Excitatory action of sympathomimetic amines on 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors of gut

Differential effects of β-methylphenylethylamine and octopamine on contractile parameters of the rat gastrointestinal tract

This study tested the effects of β-methylphenylethylamine (β-MPEA) and octopamine on contractile parameters of the gastrointestinal tract in rats. We hypothesized that some of their effects result from interactions with trace amine (TA)-associated receptors or serotoninergic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors. β-MPEA-induced contractions in rat gastric fundus strips under resting tonus conditions, but induced relaxation in preparations that were previously contracted with carbachol. Octopamine relaxed gastric fundus strips maintained at resting tonus or contracted with carbachol. The contractile effect of β-MPEA was reduced by cyproheptadine and methiothepin, antagonists of excitatory 5-HT receptors. The relaxing effect of β-MPEA on gastric fundus was insensitive to pretreatment with N-(3-ethoxyphenyl)-4-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide (EPPTB) and tropisetron, antagonists of TA1 and 5-HT4 receptors, respectively. Both EPPTB and tropisetron inhibited the relaxant effects of octopamine on carbachol-contracted preparations. Contrarily, EPPTB did not reduce the relaxant effects of RO5263397 (TA1 agonist) or zacopride (5-HT4 agonist). Octopamine, but not β-MPEA, delayed the gastrointestinal transit of a liquid test meal in awaken rats. In isolated preparations of the small intestine under resting conditions, β-MPEA did not alter the basal tonus, but octopamine relaxed it. Intestinal preparations previously contracted with carbachol relaxed after the addition of octopamine and decreased the magnitude of their spontaneous rhythmic contractions in a tropisetron-dependent manner. Thus, β-MPEA and octopamine exerted pharmacological actions on the rat gastrointestinal tract. The excitatory effects of β-MPEA involved 5-HT receptors. Octopamine inhibited the rat gut contractility through the likely involvement of 5-HT4 and TA receptors. Overall, octopamine effectively inhibited rat gastrointestinal transit.

Effects of dietary amines on the gut and its vasculature

Trace amines, including tyramine and β-phenylethylamine (β-PEA), are constituents of many foods including chocolate, cheeses and wines and are generated by so-called ‘friendly’ bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Lactococcus and Enterococcus species, which are found in probiotics. We therefore examined whether these dietary amines could exert pharmacological effects on the gut and its vasculature. In the present study we examined the effects of tyramine and β-PEA on the contractile activity of guinea-pig and rat ileum and upon the isolated mesenteric vasculature and other blood vessels. Traditionally, these amines are regarded as sympathomimetic amines, exerting effects through the release of noradrenaline from sympathetic nerve endings, which should relax the gut. A secondary aim was therefore to confirm this mechanism of action. However, contractile effects were observed in the gut and these were independent of noradrenaline, acetylcholine, histamine and serotonin receptors. They were therefore probably due to the recently described trace amine-associated receptors. These amines relaxed the mesenteric vasculature. In contrast, the aorta and coronary arteries were constricted, a response that was also independent of a sympathomimetic action. From these results, we propose that after ingestion, trace amines could stimulate the gut and improve intestinal blood flow. Restriction of blood flow elsewhere diverts blood to the gut to aid digestion. Thus, trace amines in the diet may promote the digestive process through stimulation of the gut and improved gastrointestinal circulation.

Effects of systemic phenylpropanolamine and fenfluramine on serotonin activity within rat paraventricular hypothalamus

Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) anorexia has been linked to activation of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors within rat paraventricular hypothalamus (PVN) by studies documenting that intra-PVN injection of PPA and other alpha 1-adrenergic agonists suppress food intake. The present experiments examine the hypothesis that PPA may suppress appetite indirectly via release of serotonin (5-HT) within the PVN. In Experiment 1, we compare the effects of PPA (20 mg/kg, IP) and of d,l-fenfluramine (FEN: 7.5 mg/kg, IP), relative to a vehicle treatment, on extracellular levels of 5-HT and the 5-HT metabolite 5-HIAA in adult male rats prepared with concentric microdialysis probes aimed at either the PVN or the perifornical hypothalamus (PFH). Injection of either vehicle or 20 mg/kg PPA had no significant effect on extracellular 5-HT within the PFH or the PVN. In contrast, a subsequent injection of 7.5 mg/kg FEN produced significant increases in 5-HT and significant decreases in 5-HIAA within the PVN and the PFH. In Experiment 2, the 5-HT1a autoreceptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.25 mg/kg, SC) was used to suppress presynaptic release of 5-HT prior to systemic injection of either fenfluramine (5 mg/kg, IP) or PPA (5, 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg, IP). The anorexic action of FEN, but not PPA, was reduced by pretreatment with 8-OH-DPAT. These results suggest that the anorexic action of PPA is not mediated by an indirect effect of PPA on presynaptic release of 5-HT.

Enhancement of phenylpropanolamine anorexia by proglumide in rats

Although a number of studies have characterized the anorectic state induced by phenylpropanolamine (PPA), the mechanism by which this drug suppresses appetite remains elusive. PPA inhibits gastric emptying at doses that also suppress appetite as does the gut hormone cholecystokinin (CCK). To evaluate whether PPA anorexia results via an action on gut CCK activity, rats in the present study were treated (IP) with either 0.9% saline or 150 mg/kg proglumide, a CCK receptor antagonist, 30 minutes before a 15 min feeding trial and then injected (IP) 5 min prior to the trial with either 0.9% saline, 5 mg/kg PPA, 10 mg/kg PPA, 8 ug/kg CCK or 16 ug/kg CCK. Although 150 mg/kg proglumide antagonized CCK anorexia, this dose of proglumide significantly enhanced the anorectic action of PPA. These results suggest that PPA does not act via an endogenous CCK system to suppress feeding.

A review of the physiological bases of the anorexic action of phenylpropanolamine (d,1-norephedrine)

Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) is a phenethylamine that induces a variety of effects including anorexia and weight loss. The present review compares the acute anorexic effects of PPA with those of amphetamine in animals and humans, describes the persistent chronic effects of PPA on feeding as well as differences in anorexic potency between the norephedrine enantiomers (d-norephedrine less than 1-norephedrine) and summarizes the generality of PPA anorexia. The review also describes the putative mechanisms by which PPA is thought to reduce feeding behavior including alteration of gastric emptying and interaction with central nervous system neurons.

Unreliability of the rat stomach fundus as a predictor of hallucinogenic activity in substituted phenethylamines

A series of three isomeric 2,4,5-substituted monoethoxy dimethoxy phenylisopropylamines were compared for their contractile effect in the rat fundus as potential antagonists to the effect of serotonin in the fundus. The three isomers were also evaluated for their discriminative stimulus properties in rats that had been trained to discriminate injections of saline from LSD tartrate (0.08 mg/kg). The drug discrimination studies revealed that the 2,5-dimethoxy-4-ethoxy substitution was most potent in rats, consistent with the reported clinical activity of this isomer in man. By contrast, of the three isomers examined, this was the weakest in eliciting a contraction in the fundus. None of the compounds antagonized serotonin induced contractions, and it was not possible to determine pA2 values. Questions are raised about the determination of pA2 values for partial agonists and it is concluded that the fundus is not a reliable model for prediction of hallucinogenic activity of phenethylamines.

Adrenoceptors and regulation of intestinal tone in the isolated colon of the mouse

Adrenaline, noradrenaline, phenylephrine, dopamine, clonidine and apomorphine at low concentrations (from 10(-9) M to 10(-6) M) contracted the longitudinal muscle of the isolated distal colon of the mouse. Phentolamine, tetrodotoxin and indomethacin antagonized these contractile responses. Yohimbine antagonized them at lower concentrations than prazosin. Dopamine and clonidine had the same contractile activity on preparations from mice pretreated with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Isoprenaline (10(-9) to 3 X 10(-7) M) induced relaxations of the colon which were antagonized by propranolol. At higher concentrations, adrenaline and noradrenaline (from 3 X 10(-7) M), dopamine (from 3 X 10(-5) M), phenylephrine (from 3 X 10(-6) M) and apomorphine (from 10(-4) M) relaxed the colon. Clonidine (10(-6) to 3 X 10(-5) M) inhibited the spontaneous activity of the colon but never induced relaxations. At 10(-4) and 10(-3) M clonidine elicited contractions. Prazosin antagonized the inhibitory effect of phenylephrine and clonidine, a mixture of propranolol and prazosin antagonized the relaxations to adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine and unmasked contractions that were sensitive to yohimbine and tetrodotoxin. The relaxations induced by apomorphine and the contractions induced by clonidine (greater than 10(-6) M) were resistant to all these antagonists. Electrical field stimulation (1 ms, 2 Hz, 2-20 V) of the mouse colon induced contractile responses which increased with the frequency of the stimulus. After cessation of stimulation at 4 Hz a rebound contraction was generally observed, followed by a progressive decline in tone. In the presence of atropine, the contractile response to field stimulation was abolished and transformed into a rapid and sustained relaxation. A rebound contraction was always observed after cessation of stimulation. The responses to electrical stimulation (in the presence or absence of atropine) were abolished by tetrodotoxin. The rebound contractions were abolished by indomethacin. The relaxations induced in the presence of atropine were not modified by phentolamine, propranolol, guanethidine, methysergide, mepyramine, cimetidine or naloxone. Tetrodotoxin (from 3 X 10(-8) M) caused a sustained contraction of the colon with increased spontaneous activity. This contraction was not modified by atropine, phentolamine, propranolol, guanethidine, methysergide, mepyramine, cimetidine, naloxone, but was abolished by preincubation of the preparation with indomethacin. These results indicate that, at low concentrations, various sympathomimetics contracted the mouse distal colon by stimulating alpha 2 presynaptic adrenoceptors. The responses appeared provided intramural prostaglandin synthesis was unaffected. Higher concentrations of sympathomimetics induced relaxations by stimulation of postjunctional alpha 1- and beta-adrenoceptors. Electrical field stimulation of the mouse colon produced cholinergically mediated contractions or, in the presence of atropine, non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) relaxations followed by rebound contractions, provided prostaglandin synthesis was unaffected. 6 These data suggest that in the mouse isolated colon, muscle tone and contractility are regulated by 2 opposing mechanisms: (1) a neurogenic cholinergic activity and a local prostaglandin synthesis leading to an increase in muscle tone; (2) a neurogenic NANC inhibitory control the nature of which remains to be elucidated. alpha 2-Presynaptic receptors, when activated inhibit the neurogenic inhibitory control and liberate the mechanism by which muscle tone is increased, causing a contraction.

Homogeneous and non-homogeneous distribution of inhibitory and excitatory adrenoceptors in the longitudinal muscle of the guinea-pig ileum

1 The effects of adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists on spontaneous and evoked membrane activities of longitudinal muscle cells from different parts of the guinea-pig ileum were observed, using microelectrode methods.2 Isoprenaline inhibited the generation of spikes in cells in the terminal (0-3 cm from the ileocaecal valve) and proximal (more than 50 cm from the ileocaecal valve) regions of the ileum, with no change on the membrane potential and ionic conductance of the membrane. These actions of isoprenaline were abolished by propranolol.3 Noradrenaline and phenylephrine depolarized the membrane and increased both the spike frequency and ionic conductance of cell membranes of the terminal ileum, whereas noradrenaline and clonidine hyperpolarized the membrane, increased the ionic conductance of the membrane and inhibited the spontaneously generated spikes from cells of the proximal ileum. The excitatory effect of phenylephrine in the cells of the proximal ileum and the inhibitory effect of clonidine on cells of the terminal ileum were less pronounced.4 The excitatory actions of noradrenaline or phenylephrine were antagonized by prazosin and phentolamine, but not by yohimbine, whereas the inhibitory actions of noradrenaline or clonidine were antagonized by yohimbine and phentolamine but not by prazosin.5 The cholinergic e.j.ps evoked by field stimulation to the tissue were not affected by isoprenaline or phenyleprine but were inhibited by noradrenaline and clonidine, in both the terminal and proximal regions of the ileum. These actions of noradrenaline and clonidine were antagonized by yohimbine but not by prazosin.6 The results indicate that in the myenteric plexus and longitudinal muscle tissues of the guinea-pig ileum there are prejunctional inhibitory (alpha(2)), postjunctional inhibitory (alpha(2) and beta) and postjunctional excitatory (alpha(1)) adrenoceptors. The homogeneous distributions of prejunctional alpha(2)- and postjunctional beta-adrenoceptors in the ileum are responsible for inhibitions of cholinergic excitatory junction potentials (e.j.ps) and spontaneous spike activities, respectively. The density of distribution of the postjunctional alpha(1)-adrenoceptors is higher in the terminal than in the proximal regions, and these distributions are reversed in the case of the postjunctional alpha(2)-adrenoceptors. The postjunctional alpha(1)-adrenoceptors are probably responsible for the membrane depolarization and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors for the hyperpolarization induced by catecholamines.

Distribution and types of adrenoceptors in the guinea-pig ileum: the action of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents

1 Transmurally stimulated segments of the guinea-pig ileum have been used to analyse the different adrenoceptors in the terminal (0 to 3 cm) and the proximal (> 50 cm from the ileocaecal valve) ileum.2 The prejunctional adrenoceptors (located on the final, cholinergic, motor nerve terminals) and postjunctional adrenoceptors (located on the smooth muscle membrane) have been characterized according to their sensitivity to alpha- and beta-agonists and antagonists.3 Phentolamine, phenoxybenzamine and yohimbine, in concentrations of 0.1 muM, transiently enhanced (up to 10%) the twitch response. At higher concentrations all the alpha- and beta-antagonists studied depressed the neurogenic twitches and relaxed the smooth muscle.4 The twitch-inhibitory effects of adrenoceptor agonists (noradrenaline, adrenaline and ephedrine) were not antagonized by phenoxybenzamine (0.1, 0.5 and 1 muM), carbidine (0.5, 1 and 5 muM) and propranolol (0.5, 1 and 5 muM); however, they were depressed by phentolamine (0.1, 0.5, 1.25 and 5 muM) and yohimbine (0.25, 0.5 and 5 muM).5 The smooth muscle contractions induced by noradrenaline and adrenaline in the terminal ileum and by phenylephrine in both the terminal and proximal ileum were antagonized by phenoxybenzamine, carbidine and phentolamine but were not influenced by yohimbine and propranolol.6 The smooth muscle relaxations of the proximal ileum induced by noradrenaline, adrenaline and ephedrine were inhibited by yohimbine, phentolamine, carbidine and phenoxybenzamine, and the isoprenaline-induced relaxation was antagonized by propranolol.7 All the agonists studied, except phenylephrine, elicited relaxations of the acetylcholine-induced sustained contraction of both proximal and terminal ileum. The relaxation induced by isoprenaline was antagonized by propranolol, and the effects of noradrenaline and ephedrine by yohimbine.8 It is concluded that in the guinea-pig ileum there are postsynaptic beta-adrenoceptors and at least two types of alpha-adrenoceptors: alpha(1)-excitatory postjunctional adrenoceptors activated by phenylephrine, noradrenaline and adrenaline and antagonized by phenoxybenzamine, carbidine and phentolamine; alpha(2)-inhibitory prejunctional adrenoceptors activated by ephedrine, noradrenaline and adrenaline and inhibited by yohimbine and phentolamine. The inhibitory postjunctional alpha-adrenoceptors are more close to the alpha(2)-adrenoceptors, since they were stimulated predominantly by ephedrine and noradrenaline and inhibited by yohimbine.9 It has been shown that all alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes are to be found at every distance (0 to 70 cm) from the ileocaecal valve and that they can be activated in the resting or in the acetylcholine-contracted states.

Distribution and types of adrenoceptors in the guinea-pig ileum: the action of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor agonists

1 Segments of guinea-pig ileum and the myenteric plexus-longitudinal smooth muscle preparation were used for a study of the actions of adrenaline, noradrenaline, isoprenaline, ephedrine and phenylephrine on the responses of coaxially stimulated ileum at different distances from the ileocaecal valve.2 The responses of the ileum to electrical stimulation were suppressed by adrenaline, nonadrenaline and ephedrine, while phenylephrine and isoprenaline inhibited them only partially.3 The twitch inhibition elicited by these adrenoceptor agonists was the same at all distances from the ileocaecal valve. There was no significant difference between their cumulative and non-cumulative concentration-response curves.4 Smooth muscle relaxation was induced only by isoprenaline and contraction only by phenylephrine at all distances from the ileocaecal junction. Adrenaline and noradrenaline evoked smooth muscle contraction in the terminal (0 to 20 cm), a concentration-dependent, biphasic response in the intermediate part (21 to 50 cm) and a relaxation in the proximal ileum (> 50 cm from the ilecocaecal valve). Ephedrine did not change significantly the smooth muscle tension in the terminal and the intermediate segments and induced smooth muscle relaxation in the proximal ones.5 Ouabain and a potassium-free solution did not appear to influence the prejunctional action of noradrenaline nor the amplitude of smooth muscle relaxation in the proximal ileum, whereas the concentration-contractor response curves were significantly depressed and shifted to the right by ouabain and in a potassium-free solution.6 The brief initial (phasic) contraction induced by acetylcholine was not influenced during the sustained increase or decrease in tension induced by catecholamines. On the contrary, the stimulatory catecholamine actions disappeared or were changed to smooth muscle relaxation by acetylcholine pretreatment. Potassium chloride pretreatment did not change the character of the adrenoceptor agonist action of the agonists studied.7 Since there is a similar prejunctional action at all distances from the ileocaecal valve and a different postjunctional effect of the adrenoceptor agonists at different distances from the ileocaecal junction, it could be suggested that in the guinea-pig ileum there are at least two alpha-adrenoceptors (inhibitory prejunctional-alpha(2), stimulatory postjunctional-alpha(1)), an inhibitory postjunctional beta-adrenoceptor and an as yet uncharacterized inhibitory postjunctional receptor.8 Based on the specific postjunctional action of phenylephrine and the prejunctional action of ephedrine in the guinea-pig ileum, these drugs could be used with success as ;specific' alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptor stimulants.

In vitro actions of NN-dimethyl-2-aminoindane and related compounds

The actions of 2-aminoindane, 2-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene and amphetamine and their N-methyl and NN-dimethyl derivatives on the guinea-pig ileum were compared. All, except the tertiary 2-aminoindane, inhibited the responses to electrical stimulation and it is suggested that this is not fully explained by their sympathomimetic properties. NN-Diemthyl-2-aminoindane increased these responses and caused contractions of the unstimulated ileum due to a nicotine-like action. The indane series was more effective in producing contractions of the ileum than the other compounds. The three tertiary derivatives antagonized competitively the actions of histamine on the ileum and those of 5-hydroxy-tryptamine on the rat uterus.

[Relation between dopamine and serotonin motor effects on isolated rat duodenum. Possible participation of an excitatory dopaminergic receptor]

The experimental facts presented here allow us to establish a relationship between DA motor effects on isolated rat duodenum, studied in a previous work, (excito-motor between 10(-9) M and 10(-5) M and inhibitor beyond 10(-5) M) and the functional aptitude of this duodenum to answer to 5-HT : 5-HT excito-motor effects are amplified by DA at concentrations less than or equal to 2.6 X 10(-6) M and on the contrary antagonized by DA at concentrations above 5 X 10(-6) M. On the other hand, DA excito-motor effects do not appear on 5-HT-desensitized duodenums. The study of 5-HT dose-response curves in the presence of different concentrations of DA suggests that the amplification of serotonergic effects observed with small DA concentrations can be possibly related to the additional effects of 5-HT on its own receptors and of DA on another receptor. The receptor involved in DA excito-motor action seems to be closely related to the 5-HT receptor since its effects are blocked by the same molecules (methylsergide, cyproheptadine) and since DA excito-motor action is no more evident on 5-HT-desensitized duodenums, but several arguments support the specificity of this receptor for DA (though it is not blocked by haloperidol). Some of its effects are in line with those of DA receptors made conspicuous in other territories and not blocked by haloperidol : central and human colon receptors. On the contrary, DA used at high concentrations (greater than or equal to 5 X 10(-6) M) seems to be able to occupy serotonergic sites, preventing 5-HT access to its receptors until its concentration is high enough to displace DA. From a functional point of view, this antagonistic effect of DA at high concentrations against 5-HT excito-motor effects could facilitate alpha- and beta-mediated inhibitory effects.

Non-specific stimulant activity of tyramine on isolated intestinal preparations

The effect of tyramine on isolated organ preparations from several animal species has been studied. Contraction of the guinea-pig ileum by tyramine is due to a direct effect on histamine receptors whereas the contractile effect on the rat fundus and rabbit jejunum by tyramine is mediated through 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. These studies indicate the variability and non-specificity of isolated organ responses and that the effects of tyramine are not limited to adrenergic systems.

[Effects of precursors and metabolites of catecholamines on motricity of isolated rat duodenum. Particular reference to dopamine]

Studying the effects, on the isolated rat duodenum motricity, of ten compounds precursors or metabolites of catecholamines, the following results were obtained: The direct metabolites of epinephrine and norepinephrine (metanephrine, normetanephrine), are either ineffective at concentrations below 5 X 10(-6) M, or weakly inhibitory at higher concentrations. Such inhibitory effects are prevented by alpha- and beta-blockers. 3-methoxy, 4-hydroxyphenylglycol and vanylmandelic acid have no significant effect. The catecholamine precursor, dopamine, the related compounds DOPA, 3 methoxytyramine, and to a lesser extent, 3-O methyl DOPA and homovanillic acid, have excito-motor effects at concentrations ranging mainly from 10(-7) M to 10(-5) M. At higher concentrations, the same compounds frequently exhibit inhibitory effects. The excito-motor effects might be due to a serotoninergic mechanism, since they are suppressed by the serotoninergic blocking agents methysergide and cyproheptadine. Furthermore, in the case of DOPA, we were able to establish a relationship between the excito-motor effects and duodenal serotonin stores. As for the inhibitory effects, they may be prevented by using alpha and beta blocking agents. Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid has no effect on the isolated rat duodenum motricity. The fact that dopamine and related compounds may have excitomotor effects at some concentrations, correlated with some physiopathological observations in man and animal allows some considerations about the eventual role of dopamine on intestinal motricity.

The "spastic colon" syndrome: therapeutic and pathophysiologic considerations

Low doses of d-amphetamine plus propranolol rapidly improved the abdominal pain in 165 "spastic colon" patients. Concomitantly, these drugs reduced the sigmoidal hypertonicity and the rectal inhibition found in the manometric studies performed in some of those patients. The sigmoidal tone and phasic activity were also decreased by anticholinergic drugs. These results suggest that a cholinergic-serotonergic hyperactivity of the myenteric plexus may be responsible for the "spastic colon" syndrome.

The peristaltic reflex: an analysis of the nerve pathways and their pharmacology

The enteric reflexes in isolated segments of the distal colon and rectum of the guinea-pig were studied by applying localized distensions and recording the consequent changes in circular muscle activity, and by recording tension changes in the circular muscle during the propulsion of a bolus in vitro. Lesions of the wall of the colon were made to locate nerve pathways involved in the reflexes and pharmacological tests were applied to investigate the natures of transmitters released and the types of receptors involved. Distension produced a transient contraction of the circular muscle on the oral side and sustained relaxation on the anal side. Both reflexes were nerve-mediated. They were elicited in segments deprived of mucosa and submucosa. Interruption of Auerbach's plexus, but not interruption of the submucosal plexus, prevented their conduction. The ascending excitatory reflex was partly blocked by hyoscine and was also partly blocked by methysergide or by making the preparation tachyphylactic to the excitatory action of 5-hydroxytryptamine. The ascending excitatory pathways apparently involve neurons releasing a 5-HT-like transmitter as well as cholinergic neurons. The descending inhibitory reflex was not antagonized by hyoscine, guanethidine, methysergide or mepyramine. It is assumed that the inhibitory neurons activated in this reflex are identical with the non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic, enteric inhibitory neurons found throughout the intestine. If both the ascending excitatory and descending inhibitory reflexes acted simultaneously on the same area of circular muscle, the inhibitory response tended to dominate. Pellets of faeces, covered by a thin layer of resin, were introduced into the oral ends of isolated segments of colon. They were propelled analwards at speeds of 0.5-1.6 mm/s. Tension records showed that the pellets were preceded by relaxation and followed by a ring of contraction. The propulsion was blocked by both hyoscine and methysergide. Descending waves of contraction were also observed in empty segments of colon. These occurred spontaneously or were initiated by stretch. They did not occur in the presence of hyoscine or tetrodotoxin. It is postulated that three factors may contribute to propulsion in the guinea-pig distal colon: ascending excitatory reflexes which evoke contractions above a bolus; descending inhibitory reflexes which cause relaxations below; and contractions which, once set up in the circular muscle, travel in an anal direction.

Mechanical responses to catecholamines in isolated strips of the guinea-pig stomach muscle

Effects of catecholamines were investigated on isolated strips of the guinea-pig stomach. In the circular muscles, the relaxation and biphasic response caused by adrenaline and noradrenaline were suppressed partly by phentolamine and also partly by propranolol. The relaxation by catecholamines in the longitudinal muscles was inhibited mainly by propranolol. Thus, there are probably two types of relaxation. Alpha relaxation was more dominant in the circular muscles and beta relaxation in the longitudinal muscles. Contractions in both muscles were mediated through alpha-effects. The circular muscle is more sensitive to the alpha effect and the longitudinal muscle to the beta effect. In the presence of propranolol, isoprenaline. Field stimulation which excited intramural nerves resulted in contraction followed by relaxation in both circular and longitudinal muscles. The inhibition of the electrically evoked contractions by adrenaline and noradrenaline in both circular and longitudinal muscles was abolished by phentolamine but the electrically evoked relaxations were affected little.

Inhibitory and excitatory effects of sympathomimetic amines on muscle strips from the stomach of the guinea-pig

1. Responses of muscle strips from the stomach of the guinea-pig have been recorded. Sympathomimetic amines cause inhibitory, motor or biphasic responses.2. The motor components of the responses of the preparations were greatly enhanced by the removal of the mucosal layers.3. The inhibitory responses to isoprenaline, noradrenaline and phenylephrine were antagonized by propranolol or by sotalol. The inhibitory responses to noradrenaline and phenylephrine but not isoprenaline were antagonized by phentolamine. Therefore, both alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors may subserve inhibition.4. The motor responses to noradrenaline and phenylephrine were often potentiated by propranolol or sotalol and were antagonized by phentolamine. Therefore, motor responses to sympathomimetic amines appear to involve alpha-adrenoceptors.5. The responses to sympathomimetic amines and their antagonists were not modified by hyoscine or by tetrodotoxin. It is concluded that the adrenoceptors mediating the responses recorded from these preparations are located on the smooth muscle cells rather than on a nervous pathway.

Inhibition of rabbit intestine mediated by alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors

1. The effects of some alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists were studied on isolated segments of rabbit intestine in an attempt to characterize the two types of inhibitory response produced by sympathomimetic amines.2. Phenylephrine, an alpha-adrenoceptor agonist, produced an inhibition of rapid onset, from which recovery occurred despite the continued presence of the drug. On washout there was an overshoot in contraction height. Isoprenaline, a beta-adrenoceptor agonist, produced an inhibition of slow onset which was maintained throughout the presence of the drug and there was no overshoot on washout.3. Adrenaline resembled phenylephrine more closely than it resembled isoprenaline, in that it showed more affinity for alpha-adrenoceptors, whereas noradrenaline, and the transmitter released on periarterial nerve stimulation, behaved more like isoprenaline, although both types of receptor were affected.4. Adenosine-5'-triphosphate produced an inhibition resembling that produced by an alpha-adrenoceptor agonist, whereas the dibutyryl analogue of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic 3',5'-AMP) produced an inhibition resembling that produced by a beta-adrenoceptor agonist.5. In critical concentrations theophylline augmented and imidazole inhibited beta-adrenoceptor mediated responses, as well as responses to dibutyryl cyclic AMP. However, additional actions of theophylline and imidazole were also demonstrated.6. Responses mediated by alpha-adrenoceptors, but not those mediated by beta-adrenoceptors, were blocked by membrane stabilizers, quinidine being the most potent of those studied.7. The results are discussed in relation to the possible mechanisms of action of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor agonists.