Acetylcholine release from the myenteric plexus of guinea-pig ileum by prostaglandin E1

High-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for the simultaneous analysis of cis-, trans- and dihydro-2-glucosyloxycinnamic acid derivatives from Dendrobium medicinal plants

Sensitive, selective and reliable high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-diode array detection (DAD)/electrospray ionization multi-stage mass spectrometry (ESI-MSn) methods have been developed for the characterization of nine 2-glucosyloxycinnamic acid derivatives and quantitative analysis of three of the major 2-glucosyloxycinnamic acids, cis-melilotoside, trans-melilotoside and dihydromelilotoside, present in Dendrobium medicinal plants. The identities of the latter three major 2-glucosyloxycinnamic acids were confirmed by comparing their retention times, UV and mass spectra with those of the reference standards. The characteristic ESI-MSn fragmentation patterns of the remaining six 2-glucosyloxycinnamic acid derivatives, which are similar to the three major compounds, have allowed the putative elucidation of their structures. The concentrations of the cis-, trans- and dihydromelilotosides were simultaneously determined by HPLC/ESI-MS2 using the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode in extracts of Dendrobium species. The method was validated with respect to the overall intra- and inter-day variation (RSD less than 8%) and the limits of quantification for the cis-, trans- and dihydromelilotosides were 0.09, 0.09 and 0.01 microg/mL, respectively.

PGE(2) receptors and their intracellular mechanisms in rabbit small intestine

The effects of PGE(2) on longitudinal smooth muscle, the intracellular mechanisms involved, and the localization of EP receptors were investigated in rabbit small intestine. PGE(2) evoked contractions in small intestine that were reduced by tetrodotoxin and hexamethonium. 17-Phenyl trinor PGE(2), sulprostone, misoprostol and 16,16-dimethyl PGE(2) evoked contractions. Butaprost did not modify spontaneous motility. AH 6809 reduced PGE(2) and 17-phenyl trinor PGE(2)-induced contractions. Verapamil, Ca(2+) free medium, staurosporine, forskolin, theophylline, and rolipram diminished, while IP-20 and H-89 increased PGE(2)-induced contractions. Western blot analysis showed protein bands of 41kDa for EP(1), 71kDa for EP(2) and 62kDa for EP(3) receptors. EP(1), EP(2) and EP(3) receptors were detected in neurons of the myenteric and submucosal ganglia, but only EP(3) receptors were found in smooth muscle layers. This study did not detect EP(4) receptor. PGE(2)-induced contractions would be mediated through EP(1) and EP(3) receptors, and voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels, protein kinase C, and cAMP would be implicated in these responses.

Eicosanoids and the small intestine

Prostaglandins play an important role in modulation of various physiologic processes in the small intestine. In this review, the involvement of prostaglandins in various small-intestinal functions including small-intestinal secretion, mucosal protection, epithelial and endothelial barrier function, and motility are discussed.

Involvement of interleukin-1, prostaglandins and mast cells in rectal distension-induced colonic water secretion in rats

1. In vivo rectal distension (RD) induces a neurally mediated colonic net water hypersecretion in rats. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) also induces neural colonic water hypersecretion involving the release of prostaglandins (PGs) and a mast cell degranulation in rats. This study investigated in vivo the role of IL-1, PGs and mast cells in RD-induced colonic hypersecretion. 2. Proximal colonic net water flux was determined using [14C]polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 (mol. wt. 4000) in anaesthetized rats. On strips taken from the distal colon: (i) a histological analysis was performed to determine the number of mucosal mast cells (MMC); and (ii) histamine levels were measured by radioimmunoassay after stimulation with compound 48/80. 3. RD induced a net colonic water secretion that was blocked by i.c.v. administration of IL-1ra (an IL-1 receptor antagonist) and indomethacin, and by systemic treatment with doxantrazole and indomethacin. RD decreased the number of resident mast cells and the release of histamine from the distal colonic strips. Moreover, using SDS-PAGE immunoblotting the expression of IL-1 beta was detected in the brain. 4. These results suggest that, in rats, RD induces colonic net water hypersecretion by the activation of a neuro-immunological reflex pathway, involving IL-1 beta, PG release and peripheral mast cell degranulation.

Effects of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) on nerve-mediated secretion in guinea-pig colon

We have applied conventional flux-chamber and intracellular recording methods to investigate the effects of the prostaglandins PGF2 alpha and PGI2 upon epithelial ion transport and on the electrical behaviour of submucosal neurones in guinea-pig colon. In flux-chamber experiments on segments of colon, both prostaglandins evoked a dose-dependent increase in short-circuit current that was reduced in chloride-depleted Krebs solution and by serosal addition of tetrodotoxin or atropine, but was unaffected by hexamethonium. These results indicate activation of chloride secretion via submucosal neurones. The response to PGF2 alpha was decreased by piroxicam. Application of PGF2 alpha or PGI2 to submucosal neurones evoked depolarization of the membrane potential associated with an enhanced spike discharge. The depolarizing response was tetrodotoxin insensitive, indicating a direct effect of the prostaglandins on the impaled neurones. Membrane depolarization was frequently associated with the occurrence of fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials, suggesting in addition that part of the excitatory effect is mediated by the activation of neural circuits that drive the impaled neurone synaptically. The results of this study indicate that the secretory effects of prostaglandins are mediated in part by submucosal neurones and further suggest that the colonic submucosal plexus may function as an amplifier to enhance the epithelial response to inflammatory mediators.

Involvement of endogenous nitric oxide in non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic contraction elicited by [Met5]-enkephalin in rat isolated duodenum

To investigate the possible neuromodulatory role of nitric oxide (NO) in the gastrointestinal tract, an examination was made of the effects of NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG), an inhibitor of NO synthase, on the intestinal response to [Met5]-enkephalin (ENK) by recording the mechanical activity of the isolated duodenum from rats. [Met5]-enkephalin elicited a biphasic response of the duodenum, i.e. transient relaxation followed by contraction. The relaxation induced by ENK was blocked by naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, but not by tetrodotoxin (TTX). The contractile response of the duodenum to ENK was blocked by TTX but not by naloxone. The contractile response was not affected by hyoscine, a muscarinic antagonist, or guanethidine, an adrenergic neuron blocking agent, indicating mediation by non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) nerves. The contractile but not the relaxant response to ENK was blocked by L- but not D-NOARG. The contractile response was also inhibited by methylene blue, an inhibitor of both NO synthase and guanylate cyclase, and by indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. Thus, endogenous NO and prostaglandins are involved in the contractile response to ENK. Endogenous NO may modulate the release of excitatory NANC transmitters via a prejunctional mechanism.

Prostaglandin E2 stimulation of acetylcholine release from guinea pig myenteric plexus neurons

Prostaglandins are widely distributed within the gastrointestinal tract and have important effects on gastrointestinal motility. Although actions upon gastrointestinal smooth muscle have been demonstrated for prostaglandins (PG), neural mechanisms may also be important. The effects of PGE2 on acetylcholine (ACh) release were studied using guinea pig myenteric plexus neurons in primary culture. PGE stimulated the release of ACh in a dose-dependent manner, with a median effective dose (ED50) of 0.8 x 10(-6) M. Involvement of L-type calcium channels was implied by the sensitivity of PGE2-stimulated ACh release to omega conotoxin or diltiazem. In addition, ACh release stimulated by PGE2 could be inhibited by co-incubation with dideoxyadenosine or Rp-cAMPS, agents that act upon cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent signaling pathways. PGE2 has direct effects upon myenteric neurons to stimulate cholinergic transmission.

Role of prostacyclin in acetylcholine release from myenteric plexus of guinea-pig ileum

The roles of metabolites of arachidonic acid in spontaneous and agonist-induced acetylcholine release from a longitudinal muscle preparation with myenteric plexus of guinea-pig ileum were studied. Indomethacin significantly decreased both spontaneous acetylcholine release and its release induced by nicotine and substance P. We had found that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) partly reversed this inhibition. We now found that a stable prostacyclin analog, OP-41483 at 100 nM, completely reversed the inhibition of acetylcholine release by indomethacin. On the other hand, PGD2, PGF2 alpha and ONO-11113, a thromboxane A2 analog, did not have any significant effect on the inhibition by indomethacin. OP-41483 had no effect on acetylcholine release induced by nicotine or substance P in the absence of indomethacin. To confirm the modulatory role of endogenous prostaglandins on acetylcholine release, we also studied the release of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, a metabolite of prostacyclin, and PGE2 from longitudinal muscle preparations. The preparations released appreciable amounts of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha continuously during the experiments. Indomethacin inhibited release, while nicotine did not affect it so significantly. Our results suggest that endogenous prostacyclin modulates acetylcholine release from cholinergic nerve terminals in the myenteric plexus of guinea-pig ileum.

The influence of prostaglandins on the contractile response to electrical field stimulation in rabbit myometrial and cervical smooth muscles

Indomethacin (10 microM) significantly reduced the contractile responses to electrical field stimulation (EFS) in the non-pregnant myometrium (5-50 Hz by an average of 25.7%) and the pregnant myometrium (30-50 Hz by an average of 16.5%). On the other hand, it significantly increased the contractile responses of the cervix in non-pregnant (2.5-30 Hz by an average of 21.5%) and pregnant (2.5-10 Hz by an average of 12.5%) muscular strips. Prostaglandin (PG) E2 (0.1-1000 nM) strongly and PGI2 (0.1-1000 nM) slightly and dose-dependently inhibited the contractile response to EFS of the non-pregnant cervical muscle, but not of the myometrium. In the pregnant uterus, the contractile responses of the cervical muscle were similar to those of the non-pregnant cervix, while the response of the myometrium was increased significantly and dose-dependently by the application of PGE2 or PGI2.PGF2 alpha (1000 nM) significantly increased the contractile response of the myometrium but not cervical muscle to EFS in the pregnant rabbits. In non-pregnant muscles, the contractile responses of the myometrium and cervical smooth muscle to EFS were not influenced by the treatment with PGF2 alpha.PGE2 (0.1-1000 nM) also inhibited the contractile response to direct muscle stimulation, but the inhibition was significantly less than that of the response to indirect stimulation. PGI2 slightly inhibited the contractile responses to both indirect and direct stimulation. These findings indicate that PGE2, PGI2 and PGF2 alpha increase the contractile response of pregnant myometrium to EFS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Role of cyclic AMP in prostaglandin-induced modulation of acetylcholine release from the myenteric plexus of guinea pig ileum

Prostaglandins (PGs) have modulatory effects on spontaneous and nicotine-induced release of acetylcholine (ACh) from the myenteric plexus of guinea pig ileum. To determine whether cyclic AMP is involved in the mechanisms of these effects, we studied ACh release under conditions that inhibit PG synthesis. Indomethacin (IND), a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, inhibited ACh release concentration-dependently. The effect of the maximally inhibitory concentration of IND (2.8 microM) on nicotine-induced ACh release were reversed concentration-dependently by PGE2, forskolin, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) and 8-bromo cyclic AMP. These compounds caused concentration-dependent reversal of the inhibition of spontaneous ACh release by IND, but their concentrations for restoration of spontaneous release were higher than those for restoration of nicotine-induced release. The effects of PGE2 and forskolin or IBMX were not additive in reversing the inhibition of nicotine-induced ACh release by IND. Neither forskolin nor 8-bromo cyclic AMP alone had any significant effect on either release. These results showed that increase in the level of cyclic AMP in myenteric cholinergic neurons restored ACh release from the tissue whose PG level had been lowered by IND and indicated that endogenous PGs may modulate the level of intraneuronal cyclic AMP.

Epithelial secretory response to inflammation

As suggested by this and previous reviews, the neuroimmunoregulation of intestinal secretion is a complex series of endocrine, neurocrine, paracrine and autocrine interactions between the underlying cells in the mucosa and submucosa and the intestinal enterocyte. Under normal conditions, the balance of each of these systems is delicately controlled, thus allowing for normal, consistent intestinal function. However, when this finely-tuned system is altered, such as in a diseased state, the resultant effect is an amplification of the host defense response. Initially thought to be protective against further insult, this local immune response, if allowed to continue uncontrollably, can exacerbate the disease process.

Effects of prostaglandin E2 on ganglionic transmission in the guinea pig trachea

We studied the effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on the contractile responses of in vitro guinea pig tracheal preparations with intact vagal innervation. The preparation was stimulated either through the vagal nerves (NS) or with an electrical field (EFS) and trachealis response was assessed from the pressure change inside the tracheal tube. Ganglionic blockade by hexamethonium inhibited responses to NS but did not affect EFS while both responses to NS and EFS were abolished by atropine or tetrodotoxin. This indicates that responses to both stimulation modalities were mediated by cholinergic nerves but that NS involved a ganglionic relay whereas EFS did not. Within the frequency range of 0.1-20 Hz, there was a gradual increase in the pressure generated by the trachealis muscle with increasing frequency of stimulation. The frequency-response relationship was similar for NS and EFS. Thus, the ganglion does not appear to play an important filtering or amplifying role under those conditions. PGE2 (1-50 mM) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of NS and EFS without affecting responses to exogenous acetylcholine (ACh). This suggests that the main action of PGE2 is to reduce ACh release from post-ganglionic nerve terminals. PGE2 inhibited EFS to a larger extent than NS; we postulate a possible excitatory effect of PGE2 on neurotransmission in the airway ganglia.

The differential contribution of endogenous prostaglandins to the release of acetylcholine from the myenteric plexus of the guinea-pig ileum

1. Prostaglandin E (PGE) may be essential for maintaining the sensitivity of the myenteric plexus of guinea-pig ileum to nicotine. The contributions of prostaglandins to nervous activity evoked by different stimuli have now been investigated by measuring the amount of acetylcholine (ACh) released from the myenteric plexus of the guinea-pig ileum. 2. The amount of ACh released in response to dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP) or substance P was depressed to about 40% of control by 2.8 microM indomethacin (Ind), whereas the release of ACh induced by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was not affected. The inhibitory effects of Ind were overcome by 14.3 nM PGE2. 3. Mepacrine 5 microM, an inhibitor of phospholipase A2, depressed the release of ACh in response to DMPP and substance P to the same extent as Ind. These inhibitory effects of mepacrine were overcome by arachidonic acid (10 microM), but not by arachidonic acid plus Ind. The release of ACh evoked by 5-HT or electrical field stimulation (EFS) was also inhibited to about 60% of control by mepacrine but these inhibitions were overcome by arachidonic acid (10 microM) either in the absence or the presence of Ind. 4. The results suggest that endogenous prostaglandins and arachidonic acid contribute to the maintenance of the excitability of the myenteric plexus by DMPP and substance P. By contrast, the release of ACh induced by 5-HT and EFS may be regulated by arachidonic acid and not by prostaglandins.

The biochemical and ultrastructural examinations in central cholinergic damage of the rat induced by the intraperitoneal administration of AF64A

Ethylcholine mustard aziridinium ion (AF64A), a synthesized cholinergic neurotoxin, was administered via intraperitoneal injection to the rat to study its effect on the central cholinergic nervous system. A single or consecutive daily injection of AF64A for 10 days resulted in a persistent reduction of acetylcholine (ACh) content in the several tested regions of the brain in the following order: hippocampus greater than cerebral cortex = striatum, the degree was the greatest in the hippocampus. Both resting and K(+)-stimulated release of ACh from the hippocampus were also significantly reduced 24 hr after a single injection of AF64A. Furthermore, daily injection of AF64A for 10 days induced a significant reduction of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in the homogenate obtained from the hippocampus but not from the cerebral cortex and striatum. ChAT activity in the crude synaptosomal fraction of the cerebral cortex was also significantly decreased. These results suggest that intraperitoneal administration of AF64A could induce cholinergic hypofunction more selectively in the nerve terminals. The high affinity choline uptake, which is located mainly on cholinergic nerve terminals, was not affected by the administration of AF64A. Any notable changes of ultrastructure in the cholinergic nerve terminals after the administration were not observed in all three regions examined. The present findings suggested that intraperitoneal administration of AF64A induces a specific damage of cholinergic nerve terminals by inhibiting ChAT activity. The cholinergic damage was most prominent in the hippocampus.

Cholinergic mechanisms involved in release and effect of prostaglandin E2 in HCl-stimulated duodenal HCO-3 secretion in the conscious rat

Using a proximal duodenal loop in conscious rats, we investigated interactions between prostaglandin E2 and nicotinic and muscarinic receptor mechanisms previously found to be involved in the duodenal HCO3- response to HCl. In previous studies using the same model, a 5-min perfusion of the duodenal loop with 150 mmol l-1 HCl produced a marked and sustained HCO3- response. In the present study, the identical challenge produced a rapid 20-fold increase in the luminal output of prostaglandin E2 during acid exposure, followed by a sustained more than twofold elevation above the basal level during the 45 min monitored. The prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor indomethacin (4 mg kg-1 i.p.) suppressed the output of prostaglandin E2 during the HCl challenge from 131 +/- 84 to 15.4 +/- 10.0 pmol cm-1 h-1, and in the post-stimulatory period from 17.3 +/- 9.1 to 4.4 +/- 2.2 pmol cm-1 h-1. The nicotinic receptor antagonist hexamethonium (20 mg kg-1 i.v.) had no effect on the output of prostaglandin E2. The muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine (0.5 mg kg-1 s.c.) had no effect on the output of prostaglandin E2 during HCl challenge, but reduced the post-stimulatory output to 7.7 +/- 4.1 pmol cm-1 h-1. Perfusion of the duodenal loop with 0.1 mmol l-1 prostaglandin E2 produced a HCO3- response that was abolished by hexamethonium (20 mg kg-1 i.v.), but not affected by atropine (0.5 mg kg-1 s.c.).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immune system control of rat and rabbit colonic electrolyte transport. Role of prostaglandins and enteric nervous system

The role of the immune system in controlling intestinal electrolyte transport was studied in rat and rabbit colon in Ussing chambers. A phagocyte stimulus, the chemotactic peptide FMLP, and a mast cell stimulus, sheep anti-rat IgE, caused a brief (less than 10 min) increase in short-circuit current (Isc). Products of immune system activation, platelet-activating factor (PAF) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), caused a sustained, biphasic increase in the Isc. Ion replacement and flux studies indicated that these agonists stimulated electrogenic Cl secretion and inhibited neutral NaCl absorption; responses that were variably inhibited by the cyclooxygenase blockers indomethacin and piroxicam. Lesser degrees of inhibition by nordihydroguaiaretic acid could be accounted for by decreased prostaglandin synthesis rather than by lipoxygenase blockade. Tetrodotoxin, hexamethonium, and atropine also inhibited immune agonist-stimulated Isc, but had no effect on immune agonist-stimulated production of PGE2 or PGI2. These results indicate that immune system agonists alter intestinal epithelial electrolyte transport through release of cyclooxygenase products from cells in the lamina propria with at least 50% of the response being due to cyclooxygenase product activation of the enteric nervous system. The immune system, like the enteric nervous system and the endocrine system, may be a major regulating system for intestinal water and electrolyte transport in health and disease.

Indirect effects of bradykinin on ion transport in rat colon descendens: mediated by prostaglandins and enteric neurons

The effect of bradykinin on two preparations of rat colon descendens was examined. In a mucosa-submucosa preparation consisting of the submucosal plexus, the mucosal plexus and the epithelium bradykinin (10(-10)-5 X 10(-9) mol.l-1) caused an increase in Isc, Gt and Pd which was to more than 70% diminished by TTX. However, in a mucosa preparation consisting of only the mucosal plexus and the epithelium bradykinin caused an increase in Isc, Gt and Pd, which was not affected by TTX. Ten times higher concentrations of bradykinin were needed in the mucosa preparation to reach the same effects as in the mucosa-submucosa preparation. All effects of bradykinin were markedly reduced in the presence of indomethacin indicating that they were mediated by prostaglandins in both preparations. The bradykinin effect in the mucosa-submucosa preparation but not in the mucosa preparation was reduced about 50% by atropine. The results suggest that bradykinin activates prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins subsequently stimulate neurons in the submucosal plexus which induce a secretory response on the epithelium partially mediated by a muscarinic receptor. In a high concentration bradykinin due to the induction of prostaglandin synthesis can also activate directly the mucosal epithelium.

Neuronally mediated and direct effects of prostaglandins on ion transport in rat colon descendens

Two preparations of rat colon descendens were used in order to localize the action sites of iloprost and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). One preparation, the mucosa-submucosa preparation contained the submucosal and mucosal plexus whereas for the mucosa preparation in addition the submucosa with the submucosal plexus was removed. Iloprost (10(-6) mol.l-1) caused an increase in short-circuit current (Isc), potential difference (Pd) and tissue conductance (Gt) of the mucosa-submucosa preparation reflecting net Cl- secretion as confirmed by unidirectional ion flux measurements. The Cl- secretion was due to an increase in JClsm and a decrease in JClms. These effects were completely abolished by addition of 5 X 10(-5) mol.l-1 atropine. Iloprost had only small and inconsistent effects in the mucosa preparation. In contrast PGE2 (10(-6) mol.l-1) increased Isc, Pd and Gt due to Cl- secretion in both preparations. The Cl- secretion was caused by an increase in JClsm and a decrease in JClms. Only the PGE2 effect in the mucosa-submucosa preparation but not in the mucosa preparation was inhibited by about 50% by atropine. The results suggest that the prostacyclin derivative iloprost induces a Cl- secretion only by an activation of submucosal neurons whereas PGE2 acts both on the epithelium and the submucosal plexus. The neuronal effects of prostaglandins appear to be, at least in part, mediated by muscarinic receptors.

Prostaglandin E2 induced the cyclic AMP-dependent release of acetylcholine in circular muscles of the isolated guinea pig ileum

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) induced a dose-dependent increase in tone of the circular muscles of guinea pig ileum in vitro. These actions of PGE2 were deleted in the cold-stored preparations and blocked by tetrodotoxin. Atropine reduced the effects of PGE2 and physostigmine potentiated the PGE2-induced contractions. The release of acetylcholine (ACh) by PGE2 was responsible for initiating this contraction. The effect of PGE2 was compared with that of an electrical stimulation which also initiated a non-receptor-mediated release of ACh. Hexamethonium abolished the effect of PGE2 but did not influence the actions of the electrical stimulations. Synaptosomal fractions of the circular muscles were prepared to study the release of [14C]ACh. However, PGE2 failed to evoke a marked increase in the efflux of radioactivity, even at the maximal concentration. Damage and/or removal of the myenteric plexus may be responsible for this result because electrical stimulations that exert a powerful spasmogenic effect on longitudinal muscles also induced an insensitive response. Alloxan and ethacrynic acid, inhibitors of adenylate cyclase, reduced the activity of PGE2 at a concentration insufficient to modify either the actions of ACh or the electrical stimulations. 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) potentiated the responses to PGE2 at a dose sufficient to block the activity of phosphodiesterase (PDE). Imidazole, a stimulator of PDE, decreased the actions of PGE2 in a dose-dependent manner. IBMX, like imidazole, failed to modify the activities of both ACh and the electrical stimulations. These results indicate that PGE2 may function as a releaser of ACh in a cyclic AMP-dependent manner in the circular muscles of guinea pig ileum.

Effect of external Ca2+ on the spontaneous and the various stimuli-induced acetylcholine release from guinea-pig ileum myenteric plexus

Effect of external Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o) on spontaneous and various types of stimuli-induced acetylcholine (ACh) release from guinea-pig ileum myenteric plexus was studied. Electrical field stimulation- or high-K+-induced ACh release increased with the increment of [Ca2+]o. On the other hand, the spontaneous and the nicotine-induced ACh release increased up to 0.45 mM [Ca2+]o and then declined progressively as [Ca2+]o was raised. Qualitatively similar results were obtained with dimethylphenylpirerazinium-, 5-hydroxytryptamine- and substance P-induced ACh release. These results were discussed in terms of the stabilizing effect of Ca2+.

Prostaglandins block a Ca2+-dependent slow spike afterhyperpolarization independent of effects on Ca2+ influx in visceral afferent neurons

The blockade of a slow Ca2+-activated K+-dependent afterhyperpolarization (AHPs) in rabbit visceral sensory neurons by the prostaglandins, PGE1 and PGD2, was investigated to determine whether the blockade was indirectly due to a reduction in Ca2+ influx. The prostaglandins (PGs) could block the AHPs in the absence of any change in Ca2+-dependent spikes elicited in the presence of tetrodotoxin and tetraethylammonium bromide. A PG-induced decrease in Ca2+-dependent spike width observed in some neurons was temporally dissociated from the PG-induced block of the AHPs. In addition, a slow afterhyperpolarization produced by the application of the Ca2+ ionophore, A23187, was blocked by the PGs. It is concluded that a reduction in Ca2+ influx is not responsible for the PG-induced blockade of the AHPs.

Effects of adenylate cyclase inhibitors, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and dibutyryl cyclic AMP on spontaneous and various stimuli-induced acetylcholine release from guinea pig ileum myenteric plexus

In order to examine a possible contribution of cyclic AMP to acetylcholine (ACh) release from guinea pig ileum myenteric plexus, effects of adenylate cyclase inhibitors, phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors and dibutyryl cyclic AMP on the spontaneous and the various stimuli-induced ACh release were investigated. A PDE inhibitor, theophylline (1 mM) increased the ACh release induced by nicotine (6.16 microM) significantly. Another PDE inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX, 1 mM) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (4 mM) had no effect. The adenylate cyclase inhibitors dithiobisnitrobenzoic acid (DTNB, 1 mM) and alloxan (4 mM) both decreased the nicotine-induced ACh release remarkably. PDE inhibitors increased and adenylate cyclase inhibitors decreased the high-K+-induced ACh release. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP brought about a slight but significant increase of the high-K+-induced ACh release. All the drugs failed to alter the ACh release induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) at 10 Hz. Effects of all drugs except dibutyryl cyclic AMP on the spontaneous ACh release were the same as those on the nicotine-induced one. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP decreased it significantly. These results suggest that the cyclic AMP system is involved in the spontaneous, the nicotine-induced and the high-K+-induced ACh release and that the EFS-induced ACh release is independent of cyclic AMP.

Effect of prostaglandin E2 on the electrical activity of cat isolated stomach muscle

Prostaglandins (PGs) are believed to be present in the gastrointestinal tract and to increase the tone of longitudinal muscle layer. However the influence of PGs on the gastric slow wave (SW) is not clarified yet. We therefore investigated the effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on the electrical and the mechanical activities of feline isolated stomach muscle strips (7 X 1.5 cm), using five capillary electrodes (Ag-AgCl) and an isometric force transducer connected to the antral edge. One hundred and ninety-six strips, obtained from the corpus and antrum of 196 anaesthetized cats, were studied in a muscle chamber filled with Krebs solution (pH 7.4, temperature 36 degrees C) bubbled with 5% CO2 in O2. Exogenous PGE2 concentration-dependently increased the gastric SW frequency without affecting the spike and mechanical activities. Indomethacin decreased the SW frequency. These responses to PGE2 or indomethacin were not blocked by phentolamine, propranolol, hexamethonium, atropine or tetrodotoxin. It is therefore suggested that PGE2 facilitates the development of the gastric SW by an action on the muscle that does not involve cholinergic or adrenergic mechanism.

Contribution of endogenous prostaglandins to excitation of the myenteric plexus of guinea-pig ileum: are adrenergic factors involved?

The role of endogenous prostaglandins (PGs) in the nicotine-induced contraction and release of ACh was investigated in the isolated guinea-pig ileum. A low concentration of indomethacin (IND 2.8 microM) inhibited the contraction and ACh release induced by nicotine. These inhibitory effects of IND were reversed by PGE2 at concentrations which are thought to be released spontaneously. SC-19220, a PG receptors antagonist, also inhibited the contraction and ACh release induced by nicotine. Unlike the nicotine-induced release of ACh, the potassium-induced release of ACh was unaffected by IND and SC-19220. IND was as potent in inhibiting the responses to cholinergic nerve stimulation by nicotine after treatment of the preparations with antiadrenergic agents. It is concluded that the inhibitory effect of IND does not depend on the functional integrity of adrenergic neurons and that endogenous PGs contribute directly to the modulation of myenteric plexus excitability by nicotine.

Cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors antagonize indirectly evoked contractions of the guinea-pig isolated ileum by inhibiting acetylcholine release

The effects of indomethacin, sodium meclofenamate and ketoprofen on the contractile responses of the guinea-pig isolated ileum to directly and indirectly evoked stimuli were investigated. The effects of the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors on acetylcholine (ACh) release from plexus containing longitudinal muscle strips were also studied. The cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors reduced contractile responses to transmural stimulation (TMS) and nicotine at concentrations which had no effect on ACh-induced contractions. In whole ileum preparations (WIP) indomethacin and ketoprofen (40 micrograms ml-1) reduced TMS responses by 17 +/- 1.8% and 12 +/- 1.8% (n = 6), respectively (30 min incubation). In longitudinal muscle strips (LMS) in which Auerbach's plexus is exposed, indomethacin and ketoprofen (1 microgram ml-1) reduced TMS responses by 28 +/- 2.3% and 34 +/- 2.7% (n = 6), respectively (10 min incubation). Thus the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors were up to 80 times more effective in LMS than in WIP. The drugs were similarly more effective in blocking nicotine contractions in LMS than in WIP. The cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors reduced basal and stimulated ACh release from LMS. For example, indomethacin (1 microgram ml-1) reduced stimulated ACh release by 35% after 10 min incubation. The percentage inhibition increased to 79% after 40 min incubation (n = 6). Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (0.1-2.5 ng ml-1) restored the contractile responses and ACh release depressed by the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors but not the contractile responses depressed by atropine. PGF2 alpha had no effect on mechanical responses or ACh release depressed by the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors. 6 It is concluded that the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors studied reduced responses to transmural stimulation and nicotine by inhibiting ACh release. The site of action is the postganglionic parasympathetic nerve. 7 It is suggested that the reason why previous investigators needed to use high doses of cyclooxygenase inhibitor in the ileum is because the action of the inhibitor is limited by diffusion barriers. There was no evidence to support the view that there is more than one pool of cyclo-oxygenase in guinea-pig gut.

Effect of prostaglandin E2 on acetylcholine release from some peripheral cholinergic nerve terminals

The effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on the acetylcholine (ACh) release evoked from rat phrenic nerve terminals and from Auerbach's plexus of the guinea-pig ileum was investigated. PGE2 enhanced the evoked release of ACh from phrenic nerve terminals and from Auerbach's plexus in a concentration-dependent manner. Preincubation with 7-oxa-13-prostynoic acid, the PGE receptor blocker, and indomethacin inhibited the PGE2-induced increase of evoked release of ACh while atropine failed to do so. Whereas a single administration of either 7-oxa-13-prostynoic acid or indomethacin significantly inhibited the control evoked release of ACh from the Auerbach's plexus, they failed to alter the control evoked release of ACh from the phrenic nerve terminals. The study indicates that the PGE2-induced increase in release of ACh from cholinergic nerve terminals is accomplished through activation of prostaglandin receptors and that PGE2 may play a physiological role in ACh liberation from the cholinergic autonomic nerve terminals but not from motor nerve terminals.

Possible role of prostaglandins in post-tetanic potentiation at the nerve-muscle junction in the longitudinal muscle strip of guinea-pig ileum

The effect of tetanic stimulation on the twitch responses of the longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparation of the guinea-pig ileum to electrical stimulation was investigated in the presence of naloxone. Under this condition, or after the addition of PGE2, twitch contractions were maximal and no potentiation of twitches following tetanus was observed. In the presence of indomethacin (1 mumol litre-1) twitches were diminished and post-tetanic potentiation (PTP) was manifested. PTP was seen with indomethacin concentrations of 1 to 20 mumol litre-1 or after simultaneous addition of diphloretin phosphate (16 mumol litre-1). Thus it seems unlikely that the effect of prostaglandins released during tetanic stimulation would be of key importance for the manifestation of PTP. Rather it is thought that a decrease in the release of acetylcholine from motor nerve terminals, and consequently smaller twitches in the presence of indomethacin, offer favourable conditions for PTP.

The role of prostacyclin in modulating cholinergic neurotransmission in guinea-pig ileum

The mechanism of action of prostacyclin (PGI2) on isolated segments of guinea-pig terminal ileum was studied by recording the changes in isometric tension. In these preparations PGI2 (1 nM-1 microM) caused a concentration-dependent increase in muscle tension. This effect was rapid and short-lasting. PGI2-induced contractions were inhibited by atropine and potentiated by physostigmine. Hemicholinium-3 reduced the response to PGI2 and the inhibition was quantitatively comparable at any PGI2 concentration tested. Tetrodotoxin as well as low temperature (20 degrees C) abolished and beta-bungarotoxin reduced the effect of PGI2. Hexamethonium decreased the response to submaximal, but not to maximal PGI2 concentrations. PGI2 potentiated the twitch response of the ileum to electrical stimulation. In the presence of tetrodotoxin, PGI2 did not alter the effect of a sub-maximal concentration of acetylcholine (ACh). The present results give indirect evidence for the ability of PGI2 to facilitate ACh release from intramural nerves possibly by increasing the excitability of cholinergic cell bodies.