Intracellular mediators of peptide action in the intestine and airways: focus on ion transport function

Regulation of L-alanine transport systems A and ASC by cyclic AMP and calcium in a reptilian duodenal model

The regulation of neutral amino acid transport by cyclic AMP (cAMP) and calcium across the isolated duodenum of the lizard Gallotia galloti has been studied under short-circuit conditions. Active L-alanine transport was stimulated by forskolin, theophylline and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (db-cAMP). All these agents increased transmural potential difference (PD) and short-circuit current (I(sc)) in a manner consistent with the activation of a chloride secretory pathway. Both forskolin and theophylline increased intracellular cAMP levels in the lizard duodenal mucosa. Addition of calcium ionophore A23187 rapidly reduced mucosa-to-serosa L-alanine fluxes and diminished net L-alanine transport. Despite the reduction of alanine fluxes by A23187, transepithelial PD and I(sc) values were increased by the ionophore. Analyses of the responses of isolated transport pathways indicated that the Na(+)-independent L-alanine transport system was unaffected by db-cAMP or calcium ionophore. By contrast, Na(+)-dependent transport activities were profoundly modified by these agents. Thus, while system A [alpha-methylamino-isobutiric acid (MeAIB)-transporting pathway] was stimulated by increased calcium, system ASC activity was nearly abolished. Calcium ionophore also potentiated the electrogenic response of system A. Forskolin strongly stimulated system ASC activity but left system A activity unchanged. Activation of system ASC by forskolin was clearly electroneutral, as pre-incubation of the tissues with the chloride channel blocker diphenylamine-2-carboxilic acid (DPC) completely prevented forskolin-induced transepithelial electrical responses. It is concluded that intracellular messengers cAMP and calcium oppositely modulate active Na(+)-dependent (L)-alanine transport in the lizard intestine. The different sensitivity exhibited by individual transport pathways may well account for the changes observed in overall alanine transport.

Substance P enhances antigen-evoked mediator release from human nasal mucosa

Exogenous substance P (10-80 nmol/ml) induced a dose-dependent increase in nasal symptoms in asymptomatic allergics with rhinitis (n = 15) and controls (n = 8), but did not release any mediators. However, comparing the antigen-evoked release of mediators into nasal secretions with that of a substance P-pretreated antigen challenge, we found a significant enhancement of kinins, TAME esterase activity (p < 0.05-0.01), and histamine (p < 0.001, NS) 10-20 min after antigen challenge. These results suggest 1) that substance P-induced increase in nasal congestion is mediated through direct neurokinin receptor activation independently of mast cell activation, and 2) that during the allergic reaction there is a substance P-mast cell interaction that enhances the mediator response to nasal allergen challenge.

Effects of capsaicin on the endothelial permeability in isolated and perfused rabbit lungs

Changes in pulmonary endothelial permeability and in microvascular hemodynamics in response to capsaicin (10(-4) M) were investigated in isolated, perfused rabbit lungs. Blood-free perfusate was recirculated through ventilated lungs in an isogravimetric state, under zone III conditions with a constant flow. Using the occlusions method, the total pressure gradient between the arterial and the venous levels (delta Pt) was partitioned into four components: arterial (delta Pa), pre-(delta Pa') and post-(delta Pv') capillary, and venous (delta Pv). The capillary filtration coefficient (Kf,c) was evaluated by measuring the amount of fluid filtering through the endothelium when arterial and venous pressures were suddenly increased. Capsaicin caused no changes in the vascular pressures at any level of the pulmonary circulation but induced a significant 3-fold increase in the Kf,c (P < 0.05). This reaction was accompanied by pulmonary oedema. The mechanisms involved in the permeability changes were investigated by testing the capacity of different drugs to block the response to capsaicin. Clonidine (10(-7) M to 10(-5) M), morphine (10(-6) M), aspirin (10(-3) M), ketanserin (10(-8) M) and (+/)- CP 96,345 (10(-6) M), an antagonist of neurokinin NK1 receptor, completely prevented the effects of capsaicin on the Kf,c. In contrast, terfenadine (10(-7)) together with cimetidine (10(-5) M) had no protective effect against capsaicin. It was concluded that capsaicin-induced pulmonary oedema was due to an increase in the capillary filtration coefficient and not to hemodynamic changes. This alteration in the endothelium permeability is mediated by the release of endogenous peptides from C-fibers upon the action of capsaicin and subsequent activation of NK1 receptors, probably by substance P. Moreover, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors and arachidonic acid derivates are also involved in this reaction.

Neuropeptide Y and somatostatin inhibit stimulated cyclic AMP production in rabbit ciliary processes

The interaction of adrenergic and peptide receptors linked to adenylate cyclase and the inhibition by bioactive peptides of stimulated cyclic AMP production has been investigated in intact, excised rabbit ciliary processes. Cyclic AMP production stimulated by isoproterenol, vasoactive intestinal peptide, or forskolin was inhibited by the biologically active peptides neuropeptide Y, somatostatin, and the synthetic somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995. IC50s determined from dose-response curves of inhibition are consistent with the known abilities of these ligands to modulate cyclic AMP and physiological responses in other tissues. Inhibition by neuropeptide Y or SMS 201-995 was unaffected by the specific alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist yohimbine, which shows that peptide inhibition is not occurring via peptide binding to the inhibitory alpha 2-adrenergic receptor. These results suggest that endogenous peptides may participate in modulation of cyclic AMP production and subsequent physiological events influenced by cyclic AMP levels in rabbit ciliary processes by inhibiting stimulated cyclic AMP synthesis.