only EP4 receptor mRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, it is suggested that prostaglandin E2 modulates gastrointestinal functions through at least three different prostaglandin receptors (EP1, EP3, and EP4), each of which has a distinct contribution in the gastrointestinal tract.