Synthesis of nitric oxide in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus mediates the inhibition of gastric acid secretion by central bombesin

Bombesins: A New Frontier in Hybrid Compound Development

Recently, bombesin (BN) and its analogs have attracted much attention as excellent anticancer agents because they interact with specific receptors widely distributed on the surface of various cancer cells. However, their biological properties proceed far beyond this, given a broad spectrum of activity. Bombesin receptor ligands are effective drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or gastrointestinal diseases. However, most diseases are complex, and the use of polytherapy may lead to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions, resulting in side effects. Therefore, there is a need to develop effective compounds that also contain BN or its analogs, which are combined with other structural entities, thus generating a so-called hybrid drug. Hybrid drugs that contain bombesin pharmacophore(s) may be proposed as a solution to the problem of polytherapy or the lack of an effective cure. Such structures have now demonstrated the desired efficacy, though information on these aforementioned compounds is relatively scarce. Therefore, our paper aims to encourage researchers to focus on bombesins. Herein, we indicate that the hybrid approach should also be firmly applied to bombesins and the BN receptor family. This paper's structure is divided into two main sections demonstrating bombesins and their properties, as well as recent data on bombesin-based hybrid compounds and their potential usefulness in medicine. Overall, it refers to the discovery and synthesis of modified bombesin-based hybrid compounds.

The Role of Gasotransmitters in Gut Peptide Actions

Although gasotransmitters nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) receive a bad connotation; in low concentrations these play a major governing role in local and systemic blood flow, stomach acid release, smooth muscles relaxations, anti-inflammatory behavior, protective effect and more. Many of these physiological processes are upstream regulated by gut peptides, for instance gastrin, cholecystokinin, secretin, motilin, ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1 and 2. The relationship between gasotransmitters and gut hormones is poorly understood. In this review, we discuss the role of NO, CO and H₂S on gut peptide release and functioning, and whether manipulation by gasotransmitter substrates or specific blockers leads to physiological alterations.

The nitric oxide donor SNAP-induced amino acid neurotransmitter release in cortical neurons. Effects of blockers of voltage-dependent sodium and calcium channels

BACKGROUND

The discovery that nitric oxide (NO) functions as a signalling molecule in the nervous system has radically changed the concept of neuronal communication. NO induces the release of amino acid neurotransmitters but the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated.

FINDINGS

The aim of this work was to study the effect of NO on amino acid neurotransmitter release (Asp, Glu, Gly and GABA) in cortical neurons as well as the mechanism underlying the release of these neurotransmitters. Cortical neurons were stimulated with SNAP, a NO donor, and the release of different amino acid neurotransmitters was measured by HPLC. The involvement of voltage dependent Na+ and Ca2+ channels as well as cGMP in its mechanism of action was evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that NO induces release of aspartate, glutamate, glycine and GABA in cortical neurons and that this release is inhibited by ODQ, an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase. Thus, the NO effect on amino acid neurotransmission could be mediated by cGMP formation in cortical neurons. Our data also demonstrate that the Na+ and Ca2+ voltage- dependent calcium channels are involved in the NO effects on cortical neurons.

The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus and regulation of pancreatic secretory function

Recent investigation of the factors and pathways that are involved in regulation of pancreatic secretory function (PSF) has led to development of a pancreatic vagovagal reflex model. This model consists of three elements, including pancreatic vagal afferents, the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) and pancreatic vagal efferents. The DMV has been recognized as a major component of this model and so this review focuses on the role of this nucleus in regulation of PSF. Classically, the control of the PSF has been viewed as being dependent on gastrointestinal hormones and vagovagal reflex pathways. However, recent studies have suggested that these two mechanisms act synergistically to mediate pancreatic secretion. The DMV is the major source of vagal motor output to the pancreas, and this output is modulated by various neurotransmitters and synaptic inputs from other central autonomic regulatory circuits, including the nucleus of the solitary tract. Endogenously occurring excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory amino acids (GABA) have a marked influence on DMV vagal output to the pancreas. In addition, a variety of neurotransmitters and receptors for gastrointestinal peptides and hormones have been localized in the DMV, emphasizing the direct and indirect involvement of this nucleus in control of PSF.

Aspects of nitric oxide in health and disease: a focus on hypertension and cardiovascular disease

Nitric oxide (nitrogen monoxide) (NO) plays an important role in a wide range of physiologic processes. A major mediator of endothelial function, NO regulates vasodilatory and antithrombotic actions in the vasculature and plays a role in reproductive functions, bronchodilation, bone formation, memory, insulin sensitivity, and gastrointestinal relaxation. NO is formed from NO synthase. Impaired NO bioactivity is strongly associated with endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease, but is also implicated in a broad range of other disorders, including pulmonary hypertension, insulin resistance, erectile dysfunction, and preeclampsia. Numerous therapies designed to target NO are being investigated and developed, including NO donors and stimulants. The recent African-American Heart Failure Trial (A-HeFT) showed that the NO donor isosorbide dinitrate, combined with the vasodilator hydralazine, significantly reduced morbidity and mortality in black patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure. Antihypertensive drugs, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and third-generation beta-blockers, are NO stimulants that have demonstrated significant improvement of endothelial function and NO bioactivity. Other cardiovascular therapies that may improve NO bioactivity include statins, l-arginine, and nonpharmacologic approaches such as exercise and dietary changes.

Olfactory stimulation with scent of essential oil of grapefruit affects autonomic neurotransmission and blood pressure

Previously, we observed that olfactory stimulation with scent of grapefruit oil (SGFO) enhances sympathetic nerve activities and suppresses gastric vagal (parasympathetic) nerve activity (GVNA), increases plasma glycerol concentration and body temperature, and decreases appetite in rats. Here, we show that olfactory stimulation with SGFO for 10 min elevates renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and blood pressure (BP) and lowers GVNA in urethane-anesthetized rats. Olfactory stimulation with limonene, a major component of grapefruit oil, also elicited increases in RSNA and BP in urethane-anesthetized rats. Anosmic treatment with ZnSO(4) eliminated both the effects of SGFO and scent of limonene on RSNA and BP. Intracerebral administration of diphenhydramine, a histaminergic H1-antagonist, abolished SGFO- or scent of limonene-mediated increases in RSNA and BP as well as the decrease in GVNA. Moreover, bilateral lesions of the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) eliminated the SGFO- and limonene-mediated increases in RSNA and BP and decrease in GVNA, but bilateral lesions of the cerebral cortex did not have any affect on these parameters. These findings suggest that scent of grapefruit oil and its active component, limonene, affect autonomic neurotransmission and blood pressure through central histaminergic nerves and the suprachiasmatic nucleus.

Mechanisms underlying anorexia after microinjection of bombesin into the lateral cerebroventricle

Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of bombesin (BN) and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) dose-dependently decreased food intake in male Wistar rats fasted for 17 h. Neuromedin B (NMB) did not show any effect on food intake. After BN administration, locomotor activity did not significantly change, compared with a vehicle-injected group. The anorexia induced by BN (0.3 microg) was perfectly inhibited by pretreatment with a GRP-receptor antagonist, [D-Tyr(6)]BN(6-13) methyl ester (10 microg), an NO synthase inhibitor, L-nitro-arginine (30 microg), and a PKG inhibitor, H-9 (2 microg). The cGMP concentration in the hypothalamus increased 1 h after administration when compared with the vehicle-injected group. On the other hand, an NMB-receptor antagonist, BIM23127 (10 microg), and the protein kinase (PK) C inhibitors, chelerythrine (2 microg) and Go6983 (2 microg), inhibited only the late phase of the anorexia. A PKC activator, phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (3 microg), injected into the ventricle decreased food intake. These findings suggest that BN suppresses food intake mainly mediated through the GRP receptor and NO-cGMP-PKG pathway, and NMB receptor and PKC is partly involved in the late phase of the anorexia.

The pharmacology of nitric oxide in the peripheral nervous system of blood vessels

Unanticipated, novel hypothesis on nitric oxide (NO) radical, an inorganic, labile, gaseous molecule, as a neurotransmitter first appeared in late 1989 and into the early 1990s, and solid evidences supporting this idea have been accumulated during the last decade of the 20th century. The discovery of nitrergic innervation of vascular smooth muscle has led to a new understanding of the neurogenic control of vascular function. Physiological roles of the nitrergic nerve in vascular smooth muscle include the dominant vasodilator control of cerebral and ocular arteries, the reciprocal regulation with the adrenergic vasoconstrictor nerve in other arteries and veins, and in the initiation and maintenance of penile erection in association with smooth muscle relaxation of the corpus cavernosum. The discovery of autonomic efferent nerves in which NO plays key roles as a neurotransmitter in blood vessels, the physiological roles of this nerve in the control of smooth muscle tone of the artery, vein, and corpus cavernosum, and pharmacological and pathological implications of neurogenic NO have been reviewed. This nerve is a postganglionic parasympathetic nerve. Mechanical responses to stimulation of the nerve, mainly mediated by NO, clearly differ from those to cholinergic nerve stimulation. The naming "nitrergic or nitroxidergic" is therefore proposed to avoid confusion of the term "cholinergic nerve", from which acetylcholine is released as a major neurotransmitter. By establishing functional roles of nitrergic, cholinergic, adrenergic, and other autonomic efferent nerves in the regulation of vascular tone and the interactions of these nerves in vivo, especially in humans, progress in the understanding of cardiovascular dysfunctions and the development of pharmacotherapeutic strategies would be expected in the future.

Melatonin modulates the light-induced sympathoexcitation and vagal suppression with participation of the suprachiasmatic nucleus in mice

In mammals, the autonomic nervous system mediates the central circadian clock oscillation from the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) to the peripheral organs, and controls cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal functions. The present study was conducted in mice to address whether light signals conveyed to the SCN can control peripheral autonomic functions, and further examined the impact of centrally administered melatonin on peripheral autonomic functions via activation of melatonin receptor signalling. In vivo electrophysiological techniques were performed in anaesthetised, open-chest and artificially ventilated mice whilst monitoring the arterial blood pressure and heart rate. Light induced an increase of the renal sympathetic nerve activity, arterial blood pressure and heart rate immediately after lights on. Conversely, light rapidly suppressed the gastric vagal parasympathetic nerve activity, which was affected neither by hepatic vagotomy nor by total subdiaphragmatic vagotomy. These autonomic responses were mediated by the SCN since bilateral SCN lesion totally abolished the light-evoked neuronal and cardiovascular responses. Melatonin administered intracerebroventricularly (I.C.V.) attenuated the sympathetic and vagal nerve activities in a dose-dependent manner with a threshold of 0.1 ng and these effects were blocked by I.C.V. pre-treatment of the competitive melatonin receptor antagonist luzindole. These results suggest that light induces sympathoexcitation and vagal suppression through the SCN and that melatonin modulates the light-induced autonomic responses via activation of the central melatonin receptor signalling.

GRP mediates an inhibitory response of gut-related vagal motor neurons to PVN stimulation

We previously characterized neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMNV) that were modulated by electrical stimulation of the PVN and by gastrointestinal distention. Bombesin has been identified in a subset of PVN neurons projecting to the DMNV. It is currently unknown whether this neurotransmitter is involved in descending communication from PVN to DMNV neurons. In this study we determined whether the specific bombesin antagonist, N-acetyl-GRP(20-26), influenced (1) the basal firing rate of DMNV neurons and (2) the response to electrical current stimulation of the PVN. Our results indicate that N-acetyl-GRP(20-26), significantly attenuated the inhibitory response of DMNV neurons to PVN stimulation. These results provide a possible mechanism by which bombesin regulates gastrointestinal function, body temperature homeostasis, and feeding behaviors.

In vitro and in vivo analysis of the effects of corticotropin releasing factor on rat dorsal vagal complex

In vivo and in vitro electrophysiological experiments were performed on the rat dorsal vagal complex (DVC, i.e. nucleus of the tractus solitarius, NTS, and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, DMV) to examine the effects of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRF) on the central components of the vago-vagal reflex control of gastric function. When applied to gastrointestinal projecting DMV neurones, CRF (10-300 nM) induced a concentration-dependent membrane depolarization, an increase in action potential firing rate and decrease in amplitude of the action potential afterhyperpolarization (P < 0.05). Pretreatment with the non-selective CRF antagonist, astressin (0.5-1 microM) or the selective CRF(2) receptor antagonist, astressin 2B (500 nM) attenuated the CRF-induced increase in firing rate but did not alter basal discharge rate. CRF (30-300 nM) increased the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) evoked by stimulation of the NTS (P < 0.05). An alteration in the paired pulse ratio indicated the EPSC's increase occurred due to actions at presynaptic sites. In the in vivo anaesthetized rat preparation, bilateral microinjections (20 fmol in 20 nl for each site) of CRF in the DVC decreased gastric motility in rats pretreated with the muscarinic agonist, bethanecol (P < 0.05). The effects of CRF were abolished by systemic administration of the NOS inhibitor, L-NAME, or by bilateral vagotomy. We concluded that CRF had both a direct and an indirect excitatory effect on DMV neurones via activation of CRF(2) receptors and the decrease in gastric motility observed following microinjection of CRF in the DVC is due to the activation of an inhibitory non-adrenergic non-cholinergic input to the gastrointestinal tract.

Stimulatory effects of centrally injected nitric oxide donors on gastric acid secretion in anesthetized rats

The effects of centrally injected nitric oxide (NO) donors on gastric acid secretion were investigated in continuously perfused stomach of anesthetized rats. The lateral cerebroventricular (LV) injection of NOC5 (30 - 100 microg) and NOC12 (10 - 100 microg) dose-dependently stimulated gastric acid secretion. The LV injection of NOC18 (30 microg) also stimulated gastric acid secretion. The other type of NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (3 - 30 microg, LV), also dose-dependently stimulated gastric acid secretion. The effect of NOC5 at 100 microg was blocked by carboxy-PTIO, an NO scavenger, and by cervical vagotomy. Furthermore, NOC12 (30, 100 microg) dose-dependently stimulated gastric acid secretion in pylorus-ligated conscious rats. These results suggest that centrally injected NO donors stimulate gastric acid secretion in both conscious and anesthetized rats through vagus activation.

CNS site of action and brainstem circuitry responsible for the intravenous effects of nicotine on gastric tone

The purposes of our study were to determine (1) the effects of intravenous (i.v.) nicotine on gastric mechanical function of anesthetized rats, (2) the CNS site of action of nicotine to produce these effects, (3) the CNS nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtype(s) responsible for mediating the i.v. effects of nicotine, and (4) the brainstem neurocircuitry engaged by i.v. nicotine for eliciting its gastric effects. This was accomplished by monitoring intragastric pressure (gastric tone) and contractility of the fundus and antrum while administering five doses of i.v. nicotine and microinjecting nicotine into specific brainstem nuclei. Additionally, c-Fos expression in the brainstem after i.v. nicotine and pharmacological agents were used as tools to identify the CNS site and circuitry and reveal the nAChR subtype(s) mediating the gastric effects of nicotine. Using these experimental approaches, we found the following. (1) When given intravenously in doses of 56.5, 113, 226, 452, and 904 nmol/kg, nicotine elicited only inhibitory effects on gastric mechanical function. The most sensitive area of the stomach to nicotine was the fundus, and this effect was mediated by the vagus nerve at doses of 56.5, 113, and 226 nmol/kg. (2) The CNS site of action and nAChR subtype responsible were glutamatergic vagal afferent nerve terminals in the medial subnucleus of the tractus solitarious (mNTS) and alpha4beta2, respectively. (3) The brainstem neurocircuitry that was involved appeared to consist of a mNTS noradrenergic pathway projecting to the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). This pathway seems to be activated via nitriergic interneurons engaged by vagally released glutamate in the mNTS and results in alpha2 adrenergic receptor-mediated inhibition of DMV neurons projecting to the fundus and controlling gastric tone.

Microinjection of bombesin into the ventrolateral reticular formation inhibits peripherally stimulated gastric acid secretion through spinal pathways in rats

Bombesin injected into the cisterna magna potently inhibits gastric acid secretion stimulated by intravenous infusion of pentagastrin. Sites in the medulla oblongata where bombesin acts to suppress gastric acid secretion were investigated in urethane-anesthetized rats with gastric cannula. Bombesin or vehicle was injected into the medullary parenchyma or intracisternally (i.c.) 60 min after the start of an intravenous pentagastrin infusion; gastric acid secretion was monitored every 10 min for 20 min before and 150 min after the start of pentagastrin. Bombesin (0.2, 0.6 or 6.2 pmol) microinjected into the ventrolateral reticular formation (VLRF) inhibited dose-dependently the net acid response to pentagastrin by 40.8+/-11.1, 75.4+/-12.8 and 96.7+/-19.4%, respectively, at the 40-50 min period after microinjection compared with the vehicle group. Bombesin action in the VLRF was long lasting (96% inhibition still observed at 90 min after 6.2 pmol), and completely abolished by cervical spinal cord transection at the C6 level. By contrast, bombesin injected i.c. at 0.2 or 0.6 pmol had no effect while at 6.2 pmol, there was a 79.0+/-3.9% peak inhibition of pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion. Bombesin (6.2 pmol) injected into the dorsal motor nucleus reduced the acid response to pentagastrin by 29%. The parvicellular and gigantocellular reticular nuclei were not responsive to bombesin. These results indicate that bombesin acts in the VLRF to inhibit pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion through spinal pathways, suggesting a potential role of medullary VLRF area in the sympathetic control of gastric acid secretion.

A cerebral nitrergic pathway modulates endotoxin-induced changes in gastric motility

1. This study analyses the neural pathway involved in the modulation of gastric motor function by stress. 2. Systemic administration of low doses of endotoxin (40 microg kg(-1), i.v.) prevents the increase in gastric tone induced by 2-deoxy-D-glucose (200 mg kg(-1), i.v., 2-DG) in urethane-anaesthetized rats. 3. Functional inhibition of afferent neurones by systemic administration of capsaicin (20+30+50 mg kg(-1), i.m.) in adult rats prevented the inhibitory effects of endotoxin. 4. Pre-treatment with the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), both i.v. (10 mg kg(-1)) and i.c. (200 microg rat(-1)), prevented the inhibitory effects of endotoxin on gastric tone induced by 2-DG. 5. Immunohistochemical studies show Fos expression in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) of the brainstem of 2-DG-treated animals. Peripheral administration of endotoxin (40 microg kg(-1), i.p.) increased the number of Fos-immunoreactive cells induced by 2-DG, both in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and in the dorsal motor nucleus (DMN) of the DVC. Pre-treatment with L-NAME prevented the increase in Fos expression induced by endotoxin in both nuclei. 6. Endotoxin (40 microg kg(-1), i.p.) increased Ca(2+)-dependent nitric oxide synthase (cNOS) activity in the brainstem. Addition of 7-nitroindazole (600 microM, 7-NI) to the assay significantly inhibited the increase in cNOS activity caused by endotoxin. No change in NOS activity of any isoform was observed in the stomach of animals treated with endotoxin. 7. The present study suggests that inhibition of gastric motor function by low doses of endotoxin involves activation of capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurones and neuronal NOS in the brainstem.

Nitric oxide: relation to integrity, injury, and healing of the gastric mucosa

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a multifaceted role in mucosal integrity. The numerous functions of NO and the double-edged role played by NO in most of them provide a great complexity to the NO action. The three enzymatic sources of NO, neuronal NO-synthase (nNOS), endothelial NOS (eNOS), and inducible NOS (iNOS), have been characterised in the gastrointestinal tract. The protective properties of the NO derived from constitutive NO-synthases (eNOS and nNOS) have already been well established. Less clear is the role assigned to iNOS. The simplistic initial view of low levels of NO synthesised by constitutive NOS being protective while exaggerated NO levels after iNOS induction leading irremediably to cytotoxicity is being questioned by new evidence. As initially reported for constitutive NOS, iNOS activity may be associated to reduced leukocyte-endothelium interaction and platelet aggregation as well as protection of mucosal microcirculation. Moreover, iNOS activity may be important to resolve inflammation by increasing apoptosis in inflammatory cells. It is entirely possible that a low level of expression of iNOS will reflect a positive host-defense response to challenge, but that exaggerated or uncontrolled expression of iNOS itself becomes detrimental. There is no doubt about the protective role of NO in physiological conditions. However, when the mucosa is threatened, the role of NO becomes multiple and the final effect will probably depend on the nature of the insult, the environment involved, and the interaction with other mediators.

Bombesin and the brain-gut axis

Bombesin is the first peptide shown to act in the brain to influence gastric function and the most potent peptide to inhibit acid secretion when injected into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in rats and dogs. Bombesin responsive sites include specific hypothalamic nuclei (paraventricular nucleus, preoptic area and anterior hypothalamus), the dorsal vagal complex as well as spinal sites at T9-T10. The antisecretory effect of central bombesin encompasses a variety of endocrine/paracrine (gastrin, histamine) or neuronal stimulants. Bombesin into the CSF induces an integrated gastric response (increase in bicarbonate, and mucus, inhibition of acid, pepsin, vagally mediated contractions) enhancing the resistance of the mucosa to injury through autonomic pathways. The physiological significance of central action of bombesin on gastric function is still to be unraveled.

Role of central glutamate receptors, nitric oxide and soluble guanylyl cyclase in the inhibition by endotoxin of rat gastric acid secretion

1. This study examines the role of a central pathway involving glutamate receptors, nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic GMP in the acute inhibitory effects of low doses of peripheral endotoxin on pentagastrin-stimulated acid production. 2. Vagotomy or intracisternal (i.c.) microinjections of the NO-inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl esther (L-NAME; 200 microg rat(-1)) restored acid secretory responses in endotoxin (10 microg kg(-1), i.v.)-treated rats. 3. The acid-inhibitory effect of i.v. endotoxin (10 microg kg(-1), i.v.) was prevented by prior i.c. administration of the NMDA receptor antagonists, dizocilpine maleate (MK-801; 10 nmol rat(-1)) and D-2-amino-5-phosphono-valeric acid (AP-5; 20 nmol rat(-1)), or the AMPA/kainate antagonist 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX; 10 nmol rat(-1)). However, the competitive metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist (+)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG; 20 - 1000 nmol rat(-1)) did not antagonize the effects of endotoxin. 4. I.c. administration of L-glutamate (0.1 nmol rat(-1)) inhibited pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion. Coadministration with L-NAME (200 microg rat(-1)) prevented the inhibition of gastric acid secretion by the aminoacid. 5. I.c. administration of 1H-[1,2, 4]Oxazodiolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; 100 nmol rat(-1)), a soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) blocker, reversed the hyposecretory effect of endotoxin. 6. I.c. administration of the cyclic GMP analogue 8-Bromoguanosine-3,5-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP; 100 - 300 nmol rat(-1)) reduced gastric acid production in a dose-dependent manner. 7. We conclude that central NMDA and AMPA/kainate receptors are involved in the acid inhibitory effect of peripherally administered endotoxin. This central pathway involves synthesis of NO, which acts on the enzyme sGC.