Vasoactive intestinal peptide release and L-citrulline production from isolated ganglia of the myenteric plexus: evidence for regulation of vasoactive intestinal peptide release by nitric oxide

Alterations to enteric neural signaling underlie secretory abnormalities of the ileum in experimental colitis in the guinea pig

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) can involve widespread gastrointestinal dysfunction, even in cases in which inflammation is localized to a single site. The underlying pathophysiology of dysfunction in noninflamed regions is unclear. We examined whether colitis is associated with altered electrogenic ion transport in the ileal mucosa and/or changes in the properties of ileal submucosal neurons. Colitis was induced by administration of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS), and the uninflamed ileum from animals was examined 3, 7, and 28 days later. Electrogenic ion transport was assessed in Ussing chambers. Intracellular microelectrode recordings were used to examine the neurophysiology of the submucosal plexus of the ileum in animals with colitis. Noncholinergic secretion was reduced by 33% in the ileum from animals 7 days after the induction of colitis. The epithelial response to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) was unaltered in animals with colitis, but the response to carbachol was enhanced. Slow excitatory synaptic transmission was dramatically reduced in VIP-expressing, noncholinergic secretomotor neurons. This change was detected as early as 3 days following TNBS treatment. No changes to fast synaptic transmission or the number of VIP neurons were observed. In addition, cholinergic secretomotor neurons fired more action potentials during a given stimulus, and intrinsic primary afferent neurons had broader action potentials in animals with colitis. These findings implicate changes to enteric neural circuits as contributing factors in inflammation-induced secretory dysfunction at sites proximal to a localized inflammatory insult.

TGF-beta1 inhibits expression and activity of hENT1 in a nitric oxide-dependent manner in human umbilical vein endothelium

AIMS

We studied whether transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) modulates human equilibrative nucleoside transporters 1 (hENT1) expression and activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). hENT1-mediated adenosine transport and expression are reduced in gestational diabetes and hyperglycaemia, conditions associated with increased synthesis and release of nitric oxide (NO) and TGF-beta1 in this cell type. TGF-beta1 increases NO synthesis via activation of TGF-beta receptor type II (TbetaRII), and NO inhibits hENT1 expression and activity in HUVECs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

HUVECs (passage 2) were used for experiments. Total and hENT1-mediated adenosine transport was measured in the absence or presence of TGF-beta1, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, NO synthase inhibitor), S-nitroso-N-acetyl-L,D-penicillamine (SNAP, NO donor), and/or KT-5823 (protein kinase G inhibitor) in control cells and cells expressing a truncated form of TGF-beta1 receptor type II (TTbetaRII). Western blot and real-time PCR were used to determine hENT1 protein abundance and mRNA expression. SLC29A1 gene promoter and specific protein 1 (Sp1) transcription factor activity was assayed. Vascular reactivity was assayed in endothelium-intact or -denuded umbilical vein rings. TGF-beta1 reduced hENT1-mediated adenosine transport, hENT1 protein abundance, hENT1 mRNA expression, and SLC29A1 gene promoter activity, but increased Sp1 binding to DNA. TGF-beta1 effect was blocked by L-NAME and KT-5823 and mimicked by SNAP in control cells. However, TGF-beta1 was ineffective in cells expressing TTbetaRII or a mutated Sp1 consensus sequence. Vasodilatation in response to TGF-beta1 and S-(4-nitrobenzyl)-6-thio-inosine (an ENT inhibitor) was endothelium-dependent and blocked by KT-5823 and ZM-241385.

CONCLUSION

hENT1 is down-regulated by activation of TbetaRII by TGF-beta1 in HUVECs, a phenomenon where NO and Sp1 play key roles. These findings comprise physiological mechanisms that could be important in diseases where TGF-beta1 plasma level is increased as in gestational diabetic mothers or patients with diabetes mellitus.

Autoinhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in gut smooth muscle by nitric oxide

Nitric oxide in the gut is produced by nNOS in enteric neurons and by eNOS in smooth muscle cells. The eNOS in smooth muscle is activated by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) released from enteric neurons. In the present study, we examined the effect of nitric oxide on VIP-induced eNOS activation in smooth muscle cells isolated from human intestine and rabbit stomach. NOS activity was measured as formation of the 1:1 co-product, l-citrulline from l-arginine. VIP caused an increase in l-citrulline production that was inhibited by NO in a concentration dependent manner (IC(50)~25 microM; maximal inhibition 72% at 100 microM NO). Basal l-citrulline production, however, was unaffected by NO. The effect was not mediated by cGMP/PKG since the PKG inhibitor KT5823 had no effect on eNOS autoinhibition. The autoinhibition was selective for NO since the co-product l-citrulline had no effect on VIP-induced NOS activation. Similar effects were obtained in rabbit gastric and human intestinal smooth muscle cells. The results suggest that NO produced in smooth muscle cells as a result of the activation of eNOS by VIP exerts an autoinhibitory restraint on eNOS thereby regulating the balance of the VIP/cAMP/PKA and NO/cGMP/PKG pathways that regulate the relaxation of gut smooth muscle.

Advances in study of severe acute pancreatitis and gastrointestinal dysmotility

Gastrointestinal dysmotility often occurs in patients with sever acute pancreatitis. This article reviews the effect of nerve, hormone, inflammatory factors and ischemia-reperfusion injury on gastrointestinal dysmotility. It elucidates that the gastrointestinal dysmotility is significanly relieved ater treatment of acute pancreatitis.

Evidence for a role of inducible nitric oxide synthase in gastric relaxation of mdx mice

Alterations of gastric mechanical activity have been reported in mdx mouse, animal model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This study examined if alterations in the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) system are present in mdx stomach. Gastric mechanical activity was recorded in vitro as changes of endoluminal pressure and neurally or pharmacologically evoked relaxations were analysed in mdxvs normal stomach. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. Relaxations to sodium nitroprusside in mdx stomach showed no difference in comparison with normal preparations. In normal stomach, VIP produced relaxation, which was reduced by VIP6-28, antagonist of VIP receptors, but was not modified by Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 1-H-oxodiazol-[1,2,4]-[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1-one (ODQ) or by N-(3-(aminomethyl)-benzyl)acetamidine (1400W) and aminoguanidine, inhibitors of iNOS. In contrast, in mdx stomach VIP responses were antagonized not only by VIP6-28, but also by L-NAME, ODQ, 1400W or aminoguanidine. In normal stomach, the slow relaxation evoked by stimulation at high frequency was reduced by VIP6-28, but it was unaffected by 1400W or aminoguanidine. In mdx stomach, it was reduced by VIP6-28 or 1400W, which did not show additive effects. iNOS mRNA was expressed only in mdx stomach. The results suggest that in mdx gastric preparations, iNOS is functionally expressed, being involved in the slow relaxation induced by VIP.

Sensory peptide neurotransmitters mediating mucosal and distension evoked neural vasodilator reflexes in guinea pig ileum

The aim was to determine the role CGRP and/or tachykinins released from sensory neural mechanisms in enteric neural vasodilator pathways. These pathways project through the myenteric plexus to submucosal vasodilator neurons. Submucosal arterioles were exposed in the distal portion of an in vitro combined submucosal-myenteric guinea pig ileal preparation, and dilation was monitored with videomicroscopy. Vasodilator neural reflexes were activated by gently stroking the mucosa with a fine brush or by distending a balloon placed beneath the flat-sheet preparation in the proximal portion. Dilations evoked by mucosal stroking were inhibited 64% by the CGRP 8-37 and 37% by NK3 (SR 142801) antagonists. When the two antagonists were combined with hexamethonium, only a small vasodilation persisted. Balloon distension-evoked vasodilations were inhibited by NK3 antagonists (66%) but were not altered by CGRP 8-37. In preparations in which myenteric descending interneurons were directly activated by electrical stimulation, combined application of CGRP 8-37 and the NK antagonists had no effect. Stimulation of capsaicin sensitive nerves in the myenteric plexus did not activate these vasodilator reflexes. These findings suggest that mucosal-activated reflexes result from the release of CGRP and tachykinins from enteric sensory neurons. Distension-evoked responses were significantly blocked by NK3 antagonists, suggesting that stretch activation of myenteric sensory neurons release tachykinins that activate NK3 receptors on myenteric vasodilator pathways.

Inhibition by nitric oxide and nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) nerves is preserved in a canine model of extrinsic denervation: Implications for small bowel transplantation

BACKGROUND

Small bowel transplantation (SBT) is complicated by changes in graft motility, especially in the early postoperative period. This dysmotility may be related in part to the extrinsic denervation necessitated by the procedure, but specific neurotransmitter response to SBT is incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of nitric oxide and nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) enteric neural input in the nonimmunologic etiology of the dysmotility seen after SBT.

METHODS

A technique of jejunoileal extrinsic denervation (without disruption of mesenteric vascular supply) was used as a model of canine jejunoileal autotransplantation to avoid potential confounding factors such as ischemia-reperfusion and postallotransplant immunologic effects. Longitudinal smooth muscle strips from ileum and jejunum were studied with in vitro tissue chamber methodology at 0, 2, and 8 weeks after this experimental model to explore early and late effects of denervation. Effects of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) and electric field stimulation (EFS), which releases native, endogenous enteric neurotransmitters) were evaluated in neurally intact control dogs and those undergoing extrinsic denervation.

RESULTS

Exogenous NO caused a dose-dependent inhibition of spontaneous contractile activity and in some muscle strips a decrease in basal tone in both groups of dogs. These effects were unchanged by neural blockade with tetrodotoxin and preserved after extrinsic denervation. EFS produced inhibition of spontaneous contractile activity in ileum and a complex, inconsistent response in jejunum. The response to EFS in both ileum and jejunum was unchanged after extrinsic denervation.

CONCLUSIONS

Nitric oxide inhibits contractile activity in canine longitudinal muscle of small bowel. Motility changes seen after this large animal model of extrinsic denervation are not caused by changes in NO or NANC neural function. The variability observed between different segments of intestine is important to consider in the context of SBT.

The significance of vasoactive intestinal peptide in immunomodulation

First identified by Said and Mutt some 30 years ago, the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) was originally isolated as a vasodilator peptide. Subsequently, its biochemistry was elucidated, and within the 1st decade, their signature features as a neuropeptide became consolidated. It did not take long for these insights to permeate the field of immunology, out of which surprising new attributes for VIP were found in the last years. VIP is rapidly transforming into something more than a mere hormone. In evolving scientifically from a hormone to a novel agent for modifying immune function and possibly a cytokine-like molecule, VIP research has engaged many physiologists, molecular biologists, biochemists, endocrinologists, and pharmacologists and it is a paradigm to explore mutual interactions between neural and neuroendocrine links in health and disease. The aim of this review is firstly to update our knowledge of the cellular and molecular events relevant to VIP function on the immune system and secondly to gather together recent data that support its role as a type 2 cytokine. Recognition of the central functions VIP plays in cellular processes is focusing our attention on this "very important peptide" as exciting new candidates for therapeutic intervention and drug development.

The multiple mediators of neurogenic smooth muscle relaxation

The regulation of smooth muscle relaxation is vitally important for normal functioning of respiratory airways, gastrointestinal organs and the circulatory system. Since the recognition that such relaxation is not under adrenergic or cholinergic control, there has been an active search for the nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) mediators. A recent paper highlights the complex but coordinated control of the internal anal sphincter by three neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters mediating the intestinal peristaltic reflex in the mouse

The motor, modulatory, and sensory neurotransmitters that mediate the peristaltic reflex in the mouse colon were identified by direct measurement, and their involvement in various pathways was determined by selective receptor antagonists. Mucosal stimulation in the central compartment of a three-compartment flat sheet preparation of mouse colon elicited ascending contraction and descending relaxation in the orad and caudad compartments, respectively. Ascending contraction was accompanied by substance P release, a marker for excitatory neurotransmitter release, into the orad compartment and was partly inhibited by atropine and spantide, and abolished by a combination of the two antagonists. Descending relaxation was accompanied by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) release, a marker for inhibitory neurotransmitter release, into the caudad compartment, and was partly inhibited by VIP10-28 and NG-nitro-L-arginine, and abolished by a combination of the two agents. Somatostatin release increased during descending relaxation: immunoneutralization of somatostatin or blockade of its effect with a selective somatostatin type 2 receptor antagonist inhibited descending relaxation. The delta-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole augmented descending relaxation and ascending contraction. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release increased in the central compartment and was mediated by concurrent release of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) because its release was blocked by a 5-HT4 receptor antagonist. Both the latter and the CGRP antagonist CGRP8-37, inhibited ascending contraction and descending relaxation. Thus, the reflex in mouse like that in rat and human intestine is initiated by mucosal release of 5-HT and activation of 5-HT4 receptors on CGRP sensory neurons and is relayed via somatostatin and opioid interneurons to VIP/nitric-oxide synthase inhibitory motor neurons and via cholinergic interneurons to acetylcholine/tachykinin excitatory motor neurons.

NANC inhibitory neurotransmission in mouse isolated stomach: involvement of nitric oxide, ATP and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide

1. The neurotransmitters involved in NANC relaxation and their possible interactions were investigated in mouse isolated stomach, recording the motor responses as changes of endoluminal pressure from whole organ. 2. Field stimulation produced tetrodotoxin-sensitive, frequency-dependent, biphasic responses: rapid transient relaxation followed by a delayed inhibitory component. 3. The inhibitor of the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), l-NAME, abolished the rapid relaxation and significantly reduced the slow relaxation. Apamin, blocker of Ca2+-dependent K+ channels, or ADPbetaS, which desensitises P2y purinoceptors, reduced the slow relaxation to 2-8 Hz, without affecting that to 16-32 Hz or the fast relaxation. alpha-Chymotrypsin or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide 6-28 (VIP6-28), antagonist of VIP receptors, failed to affect the fast component or the delayed relaxation to 2-4 Hz, but antagonised the slow component to 8-32 Hz. 4. Relaxation to sodium nitroprusside was not affected by l-NAME, apamin or ADPbetaS, but was reduced by alpha-chymotrypsin or VIP6-28. Relaxation to VIP was abolished by alpha-chymotrypsin, antagonised by VIP6-28, but was not affected by l-NAME, apamin or ADPbetaS. Relaxation to ATP was abolished by apamin, antagonised by ADPbetaS, but was not affected by l-NAME or alpha-chymotrypsin. 5. The present results suggest that NO is responsible for the rapid relaxation and partly for the slow relaxation. ATP is involved in the slow relaxation evoked by low frequencies of stimulation. VIP is responsible for the slow relaxation evoked by high frequencies of stimulation. The different neurotransmitters appear to work in parallel, although NO could serve also as a neuromodulator that facilitates release of VIP.

Nitrergic prejunctional inhibition of purinergic neuromuscular transmission in the hamster proximal colon

Neurogenic ATP and nitric oxide (NO) may play important roles in the physiological control of gastrointestinal motility. However, the interplay between purinergic and nitrergic neurons in mediating the inhibitory neurotransmission remains uncertain. This study investigated whether neurogenic NO modulates the purinergic transmission to circular smooth muscles of the hamster proximal colon. Electrical activity was recorded from circular muscle cells of the hamster proximal colon by using the microelectrode technique. Intramural nerve stimulation with a single pulse evoked a fast purinergic inhibitory junction potential (IJP) followed by a slow nitrergic IJP. The purinergic component of the second IJP evoked by paired stimulus pulses at pulse intervals between 1 and 3 s became smaller than that of the first IJP. This purinergic IJP depression could be observed at pulse intervals <3 s, but not at longer ones, and failed to occur in the presence of NO synthase inhibitor. Exogenous NO (0.3-1 microM), at which no hyperpolarization is produced, inhibited purinergic IJPs, without altering the nitrergic IJP and exogenously applied ATP-induced hyperpolarization. In the presence of both purinoceptor antagonist and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, intramural nerve stimulation with 5 pulses at 20 Hz evoked vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-associated IJPs, suggesting that VIP component may be masked in the IJPs of the hamster proximal colon. Our results suggest that neurogenic NO may modulate the purinergic transmission to circular smooth muscles of the hamster proximal colon via a prejunctional mechanism. In addition, VIP may be involved in the neurotransmitter in the hamster proximal colon.

Characterizing voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels coupled to VIP release and NO synthesis in enteric synaptosomes

In enteric synaptosomes of the rat, the role of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels in K(+)-induced VIP release and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis was investigated. Basal VIP release was 39 +/- 4 pg/mg, and cofactor-substituted NO synthase activity was 7.0 +/- 0.8 fmol. mg(-1). min(-1). K(+) depolarization (65 mM) stimulated VIP release Ca(2+) dependently (basal, 100%; K(+), 172.2 +/- 16.2%; P < 0.05, n = 5). K(+)-stimulated VIP release was reduced by blockers of the P-type (omega-agatoxin-IVA, 3 x 10(-8) M) and N-type (omega-conotoxin-GVIA, 10(-6) M) Ca(2+) channels by ~50 and 25%, respectively, but not by blockers of the L-type (isradipine, 10(-8) M), Q-type (omega-conotoxin-MVIIC, 10(-6) M), or T-type (Ni(2+), 10(-6) M) Ca(2+) channels. In contrast, NO synthesis was suppressed by omega-agatoxin-IVA, omega-conotoxin-GVIA, and isradipine by ~79, 70, and 70%, respectively, whereas Ni(2+) and omega-conotoxin-MVIIC had no effect. These findings are suggestive of a coupling of depolarization-induced VIP release primarily to the P- and N-type Ca(2+) channels, whereas NO synthesis is presumably dependent on Ca(2+) influx not only via the P- and N- but also via the L-type Ca(2+) channel. In contrast, none of the Ca(2+) channel blockers affected VIP release evoked by exogenous NO, suggesting that NO induces VIP secretion by a different mechanism, presumably involving intracellular Ca(2+) stores.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) as modulators of both innate and adaptive immunity

The structurally related neuropeptides VIP and PACAP are released within the lymphoid organs following antigenic stimulation, and modulate the function of inflammatory cells through specific receptors. In activated macrophages, VIP and PACAP inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory agents (cytokines, chemokines, and nitric oxide), and stimulate the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. These events are mediated through the VIP/PACAP effects on de novo expression or nuclear translocation of several transcription factors, i.e., NFkappaB, CREB, c-Jun, JunB, and IRF-1. The in vivo administration of VIP/PACAP results in a similar pattern of cytokine and chemokine modulation, which presumably mediates the protective effect of VIP/PACAP in septic shock. In addition, VIP/PACAP reduce the expression of the co-stimulatory molecules B7.1/B7.2, and the subsequent stimulatory activity of macrophages for T-helper cells. In T-cells expressing specific VIP/PACAP receptors, VIP and PACAP inhibit the expression of FasL through effects on NFkappaB, NFAT, and Egr2/3. The reduction of FasL expression has several biological consequences: inhibition of antigen-induced cell death in CD4 T-cells, inhibition of the FasL-mediated cytotoxicity of CD8 and CD4 effectors against direct and bystander targets, and promotion of long-term memory Th2 cells, through a positive effect on the survival of Th2, but not Th1, effectors. The various biological effects of VIP and PACAP are discussed within the range of a general anti-inflammatory model.

Nitric oxide plays a role in the regulation of adrenal blood flow and adrenocorticomedullary functions in the llama fetus

The hypothesis that nitric oxide plays a key role in the regulation of adrenal blood flow and plasma concentrations of cortisol and catecholamines under basal and hypoxaemic conditions in the llama fetus was tested. At 0.6-0.8 of gestation, 11 llama fetuses were surgically prepared for long-term recording under anaesthesia with vascular and amniotic catheters. Following recovery all fetuses underwent an experimental protocol based on 1 h of normoxaemia, 1 h of hypoxaemia and 1 h of recovery. In nine fetuses, the protocol occurred during fetal I.V. infusion with saline and in five fetuses during fetal I.V. treatment with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME. Adrenal blood flow was determined by the radiolabelled microsphere method during each of the experimental periods during saline infusion and treatment with L-NAME. Treatment with L-NAME during normoxaemia led to a marked fall in adrenal blood flow and a pronounced increase in plasma catecholamine concentrations, but it did not affect plasma ACTH or cortisol levels. In saline-infused fetuses, acute hypoxaemia elicited an increase in adrenal blood flow and in plasma ACTH, cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations. Treatment with L-NAME did not affect the increase in fetal plasma ACTH, but prevented the increments in adrenal blood flow and in plasma cortisol and adrenaline concentrations during hypoxaemia in the llama fetus. In contrast, L-NAME further enhanced the increase in fetal plasma noradrenaline. These data support the hypothesis that nitric oxide has important roles in the regulation of adrenal blood flow and adrenal corticomedullary functions during normoxaemia and hypoxaemia functions in the late gestation llama fetus.

Peptidergic and nitrergic inhibitory neurotransmissions in the hamster jejunum: regulation of vasoactive intestinal peptide release by nitric oxide

Regulation of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) release by nitric oxide (NO) was investigated in the hamster jejunum. Electrical field stimulation and applied NO (3-100 microM) evoked biphasic hyperpolarizations consisting of an initial transient hyperpolarizing component followed by a second more slowly developing component (late component). The NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (200 microM) abolished the biphasic inhibitory junction potential evoked by electrical field stimulation. The NO scavenger oxyhemoglobin (50 microM) and the guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; 10 microM) abolished both components of the inhibitory junction potentials and the NO-induced hyperpolarizations. VIP(6-28) (1 microM), which abolished VIP (3 microM)-induced hyperpolarizations, also inhibited the late components of the inhibitory junction potentials and the NO-induced hyperpolarizations. ODQ inhibited VIP release and cAMP production by electrical field stimulation and NO application. N(6)-2,0-Dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (0.1-3 mM) caused a membrane hyperpolarization. These results suggest that NO may stimulate VIP release from enteric nerves in the hamster jejunum. In addition, we propose that NO and NO-stimulated VIP contribute to the early and late components of the inhibitory junction potentials, respectively, in the circular smooth muscle cells of the hamster jejunum.

Distribution and effects of PACAP, VIP, nitric oxide and GABA in the gut of the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis

The distribution and possible effects on gastrointestinal motility of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), nitric oxide and γ-amino-butyric acid(GABA) were investigated in the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis)using immunohistochemistry and in vitro strip preparations. PACAP-and VIP-immunoreactive nerve fibres were common in the myenteric plexus as well as in the longitudinal and circular muscle layers all along the gastrointestinal tract. Double labelling demonstrated a close correlation between PACAP and VIP immunoreactivities, indicating that the two neurotransmitters are colocalised within the enteric nervous system. Occasionally, PACAP- and VIP-positive nerve cell bodies were seen in the myenteric or submucous plexa. In addition, VIP immunoreactivity coexisted with helospectin immunoreactivity. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-immunoreactive nerve cells were found in the myenteric plexus at an average density for the whole gastrointestinal tract of 4584±540 cells cm-2. The NOS-immunoreactive nerve cells were usually multipolar with an average size of 11.3±3.7 × 23.2±6.6 μm. Some NOS-immunoreactive nerve fibres were VIP-immunoreactive but not all VIP-positive fibres showed NOS immunoreactivity. GABA immunoreactivity was found in nerve fibres and nerve cells in the myenteric plexus of all regions of the gut. Few GABA-immunoreactive nerve fibres were VIP-immunoreactive. PACAP 27, VIP,sodium nitroprusside (a nitric oxide donor; NaNP) and GABA caused similar responses on spontaneously contracting circular preparations of the cardiac stomach of X. laevis. The mean force developed was decreased, mainly by a reduction in resting tension, while the amplitude of contractions was not necessarily affected. The NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) increased the mean force developed, indicating a nitrergic tone in the preparations. In contrast, PACAP 27, VIP, NaNP, GABA and L-NAME had no significant effect on longitudinal strip preparations from the duodenum. These results indicate that PACAP, VIP, nitric oxide and GABA, which are known to be important inhibitory neurotransmitters in other vertebrates, are widely spread in the enteric nervous system of Xenopus laevis and may be involved in the inhibitory control of gastric motility. Although no effect of PACAP,VIP, nitric oxide or GABA on the longitudinal strips of the duodenum was seen in this study, this does not rule out the possibility that they might play an important role in controlling intestinal motility as well.

Impairment by lovastatin of neural relaxation of the rabbit sphincter of Oddi

We sought whether inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis by lovastatin influenced the nitrergic relaxation response of the sphincter of Oddi. Rabbit sphincters of Oddi rings were tested for changes in isometric tension in response to field stimulation in the presence of 4 microM guanethidine and 1 microM atropine. Tissue samples were then analyzed for cAMP and cGMP content by radioimmunoassay for nitric oxide concentration by electron spin resonance and for vasoactive intestinal peptide and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release by radioimmunoassay. Membrane G(salpha) protein was determined by Western blot analysis. Field stimulation relaxed the preparations with an increase in nitric oxide, cAMP and cGMP concentrations at increased calcitonin gene-related peptide and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) release. Preparations from rabbits pre-treated with lovastatin (5 mg/kg/day intragastrically, over 5 days) contracted under the same conditions with an attenuated cGMP-increase at preserved increase in NO content and neuropeptide release. The relaxation was recaptured combining lovastatin with farnesol (1 mg/kg intravenously, twice a day for 5 days). The field stimulation-induced increase in cyclic nucleotides was also restored. Lovastatin decreased membrane G(salpha) protein content, which was re-normalized by farnesol. Farnesol treatment reinstates neurogenic relaxation of the sphincter of Oddi deteriorated by lovastatin possibly by normalizing G-protein coupling.

Functional coupling between nitric oxide synthesis and VIP release within enteric nerve terminals of the rat: involvement of protein kinase G and phosphodiesterase 5

1. The subcellular mechanisms involved in the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the release of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were examined in synaptosomes isolated from rat small intestine. 2. VIP release was stimulated by the NO donor SNAP (10(-7)-10(-4) M) in an oxyhaemoglobin-sensitive manner. The presence of the guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ (10(-5) M), or inhibition of protein kinase G (PKG) by KT 5823 (3 x 10(-6) M) or Rp-8Br-PET-cGMPS (5 x 10(-7) M), antagonized the SNAP-induced VIP release, suggesting a regulatory role of PKG, confirming previously published data from enteric ganglia. This finding was further supported by the fact that direct PKG activation by the stable cGMP analogue 8-pCPT-cGMP stimulated VIP secretion to the same extent as SNAP. 3. Basal VIP secretion was enhanced in the presence of zaprinast, an inhibitor of cGMP-dependent phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE 5), suggesting a functional role of PDE 5 in NO-cGMP signalling. Supportive evidence for this finding was obtained by demonstration of the presence of PDE 5 using RT-PCR. 4. Stimulation of endogenous NO production by L-arginine was also effective in releasing VIP. The effect was abolished in the presence of KT 5823, but was insensitive to oxyhaemoglobin (10(-3) M), suggesting that an interaction between NO and VIP is likely to occur within the same nerve terminal rather than between terminals. 5. NO synthesis was not affected by VIP (10(-8)-10(-5) M), suggesting that there is no feedback regulation between the NO and the VIP pathways. 6. These findings support the notion that an anatomical and functional interrelationship exists between NO and VIP in enteric nerve terminals and that complex signalling mechanisms involving PKG and PDE 5 contribute to NO-induced VIP release.

Involvement of nitric oxide and vasoactive intestinal peptide in the nonadrenergic-noncholinergic relaxation of the porcine retractor penis muscle

Neurotransmitters mediating nonadrenergic-noncholinergic (NANC) relaxation were investigated in strips of porcine retractor penis muscle (RPM). Muscle tone was raised by phenylephrine (1 microM) in the presence of atropine (1 microM) and guanethidine (50 microM). Upon electrical field stimulation (1 ms, 80 V, 1-32 Hz for 10 s), the initial fast relaxation was followed by the slow relaxation. Although the fast and the slow relaxation were completely abolished by tetrodotoxin (1 microM), they showed different pharmacological sensitivities to the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 0.1 mM). The fast relaxation was markedly inhibited by L-NAME in an L-arginine reversible manner and by oxyhemoglobin (50 microM), while the slow relaxation was hardly blocked by L-NAME. L-NAME and alpha-chymotrypsin (alpha-CT, 3 U/ml) selectively inhibited the fast and the slow relaxation, respectively. Alpha-CT abolished L-NAME-resistant slow relaxation, and L-NAME completely abolished the alpha-CT-resistant fast relaxation. Alpha-CT-resistant relaxation was not significantly different from the digitally calculated L-NAME-sensitive component, and L-NAME-resistant relaxation was similar to the digitally calculated alpha-CT-sensitive component. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP, 0.003-0.1 microM) relaxed porcine RPM in a concentration-dependent manner. The effect of a VIP was partially inhibited by a VIP receptor antagonist, VIP(10-28) (1 and 3 microM). L-NAME-resistant relaxation was also reduced by VIP(10-28) (3 microM) and by another putative antagonist, VIP(6-28) (1 microM), although the effects of the two antagonists were somewhat inconsistent. From the histochemical staining, it was verified that nerve bundles that showed VIP-like immunoreactivities were also positive for the NADPH diaphorase reaction. These results suggest that NO and peptide neurotransmitter(s) including VIP mediate the NANC relaxation in porcine RPM.

Altered nitric oxide production in the premature gut may increase susceptibility to intestinal damage in necrotizing enterocolitis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Nitric oxide (NO) mediates enteric smooth muscle relaxation and mucosal protection. The authors have identified an ontogenically determined pattern of enteric NO neural maturation that may render the distal gut of premature piglets susceptible to injury.

METHODS

NO synthase (cNOS and iNOS) activities were measured in the developing piglet gut wall and compared with gut from an intraluminal model of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) at different times.

RESULTS

In premature animals, iNOS activity was significantly higher 3 hours after NEC induction compared with similarly treated 3-day-old piglets. INOS levels continued to rise 6 hours after NEC induction in prematures. Premature animals (labor induced by prostaglandins) failed to show such a rise in iNOS. In 3 day olds, iNOS levels increased significantly 16 hours after injury compared with the 3-hour group.

CONCLUSIONS

iNOS production increases in premature piglets with NEC compared with full-term NEC animals and continues to rise in the presence of intestinal damage regardless of developmental status. Maternal administration of prostaglandins attenuates this rise in iNOS activity. Elevated NO production in premature gut may contribute to increased susceptibility to damage in NEC.

The control of gut motility

Gut motility in non-mammalian vertebrates as in mammals is controlled by the presence of food, by autonomic nerves and by hormones. Feeding and the presence of food initiates contractions of the stomach wall and subsequently gastric emptying, peristalsis, migrating motor complexes and other patterns of motility follow. This overview will give examples of similarities and differences in control systems between species. Gastric receptive relaxation occurs in fish and is an enteric reflex. Cholecystokinin reduces the rate of gastric emptying in fish as in mammals. Inhibitory control of peristalsis is exerted, e.g. by VIP, PACAP, NO in fish and amphibians, while excitatory stimuli arise from nerves releasing tachykinins, acetylcholine or serotonin (5-HT). In crocodiles, we have found the presence of the same nerve types, although the effects on peristalsis have not been studied. Recent studies on signal transduction in the gut smooth muscle of fish and amphibians suggest that external Ca2+ is of great importance, but not the only source of Ca2+ recruitment in tachykinin-, acetylcholine- or serotonin-induced contractions of rainbow trout and Xenopus gastrointestinal smooth muscle. The effect of acetylcholine involves reduction of cAMP-levels in the smooth muscle cells. It is concluded that, in general, the control systems in non-mammalian vertebrates are amazingly similar between species and animal groups and in comparison with mammals.

Neural regulation of airway smooth muscle tone

Airway smooth muscle is innervated by sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. When activated, airway nerves can markedly constrict bronchi either in vivo or in vitro, or can completely dilate a precontracted airway. The nervous system therefore plays a primary role in regulating airway caliber and its dysfunction is likely to contribute to the pathogenesis of airways diseases. The predominant contractile innervation of airway smooth muscle is parasympathetic and cholinergic in nature, while the primary relaxant innervation of the airways is comprised of noncholinergic (nitric oxide synthase- and vasoactive intestinal peptide-containing) parasympathetic nerves. These parasympathetic nerves are anatomically and physiologically distinct from one another and differentially regulated by reflexes. Sympathetic-adrenergic nerves play little if any role in directly regulating smooth muscle tone in the human airways. Activation of airway afferent nerves (rapidly adapting receptors, C-fibers) can evoke increases in airway smooth muscle parasympathetic nerve activity, or decreases in parasympathetic nerve activity (through activation of slowly adapting receptors). Extrapulmonary afferents can also modulate nerve mediated regulation of airway smooth muscle tone. In guinea pigs and rats, peripheral activation of tachykinin-containing airway afferent nerves evokes bronchospasm via release of substance P and neurokinin A. This effect of airway afferent nerve activation appears to be unique to guinea pigs and rats. The actions and interactions between the components of airway innervation are discussed.

The P(2)-purinoceptor antagonist suramin is a competitive antagonist at vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors in the rat gastric fundus

The P(2)-purinoceptor antagonist, suramin, was used to investigate the possible involvement of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) in the inhibitory non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) innervation of the rat gastric fundus. ATP (1-30 microM) produced biphasic responses consisting of concentration-dependent relaxations followed by concentration-dependent contractions. Suramin (200 microM) significantly reduced relaxations and abolished contractions to ATP. Under NANC conditions, electrical field stimulation (EFS) induced frequency-dependent relaxations. Suramin (200 microM) and the peptidase alpha-chymotrypsin (1 u ml(-1)) had the same effects on EFS-induced relaxations: their duration was reduced, but their magnitude was unaffected. Cumulative relaxations to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP; 0.1-100 nM), and to the VIP analogue pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide 1-27 (PACAP; 0.2-100 nM), were almost completely abolished by alpha-chymotrypsin (1 u ml(-1)), and were inhibited by suramin (3-200 microM) in an apparently competitive manner. Schild plot analysis indicated that suramin had pA(2) values of 5.1+/-0.2 (Hill slope=0.9+/-0.2) and 5.6+/-0.1 (Hill slope=1.0+/-0.1), against VIP and PACAP, respectively. Concentration-dependent relaxations to nitric oxide (1-30 microM) and cumulative relaxations to isoprenaline (0.1-300 nM) were not affected by suramin (200 microM). No conclusions can be made regarding the possible involvement of ATP in EFS-induced NANC relaxations. The results suggest that suramin acts as a competitive antagonist at VIP receptors in the rat gastric fundus.

Distinct expression of splice variants of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the human gastrointestinal tract

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Changes of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression have been linked to several human gastrointestinal disorders such as achalasia, diabetic gastroparesis, and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. They could be caused by differential transcriptional control or alternative splicing generating different nNOS proteins. The aims of this study were to characterize 5'-splice variants, promoter usage, and site-specific expression of nNOS in the human gastrointestinal tract.

METHODS

5'-Splice variants were characterized by immunoblotting, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, 5'-rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends, and Southern blotting. Genomic analysis was performed by rapid amplification of genomic ends, followed by reporter gene assays.

RESULTS

Six different 5'-splice variants of nNOS-messenger RNA were identified showing specific expressions at various sites of the human gastrointestinal tract. Three variants encode for nNOSalpha, which has a specific N-terminal PDZ/GLGF domain and interaction sites for regulatory proteins. Two variants encode for nNOSbeta and 1 for nNOSgamma, which both lack the protein-binding domains of nNOSalpha. In addition to 2 known first exons, a novel first exon of human nNOS with a separate functionally active downstream promoter and multiple binding sites for transcription factors was identified and characterized.

CONCLUSIONS

Six 5'-mRNA splice variants of nNOS encoding 3 different nNOS proteins are expressed in the human gut. The differential expression of these proteins could be implicated in different biological functions.

Patch-clamp study of neurons and glial cells in isolated myenteric ganglia

Most of the physiological information on the enteric nervous system has been obtained from studies on preparations of the myenteric ganglia attached to the longitudinal muscle layer. This preparation has a number of disadvantages, e.g., the inability to make patch-clamp recordings and the occurrence of muscle movements. To overcome these limitations we used isolated myenteric ganglia from the guinea pig small intestine. In this preparation movement was eliminated because muscle was completely absent, gigaseals were obtained, and whole cell recordings were made from neurons and glial cells. The morphological identity of cells was verified by injecting a fluorescent dye by micropipette. Neurons displayed voltage-gated inactivating inward Na(+) and Ca(2+) currents as well as delayed-rectifier K(+) currents. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed that most neurons have Na(+) channels. Neurons responded to GABA, indicating that membrane receptors were retained. Glial cells displayed hyperpolarization-induced K(+) inward currents and depolarization-induced K(+) outward currents. Glia showed large "passive" currents that were suppressed by octanol, consistent with coupling by gap junctions among these cells. These results demonstrate the advantages of isolated ganglia for studying myenteric neurons and glial cells.

Nitric oxide modulates release of noradrenaline in guinea-pig gastric fundus

The interaction between nitric oxide (NO) and the release of [(3)H]noradrenaline ([(3)H]NA) in conditions of non-activated and activated nicotinic receptors in guinea-pig gastric fundus preincubated with [(3)H]NA was studied. Nicotinic receptor agonist, 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl-piperazinium iodide (DMPP) (100 microM) significantly increased the resting release of [(3)H]NA. NO-synthase inhibitor, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) (100 microM) significantly decreased DMPP-induced release of [(3)H]NA. Field electrical stimulation (FES) (2Hz; 1 ms; 360 st) significantly increased the release of [(3)H]NA above the basal levels. L-NNA significantly decreased the stimulation-evoked release of [(3)H]NA. DMPP increased the stimulation-evoked release of [(3)H]NA, effect which was significantly decreased by L-NNA. The data suggests that endogenous NO increases the release of [(3)H]NA, evoked either by activation of the nicotinic receptors or by electrical stimulation in guinea-pig gastric fundus.

PACAP and nitric oxide inhibit contractions in the proximal intestine of the atlantic cod, Gadus morhua

The possible inhibitory roles of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and nitric oxide in the control of intestinal motility were investigated in the Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua. Circular and longitudinal smooth muscle preparations developed spontaneous contractions that were inhibited by atropine (10(−)(5)mol l(−)(1)). PACAP 27 and PACAP 38 (10(−)(7)mol l(−)(1)) reduced the amplitude of the contractions but did not usually affect the resting tension. In the circular preparations, the mean active force developed (above resting level; +/− s.e.m.) was reduced from 0. 62+/−0.18 mN to 0.03+/−0.03 mN (N=10) by PACAP 27 and from 0.53+/−0. 20 mN to 0.31+/−0.13 mN (N=7) by PACAP 38, while neither cod nor mammalian VIP (10(−)(10)-10(−)(6)mol l(−)(1)) had any effect. In the longitudinal preparations, PACAP 27 reduced the force developed from 1.58+/−0.22 mN to 0.44+/−0.25 mN (N=8) and PACAP 38 reduced it from 1.61+/−0.47 mN to 0.75+/−0.28 mN (N=5). The nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside (NaNP) almost abolished the contractions in the circular preparations, reducing the mean force developed from 0. 47+/−0.05 mN to 0.02+/−0.06 mN (10(−)(6)mol l(−)(1); N=9) and 0+/−0. 07 mN (10(−)(5)mol l(−)(1); N=8). In the longitudinal preparations, NaNP reduced the force developed from 2.03+/−0.36 mN to 0.33+/−0.22 mN (10(−)(6)mol l(−)(1); N=8) and 0.19+/−0.30 mN (10(−)(5)mol l(−)(1); N=8). The L-arginine analogue N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 3×10(−)(4)mol l(−)(1)) enhanced the contractions in both circular and longitudinal preparations, increasing the mean force developed from 0.51+/−0.12 mN to 0.94+/−0.21 mN (N=8) and from 1.49+/−0.36 mN to 3.34+/−0.67 mN (N=7), respectively. However, preincubation with L-NAME before a second addition of PACAP 27 (10(−)(7)mol l(−)(1)) did not affect the response to PACAP, neither did preincubation with the guanylate cyclase inhibitor 6-anilinoquinoline-5,8-quinone (LY83583; 10(−)(5)mol l(−)(1)), while the inhibitory response to NaNP (3×10(−)(7)mol l(−)(1)) was abolished by LY83583. The PACAP analogue PACAP 6–27 (3×10(−)(7)mol l(−)(1)) had no effect on the response to either NaNP (3×10(−)(7)mol l(−)(1)) or PACAP 27 (10(−)(8)mol l(−)(1)) in the circular preparations. These findings indicate the presence of both a cholinergic and a nitrergic tonus in the smooth muscle preparations of the cod. Although PACAP and NaNP both inhibit contractions, there is no evidence of any interactions between the two substances. In addition, NaNP, but not PACAP, probably acts via stimulating the production of cyclic GMP. In conclusion, both PACAP and nitric oxide may act as inhibitory transmitters, using distinct signalling pathways, in the control of intestinal motility in the Atlantic cod.

Evidence for a feedback inhibition of NO synthesis in enteric synaptosomes via a nitrosothiol intermediate

The exact mechanisms controlling nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity within enteric neurons are largely unknown. In this study, the effect of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) on NOS activity was investigated in enteric synaptosomes of rat ileum. 3-Morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1; 10(-4) M) and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP; 10(-4) M) significantly inhibited NOS activity by 53% and 48%, respectively. However, superoxide dismutase (SOD; 160 U/ml) as well as the NO scavenger oxyhemoglobin (10(-3) M) did not influence NO donor-induced inhibition. In contrast, the inhibitory effect was antagonized by diethyldithiocarbamate (3 x 10(-4) M), an inhibitor of endogenous Cu/Zn SOD. Inhibition of NOS by exogenous NO was dependent on glutathione (GSH), since the inhibitory effect was augmented in the presence of GSH (5 x 10(-4) M) and antagonized by the GSH-depletor DL-buthionine-SR-sulfoximine (5 x 10(-4) M), suggesting that NO might be protected from extracellular breakdown by reaction with GSH. The reaction product of SIN-1/SNAP and GSH was identified as a nitrosothiol. In the presence of the Cu(+)-chelator neocuproine (10(-5) M), inhibition of NOS by SNAP/SIN-1 was reversed, suggesting that nitrosothiol formation is intermediary. These findings are indicative of a feedback inhibition of enteric NOS, presumably via formation of a nitrosothiol intermediate.

Biphasic relaxation of the opossum lower esophageal sphincter: roles of NO., VIP, and CGRP

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and nitric oxide (NO.) are thought to mediate lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation. Transverse muscle strips from the opossum LES were used to test this hypothesis. Electrical field stimulation (EFS) produced a biphasic LES relaxation: a rapid component during the stimulus was more prominent at lower stimulus frequencies, and a sustained component was more prominent at higher frequencies. N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine and hemoglobin inhibited the rapid component but affected the sustained component less. Exogenous VIP decreased LES tone. A number of purported VIP antagonists blocked neither VIP-induced nor EFS-induced relaxation of the LES. The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist CGRP-(8-37) did not alter EFS-induced LES relaxation. EFS-induced relaxation of opossum LES muscle is biphasic, and the initial, rapid component of the relaxation is mediated primarily by NO. The mediator of the sustained component was not identified.

Nitric oxide (NO) increases acetylcholine release from and inhibits smooth muscle contraction of guinea-pig gastric fundus

Experiments were carried out to investigate the interaction between nitric oxide (NO) and cholinergic neurotransmission in smooth muscle strips of guinea-pig gastric fundus. Electrical field stimulation (2 Hz, 1 ms, 360 shocks) evoked atropine-sensitive contractions. Dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP) (100 microM), a nicotinic receptor agonist, reversed the stimulation-evoked contraction and resulted in relaxation. Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) (100 microM), an NO synthase inhibitor, significantly increased the amplitude of stimulation-evoked contraction and abolished the effect of DMPP. Electrical stimulation increased the release of [3H]acetylcholine ([3H]ACh) from the tissue strips above the basal levels. Neither L-NNA (100 microM) nor DMPP (100 microM) alone influenced the basal release of [3H]ACh. Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (100 microM) decreased the electrical stimulation-evoked release of [3H]ACh. Dimethylphenylpiperazinium increased the stimulation-evoked release of [3H]ACh but had no effect in the presence of L-NNA. It is suggested that in guinea-pig gastric fundus, endogenous NO released in response to field stimulation has an opposite effect at the pre- and postsynaptic sites: it increases the release of ACh from cholinergic nerve terminals but reduces smooth muscle responses to ACh.

NO releases bombesin-like immunoreactivity from enteric synaptosomes by cross-activation of protein kinase A

The effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the release of bombesin-like immunoreactivity (BLI) was examined in synaptosomes of rat small intestine. The NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP; 10(-7) to 10(-4) M) significantly stimulated BLI release. In the presence of the NO scavenger oxyhemoglobin (10(-3) M) or the guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ (10(-5) M), SNAP-induced BLI release was antagonized. In addition, SNAP increased the synaptosomal cGMP content and elevation of cGMP levels by zaprinast (3 x 10(-5) M), an inhibitor of the cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 5, and increased basal and SNAP-induced BLI release. NO-induced BLI release was blocked by Rp-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate (3 x 10(-5) M and 10(-4) M), an inhibitor of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A, whereas KT-5823 (3 x 10(-6) M) and Rp-8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cGMP (5 x 10(-5) M), inhibitors of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase G, had no effect. Because cGMP inhibits the cAMP-specific PDE3, thereby increasing cAMP levels, the role of PDE3 was investigated. Trequinsin (10(-8) M), a specific blocker of PDE3, stimulated basal BLI release but had no additive effect on NO-induced release, suggesting a similar mechanism of action. These data demonstrate that because of a cross-activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A by endogenous cGMP BLI can be released by NO from enteric synaptosomes.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide excites medial pontine reticular formation neurons in the brainstem rapid eye movement sleep-induction zone

Although it has long been known that microinjection of the cholinergic agonist carbachol into the medial pontine reticular formation (mPRF) induces a state that resembles rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, it is likely that other transmitters contribute to mPRF regulation of behavioral states. A key candidate is the peptide vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), which innervates the mPRF and induces REM sleep when injected into this region of the brainstem. To begin understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, we examined the effects of VIP on mPRF cells using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in the in vitro rat brainstem slice. VIP directly depolarized cells via activation of an inward current; these effects were attenuated and potentiated in low-sodium and low-calcium medium, respectively. The depolarization induced by VIP was slower in onset and longer-lived than that evoked by carbachol. The VIP-induced depolarization was reduced in a dose-dependent manner by a competitive antagonist of VIP receptors. Effects of VIP were attenuated in the presence of guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate, 2'5'dideoxyadenosine, and PKI15-24 and were nonadditive in the presence of 8-bromo-cAMP. We conclude that VIP excites mPRF neurons by activation of a sodium current. This effect is mediated at least in part by G-protein stimulation of adenylyl cyclase, cAMP, and protein kinase A. These data suggest that VIP may play a physiological role in REM induction by its actions on mPRF neurons.

Cholinergic and GABAergic regulation of nitric oxide synthesis in the guinea pig ileum

Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis was examined in intact longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparations of the guinea pig ileum by determining the formation of [3H]citrulline during incubation with [3H]arginine. Spontaneous [3H]citrulline production after 30 min was 80-90 dpm/mg, which constituted approximately 1% of the tissue radioactivity. Electrical stimulation (10 Hz) led to a threefold increase in [3H]citrulline formation. Removal of calcium from the medium or addition of NG-nitro-L-arginine strongly inhibited both spontaneous and electrically induced production of [3H]citrulline. TTX reduced the electrically induced but not spontaneous [3H]citrulline formation. The electrically induced formation of [3H]citrulline was diminished by (+)-tubocurarine and mecamylamine and enhanced by scopolamine, which suggests that endogenous ACh inhibits, via muscarinic receptors, and stimulates, via nicotinic receptors, the NO synthesis in the myenteric plexus. The GABAA receptor agonist muscimol and GABA also reduced the electrically evoked formation of [3H]citrulline, whereas baclofen was without effect. Bicuculline antagonized the inhibitory effect of GABA. It is concluded that nitrergic myenteric neurons are equipped with GABAA receptors, which mediate inhibition of NO synthesis.

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide Enhance IL-10 Production by Murine Macrophages: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a neuropeptide present in the lymphoid microenvironment, and the structurally related pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) act as potent anti-inflammatory agents that inhibit the function of activated macrophages and TH cells. Previous reports showed that VIP/PACAP inhibit IL-6 and TNF-α production in LPS-stimulated macrophages. The present study reports on the effect of VIP/PACAP on IL-10 production. Although VIP/PACAP do not induce IL-10 by themselves, they enhance IL-10 production in LPS-stimulated macrophages. The specific VPAC1 receptor mediates the stimulatory effect of VIP/PACAP, and cAMP is the major second messenger involved. VIP/PACAP increase IL-10 mRNA in LPS-stimulated cells, and the effect of transcriptional and protein synthesis inhibitors indicates de novo IL-10 production. Electromobility shift assays show that VIP/PACAP induce an increase in nuclear cAMP response element (CRE)-binding complexes, with CRE binding protein as the major active component. Treatments with either a VPAC1 antagonist or a protein kinase A inhibitor abolish IL-10 stimulation and, concomitantly, the increase in CRE binding. Effects similar to the in vitro stimulation of IL-10 were obtained in vivo in mice treated with LPS and VIP or PACAP. The neuropeptides induce increased levels of IL-10 in both serum and peritoneal fluid, and increased expression of the IL-10 mRNA in peritoneal exudate cells. The stimulation of IL-10 production in activated macrophages represents a novel anti-inflammatory activity of VIP and PACAP, which presumably acts in vivo in conjunction with the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α to reduce the magnitude of the immune response.

G protein-dependent activation of smooth muscle eNOS via natriuretic peptide clearance receptor

In gastrointestinal smooth muscle, the neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) induce relaxation by interacting with VIP2/PACAP3 receptors coupled via Gs to adenylyl cyclase and with distinct receptors coupled via Gi1 and/or Gi2 to a smooth muscle endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The present study identifies the receptor as the single-transmembrane natriuretic peptide clearance receptor (NPR-C). RT-PCR and Northern analysis demonstrated expression of the natriuretic peptide receptors NPR-C and NPR-B but not NPR-A in rabbit gastric muscle cells. In binding studies using 125I-labeled atrial natriuretic peptide (125I-ANP) and 125I-VIP as radioligands, VIP, ANP, and the selective NPR-C ligand cANP(4-23) bound with high affinity to NPR-C. ANP, cANP-(4-23), and VIP initiated identical signaling cascades consisting of Ca2+ influx, activation of eNOS via Gi1 and Gi2, stimulation of cGMP formation, and muscle relaxation. NOS activity and cGMP formation were abolished (93 +/- 3 to 96 +/- 2% inhibition) by nifedipine, pertussis toxin, the NOS inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine, and the antagonists ANP-(1-11) and VIP-(10-28). NOS activity stimulated by all three ligands in muscle membranes was additively inhibited by Gi1 and Gi2 antibodies (82 +/- 2 to 84 +/- 1%). In reconstitution studies, VIP, cANP-(4-23), and guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) stimulated NOS activity in membranes of COS-1 cells cotransfected with NPR-C and eNOS. The results establish a unique mechanism for G protein-dependent activation of a constitutive NOS expressed in gastrointestinal smooth muscle involving interaction of the relaxant neuropeptides VIP and PACAP with a single-transmembrane natriuretic peptide receptor, NPR-C.

Regulation of excitatory neural input to longitudinal intestinal muscle by myenteric interneurons

The circuit of myenteric interneurons that regulate excitatory input to longitudinal colonic muscle was identified using dispersed ganglia and longitudinal muscle strips with adherent myenteric plexus from rat distal colon. The preparations enabled measurement of neurotransmitter release from interneurons and/or excitatory motoneurons innervating longitudinal muscle. 1, 1-Dimethyl-4-phenylpiperizinium (DMPP) and somatostatin were used to activate myenteric neurons in dispersed ganglia and muscle strips, respectively. DMPP-stimulated vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) release in dispersed ganglia was inhibited by [Met]enkephalin and bicuculline and augmented by naloxone and GABA, implying that inhibitory opioid and stimulatory GABA neurons regulate the activity of VIP interneurons. In muscle strips, VIP stimulated basal and augmented somatostatin-induced substance P (SP) release; the somatostatin-induced increase in SP release was inhibited by VIP-(10-28) and NG-nitro-L-arginine, implying that excitatory VIP neurons regulate tachykinin motoneurons innervating longitudinal muscle. Somatostatin inhibited [Met]enkephalin and stimulated VIP release; basal and somatostatin-stimulated VIP release were inhibited by [Met]enkephalin and bicuculline and augmented by naloxone and GABA, implying that inhibitory pathways linking somatostatin, opioid, and GABA neurons regulate VIP interneurons, which in turn regulate tachykinin and probably cholinergic motoneurons.

Protein kinase G expression in the small intestine and functional importance for smooth muscle relaxation

In functional experiments, the nitric oxide (NO) donor N-morpholino-N-nitroso-aminoacetonitrile or the cGMP analog 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cGMP caused a concentration-dependent, tetrodotoxin-resistant relaxation of precontracted strips from rat small intestine. The inhibitory effect of both substances was completely blocked at lower concentrations and was significantly attenuated at higher concentrations by the selective cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGK) antagonist KT-5823 (1 microM). cGK-I was identified by immunohistochemistry in circular and longitudinal muscle, lamina muscularis mucosae, and smooth muscle cells of the villi and in fibroblast-like cells of the small intestine. Additionally, there was staining of a subpopulation of myenteric and submucous plexus neurons. Double staining for neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) and cGK-I demonstrated a colocalization of these two enzymes. Western blot analysis of smooth muscle preparations and isolated nerve terminals demonstrated that these structures predominantly contain the cGK-Ibeta isoenzyme, whereas the cGK-Ialpha expression is about threefold less. The isoform cGK-II was entirely confined to mucosal epithelial cells. These results show that cGK-I is expressed in different muscular structures of the small intestine and participates in the NO-induced relaxation of gastrointestinal smooth muscle. The presence of cGK-I in NOS-positive enteric neurons further suggests a possible neuronal action site.

Expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in human and rabbit gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells

The aim of this study was to identify the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoform expressed in freshly dispersed rabbit gastric smooth muscle cells and in cultured rabbit gastric, human intestinal, and guinea pig taenia coli smooth muscle cells. RT-PCR products of the predicted size (354 bp) were obtained with endothelial NOS (eNOS)-specific primers, but not neuronal NOS (nNOS)- or inducible NOS (iNOS)-specific primers, in all smooth muscle preparations except guinea pig taenia coli. Control RT-PCR studies showed absence of the endothelial markers, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), and the interstitial cell marker, c-kit, from cultures of smooth muscle cells. Cloning and sequence analysis showed that the predicted amino acid sequence (117 residues) in rabbit and human smooth muscle cells differed by only one residue from that of human eNOS. Northern blot analysis, using the PCR-generated and cloned eNOS cDNA from rabbits and humans as probes, demonstrated the expression of eNOS mRNA (4.4 kb) in both species. eNOS, but not nNOS or iNOS, transcripts were localized by in situ RT-PCR in single, freshly dispersed rabbit gastric smooth muscle cells; expression was evident in the majority of cells in each preparation. We conclude that eNOS is selectively expressed in rabbit gastric and human intestinal smooth muscle cells. The results confirm functional evidence for the existence of a constitutive NOS in smooth muscle cells of the gut in different species, except for guinea pig taenia coli.

In vitro and in vivo effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors and nitric oxide inactivators on the South American opossum ileocolonic junction

The potential role of nitrergic nerves in the regulation of the South American (SA) opossum ileocolonic junction (ICJ) function was investigated. In vitro, the effects of nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors and NO inactivators on the non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) nerve-mediated relaxations of the circular muscle of the SA opossum ICJ were determined by employing isolated strips. Electrical field stimulation (0.2-8.0 Hz) caused frequency-dependent NANC relaxations. Nicotine and ATP also induced concentration dependent NANC relaxations that were abolished by tetrodotoxin (TTX). The relaxation response induced by NANC nerve activation was reduced in a dose dependent manner by NO synthase inhibitors while vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) induced relaxations were uninfluenced by these drugs. In vivo, the NO synthase inhibitor, L-NAME, administered into the local artery caused a raise in intraluminal pressure of the ICJ in anaesthetized SA opossums in a L-arginine-preventable manner. Hydroquinone and pyrogallol, while being able to reduce, in a superoxide dimutase (SOD) reversible manner, the relaxations induced by exogenous NO failed to affect the NANC nerve-induced relaxations. Finally, neurones and nerve fibres in the myenteric plexus as well as varicose nerve fibres on the circular smooth layer were positive for NADPH-diaphorase activity. These findings indicate that nitrergic nerves inhibit ICJ circular smooth muscle in vitro and in vivo but cast doubts on the neuromediator being the NO radical.

Inhibition by nitric oxide and cyclic GMP of 5-hydroxytryptamine release from the vascularly perfused guinea-pig small intestine

The effects of nitric oxide (NO) on the spontaneous release of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were studied in the in vitro vascularly perfused guinea-pig small intestine. The NO donor SIN-1 concentration-dependently decreased 5-HT release with an EC50 of 1.34 microM, whereas the NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (100 microM) was without effect. The inhibition by SIN-1 of 5-HT release was enhanced by superoxide dismutase (150 U/ml) and antagonized by the selective inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase, ODQ (1 microM). Tetrodotoxin (1 microM) prevented the inhibition by SIN-1 of 5-HT release, which suggests that the effect of SIN-1 is indirectly mediated via release of an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Substance P could be excluded as inhibitory transmitter because the effect of SIN-1 remained unchanged in the presence of the NK1 receptor antagonist CP 99994 (100 nM). The cyclic GMP analogue, 8-bromo cyclic GMP (300 microM), also decreased basal release of 5-HT, but this decrease was not tetrodotoxin-sensitive. It is concluded that NO inhibits the release of 5-HT from enterochromaffin cells via release of an enteric neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine (via nicotinic receptors) and substance P (via NK1 receptors) are not involved in the NO-mediated inhibition. The inhibition of 5-HT outflow by NO is due to the activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase. 8-Bromo cyclic GMP inhibited 5-HT release by a direct effect on the enterochromaffin cells.

Modulation of electrically evoked responses in rat duodenum by activation of nicotinic cholinoceptors

1. The effect of activation of nicotinic cholinoceptors in rat duodenal segments following electrical field stimulation (EFS) was investigated. 2. Electrical field stimulation elicited a two-component response: transient relaxation followed by contraction. The EFS-evoked response was tetrodotoxin (TTX; 1 mumol/L) sensitive. The relaxation component was NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA; 100 mumol/L) sensitive, while the contractile response was atropine (1 mumol/L) sensitive. 3. 1,1-Dimethyl-4-phenyl-piperazinium iodide (DMPP; 20 mumol/L) induced relaxation of spontaneously active preparations that was L-NNA sensitive. L-Arginine (1 mmol/L) reversed the effects of L-NNA on DMPP-induced relaxation. 4. When EFS was applied, DMPP increased the amplitude of the relaxation component of the response and reduced the contractile component. 5. In the presence of L-NNA, the effect of DMPP on the relaxation component of the response to EFS was reduced, but the contractile response was not affected. L-Arginine partly reduced this effect of L-NNA. 6. Neither propranolol (1 mumol/L) nor yohimbine (1 mumol/L) had any effect on the actions of DMPP on EFS-evoked responses, but prazosin (1 mumol/L) strongly reduced the effect of DMPP on the contractile component of the response to EFS and slightly reduced the effect of DMPP on the relaxation response. 7. Histochemical studies demonstrated that, in the myenteric plexus of the rat duodenum, there are many reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d)-positive neurons and that their number decreased after treatment with L-NNA. In the presence of L-arginine and L-NNA, the number of NADPH-d-positive neurons was similar to that found in control samples. 8. The data suggest that activation of nicotinic cholinoceptors modulates EFS-evoked responses in the rat duodenum as a result of the potentiation of nitrergic and adrenergic neurotransmission.

The ontogeny of innervation of the human pylorus

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to document the vagal innervation and expression of neuropeptides, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in the neuromuscular system of the developing human pylorus.

METHODS

Specimens of human pylorus (n = 54; age range, 8 weeks' gestation to 6 months postnatal) were studied. Vagal innervation was determined by Dil autofluorescence. A wide range of neuropeptides, NCAM, and the neural isoform of NOS were examined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Vagal innervation was first recognized in the myenteric plexus in the 12-week-old fetus as was vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) expression. Neuropeptides were present from 8 weeks' gestation and appeared to be expressed progressively from the adventitia toward the mucosa and showed an adultlike profile by 23 weeks' gestation. A craniocaudal pattern of expression was noted for VIP and nNOS. Alpha smooth muscle actin was expressed by muscle fibers of the muscularis propria from 8 weeks and the muscularis mucosae by 14 weeks. All the isoforms of NCAM examined were expressed from 8 weeks in the muscularis propria and by 12 weeks in the submucosa.

CONCLUSION

The expression of the antigens studied correlated with the gestational age and development of the pylorus.

Nitric oxide and the non-adrenergic non-cholinergic neurotransmission

In the early 1960s, the first evidence was reported demonstrating neurally mediated responses in the presence of adrenergic and cholinergic antagonists, leading to the introduction of the concept of non-adrenergic non-cholinergic neurotransmission. The inhibitory component of this part of the autonomic nervous system has been illustrated in numerous organ systems mediating a wide range of physiological events. Since the discovery of these nerves, several substances have been proposed as putative neurotransmitter, with ATP and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide as main candidates. Finally, the ongoing research on the nature of the substance released by these nerves has generated the nitrergic theory proposing nitric oxide as putative neurotransmitter. By now, increasing evidence is reported to support the idea that inhibitory neurons release more neurotransmitters, interacting with each other at pre- and/or postsynaptic levels.

Nonadrenergic-noncholinergic relaxations of isolated circular muscle from South American opossum esophagogastric junction: is nitric oxide the inhibitory mediator?

Nonadrenergic-noncholinergic (NANC) inhibitory nerves are responsible for most of the nerve induced relaxations of gastrointestinal muscle. It has recently been proposed that NANC nerves may release nitric oxide (NO) or a related compound derived from L-arginine. We have recently shown that the South American (SA) opossum is another suitable model to elucidate the mechanism involved in these NANC relaxations. In the present study the effect of NO synthase inhibitors as well as NO inactivators on the NANC-nerve induced relaxations of the circular muscle of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) of the SA opossum was investigated. It was observed that the NO synthase inhibitors, L-NOARG and L-NAME, caused a concentration-dependent reduction of NANC-nerve induced relaxations which was reversed by L- but not D-arginine. The NO-donors sodium nitroprusside and hydroxilamine as well as NO caused concentration-dependent relaxations of the EGJ circular muscle. In the myenteric plexus of this region, NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons and nerve fibers were observed while in the circular muscle layer only numerous positive fibers were found. The NO inactivators, hydroquinone, pyrogallol and carboxy-PTIO, reduced NO-induced relaxations but failed to affect NANC nerve- and sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxations. Taken together, these findings indicate that NANC nerve induced relaxation of the SA opossum EGJ circular muscle is dependent on neural NO synthase activity and suggest that the neurotransmitter being released is a superoxide resistant molecule, which is unlikely to be the NO radical, or that the activity of NO synthase is required for the release of the actual neurotransmitter rather than for synthesizing the neuromediator.

Nerve stimulation-induced nitric oxide release as a consequence of muscarinic M1 receptor activation

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether nerve stimulation-induced nitric oxide (NO) release in the guinea-pig colon is affected by acetylcholine and to identify the muscarinic receptor subtype involved. Nerve-smooth muscle preparations were suspended in a superfusion chamber and NO/NO2- overflow in the superfusate was detected by chemiluminescence analysis. Transmural nerve stimulation evoked a significant increase in NO/NO2- release, which was inhibited by N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and abolished by tetrodotoxin. Exogenous acetylcholine concentration-dependently increased NO/NO2- release and atropine reduced nerve stimulation-evoked NO/NO2- release. The muscarinic M1 receptor selective antagonist telenzepine (10(-8) M) was as effective as atropine (10(-6) M) in inhibiting NO/NO2- release. The muscarinic M3 receptor antagonists 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide (4-DAMP) and para-fluoro-hexahydrosila-difenidol (p-F-HHSiD) markedly inhibited cholinergic contractions at 3 x 10(-8) M and 3 x 10(-7) M respectively, but did not affect NO/NO2- release. In conclusion, nerve-induced NO/NO2- release in the guinea-pig colon is to a substantial part due to muscarinic M1 receptor activation. Thus acetylcholine, a major contractile neurotransmitter in the gut, can release NO which could act as a negative feedback mechanism on intestinal smooth muscle or neuronal activity.

Non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) transmission to smooth muscle: 35 years on

In 1963, two substances were thought to mediate all transmission between neurons, as well as between nerve and muscle in the peripheral nervous system, namely acetylcholine and noradrenaline. This paradigm primarily was due to the research of Dale, Loewi and von Euler in the first half of the century [Dale, 1937 (Transmission of nervous effects by acetylcholine, Harvey Lect. 32, pp. 229-245)]. However, in 1963, a series of experiments were carried out using recently introduced electrophysiological techniques, which showed unequivocally for the first time that the classical paradigm was not correct. Both inhibitory and excitatory junctions between nerves and smooth muscle cells were shown to exist in which transmission was mediated by non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) transmitters. In the succeeding 35 years, identification of these NANC transmitters has been a major task of neuropharmacology, with nitric oxide, neuropeptides, and purines being isolated. This review presents an historical account of the developments this century of the classical paradigm, of how it was displaced, and of the progress made in identifying the neuromuscular transmitters of the autonomic nervous system.

Comparative distribution of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in pancreas of the dog and rat: immunocytochemistry of neuronal type NOS and histochemistry of NADPH-diaphorase

We investigated the localization of nitric oxide synthase in the pancreas of the dog in comparison to the rat by the methods of immunocytochemistry using antineuronal type nitric oxide synthase serum and histochemistry using NADPH-diaphorase activity. In both species, the most intense staining was observed in neuronal cell bodies and fibers in the pancreas and nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity was completely colocalized with NADPH-diaphorase activity. However, there were differences of the distribution between the two species. In the dog pancreas, immuno- and NADPH-diaphorase-positive nerve fibers were numerous around pancreatic ducts and moderate around the arteries and the acini but few in the islets. In contrast, in the rat pancreas, immuno- and diaphorase-positive fibers were fewer around the pancreatic ducts and acini and more abundant in the islets. The expression ratio of NADPH-diaphorase in intrapancreatic ganglion cell bodies that were scattered in the interlobular connective tissue was low to moderate (28.1% in the right lobe, 49.5% in the left lobe) in the dog, while the ratio in rat pancreas was very high in both lobes of the pancreas (about 86%). Except for neuronal staining, weak NADPH-diaphorase-positive reactions were detected in the vascular endothelial cells of the pancreas in both species. In rat islet cells, weak neuronal type nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity was observed; however, in dog islet cells, no immunoreactivity was detected. These results suggest that nitric oxide in the pancreas is derived from vascular endothelium and neuronal tissue in both species and that the neuronal nitrergic regulation of the exocrine and endocrine pancreas is different between the species.