Omega conotoxin and prejunctional modulation of the biphasic response of the rat isolated urinary bladder to single pulse electrical field stimulation

Frequency-dependent characteristics of nerve-mediated ATP and acetylcholine release from detrusor smooth muscle

NEW FINDINGS

The frequency-dependencies of acetylcholine (ACh) and ATP co-transmitter release are different. ACh release can be modelled to a one-compartment process, whereas ATP release requires a two-compartment model. Nerve-mediated release of ACh and ATP can be independently regulated, for example by the phosphodiesterase-type 5 inhibitor, sildenafil. What is the central question of this study? Is the frequency-dependency of co-transmitter release from postganglionic nerve fibres different for each transmitter? What is the main finding and its importance? Release of co-transmitters from the parasympathetic supply to detrusor smooth muscle can be independently regulated. This offers a targeted drug model to reduce selectively the release of transmitter associated with human pathologies (ATP) and may also be applicable to other smooth muscle-based disorders of visceral tissues.

ABSTRACT

Nerve-mediated contractions of detrusor smooth muscle are mediated by acetylcholine (ACh) and ATP release in most animals. However, with the normal human bladder only ACh is a functional transmitter but in benign pathologies such as overactive bladder (OAB), ATP re-emerges a secondary transmitter. The selective regulation of ATP release offers a therapeutic approach to manage OAB, in contrast to current primary strategies that target ACh actions. However, the release characteristics of nerve-mediated ACh and ATP are poorly defined and this study aimed to measure the frequency-dependence of ACh and ATP release and determine if selective regulation of ATP or ACh was possible. Experiments were carried out in vitro with mouse detrusor with nerve-mediated ATP and ACh release measured, simultaneously with tension recording. ATP was released in two frequency-dependent components, both at lower frequencies (mid-range 0.4 and 5.5 Hz stimulation) compared to a single compartment release of ACh at 14 Hz. Intervention with the phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor, sildenafil, attenuated ATP release, equally from both components, but had no effect on ACh release. These data demonstrate that nerve-mediated ACh and ATP release characteristics are distinct and may be separately manipulated. This offers a potential targeted drug model to manage benign lower urinary tract conditions such as OAB. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

ATP as a cotransmitter in sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves - another Burnstock legacy

Geoff Burnstock created an outstanding scientific legacy that includes identification of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the gut, the discovery and characterisation of a large family of purine and uridine nucleotide-sensitive ionotropic P2X and metabotropic P2Y receptors and the demonstration that ATP is as an excitatory cotransmitter in autonomic nerves. The evidence for cotransmission includes that: 1) ATP is costored with noradrenaline in synaptic vesicles in postganglionic sympathetic nerves innervating smooth muscle tissues, including the vas deferens and most arteries. 2) When coreleased with noradrenaline, ATP acts at postjunctional P2X1 receptors to elicit depolarisation, Ca²⁺ influx, Ca²⁺ sensitisation and contraction. 3) ATP is also coreleased with acetylcholine from postganglionic parasympathetic nerves innervating the urinary bladder, where it stimulates postjunctional P2X1 receptors, and a second, as yet unidentified site to evoke contraction of detrusor smooth muscle. In both systems membrane-bound ecto-enzymes and soluble nucleotidases released from postganglionic nerves dephosphorylate ATP and so terminate its neurotransmitter actions. Currently, the most promising potential area of therapeutic application relating to cotransmission is treatment of dysfunctional urinary bladder. This family of disorders is associated with the appearance of a purinergic component of neurogenic contractions. This component is an attractive target for drug development and targeting it may be a rewarding area of research.

ATP as a cotransmitter in the autonomic nervous system

The role of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) as a major intracellular energy source is well-established. In addition, ATP and related nucleotides have widespread extracellular actions via the ionotropic P2X (ligand-gated cation channels) and metabotropic P2Y (G protein-coupled) receptors. Numerous experimental techniques, including myography, electrophysiology and biochemical measurement of neurotransmitter release, have been used to show that ATP has several major roles as a neurotransmitter in peripheral nerves. When released from enteric nerves of the gastrointestinal tract it acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, mediating descending muscle relaxation during peristalsis. ATP is also an excitatory cotransmitter in autonomic nerves; 1) It is costored with noradrenaline in synaptic vesicles in postganglionic sympathetic nerves innervating smooth muscle preparations, such as the vas deferens and most arteries. When coreleased with noradrenaline, ATP acts at postjunctional P2X1 receptors to evoke depolarisation, Ca(2+) influx, Ca(2+) sensitisation and contraction. 2) ATP is also coreleased with acetylcholine from postganglionic parasympathetic nerves innervating the urinary bladder and again acts at postjunctional P2X1 receptors, and possibly also a P2X1+4 heteromer, to elicit smooth muscle contraction. In both cases the neurotransmitter actions of ATP are terminated by dephosphorylation by extracellular, membrane-bound enzymes and soluble nucleotidases released from postganglionic nerves. There are indications of an increased contribution of ATP to control of blood pressure in hypertension, but further research is needed to clarify this possibility. More promising is the upregulation of P2X receptors in dysfunctional bladder, including interstitial cystitis, idiopathic detrusor instability and overactive bladder syndrome. Consequently, these roles of ATP are of great therapeutic interest and are increasingly being targeted by pharmaceutical companies.

Purinergic signalling in the urinary tract in health and disease

Purinergic signalling is involved in a number of physiological and pathophysiological activities in the lower urinary tract. In the bladder of laboratory animals there is parasympathetic excitatory cotransmission with the purinergic and cholinergic components being approximately equal, acting via P2X1 and muscarinic receptors, respectively. Purinergic mechanosensory transduction occurs where ATP, released from urothelial cells during distension of bladder and ureter, acts on P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors on suburothelial sensory nerves to initiate the voiding reflex, via low threshold fibres, and nociception, via high threshold fibres. In human bladder the purinergic component of parasympathetic cotransmission is less than 3 %, but in pathological conditions, such as interstitial cystitis, obstructed and neuropathic bladder, the purinergic component is increased to 40 %. Other pathological conditions of the bladder have been shown to involve purinoceptor-mediated activities, including multiple sclerosis, ischaemia, diabetes, cancer and bacterial infections. In the ureter, P2X7 receptors have been implicated in inflammation and fibrosis. Purinergic therapeutic strategies are being explored that hopefully will be developed and bring benefit and relief to many patients with urinary tract disorders.

Changes in the function and expression of T-type and N-type calcium channels in the rat bladder after bladder outlet obstruction

PURPOSE

We evaluated possible changes in the function and expression of T-type and N-type Ca(2+) channels in the bladder of rats with bladder outlet obstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female Sprague Dawley® rats were divided into a group with bladder outlet obstruction created by partial urethral ligation and a sham operated group. Six weeks postoperatively we determined the mRNA expression of T-type and N-type Ca(2+) channels in the bladder, dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord. We also cystometrically investigated expression by intravenous administration of the T-Ca blocker RQ-00311610 or the N-type Ca(2+) channel blocker ω-conotoxin GVIA. We then performed in vitro functional studies of detrusor strips using these blockers.

RESULTS

mRNA expression of T-type Ca(2+) channels in the bladder detrusor and mucosa layers, and the spinal cord dorsal horn, and N-type Ca(2+) channels in the whole bladder and detrusor layer, and the spinal cord dorsal horn was greater in the obstructed group than the sham operated group. In obstructed rats bladder capacity and voided volume increased after RQ-00311610 administration but the number of nonvoiding contractions decreased after ω-conotoxin GVIA administration. Detrusor strips from obstructed rats showed weaker contractile responses to electrical field stimulation, particularly in regard to the purinergic component. ω-Conotoxin GVIA suppressed electrical field stimulation induced contractions only in the detrusor of obstructed rats, especially the cholinergic component.

CONCLUSIONS

Blocking T-type Ca(2+) channels increased bladder capacity while N-type Ca(2+) channel blockade inhibited nonvoiding contractions in rats with bladder outlet obstruction. Decreased bladder efferent neurotransmission occurred after bladder outlet obstruction, predominantly in its purinergic component and detrusor contractions via cholinergic neurotransmission were activated in a compensatory manner, probably via N-type Ca(2+) channel up-regulation.

Transmitters contributing to the voiding contraction in female rats

OBJECTIVES

To assess in detail the contribution of acetylcholine and ATP to the different phases of the voiding contraction, urine flow and rhabdosphincter electromyographic (RB-EMG) activity in rats, using alpha,beta-methylene-ATP (desensitizing purinoceptors) and atropine (blocking muscarinic receptors). These agents and possibly other transmitters contribute to bladder emptying in rats, but how they contribute to the different phases of the micturition cycle, including the intraluminal pressure high-frequency oscillations (IPHFOs) is unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult anaesthetized female Sprague-Dawley rats were used; intravesical pressure, RB-EMG and urine flow from the distal urethra were recorded. After baseline recordings, alpha,beta-methylene-ATP (0.5 mg/kg), atropine (1 mg/kg), or both, were injected intravenously.

RESULTS

Alpha,beta-Methylene-ATP significantly decreased the maximum bladder pressure during the first micturition phase, whereas atropine had little effect; the maximum bladder pressure during the second phase was also reduced. IPHFOs were apparent after both treatments. Atropine significantly reduced the maximum bladder pressure during the third phase. The maximum urinary flow rate was reduced by both alpha,beta-methylene-ATP and atropine; after exposure to both agents together, urinary flow was markedly reduced or stopped, and overflow incontinence developed.

CONCLUSIONS

ATP contributes mainly to the initial and acetylcholine to the later phases of the voiding cycle in the rat. Neither agent abolished the IPHFOs; even after blocking the receptors for one transmitter and in the presence of IPHFOs, the bladder can still empty. However, if both receptors are blocked, overflow incontinence develops, suggesting that even if further transmitters are taking part in the voiding contraction, their physiological significance is questionable.

Neural mechanisms of impaired micturition reflex in rats with acute partial bladder outlet obstruction

To determine the contribution of neural elements to micturition, we evaluated, in intact rats, the cystometrogram, pelvic afferent nervous activity, pelvic efferent nervous activity and external urethral sphincter-electromyogram activity in the normal and acute partial bladder outlet obstruction states. In the normal state, in response to saline filling, mechanoreceptor-dependent pelvic afferent nervous activity gradually activated and finally triggered a voiding reflex, including four phases of detrusor contractions. Phase 1 was characterized by an initial rising intravesical pressure, Phase 2 was characterized by a series of high-frequency oscillations in intravesical pressure, Phase 3 contraction was characterized by a rebound intravesical pressure and Phase 4 contraction was characterized by a rapid fall in intravesical pressure. In the acute partial bladder outlet obstruction state, Phase 1 contraction rose and high-frequency oscillations fell in Phase 2. This voiding dysfunction is ascribed to the bursting extraurethral sphincter activity being converted to tonic extraurethral sphincter activity. In summary, the suppressed high-frequency oscillations in Phase 2 of the detrusor muscle contraction could be detrimental to efficient voidings in the acute partial bladder outlet obstructed rat.

Evidence for purinergic neurotransmission in the urinary bladder of pithed rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) to segmental (L6-S2) spinal electrical stimulation evoked increases in intra-vesical pressure in pithed rats. Exogenous ATP and substance P produced dose-dependent increases in intra-vesical pressure (ED10 mmHg (dose required to elicit 10 mmHg increase in intra-vesical pressure)= 1.7 mg/kg and 1.1 microg/kg, i.v., respectively). Desensitisation (or antagonism) of P2x purinoceptors with alpha,beta-methylene ATP (alpha,beta-meATP; 30 microg/kg per min, i.v.) or pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS; 10 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly (p < 0.05) antagonized the intra-vesical pressure responses to ATP (> 8 and 3.6-fold increase in ED10 mmHg, respectively) but had no significant effect on intra-vesical pressure responses to substance P. Spinal stimulation evoked frequency-dependent increases in intra-vesical pressure (EF20 mmHg (frequency required to produce 20 mmHg increase in intra-vesical pressure) = 3.4 Hz). Blockade of muscarinic cholinoceptors and adrenoceptors with atropine (3 mg/kg, i.v.), propranolol (3 mg/kg, i.v.) and phentolamine (10 mg/kg, i.v.) produced marginal attenuation of the intra-vesical pressure responses to spinal stimulation indicating a major non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) component in the overall response. The NANC responses were significantly (p < 0.05) antagonized by alpha,beta-meATP (30 microg/kg per min, i.v.) and PPADS (10 mg/kg, i.v.) (> 2.6-fold increase in EF20 mmHg), consistent with involvement of a purinergic neurotransmitter, presumably ATP. Comparative studies in young (4-6 months) and old (21-23 months) Fischer rats revealed no age-dependent changes in the relative contribution of the cholinergic and purinergic systems, with the latter being the dominant one. These findings suggest that purinergic neurotransmission, presumably mediated by ATP acting via P2x purinoceptors, represents a major component of excitatory innervation to the urinary bladder in pithed rats.

Effect of cromakalim on the purinergic and cholinergic transmission in the rat detrusor muscle

Contraction of the rat detrusor muscle is mediated by cholinergic and purinergic mechanisms. The present study was carried out to look at the influence of cromakalim, compared with atropine, suramin and nifedipine on the contractile response evoked by single shock and exogenous agonists (carbachol and ATP) in rat urinary bladder. Cromakalim was able to inhibit only partially the response to carbachol and profoundly affected the response to exogenous ATP. Atropine suppressed the response to carbachol and was inactive versus ATP. Suramin was inactive versus carbachol and was able to antagonize the response to ATP. Nifedipine proved to be a non-competitive antagonist versus carbachol (pD2 = 7.66 +/- 0.05) and deeply affected the response to ATP. Cromakalim inhibited only partially the first, purinergic, phase of the electrically evoked response but was able to inhibit in a concentration-dependent manner the second, cholinergic, phase (logIC50 = 6.87 +/- 0.05). Nifedipine blocked both the phases. Atropine blocked partially only the second phase. Suramin inhibited the first phase but, at least partially, also the second one. The combination of atropine and suramin enhanced the inhibition of the second phase. The antagonistic effect of suramin on the second phase could indicate an overlap of the purinergic and cholinergic components. The comparison between pre- and postjunctional effects indicates that cromakalim acts on purinergic transmission predominantly postjunctionally. On the contrary, the action on cholinergic transmission seems to occur mainly at prejunctional level. This conclusion can be relevant in view of the claimed importance of K+ channel openers in the treatment of urinary disorders.

Multiple subtypes of voltage-gated calcium channel mediate transmitter release from parasympathetic neurons in the mouse bladder

Multiple subtypes of voltage-gated calcium channels are coupled to transmitter release from central neurons; however, only N-type channels have been shown to play a role in autonomic neurons. The aim of the present study was to investigate potential roles for other channel subtypes in transmitter release from parasympathetic neurons in the mouse bladder using calcium channel toxins alone and in combination. Transmitter release was measured indirectly by recording the contraction of bladder dome strips in response to electrical stimulation of the neurons by single pulses or trains of 20 pulses at 1-50 Hz. omega-Conotoxin-GVIA (GVIA) and omega-conotoxin-MVIIC (MVIIC) inhibited contractions in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC50 values of approximately 30 and 200 nM, respectively, at low stimulation frequencies. omega-Agatoxin-IVA (agatoxin) alone did not have any significant effect up to 300 nM. Cumulative addition of the toxins demonstrated that 300 nM agatoxin had a significant effect after N-type channels were blocked with 100 nM GVIA. MVIIC (3 microM) reduced the contraction amplitude further. Testing the toxins on the cholinergic or purinergic component of the contraction separately showed that acetylcholine release depends primarily on N-type channels and, to a lesser extent, on P- and Q-type channels, whereas ATP release involves predominantly P- and Q-type channels. In conclusion, parasympathetic neurons in the mouse bladder, like central neurons, use multiple calcium channel subtypes. Furthermore, the release of the two main transmitters in these neurons has differing dependencies on the calcium channel subtypes.

Effects of Ca2+ and K+ channel blockers on nerve impulses recorded from guinea-pig postganglionic sympathetic nerve terminals

1. A focal extracellular suction electrode was used to investigate the contributions of K+ and Ca2+ currents to the nerve impulse recorded from sympathetic nerve terminals innervating the guinea-pig vas deferens in vitro. 2. Perfusing the electrode with Cd2+ (0.1-0.5 mM) had little effect on the configuration of the nerve impulse. 3. Perfusing the electrode with Ba2+ (1-3 mM) caused the appearance of a second negative-going component of the nerve impulse. Local application of Cd2+ (0.1 mM) had little affect on this component of the nerve impulse. 4. Perfusing the electrode with 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and/or tetraethylammonium (TEA) caused the appearance of a second negative-going component of the nerve impulse. This component has been termed the late negative-going component (LNC). 5. The LNC produced by local application of 1 mM 4-AP and 10 mM TEA was not changed when the solution perfusing the electrode contained no added Ca2+, 10 mM Ca2+ or omega-conotoxin GVIA (0.1 microM). Perfusion of the electrode with Cd2+ (0.1 mM) reduced the amplitude and slowed the time course of the LNC. 6. The LNC was markedly inhibited when the organ bath was perfused with TEA (10 mM) or 4-AP and TEA (1 and 10 mM, respectively). In some experiments the LNC was completely abolished. 7. The LNC was reduced in amplitude and slowed in time course when the solution perfusing the organ bath contained no added Ca2+. A similar effect on the LNC was observed when the solution perfusing the organ bath contained omega-conotoxin GVIA (0.1 microM), charybdotoxin (0.05 microM) or low concentrations of TEA (0.3-1 mM) or Ba2+ (10-500 microM). 8. Bath application of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine (0.1-0.3 microM) did not detectably change the LNC. 9. The results demonstrate that the LNC produced by the local application of K+ blockers is due primarily to K+ efflux from sites outside the recording electrode and that a part of the change in conductance that underlies this component is due to opening of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels. The failure to detect an effect of clonidine on the LNC suggests that activation of presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors does not change either the K+ or the Ca2+ conductance of the nerve terminals.

Effect of omega-conotoxin GVIA on tetrodotoxin-insensitive acetylcholine release by nicotine in guinea-pig bladder

1. Contractile responses and acetylcholine release evoked by nicotine and electrical field stimulation (EFS) were determined by isotonic transducer and radioimmunoassay, respectively. 2. Nicotine-induced contraction was reduced to 30% by nicotinic receptor antagonist, hexamethonium but was insensitive to tetrodotoxin. EFS-induced contraction was abolished by tetrodotoxin but was insensitive to hexamethonium. Replacement of external Na by choline completely abolished the contractile responses evoked by nicotine and EFS. 3. Both contractions evoked by nicotine and EFS were inhibited by omega-conotoxin GVIA, and inhibitory effects of the toxin were greater in low Ca concentrations. 4. In the condition that external Na or Ca is omitted from physiological solution, acetylcholine release evoked by nicotine was not observed. Nicotine-induced acetylcholine release was partially inhibited by omega-conotoxin but was insensitive to tetrodotoxin. 5. In conclusion, nicotine interacts with nicotinic receptors located on nerve terminals and produces transmitter release which depends on external Na through tetrodotoxin-insensitive mechanisms. It is suggested that voltage-dependent omega-conotoxin sensitive Ca channels are partially involved in the nicotine-induced transmitter release.

A role for Q type Ca2+ channels in neurotransmission in the rat urinary bladder

1. In isolated bladder strips of the rat, a substantial component (46%) of the Ca(2+)-dependent contractile response to electrical field stimulation (5 Hz) was resistant to combined block of both N and P type Ca2+ channels by omega-conotoxin-GVIA (300 nM) and omega-agatoxin-IVA (100 nM) respectively. 2. The resistant portion (non-N, non-P) was sensitive to omega-conotoxin-MVIIC (3 microM), which in addition to N and P also blocks Q type channels at this concentration. omega-Conotoxin-MVIIC administered alone, inhibited the neurogenic response to the same degree as that observed in the combined presence of omega-agatoxin-IVA, omega-conotoxin-GVIA and omega-conotoxin-MVIIC. 3. omega-Agatoxin-IVA (100 nM), a concentration that fully inhibits P type channels, had a negligible effect on the neurogenic response. Following blockade of N type Ca2+ channels with omega-conotoxin-GVIA (300 nM), omega-agatoxin-IVA (3 microM) (a concentration well above that used to block P channels, inhibits Q type channels, but spares N type channels), inhibited the residual response to the same degree as omega-conotoxin-MVIIC alone. 4. Results suggest that neurotransmission in rat urinary bladder is supported by both N and Q type Ca2+ channels.

Effects of omega-toxins on noradrenergic neurotransmission in beating guinea pig atria

The effects of four omega-toxins, known to block various subtypes of neuronal voltage-activated Ca2+ channels, on the beating guinea pig left atrium have been analyzed. Atria were suspended in oxygenated Krebs-bicarbonate solution at 32 degrees C and driven with electrical pulses delivered by a stimulator at 1 Hz, 1 ms, 4 V. A 10-fold increase of voltage caused a potent and rapid enhancement of the size of contractions (about 3- to 4-fold above basal), which reflects the release of endogenous noradrenaline from sympathetic nerve terminals. omega-Conotoxin MVIIC, omega-conotoxin MVIIA and omega-conotoxin GVIA inhibited the inotropic responses to 10 x V stimulation with IC50 values of 191, 44 and 20.4 nM, respectively. omega-Agatoxin IVA did not affect the contractile responses. The inotropic responses to exogenous noradrenaline were unaffected by the toxins. The potent blocking effects of omega-conotoxin GVIA were present even in conditions in which the release of noradrenaline was strongly facilitated by presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptor blockade by phenoxybenzamine. These effects were not reversed upon repeated washing of the tissue with toxin-free medium. In contrast, the blockade induced by omega-conotoxin MVIIC and omega-conotoxin MVIIA were fully reversed, with t1/2 of 13.5 and 31.2 min, respectively. omega-Conotoxin MVIIC (1 microM) protected against the irreversibility of the blockade induced by omega-conotoxin GVIA (100 nM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Neuropeptide Y in rat detrusor and its effect on nerve-mediated and acetylcholine-evoked contractions

1. Immunohistochemical and isolated organ bath techniques were used to detect the presence of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the rat urinary bladder and to determine its effect on tone, spontaneous activity and contractile responses of the detrusor muscle to electrical field stimulation, acetylcholine and alpha,beta-methylene ATP (alpha,beta-MeATP). 2. A very rich presence of NPY-immunoreactive nerve fibres was found mainly within the bundles of detrusor muscle cells. Chronic treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine did not affect the density of NPY-positive nerve fibres. 3. NPY (> 1 nM) enhanced the force and frequency of spontaneous contractions and generated a rise in the resting tone of the detrusor. These effects of NPY on the tone and the spontaneous activity remained unaffected by atropine (3 microM), indomethacin (10 microM) and aspirin (100 microM) but were abolished by Ca(2+)-withdrawal from the bathing medium. 4. The enhancing effects of NPY on the spontaneous contractions and the resting tone were not prevented by the induction of purinoceptor desensitization. 5. NPY (1-250 nM) potentiated electrical field stimulation (EFS, 1-64 Hz, 0.1 ms pulses duration, 10s train duration)-evoked, tetrodotoxin (0.5 microM)-sensitive contractions. The atropine (3 microM)-resistant component of EFS-evoked contractions was also potentiated by NPY. By contrast, the nifedipine (1 microM)-resistant but atropine-sensitive component of EFS-evoked contraction was inhibited by NPY. 6. NPY (250 nM) did not affect acetylcholine-evoked contractions, but potentiated alpha,beta-MeATP-evoked contractions. 7. It is concluded that NPY-innervation of rat urinary bladder is largely confined to the detrusor muscle and is abundant and mainly non-adrenergic. It is further concluded that the enhancing effect of NPY on detrusor spontaneous activity and tone is caused by Ca2+ influx through nifedipine-sensitive Ca2+ channels and is not mediated through acetylcholine or cyclo-oxygenase-sensitive eicosanoids or ATP.8. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that intrinsic NPY in the rat detrusor innervation contributes to the motor transmission in two ways: by promoting non-cholinergic motor transmission and by inhibiting prejunctionally the cholinergic transmission.

Evidence for a capsaicin-sensitive, tachykinin-mediated, component in the NANC contraction of the rat urinary bladder to nerve stimulation

1. In the presence of atropine (1 microM) and guanethidine (3 microM), electrical field stimulation (EFS) of the rat isolated urinary bladder for 30 s induced a frequency-dependent (1-30 Hz) nonadrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) triphasic contraction characterized by a peak response (within 10 s from onset of stimulation), a late response (determined as the tension developed at the end of the stimulation period) and a prolonged post-stimulus 'off' response. The latter peaked at 2-6 min from the end of the stimulation period. At 10 Hz, the amplitude of the three responses averaged 89 +/- 6, 76 +/- 6 and 18 +/- 3% of the response to 40 mM KCl, respectively. Tetrodotoxin (1 microM) abolished all contractile responses to EFS. 2. In capsaicin-pretreated bladder strips (10 microM for 15 min) the amplitude of the peak response to EFS (1-30 Hz for 30 s) was unchanged, the 'late' response to EFS was significantly reduced as compared to controls, and the post-stimulus response was absent, being replaced by a transient relaxation. 3. When varying train duration from 1 to 120 s at a frequency of 10 Hz, the differences between control and capsaicin-treated strips became evident for periods of stimulation > 10 s. 4. The tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, SR 140,333 (0.1-1 microM) had no effect on the peak response to EFS (10 Hz for 30 s) while it decreased significantly the late response at both concentrations tested (16 +/- 3 and 33 +/- 3% inhibition). At 1 micro M, SR 140,333 also significantly reduced (29 +/- 9% inhibition)the peak of the post-stimulus contraction. The tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist, MEN 10,627(0. 1-1 9 MicroM) had no significant effect on the peak response to EFS (10 Hz for 30 s), and decreased the late response at 1 MicroM only (32 +/- 4% inhibition). MEN 10,627 inhibited the post-stimulus response at both concentrations tested and almost abolished it at 1 MicroM.5. The combined administration of SR 140,333 and MEN 10,627 (1 MicroM each) produced a small reduction(22 +/- 3% inhibition) of the peak response to EFS, a marked reduction (48 +/- 3% inhibition) of the late response and the abolition of the post-stimulus response which was replaced by a post-stimulus relaxation as observed in capsaicin-pretreated strips.6. SR 140,333 (0.1 and 1.0 MicroM) produced a large rightward shift in the concentration-response curve tothe NKI receptor agonist, [Sar9]substance P sulphone (apparent pKB 8.97 +/- 0.14), without affecting the response to the NK2 receptor-selective agonist, [Beta Ala8]neurokinin A (4-10). MEN 10,627 (0.1 and 1 MicroM)produced a large rightward shift of the concentration-response curve to [Beta Ala8]neurokinin A (4-10)(apparent pKB 8.95 +/- 0.16) without affecting the response to [Sarl substance P sulphone. SR 140,333 and MEN 10,627 (1.0 MicroM each) did not affect the contraction produced by exogenous ATP (1 mM).7. These findings provide evidence that the NANC contraction of the rat isolated urinary bladder to transmural nerve stimulation has two components, which are sharply differentiated by blockade of the efferent function of sensory nerves following in vitro capsaicin administration. The first component,probably mediated by endogenous ATP, is fully activated during short periods of nerve activity (< 10 s)and does not involve capsaicin-sensitive nerve afferents. The second component, which is capsaicin sensitive and tachykinin-mediated, is evident as a late 'on' response during nerve stimulation and as a post-stimulus 'off response for periods of stimulation >lOs. Activation of both NK1 and NK2receptors contributes to the capsaicin-sensitive responses.

Effects of omega-conotoxin on adrenergic, cholinergic and NANC neurotransmission in the rabbit urethra and detrusor

1. The effects of omega-conotoxin GVIA (an inhibitor of N-type voltage-operated calcium channels; VOCCs) were compared on adrenergic, cholinergic and non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) responses induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) in the rabbit urethra and detrusor. 2. EFS induced a relaxation in urethral smooth muscle and lamina propria precontracted by arginine vasopressin (AVP). The relaxation was abolished by tetrodotoxin (TTX) or the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine. omega-Conotoxin inhibited the relaxation induced by EFS, but not that elicited by the NO donor 3-morpholino-sydnonimin. The inhibition, however, decreased with increasing frequencies of stimulation. Nimodipine, tetramethrin and nickel did not affect the omega-contoxin-resistant relaxation in lamina propria, suggesting that neuronal L or T VOCCs were not involved in the response. 3. EFS contracted urethral smooth muscle at resting tension. The contractions were virtually abolished by TTX or prazosin. omega-Conotoxin effectively inhibited the contractile responses to EFS, but not those to exogenous noradrenaline. An omega-conotoxin-resistant contraction was, however, observed at high frequencies of stimulation. 4. The detrusor responded with frequency-dependent contractions upon EFS. A TTX-resistant contraction less than 10% of controls remained at 30 Hz stimulation. At a stimulation frequency of 10 Hz, scopolamine reduced the EFS-induced contraction by 71%. omega-Conotoxin inhibited the responses in both the absence and presence of scopolamine. The inhibition decreased with increasing frequencies of stimulation (examined in the absence of scopolamine). omega-Conotoxin did not affect the contractile responses to carbachol or adenosine 5'-triphosphate. 5. The adrenergic contraction (25 Hz) and NANC relaxation (10 Hz) in the urethra, and cholinergic and NANC contractions (10 Hz) in the detrusor were inhibited concentration-dependently by omega-conotoxin.The adrenergic contraction in the urethra was 10 times and the cholinergic contraction in the detrusor was three times more sensitive to omega-conotoxin than the NANC responses.6. These results suggest that NANC neurotransmission is less inhibited by omega-conotoxin than transmission mediated by adrenergic and cholinergic nerves in the rabbit lower urinary tract. In the urethra a marked omega-conotoxin-resistant component of the NANC relaxation was observed which increased with increasing stimulation frequencies and was unaffected by inhibitors of L and T type VOCCs. This raises the question whether VOCCs of a type other than L, T, and N is involved in the mediation of this response.

Calcium channels at the adrenergic neuroeffector junction in the rabbit ear artery

Neurotransmitter release is dependent on influx of Ca2+ through voltage-operated calcium channels (VOCCs). These channels may be divided into L, N, T and P subtypes. To investigate the subtypes of VOCC involved in transmitter release from adrenergic nerves in the isolated rabbit ear artery, the effects of some subtype selective VOCC antagonists were examined on contractile responses induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS), and exposure to an isosmolar (low Na+, normal Cl- content) or a hyperosmolar (normal Na+, high Cl- content) 60 mM K+ solution. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) and the L channel blocker nimodipine were present in the latter experiments to inhibit sodium-dependent action potential discharge and the direct contractile effect of K+ depolarization on the smooth muscle cells. Prazosin abolished the contractile effect of EFS, indicating that the response was elicited by activation of adrenergic nerves. The EFS-induced contractions were concentration-dependently inhibited by the N channel blocker omega-conotoxin (pIC50 = 9.0) and the proposed L channel blocker T-cadinol (pIC50 = 4.5), while nimodipine and the T channel blocker tetramethrin had no effect. The isosmolar and hyperosmolar K+ solutions induced a prazosin-sensitive contraction, amounting to 46% and 10% of the response to 10(-5) M noradrenaline (NA), respectively. omega-Conotoxin inhibited the contractile response to the hyperosmolar K+ solution, but not that to the isosmolar K+ solution. T-cadinol preferentially inhibited the response to the hyperosmolar K+ solution. Tetramethrin had no effect on contractions induced by either type of K+ solution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Functional importance of cholinergic and purinergic neurotransmission for micturition contraction in the normal, unanaesthetized rat

1. The cholinergic and purinergic neurotransmission involved in micturition in the normal, unanaesthetized rat was investigated by means of continuous cystometry. 2. ATP (1 and 5 mg kg-1), administered intra-arterially (i.a.) close to the bladder, produced rapid, phasic, dose-dependent increases in bladder pressure with micturition immediately after injection. The micturition pressure of the following spontaneous voidings increased, and bladder capacity, micturition volume, and residual volume decreased. Pretreatment with alpha,beta-methylene ATP (1 mg kg-1, i.a.) blocked the effects of ATP (5 mg kg-1). 3. alpha,beta-Methylene ATP (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg kg-1, i.a.) produced rapid, phasic, increases in bladder pressure with micturition immediately after injection. The effects of alpha,beta-methylene ATP (0.25 mg kg-1, i.a.) were not affected by pretreatment with indomethacin (0.5-2 mg kg-1, i.a.). The micturition pressure of the subsequent spontaneous voidings decreased, and bladder capacity and residual volume increased. 4. Carbachol (5-50 micrograms kg-1, i.a.) produced rapid, sustained, dose-dependent increases in bladder pressure with micturition, and then increased basal pressure, threshold pressure, and micturition pressure, and decreased bladder capacity and micturition volume during the following spontaneous voidings. 5. Atropine (1 mg kg-1, i.a.) decreased micturition pressure and micturition volume, but did not induce dribbling incontinence. Micturition contractions still occurred after the injection, but changed in appearance and were of shorter duration than before. In the presence of atropine (1 mg kg-1, i.a.), alpha,beta-methylene ATP (1 mg kg-1, i.a.) produced initially a phasic increase in bladder pressure with micturition and then dribbling incontinence in all animals tested. 6. After blockade of the micturition reflex with morphine (10 microg intrathecally), ATP (5 mg kg-1, i.a.),alpha,beta-methylene ATP (0.25-1 mg kg-1 , i.a.), and carbachol (5-500 microg kg-1, i.a.) were unable to empty the bladder.7. The results suggest that drug-induced bladder emptying in the normal, unanaesthetized rat requires an intact micturition reflex and they support the view that the two physiologically important transmitters involved in micturition are acetylcholine and ATP.