Observations on the actions of substance P and [D-Arg1,D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9,Leu11)substance P on single neurons of the guinea pig submucous plexus

Actions of galanin on neurotransmission in the submucous plexus of guinea pig small intestine

Electrophysiologic recording methods were used to study the actions of galanin on synaptic transmission in the submucous plexus of guinea pig ileum. Exposure to galanin resulted in concentration-dependent suppression of slow noradrenergic inhibitory postsynaptic potentials and fast nicotinic excitatory postsynaptic potentials in the majority of neurons. Failure of galanin to suppress nicotinic depolarizing responses to micropressure pulses of acetylcholine and failure to suppress hyperpolarizing responses to micropressure pulses of norepinephrine suggested that galanin acted at presynaptic inhibitory receptors to suppress release of acetylcholine and norepinephrine. Galanin suppressed slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials in eight of eight neurons with AH (after-hyperpolarization) type electrical behavior and in none of 26 neurons with S (synaptic) type electrical behavior. Suppression of excitatory neurotransmission in AH neurons was always associated with membrane hyperpolarization. Excitatory responses caused by experimentally applied substance P were also inhibited by galanin. Galanin-(1-16) and galanin-like peptide mimicked the inhibitory actions of galanin on neurotransmission. The selective galanin GAL2 receptor agonist [D-Trp(2)]galanin was inactive. The chimeric peptides, galanin-(1-13)-spantide I, galantide, galanin-(1-13)-neuropeptide Y(25-36) amide, galanin-(1-13)-bradykinin-(2-9)amide and galanin-(1-13)-Pro-Pro-Ala-Leu-Ala-Leu-Ala amide all produced varying degrees of suppression of the synaptic potentials. The evidence suggests that the galanin GAL1 receptor, but not the galanin GAL2 receptor, mediated the presynaptic and postsynaptic inhibitory actions of galanin.

Tachykinins in the gut. Part II. Roles in neural excitation, secretion and inflammation

The preprotachykinin-A gene-derived peptides substance (substance P; SP) and neurokinin (NK) A are expressed in intrinsic enteric neurons, which supply all layers of the gut, and extrinsic primary afferent nerve fibers, which innervate primarily the arterial vascular system. The actions of tachykinins on the digestive effector systems are mediated by three different types of tachykinin receptor, termed NK1, NK2 and NK3 receptors. Within the enteric nervous system, SP and NKA are likely to mediate, or comediate, slow synaptic transmission and to modulate neuronal excitability via stimulation of NK3 and NK1 receptors. In the intestinal mucosa, tachykinins cause net secretion of fluid and electrolytes, and it appears as if SP and NKA play a messenger role in intramural secretory reflex pathways. Secretory processes in the salivary glands and pancreas are likewise influenced by tachykinins. The gastrointestinal arterial system may be dilated or constricted by tachykinins, whereas constriction and an increase in the vascular permeability are the only effects seen in the venous system. Various gastrointestinal disorders are associated with distinct changes in the tachykinin system, and there is increasing evidence that tachykinins participate in the hypersecretory, vascular and immunological disturbances associated with infection and inflammatory bowel disease. In a therapeutic perspective, it would seem conceivable that tachykinin antagonists could be exploited as antidiarrheal, antiinflammatory and antinociceptive drugs.

Pharmacological characterization of GR82334, a tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, in the isolated spinal cord of the neonatal rat

Pharmacological characteristics of [D-Pro9,[spiro-gamma-lactam]Leu10,Trp11]physalaemin-(1-11) (GR82334), a tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, and its effects on slow depolarizing responses of lumbar ventral roots evoked by primary afferent stimulation were examined in isolated spinal cord preparations of neonatal rats. GR82334 (1-3 microM) caused dose-dependent rightward shifts of the concentration-response curves for substance P, substance P methyl ester, delta-aminovaleryl [Pro9,N-Me-Leu10]substance P-(7-11) (GR73632) and neurokinin A in normal artificial cerebrospinal fluid and those for substance P methyl ester, GR73632 and neurokinin A in the presence of tetrodotoxin. GR82334 (10 microM) did not evoke gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release from spinal cords of neonatal rats, whereas [D-Pro9,[spiro-gamma-lactam] Leu10,Trp11]substance P (GR71251), another tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, induced a significant increase in GABA release. GR82334 (1-3 microM) markedly depressed the slow depolarizing response of ventral roots, referred to as slow ventral root potential, evoked by the stimulation of the contralateral dorsal root or the ipsilateral saphenous nerve. In contrast, cyclo[Gln,Trp,Phe,Gly,Leu,Met] (L-659,877, 1 microM), a selective tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist, did not depress the saphenous nerve-evoked slow ventral root potential and did not antagonize the action of neurokinin A to induce ventral root depolarization. The present results provide further evidence for the involvement of substance P, neurokinin A and tachykinin NK1 receptors in the primary afferent-evoked slow ventral root potentials.

Effects of RP 67580, a tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, on a primary afferent-evoked response of ventral roots in the neonatal rat spinal cord

1. The pharmacological characteristics of RP 67580, a non-peptide tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, and its effects on a reflex response evoked by stimulation of primary afferent fibres, were examined in isolated neonatal spinal cord preparations of the rat. Potentials were recorded extracellularly from a lumbar ventral root and drugs were bath-applied in normal artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX). 2. In normal artificial CSF, RP 67580 (0.1-0.3 microM) caused rightward shifts of the concentration-response curves for substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and substance P methyl ester (SPOMe), an NK1-selective agonist, with pA2 values of 7.25, 7.47 and 7.49, respectively. 3. In the presence of TTX (0.3 microM), RP 67580 also caused rightward shifts of the concentration-response curves for SPOMe and NKA. The pA2 value of RP 67580 against SPOMe (6.75) was significantly lower than that against NKA (7.22). RP 67580 (0.3-1 microM) did not cause a clear parallel shift of the concentration-response curves for SP, and it depressed the depolarizations induced by low concentrations of SP, but slightly potentiated those induced by high concentrations of SP. 4. RP 67580 (1 microM) did not depress the depolarizing responses to bombesin, L--glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), thyrotropin-releasing hormone and muscarine. RP 67580 (1 microM), however, depressed the response to acetylcholine in the presence of atropine and the response to nicotine. RP 68651 (1 microM), the enantiomer of RP 67580 devoid of activity at tachykinin NK1 receptors, also depressed the response to acetylcholine in the presence of atropine. 5. RP 67580 (1 gAM) did not induce GABA release from the rat spinal cord.6. In the neonatal gerbil spinal cord, the antagonist effects of RP 67580 (0.3-1 JAM) against SPOMe were much less potent than in the neonatal rat spinal cord.7. In the rat spinal cord-saphenous nerve preparation, electrical stimulation of the saphenous nerve atC-fibre strength evoked a prolonged depolarization of the ipsilateral L3 ventral root (slow VRP).RP 67580 (0.1-1 JM) depressed the saphenous nerve-evoked slow VRP. In contrast, RP 68651 (0.3 JAM)had no effect on the slow VRP.8. The results of the present study indicate that RP67580 acts as a high affinity NK, receptor antagonist in the neonatal rat spinal cord, although it also possesses an antinicotinic action. This study further suggests the existence of a subpopulation of tachykinin NK, receptors that are activated by NKA and SPOMe, as well as by low concentrations of SP, and are sensitive to the antagonist action of RP 67580 in the neonatal rat spinal cord. This study also provides further evidence for the involvement of SP and NKA in the slow VRP evoked by C-fibre stimulation in the neonatal rat spinal cord.

Contribution of chloride conductance increase to slow EPSC and tachykinin current in guinea-pig myenteric neurones

1. Single electrode voltage clamp recordings were obtained from myenteric neurones of guinea-pig ileum in vitro. Slow excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) were elicited by focal stimulation of interganglionic nerve strands in twenty-four of thirty neurones more than 30 min after impalement. In seventeen of twenty-four neurones, sEPSCs were associated with a conductance decrease and reversed polarity at -96 +/- 3 mV (near the reversal potential for potassium, EK); this response was due to inhibition of resting potassium conductance, gK. In seven of twenty-four neurones, there was either no net conductance change or a biphasic conductance change during the sEPSC; a reversal potential for peak currents could not be determined. 2. Application of senktide (3 microM), a neurokinin-3 receptor agonist, caused an inward current in forty-one of fifty-three neurones more than 30 min after impalement. In twenty of forty-one neurones, senktide-induced currents were due to inhibition of resting gK. In eleven of forty-one neurones there was either no net conductance change or a biphasic conductance change; a reversal potential for peak currents could not be determined. In ten out of forty-one neurones, senktide-induced currents were associated with a conductance increase (ginc); the estimated reversal potential was -17 +/- 3 mV. 3. Application of forskolin (1 microM) caused an inward current that occluded the decrease in gK caused by senktide and the sEPSC. In neurones in which sESPCs and senktide responses were associated with an unclear or biphasic conductance change, forskolin did not reduce the peak current and residual currents were usually associated with a ginc. 4. In neurones in which senktide-induced currents were associated with a ginc, reducing extracellular Cl- to 13 mM reduced senktide-induced currents by 79%. Reducing extracellular Na+, or adding tetraethylammonium (TEA, 50 mM), cobalt (2 mM) or picrotoxin (30 microM) did not change senktide-induced currents. The chloride transport/channel blockers niflumic acid and mefenamic acid (both at 100 microM) blocked senktide-induced currents. It was concluded that senktide increases chloride conductance (gCl). 5. Chord conductance measurements made between -70 and -90 mV during sEPSCs were used to determine the contribution of an increase in gCl to sEPSCs. These measurements indicated that the peak sEPSC is composed of a 90% decrease in gK and a 10% increase in gCl. Similar data were obtained from measurements made during senktide responses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Neurokinin A mimics the slow excitatory postsynaptic current in submucous plexus neurons of the guinea-pig caecum

Single microelectrode voltage-clamp recordings were made from submucous neurons of the guinea-pig caecum. The slow excitatory postsynaptic current was compared with the currents induced by neurokinin A and substance P. The current induced by neurokinin A (100-300 nM) was associated with a decreased membrane conductance and reversed in polarity between -90 and -100 mV. The neurokinin A current was reduced by Co2+ (1-2 mM), but was not affected by Cs+ (1-2 mM), Ba2+ (10-100 microM) or low Cl- (20-40 mM) solutions. In about 80% of the neurons, the current induced by substance P (100-300 nM) was associated with a decreased membrane conductance and did not reverse with hyperpolarization of the membrane potential up to -130 mV. The current was reduced by Co2+ (1-2 mM) and augmented by low Cl- (20-40 mM) solutions, but was not affected by Cs+ (1-2 mM) or Ba2+ (10-100 microM)-containing solutions. In about 20% of the neurons, the substance P current reversed in polarity between -100 and -120 mV. The slow excitatory postsynaptic current elicited by repetitive nerve stimulation (10-40 Hz, three to five pulses) was accompanied by a decreased membrane conductance, and reversed in polarity between -90 and -100 mV. The slow excitatory postsynaptic current was abolished by Co2+ (1-2 mM) or low Na+ (12 mM) solutions, but was not affected by Cs+ (1-2 mM), Ba2+ (10-100 microM) or low Cl- (20-40 mM) solutions. In such neurons, the neurokinin A current was reversed at approximately the same potential at which the slow excitatory postsynaptic current was reversed, while the substance P current was not reversed even by much stronger hyperpolarizations. It was concluded that the neurokinin A current was mainly due to depression of potassium conductances, while the substance P current resulted from both increased anion conductance and decreased potassium conductances. The conductance change underlying the slow excitatory postsynaptic current is similar to that caused by neurokinin A.

Tachykinin receptors: a radioligand binding perspective

The last decade has witnessed major breakthroughs in the study of tachykinin receptors. The currently described NK-1, NK-2, and NK-3 receptors have been sequenced and cloned from various mammalian sources. A far greater variety of tachykinin analogues are now available for use as selective agonists and antagonists. Importantly, potent nonpeptide antagonists highly selective for the NK-1 and NK-2 receptors have been developed recently. These improved tools for tachykinin receptor characterization have enabled us to describe at least three distinct receptor types. Furthermore, novel antagonists have yielded radioligand binding and functional data strongly favoring the existence of putative subtypes of NK-1 and especially NK-2 receptors. Whether these subtypes are species variants or true within-species subtypes awaits further evidence. As yet undiscovered mammalian tachykinins, or bioactive fragments, may have superior potency at a specific receptor class. The common C terminus of tachykinins permits varying degrees of interaction at essentially all tachykinin receptors. Although the exact physiological significance of this inherent capacity for receptor "cross talk" remains unknown, one implication is for multiple endogenous ligands at a single receptor. For example, NP gamma and NPK appear to be the preferred agonists and binding competitors at some NK-2 receptors, previously thought of as exclusively "NKA-preferring." Current evidence suggests that tachykinin coexistence and expression of multiple receptors may also occur with postulated NK-2 and NK-1 receptor subtypes. Other "tachykinin" receptors may recognize preprotachykinins and the N terminus of SP. In light of these recent developments, the convenient working hypothesis of three endogenous ligands (SP, NKA, and NKB) for three basic receptor types (NK-1, NK-2, and NK-3) may be too simplistic and in need of amendment as future developments occur (Burcher et al., 1991b). In retrospect, the 1980s contributed greatly to our understanding of the structure, function, and regulation of tachykinins and their various receptors. The development of improved, receptor subtype-selective antagonists and radioligands, in addition to recent advances in molecular biological techniques, may lead to a more conclusive pharmacological and biochemical characterization of tachykinin receptors. The 1990s may prove to be the decade of application, where a better understanding of the roles played by endogenous tachykinins (at various receptor subtypes) under pathophysiological conditions will no doubt hasten the realization of clinically useful therapeutic agents.

Analysis of a nonpeptide antagonist for substance P on myenteric neurons of guinea-pig small intestine

CP-96,345 [(2S,3S)-cis-2-(diphenylmethyl)-N-[(2-methoxyphenyl)-methyl]- 1-azabicyclo[2.2.2.]octan-3-amine], a novel nonpeptide antagonist of the substance P receptor, was evaluated for blocking action at substance P receptors on myenteric neurons of guinea-pig small intestine. Intracellular electrophysiological recording was used to determine actions of the drug on excitatory responses to substance P, on slow and fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials and action potential initiation and propagation in the neurons. CP-96,345 suppressed responses to substance P. It also suppressed spike initiation and propagation in the neuronal processes, as well as in the somal membranes. The effects of the drug on substance P responses could not be attributed to an action at substance P receptors. The mechanism of action appeared to be a nonselective local anesthetic effect on initiation and propagation of action potentials.

Common ionic mechanisms of excitation by substance P and other transmitters in guinea-pig submucosal neurones

1. Intracellular recordings were made from submucosal neurones and single-electrode voltage-clamp methods were used to record membrane currents. The actions of substance P (SP), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), muscarine, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), forskolin and nerve stimulation were studied. 2. Substance P, 5-HT (in the presence of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists), muscarine, VIP, forskolin and slow excitatory synaptic transmission all produced identical responses: an inward current associated with a membrane conductance decrease at the resting potential. The actions of any one occluded the actions of any other and all responses were pertussis-toxin insensitive. 3. These agonists produced a voltage-independent decrease in a 'leak' potassium conductance between -40 and -120 mV in 14% of neurones. 4. These agonists decreased a voltage-dependent, calcium-activated potassium conductance between -40 and -80 mV in all other (86%) neurones. The agonists still evoked an inward current without apparent conductance change at potentials between -90 and -130 mV. 5. In a low calcium solution containing cobalt or cadmium, the agonists produced an inward current associated with a conductance increase from -40 to -120 mV. Ion replacement studies indicated this current was due to an increase in a cation-selective (mainly sodium) conductance. 6. The agonists also reduced the inwardly rectifying potassium current that is activated by somatostatin and alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists in these neurones. The agonists did not alter the inwardly rectifying potassium current that is present in these neurones in the absence of somatostatin or alpha 2-agonists. 7. Thus, SP, 5-HT, muscarine, VIP and the release of slow excitatory transmitters all appear to act through a common intracellular transduction pathway, an increase in adenylate cyclase. This results in an activation of a sodium-selective cation current and an inhibition of three distinct potassium conductances: the background potassium conductance, the calcium-activated potassium conductance and the inwardly rectifying potassium conductance activated by somatostatin and alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists.

Neurokinin 1 receptors mediate substance P-induced changes in ion transport in guinea-pig ileum

Tachykinin receptors mediating substance P-induced secretion were examined in muscle-stripped segments of guinea-pig ileum set up in flux chambers. Changes in the short-circuit current (Isc) served as an index of active, electrogenic ion transport. Substance P evoked a transient increase in Isc which was concentration-dependent. The maximal change in Isc occurred at 1 microM concentration. [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-substance P, a neurokinin 1 (NK-1) receptor agonist, evoked a similar concentration-dependent increase in Isc. [Nle10]NKA(4-10) (1 microM) or [Pro7]NKB (1 microM), selective NK2 and NK3 agonists, respectively, had minimal effects on Isc. CP-96,345 (5 microM), a nonpeptide NK-1 antagonist, and the peptide NK-1 antagonist, GR82334 (1 microM), reduced the secretory response to substance P (50 nM) in the presence and absence of tetrodotoxin (0.2 microM). The NK2 antagonist, [Tyr5,D-Trp6,8,9,Arg10]NKA(4-10) MEN 10207 had no effect on the substance P response. Tetrodotoxin (0.2 microM) significantly reduced, but did not abolish the Isc response to substance P (1 microM) and [Sar9,Met(O2)11]substance P (1 microM). The substance P response was unaltered by 5 microM atropine and 50 microM mecamylamine. Piroxicam (10 microM) or pyrilamine (10 microM) or a combination of both had no effect on the tetrodotoxin-resistant substance P response. Electrical field stimulation evoked a biphasic increase in Isc which was significantly reduced by 0.2 microM tetrodotoxin. Atropine (5 microM) reduced the first peak of the biphasic response and mecamylamine (50 microM) had no effect. Similarly, 5 microM CP-96,345 and 1 microM GR82334 did not alter the EFS-induced change Isc. The results suggest that substance P-evoked secretory responses are independent of histamine or prostaglandins. Substance P responses are mediated by an NK-1 receptor type on enteric neurons and possibly epithelial cells.

Fine distribution of substance P-like immunoreactivity in the dorsal nucleus of the vagus nerve in cats

The ultrastructure of substance P (SP)-immunoreactive elements in the cat dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve was examined using pre- and post-embedding immunocytochemical procedures. Substance P-like immunoreactivity was observed in axon terminals and axon fibres which were mostly unmyelinated. Quantitative data showed that at least 16% of axon terminals contained SP. Their mean diameter was larger than that of their non-immunoreactive counterparts. Most (83%) SP-containing terminals were seen to contact dendrites but some were observed adjoining soma or entirely embedded in the cytoplasm of vagal neurons (4.5%). Only 0.5% were observed to contact soma of internuerons. A few immunoreactive axon terminals (4%) were observed in contact with non-immunoreactive axon terminals. Round agranular vesicles and numerous dense core vesicles were visible in most SP-containing axon terminals (84.6%). The immunogold procedure showed the preferential subcellular location of SP to be dense core vesicles. In 32.4% of cases, SP-containing terminals were involved in synaptic contacts that were generally of the asymmetrical Gray type 1 and mainly apposed dendrites. The theoretical total of synaptic contacts was 74.5% and this suggests the existence of weak non-synaptic SP innervation involving approximately 25% of SP-containing axon terminals. No axo-axonic synapses were observed in the dorsal vagal nucleus. These results support the hypothesis that SP found in the dorsal vagal nucleus originates partly from vagal afferents and is involved in direct modulation of visceral functions mediated by vagal preganglionic neurons.

Cortisol secretion induced by substance p from bovine adrenocortical cells and its inhibition by calmodulin inhibitors

When primary cultured bovine adrenocortical cells were treated with substance P (SP) at concentrations higher than 10 pM, cortisol output increased in a dose-dependent fashion. Although other neurokinins, such as neurokinin A (NKA) and neurokinin B (NKB), were also effective in secreting cortisol, SP was the most potent among the tested neurokinins, the potency order being SP greater than NKA much greater than NKB. This suggests that the NK-1 type receptor on adrenocortical cells may be the site of action of SP on cortisol secretion. The maximal response in SP-induced cortisol secretion was comparable to that elicited by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). SP-induced cortisol secretion was dependent upon extracellular Ca2+ concentrations, and 45Ca2+ uptake into adrenocortical cells treated with SP was long-lasting. While, in the case of ACTH, 45Ca2+ uptake proceeded transiently, the increase in intracellular cAMP content was much greater compared with that of SP. Although KT-5720, an inhibitor of protein kinase A, inhibited potently ACTH-induced cortisol secretion, SP-induced secretin was not affected by this inhibitor at all. On the other hand, calmodulin inhibitors, such as calmidazolium, trifluoperazine and N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide, were not more effective in inhibiting SP-induced cortisol secretion than secretion induced by ACTH. The present study indicates that SP may be one of the physiological stimulants of cortisol secretion and that an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration and the subsequent activation of calmodulin may precede SP-induced cortisol secretion.

Cobalt blocks postsynaptic responses induced by neurotransmitters in the hippocampus in vitro

Divalent metals such as cobalt are frequently used by neurophysiologists to prevent synaptic transmission, because they are thought to selectively block presynaptic calcium conductance. Recording intracellularly from hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cells we show that Co2+ (2 mM) is not specific in this action but also diminishes postsynaptic responses mediated by agonists acting at ionotropic and metabotropic glutamatergic receptors, as well as GABAA, GABAB, adenosine, and cholinergic receptors. These findings indicate that a more selective substance should be employed for experiments where neurotransmitter release must be blocked.

Effects of tachykinins on myenteric neurones of the guinea-pig gastric corpus: involvement of NK-3 receptors

Responses of gastric myenteric neurones evoked by the mammalian tachykinins substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and neurokinin B (NKB) were investigated using conventional intracellular recording methods. Application of the tachykinins caused a long lasting depolarization of the membrane potential which was associated with increased spike discharge and augmented excitability of the cells. The responses slowly desensitized. Additionally, cross desensitization occurred between SP, NKA and NKB. Both the NK-1 receptor agonist [Sar9,MetO2(11)]SP and the NK-2 receptor agonist [beta-Ala8]NKA(4-10) had no effect on the electrical properties of the neurones. Only the NK-3 receptor agonist [MePhe7]NKB mimicked the excitatory response observed during SP, NKA and NKB applications. [MePhe7]NKB-induced desensitization abolished the response to SP, NKA and NKB. However, long lasting applications of [Sar9,MetO2(11)]SP or [beta-Ala8]NKA(4-10) had no effect on the SP, NKA or NKB responses. The excitatory effect of SP, NKA and NKB remained unchanged during application of the tachykinin analogues [D-Arg1,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]SP and [Tyr5,D-Trp6,8,9,Arg10]NKA(4-10). The results indicate that SP, NKA and NKB act as excitatory neuromodulators within the enteric nervous system of the stomach. The effects of SP, NKA and NKB appeared to be mediated by activation of NK-3 receptors.

Substance P mediates synaptic transmission between rat myenteric neurones in cell culture

1. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were made from pairs of neurones in cell cultures of rat myenteric neurones. In some pairs, action potentials evoked in the first neurone evoked a slow excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) in the second neurone. 2. Action potentials at a frequency of at least 5 Hz were required to evoked slow EPSPs. In one group of cells, the slow EPSP followed a series of nicotinic fast EPSPs; in another group, fast EPSPs did not precede the slow EPSP. 3. The slow EPSPs were 2-16 mV in amplitude and were accompanied by decreased resting potassium conductance. 4. Most (17/28) neurones in which action potentials evoked only slow EPSPs in a follower cell contained substance P (SP)-like immunoreactivity; they were not immunoreactive for 5-hydroxytryptamine (0/15) or vasoactive intestinal peptide (0/22). 5. Postsynaptic responses to SP, neurokinin A and a synthetic tachykinin [( pGlu6, Pro9]SP6-11) mimicked the slow EPSPs. The non-tachykinin peptide vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), which was not found in neurones that evoked only slow EPSPs, also mimicked the slow EPSPs. Responsiveness to SP decreased significantly during slow EPSPs. 6. Desensitization to either SP or VIP reduced or prevented the slow EPSPs and also responses to each other. Two proposed antagonists of SP receptors, [D-Arg1, D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]substance P and [D-Arg1,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]substance P, did not affect the slow EPSPs significantly. 7. Antisera against SP reversibly blocked or reduced slow EPSPs evoked by eight of thirteen presynaptic neurones that evoked slow EPSPs without evoking fast EPSPs. All eight of the presynaptic neurones that evoked anti-SP-sensitive slow EPSPs contained SP-like immunoreactivity. None of the presynaptic neurones that evoked anti-SP-insensitive slow EPSPs contained detectable SP-like immunoreactivity. Normal sera and anti-VIP antisera did not alter the slow EPSPs detectably. 8. It is concluded that subsets of myenteric neurones release an SP-like transmitter to evoke slow EPSPs. These neurones appear to lack a 'classical' neurotransmitter that evokes fast EPSPs.

The effect of substance P on nerve action potential propagation and cholinergic transmission in the myenteric plexus of the guinea-pig ileum

The effect of substance P on nerve terminals in myenteric plexus of the guinea-pig ileum was investigated. Neurogenic twitches of the myenteric plexus longitudinal muscle strip were recorded. Twitches of the strip portion where excitation involved the most distal parts of cholinergic nerve terminals were more increased by local application of substance P (0.1 and 0.4 nmol/l) than twitches of the portion where excitation involved both distal and proximal parts of nerve terminals. Substance P addition to a portion of the strip conducting nerve action potentials to invade the neighbouring strip portion also augmented twitches of the latter portion so that the interference with the propagation process was considered. The effect of substance P was poorly antagonized by the addition of a substance P antagonist, (D-Arg1, D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9, Leu11)-substance P. Compound nerve action potentials were evoked in strands of fibres of the myenteric plexus by low-frequency train stimulation (1 Hz). The addition of substance P prevented a decrease of the amplitude of responses observed under control conditions. Using high-frequency train stimulation (30 Hz) the amplitude of responses to impulses 2-7 was augmented over that to the first impulse; substance P further increased such facilitation regularly. It seems that substance P might promote nerve action potential invasion of the distal parts of nerve terminals.

Pharmacological properties of a C-fibre response evoked by saphenous nerve stimulation in an isolated spinal cord-nerve preparation of the newborn rat

1. An isolated spinal cord-peripheral nerve preparation of the newborn rat was developed. In this preparation it is possible to record spinal reflexes from a lumbar ventral root in response to stimulation of the ipsilateral saphenous or obturator nerve. 2. Single shock, weak intensity stimulation of the saphenous nerve induced a fast conducted compound action potential in the L3 dorsal root and a fast depolarizing response in the ipsilateral L3 ventral root. As a stronger stimulus was applied to the saphenous nerve, a slowly conducted compound action potential appeared in the dorsal root and a slow depolarizing ventral root potential (v.r.p.) in the L3 ventral root. 3. Single shock stimulation of the obturator nerve induced a rapidly conducted compound action potential in the L3 dorsal root and monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes, with a fast time course, in the ipsilateral L3 ventral root. 4. The slow v.r.p. evoked by saphenous nerve stimulation was depressed by the tachykinin antagonist, [D-Arg1, D-Trp7,9, Leu11] substance P (spantide), 4-16 microM. The response recovered its original shape and size 30-60 min after the removal of this antagonist. 5. The saphenous nerve-evoked slow v.r.p. was depressed by [Met5] enkephalin (0.1-1 microM), dynorphin (1-13)(0.2 microM) and morphine (1-2 microM), and these effects were reversed by naloxone (1 microM). 6. Two endogenous peptides, galanin (1-2 microM) and somatostatin (1-2.5 microM), inhibited the slow v.r.p. evoked by saphenous nerve stimulation, whereas another endogenous peptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide (0.1-0.5 microM), potentiated the slow v.r.p. The slow v.r.p. was also inhibited by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA, 20 microM) and muscimol (0.2 microM), and their effects were antagonized by bicuculline (1 microM). 7. The present results suggest that substance P and neurokinin A are involved in the saphenous nerve-evoked C-fibre response in the spinal cord of the newborn rat.

Characterization of substance P effects on sphincter of Oddi myoelectric activity

We examined the effects of substance P (SP) on the myoelectric activity of the opossum sphincter of Oddi (SO). Myoelectric data from the SO in five adult opossums were recorded using thin stainless steel electrodes and computer-assisted analog-to-digital conversion. In fully awake and conscious animals, baseline spikeburst activity during phase I of the MMC occurred at a frequency of 28.6 +/- 3.1 spikebursts (SB) per 20-min period. Intravenous infusion of graded doses of substance P (from 0.5 to 8.0 micrograms/kg) stimulated SO myoelectric activity in a dose-related manner (from 80 +/- 8 to 235 +/- 11 SB/20 min, respectively, P less than 0.05 when compared to baseline). The effect of substance P on SO myoelectric activity was antagonized by administration of the H2-blocker, cimetidine (92.0 +/- 6.1 vs 48.2 +/- 7.0, n = 5, P less than 0.05). Administration of the antimuscarinic drug atropine only slightly affected the SO spikeburst frequency when infused prior to SP (73.0 +/- 10.4 vs 70.8 +/- 8.2, P greater than 0.05). We conclude that SP stimulated the SO spikeburst frequency in a dose-dependent fashion. Cimetidine markedly inhibited the response of the SO to SP but atropine did not. The excitatory effect of substance P on the opossum SO is mediated at least in part by a histaminergic, noncholinergic pathway.

Novel autonomic neurotransmitters and intestinal function

A wide variety of substances, including amines and peptides, have been detected within the complex neuronal pathways of the enteric nervous system using immunohistochemical techniques. In this article we have discussed some of the more recent data on the effects of these substances on intestinal activity. We have also commented on the many difficulties associated with ascribing neurotransmitter status to individual compounds. The technique of immunoblockade of neurogenic functional responses has been used in an attempt to identify some of the putative neurotransmitter substances. The search for selective antagonists continues.

Correlated electrophysiological and histochemical studies of submucous neurons and their contribution to understanding enteric neural circuits

Neither submucous ganglia, nor intestinal secretomotor reflexes are mentioned in the majority of the textbooks of physiology; because it has been realized only very recently that the submucous neurons may have important influences on whole body water and electrolyte balance. In the present review, we trace the rapid progress that has been made in determining the physiological properties of submucous neurons with known chemistry and projections in the guinea-pig small intestine, and we analyze how the work relates to studies in vivo of the neuronal control of intestinal trans-epithelial fluid transport. Four types of submucous neurons, which appear to be the full complement in the guinea-pig small intestine, have been identified through electrophysiological and histochemical analysis. (1) Cholinergic secretomotor neurons contain immunoreactivity for choline-acetyltransferase (ChAT), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), cholecystokinin (CCK), neuropeptide Y (NPY), somatostatin (SOM), and in the majority of cases galanin (GAL); these neurons project to the mucosal epithelium. (2) Non-cholinergic secretomotor neurons contain dynorphin (DYN), GAL and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP); these neurons project to the mucosa and provide collaterals to submucous arterioles. (3) Cholinergic interneurons contain ChAT alone; these neurons connect with the secretomotor neurons. (4) Presumed sensory neurons contain ChAT and substance P (SP) and have nerve endings in the mucosa. The two groups of secretomotor neurons receive cholinergic synaptic inputs from both myenteric and submucous ganglia. In addition, the DYN/GAL/VIP neurons receive sympathetic inhibitory inputs as well as inhibitory and non-cholinergic excitatory inputs from myenteric ganglia. The ChAT/SP nerve cells in submucous ganglia receive no or very ineffective inputs. From these data, from experiments on transmission from the neurons to the intestinal epithelium, and from studies of secretomotor reflexes in vivo, a correlated functional and structural circuitry of the submucous ganglia and their connections has been deduced. It is concluded that secretomotor reflexes are stimulated by the contents of the lumen during the digestion and absorption of food and that these reflexes cause a proportion of water and electrolytes that are absorbed with nutrients such as glucose to be returned to the lumen. The balance of absorption and secretion of water and electrolytes is controlled by sympathetic inhibitory inputs to secretomotor neurons, the activity in sympathetic pathways being varied to contribute to whole body water and electrolyte balance.

Effects of substance P analogues on spinal dorsal horn neurons

The effects of iontophoretically applied (D-Pro2, D-Phe7, D-Trp9)-SP and (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9)-SP on the spontaneous and evoked activity of functionally identified cat spinal dorsal horn neurons have been investigated in vivo by means of extracellular single unit recording technique. In addition, the rat spinal cord slice preparation has been used to study the actions of (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9)-SP and (D-Arg1, D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9, Leu11)-SP on the resting membrane potential of dorsal horn neurons and also on their responses to dorsal root stimulation and exogenous SP application. We have observed that both (D-Pro2, D-Phe7, D-Trp9)-SP and (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9)-SP produced an excitation of about 15% of all neurons tested and had a weak antagonistic effect against SP in the cat spinal cord. (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9)-SP suppressed the SP-induced excitation in 63% of examined cells. In addition, depression of the glutamate-induced excitation and spontaneous activity was evident in 10% and 19% of the cat dorsal horn neurons tested, respectively. In the spinal cord slice preparation (D-Arg1, D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9, Leu11)-SP proved to be a more potent antagonist of the SP-induced depolarization and the dorsal root-elicited slow depolarization, if compared with (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9)-SP.

Actions of serotonin and substance P on myenteric neurons of guinea-pig distal colon

Intracellular methods were used to study the effects of serotonin and substance P (SP) on the electrical behavior of myenteric neurons in guinea-pig distal colon in vitro. Serotonin evoked either a short-duration transient depolarization, a long-lasting depolarization or a multiphasic response consisting of a rapid depolarization followed by a short duration hyperpolarizing potential and then a long-lasting depolarization. Application of SP evoked a long-lasting depolarization. Depolarizing potentials to both substances were accompanied by enhanced excitability that was reflected by repetitive spike discharge. Long-lasting depolarizations were associated with increased input resistance. The responses to serotonin or SP were unaltered by the presence of tetrodotoxin, hexamethonium or elevated extracellular Mg2+ and reduced Ca2+. Some neurons responded to both serotonin and SP indicating that both receptors coexisted on the same neuron. The putative SP antagonist, [D-Arg1,D-Phe5,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]SP did not affect the responses to SP. It did suppress the slow-depolarizing response to serotonin, while the fast response was unaffected. The responses to serotonin and SP in myenteric neurons of guinea-pig colon resembled the responses reported by others for small intestinal myenteric neurons.

Drug receptors on single enteric neurons

There are many substances contained within enteric nerves which excite or inhibit other nerves when these substances are applied to single neurons. The actions of these substances and of drugs which mimic these actions is to open or close membrane ion channels. The effects on membrane potential are dependent on the nature of the ions which pass through the channel and whether the channel is opened or closed. In the enteric nervous system, drugs can act at one of three broad classes of receptors: [1] those which are part of an ion channel complex and which open either cation channels or chloride channels, both of which result in membrane depolarization [2] those which open potassium channels resulting in hyperpolarization or [3] those which close potassium channels resulting in depolarization. Receptors which open potassium channels are coupled to the channel via a G-protein while receptors which close potassium channels are coupled to the channel, in some cases, via a cyclic AMP-dependent system while in other cases another second messenger system is involved.

Electrophysiological characterization of functionally distinct 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors on guinea-pig submucous plexus

Intracellular recordings were made from neurons of the guinea-pig submucous plexus and the actions of 5-hydroxytryptamine on the postsynaptic membrane and on evoked synaptic potentials were examined. 5-Hydroxytryptamine produced two types of direct postsynaptic responses: (1) A depolarization associated with a fall in input resistance was observed in all cells. Voltage-clamp and ion substitutions showed that this depolarization resulted primarily from an inward sodium current. This response could be as brief as 30 ms; it showed desensitization and was selectively abolished by 0.2-2 microM ICS 205-930. (2) A depolarization (or inward current) associated with a decreased conductance was observed in about 50% of neurons, usually after the first response was blocked by ICS 205-930. This response was due to a decreased potassium conductance; the minimum time course of this response was 8-10 s. It did not show desensitization and was not sensitive to blockade by currently available antagonists of 5-hydroxytryptamine, nicotinic and/or muscarinic receptors. Higher concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine were required to produce the sodium conductance increase than the potassium conductance decrease; 2-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine was equally effective in producing these responses. 5-Hydroxytryptamine also caused a barrage of "spontaneous" nicotinic excitatory post-synaptic potentials which were sensitive to tetrodotoxin. This response desensitized, was blocked by ICS 205-930 and is presumed to reflect excitation of other cholinergic cell bodies in the plexus by the sodium conductance increase mechanism described. The evoked nicotinic excitatory postsynaptic potential and the adrenergic inhibitory postsynaptic potential were decreased by 5-hydroxytryptamine; a portion of this inhibition showed desensitization and was blocked by ICS 205-930 as well as by the muscarinic receptor antagonists, atropine and pirenzepine. The ICS 205-930-insensitive portion of this inhibition could not be attributed to activation of 5-hydroxytryptamine-1 or 5-hydroxytryptamine-2 receptors. Thus, the following conclusions are drawn: 5-hydroxytryptamine excites submucous plexus neurons by activating two distinct 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. Activation of the 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor (sensitive to ICS 205-930) produces a depolarization mediated by an increased sodium conductance. The same effect occurring in other cholinergic cell bodies initiates action potentials which are responsible for the 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced release of acetylcholine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Localization of substance P binding sites in submucous plexus of guinea pig ileum, using whole-mount autoradiography

Whole mounts of guinea pig ileum submucosa were incubated with radiolabeled tachykinins, and binding sites were visualized using autoradiography. Very dense specific binding for [125I]-Bolton-Hunter substance P (BHSP) was observed over ganglia of the submucous plexus, with weaker binding over internodal strands. Dense specific binding was also seen over occasional strands of circular muscle, with weak binding over clumps of mucosa. Although very weak binding was seen over some large blood vessels, no binding was associated with smaller blood vessels. Localization of binding was absent in whole-mounts coincubated with 1 microM substance P, used to define nonspecific binding. Localization of BHSP-specific binding was also abolished in whole-mounts coincubated with 1 nM substance P, but not with 1 nM neurokinin B, suggesting that binding was probably to an NK-1 tachykinin receptor. In whole-mounts incubated in [125I]-iodohistidyl neurokinin A (INKA) or [125I]-Bolton-Hunter neurokinin B (BHNKB), no specific binding over ganglia was observed. These binding sites for BHSP are probably identical with the neuronal substance P receptors mediating mucosal ion transport.

Effects of three mammalian tachykinins on single enteric neurons

The effects of substance P (SP), substance K (SK) and neuromedin K (NMK) were compared on single neurons of the guinea pig myenteric plexus. The tachykinins depolarized all myenteric neurons with a rank order of potency SP greater than SK greater than NMK. In approximately 80% of neurons studies the depolarization was associated with an increase in membrane resistance: in 20% membrane resistance decreased. The depolarizations were not affected by tetrodotoxin (TTX) (300 nM), hyoscine (1 microM) or by [D-Arg1, D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9, Leu11]SP (1 microM). These results provide no evidence for more than one type of tachykinin receptor on myenteric neurons.