Nitrergic-purinergic interactions in rat distal colon motility

Contractility of isolated colonic smooth muscle strips from rats treated with cancer chemotherapy: differential effects of cisplatin and vincristine

Background

Certain antineoplastic drugs cause gastrointestinal disorders even after the end of treatment. Enteric neuropathy has been associated with some of these alterations. Our goal was to assess the impact of repeated treatment with cisplatin and vincristine on the contractility of circular and longitudinal muscle strips isolated from the rat colon.

Methods

Two cohorts of male rats were used: in cohort 1, rats received one intraperitoneal (ip) injection of saline or cisplatin (2 mg kg-1 week-1) on the first day of weeks 1-5; in cohort 2, rats received two cycles of five daily ip injections (Monday to Friday, weeks 1-2) of saline or vincristine (0.1 mg kg-1 day-1). Body weight and food and water intake were monitored throughout the study. One week after treatment, responses of colonic smooth muscle strips to acetylcholine (10-9-10-5 M) and electrical field stimulation (EFS, 0.1-20 Hz), before and after atropine (10-6 M), were evaluated in an organ bath.

Results

Both drugs decreased body weight gain. Compared to saline, cisplatin significantly decreased responses of both longitudinal and circular smooth muscle strips to EFS, whereas vincristine tended to increase them, although in a non-significant manner. No differences were observed in the muscle response to acetylcholine. Atropine abolished the contractile responses induced by acetylcholine, although those induced by EFS were only partially reduced in the presence of atropine.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that although both drugs cause the development of enteric neuropathy, this seems to have a functional impact only in cisplatin-treated animals. Understanding the effects of chemotherapy on gastrointestinal motor function is vital for enhancing the quality of life of cancer patients.

Approaches for designing and discovering purinergic drugs for gastrointestinal diseases

INTRODUCTION

Purines finely modulate physiological motor, secretory, and sensory functions in the gastrointestinal tract. Their activity is mediated by the purinergic signaling machinery, including receptors and enzymes regulating their synthesis, release, and degradation. Several gastrointestinal dysfunctions are characterized by alterations affecting the purinergic system.

AREAS COVERED

The authors provide an overview on the purinergic receptor signaling machinery, the molecules and proteins involved, and a summary of medicinal chemistry efforts aimed at developing novel compounds able to modulate the activity of each player involved in this machinery. The involvement of purinergic signaling in gastrointestinal motor, secretory, and sensory functions and dysfunctions, and the potential therapeutic applications of purinergic signaling modulators, are then described.

EXPERT OPINION

A number of preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate that the pharmacological manipulation of purinergic signaling represents a viable way to counteract several gastrointestinal diseases. At present, the paucity of purinergic therapies is related to the lack of receptor-subtype-specific agonists and antagonists that are effective in vivo. In this regard, the development of novel therapeutic strategies should be focused to include tools able to control the P1 and P2 receptor expression as well as modulators of the breakdown or transport of purines.

Anti-diarrheal effect of Scutellaria baicalensis is associated with suppression of smooth muscle in the rat colon

Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis) has been used to manage diarrhea, and its anti-inflammatory effects are responsible for anti-diarrheal effects. However, there are no data concerning its direct effect on colonic motility. Therefore, the effects of the major components of S. baicalensis (baicalin, baicalein and wogonin) on colonic motility were investigated. A segment of the distal colon of rats was placed in Krebs solution to monitor spontaneous giant contractions (GCs). Changes in GCs were recorded after applying baicalin, baicalein or wogonin. After pretreatment with N^ω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME), 1H-(1,2,4)-oxadiazolo (4,2-a) quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), tetradotoxin, w-conotoxin, apamin, and iberiotoxin, changes in GCs by wogonin were recorded and analyzed. The segment of the distal colon showed spontaneous GCs at a mean amplitude of 3.7±0.3 g with a frequency of 0.8±0.1/min. Baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin reduced both the amplitude and the frequency of GCs in a dose-dependent manner. Wogonin had the most potent inhibitory effect on GCs (IC⁵⁰ was 14.6 µM in amplitude and 14.2 µM in frequency). Wogonin-induced GC reduction was not significantly affected by the inhibition of nitric oxide/cGMP pathways with L-NAME and ODQ. Blocking the enteric neurotransmission with tetradotoxin and ω-conotoxin was ineffective on the wogonin-induced reduction of GCs. Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (K^Ca) channel blockers (apamin and iberiotoxin) significantly attenuated the inhibitory effects of wogonin on GCs (P<0.01). Wogonin was effective in inhibiting colonic motility, probably through the opening of K^Ca channels located in the smooth muscle apparatus. These findings suggest that wogonin may be a candidate drug for the management of dysmotility-related diarrhea.

Changes in cholinergic and nitrergic systems of defunctionalized colons after colostomy in rabbits

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to assess smooth muscle function and motility in defunctionalized colonic segments and subsequent changes in pathways responsible for gastrointestinal motility.

METHODS

Two-month-old New Zealand rabbits were randomly allocated into control and study groups. Sigmoid colostomies were performed in the study group. After a 2-month waiting period, colonic segments were harvested in both groups. For the in vitro experiment, the isolated circular muscle strips which were prepared from the harvested distal colon were used. First, contraction responses were detected using KCl and carbachol; relaxation responses were detected using papaverine, sodium nitroprusside, sildenafil, and l-arginine. The neurologic responses of muscle strips to electrical field stimulation (EFS) were evaluated in an environment with guanethidine and indomethacin. EFS studies were then repeated with atropine, Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, atropine, and Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester-added environments.

RESULTS

Although macroscopic atrophy had developed in the distal colonic segment of the colostomy, the contraction and relaxation capacity of the smooth muscle did not change. EFS-induced nitrergic-peptidergic, cholinergic-peptidergic, and noncholinergic nonnitrergic responses significantly decreased at all frequencies (0.5-32 Hz) in the study group compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the contraction capacity of the smooth muscle was not affected, the motility of the distal colon deteriorated owing to the defective secretion of presynaptic neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, nitric oxide, and neuropeptides.

Inverse gradient of nitrergic and purinergic inhibitory cotransmission in the mouse colon

AIM

Gastrointestinal smooth muscle relaxation is accomplished by the neural corelease of ATP or a related purine and nitric oxide. Contractions are triggered by acetylcholine and tachykinins. The aim of this work was to study whether regional differences in neurotransmission could partially explain the varied physiological roles of each colonic area.

METHODS

We used electrophysiological and myography techniques to evaluate purinergic (L-NNA 1 mm incubated tissue), nitrergic (MRS2500 0.3 μm incubated tissue) and cholinergic neurotransmission (L-NNA 1 mm and MRS2500 0.3 μm incubated tissue) in the proximal, mid and distal colon of CD1 mice (n = 42).

RESULTS

Purinergic electrophysiological responses elicited by single pulses (28 V) were greater in the distal (IJPfMAX = -35.3 ± 2.2 mV), followed by the mid (IJPfMAX = -30.6 ± 1.0 mV) and proximal (IJPfMAX = -11.7 ± 1.1 mV) colon. In contrast, nitrergic responses decreased from the proximal colon (IJPsMAX = -11.4 ± 1.1 mV) to the mid (IJPsMAX = -9.1 ± 0.4 mV), followed by the distal colon (IJPsMAX = -1.8 ± 0.3 mV). A similar rank of order was observed in neural mediated inhibitory mechanical responses including electrical field stimulation-mediated responses and neural tone. ADPβs concentration-response curve was shifted to the left in the distal colon. In contrast, NaNP responses did not differ between regions. Cholinergic neurotransmission elicited contractions of a similar amplitude throughout the colon.

CONCLUSION

An inverse gradient of purinergic and nitrergic neurotransmission exists through the mouse colon. The proximal and mid colon have a predominant nitrergic neurotransmission probably due to the fact that their storage function requires sustained relaxations. The distal colon, in contrast, has mainly purinergic neurotransmission responsible for the phasic relaxations needed to propel dehydrated faeces.

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 inhibits mouse colonic motility by activating NO-dependent enteric neurotransmission

Recent studies implicate TRPV4 receptors in visceral pain signaling and intestinal inflammation. Our aim was to evaluate the role of TRPV4 in the control of gastrointestinal (GI) motility and to establish the underlying mechanisms. We used immunohistochemistry and PCR to study TRPV4 expression in the GI tract. The effect of TRPV4 activation on GI motility was characterized using in vitro and in vivo motility assays. Calcium and nitric oxide (NO) imaging were performed to study the intracellular signaling pathways. Finally, TRPV4 expression was examined in the colon of healthy human subjects. We demonstrated that TRPV4 can be found on myenteric neurons of the colon and is co-localized with NO synthase (NOS-1). In vitro, the TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A reduced colonic contractility and increased inhibitory neurotransmission. In vivo, TRPV4 activation slowed GI motility and reduced stool production in mouse models mimicking pathophysiological conditions. We also showed that TRPV4 activation inhibited GI motility by reducing NO-dependent Ca(2+) release from enteric neurons. In conclusion, TRPV4 is involved in the regulation of GI motility in health and disease.

KEY MESSAGES

• Recent studies implicate TRPV4 in pain signaling and intestinal inflammation. • Our aim was to characterize the role of TRPV4 in the control of GI motility. • We found that TRPV4 activation reduced colonic contractility. • Our studies also showed altered TRPV4 mRNA expression in IBS-C patients. • TRPV4 may be a novel pharmacological target in functional GI diseases.

Influence of cinaciguat on gastrointestinal motility in apo-sGC mice

BACKGROUND

Cinaciguat (BAY 58-2667), an NO- and heme-independent sGC activator, was shown to be more effective when the heme-group of sGC is oxidized in vascular tissue. In apo-sGC mice (sGCβ1 (His105Phe) knockin) both sGC isoforms (sGCα1 β1 and sGCα2 β1 ) are heme-deficient and can no longer be activated by NO; these mice, showing decreased gastrointestinal nitrergic relaxation and decreased gastric emptying, can be considered as a model to study the consequence of heme-oxidation in sGC. Our aim was to compare the influence of cinaciguat, on in vitro muscle tone of gastrointestinal tissues, and on gastric emptying in WT and apo-sGC mice.

METHODS

Gastrointestinal smooth muscle strips were mounted in organ baths for isometric force recording and cGMP levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Protein levels of sGC subunits were assessed by immunoblotting. Gastric emptying was determined by phenol red recovery.

KEY RESULTS

Although protein levels of the sGC subunits were lower in gastrointestinal tissues of apo-sGC mice, cinaciguat induced concentration-dependent relaxations and increased cGMP levels in apo-sGC fundus and colon to a similar or greater extent than in WT mice. The sGC inhibitor ODQ increased cinaciguat-induced relaxations and cGMP levels in WT fundus and colon. In apo-sGC antrum, pylorus and jejunum, cinaciguat was not able to induce relaxations. Cinaciguat did not improve delayed gastric emptying in apo-sGC mice.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Cinaciguat relaxes the fundus and colon efficiently when sGC is in the heme-free condition; the non-effect of cinaciguat in pylorus explains its inability to improve the delayed gastric emptying in apo-sGC mice.

Toward a better understanding of gastrointestinal nitrergic neuromuscular transmission

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The majority of nitrergic effects are transduced by NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase (NO-GC) as the receptor for NO, and, thus, mediated by cGMP-dependent mechanisms. Work carried out during the past years has demonstrated NO to be largely involved in GI smooth muscle relaxation and motility. However, detailed investigation of nitrergic signaling has turned out to be complicated as NO-GC was identified in several different GI cell types such as smooth muscle cells, interstitial cells of Cajal and fibroblast-like cells. With regards to nitrergic neurotransmission, special focus has been placed on the role of interstitial cells of Cajal using mutant mice with reduced populations of ICC. Recently, global and cell-specific knockout mice for enzymes participating in nitrergic signaling have been generated providing a suitable approach to further examine the role of NO-mediated signaling in GI smooth muscle.

PURPOSE

This review discusses the current knowledge on nitrergic mechanisms in gastrointestinal neuromuscular transmission with a focus on genetic models and outlines possible further investigations to gain better understanding on NO-mediated effects in the GI tract.

Purinergic signalling in the gastrointestinal tract and related organs in health and disease

Purinergic signalling plays major roles in the physiology and pathophysiology of digestive organs. Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), together with nitric oxide and vasoactive intestinal peptide, is a cotransmitter in non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic inhibitory neuromuscular transmission. P2X and P2Y receptors are widely expressed in myenteric and submucous enteric plexuses and participate in sympathetic transmission and neuromodulation involved in enteric reflex activities, as well as influencing gastric and intestinal epithelial secretion and vascular activities. Involvement of purinergic signalling has been identified in a variety of diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, ischaemia, diabetes and cancer. Purinergic mechanosensory transduction forms the basis of enteric nociception, where ATP released from mucosal epithelial cells by distension activates nociceptive subepithelial primary afferent sensory fibres expressing P2X3 receptors to send messages to the pain centres in the central nervous system via interneurons in the spinal cord. Purinergic signalling is also involved in salivary gland and bile duct secretion.

Different regulatory effects of hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide on gastric motility in mice

NO and H2S are gaseous signaling molecules that modulate smooth muscle motility. We aimed to identify expressions of enzymes that catalyze H2S and NO generation in mouse gastric smooth muscle, and determine relationships between endogenous H2S and NO in regulation of smooth muscle motility. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry methods were used to track expressions of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) in gastric smooth muscles. Smooth muscle motility was recorded by isometric force transducers. cGMP production was measured by a specific radioimmunoassay. We found that CBS, CSE, eNOS, and nNOS were all expressed in mice gastric antral smooth muscle tissues, and in cultured gastric antral smooth muscle cells. AOAA significantly inhibited smooth muscle contractions in the gastric antrum, which was significantly recovered by NaHS, while PAG had no significant effect. l-NAME enhanced contractions. NaHS at low concentrations increased basal tension but decreased it at high concentrations. SNP significantly inhibited the contractions, which could be recovered by NaHS both in the absence and presence of CuSO4. ODQ did not block NaHS-induced excitatory effect, while IBMX partially blocked this effect. cGMP production in smooth muscle was significantly increased by SNP but was not affected by NaHS. All these results suggest that endogenous H2S and NO appear to play opposite roles in regulating gastric motility and their effects may be via separate signal transduction pathways. Intracellular H2S/NO levels may be maintained in a state of balance to warrant normal smooth muscle motility.

Heme deficiency of soluble guanylate cyclase induces gastroparesis

BACKGROUND

Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) is the principal target of nitric oxide (NO) to control gastrointestinal motility. The consequence on nitrergic signaling and gut motility of inducing a heme-free status of sGC, as induced by oxidative stress, was investigated.

METHODS

sGCβ1 (H105F) knock-in (apo-sGC) mice, which express heme-free sGC that has basal activity, but cannot be stimulated by NO, were generated.

KEY RESULTS

Diethylenetriamine NONOate did not increase sGC activity in gastrointestinal tissue of apo-sGC mice. Exogenous NO did not induce relaxation in fundic, jejunal and colonic strips, and pyloric rings of apo-sGC mice. The stomach was enlarged in apo-sGC mice with hypertrophy of the muscularis externa of the fundus and pylorus. In addition, gastric emptying and intestinal transit were delayed and whole-gut transit time was increased in the apo-sGC mice, while distal colonic transit time was maintained. The nitrergic relaxant responses to electrical field stimulation at 1-4 Hz were abolished in fundic and jejunal strips from apo-sGC mice, but in pyloric rings and colonic strips, only the response at 1 Hz was abolished, indicating the contribution of other transmitters than NO.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The results indicate that the gastrointestinal consequences of switching from a native sGC to a heme-free sGC, which cannot be stimulated by NO, are most pronounced at the level of the stomach establishing a pivotal role of the activation of sGC by NO in normal gastric functioning. In addition, delayed intestinal transit was observed, indicating that nitrergic activation of sGC also plays a role in the lower gastrointestinal tract.

The role of purinergic pathways in the pathophysiology of gut diseases: pharmacological modulation and potential therapeutic applications

Gut homeostasis results from complex neuro-immune interactions aimed at triggering stereotypical and specific programs of coordinated mucosal secretion and powerful motor propulsion. A prominent role in the regulation of this highly integrated network, comprising a variety of immune/inflammatory cells and the enteric nervous system, is played by purinergic mediators. The cells of the digestive tract are literally plunged into a "biological sea" of functionally active nucleotides and nucleosides, which carry out the critical task of driving regulatory interventions on cellular functions through the activation of P1 and P2 receptors. Intensive research efforts are being made to achieve an integrated view of the purinergic system, since it is emerging that the various components of purinergic pathways (i.e., enzymes, transporters, mediators and receptors) are mutually linked entities, deputed to finely modulating the magnitude and the duration of purinergic signaling, and that alterations occurring in this balanced network could be intimately involved in the pathophysiology of several gut disorders. This review article intends to provide a critical appraisal of current knowledge on the purinergic system role in the regulation of gastrointestinal functions, considering these pathways as a whole integrated network, which is capable of finely controlling the levels of bioactive nucleotides and nucleosides in the biophase of their respective receptors. Special attention is paid to the mechanisms through which alterations in the various compartments of the purinergic system could contribute to the pathophysiology of gut disorders, and to the possibility of counteracting such dysfunctions by means of pharmacological interventions on purinergic molecular targets.

Heterotrimeric guanosine triphosphate-binding protein-coupled modulatory actions of motilin on K+ channels and postsynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid receptors in mouse medial vestibular nuclear neurons

Some central nervous system neurons express receptors of gastrointestinal hormones, but their pharmacological actions are not well known. Previous anatomical and unit recording studies suggest that a group of cerebellar Purkinje cells express motilin receptors, and motilin depresses the spike discharges of vestibular nuclear neurons that receive direct cerebellar inhibition in rats or rabbits. Here, by the slice-patch recording method, we examined the pharmacological actions of motilin on the mouse medial vestibular nuclear neurons (MVNs), which play an important role in the control of ocular reflexes. A small number of MVNs, as well as cerebellar floccular Purkinje cells, were labeled with an anti-motilin receptor antibody. Bath application of motilin (0.1 μm) decreased the discharge frequency of spontaneous action potentials in a group of MVNs in a dose-dependent manner (K(d) , 0.03 μm). The motilin action on spontaneous action potentials was blocked by apamin (100 nm), a blocker of small-conductance Ca(2+) -activated K(+) channels. Furthermore, motilin enhanced the amplitudes of inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) and miniature IPSCs, but did not affect the frequencies of miniature IPSCs. Intracellular application of pertussis toxin (PTx) (0.5 μg/μL) or guanosine triphosphate-γ-S (1 mm) depressed the motilin actions on both action potentials and IPSCs. Only 30% of MVNs examined on slices obtained from wild-type mice, but none of the GABAergic MVNs that were studied on slices obtained from vesicular γ-aminobutyric acid transporter-Venus transgenic mice, showed such a motilin response on action potentials and IPSCs. These findings suggest that motilin could modulate small-conductance Ca(2+) -activated K(+) channels and postsynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid receptors through heterotrimeric guanosine triphosphate-binding protein-coupled receptor in a group of glutamatergic MVNs.

Reduction of gastrointestinal motility by unilateral thyroparathyroidectomy plus subdiaphragmatic vagotomy in rats

AIM: To investigate whether the combined methods of unilateral thyroparathyroidectomy (TPX) and subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (VAX) can be adapted for rats and used as a reliable method to produce a rat model of long-term reduction of gastrointestinal (GI) motor function.

METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, normal, sham-operated and unilateral TPX plus VAX. The TPX plus VAX rats received VAX 7 d after application of TPX, and dietary intake and fecal output were then measured daily for 1 wk. After completion of the experiments, gastric emptying and small bowel transit were measured in vivo, and the contractile responses of colonic strips to excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters were estimated using isometric force transducers in vitro.

RESULTS: In comparison with normal and sham-operated rats, rats which received unilateral TPX plus VAX showed a significant decrease in body weight and in fecal pellet number and weight throughout the entire week. Application of TPX plus VAX to rats markedly delayed gastric emptying and small bowel transit. In TPX plus VAX rats, the longitudinal muscles of the proximal colon showed a significant reduction in contractile responses to acetylcholine (5 × 10^-6 mol/L), and a dramatic attenuation of contractile responses was also observed in both the longitudinal and circular muscles of the distal colon. However, the spontaneous contractility of the colonic strips from TPX plus VAX rats was not significantly affected by treatment with N-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (0.1 mol/L).

CONCLUSION: The results indicate that unilateral TPX plus VAX reduced the motor function of the GI tract in rats, and the reduced gut motility is likely mediated, at least in part, by inhibition of the excitatory neurotransmitter system.

Mechanism of relaxation and interaction with nitric oxide of the soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator BAY 41-2272 in mouse gastric fundus and colon

BAY 41-2272 is a heme-dependent nitric oxide-independent soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator, but its relaxant effect in vascular, respiratory and urogenital tissue is only partially dependent on sGC activation. As its mechanism of action has not been studied in the gastrointestinal tract, it was investigated in mouse gastric fundus and colon. Circular smooth muscle strips were mounted in organ baths under non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) conditions for isometric force recording and cGMP levels were determined using an enzyme immunoassay kit. BAY 41-2272 induced concentration-dependent relaxation in both tissues and increased cGMP levels. The sGC inhibitor ODQ totally inhibited this BAY 41-2272-induced increase of cGMP, but only partially reduced the corresponding relaxation. The PDE-5 inhibitor sildenafil had no effect on BAY 41-2272-induced responses. The NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME caused a significant decrease in BAY 41-2272-induced responses in colonic strips. Electrical field stimulation in the presence of BAY 41-2272 induced increased NANC relaxation in fundus, while in colon, rebound contraction at the end of the stimulation train was no longer visible. This suggests synergy with endogenously released NO. Responses to BAY 41-2272 were not significantly influenced by apamin, charybdotoxin or ouabain, excluding interaction with small, intermediate and large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels and with Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase. Under depletion of intracellular calcium, CaCl(2)-induced contractions were significantly reduced by BAY 41-2272 in an ODQ-insensitive way. The present study demonstrates that BAY 41-2272 exerts its relaxing effect in mouse gastric fundus and colon partially through a cGMP-dependent mechanism and at least one additional cGMP-independent mechanism involving Ca(2+)-entry blockade.

The role of nitric oxide and L-type calcium channel blocker in the contractility of rabbit ileum in vitro

Nitric oxide (NO) and calcium channel blockers are two agents that can affect gastrointestinal motility. The goal of this work was to study the rabbit intestinal smooth muscle contraction response to (1) sodium nitroprusside (SNP), the NO donor, and its potential mechanism of action, and (2) nifedipine, the L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker; to clarify the degree of participation by extra- and intracellular Ca(2+) in smooth muscle contraction. We used standard isometric tension and intracellular micro-electrode recordings. To record the activity of the longitudinal smooth muscle of the ileum, segments of 1.5 cm length of the ileum were suspended vertically in organ baths of Krebs solution. The mechanical activity of the isolated ileal longitudinal muscle was recorded. Different substances were added, and the changes produced on spontaneous contraction were recorded. We found that SNP produced significant decrease, while nitric oxide synthase inhibitor produced significant increase in the amplitude of spontaneous contractions. Both apamin, the Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channel blocker, and methylene blue, the inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase, alone, partially decreased relaxation induced by SNP. Addition of both methylene blue and apamine together abolished the inhibitory effect produced by SNP on spontaneous contractions. Nifedipine produced significant decrease in the amplitude of spontaneous contractions. In conclusion, in longitudinal muscle of rabbit ileum, calcium channels blocker are potent inhibitors of spontaneous activity. However, both extracellular and intracellular Ca(2+) participates in the spontaneous contractions. NO also has inhibitory effect on spontaneous activity, and this effect is mediated by cGMP generation system and Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels.

Pharmacological characterization of uracil nucleotide-preferring P2Y receptors modulating intestinal motility: a study on mouse ileum

We investigated the possible modulation of the intestinal contractility by uracil nucleotides (UTP and UDP), using as model the murine small intestine. Contractile activity of a mouse ileum longitudinal muscle was examined in vitro as changes in isometric tension. Transcripts encoding for uracil-sensitive receptors was investigated by RT-PCR. UDP induced muscular contractions, sensitive to PPADS, suramin, or MRS 2578, P2Y(6) receptor antagonist, and mimicked by PSB 0474, P2Y(6)-receptor agonist. UTP induced biphasic effects characterized by an early inhibition of the spontaneous contractile activity followed by muscular contraction. UTP excitatory effects were antagonized by PPADS, suramin, but not by MRS 2578, whilst the inhibitory effects were antagonized by PPADS but not by suramin or MRS 2578. UTPγS, P2Y(2)/(4) receptor agonist but not 2-thio-UTP, P2Y(2) receptor agonist, mimicked UTP effects. The inhibitory effects induced by UTP was abolished by ATP desensitization and increased by extracellular acidification. UDP or UTP responses were insensitive to TTX, atropine, or L-NAME antagonized by U-73122, inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC) and preserved in the presence of nifedipine or low Ca(2+) solution. Transcripts encoding the uracil nucleotide-preferring receptors were expressed in mouse ileum. Functional postjunctional uracil-sensitive receptors are present in the longitudinal muscle of the mouse ileum. Activation of P2Y(6) receptors induces muscular contraction, whilst activation of P2Y(4) receptors leads to inhibition of the contractile activity. Indeed, the presence of atypical UTP-sensitive receptors leading to muscular contraction is suggested. All uracil-sensitive receptors are linked to the PLC pathway.

Investigation of neurogenic excitatory and inhibitory motor responses and their control by 5-HT(4) receptors in circular smooth muscle of pig descending colon

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the pig colon descendens might be a good model for the responses mediated via the different locations of human colonic 5-HT(4) receptors. The intrinsic excitatory and inhibitory motor neurotransmission in pig colon descendens was therefore first characterized. In circular smooth muscle strips, electrical field stimulation (EFS) at basal tone induced only in the combined presence of the NO synthase inhibitor N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) and the SK channel blocker apamin voltage-dependent on-contractions. These on-contractions were largely reduced by the neuronal conductance blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX) and by the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine, illustrating activation of cholinergic neurons. The 5-HT(4) receptor agonist prucalopride facilitated submaximal EFS-evoked cholinergic contractions and this effect was prevented by the 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist GR113808, supporting the presence of facilitating 5-HT(4) receptors on the cholinergic nerve endings innervating circular muscle in pig colon descendens. Relaxations were induced by EFS in strips pre-contracted with substance P in the presence of atropine. The responses at lower stimulation voltages were abolished by TTX. L-NAME or apamin alone did not influence or only moderately reduced the relaxations, but L-NAME plus apamin abolished the relaxations at lower stimulation voltages, suggesting that NO and ATP act as inhibitory neurotransmitters in a redundant way. Prucalopride did not influence the EFS-induced relaxations at lower stimulation voltage, nor did it per se relax contracted circular muscle strips. No evidence for relaxing 5-HT(4) receptors, either on inhibitory neurons or on the muscle cells was thus obtained in pig colon descendens circular muscle.

Effect of GABA-ergic mechanisms on synaptosomal NO synthesis and the nitrergic component of NANC relaxation in rat ileum

BACKGROUND

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) acts on specific neural receptors [A, B and C(Aρ)] to modulate gastrointestinal function. The precise role of GABA receptor activation in the regulation of presynaptic nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in nerve terminals is unknown.

METHODS

Rat ileal nerve terminals were isolated by differential centrifugation. Nitric oxide synthesis was analysed using a L-[(3) H]arginine assay. In vitro studies were performed under non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) conditions on isolated ileal segments.

KEY RESULTS

γ-Aminobutyric acid inhibited NO synthesis significantly (n = 6, P < 0.05) [(fmol mg(-1) min(-1)) control: 27.7 ± 1.5, 10(-6) mol L(-1): 19.7 ± 1.3; 10(-5) mol L(-1): 17.5 ± 3.0]. This effect was antagonized by the GABA A receptor antagonist bicuculline and the GABA C receptor antagonist (1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)methylphosphinic acid (TPMPA), but not by the GABA B receptor antagonist SCH 50911. The GABA A receptor agonist muscimol [(fmol mg(-1) min(-1)) control: 27.6 ± 1.0, 10(-6) mol L(-1): 19.1 ± 1.7, n = 5, P < 0.05] and the GABA C receptor agonist cis-4-aminocrotonic acid (CACA) [(fmol mg(-1) min(-1)) control: 29.5 ± 3.2, 10(-3) mol L(-1): 20.3 ± 2.5, n = 6, P < 0.05], mimicked the GABA-effect, whereas the GABA B agonist baclofen was ineffective. Bicuculline reversed the inhibitory effect of muscimol, TPMPA antagonized the effect of CACA. In functional experiments the GABA A and C receptor agonists reduced the NANC relaxation induced by electrical field stimulation in rat ileum by about 40%. After NOS-inhibition by Nε-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) the GABA A receptor agonist had no effect, whereas the GABA C receptor agonist still showed a residual response.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

γ-Aminobutyric acid inhibits neural NO synthesis in rat ileum by GABA A and GABA C(Aρ) receptor-mediated mechanisms.

Acetylene compound isolated from Atractylodes japonica stimulates the contractility of rat distal colon via inhibiting the nitrergic-purinergic relaxation

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our previous research has showed that rhizome of Atractylodes japonica Koidz (Compositae) exhibits an increase in the spontaneous contractility of distal colon in rats. The aims of this study are to identify the phytochemical(s), which stimulate(s) the colonic contractility, contained in Atractylodes japonica and to evaluate the pharmacological mechanism responsible for the colonic muscle contraction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on the stimulatory activity-guided fractionation on the isometric contraction of rat distal colonic strips, atractylodiol (ATD) and diacetyl-atractylodiol (DATD) were isolated from the CHCl(3) fractions of Atractylodes japonica.

RESULTS

ATD and DATD dose-dependently increased both tension and amplitude of distal colon longitudinal muscle (DCLM), but they stimulated only amplitude in the distal colon circular muscle. The ED(50) values of ATD and DATD to stimulate the amplitude of DCLM were revealed as 9.1×10(-9)M and 1.8×10(-8)M, respectively. l-NAME (0.1mM) significantly increased the ADT (1μM)-induced contraction of DCLM, whereas SNAP (0.1mM) markedly reduced the stimulatory effects of ATD on DCLM contractility. The combined effects of SNAP and atropine (0.5μM) on the ATD-induced contraction of DCLM were similar to the inhibitory effects of SNAP alone. Suramin (0.1mM) significantly enhanced the increase of ATD-induced DCLM contraction, whereas ADPβS (0.1mM) markedly abolished the stimulatory effects of ATD on the spontaneous contractility of DCLM.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results demonstrate that acetylene compounds, ATD and DATD, are the effective phytochemical of Atractylodes japonica to stimulate the motility of distal colon in rats, and ATD possibly enhances the spontaneous contractility of distal colon through inhibiting the mechanism of nitrergic-purinergic relaxation.

Role of nitric oxide on purinergic signalling in the cochlea

In the inner ear, there is considerable evidence that extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) plays an important role in auditory neurotransmission as a neurotransmitter or a neuromodulator, although the potential role of adenosine signalling in the modulation of auditory neurotransmission has also been reported. The activation of ligand-gated ionotropic P2X receptors and G protein-coupled metabotropic P2Y receptors has been reported to induce an increase of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in inner hair cells (IHCs), outer hair cells (OHCs), spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), and supporting cells in the cochlea. ATP may participate in auditory neurotransmission by modulating [Ca(2+)](i) in the cochlear cells. Recent studies showed that extracellular ATP induced nitric oxide (NO) production in IHCs, OHCs, and SGNs, which affects the ATP-induced Ca(2+) response via the NO-cGMP-PKG pathway in those cells by a feedback mechanism. A cross-talk between NO and ATP may therefore exist in the auditory signal transduction. In the present article, I review the role of NO on the ATP-induced Ca(2+) signalling in IHCs and OHCs. I also consider the possible role of NO in the ATP-induced Ca(2+) signalling in SGNs and supporting cells.

Mechanisms of action of hydrogen sulfide in relaxation of mouse distal colonic smooth muscle

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has been suggested as a gaseous neuromodulator in mammals. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of H(2)S on contractility in mouse distal colon. The effect of sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS; H(2)S donor) on prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha))-contracted circular muscle strips of mouse distal colon was investigated. In addition, tension and cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](cyt)) in the mouse distal colon strips were measured simultaneously in the presence of NaHS. NaHS caused concentration-dependent relaxation of the pre-contracted mouse distal colon strips. The NaHS-induced relaxation was not influenced by the K(+) channels blockers glibenclamide, apamin, charybdotoxin, barium chloride and 4-aminopyridine. The relaxation by NaHS was also not influenced by the nitric oxide inhibitor L-NAME, by the soluble guanylate cyclase respectively adenylate cyclase inhibitors ODQ and SQ 22536, by the nerve blockers capsazepine, omega-conotoxin and tetrodotoxin or by several channel and receptor blockers (ouabain, nifedipine, 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate, ryanodine and thapsigargin). The initiation of the NaHS-induced relaxation was accompanied by an increase in [Ca(2+)](cyt), but once the relaxation was maximal and sustained, no change in [Ca(2+)](cyt) was measured. This calcium desensitization is not related to the best known calcium desensitizing mechanism as the myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) inhibitor calyculin-A and the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 had no influence. We conclude that NaHS caused concentration-dependent relaxations in mouse distal colon not involving the major known K(+) channels and without a change in [Ca(2+)](cyt). This calcium desensitization is not related to inhibition of Rho-kinase or activation of MLCP.

Adenosine-evoked hyperpolarization of retinal ganglion cells is mediated by G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K+ and small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel activation

Adenosine is a neuromodulator that activates presynaptic receptors to regulate synaptic transmission and postsynaptic receptors to hyperpolarize neurons. Here, we report that adenosine-induced hyperpolarization of retinal ganglion cells is produced by the activation of A(1) receptors, which initiates a signaling cascade that activates G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K(+) (GIRK) channels and small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (SK) channels. Rat retinal ganglion cells were stimulated by focal ejection of the adenosine receptor agonist 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) while cell activity was monitored with whole-cell patch recordings and Ca(2+) imaging. Focal ejections of NECA evoked outward currents in all cells tested and reduced light- and depolarization-induced spiking. The NECA-evoked current was abolished by the A(1) antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) but was unaffected by A(2a), A(2b), and A(3) antagonists, indicating that the response was mediated entirely by A(1) receptors. The GIRK channel blocker rTertiapin-Q diminished the NECA-evoked inhibitory current by 56 +/- 12%, whereas the SK channel blocker apamin decreased the NECA-induced current by 42 +/- 7%. The SK component of the NECA-evoked current coincided with an increase in intracellular Ca(2+) and was blocked by IP(3) receptor antagonists and depletion of internal Ca(2+) stores, suggesting that A(1) receptor activation leads to an increase in IP(3), which then elevates intracellular Ca(2+) and activates SK channels. This A(1)-mediated, prolonged SK channel activation has not been described previously. The coactivation of GIRK and SK channels represents a novel mechanism of adenosine-mediated neuromodulation that could contribute to the regulation of retinal ganglion cell activity.

Adenosine 2B receptors (A(2B)AR) on enteric neurons regulate murine distal colonic motility

Delayed colonic emptying leading to constipation is a significant health concern. We investigated the role of adenosine 2B receptor (A(2B)AR) in modulating distal colonic motility using wild-type and A(2B)AR-knockout (A(2B)AR(-/-)) mice. Colon motility was assessed using stool characteristics and colonic transit. Distal colonic ganglia, isolated by laser capture microdissection, were tested for A(2B)AR expression by RT-PCR. The distal colon contraction and relaxation responses were assessed by electrical field stimulation (EFS) in presence of A(2B)AR agonists, antagonists or inhibitors of nitric oxide (NO) and guanylate cyclase. Nitrite levels were measured in enteric neuronal cultures exposed to A(2B)AR agonists/antagonists. A(2B)AR(-/-) mice display increased stool retention, decreased stool frequency, delayed colonic emptying, and decreased circular muscle relaxation. RT-PCR identified A(2B)AR expression in distal colonic ganglia. EFS studies revealed that enteric neuronal A(2B)AR is essential for distal colonic relaxation, and A(2B)AR antagonists can inhibit relaxation. Enteric neurons stimulated with A(2B)AR agonists produced more nitrite than cultures treated with antagonists. We demonstrate an essential role of A(2B)AR in regulating distal colon relaxation, as A(2B)AR activation is linked to NO signaling. Hence targeting the colonic A(2B)AR could represent a novel therapeutic strategy to treat constipation.

Myosin light chain phosphatase activation is involved in the hydrogen sulfide-induced relaxation in mouse gastric fundus

The relaxant effect of hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) in the vascular tree is well established but its influence and mechanism of action in gastrointestinal smooth muscle was hardly investigated. The influence of H(2)S on contractility in mouse gastric fundus was therefore examined. Sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS; H(2)S donor) was administered to prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha))-contracted circular muscle strips of mouse gastric fundus, before and after incubation with interfering drugs. NaHS caused a concentration-dependent relaxation of the pre-contracted mouse gastric fundus strips. The K(+) channels blockers glibenclamide, apamin, charybdotoxin, 4-aminopyridin and barium chloride had no influence on the NaHS-induced relaxation. The relaxation by NaHS was also not influenced by L-NAME, ODQ and SQ 22536, inhibitors of the cGMP and cAMP pathway, by nerve blockers capsazepine, omega-conotoxin and tetrodotoxin or by several channel and receptor blockers (ouabain, nifedipine, 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate, ryanodine and thapsigargin). The myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) inhibitor calyculin-A reduced the NaHS-induced relaxation, but the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 had no influence. We show that NaHS is able to relax PGF(2alpha)-contracted mouse gastric fundus strips. The results suggest that in the mouse gastric fundus, H(2)S causes relaxation at least partially via activation of MLCP.

Activation of P2Y receptors by ATP and by its analogue, ADPbetaS, triggers two calcium signal pathways in the longitudinal muscle of mouse distal colon

Our previous research showed that ATP and adenosine 5'-O-2-thiodiphosphate (ADPbetaS) induce contractile effects in the longitudinal muscle of mouse distal colon via activation of P2Y receptors which are not P2Y(1) or P2Y(12) subtypes. This study investigated the nature of the P2Y receptor subtype(s) and the mechanisms leading to the intracellular calcium concentration increase necessary to trigger muscular contraction. Motor responses of mouse colonic longitudinal muscle to P2Y receptor agonists were examined in vitro as changes in isometric tension. ATP or ADPbetaS induced muscular contraction, which was not affected by P2Y(11) or P2Y(13) selective antagonists. Calcium-free solution or the calcium channel blocker, nifedipine, failed to modify the contractile responses to ATP or ADPbetaS, which were virtually abolished by depletion of calcium intracellular stores after repetitive addition of carbachol in calcium-free medium with addition of cyclopiazonic acid. Neomycin or U-73122, phospholipase C inhibitors, or 2-aminoethoxy-diphenylborate (2-APB), membrane-permeant IP(3) receptor inhibitor reduced the response to ATP, whilst ryanodine or ruthenium red, inhibiting calcium release from ryanodine-sensitive stores, abolished the response to ADPbetaS. Responses to maximally effective concentrations of ATP and ADPbetaS were not fully additive. Desensitisation with ADPbetaS antagonized the contractile effects of ATP, as desensitisation with ATP antagonized the response to ADPbetaS. In the longitudinal muscle of mouse distal colon, ATP and ADPbetaS induce muscular contraction via a P2Y receptor, coupled to differential signal pathways leading to intracellular calcium increase.

Involvement of soluble guanylate cyclase alpha(1) and alpha(2), and SK(Ca) channels in NANC relaxation of mouse distal colon

In distal colon, both nitric oxide (NO) and ATP are involved in non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) inhibitory neurotransmission. The role of the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) isoforms alpha(1)beta(1) and alpha(2)beta(1), and of the small conductance Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels (SK(Ca) channels) in the relaxation of distal colon by exogenous NO and by NANC nerve stimulation was investigated, comparing wild type (WT) and sGCalpha(1) knockout (KO) mice. In WT strips, the relaxation induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) at 1 Hz but not at 2-8 Hz was significantly reduced by the NO-synthase inhibitor L-NAME or the sGC inhibitor ODQ. In sGCalpha(1) KO strips, the EFS-induced relaxation at 1 Hz was significantly reduced and no longer influenced by L-NAME or ODQ. The SK(Ca) channel blocker apamin alone had no inhibitory effect on EFS-induced relaxation, but combined with ODQ or L-NAME, apamin inhibited the relaxation induced by EFS at 2-8 Hz in WT strips and at 8 Hz in sGCalpha(1) KO strips. Relaxation by exogenous NO was significantly attenuated in sGCalpha(1) KO strips, but could still be reduced further by ODQ. Basal cGMP levels were lower in sGCalpha(1) KO strips but NO still significantly increased cGMP levels versus basal. In conclusion, in the absence of sGCalpha(1)beta(1), exogenous NO is able to partially act through sGCalpha(2)beta(1). NO, acting via sGCalpha(1)beta(1), is the principal neurotransmitter in EFS-evoked responses at 1 Hz. At higher stimulation frequencies, NO, acting at sGCalpha(1)beta(1) and/or sGCalpha(2)beta(1), functions together with another transmitter, probably ATP acting via SK(Ca) channels, with some degree of redundancy.

Influence of soluble guanylate cyclase inhibition on inflammation and motility disturbances in DSS-induced colitis

Nitric oxide (NO) has been associated with a spectrum of harmful to protective roles in inflammatory bowel disease. The involvement of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)--the downstream effector of NO--in the negative effect of NO in inflammatory models has been proposed but this has not been evaluated in inflammatory bowel diseases. The present study investigates therefore the influence of colonic inflammation on sGC activity, as well as the effect of in vivo sGC inhibition on colonic inflammation and on in vitro changes in colonic motility in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-model of colitis in rat. Administration of 7% DSS in the drinking water for 6 days resulted in colonic inflammation as judged from histology and myeloperoxidase activity, accompanied by weight loss and bloody stools. Plasma and colonic tissue cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) levels were decreased in DSS-treated rats. Colonic levels of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) mRNA and immunoreactivity were not influenced, while those of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and colonic nitrite/nitrate levels were increased by DSS exposure. Circular muscle strips from inflamed distal colon showed decreased inhibitory responses towards electrical field stimulation and exogenous NO, while methacholine-induced phasic activity was suppressed. Inhibition of sGC by in vivo treatment with ODQ further reduced cGMP levels but did not prevent the inflammation and motility alterations. These results suggest that DSS-induced colitis in rats is accompanied by a reduced sensitivity of sGC, leading to reduced basal cGMP levels and decreased colonic responsiveness towards nitrergic stimuli, but pharmacological reduction of cGMP generation does not prevent the development of DSS-induced colitis.

Do ATP and NO interact in the CNS?

Enzymatically derived NO and extracellular ATP are receiving greater attention due to their role as messengers in the CNS during different physiological and pathological processes. Ionotropic (P2XR) and metabotropic (P2YR) purinergic receptors mediate ATP effects and are present throughout the body. Particularly P2XR are crucial for brain plasticity mechanisms, and are involved in the pathogenesis of different CNS illnesses. NO does not have a specific receptor and its actions are directly dependent on the production on demand by different nitric oxide synthase isoforms. NO synthesizing enzymes are present virtually in all tissues, and NO influences multifarious physiological and pathological functions. Interestingly, various are the tissue and organs modulated by both ATP and NO, such as the immune, brain and vascular systems. Moreover, direct interactions between purinergic and nitrergic mechanisms outside the CNS are well documented, with several studies also indicating that ATP and NO do participate to the same CNS functions. In the past few years, further experimental evidence supported the physiological and pathological relevance of ATP and NO direct interactions in the CNS. The aim of the present review is to provide an account of the available information on the interplay between purinergic and nitrergic systems, focussing on the CNS. The already established relevance of ATP and NO in different pathological processes would predict that the knowledge of ATP/NO cross-talk mechanisms would support pharmacological approaches toward the development of novel ATP/NO combined pharmacological agents.

Nitrergic and purinergic interplay in inhibitory transmission in rat gastric fundus

1 This study was undertaken to analyse the involvement of ATP in non-adrenergic non- cholinergic (NANC) relaxation and possible interplay between nitrergic and purinergic systems in rat gastric fundus. 2 Experiments were performed in vitro on strips of longitudinal muscle from rat gastric fundus, recording the mechanical activity as changes in isometric force. In addition, NO release induced by different experimental conditions was assayed. 3 Under NANC conditions in serotonin-precontracted strips, electrical field stimulation (EFS) elicited a tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive relaxation accompanied by nitric oxide (NO) release. This effect was antagonized by pretreatment with the NO synthase antagonist Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA) or by desensitization of purinergic receptors. Purinergic desensitization was also able to further antagonize the residual EFS-induced relaxation remaining after L-NA treatment. Exogenously applied NO [delivered as sodium nitroprusside (SNP)] or ATP (and related purines) induced concentration-dependent, TTX-insensitive relaxant responses. ATP also induced the release of NO. A reduction in the responses to ATP was observed in the presence of L-NA. In contrast, SNP-induced relaxation remained unchanged after desensitization of purinergic receptors. Finally, apamin, a blocker of the small conductance Ca2+ -dependent K+ channels, reduced the amplitude of the muscular relaxation evoked by either EFS, ATP or SNP. 4 In conclusion, this study provides evidence that in rat gastric fundus, ATP is one of the inhibitory transmitters released from NANC intramural neurones acting directly on the muscle, through receptors coupled to apamin-sensitive Ca2+ -dependent K+ channels and, indirectly, through the stimulation of NO production.

Inhibitory purinergic P2 receptor characterisation in rat distal colon

The aim of this study was to characterise the P2 receptors involved in purinergic relaxant responses in rat distal colon circular muscle. Concentration-response curves for purinergic agonists were constructed on methacholine-precontracted circular muscle strips of rat distal colon in the absence and presence of the nerve blocker TTX and the ecto-nucleotidase inhibitor ARL67156. The effects of the P2 receptor antagonists RB2, PPADS, suramin, MRS2179 and NF279, the NO-synthase inhibitor L-NAME and the small conductance K(+) channel blocker apamin were investigated. The localisation of the different P2 receptors was examined immunocytochemically. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated the expression of P2Y(1), P2Y(6) and P2X(1) receptors on smooth muscle cells and P2Y(2), P2Y(12), P2X(2) and P2X(3) receptors in the myenteric plexus; almost a quarter of the P2Y(2)-immunopositive neurons co-expressed nNOS. The P2X-selective agonist alphabetameATP and the P2Y-selective agonist ADPbetaS were the most potent relaxants; their effects were abolished by apamin. The effect of ADPbetaS was antagonised by the P2Y(1)-selective antagonist MRS2179 pointing to interaction with the muscular P2Y(1)-receptors. The relaxant effect of alphabetameATP was partially reduced by TTX and concentration-dependently antagonised by PPADS, suramin, RB2 and the P2X(1)-selective antagonist NF279; this correlates with an interaction with neuronal P2X(3) and muscular P2X(1) receptors. UTP was the least potent agonist; its effect was markedly increased by ARL67156, nearly abolished by TTX and reduced by L-NAME. This points to interaction with the neuronal P2Y(2)-receptors inducing relaxation, at least partially, by NO release.

Evidence that ATP or a related purine is an excitatory neurotransmitter in the longitudinal muscle of mouse distal colon

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This study analysed the contribution of the purinergic system to enteric neurotransmission in the longitudinal muscle of mouse distal colon.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Motor responses to exogenous ATP and to nerve stimulation in vitro were assessed as changes in isometric tension.

KEY RESULTS

ATP induced a concentration-dependent contraction, reduced by 4-[[4-formyl-5-hydroxy-6-methyl-3-[(phosphonooxy)methyl]-2-pyridinyl]azo]-1,3-benzene disulphonic acid (PPADS), suramin, P2Y purinoreceptor desensitisation with adenosine 5'-O-2-thiodiphosphate (ADPbetaS), and atropine, but unaffected by P2X purinoceptor desensitisation with alpha,beta-methylene ATP (alpha,beta-meATP) and by 2,2-dimethyl-propionic acid 3-(2-chloro-6-methylaminopurin-9-yl)-2-(2,2-dimethyl-propionyloxymethyl)-propyl ester (MRS 2395), a P2Y(12) selective antagonist. The response to ATP was increased by 2'-deoxy-N(6)-methyl adenosine 3',5'-diphosphate (MRS 2179), a P2Y(1) selective antagonist, tetrodotoxin (TTX) or N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). ADPbetaS, a P2Y-purinergic agonist, induced muscular contraction, with the same pharmacological profile as the ATP-induced contraction. ADP, a natural ligand for P2Y(1) receptors, induced muscular relaxation, antagonized by MRS 2179 and by TTX or L-NAME. Nerve stimulation elicited a transient nitrergic relaxation, followed by contraction. Contractile responses was reduced by atropine, PPADS, suramin, P2Y purinoceptor desensitisation, but not by P2X purinoceptor desensitisation, MRS 2179 or MRS 2395. None of the purinergic antagonists modified the nerve-evoked relaxation.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

In the longitudinal muscle of mouse distal colon, ATP, through ADPbetaS-sensitive P2Y purinoceptors, contributed to the excitatory neurotransmission acting directly on smooth muscle and indirectly via activation of cholinergic neurons. Moreover, P2Y1 purinoceptors appear to be located on nitrergic inhibitory neurons. This study provides new insights into the role of purines in the mechanism inducing intestinal transit in mouse colon.

Study on the cyclic GMP-dependency of relaxations to endogenous and exogenous nitric oxide in the mouse gastrointestinal tract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

cGMP mediates nitrergic relaxations of intestinal smooth muscle, but several studies have indicated that cGMP-independent mechanisms may also be involved. We addressed this contention by studying the effect of ODQ and ns2028, specific inhibitors of soluble guanylate cyclase, on nitrergic relaxations of the mouse gut.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Mouse gastric fundus and small intestinal muscle preparations were mounted in organ baths to study relaxations to exogenous NO, NO donors and electrical field stimulation (EFS) of enteric nerves.

KEY RESULTS

In gastric fundus longitudinal muscle strips, ODQ and NS2028 abolished the L-nitroarginine-sensitive relaxations to EFS and the relaxations to NO and NO donors, glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), SIN-1 and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). EFS of intestinal segments and muscle strips showed L-nitroarginine-resistant relaxations, which were abolished by the purinoceptor blocker suramin. In the presence of suramin, ODQ and NS2028 abolished all relaxations to EFS in intestinal segments and strips. ODQ and NS2028 abolished the relaxations to exogenous NO and to the NO donors GTN, SIN-1 and SNP in circular and longitudinal intestinal muscle strips. Intestinal segments showed residual relaxations to NO and GTN.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our results indicate that relaxations to endogenous NO in the mouse gastric fundus and small intestine are completely dependent on cGMP. ODQ and NS2028 incompletely blocked nitrergic relaxations to exogenous NO in intact intestinal segments. However, it is unlikely that this is due to the involvement of cGMP-independent pathways because ODQ and NS2028 abolished all relaxations to endogenous and exogenous NO in intestinal muscle strips.

Mechanisms underlying hyperpolarization evoked by P2Y receptor activation in mouse distal colon

In murine colonic circular muscle, ATP mediates fast component of the nerve-evoked inhibitory junction potentials, via activation of P2Y receptors and opening of apamin-sensitive Ca2+-dependent K+ channels. We investigated, using microelectrode recordings, the intracellular events following P2Y-receptor activation by electrical field stimulation or by adenosine 5'-O-2-thiodiphosphate (ADPbetaS), ATP stable analogue. The fast-inhibitory junction potential amplitude was reduced by thapsigargin or ciclopiazonic acid (CPA), sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase inhibitors, by ryanodine, which inhibits Ca2+ release from ryanodine-sensitive stores, and by 9-(tetrahydro-2-furanyl)-9H-purin-6-amine (SQ 22,536), an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor. Fast-inhibitory junction potentials were enhanced by 2-aminoethoxy-diphenylborate (2-APB), an IP3 receptor inhibitor or by {1-[6((17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino)hexyl]-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione} (U-73122), a phospholipase C inhibitor. ADPbetaS induced hyperpolarization that was significantly reduced by apamin, thapsigargin, CPA, ryanodine, 2-APB and SQ 22,536, but it was not modified by U-73122. Forskolin, an adenylyl cyclase activator, induced hyperpolarization that was inhibited by SQ 22,536, apamin or ryanodine. In conclusion, in murine colon, apamin-sensitive hyperpolarization induced by activation of P2Y receptors is mainly mediated by release of Ca2+ from intracellular ryanodine-dependent stores via a mechanism involving adenylyl cyclase.

Inhibitory responses to exogenous adenosine in murine proximal and distal colon

The aims of the present study were firstly, to characterize pharmacologically the subtypes of P(1) purinoreceptors involved in the inhibitory effects induced by exogenous adenosine in longitudinal smooth muscle of mouse colon, and secondly, to examine differences in the function and distribution of these receptors between proximal and distal colon. Adenosine (100 microM-3 mM) caused a concentration-dependent reduction of the amplitude of spontaneous contractions in the proximal colon, and muscular relaxation in the distal colon. In the proximal colon, adenosine effects were antagonized by a selective A(1) receptor antagonist, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX, 10 nM), but were not modified by 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX, 10 microM) or by 9-chloro-2-(2-furanyl)-5-((phenylacetyl)amino)- [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]quinazoline (MRS 1220, 0.1 microM), selective A(2) and A(3) receptor antagonists, respectively. In the distal colon, adenosine effects were antagonized by DPCPX, DMPX, and by a selective A(2B) receptor antagonist, 8-[4-[((4-cyanophenyl)carbamoylmethyl)oxy]phenyl]-1,3-di(n-propyl) xanthine (MRS 1754, 10 microM), but not by 8-(3-chlorostyryl)-caffeine (CSC, 10 microM), a selective A(2A) receptor antagonist, or by MRS 1220. Tetrodotoxin (TTX 1 microM), the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 microM), or 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (10 microM), an inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase, reduced adenosine effects only in distal colon. In addition, L-NAME induced a further reduction of adenosine relaxation in the presence of DPCPX, but not in the presence of MRS 1754. From these results we conclude that, in the murine proximal colon, adenosine induces inhibitory effects via TTX-insensitive activation of A(1) receptor. In the distal colon, adenosine activates both A(1) and A(2B) receptors, the latter located on enteric inhibitory neurons releasing NO.

Nitric oxide relaxes circular smooth muscle of rat distal colon through RhoA/Rho-kinase independent Ca2+ desensitisation

1. The aim of this study in circular smooth muscle of rat distal colon was to determine whether Ca(2+) desensitisation, in addition to mechanisms lowering cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](cyt)), was involved in the relaxation elicited by nitric oxide (NO). Changes in isometric tension and [Ca(2+)](cyt) were recorded simultaneously in fura-2-loaded strips. 2. In methacholine (10(-5) M)-precontracted preparations, exogenous NO (10(-4) M), adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP; 10(-3) M) and electrical field stimulation (EFS; 1 ms, 40 V, 4 Hz, 1 min) induced a decrease in smooth muscle tension, which was accompanied by a fall in [Ca(2+)](cyt). 3. The sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATP-ase (SERCA) inhibitor thapsigargin (10(-6) M) did not exert an influence on the decrease in tension produced by exogenous NO, but significantly attenuated the fall in [Ca(2+)](cyt). Both the relaxation and the fall in [Ca(2+)](cyt) to ATP and EFS were unaffected by thapsigargin. 4. Calyculin-A (10(-6) M), a myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) inhibitor, significantly reduced the decrease in tension elicited by exogenous NO, but did not alter the fall in [Ca(2+)](cyt) to exogenous NO. Inactivating RhoA by exoenzyme C3 (2 mug ml(-1)) or inhibiting Rho-kinase with (+)-(R)-trans-4-(1-aminoethyl)-N-(4-pyridyl) cyclohexanecarboxamide dihydrochloride monohydrate (Y-27632; 10(-5) M) had no effect on the decrease of both tension and [Ca(2+)](cyt) generated by exogenous NO. 5. This paper demonstrates that a RhoA/Rho-kinase independent Ca(2+) desensitisation pathway contributes to the relaxation by NO in circular smooth muscle strips of rat distal colon.

Participation of ATP in nonadrenergic, noncholinergic relaxation of longitudinal muscle of wistar rat jejunum

A role of ATP in nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) relaxations was examined in the Wistar rat jejunum. Electrical field stimulation (EFS) induced NANC relaxation of longitudinal muscle of the jejunal segments in a frequency-dependent manner. A purinoceptor antagonist, adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate (A3P5PS, 100 muM) inhibited the relaxation: relaxations induced by EFS at lower or higher frequencies were either completely or partially inhibited, respectively. After the jejunal segments had been desensitized to ATP, the relaxations were decreased to the same extent as those inhibited by A3P5PS. An inhibitor of small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (SK channels), apamin (100 nM), completely inhibited EFS-induced relaxations. Treatment of the segments with an inhibitor of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase, thapsigargin (1 muM), significantly inhibited the relaxations. The exogenous ATP-induced relaxation of longitudinal muscle occurred with a concomitant decrease in intracellular Ca(2+) levels. Apamin and thapsigargin abolished these ATP-induced responses. A3P5PS significantly inhibited the inhibitory junction potentials which were induced in the longitudinal muscle cells. In addition, apamin significantly inhibited the hyperpolarization that was induced by exogenous ATP in the cells. These findings in the Wistar rat jejunum suggest that ATP participates in the NANC relaxation via activation of SK channels induced by Ca(2+) ions that are released from the thapsigargin-sensitive store site.

Inhibitory pathways in the circular muscle of rat jejunum

1. Conflicting data have been reported on the contribution of nitric oxide (NO) to inhibitory neurotransmission in rat jejunum. Therefore, the mechanism of relaxation and contribution to inhibitory neurotransmission of NO, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) was examined in the circular muscle of Wistar-Han rat jejunum. 2. Mucosa-free circular muscle strips were precontracted with methacholine in the presence of guanethidine and exposed to electrical field stimulation (EFS) and exogenous NO, ATP, VIP and PACAP. All stimuli induced reduction of tone and inhibition of phasic motility. Only electrically induced responses were sensitive to tetrodotoxin (3 x 10(-6) m). 3. NO (10(-6)-10(-4) m)-induced concentration-dependent relaxations that were inhibited by the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]-quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; 10(-5) m) and the small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+)-channel blocker apamin (APA; 3 x 10(-8) m). 4. Relaxations elicited by exogenous ATP (10(-4)-10(-3) m) were inhibited by the P2Y purinoceptor antagonist reactive blue 2 (RB2; 3 x 10(-4) m), but not by APA and ODQ. 5. The inhibitory responses evoked by 10(-7) m VIP and 3 x 10(-8) m PACAP were decreased by the selective PAC(1) receptor antagonist PACAP(6-38) (3 x 10(-6) m) and APA. The VPAC(2) receptor antagonist PG99-465 (3 x 10(-7) m) reduced relaxations caused by VIP, but not those by PACAP, while the VPAC(1) receptor antagonist PG97-269 (3 x 10(-7) m) had no influence. 6. EFS-induced relaxations were inhibited by the NO-synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (3 x 10(-4) m), ODQ and APA, but not by RB2, PG97-269, PG99-465 and PACAP(6-38). 7. These results suggest that NO is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the circular muscle of Wistar-Han rat jejunum acting through a rise in cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels and activation of small conductance Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels.