In vivo characterization of the tachykinin receptors involved in the direct and indirect bronchoconstrictor effect of tachykinins in two inbred rat strains

Substance P-induced lung inflammation in mice is mast cell dependent

BACKGROUND

Allergic asthma is a common inflammatory lung disease and a major health problem worldwide. Mast cells (MCs) play a key role in the early-stage pathophysiology of allergic asthma. Substance P (SP) functions in neurogenic inflammation by activating MCs, and therefore, it may to participate in the occurrence and development of asthma.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the relationship between SP and lung inflammation, and also whether SP can directly trigger asthma.

METHODS

We measured the number of peripheral blood eosinophils, neutrophils and basophils and evaluated the levels of IgE and SP in blood samples of 86 individuals with allergic asthma. Serum IgE and SP levels were also determined in 29 healthy individuals. C57BL/6 mice were subjected to different doses of SP, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected to count the inflammatory cells. Lung tissues were analysed using histopathological methods to evaluate lung peribronchial inflammation, fibrosis and glycogen deposition. Levels of IgE, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-17 and IFN-γ were determined in mouse serum.

RESULTS

Substance P levels were increased in the serum samples of patients with asthma. SP induced mouse lung peribronchial inflammation, fibrosis and glycogen deposition, with high levels of Th2-related cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 observed in the BALF. Furthermore, low level of total IgE was noted in the serum, and SP had little effect on MC-deficient kit^W-sh/W-sh mice.

CONCLUSIONS & CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Substance P levels increased significantly in serum of asthmatic patients and independently associated with the risk of asthma. Furthermore, SP induced Th2 lung inflammation in mice, which was dependent on MCs.

Mast cells within cellular networks

Mast cells are highly versatile in terms of their mode of activation by a host of stimuli and their ability to flexibly release a plethora of biologically highly active mediators. Within the immune system, mast cells can best be designated as an active nexus interlinking innate and adaptive immunity. Here we try to draw an arc from initiation of acute inflammatory reactions to microbial pathogens to development of adaptive immunity and allergies. This multifaceted nature of mast cells is made possible by interaction with multiple cell types of immunologic and nonimmunologic origin. Examples for the former include neutrophils, eosinophils, T cells, and professional antigen-presenting cells. These interactions allow mast cells to orchestrate inflammatory innate reactions and complex adaptive immunity, including the pathogenesis of allergies. Important partners of nonimmunologic origin include cells of the sensory neuronal system. The intimate association between mast cells and sensory nerve fibers allows bidirectional communication, leading to neurogenic inflammation. Evidence is accumulating that this mast cell/nerve crosstalk is of pathophysiologic relevance in patients with allergic diseases, such as asthma.

Neurogenic airway microvascular leakage induced by toluene inhalation in rats

Toluene is a representative airborne occupational and domestic pollutant that causes eye and respiratory tract irritation. We investigated whether a single inhalation of toluene elicits microvascular leakage in the rat airway. We also evaluated the effects of CP-99,994, a tachykinin NK(1) receptor antagonist, and ketotifen, a histamine H1 receptor antagonist with mast cell-stabilizing properties, on the airway response. The content of Evans blue dye that extravasated into the tissues was measured as an index of plasma leakage. Toluene (18-450 ppm, 10 min) concentration-dependently induced dye leakage into the trachea and main bronchi of anesthetized and mechanically ventilated rats. Toluene at concentrations of ≥ 50 and ≥ 30 ppm caused significant responses in the trachea and main bronchi, respectively, which both peaked after exposure to 135 ppm toluene for 10 min. This response was abolished by CP-99,994 (5 mg/kg i.v.), but not by ketotifen (1mg/kg i.v.). Nebulized phosphoramidon (1 mM, 1 min), a neutral endopeptidase 24.11 inhibitor, significantly enhanced the response induced by toluene (135 ppm, 10 min) compared with nebulized 0.9% saline (1 min). These results show that toluene can rapidly increase airway plasma leakage that is predominantly mediated by tachykinins endogenously released from airway sensory nerves. However, mast cell activation might not be important in this airway response.

CGRP1 receptor activation induces piecemeal release of protease-1 from mouse bone marrow-derived mucosal mast cells

BACKGROUND

The parasitized or inflamed gastrointestinal mucosa shows an increase in the number of mucosal mast cells (MMC) and the density of extrinsic primary afferent nerve fibers containing the neuropeptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Currently, the mode of action of CGRP on MMC is unknown.

METHODS

The effects of CGRP on mouse bone marrow-derived mucosal mast cells (BMMC) were investigated by measurements of intracellular Ca(2+)[Ca(2+)](i) and release of mMCP-1.

KEY RESULTS

Bone marrow-derived mucosal mast cells responded to the application of CGRP with a single transient rise in [Ca(2+)](i). The proportion of responding cells increased concentration-dependently to a maximum of 19 ± 4% at 10(-5)mol L(-1) (mean ±SEM; C48/80 100%; EC(50)10(-8) mol L(-1) ). Preincubation with the CGRP receptor antagonist BIBN4096BS (10(-5) mol L(-1)) completely inhibited BMMC activation by CGRP [range 10(-5) to 10(-11) mol L(-1); analysis of variance (ANOVA) P < 0.001], while preincubation with LaCl(3) to block Ca(2+) entry did not affect the response (P = 0.18). The presence of the CGRP1 receptor on BMMC was confirmed by simultaneous immunofluorescent detection of RAMP1 or CRLR, the two components of the CGRP1 receptor, and mMCP-1. Application of CGRP for 1 h evoked a concentration-dependent release of mMCP-1 (at EC(50) 10% of content) but not of β-hexosaminidase and alterations in granular density indicative of piecemeal release.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

We demonstrate that BMMC express functional CGRP1 receptors and that their activation causes mobilization of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores and piecemeal release of mMCP-1. These findings support the hypothesis that the CGRP signaling from afferent nerves to MMC in the gastrointestinal wall is receptor-mediated.

Extending the understanding of sensory neuropeptides

The tachykinins substance P and neurokinin A are present in human airways, in sensory nerves and immune cells. Tachykinins can be recovered from the airways after inhalation of ozone, cigarette smoke or allergen. They interact in the airways with tachykinin NK1, NK2 and NK3 receptors to cause bronchoconstriction, plasma protein extravasation, and mucus secretion and to attract and activate immune cells. In preclinical studies they have been implicated in the pathophysiology of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including allergen- and cigarette smoke induced airway inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness and mucus secretion. Dual NK1/NK2 or triple NK1/NK2/NK3 tachykinin receptor antagonists offer therapeutic potential in airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The role of substance P in inflammatory disease

The diffuse neuroendocrine system consists of specialised endocrine cells and peptidergic nerves and is present in all organs of the body. Substance P (SP) is secreted by nerves and inflammatory cells such as macrophages, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and dendritic cells and acts by binding to the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R). SP has proinflammatory effects in immune and epithelial cells and participates in inflammatory diseases of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal systems. Many substances induce neuropeptide release from sensory nerves in the lung, including allergen, histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes. Patients with asthma are hyperresponsive to SP and NK-1R expression is increased in their bronchi. Neurogenic inflammation also participates in virus-associated respiratory infection, non-productive cough, allergic rhinitis, and sarcoidosis. SP regulates smooth muscle contractility, epithelial ion transport, vascular permeability, and immune function in the gastrointestinal tract. Elevated levels of SP and upregulated NK-1R expression have been reported in the rectum and colon of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and correlate with disease activity. Increased levels of SP are found in the synovial fluid and serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and NK-1R mRNA is upregulated in RA synoviocytes. Glucocorticoids may attenuate neurogenic inflammation by decreasing NK-1R expression in epithelial and inflammatory cells and increasing production of neutral endopeptidase (NEP), an enzyme that degrades SP. Preventing the proinflammatory effects of SP using tachykinin receptor antagonists may have therapeutic potential in inflammatory diseases such as asthma, sarcoidosis, chronic bronchitis, IBD, and RA. In this paper, we review the role that SP plays in inflammatory disease.

Functional expression of neurokinin 1 receptors on mast cells induced by IL-4 and stem cell factor

It is widely accepted that neurokinin 1 (NK(1)) receptors are not generally expressed on mast cells but little is known about their expression in inflammation. The present study shows expression of NK(1) receptors on bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) under the influence of IL-4 or stem cell factor (SCF). Highest expression was found when both cytokines are present. Six days of coculture with the cytokines IL-4 and SCF showed significant expression of NK(1) receptors (NK(1) receptor(+)/c-kit(+) BMMC; control: 7%, IL-4/SCF: 16%), while 12 days of cytokine coculture increased this expression to 37% positive cells. A longer coculture with IL-4 and SCF did not give an additional effect. Increased expression in IL-4/SCF-treated BMMC was further confirmed using Western blot analysis. Next, we demonstrated the functional relevance of NK(1) receptor expression for mast cell activation, resulting in an enhanced degranulation upon stimulation by substance P. BMMC activation was significantly diminished by the NK(1) receptor antagonist RP67580 (10 micro M) when stimulated with low concentrations of substance P. The inactive enantiomer RP65681 had no effect. In addition, BMMC cultured from bone marrow of NK(1) receptor knockout mice showed significantly decreased exocytosis to low concentrations of substance P. The present study clearly shows that NK(1) receptor-induced activation contributes significantly at low physiological substance P concentrations (<100 micro M). In conclusion, BMMC were shown to express NK(1) receptors upon IL-4/SCF coculture. This expression of NK(1) receptors has been demonstrated to be of functional relevance and leads to an increase in the sensitivity of BMMC to substance P.

Airway smooth muscle cells express functional neurokinin-1 receptors and the nerve-derived preprotachykinin-a gene: regulation by passive sensitization

Preprotachykinin-A (PPT-A) gene-derived neuropeptides, namely substance P (SP) and neurokinin (NK)A, and their receptors participate in allergen-induced airway responses. Whether airway smooth muscle cells (ASMC) may react directly to SP through expression of the NK-1 receptor or express the gene for the synthesis of SP, the PPT-A gene, is unknown. We demonstrated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction that tracheal SMC (TSMC) from atopic Brown Norway rats contained mRNA transcripts for the full-length isoform of the NK-1 receptor. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that the NK-1 receptor was expressed on the surface of TSMC. This receptor was functional as demonstrated by calcium mobilization in response to SP stimulation. The expression of the NK-1 receptor was not altered in passively sensitized TSMC in response to antigenic stimulation, although this stimulation increased the expression of the chemokine RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cells expressed and secreted). Using different sets of PCR primers, we showed that TSMC also express the beta, alpha, and its alternative splicing product delta, and possibly the gamma mRNA transcript isoforms of the PPT-A gene. Gene sequencing of the PCR-amplified beta isoform confirmed that it is a transcript product of the rat PPT-A gene, and the production of SP by TSMC was confirmed by enzyme immunoassay. We also showed the beta isoform increased after cell stimulation with rat sera, whether sensitized or not. In conclusion, both the PPT-A gene and NK-1 receptors are expressed by TSMC, which suggests the possibility of autocrine neuropeptidergic mechanisms in these cells. However, these mechanisms are not upregulated by passive sensitization.

Involvement of tachykinin NK(1) and NK(2) receptors in changes in lung mechanics and airway microvascular leakage during the early phase of endotoxemia in Guinea pigs

We investigated the role of tachykinins in airway neurogenic responses occurring in the early phase of endotoxemia. Forty-eight anesthetized guinea pigs were evenly divided into six groups pretreated with either saline vehicle, CP-96,345 (a tachykinin NK(1) receptor antagonist), SR-48,968 (a tachykinin NK(2) receptor antagonist) or CP-96,345 and SR-48,968 in combination. Animals then received an intravenous injection of either saline (the vehicle for endotoxin) or endotoxin (30 mg/kg). Total lung resistance (R(L)) and dynamic lung compliance (C(dyn)) were continuously measured before and 30 min after administration of saline or endotoxin. Airway microvascular leakage was assessed at the end of the observation period. Endotoxin significantly increased R(L) and decreased C(dyn) 10 min after intravenous endotoxin injection. Plasma extravasation significantly increased in the trachea, main bronchi and intrapulmonary airways with endotoxin administration. These changes in lung mechanics were abolished by SR-48,968, but were unaffected by CP-96,345. The plasma extravasation was largely attenuated by CP-96,345 and/or SR-48,968. We conclude that (1) endogenous tachykinins play an important role in producing changes in lung mechanics and airway microvascular leakage during the early phase of endotoxemia and (2) activation of tachykinin NK(2) receptors is responsible for the former response, while activation of both tachykinin NK(1) and NK(2) receptors is involved in the latter response.

NK1 receptor stimulation causes contraction and inositol phosphate increase in medium-size human isolated bronchi

Although contraction of human isolated bronchi is mediated mainly by tachykinin NK2 receptors, NK1 receptors, via prostanoid release, contract small-size (approximately 1 mm in diameter) bronchi. Here, we have investigated the presence and biological responses of NK1 receptors in medium-size (2-5 mm in diameter) human isolated bronchi. Specific staining was seen in bronchial sections with an antibody directed against the human NK1 receptor. The selective NK1 receptor agonist, [Sar(9), Met(O2)(11)]SP, contracted about 60% of human isolated bronchial rings. This effect was reduced by two different NK1 receptor antagonists, CP-99,994 and SR 140333. Contraction induced by [Sar(9), Met(O2)(11)]SP was independent of acetylcholine and histamine release and epithelium removal, and was not affected by nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition. [Sar(9), Met(O2)(11)]SP increased inositol phosphate (IP) levels, and SR 140333 blocked this increase, in segments of medium- and small-size (approximately 1 mm in diameter) human bronchi. COX inhibition blocked the IP increase induced by [Sar(9), Met(O2)(11)]SP in small-size, but not in medium-size, bronchi. NK1 receptors mediated bronchoconstriction in a large proportion of medium-size human bronchi. Unlike small-size bronchi this effect is independent of prostanoid release, and the results are suggestive of a direct activation of smooth muscle receptors and IP release.

Role of tachykinins in asthma

The sensory neuropeptides substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) are localized to sensory airway nerves, from which they can be released by a variety of stimuli, including allergen, ozone, or inflammatory mediators. Sensory nerves containing these peptides are relatively scarce in human airways, but it is becoming increasingly evident that inflammatory cells such as eosinophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and dendritic cells can produce the tachykinins SP and NKA. Moreover, immune stimuli can boost the production and secretion of SP and NKA. SP and NKA have potent effects on bronchomotor tone, airway secretions, and bronchial circulation (vasodilation and microvascular leakage) and on inflammatory and immune cells. Following their release, tachykinins are degraded by neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and angiotensin-converting enzyme. The airway effects of the tachykinins are largely mediated by tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors. Tachykinins contract smooth muscle mainly by interaction with NK2 receptors, while the vascular and proinflammatory effects are mediated by the NK1 receptor. In view of their potent effects on the airways, tachykinins have been put forward as possible mediators of asthma, and tachykinin receptor antagonists are a potential new class of antiasthmatic medication.

Activation of sensory nerves participates in stress-induced histamine release from mast cells in rats

To elucidate the mechanism by which stress induces rapid histamine release from mast cells, Wistar rats, pretreated as neonates with capsaicin, were subjected to immobilization stress for 2 h, and histamine release was measured in paws of anesthetized rats by using in vivo microdialysis after activation of sensory nerves by electrical or chemical stimulation. Immobilization stress studies indicated that in control rats stress induced a 2.7-fold increase in the level of plasma histamine compared to that in freely moving rats. Whereas pretreatment with capsaicin significantly decreased stress-induced elevation of plasma histamine. Microdialysis studies showed that electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve resulted in a 4-fold increase of histamine release in rat paws. However, this increase was significantly inhibited in rats pretreated with capsaicin. Furthermore, injection of capsaicin into rat paw significantly increased histamine release in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that activation of sensory nerves participates in stress-induced histamine release from mast cells.

Histamine release induced by immobilization, gentle handling and decapitation from mast cells and its inhibition by nedocromil in rats

The effect of immobilization, gentle handling and decapitation on the level of plasma histamine in Wistar rats was investigated. Mast cell deficient (Ws/Ws) rats were used to characterize the source of elevated histamine in plasma by stress, and the effect of nedocromil, a mast cell stabilizer, on histamine release was assessed in these models in vivo. The plasma histamine concentration of freely moving rats was 93.0+/-2.3 pmol/ml. Gentle handling produced a transient increase in plasma histamine level by 1.9-fold, whereas immobilization resulted in a longer-lasting elevation by 2.6-fold compared to that in the freely moving rats. Decapitation increased the plasma histamine level by 10- to 16-fold compared with that in the freely moving rats. No increase in plasma histamine was found in Ws/Ws rats exposed to stress. Nedocromil inhibited the increase in plasma histamine level induced by stress in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that stress induces histamine release from mast cells in Wistar rats and the extent of this histamine release increases with the severity of stress. Nedocromil proved to be a good pharmacological tool to inhibit stress-induced release of mediators from mast cells.

Strain dependence of the airway response to dry-gas hyperpnea challenge in the rat

The aim of the study was to investigate strain dependence and mechanisms of airway responses to dry-gas hyperpnea challenge in the rat. We studied responses in a strain that is hyperresponsive to methacholine, Fischer 344 (F-344); in two normoresponsive strains, Lewis and ACI; and in an atopic but normoresponsive strain, Brown Norway (BN). We examined the effects of a neurokinin (NK) 1-receptor (CP-99994), an NK2-receptor (SR-48968), and a leukotriene D4 (LTD4)-receptor antagonist (pranlukast) on responses to hyperpnea challenge in BN rats. The animals were ventilated with a tidal volume of 8 ml/kg and a frequency of 150 breaths/min with either a dry or humidified mixture of 5% CO2-95% O2 for 5 min for hyperpnea challenge, whereas responses to challenge were measured during spontaneous breathing. Pulmonary resistance increased after dry-gas challenge in BN and ACI but not in F-344 and Lewis rats. CP-99994, SR-48968, and pranlukast significantly attenuated the increase in pulmonary resistance after dry-gas challenge. There were no significant differences in responsiveness to airway challenge with LTD4 among the BN, F-344 and ACI rats. We conclude that responses to dry-gas hyperpnea challenge are strain dependent in rats and are mediated by NKs and LTD4.

Biphasic elevation of plasma histamine induced by water immersion stress, and their sources in rats

The effect of water immersion stress on the plasma concentration of histamine, in Wistar and mast cell-deficient (Ws/Ws) rats, was investigated. The histamine content of the plasma, skin and gastric mucosa, as well as the level of activity of histidine decarboxylase in the gastric mucosa, were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-fluorometry. In Wistar rats exposed to water immersion stress for a total of 6 h, an initial, acute, four-fold, transient increase in the plasma histamine level, followed by a sustained, though lower, elevation of the plasma histamine level, was observed. The initial acute increase in plasma histamine level was also seen in gastrectomized Wistar rats exposed to water immersion stress, but not in Ws/Ws rats exposed to stress. The sustained elevation of the plasma histamine level was observed in the Ws/Ws rats. However, in both the gastrectomized Wistar rats and gastrectomized Ws/Ws rats, the sustained elevation in plasma histamine level was not observed. The histamine content of the skin of Wistar rats after 15 min or more exposure to water immersion stress, was 20% lower than that of control rats. The mucosal histamine content of both Wistar rats and Ws/Ws rats, was 20% lower, whereas histidine decarboxylase activity in the gastric mucosa was enhanced by two-fold, during exposure to stress for 4 h. These findings indicate that water immersion stress causes a biphasic increase in plasma histamine concentration in Wistar rats; the initial acute increase in plasma histamine level originates from mast cells, and the second, sustained increase is attributed to enterochromaffin-like cells.

Regionally different influence of contractile agonists on isolated rat airway segments

Rats are increasingly used to study airway inflammation and bronchial responsiveness. Relative little is known on the contribution of small airways in this animal model. We therefore compared the responsiveness to various inflammatory agents of isolated trachea, main bronchi (using classic organ bath) and isolated bronchioles (using small myograph) from Wistar and Fisher 344 rats. The largest contraction was elicited on all preparations by carbachol. Histamine elicited a (small) contraction only on bronchioles. The contractions elicited by serotonin, bradykinin, and the thromboxane A2-mimetic U-46619 were always relatively larger in bronchioles than in trachea and main bronchi. The sensitivities to carbachol and serotonin were smaller in bronchioles. The tachykinins substance P and neurokinin A elicited no substantial contraction on bronchioles or main bronchi. Trachea of Fisher 344 but not of Wistar rats showed a small contraction. No other differences were found between preparations from Wistar and Fisher 344 rats. It is concluded that rat trachea, main bronchi and small bronchioles show regional and strain-dependent variations in their responsiveness to contractile agents.

Modulation by 5-HT1A receptors of the 5-HT2 receptor-mediated tachykinin-induced contraction of the rat trachea in vitro

1. In the Fisher 344 rat, tachykinins have been shown to cause the release of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) from airway mast cells, which then causes direct smooth muscle activation as well as the release of acetylcholine from cholinergic nerves. The aim of the present study was to examine the modulatory effects of 5-HT receptors on the neurokinin A (NKA)-induced release of endogenous 5-HT and airway smooth muscle contraction in the isolated Fisher 344 rat trachea. 2. The selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin (0.1 microM) produced an almost complete inhibition of the contractions caused by NKA (n=4, P<0.0001, two-way ANOVA), and a significant rightward shift of the concentration-response curve to 5-HT (n=8, P<0.001, two-way ANOVA). 3. The partial agonist for 5-HT1A receptors, 8-OH-DPAT (1 microM), and the full agonist for 5-HT1 receptors, 5-CT (0.3 microM), potentiated the submaximal contractions induced by the 5-HT2 receptor agonist alpha-methyl-5-HT (0.1 microM) (n=4; P<0.005 and P<0.05, respectively). 8-OH-DPAT (1 microM), as well as the 5-HT1A receptor antagonists pMPPI, SDZ 216525 and NAN-190 (0.1 microM each), caused significant inhibition of the tracheal contractions induced both by NKA (10 nM-3 microM) and 5-HT (10 nM-10 microM) (n=4-10). This suggests that activation of 5-HT1A receptors potentiates the 5-HT2 receptor-mediated contractions. 4. SDZ 216525 (0.1 microM) significantly reduced the maximal contraction produced by 1 microM NKA (n=10, P< 0.001), without affecting the release of endogenous 5-HT. These data rule out the involvement of a 5-HT1A receptor-mediated positive feedback mechanism of the 5-HT release from mast cells. 5. Even in the presence of atropine (1 microM), 8-OH-DPAT (1 microM) further reduced the maximal NKA-induced contraction (n=4, P<0.0001), while the contractions of the rat isolated trachea induced by electrical field stimulation and the concentration-response curve to carbachol were unaffected by pMPPI (0.1 microM), SDZ 216525 (0.1 microM), NAN-190 (0.1 microM) and 8-OH-DPAT (1 microM) (n=4-6). These data demonstrate that the 5-HT1A receptor-mediated potentiation of contractile responses is not due to nonspecific inhibition of airway smooth muscle contraction or to modulation of postganglionic nerve activation. 6. The selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor antagonist GR 127935, the selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist tropisetron and the selective 5-HT4 receptor antagonists SB 204070 and GR 113808 (0.1 microM each) had no effect on the concentration-response curve for NKA (n=6-10), ruling out the involvement of 5-HT1B/1D, 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors. 7. The alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonist phentolamine (1 microM) had no effect on the 5-HT-induced contractions (n=4), ruling out the involvement of alpha-adrenoreceptors. 8. In conclusion, the tachykinin-induced contraction of the F334 rat isolated trachea is mediated by the stimulation of 5-HT2 receptors. Activation of 5-HT1A receptors located on airway smooth muscle potentiates the direct contractile effects of 5-HT2 receptor activation. The 5-HT1B/1D, 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors are not involved in the NKA-induced contraction of rat airways.

Role of 5-hydroxytryptamine and mast cells in the tachykinin-induced contraction of rat trachea in vitro

The in vivo bronchoconstrictor effect of tachykinins in Fisher 344 rats is accompanied by release into the airways of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). 5-HT is possibly derived from mast cells. In the present study the presumed mast cell-tachykinin interaction was studied in isolated trachea from Fisher 344 rats. Contractions induced by neurokinin A were largely reduced by the 5-HT antagonist methysergide, partially reduced by atropine, but not affected by hexamethonium or tetrodotoxin. Methysergide also inhibited the contractions induced by substance P, the tachykinin NK1 receptor agonist Ac[Arg6, Sar9, Met(O2)11]substance P-(6-11) and the mast cell depleting compound 48/80. Methysergide had no effect on contractions induced by carbachol or electrical field stimulation. Atropine significantly reduced contractions to 5-HT and completely inhibited contractions induced by electrical field stimulation. Histamine had no contractile effect. In vivo pretreatment with compound 48/80 significantly reduced the in vitro contractions to neurokinin A. Contractions to capsaicin were inhibited by methysergide and the tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist (+/-)-RP67580 ((3alphaR,7alphaR)-(7,7-diphenyl-2-(1-imino-2-(2-methoxyp henylethyl)-perhydraisoinotol-4-one))). Substance P and neurokinin A caused 5-HT release in the organ bath, in a concentration- and time-dependent way. Atropine did not affect 5-HT release. Morphometric analysis showed that substance P and neurokinin A, but not carbachol, caused a significant increase in the number of degranulating mast cells in the muscular/submuscular region. In conclusion, tachykinins contract Fisher 344 rat trachea by releasing 5-HT from mast cells, an effect mediated by a tachykinin NK1 receptor.

Sensory nerve-mediated inhibitory responses in airways of F344 rats

We recently described a sensory nerve inhibitory system that mediates relaxation in the airways of Sprague-Dawley rats. Results of several studies have shown that this system protects the lungs against injury induced by toxic stimuli. Whether a similar inhibitory system exists in the airways of Fischer 344 (F344) rats is unknown. Because this rat strain is used extensively in lung toxicological research, the purpose of this study was to determine whether a sensory nerve inhibitory system exists in intrapulmonary bronchi and tracheae isolated from F344 rats. In intrapulmonary bronchi at resting tone, substance P (1.0 microM) evoked a transient contraction that was inhibited by the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, ketanserin. Exposing airway segments to compound 48/80 to degranulate mast cells also abolished substance P-induced contractions. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase with meclofenamate augmented markedly the contraction to substance P in the intrapulmonary bronchi. In intrapulmonary bronchi that were contracted with bethanechol, substance P evoked a biphasic response characterized by an increase in tension above that induced by bethanechol followed by relaxation. Incubation of the airways with ketanserin abolished the contractile portion of the response; relaxation responses were augmented after ketanserin. In contracted intrapulmonary bronchi that had been treated with compound 48/80, substance P and capsaicin caused relaxation responses that were inhibited markedly or were nearly abolished by the NK1 receptor antagonist, RP67580, by meclofenamate, and by denuding the epithelium. Capsaicin-induced relaxation responses also were abolished by desensitization of C-fibers with capsaicin. Only ketanserin-sensitive contractile responses were observed in response to substance P in tracheal segments. We conclude that a sensory nerve inhibitory system exists in the intrapulmonary airways of F344 rats. The presence of this inhibitory system in F344 rat airways may play a protective role against lung injury induced by inhaled toxicants.

Role of tachykinin and bradykinin receptors and mast cells in gaseous formaldehyde-induced airway microvascular leakage in rats

We have investigated the effects of CP-99,994 [(+)-(2s,3s)-3-(2-methoxybenzylamino)-2-phenylpiperidine], a tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, HOE 140 (D-Arg[Hyp3,Thi5,D-Tic7,Oic8]bradykinin), a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, and ketotifen (4-(1-methyl-4-piperidylidene)4 H-benzo[4,5]cycloheptal[1,2-b]thiophen-10(9H)-one hydrogen fumarate), a histamine H1 receptor antagonist with mast cell-stabilizing properties, on microvascular leakage induced by gaseous formaldehyde. Extravasation of Evans blue dye into airway tissues was used as an index of airway microvascular leakage. Leakage of dye in the trachea and main bronchi increased significantly in a concentration-dependent fashion after 10 min inhalation of formaldehyde (5-45 parts per million (ppm)). The airway response induced by 10 min inhalation of 15 ppm formaldehyde (trachea: 119.5 +/- 13.9 ng/mg, n = 7; main bronchi: 139.6 +/- 7.9 ng/mg, n = 7) was abolished by the administration of CP-99,994 (3 and 6 mg/kg i.v.), but not by the administration of HOE 140 (0.65 mg/kg i.v.) nor ketotifen (1 mg/kg i.v.). The increase in vascular permeability induced by formaldehyde in the rat airway was mediated predominantly by NK1 receptor stimulation. Activation of bradykinin receptors and mast cells did not appear to play an important role in this airway response.

Genetic control of indirect airway responsiveness in the rat

Many of the airway responses to endogenous and exogenous stimuli are caused by indirect mechanisms such as the activation of neurons and/or inflammatory cells. In the present study we compare the bronchoconstrictor and the plasma protein extravasation response to adenosine and tachykinins in two highly inbred rat strains, F344 and BDE. BDE-rats have a bronchoconstrictor response to adenosine at lower doses. Challenge with the A3-adenosine receptor agonist APNEA demonstrates that the difference in airway responsiveness to adenosine between BDE- and F344-rats is probably related to a higher number of A3-receptors on the airway mast cells of BDE-rats. In contrast, F344-rats have a higher airway responsiveness to tachykinins than BDE-rats. Tachykinins cause bronchoconstriction in F344-rats mainly by an indirect mechanism, involving stimulation of NK1-receptors and mast cell activation. In BDE-rats they cause bronchoconstriction by a direct effect on airway smooth muscle via activation of NK2-receptors. Finally we also observed a difference between F344- and BDE-rats with regard to the mechanisms involved in the plasma protein extravasation in the airways caused by substance P or capsaicin. In F344-rats but not in BDE-rats mast cell activation and the release of 5-hydroxytryptamine is partly responsible for this plasma protein extravasation.

Neurokinin receptors subserving bronchoconstriction

Tachykinin receptor subtypes were initially defined using agonist potency rations for the endogenous ligands substance P (SP), neurokinin (NK) A, and NKB. On this basis it was suggested that there are three tachykinin receptor subtypes. These subtypes were designated NK1, NK2, and NK3, where SP is most potent at NK1 receptors, NKA is most potent at NK2 receptors, and NKB is most potent at NK3 receptors. Recently analogs of the endogenous ligands that show greater selectivity (about 1000-fold) for the different receptor subtype have been developed. In addition selective antagonists, which are either nonpeptides or modified peptides, for the receptor subtypes have been developed. This minireview concentrates on the wealth of new knowledge concerning the tachykinin receptor subtypes subserving bronchoconstriction in several mammalian species, including man, provided by the use of these selective agonists and antagonists.

Tachykinins contract trachea from Fischer 344 rats by interaction with a tachykinin NK1 receptor

The contractile effect of substance P, neurokinin A, carbachol and serotonin (5-HT) on isolated Fischer 344 rat trachea was studied. Contractions of two distal tracheal rings were measured isometrically in a 2-ml organ bath. Cumulative concentration-response curves were obtained for carbachol (EC50 ring 1: 1.6 x 10(-7) M and ring 2: 2.2 x 10(-7) M) and for 5-HT (EC50 ring 1: 10.2 x 10(-7) M and ring 2: 10.5 x 10(-7) M). Non-cumulative administration of substance P and neurokinin A (10(-8) to 10(-5) M) caused a concentration-dependent contraction with an EC50 (x 10(-7) M) of 1.10 +/- 0.27 and 1.97 +/- 0.45 respectively. The maximal contraction was 32.6 +/- 2.5% (substance P) and 32.6 +/- 1.5% (neurokinin A) of the maximal contraction with carbachol. In contrast, neither substance P nor neurokinin A caused contraction of trachea from BDE rats. The tachykinin NK1 receptor agonist, Ac[Arg6, Sar9, Met(O2)11] substance P-(6-11), caused a concentration-dependent contraction with an EC50 (x 10-(-9) M) of 1.38 +/- 0.09 and a maximal effect of 25.5 +/- 2.1% of the maximal contraction with carbachol. The tachykinin NK2 receptor agonist, [beta-Ala8]neurokinin A-(4-10), had a small contractile effect at 10(-6) M (8.4 +/- 0.8% of the maximal contraction with carbachol) while the tachykinin NK3 receptor agonist, senktide, had no effect up to 3.3 x 10(-6) M.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)