Pharmacomechanical coupling in smooth muscle may involve phosphatidylinositol metabolism

Involvement of lipids from Leishmania braziliensis promastigotes and amastigotes in macrophage activation

Leishmania are obligate protozoan parasites responsible for substantial public health problems in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, with L. braziliensis being one of the causative agents of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis. Macrophages, fundamental cells in the innate inflammatory response against Leishmania, constitute a heterogeneous group with multiple activation phenotypes and functions. The outcome of this infection depends largely on the activation status of macrophages, the first line of mammalian defense and the major target cells for parasite replication. The importance of lipids, the major components of cell membranes, goes beyond their basic structural functions. Lipid bioactive molecules have been described in Leishmania spp., and in the recent years the knowledge about the biological relevance of lipids in particular and their relationship with the immune response is expanding. The present work analyzes the biological effects of L. braziliensis lipids from lysed promastigotes (PRO) to mimic rapid modulatory processes that could occur in the initial steps of infection or the effects of lipids from lysed and incubated promastigotes (PROinc), simulating the parasite lipid degradation processes triggered after parasite lysis that might occur in the mammalian host. To perform these studies, lipid profiles of PRO and PROinc were compared with lipids from amastigotes under similar conditions (AMA and AMAinc), and the effect of these lipid extracts were analyzed on the induction of an inflammatory response in murine peritoneal macrophages: LB induction, COX-2, iNOS and Arginase expression, TNF-α, IL-10 and NO production, Arginase activity and M1/M2 markers mRNA induction.

Androgens are effective bronchodilators with anti-inflammatory properties: A potential alternative for asthma therapy

Changes in plasma androgen levels in asthmatic men may be linked to asthma severity, seemingly acting through nongenomic and genomic effects. Nongenomic effects include rapid relaxation of carbachol or antigenic challenge pre-contracted guinea pig airway smooth muscle (ASM) in vitro: testosterone (TES) blocks l-type voltage dependent Ca²⁺ channels, stored operated Ca²⁺ channels, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors and promotes prostaglandin E₂ biosynthesis. In ASM at rest, TES lowers basal intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration and tension, maintaining a proper airway patency keeping steady smooth muscle tension and basal intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration at rest. Moreover, the bronchospasm in sensitized guinea-pigs was ablated by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a precursor of steroids, TES and its metabolites 5α- and 5β-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). On the other hand, genomic effects related to androgens' anti-inflammatory properties in asthma have been recently studied. Briefly, TES negatively regulates type 2 immune response sustained by CD4+ Th2 and group 2 innate lymphoid cells, diminishing allergic airway inflammation in males. Also, novel findings establish that TES decreases interleukin (IL)-17A protein expression produced by CD4+ Th17 cells and therefore neutrophilic airway inflammation. Clearly, DHEA, TES or its 5β-reduced metabolite that possesses minimal androgenic effect, might have potential therapeutic capacities in the treatment of severe asthma via mechanisms distinct from corticosteroid treatment.

Mitochondrial regulation of airway smooth muscle functions in health and pulmonary diseases

Mitochondria are important for airway smooth muscle physiology due to their diverse yet interconnected roles in calcium handling, redox regulation, and cellular bioenergetics. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondria dysfunction is intimately associated with airway diseases such as asthma, IPF and COPD. In these pathological conditions, increased mitochondrial ROS, altered bioenergetics profiles, and calcium mishandling contribute collectively to changes in cellular signaling, gene expression, and ultimately changes in airway smooth muscle contractile/proliferative properties. Therefore, understanding the basic features of airway smooth muscle mitochondria and their functional contribution to airway biology and pathology are key to developing novel therapeutics for airway diseases. This review summarizes the recent findings of airway smooth muscle mitochondria focusing on calcium homeostasis and redox regulation, two key determinants of physiological and pathological functions of airway smooth muscle.

Maintenance of intracellular Ca2+ basal concentration in airway smooth muscle (Review)

In airway smooth muscle, the intracellular basal Ca²⁺ concentration [_b(Ca²⁺)_i] must be tightly regulated by several mechanisms in order to maintain a proper airway patency. The _b[Ca²⁺]_i is efficiently regulated by sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase 2b, plasma membrane Ca²⁺-ATPase 1 or 4 and by the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger. Membranal Ca²⁺ channels, including the L-type voltage dependent Ca²⁺ channel (L-VDCC), T-type voltage dependent Ca²⁺ channel (T-VDCC) and transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3), appear to be constitutively active under basal conditions via the action of different signaling pathways, and are responsible for Ca²⁺ influx to maintain _b[Ca²⁺]_i. The two types of voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels (L- and T-type) are modulated by phosphorylation processes mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). The MEK/ERK signaling pathway can be activated by G-protein-coupled receptors through the α_q subunit when the endogenous ligand (i.e., acetylcholine, histamine, leukotrienes, etc.) is present under basal conditions. It may also be stimulated when receptor tyrosine kinases are occupied by the appropriate ligand (cytokines, growth factors, etc.). ERK1/2 phosphorylates L-VDCC on Ser⁴⁹⁶ of the β₂ subunit and Ser¹⁹²⁸ of the α₁ subunit, decreasing or increasing the channel activity, respectively, and enabling it to switch between an open and closed state. T-VDCC is also probably phosphorylated by ERK1/2, although further research is required to identify the phosphorylation sites. TRPC3 is directly activated by diacylglycerol produced by phospholipase C (PLC_β or _γ). Constitutive inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production induces the release of Ca²⁺ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum through inositol triphosphate receptor 1. This ion induces Ca²⁺-induced Ca²⁺ release through the ryanodine receptor 2 (designated as Ca²⁺ ‘sparks’). Therefore, several Ca²⁺ handling mechanisms are finely tuned to regulate basal intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations. It is conceivable that alterations in any of these processes may render airway smooth muscle susceptible to develop hyperresponsiveness that is observed in ailments such as asthma.

Testosterone induces hyporesponsiveness by interfering with IP3 receptors in guinea pig airway smooth muscle

Asthma symptoms have been associated with sex steroids. During childhood, this illness seems more frequent in boys than in girls and this tendency reverts in puberty when it is more severe in women. Testosterone (TES), at supraphysiological concentrations, relaxed pre-contracted airway smooth muscle, but its effects at physiological concentrations have not been thoroughly studied. We explored this possibility in guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle. In myocytes TES (10 nM) abolished carbachol (CCh)-induced intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) increment. Ca2+ responses to ATP were partially modified by TES while histamine's were not. These results indicate that inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) signaling pathway might be involved. Photolysis of caged-IP3 increased [Ca2+]i and TES abolished this effect. TES diminished reactivity of the smooth muscle to CCh and this effect was non-genomic since it was unchanged by flutamide. In tracheal smooth muscle, mRNA for each IP3 receptor (ITPR) isoform was found and, by immunofluorescence, ITPR1 and ITPR3 seems to be the main isoforms observed while ITPR2 was less prominent. Comparing the amino acid sequence of ITPR1 and the sequence of the TES binding site on the androgen receptor, we found that they share a short sequence. This domain could be responsible for the TES binding to the ITPR1 and probably for its blocking effect. We conclude that TES modifies ITPR1 function in airway smooth muscle, turning this tissue less reactive to contractile agonists that act through PLCβ-IP3 signaling cascade. These results might be related to the low asthma prevalence in males from puberty to adulthood.

Lipids From Trypanosoma cruzi Amastigotes of RA and K98 Strains Generate a Pro-inflammatory Response via TLR2/6

Lipids from microorganisms are ligands of Toll like receptors (TLRs) and modulate the innate immune response. Herein, we analyze in vitro the effect of total lipid extracts from Trypanosoma cruzi amastigotes of RA and K98 strains (with polar biological behavior) on the induction of the inflammatory response and the involvement of TLRs in this process. We demonstrated that total lipid extracts from both strains induced lipid body formation, cyclooxygenase-2 expression and TNF-α and nitric oxide release in macrophages, as well as NF-κB activation and IL-8 release in HEK cells specifically through a TLR2/6 dependent pathway. We also evaluated the inflammatory response induced by total lipid extracts obtained from lysed parasites that were overnight incubated to allow the action of parasite hydrolytic enzymes, such as Phospholipase A₁, over endogenous phospholipids. After incubation, these total lipid extracts showed a significantly reduced pro-inflammatory response, which could be attributed to the changes in the content of known bioactive lipid molecules like lysophospholipids and fatty acids, here reported. Moreover, analyses of total fatty acids in each lipid extract were performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Our results indicate a relevant role of T. cruzi lipids in the induction of a pro-inflammatory response through the TLR2/6 pathway that could contribute to the modulation of the immune response and host survival.

Protein kinase C isoforms α, δ and ε are differentially expressed in mouse ovaries at different stages of postnatal development

Background

The protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of serine/threonine kinases that consists of 12 different isoforms. Since PKC isoform expressions are known to be specific for different cell types and postnatal developmental stages, we aimed to determine immunolocalizations and protein expression levels of different PKC isoforms in pre-pubertal, pubertal and adult mouse ovaries.

Methods

Ovaries were obtained from postnatal day 1 (PND1) and PND7 of pre-pubertal, PND21 of pubertal and PND60 of adult mice. Immunolocalizations of PKCα, PKCδ and PKCε isoforms were determined and immunostainings in different cellular components of all follicular stages were evaluated by H-Score. PKCα, PKCδ and PKCε protein expression levels were determined by Western blot. The bands were quantified via ImageJ software. The data obtained from H-Score and ImageJ evaluations were analyzed by ANOVA statistical test.

Results

PKCα immunostainings were more intense in oocytes when compared to granulosa and theca cells at different follicular stages of all groups. The Western blot analysis revealed that PKCα expression was significantly higher in PND60 adult ovaries. Conversely, PKCδ immunostainings were more intense in granulosa cells. According to the Western blot analysis, PKCδ protein expression was also higher in PND60 and significantly lower in PND1 ovaries. PKCε immunostaining was more apparent in oocytes. PKCε protein expression was significantly higher in adult PND60 and pubertal PND21 ovaries when compared to pre-pubertal PND7 and PND1 ovaries. Interestingly, PKCε immunostaining was significantly higher in primordial follicles, though PKCα and PKCδ immunostainings were more apparent in larger follicles. PKCα immunostainings of corpora lutea (CL) were significantly higher when compared to follicles in PND60 ovaries.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that PKCα, PKCδ and PKCε isoforms are differentially expressed in particular cellular components of pre-pubertal, pubertal and adult mouse ovarian follicles. Therefore, we suggest that each PKC isoform has unique functions that are controlled by gonadotropin dependent mechanisms during follicular growth, oocyte maturation, ovulation and luteinization.

Babesia bovis:lipids from virulent S2P and attenuated R1A strains trigger differential signalling and inflammatory responses in bovine macrophages

The intra-erythrocytic protozoanBabesia bovisis an economically important pathogen that causes an acute and often fatal infection in adult cattle. Babesiosis limitation depends on the early activation of macrophages, essential cells of the host innate immunity, which can generate an inflammatory response mediated by cytokines and nitric oxide (NO). Herein, we demonstrate in bovine macrophages that lipids fromB. bovisattenuated R1A strain (LA) produced a stronger NO release, an early TNFαmRNA induction and 2-fold higher IL-12p35 mRNA levels compared to the lipids of virulent S2P strain (LV). Neither LAnor LVinduced anti-inflammatory IL-10. Regarding signalling pathways, we here report that LAinduced a significant phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) whereas LVonly induced a reduced activation of ERK1/2. Besides, NF-κB was activated by LAand LV, but LAproduced an early degradation of the inhibitor IκB. Interestingly, LVand the majority of its lipid fractions, exerted a significant inhibition of concanavalin A-induced peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation with respect to LAand its corresponding lipid fractions. In addition, we determined that animals infected with R1A developed a higher increase in IgM anti-phosphatidylcholine than those inoculated with S2P. Collectively, S2P lipids generated a decreased inflammatory response contributing to the evasion of innate immunity. Moreover, since R1A lipids induced a pro-inflammatory profile, we propose these molecules as good candidates for immunoprophylactic strategies against babesiosis.

Lipids from attenuated and virulent Babesia bovis strains induce differential TLR2-mediated macrophage activation

Babesia bovis is an intraerythrocytic apicomplexan protozoa of cattle that causes an acute infection with parasite persistence. Babesiosis limitation depends on macrophages, essential effector cells of the host innate defense, which generate inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide. Herein, we report quantitative differences in the lipid composition of merozoites from two B. bovis strains with polar behaviour: attenuated R1A and virulent S2P. Accordingly, we observed a distinct inflammatory response induced by the total lipids of R1A (L(A)) and S2P (L(V)) in murine peritoneal macrophages. L(A) and particularly its fractions phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylserine+phosphatidylinositol (PS+PI), produced a strong activation of these cells with lipid body formation, cyclooxygenase-2 expression and pro-inflammatory TNFalpha, IL-6 and KC secretion. Although L(V) did not activate these cells, the corresponding PS+PI fraction induced TNFalpha, IL-6 and KC release. Therefore, these facts might be suggesting the presence of an inhibitor in L(V). Furthermore, the employment of wild type and toll like receptor 2 knockout (TLR2KO) mice allowed us to demonstrate that macrophage activation by the stimulating lipid fractions was mediated through TLR2. Interestingly, only L(A) activated the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). Inhibitory studies employing UO126, indicated that the ERK pathway was required for TNFalpha, IL-6 and KC release. In conclusion, the absence of inflammatory response observed with the lipids of S2P virulent strain could constitute an evasion mechanism of the innate immune response enabling parasite establishment in the host.

Calcium, calcium channel blockade and airways function

This review will highlight recent advances in understanding the physiological role of calcium and effects of calcium channel blockers on pathogenetic factors in asthma, including airway smooth muscle contraction, mast cell degranulation and mucus secretion. A review of clinical studies with calcium channel blockers in asthma will also be presented.

Calcium signaling in airway smooth muscle

Contractility of airway smooth muscle requires elevation of intracellular calcium concentration. Under resting conditions, airway smooth muscle cells maintain a relatively low intracellular calcium concentration, and activation of the surface receptors by contractile agonists results in an elevation of intracellular calcium, culminating in contraction of the cell. The pattern of elevation of intracellular calcium brought about by agonists is a dynamic process and involves the coordinated activities of ion channels located in the plasma membrane and the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Among the signaling molecules involved in this dynamic calcium regulation in airway smooth muscle cells are inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and cyclic ADP-ribose, which mobilize calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum by acting via the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and ryanodine receptors, respectively. In addition, calcium influx from the extracellular space is critical for the repletion of the intracellular calcium stores during activation of the cells by agonists. Calcium influx can occur via voltage- and receptor-gated channels in the plasma membrane, as well as by influx that is triggered by depletion of the intracellular stores (i.e., store-operated calcium entry mechanism). Transient receptor potential proteins appear to mediate the calcium influx via receptor- and store-operated channels. Recent studies have shown that proinflammatory cytokines regulate the expression and activity of the pathways involved in intracellular calcium regulation, thereby contributing to airway smooth muscle cell hyperresponsiveness. In this review, we will discuss the specific roles of cyclic ADP-ribose/ryanodine receptor channels and transient receptor potential channels in the regulation of intracellular calcium in airway smooth muscle cells.

Evidence for a relationship between bovine erythrocyte lipid membrane peculiarities and immune pressure from ruminal ciliates

Erythrocytes of bovines and other ruminants have a strikingly anomalous phospholipid composition, with low or absent phosphatidylcholine (PC) together with high sphingomyelin (SM) content. Here, we report the presence in normal bovine serum of high levels of anti-phospholipid antibodies of IgM isotype against, PC and the phosphono analogue of phosphatidylethanolamine, aminoethylphosphonolipid (AEPL), normally produced by rumen ciliates. In contrast, no antibodies were detected against SM or N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE), the major components of bovine erythrocytes. In addition, we found that exposure of the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila to bovine serum results in rapid lysis, an effect that was inhibited by adsorption of the serum with SM/AEPL liposomes. Furthermore, incubation with bovine serum had a similar effect on freshly obtained ruminal ciliates, and the lytic activity was eliminated by pre-adsorption of the serum with SM/PE liposomes. The ruminant mode of life with its concomitant ciliate fauna is hereby linked to the peculiar conformation of bovine erythrocyte membranes. We propose that the unique phospholipid composition of bovine erythrocytes appears as an evolutionary adaptation to tolerate the lytic effects of anti-phospholipid antibodies generated against AEPL, a membrane component of the huge mass of ruminal ciliates, necessary commensals of this group of mammals.

Phospholipase A1 from Trypanosoma cruzi infective stages generates lipid messengers that activate host cell protein kinase c

Here we have studied phospholipase A1 (Plase A1) from Trypanosoma cruzi infective stages and it's possible role regarding the interaction with mammalian host cells. Plase A1 was mainly detected as a membrane-bound activity in the infective amastigote and trypomastigote stages, being remarkably higher with respect to the non-infective epimastigotes. It is noteworthy that only the infective stages secreted Plase A1. Moreover, along the differentiation process from epimastigotes into metacyclic trypomastigotes, the secreted enzyme activity increased simultaneously with the appearance of metacyclic forms, as expected. Since this enzyme is predominantly membrane-associated and secreted by the infective stages, Vero cell lipid profile modifications were analysed after interaction with either intact infective parasites or purified T. cruzi Plase A1. Significant changes in Vero cell lipid composition were observed, with the appearance of free fatty acids, diacylglycerol and lysophosphatidylcholine. Concomitantly with the generation of second lipid messengers, host cell protein kinase C activation was demonstrated. These results indicate that T. cruzi Plase A1 could play a critical role in the early events of parasite-host cell interaction that precede invasion.

Resting calcium influx in airway smooth muscle

Plasma membrane Ca2+leak remains the most uncertain of the cellular Ca2+regulation pathways. During passive Ca2+influx in non-stimulated smooth muscle cells, basal activity of constitutive Ca2+channels seems to be involved. In vascular smooth muscle, the 3 following Ca2+entry pathways contribute to this phenomenon: (i) via voltage-dependent Ca2+channels, (ii) receptor gated Ca2+channels, and (iii) store operated Ca2+channels, although, in airway smooth muscle it seems only 2 passive Ca2+influx pathways are implicated, one sensitive to SKF 96365 (receptor gated Ca2+channels) and the other to Ni2+(store operated Ca2+channels). Resting Ca2+entry could provide a sufficient amount of Ca2+and contribute to resting intracellular Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i), maintenance of the resting membrane potential, myogenic tone, and sarcoplasmic reticulum-Ca2+refilling. However, further research, especially in airway smooth muscle, is required to better explore the physiological role of this passive Ca2+influx pathway as it could be involved in airway hyperresponsiveness.Key words: basal Ca2+entry, constitutive Ca2+channels, airway and vascular smooth muscle, SKF 96365, Ni2+.

CD38/cyclic ADP-ribose signaling: role in the regulation of calcium homeostasis in airway smooth muscle

The contractility of airway smooth muscle cells is dependent on dynamic changes in the concentration of intracellular calcium. Signaling molecules such as inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and cyclic ADP-ribose play pivotal roles in the control of intracellular calcium concentration. Alterations in the processes involved in the regulation of intracellular calcium concentration contribute to the pathogenesis of airway diseases such as asthma. Recent studies have identified cyclic ADP-ribose as a calcium-mobilizing second messenger in airway smooth muscle cells, and modulation of the pathway involved in its metabolism results in altered calcium homeostasis and may contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness. In this review, we describe the basic mechanisms underlying the dynamics of calcium regulation and the role of CD38/cADPR, a novel pathway, in the context of airway smooth muscle function and its contribution to airway diseases such as asthma.

The airway cholinergic system: physiology and pharmacology

The present review summarizes the current knowledge of the cholinergic systems in the airways with special emphasis on the role of acetylcholine both as neurotransmitter in ganglia and postganglionic parasympathetic nerves and as non-neuronal paracrine mediator. The different cholinoceptors, various nicotinic and muscarinic receptors, as well as their signalling mechanisms are presented. The complex ganglionic and prejunctional mechanisms controlling the release of acetylcholine are explained, and it is discussed whether changes in transmitter release could be involved in airway dysfunctions. The effects of acetylcholine on different target cells, smooth muscles, nerves, surface epithelial and secretory cells as well as mast cells are described in detail, including the receptor subtypes involved in signal transmission.

LTD4 induces hyperresponsiveness to histamine in bovine airway smooth muscle: role of SR-ATPase Ca2+ pump and tyrosine kinase

Airway hyperresponsiveness is a key feature of asthma, but its mechanisms remain poorly understood. Leukotriene D(4) (LTD(4)) is one of the few molecules capable of producing airway hyperresponsiveness. In this study, LTD(4), but not leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)), produced a leftward displacement of the concentration-response curve to histamine in bovine airway smooth muscle strips. Neither LTC(4) nor LTD(4) modified the concentration-response curve to carbachol. In simultaneous measurements of intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) and contraction, histamine or carbachol produced a transient Ca(2+) peak followed by a plateau, along with a contraction. LTD(4) increased the histamine-induced transient Ca(2+) peak and contraction but did not modify responses to carbachol. Enhanced responses to histamine induced by LTD(4) were not modified by staurosporine or chelerythrine but were abolished by genistein. Western blot showed that carbachol, but not histamine, caused intense phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and that LTD(4) significantly enhanced the phosphorylation induced by histamine, but not by carbachol. L-type Ca(2+) channel participation in the hyperresponsiveness to histamine was discarded because LTD(4) did not modify the [Ca(2+)](i) changes induced by KCl. In tracheal myocytes, LTD(4) enhanced the transient Ca(2+) peak induced by histamine (but not by carbachol) and the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) refilling. Genistein abolished this last LTD(4) effect. Partial blockade of the SR-ATPase Ca(2+) pump with cyclopiazonic acid reduced the Ca(2+) transient peak induced by histamine but not by carbachol. These results suggested that LTD(4) induces hyperresponsiveness to histamine through activation of the tyrosine kinase pathway and an increasing SR-ATPase Ca(2+) pump activity. L-type Ca(2+) channels seemed not to be involved in this phenomenon.

The diacylglycerol and protein kinase C pathways are not involved in insulin signalling in primary rat hepatocytes

Diacylglycerol (DAG) and protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms have been implicated in insulin signalling in muscle and fat cells. We evaluated the involvement of DAG and PKC in the action of insulin in adult rat hepatocytes cultured with dexamethasone, but in the absence of serum, for 48 h. Our results show that although insulin stimulated glycolysis and glycogen synthesis, it had no effect on DAG mass or molecular species composition. Epidermal growth factor showed the expected insulin-mimetic effect on glycolysis, whereas ATP and exogenous phospholipase C acted as antagonists and abolished the insulin signal. Similarly to insulin, epidermal growth factor had no effect on DAG mass or molecular species composition. In contrast, both ATP and phospholipase C induced a prominent increase in several DAG molecular species, including 18:0/20:4, 18:0/20:5, 18:0/22:5 and a decrease in 18:1/18:1. These changes were paralleled by an increase in phospholipase D activity, which was absent in insulin-treated cells. By immunoblotting or by measuring PKC activity, we found that neither insulin nor ATP translocated the PKCalpha, -delta, -epsilon or -zeta isoforms from the cytosol to the membrane in cells cultured for six or 48 h. Similarly, insulin had no effect on immunoprecipitable PKCzeta. Suppression of the glycogenic insulin signal by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, but not by ATP, could be completely alleviated by bisindolylmaleimide. Finally, insulin showed no effect on DAG mass or translocation of PKC isoforms in the perfused liver, although it reduced the glucagon-stimulated glucose output by 75%. Together these results indicate that phospholipases C and D or multiple PKC isoforms are not involved in the hepatic insulin signal chain.

Store-operated Ca2+ entry in porcine airway smooth muscle

Ca(2+) influx triggered by depletion of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) stores [mediated via store-operated Ca(2+) channels (SOCC)] was characterized in enzymatically dissociated porcine airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. When SR Ca(2+) was depleted by either 5 microM cyclopiazonic acid or 5 mM caffeine in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+), subsequent introduction of extracellular Ca(2+) further elevated [Ca(2+)](i). SOCC was insensitive to 1 microM nifedipine- or KCl-induced changes in membrane potential. However, preexposure of cells to 100 nM-1 mM La(3+) or Ni(2+) inhibited SOCC. Exposure to ACh increased Ca(2+) influx both in the presence and absence of a depleted SR. Inhibition of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP)-induced SR Ca(2+) release by 20 microM xestospongin D inhibited SOCC, whereas ACh-induced IP(3) production by 5 microM U-73122 had no effect. Inhibition of Ca(2+) release through ryanodine receptors (RyR) by 100 microM ryanodine also prevented Ca(2+) influx via SOCC. Qualitatively similar characteristics of SOCC-mediated Ca(2+) influx were observed with cyclopiazonic acid- vs. caffeine-induced SR Ca(2+) depletion. These data demonstrate that a Ni(2+)/La(3+)-sensitive Ca(2+) influx via SOCC in porcine ASM cells involves SR Ca(2+) release through both IP(3) and RyR channels. Additional regulation of Ca(2+) influx by agonist may be related to a receptor-operated, noncapacitative mechanism.

Free fatty acids induce cell differentiation to infective forms in Trypanosoma cruzi

Intestinal extracts of Triatoma infestans induce cell differentiation of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes into the infective metacyclic form. Part of this effect can be explained by the presence of haemoglobin fragments, which stimulate trypanosomal adenylate cyclase. In this work we examined the metacyclogenic activity of lipids present in this intestinal extract. We found that lipid extracts of the intestinal extract have significant stimulatory effects that reside with the free-fatty-acid fraction, especially oleic acid. These compounds stimulate de novo diacylglycerol formation and protein kinase C activity in the parasite. Moreover, metacyclogenesis is stimulated by phorbol esters and cell-permeant diacylglycerol, while protein kinase C down-regulation or incubation with inhibitors of this kinase abrogates this effect. These results indicate that free fatty acids are a novel signal, inducing metacyclogenesis, acting through a pathway involving diacylglycerol biosynthesis and protein kinase C activation.

Role of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content in Ca2+ entry of bovine airway smooth muscle cells

Depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores induces the opening of an unknown Ca(2+ )entry pathway to the cell. We measured the intracellular free-Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) at different sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) content in fura-2-loaded smooth muscle cells isolated from bovine tracheas. The absence of Ca(2+) in the extracellular medium generated a time-dependent decrement in [Ca(2+)]i which was proportional to the reduction in the SR-Ca(2+) content. This SR-Ca(2+) level was indirectly determined by measuring the amount of Ca(2+) released by caffeine. Ca(2+) restoration at different times after Ca(2+)-free incubation (2, 4, 6 and 10 min) induced an increment of [Ca(2+)]i. This increase in [Ca(2+)]i was considered as Ca(2+) entry to the cell. The rate of this entry was slow (~0.3 nM/s) when SR-Ca(2+) content was higher than 50% (2 and 4 min in Ca(2+)-free medium), and significantly ( p<0.01) accelerated (>1.0 nM/s) when SR-Ca(2+) content was lower than 50% (6 and 10 min in Ca(2+)-free medium). Thapsigargin significantly induced a higher rate of this Ca(2+) entry ( p<0.01). Variations in Ca(2+) influx after SR-Ca(2+) depletion were estimated more directly by a Mn(2+) quench approach. Ca(2+) restoration to the medium 4 min after Ca(2+) removal did not modify the Mn(2+) influx. However, when Ca(2+) was added after 10 min in Ca(2+)-free medium, an increment of Mn(2+) influx was observed, corroborating an increase in Ca(2+) entry. The fast Ca(2+) influx was Ni(2+) sensitive but was not affected by other known capacitative Ca(2+) entry blockers such as La(3+), Mg(2+), SKF 96365 and 2-APB. It was also not affected by the blockage of L-type Ca2(+) channels with methoxyverapamil or by the sustained K(+)-induced depolarisation. The slow Ca(2+) influx was only sensitive to SKF 96365. In conclusion, our results indicate that in bovine airway smooth muscle cells Ca(2+) influx after SR-Ca(2+) depletion has two rates: A) The slow Ca(2+) influx, which occurred in cells with more than 50% of their SR-Ca(2+) content, is sensitive to SKF 96365 and appears to be a non-capacitative Ca(2+) entry; and B) The fast Ca(2+) influx, observed in cells with less than 50% of their SR-Ca(2+) content, is probably a capacitative Ca(2+) entry and was only Ni(2+)-sensitive.

Intracellular calcium signaling through the cADPR pathway is agonist specific in porcine airway smooth muscle

Cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) induces intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) release in airway smooth muscle, and the cADPR antagonist, 8-amino-cADPR, abolishes [Ca2+]i oscillations elicited by acetylcholine (ACh), suggesting that cADPR is involved during muscarinic receptor activation. Whether the cADPR signaling pathway is common to agonists acting through different G protein-coupled receptors is not known. Using digital video imaging of Fura2-AM loaded porcine airway smooth muscle cells, we examined the effects of the membrane-permeant cADPR antagonist, 8-bromo-cADPR (8Br-cADPR), on the [Ca2+]i responses to ACh, histamine and endothelin-1 (ET-1). In cells preincubated with 100 microM 8Br-cADPR, the [Ca2+]i responses to ACh and ET-1 were significantly attenuated, whereas responses to histamine were not, suggesting agonist specificity of cADPR signaling. The effects of 8Br-cADPR were concentration dependent. We further examined whether muscarinic receptor subtypes specifically couple to this pathway, because in porcine airway smooth muscle cells, ACh activates both M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors coupled to Gai and Gaq, respectively. Methoctramine, an M2-selective antagonist, attenuated the [Ca2+]i responses to Ach, and there was no further attenuation by 8Br-cADPR. In airway smooth muscle, the CD38/cADPR signaling pathway is involved in [Ca2+]i responses to contractile agonists in an agonist-specific manner.

Stretch-induced calcium release in smooth muscle

Smooth muscle cells undergo substantial increases in length, passively stretching during increases in intraluminal pressure in vessels and hollow organs. Active contractile responses to counteract increased transmural pressure were first described almost a century ago (Bayliss, 1902) and several mechanisms have been advanced to explain this phenomenon. We report here that elongation of smooth muscle cells results in ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca(2+) release in individual myocytes. Mechanical elongation of isolated, single urinary bladder myocytes to approximately 120% of slack length (DeltaL = 20) evoked Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores in the form of single Ca(2+) sparks and propagated Ca(2+) waves. Ca(2+) release was not due to calcium-induced calcium release, as release was observed in Ca(2+)-free extracellular solution and when free Ca(2+) ions in the cytosol were strongly buffered to prevent increases in [Ca(2+)](i). Stretch-induced calcium release (SICR) was not affected by inhibition of InsP(3)R-mediated Ca(2+) release, but was completely blocked by ryanodine. Release occurred in the absence of previously reported stretch-activated currents; however, SICR evoked calcium-activated chloride currents in the form of transient inward currents, suggesting a regulatory mechanism for the generation of spontaneous currents in smooth muscle. SICR was also observed in individual myocytes during stretch of intact urinary bladder smooth muscle segments. Thus, longitudinal stretch of smooth muscle cells induces Ca(2+) release through gating of RYR. SICR may be an important component of the physiological response to increases in luminal pressure in smooth muscle tissues.

Agonist-induced phasic and tonic responses in smooth muscle are mediated by InsP3

Many cellular functions are regulated by agonist-induced InsP3-evoked Ca2+ release from the internal store. In non-excitable cells, predominantly, the initial Ca2+release from the store by InsP3 is followed by a more sustained elevation in [Ca2+]i via store-operated Ca2+ channels as a consequence of depletion of the store. Here, in smooth muscle, we report that the initial transient increase in Ca2+, from the internal store, is followed by a sustained response also as a consequence of depletion of the store (by InsP3), but, influx occurs via voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. Contractions were measured in pieces of whole distal colon and membrane currents and [Ca2+]i in single colonic myocytes. Carbachol evoked phasic and tonic contractions; only the latter were abolished in Ca2+-free solution. The tonic component was blocked by the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel blocker nimodipine but not by the store-operated channel blocker SKF 96365. InsP3 receptor inhibition, with 2-APB, attenuated both the phasic and tonic components. InsP3 may regulate tonic contractions via sarcolemma Ca2+ entry. In single cells,depolarisation (to ∼-20 mV) elevated [Ca2+]i and activated spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs). CCh suppressed STOCs, as did caffeine and InsP3. InsP3 receptor blockade by 2-APB or heparin prevented CCh suppression of STOCs; protein kinase inhibition by H-7 or PKC19-36did not. InsP3 suppressed STOCs by depleting a Ca2+ store accessed separately by the ryanodine receptor (RyR). Thus depletion of the store by RyR activators abolished the InsP3-evoked Ca2+ transient. RyR inhibition (by tetracaine) reduced only STOCs but not the InsP3transient. InsP3 contributes to both phasic and tonic contractions. In the former, muscarinic receptor-evoked InsP3 releases Ca2+ from an internal store accessed by both InsP3 and RyR. Depletion of this store by InsP3 alone suppresses STOCs, depolarises the sarcolemma and permits entry of Ca2+ to generate the tonic component. Therefore, by lowering the internal store Ca2+ content,InsP3 may generate a sustained smooth muscle contraction. These results provide a mechanism to account for phasic and tonic smooth muscle contraction following receptor activation.

Invited review: significance of spatial and temporal heterogeneity of calcium transients in smooth muscle

The multiplicity of mechanisms involved in regulation of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in smooth muscle results in both intra- and intercellular heterogeneities in [Ca(2+)](i). Heterogeneity in [Ca(2+)](i) regulation is reflected by the presence of spontaneous, localized [Ca(2+)](i) transients (Ca(2+) sparks) representing Ca(2+) release through ryanodine receptor (RyR) channels. Ca(2+) sparks display variable spatial Ca(2+) distributions with every occurrence within and across cellular regions. Individual sparks are often grouped, and fusion of sparks produces large local elevations in [Ca(2+)](i) that occasionally trigger propagating [Ca(2+)](i) waves. Ca(2+) sparks may modulate membrane potential and thus smooth muscle contractility. Sparks may also be the target of other regulatory factors in smooth muscle. Agonists induce propagating [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations that originate from foci with high spark incidence and also represent Ca(2+) release through RyR channels. With increasing agonist concentration, the peak of regional [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations remains relatively constant, whereas both frequency and propagation velocity increase. In contrast, the global cellular response appears as a concentration-dependent increase in peak as well as mean cellular [Ca(2+)](i), representing a spatial and temporal integration of the oscillations. The significance of agonist-induced [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations lies in the establishment of a global [Ca(2+)](i) level for slower Ca(2+)-dependent physiological processes.

Mutation screening of the muscarinic M(2) and M(3) receptor genes in normal and asthmatic subjects

1. Muscarinic receptors are important in the development of airway hyperresponsiveness, and dysfunction of these receptors has been suggested to be present in asthma. 2. The human muscarinic M(2) and M(3) receptor genes were screened for polymorphic variation using single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis, complemented by direct fluorescent sequencing. Forty-six random DNA samples and 46 respiratory physician diagnosed asthmatic samples were used as a template for analysis. 3. Within the muscarinic M(2) receptor gene, we identified two degenerate single base substitutions (1197T-->C, Thr-->Thr and 976A-->C, Arg-->Arg) in one random and one asthmatic sample respectively. Analysis of the 3' UTR region revealed an additional 'A' at bp 1793 (c.f. ATG). This was present in all of 49 samples analysed by sequencing or BsmI digest, suggesting that the published sequence (GenBank Accession NO: M16404) is incorrect. A common 3' UTR polymorphism (T-->A) was found at bp 1696 (c.f. ATG) (allelic frequency=65%, n=60), but this does not alter transcription factor recognition sites. 4. We were unable to identify any polymorphic variation within the muscarinic M(3) coding region or the flanking regions investigated, using the methods described. 5. The coding regions for the human muscarinic M(2) and M(3) receptor genes are both highly conserved. These data suggest that polymorphic variation within these coding sequences is unlikely to account for inter-individual variability in response to methacholine or anticholinergic therapy. The potential functional significance of the muscarinic M(2) receptor 3' UTR polymorphism (bp 1696) remains to be determined.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ depletion by caffeine and changes of [Ca2+](i) during refilling in bovine airway smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND

In airway smooth muscle (ASM), Ca2+ influx in response to the Ca2+ depletion of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) seems to play a role in the regulation of intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+](i)). This study evaluates some possible Ca2+ entry pathways activated during SR-Ca2+ depletion induced by 10 mM caffeine.

METHODS

Enzymatically dispersed bovine ASM cells were loaded with Fura-2/AM to permit measurement of [Ca2+](i) changes in single cells.

RESULTS

Caffeine (10 mM) induced a transient increase in [[Ca2+](i) that depleted SR-Ca(2)+ content. After caffeine washout, a decrease in basal [Ca2+](i) (undershoot) was invariably observed, followed by a slow recovery. This phenomenon was inhibited by cyclopiazonic acid (5 microM). External Ca(2)+ removal in depolarized and nondepolarized cells induced a decrease in basal [Ca2+](i) that continued until depletion of the SR-Ca2+ content. The decrease in [Ca2+](i) induced by Ca2+-free physiological saline solution (PSS) was accelerated in caffeine-stimulated cells. Recovery from undershoot was not observed in Ca2+-free PSS. Depolarization with KCl and addition of D600 (30 microM) did not modify recovery. Similar results were obtained when the Na(+)/Ca2+ exchanger was blocked by substituting NaCl with KCl in normal PSS (Na(+)-free PSS) or by adding benzamil amiloride (25 microM).

CONCLUSIONS

SR-Ca2+ content plays an important role in the Ca2+ leak induced by Ca2+-free medium, and does not depend on membrane potential. Additionally, recovery from undershoot after caffeine depends on extracellular Ca2+, and neither voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels nor the Na(+)/Ca2+ exchanger are involved.

Differential localization of conventional protein kinase C isoforms during mouse oocyte development

Protein kinase C (PKC), the major cell target for tumor-promoting phorbol esters, plays a central role in signal transduction pathways. In many biological systems where Ca(2+) serves as a second messenger, regulatory control is mediated by PKC. The activation of PKC depends on its binding to RACK1 receptor, which is an intracellular protein anchor for activated PKC. We demonstrate that the conventional PKC (cPKC) isoforms, PKC-alpha, PKC-betaI, and PKC-betaII, as well as RACK1, are expressed in mouse oocytes (germinal vesicle [GV]) and mature eggs (metaphase II [MII]). In GV oocytes, PKC-alpha, PKC-betaII, and RACK1 were uniformly distributed in the cytoplasm, while PKC-betaI was localized in the cytoplasm and in the plasma membrane as well. Treatment of GV oocytes with the biologically active phorbol ester, 12-o-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), resulted in a rapid translocation of the cytosolic PKC-alpha, but not PKC-betaI, PKC-betaII, or RACK1, to the plasma membrane. This was associated with inhibition of GV breakdown. In MII eggs (17 h post-hCG), PKC-alpha was uniformly distributed in the cytoplasm while PKC-betaI and -betaII were distributed in the cytoplasm and in the plasma membrane as well. Treatment with TPA resulted in a rapid translocation of PKC-alpha from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane and a significant decrease of PKC-betaI throughout the cytoplasm, while it also remained in the cell periphery. No change in the distribution of PKC-betaII or RACK1 was observed. TPA also induced pronucleus formation. Physiological activation of MII eggs by sperm induced cortical granule exocytosis associated with significant translocation of PKC-alpha and -betaI, but not -betaII, to the plasma membrane. Overall, these results suggest a possible involvement of cPKC isoforms in the mechanism of mouse oocyte maturation and egg activation.

Spatial and temporal aspects of ACh-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations in porcine tracheal smooth muscle

This study evaluated the relationship between regional elevation in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by acetylcholine (ACh) and the global cellular responses in porcine tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) cells. Regional (approximately 1.5 microm3) and global (whole cell) changes in [Ca2+]i were measured in fluo-3 loaded TSM cells using real-time confocal microscopy. Regional responses appeared as propagating [Ca2+]i oscillations whereas global responses reflected the spatiotemporal integration of these regional responses. Within a region, [Ca2+]i oscillations were 'biphasic' with initial higher frequencies, followed by slower steady-state oscillations. With increasing ACh concentration, the peak (maximum value relative to 0 nM) of regional [Ca2+]i oscillations remained relatively constant, whereas both frequency and propagation velocity increased. In contrast, the global spatiotemporal integration of the regional oscillatory responses appeared as a concentration-dependent increase in peak as well as mean cellular [Ca2+]i. We conclude that the significance of ACh-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations lies in the establishment of mean [Ca2+]i level for slower Ca2+-dependent physiological processes via modulation of oscillation frequency and propagation velocity.

The hazardous effects of alveolar hypocapnia on lung mechanics during weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass

The bronchoconstrictive effects of alveolar hypocapnia during weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were investigated in patients undergoing elective coronary artery revascularization. Thirty patients were randomly assigned into two equal groups. In both groups, mechanical ventilation was initiated for 3 min prior to weaning from CPB with the venous pressure low. This kept the pulmonary vascular bed empty, resulting in alveolar hypocapnia (ETCO2 < 2 kPa). Peak airway pressure (P(peak)) and plateau pressures (P(plateau)) were recorded. In group 1, 5% CO2 was added to the inspiratory gas mixture and the ETCO2 allowed to rise (ETCO2 > 3.3 kPa). The ventilation pressure measurements were recorded again after 3 min stabilization. In group 2, the venous pressure was increased to allow the pulmonary venous bed to fill and the ventilation pressures recorded after a 3 min period of stabilization. In group 1, the ventilatory pressures dropped significantly (p < 0.001) when the alveolar hypocapnia was reversed with added CO2 (P(peak) 19.71 +/- 5.7 to 12.31 +/- 2.8 cmH2O and P(plateau) 13.15 +/- 3.28 to 9.15 +/- 2.23 cmH2O). In group 2, a similar effect was achieved by allowing filling of the pulmonary vascular bed (P(peak) 17.46 +/- 4.72 to 11.92 +/- 3.03 cmH2O and P(plateau) 13.93 +/- 4.10 to 9.37 +/- 3.00 cmH2O). These results suggest that filling the pulmonary vascular bed prior to initiating ventilation, when weaning from CPB, prevents the otherwise deleterious effects of alveolar hypocapnia, resulting in raised bronchomotor tonus and raised airway pressures.

InsP3, but not novel Ca2+ releasers, contributes to agonist-initiated contraction in rabbit airway smooth muscle

1. To examine the contributions of the putative Ca2+ releasers, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3), cyclic ADP ribose (cADPR), and nicotinate adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), to carbachol (CCh)-induced contraction in airway smooth muscle, we measured force development of permeabilized rabbit tracheal smooth muscle, human bronchial smooth muscle and guinea-pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle. 2. In the presence of 50 microM GTP, CCh and InsP3 contracted alpha-toxin-permeabilized tracheal smooth muscle dose dependently; the EC50 values for CCh and InsP3 were 1.84 microM and 363 microM, and the maximum responses (normalized to the 30 mM caffeine response) to 100 microM CCh and to 800 microM InsP3 were 206 +/- 13.4 % (mean +/- S.E.M.) and 84.4 +/- 5.3 %, respectively. 3. However, cADPR (10-300 microM), beta-NAD+ (2.5 mM), FK506 (30 microM) and NAADP (100 microM) neither contracted the strip by themselves nor affected the subsequent CCh (1 microM) response. alpha-Toxin-permeabilized bronchial smooth muscle and ileum smooth muscle also responded to caffeine, InsP3 and CCh but not to cADPR. 4. Both 100 microM 8-amino-cADPR, a selective cADPR antagonist, and 100 microM thionicotinamide-NADP, a selective NAADP antagonist, failed to inhibit the CCh response, although procaine abolished the caffeine, InsP3 and CCh responses in the permeabilized tracheal smooth muscle. 5. Although inhibition of the caffeine response by 30 microM ryanodine was nearly complete, approximately 30 % of the InsP3 (300 microM) plus GTP (50 microM) response was retained, and the resultant response disappeared after the caffeine response was evoked in the presence of ryanodine. 6. Heparin (300 microg ml-1) blocked InsP3 (300 microM) and CCh (3 microM) responses in beta-escin-permeabilized tracheal smooth muscle, while Ruthenium Red (100 microM) partially inhibited the CCh response. 7. Collectively, InsP3 but not cADPR or NAADP plays a key role in CCh-initiated contraction, and InsP3 utilizes a single compartment of the caffeine/ryanodine-sensitive stored Ca2+ in airway smooth muscle.

Anticholinesterase drugs stimulate phosphatidylinositol response in rat tracheal slices

Some anticholinesterase (anti-ChE) drugs induce airway smooth muscle contraction. Whether anti-ChE drugs stimulate muscarinic receptors in airway smooth muscle as well as nicotinic receptors in neuromuscular junction is unknown. Since there is a direct relationship between phosphatidylinositol (PI) response and airway smooth muscle contraction induced by muscarinic agonists, we examined the effects of neostigmine, physostigmine, pyridostigmine, and edrophonium on PI response in the airway smooth muscle. The rat tracheal slices were incubated in Krebs-Henseleit solution containing LiCl and [3H]myo-inositol in the presence of carbachol, anti-ChE, or none of them. [3H]inositol monophosphate (IP1), which is a degradation product of PI response, was counted with a liquid scintillation counter. Inositol monophosphate accumulation was stimulated by neostigmine, physostigmine, and pyridostigmine in a dose-dependent manner, but was not affected by edrophonium. These increases were completely inhibited by atropine. The results suggest that neostigmine, physostigmine, and pyridostigmine stimulate PI response in the airway smooth muscle, which would cause bronchoconstriction, while edrophonium does not affect PI response.

Modulation of agonist-induced phosphoinositide metabolism, Ca2+ signalling and contraction of airway smooth muscle by cyclic AMP-dependent mechanisms

1. The effects of increased cellular cyclic AMP levels induced by isoprenaline, forskolin and 8-bromoadenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cyclic AMP) on phosphoinositide metabolism and changes in intracellular Ca2+ elicited by methacholine and histamine were examined in bovine isolated tracheal smooth muscle (BTSM) cells. 2. Isoprenaline (pD2 (-log10 EC50) = 6.32 +/- 0.24) and forskolin (pD2 = 5.6 +/- 0.05) enhanced cyclic AMP levels in a concentration-dependent fashion in these cells, while methacholine (pD2 = 5.64 +/- 0.12) and histamine (pD2 = 4.90 +/- 0.04) caused a concentration-related increase in [3H]-inositol phosphates (IP) accumulation in the presence of 10 mM LiCl. 3. Preincubation of the cells (5 min, 37 degrees C) with isoprenaline (1 microM), forskolin (10 microM) and 8-Br-cyclic AMP (1 mM) did not affect the IP accumulation induced by methacholine, but significantly reduced the maximal IP production by histamine (1 mM). However, the effect of isoprenaline was small (15.0 +/- 0.6% inhibition) and insignificant at histamine concentrations between 0.1 and 100 microM. 4. Both methacholine and histamine induced a fast (max. in 0.5-2 s) and transient increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) followed by a sustained phase lasting several minutes. EGTA (5 mM) attenuated the sustained phase, indicating that this phase depends on extracellular Ca2+. 5. Preincubation of the cells (5 min, 37 degrees C) with isoprenaline (1 microM), forskolin (10 microM) and 8-Br-cyclic AMP (1 microM) significantly attenuated both the Ca(2+)-transient and the sustained phase generated at equipotent IP producing concentrations of 1 microM methacholine and 100 microM histamine (approx. 40% of maximal methacholine-induced IP response), but did not affect changes in [Ca2+]i induced by 100 microM methacholine (95.2 +/- 3.5% of maximal methacholine-induced IP response). 6. Significant correlations were found between the isoprenaline-induced inhibition of BTSM contraction and inhibition of Ca2+ mobilization or influx induced by methacholine and histamine, that were similar for each contractile agonist. 7. These data indicate that (a) cyclic AMP-dependent inhibition of Ca2+ mobilization in BTSM cells is not primarily caused by attenuation of IP production, suggesting that cyclic AMP induced protein kinase A (PKA) activation is effective at a different level in the [Ca2+]i homeostasis, (b) that attenuation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration plays a major role in beta-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation of methacholine- and histamine-induced airway smooth muscle contraction, and (c) that the relative resistance of the muscarinic agonist-induced contraction to beta-adrenoceptor agonists, especially at (supra) maximal contractile concentrations is largely determined by its higher potency in inducing intracellular Ca2+ changes.

Functional, biochemical and morphological studies on human bronchi after cryopreservation

1. Human isolated bronchi have been investigated as fresh tissue or after storage (7 and 30 days) at -196 degrees C in foetal calf serum containing 1.8 M dimethyl sulphoxide. 2. After cryopreservation, the maximal contractile response to acetylcholine (3 mM) was reduced (approximately 25%) but the difference did not reach significance statistically. Maximal responses to other spasmogens tested (histamine, [Nle10]NKA(4-10), bradykinin, leukotriene D4, U46619, and KCl) did not differ between unfrozen and frozen/thawed tissues. The sensitivity of cryopreserved tissues to the constrictor agents tested was similar to that of fresh tissues. 3. The accumulation of inositol phosphates produced by acetylcholine in human bronchus in vitro was similar in fresh and cryostored (30 days) tissues. 4. Relaxant responses of acetylcholine (0.3 microM)-precontracted preparations to theophylline, isoprenaline, rolipram and sodium nitroprusside were unchanged after storage with the exception of the sensitivity to rolipram which was diminished in the 30-days cryostorage group. 5. Light microscopic examination of sections taken from 30 days cryostored tissues indicates that the epithelium, submucosal tissue and smooth muscle were well preserved. 6. These experiments suggest that cryopreservation of human bronchi results in maintenance of several morphological, functional (contraction/relaxation) and biochemical properties.

Calcium Mobilization and Muscle Contraction Induced by Acetylcholine in Swine Trachealis

The roles of Ca(2+) mobilization in development of tension induced by acetylcholine (ACh, 0.1-100 &mgr;M) in swine tracheal smooth muscle strips were studied. Under control conditions, ACh induced a transient increase in free cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) that declined to a steady-state level. The peak increase in [Ca(2+)](i) correlated with the magnitude of tension at each [ACh] after a single exposure to ACh, while the steady-state [Ca(2+)](i) did not. Removal of extracellular Ca(2+) had little effect on peak [Ca(2+)](i) but greatly reduced steady-state increases in [Ca(2+)](i) and tension. Verapamil inhibited steady-state [Ca(2+)](i) only at [ACh] <1 &mgr;M. After depletion of internal Ca(2+) stores by 10 min exposure to ACh in Ca(2+)-free solution and then washout of ACh for 5 min in Ca(2+)-free solution, simultaneous re-exposure to ACh in the presence of 2.5 mM Ca(2+) increased [Ca(2+)](i) to the control steady-state level without overshoot. The tension attained was the same as control for each [ACh] used. Continuous exposure to successively increasing [ACh] (0.1-100 &mgr;M) also reduced the overshoot of [Ca(2+)](i) at 10 and 100 &mgr;M ACh, yet tension reached control levels at each [ACh] used. We conclude that the steady-state increase in [Ca(2+)](i) is necessary for tension maintenance and is dependent on Ca(2+) influx through voltage-gated calcium channels at 0.1 &mgr;M ACh and through a verapamil-intensitive pathway at 10 and 100 &mgr;M. The initial transient increase in calcium arises from intracellular stores and is correlated with the magnitude of tension only in muscles that have completely recovered from previous exposure to agonists. Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel

Alkalosis- and ATP-induced increases in the diacyglycerol pool in alveolar type II cells are derived from phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol

Alkalosis and ATP increase surfactant secretion in alveolar type II cells, possibly via non-receptor- and receptor-mediated mechanisms respectively. We compared the effects of these two agonists on phosphatidylinositol (PI) and 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) pools and on phosphatidylcholine (PC) hydrolysis in alveolar type II cells. Alkalosis, caused by transfer of cells from 5% (control) to 0% CO2 in air, and ATP increased the secretion of surfactant compared with the controls. The stimulated secretion was inhibited by staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor. DAG and PI contents of control cells were 50 +/- 1.1 (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 8) and 14 +/-0.8 nmol/mg phospholipid (n = 7) respectively. The DAG content increased by approximately 50 nmol (100%) within 5 s of treatment with both alkalosis and ATP, returned to control levels by 1 min, and increased again at 5 min by approximately 20 nmol. The PI content decreased maximally by approximately 6 nmol (40%) at 5 s and returned to control levels by 30 s with both alkalosis and ATP, but was unchanged thereafter. Mass-balance analysis of net changes in DAG and PI pools suggests that additional sources, possibly PC, must also contribute to the DAG increase. ATP or alkalosis also increased the hydrolysis of PC. The labelling of phosphocholine was increased (approximately 60%) at as early as 5 s and remained elevated at subsequent time points, whereas labelling of choline was higher only with ATP at 50 s and later, suggesting activation of phospholipase C by both agonists, and of phospholipase D by only ATP. Our studies demonstrate that ATP and alkalosis stimulate rapid hydrolysis of inositol and choline phospholipids to increase the DAG mass in type II cells, and that phospholipase C-stimulated PC hydrolysis is the major pathway for DAG formation.

Intracellular calcium in canine cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells is regulated by M3 muscarinic receptors

1. The regulation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) during exposure to carbachol was measured directly in canine cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs) loaded with fura-2. Stimulation of muscarinic cholinoceptors (muscarinic AChRs) by carbachol produced a dose-dependent rise in [Ca2+]i which was followed by a stable plateau phase. The EC50 values of carbachol for the peak and sustained plateau responses were 0.34 and 0.33 microM, respectively. 2. Atropine (10 microM) prevented all the responses to carbachol, and when added during a response to carbachol, significantly, but not completely decreased [Ca2+]i within 5 s. Therefore, the changes in [Ca2+]i by carbachol were mediated through the muscarinic AChRs. 3. AF-DX 116 (a selective M2 antagonist) and 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine (4-DAMP, a selective M3 antagonist) inhibited the carbachol-stimulated increase in [Ca2+]i with pKB values of 6.4 and 9.4, respectively, corresponding to low affinity for AF-DX 119 and high affinity for 4-DAMP in antagonizing this response. 4. The plateau elevation of [Ca2+]i was dependent on the presence of external Ca2+. Removal of Ca2+ by the addition of 2 mM EGTA caused the [Ca2+]i to decline rapidly to the resting level. In the absence of external Ca2+, only an initial transient peak of [Ca2+]i was seen which then declined to the resting level; the sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i could then be evoked by the addition of Ca2+ (1.8 mM) in the continued presence of carbachol. 5.Ca2+ influx was required for the changes of [Ca2+]i, since the Ca2+-channel blockers, diltiazem(10 microM), nifedipine (10 microM), verapamil (10 microM) and Ni2+ (5 mM), decreased both the initial and sustained elevation of [Ca2+], in response to carbachol. These Ca2+-channel blockers also decreased the sustained elevation of [Ca2+], when applied during the plateau phase.6. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that the initial detectable increase in carbachol-stimulated[Ca2+]J is due to the release of Ca2+ from internal stores, followed by the flux of external Ca2+ into the cells. This influx of extracellular Ca2+ partially involves an L-type Ca2+-channel. M3 muscarinic receptors appear to mediate the Ca2+ mobilization in canine TSMCs.

Muscarinic regulation of cytosolic free calcium in canine tracheal smooth muscle cells: Ca2+ requirement for phospholipase C activation

1. The relationship between muscarinic receptor-mediated phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) breakdown and the increase of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+])i has been examined in canine cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs). 2. Addition of acetylcholine (ACh) and carbachol led to a 2-3 fold increase in [Ca2+]i over the resting level as determined by fura-2, with half-maximal stimulation (EC50) obtained at concentrations of 97 and 340 nM, respectively. Addition of the partial agonist, bethanechol, showed a smaller increase in PIP2 turnover and [Ca2+]i than did ACh or carbachol. 3. Addition of ACh or carbachol to TSMCs that had been prelabelled with [3H]-inositol led to the rapid (5-15 s) release of inositol mono, bis and trisphosphates IP1, IP2 and IP3. The time course of IP3 accumulation is correlated with the time course of the peak rise in [Ca2+]i. 4. Inclusion of EGTA lowered the resting [Ca2+]i and markedly reduced the extent of the agonist-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. When assayed under conditions similar to those used for the [Ca2+]i measurements, EGTA reduced the muscarinic agonist-stimulated inositol phosphates (IPs) accumulation. Conversely, ionomycin could stimulate IPs accumulation and elevate [Ca2+]i. The addition of Ca2+ (2.7-617 nM) to digitonin-permeabilized TSMCs directly stimulated IPs accumulation. 5. Both Ca2+ and guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) stimulated the formation of IPs in digitonin-permeabilized TSMCs prelabelled with [3H]-inositol. A further calcium-dependent increase in IPs accumulation was obtained by inclusion of either GTP gamma S or carbachol. The combined presence of carbachol and GTP gamma S elicited a synergistic effect on IPs accumulation, with half-maximal stimulation observed at approximately 8 nM free Ca2+.6. These results indicate that (i) the magnitude of the initial rise in [Ca2+], is directly related to the production of IPs and (ii) the phospholipase C-mediated PIP2 breakdown in TSMCs is sensitive to regulation by physiologically relevant concentrations of free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]f).

Role of protein kinase C in oxidant--mediated activation of phospholipase A2 in rabbit pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that activation of cell membrane associated protein kinase C (PKC) plays a role in stimulating cell membrane associated phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity, and subsequent liberation of arachidonic acid (AA) under exposure of rabbit pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells to the oxidant hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Exposure of the smooth muscle cells to H2O2 dose-dependently stimulates [14C] AA release, and enhances the cell membrane associated PLA2 activity. Pretreatment of the cells with protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors H7 and sphingosine prevent the cell membrane associated PLA2 activity, and AA release caused by H2O2. Treatment of the smooth muscle cells with H2O2 stimulates the cell membrane associated PKC activity. Pretreatment of the cells with an antioxidant vitamin E prevents H2O2 caused stimulation of the cell membrane associated PKC activity. The cell membrane associated PLA2 and PKC activities correlate linearly. These results suggest that H2O2 caused stimulation of the smooth muscle cell membrane associated PLA2 activity, and subsequent liberation of AA can occur through an increase in the activity of the cell membrane associated PKC.

Stimulation of phospholipase D activity and phosphatidic acid production by norepinephrine in rat aorta

We sought to relate norepinephrine (NE) stimulation of phosphatidic acid (PA) production to functional responses of rat aorta and pathways for PA production. The time course for changes in PA was closely related to Ca-dependent tonic responses in 42K efflux and contraction. NE (30 microM for 1 min) increased PA and reduced phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) based on Pi analyses and 32P labeling of phospholipids. The 32P-to-Pi ratio in PA (0.8 +/- 0.2, n = 13) was similar to PC (0.8 +/- 0.1, n = 14) but was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than PI (4.6 +/- 0.5, n = 14). The 32P-to-Pi ratio in PA was also lower (P < 0.02) than phosphatidylinositol phosphate and phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate. NE also increased [3H]PA twofold (P < 0.05) when PC was selectively labeled with [3H]myristic acid. These observations are more consistent with PA being formed from the hydrolysis of PC by phospholipase D (PLD) than by the phosphorylation of diacylglycerol produced by the action of phospholipase C. PLD was assayed by the formation of phosphatidylethanol (PEt) via a transphosphatidylation reaction with ethanol (half-maximal stimulation at 0.4-0.5% vol/vol). The time course for PLD stimulation by NE was similar to PA, with significant increases (P < 0.002) during 10 s to 30 min exposure. Once formed, PEt was degraded slowly, with a half time > 3 h. It is concluded that NE stimulates PLD in rat aorta, which forms a significant amount of PA from the hydrolysis of PC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

H1 receptor mediates inositol phosphates response to histamine in gastric smooth muscle of guinea pigs

The effect of histamine on [3H]-inositol phosphates (IPs) formation was investigated with [3H]-inositol-labeled gastric smooth-muscle cells in guinea pigs. Histamine (10(-5) M) increased the formation of [3H]-IPs in the muscle cells. The increase was significantly inhibited by pyrilamine (10(-5) M) but not by cimetidine (10(-5) M). The contractile response to histamine was also completely inhibited by pyrilamine but not by cimetidine. Phorbol ester 12-myristate 13-acetate (10 microM) significantly inhibited histamine-stimulated [3H]-IPs formation by 56%, whereas forskolin (10 microM) decreased it by 18%. This study demonstrates that the response of [3H]-IPs formation and contraction to histamine is mediated through H1 receptor, and the formation of [3H]-IPs is negatively regulated by protein kinase C in gastric smooth muscle of guinea pigs.

[Cellular mechanism of muscle contraction of bronchial smooth muscle]

Airway smooth muscle is one of the main effector of bronchial reactivity. The understanding of the cellular mechanisms involved in the contraction of this muscle has advanced in the recent past since isolated cells in culture can now be studied. Extracellular messengers (neurotransmitters and mediators) as well as their specific membrane receptors have been analyzed in some details. The membrane transduction of extracellular messengers brings about the formation (or the increase in the concentration) of the intracellular second messenger which, in airway smooth muscle, is the cytosolic calcium (Ca2+i) via activation of calcium channels which depend on surface membrane potential changes (electromechanical coupling) on the one hand and mainly via mechanisms independent of surface membrane potential changes-so-called the pharmacomechanical coupling--which involves membrane phosphoinositides metabolism. Changes in Ca2+i activate contractile proteins leading the muscle to shorten and to develop force via several controlled steps such as phosphorylation of myosin or changes in the sensitivity to Ca2+ of the contractile elements. Experimental techniques that enable to simultaneously study different aspects of the cellular response are being developed in airway smooth muscle and are likely to provide complementary information about the cellular physiology and pathophysiology of this muscle.

Comparative effects of BRL 38227, nitrendipine and isoprenaline on carbachol- and histamine-stimulated phosphoinositide metabolism in airway smooth muscle

1. The ability of BRL 38227 and nitrendipine to affect muscarinic agonist and histamine-stimulated [3H]-inositol phosphate accumulation in slices of bovine tracheal smooth muscle has been studied and compared with the established inhibitory effects of isoprenaline on this pathway. 2. Pre-addition of BRL 38227 (5 microM), nitrendipine (1 microM) or isoprenaline (10 microM) significantly inhibited the subsequent inositol phosphate response to histamine at all concentrations studied (10- 1000 microM). BRL 38227 and nitrendipine also significantly inhibited the [3H]-inositol phosphate response to low (1 microM), but not high (100 microM) concentrations of carbachol. Isoprenaline had no effect at any concentration of carbachol studied. 3. Nitrendipine (IC50 = 95 nM) and BRL 38227 (IC50 = 322 nM) caused concentration-related inhibitions of the inositol phosphate response to histamine (100 microM). Similar maximal inhibitions were caused by each agent (55-58%). Inhibitory effect of BRL 38227 was reduced in potency (IC50 = 5.5 microM), but not magnitude, in the presence of glibenclamide (0.5 microM). 4. Time-course studies comparing the effects of BRL 38227 addition 15 min before, and 10 min after histamine challenge showed that for pre-addition a distinct (less than 2 min) lag occurred following histamine addition before the inhibitory effect of BRL 38227 was manifest. In contrast, when BRL 38227 was added 10 min after histamine, an inhibitory effect was immediately apparent. 5. Further evidence for an initial, 'protected' phase of inositol phosphate accumulation was provided by the finding that BRL 38227 pre-addition had no effect on the early (0-300 s) time-course of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate mass accumulation. 6. The inhibitory effect of BRL 38227, but not that of nitrendipine or isoprenaline, on histaminestimulated [3H]-inositol phosphate accumulation was completely prevented in the presence of an elevated extracellular K+ (65 mM) concentration. 7. The results demonstrate that membrane hyperpolarization, and/or blockade of voltage-operated Ca2"-channels can regulate agonist-stimulated phosphoinositide metabolism in airway smooth muscle. The possible contribution of this regulatory mechanism to the relaxant properties of these agents is discussed.

Endothelin-1-induced [3H]-inositol phosphate accumulation in rat trachea

1. The effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and of the muscarinic cholinoceptor agonist, carbachol, on [3H]-inositol phosphate ([3H]-InsP) accumulation and smooth muscle contraction were determined in rat isolated tracheal tissue. 2. ET-1 (1 microM) and carbachol (10 microM) induced significant accumulation of [3H]-InsPs in myo-[2-3H]-inositol-loaded rat tracheal segments. Several components of the tracheal wall including the airway smooth muscle band, the cartilaginous region and the intercartilaginous region generated significant levels of [3H]-InsPs in response to ET-1 and carbachol. Following stimulation with ET-1, a greater proportion of tracheal [3H]-InsPs were generated in the intercartilaginous region (49%) than in either the airway smooth muscle band (25%) or cartilaginous region (26%). However, when the respective weights of these regions is taken into account, ET-1-induced accumulation of [3H]-InsPs was greatest in the airway smooth muscle band. The tracheal epithelium did not appear to generate [3H]-InsPs in response to ET-1 or modulate either basal or ET-1-induced accumulation of [3H]-InsPs in rat tracheal segments. 3. In the rat tracheal smooth muscle band, ET-1 caused a time- and concentration-dependent accumulation of [3H]-InsPs. Concentrations of ET-1 as low as 10 nM produced significant accumulation of [3H]-InsPs (1.23 +/- 0.10 fold increase above basal levels of 295 +/- 2 d.p.m. mg-1 wet wt., n = 3 experiments). At 10 microM, the highest concentration ?tsed, ET-1 produced similar levels of [3H]-InsP accumulation (7.03 +/- 0.55 fold above basal levels, t = 5) to that produced by a maximally effective concentration of carbachol (10 microM; 7.97 +/- 0.31 fold increase above basal levels, n = 4). ET-1-induced accumulation of [3H]-InsPs was not significantly affected by indomethacin (5 microM), nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA, 10 microM), WEB 2086 (10 microM) or phosphoramidon (10 microM).4. ET-1 also produced concentration-dependent contractions of epithelium-denuded rat tracheal ring preparations. The mean concentration of ET-1 producing 50% of the maximum contractile response to carbachol (EC50) was 31 nm (95% confidence limits, 20-49 nM, n = 12). The presence of an intact tracheal epithelium, indomethacin (5 microM), WEB 2086 (10 microM) and phosphoramidon (10 microM) had no significant effect on the mean EC50 for ET-1-induced contraction (n = 5). In contrast, NDGA (10 microM) inhibited ET-1- induced contractions (4.0 fold increase in mean EC50, P < 0.001, n = 5). However, this effect of NDGA did not appear to be related to inhibition of leukotriene synthesis via lipoxygenase since the leukotriene antagonist SKF 104353 did not affect ET-1-induced contractions (n = 5) and moreover, leukotriene C4 and leukotriene D4 did not contract rat isolated tracheal smooth muscle preparations (n = 4).5. The threshold concentrations of ET-1 that produced increases in smooth muscle contraction and [3H]-InsPs accumulation were similar, although the EC50 for [3H]-InsP accumulation was 2.9 fold greater than that for smooth muscle contraction. For carbachol, the EC50 for [3H]-InsP accumulation (mean ECQO = 5.0 microM, 1.2-21 microM, n = 4) was 25 fold greater than that for smooth muscle contraction(mean EC50 = 0.20 miicroM, 0.17-0.24 microM, n = 12).6. It seems likely that ET-1 has a direct effect on InsP generation in rat tracheal smooth muscle and that this is largely responsible for the spasmogenic actions of this peptide.

Regulation of functional muscarinic receptor expression in tracheal smooth muscle cells

Recent studies have shown that cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs) do not respond to muscarinic agonists with a significant increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. This may be due to a downregulation of muscarinic receptors (mAChRs) in TSMCs. We report here that the individual component of growth factors or hormones at the concentration used is not sufficient to stimulate growth of TSMCs in the primary culture with 1% fetal bovine serum (FBS). In the presence of 1% FBS, TSMCs withdraw from the cell cycle and express high levels of cell surface mAChRs. Furthermore, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and insulin (Ins), alone or in combination, could stimulate the expression of mAChRs on the cultured TSMCs in 1% FBS without changing the affinity of receptors. Heparin could inhibit these stimulatory effects on mAChR expression. The pharmacological response of functional mAChRs, determined as accumulation of inositol phosphates induced by carbachol, is greater in the medium containing IGF-I and Ins than those cultured in 1% FBS. This action may be partially mediated through a cholera toxin-sensitive protein. The results conclude that IGF-I and Ins are necessary for TSMCs to express functional mAChRs.

Muscarinic receptor subtypes coupled to generation of different second messengers in isolated tracheal smooth muscle cells

1. Activation of muscarinic receptor subtypes leads to contraction, an increase in the accumulation of inositol phosphates (IPs) and a decrease in adenosine 3': 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) synthesis in tracheal smooth muscle. The concentrations of carbachol that produced a half-maximal effect (EC50) in inhibition of cyclic AMP generation, stimulation of IPs formation and contraction were 15 nM, 2.0 microM and 0.17 microM, respectively. 2. Pirenzepine, a selective M1 antagonist, displayed a low affinity for antagonizing cyclic AMP inhibition, IPs formation and contraction induced by carbachol (pKB = 6.8, 7.0, and 7.1, respectively). 3. Methoctramine, a cardioselective M2 antagonist, blocked cyclic AMP inhibition with a high affinity (pKB = 7.5), while it antagonized IPs formation and contraction with a low affinity (pKB = 6.2 and 6.1, respectively). 4. 4-Diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine (4-DAMP), a selective smooth muscle M3 antagonist, possessed a high affinity in blocking IPs formation (pKB = 8.8) and contraction (pKB = 9.2) as well as a low affinity for antagonism of cyclic AMP inhibition (pKB = 8.1). 5. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that M2 and M3 receptor subtypes are coupled to different effector systems in tracheal smooth muscle. An M1 receptor subtype is not involved in the generation of the second messengers examined. Inhibition of cyclic AMP formation may be coupled to the M2 receptor subtype. The accumulation of IPs and presumably IP-induced Ca2+ release may function as the transducing mechanism for cholinergic contraction of tracheal smooth muscle through the activation of M3 receptors.