How many kinds of visceral afferents?

Most afferent signals from the viscera do not give rise to conscious experience and yet they participate in the complex neural control of visceral functions. Surprisingly little information is available on the origin, morphology, and receptor functional characteristics of the nerve endings of most primary afferent neurones to the digestive tract. This review deals with the morphological nature of the afferent neurones that supply the gastrointestinal tract specifically.

Antimuscarinic, calcium channel blocker and tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist actions of otilonium bromide in the circular muscle of guinea-pig colon

We have analyzed, by the sucrose gap method, the action of otilonium bromide, a quaternary ammonium derivative in use for the symptomatic therapy of irritable bowel syndrome, on the electrical and mechanical responses initiated by different stimuli in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig proximal colon. Otilonium bromide produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of membrane depolarization (IC50 4.1 microM), action potentials (APs) and contraction (IC50 3.7 microM) produced by the muscarinic receptor agonist, methacholine. It also produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of APs and accompanying contraction (IC50 31 microM) produced by KCl (30 mM), and had a biphasic effect on the cholinergic excitatory junction potential (e.j.p.) produced by single pulse electrical field stimulation: at low concentrations (0.1-0.3 microM) otilonium bromide enhanced the e.j.p. and, at higher concentrations (IC50 22 microM and 16 microM toward depolarization and contraction), produced a concentration-dependent inhibition. Otilonium bromide eliminated the APs superimposed on the depolarization induced by the tachykinin NK1 receptor agonist, [Sar9]substance P-sulphone and suppressed the corresponding contraction (IC50 43 microM) but had little effect on the sustained membrane depolarization induced by this agonist. On the other hand, otilonium bromide produced a similar inhibitory effect on both membrane depolarization and contraction (IC50 38 microM and 45 microM, respectively) induced by the tachykinin NK2 receptor agonist [betaAla8]neurokinin A (4-10). When tested in the presence of nifedipine (1 microM), otilonium bromide had no effect on the membrane depolarization induced by [Sar9]substance P-sulphone but inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the depolarization induced by [betaAla8]neurokinin A (4-10) (IC50 41 microM). In contrast, the blocker of receptor-operated cation channels, SKF 96365, inhibited with similar potency the depolarization induced by both [Sar9]substance P-sulphone and [betaAla8]neurokinin A (4-10) (IC50 60 microM and 54 microM, respectively). In radioligand binding experiments otilonium bromide produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the binding of both an agonist ([125I]neurokinin A, Ki 7.2 microM) and an antagonist ([3H]SR 48968, Ki 2.2 microM) to membranes of Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with the human tachykinin NK2 receptor. In conclusion, the present findings demonstrate that, in the microM range of concentrations, otilonium bromide acts as a muscarinic and tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist and as a calcium channel blocker. The latter property is likely to account for its ability to suppress contraction initiated by the tachykinin NK1 receptor agonist. Therefore multiple mechanisms of action account for the ability of otilonium bromide to reduce stimulated motility of intestinal smooth muscle.

Excitatory motor and electrical effects produced by tachykinins in the human and guinea-pig isolated ureter and guinea-pig renal pelvis

1. In isolated tissue experiments, neurokinin A (NKA) produced concentration-dependent contraction of human and guinea-pig ureter (pD2 = 6.7 and 7.2, respectively); an effect greatly reduced (>80% inhibition) by the tachykinin NK2 receptor-selective antagonist MEN 11420 (0.1 microM). The tachykinin NK1 and NK3 receptor agonists septide and senktide, respectively, were ineffective. 2. Electrical field stimulation (EFS) of the guinea-pig isolated renal pelvis produced an inotropic response blocked by MEN 11420 (0.01-1 microM). In the same preparation MEN 11420 (0.1 microM) blocked (apparent pK(B) = 8.2) the potentiation of spontaneous motor activity produced by the NK2 receptor-selective agonist [betaAla8]NKA(4-10). 3. In sucrose-gap experiments, EFS evoked action potentials (APs) accompanied by phasic contractions of human and guinea-pig ureter, which were unaffected by tetrodotoxin or MEN 11420 (3 microM), but were blocked by nifedipine (1-10 microM). NKA (1-3 microM) produced a slow membrane depolarization with superimposed APs and a tonic contraction with superimposed phasic contractions. NKA prolonged the duration of EFS-evoked APs and potentiated the accompanying contractions. MEN 11420 completely prevented the responses to NKA in both the human and guinea-pig ureter. 4. Nifedipine (1-10 microM) suppressed the NKA-evoked APs and phasic contractions in both human and guinea-pig ureter, and slightly reduced the membrane depolarization induced by NKA. A tonic-type contraction of the human ureter in response to NKA persisted in the presence of nifedipine. 5. In conclusion, tachykinins produce smooth muscle excitation in both human and guinea-pig ureter by stimulating receptors of the NK2 type only. NK2 receptor activation depolarizes the membrane to trigger the firing of APs from latent pacemakers.

Evidence for the involvement of multiple mechanisms in the excitatory action of bradykinin in the circular muscle of guinea-pig colon

We have investigated, by using the sucrose gap technique, the mechanisms of the excitatory action of bradykinin in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig proximal colon. In the presence of atropine (1 microM) and S-ketoprofen (3 microM), the application of bradykinin (1 microM for 20 s) produced complex changes in membrane potential and muscle tension. The prevailing response was a small hyperpolarization followed by a slowly developing depolarization and a tonic contraction. The selective B2 receptor antagonist, HOE 140 (0.3 microM) blocked the responses to bradykinin (1 microM) while tetrodotoxin (0.3 microM) had no affect. The selective B1 receptor agonist, [des-Arg9]bradykinin (1 microM) did not affect the electrical or mechanical activities of the circular muscle. Apamin (0.1 microM) blocked the transient hyperpolarization and potentiated the bradykinin-induced depolarization and contraction. In the presence of apamin, nifedipine (1 microM) blocked spikes (when present) and the phasic contraction while leaving the tonic contraction unaffected. The excitatory action of bradykinin was further investigated in the presence of atropine (1 microM), S-ketoprofen (3 microM), apamin (0.1 microM) and nifedipine (1 microM). The depolarization but not the contraction induced by bradykinin was reduced by about 30% in low-Na+ (25 mM) but not in low Cl- (9.7 mM) Krebs solution. The depolarization and contraction evoked by bradykinin were reduced (by about 30 and 75%, respectively) in Ca2+-free (2 min) Krebs solution. The blocker of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump, cyclopiazonic acid (CPA, 10 microM) reduced the nifedipine-resistant depolarization and contraction induced by bradykinin by about 40 and 60%, respectively. The inhibitor of receptor-operated cation channels, SKF 96365 (50 microM) reduced the nifedipine-resistant bradykinin-induced depolarization and contraction by about 40 and 30%, respectively, whereas the inhibitor of Ca2+-dependent chloride channels, niflumic acid (100 microM) was without effect. The inhibitory effect of SKF 96365 (50 microM) and CPA (10 microM) was additive: in the presence of both drugs the bradykinin-induced depolarization and contraction were reduced by about 70-80%. The protein kinase C inhibitor, GF 109203x (10 microM) did not affect the nifedipine-resistant bradykinin-induced depolarization and contraction. At a concentration of 30 microM, GF 109203x reduced the bradykinin-induced contraction by about 50% while leaving the bradykinin-induced depolarization unaffected. The KCl (40 mM)-induced contraction was significantly reduced (by about 30%) by GF 109203x (30 microM). The present findings indicate that, in the presence of apamin and nifedipine, the bradykinin-induced contraction of circular muscle of the guinea-pig colon is due to the influx of extracellular Ca2+ via non-selective cation channels and, in part, to the release of Ca2+ from a loosely bound internal store. Intracellular Ca2+ facilitates the bradykinin-induced depolarization, a response which does not involve a protein kinase C-dependent mechanism.

Pharmacological evidence for the existence of multiple P2 receptors in the circular muscle of guinea-pig colon

1. By using the sucrose gap technique, we have investigated the effect of the metabolically stable P2Y receptor agonist, adenosine 5'-O-2-thiodiphosphate (ADPbetaS), on the membrane potential and tension in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig proximal colon. All experiments were performed in the presence of atropine (1 microM), guanethidine (3 microM), indomethacin (3 microM), nifedipine (1 microM), L-nitroarginine (L-NOARG, 100 microM) and of the tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptor antagonists, SR 140333 (0.1 microM) and GR 94800 (0.1 microM), respectively. 2. ADPbetaS (100 microM for 15 s) evoked a tetrodotoxin- (1 microM) resistant hyperpolarization and contraction of the smooth muscle. In the presence of apamin (0.1 microM), the ADPbetaS-induced hyperpolarization was converted to depolarization and the contraction was potentiated while tetraethylammonium (TEA, 10 mM) did not affect significantly the response to ADPbetaS. The combined application of apamin and TEA reproduced the effect observed with apamin alone. 3. Pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acids (PPADS, 30 microM) slightly but significantly increased the ADPbetaS-induced hyperpolarization, while the contraction evoked by ADPbetaS was reduced by about 80%. Suramin (100 microM) did not affect the ADPbetaS-induced hyperpolarization but totally blocked the ADPbetaS-induced contraction. In the presence of suramin (100 microM), a small relaxation of the circular muscle was observed upon application of ADPbetaS. 4. The contraction and hyperpolarization evoked by ADPbetaS were abolished in Ca2+-free Krebs solution. The blocker of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump, cyclopiazonic acid (10 microM) reduced contraction and hyperpolarization induced by ADPbetaS by about 60 and 50%, respectively. 5. A comparison of our present and previous findings enables to conclude that at least 3 types of P2 receptors are present on the smooth muscle of the guinea-pig colon, as follows: (1) inhibitory P2 receptors, producing an apamin-sensitive hyperpolarization, which are activated by alpha,beta-methylene ATP (alpha,beta-meATP) and by endogenously released purines, sensitive to suramin and PPADS; (2) inhibitory P2 receptors, producing an apamin-sensitive hyperpolarization, which are activated by ADPbetaS and are resistant to suramin and PPADS; (3) excitatory P2 receptors, producing contraction, which are activated by ADPbetaS and are sensitive to suramin and PPADS. The data also support the idea of the existence of a restricted pool of specialized junctional P2 receptors producing the apamin-sensitive NANC inhibitory junction potential in response to endogenous ligand(s).

Tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors mediate non-adrenergic non-cholinergic excitatory neuromuscular transmission in the guinea-pig stomach

By using selective tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptor antagonists and agonists, we studied the excitatory non-adrenergic non-cholinergic transmission to the circular muscle of the corpus of guinea-pig stomach by the sucrose-gap method. After elimination of inhibitory junction potentials by apamin (0.1 microM), L-nitroarginine (30 microM) and tetraethylammonium (10 mM), electrical field stimulation (10 Hz) in the presence of atropine (1 microM) and nifedipine (1 microM) evoked a pure excitatory junction potential and contraction. The selective tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist, MEN 11420, concentration-dependently inhibited the non-adrenergic non-cholinergic excitatory junction potential (EC50=0.09 microM) and contraction (EC50=0.04 microM) evoked by electrical field stimulation. On the other hand, the selective NK1 receptor antagonist GR 82334 (3 microM) only slightly (by about 30%) inhibited the excitatory junction potential while leaving the contraction unaffected. The combined administration of GR 82334 (1 microM) and MEN 11420 (0.3 microM) produced an additive inhibition of the excitatoryjunction potential, significantly larger than that produced by each antagonist alone. In the presence of both GR 82334 (1 microM) and MEN 11420 (0.3 microM), the P2 purinoreceptor antagonist pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (30 microM) remarkably inhibited the fast component of the excitatory junction potential. In the presence of atropine (1 microM), indomethacin (3 microM) and guanethidine (3 microM) either the selective NK2 receptor agonist, [betaAla8]neurokinin A (4-10) (0.01 microM), or the selective NK1 receptor agonist, [Sar9]substance P sulfone (0.3 microM), produced tetrodotoxin-(1 microM) and nifedipine-(1 microM) resistant depolarization and contraction. The [Sar9]substance P sulfone (0.3 microM)-induced contraction, but not that induced by [betaAla8]neurokinin A (4 10) (0.01 microM), was potentiated by apamin (0.1 microM) plus L-nitroarginine (30 microM). In the presence of atropine (1 microM), indomethacin (3 microM), guanethidine (3 microM), apamin (0.1 microM) and L-nitroarginine (30 microM), the selective tachykinin NK2 and NK1 receptor agonists, [betaAla8]neurokinin A (4-10) and [Sar9]substance P sulfone, both produced a concentration-dependent depolarization and contraction of the circular muscle. MEN 11420 inhibited the responses to [[Ala8]neurokinin A (4-10) without affecting the responses to [Sar9]substance P sulfone, while GR 82334 inhibited the responses to [Sar9]substance P sulfone but not that to [betaAla8]neurokinin A (4-10). These data provide evidence that tachykinin NK2 receptors predominantly mediate the non-adrenergic non-cholinergic excitatory transmission to the circular muscle of the corpus of guinea-pig stomach. In addition, after blocking the non-adrenergic non-cholinergic inhibitory junction potential by apamin, L-nitroarginine and tetraethylammonium, the fast component of the non-adrenergic non-cholinergic excitatory junction potential could be mediated by adenosine triphosphate.

Sequential activation of the triple excitatory transmission to the circular muscle of guinea-pig colon

The aim of this study was to resolve the temporal relationships of the triple excitation of the circular muscle of guinea-pig colon that occurs in response to activation of the intrinsic excitatory nerves by using atropine and tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptor selective antagonists to define the relative contribution of the transmitters involved. In organ bath experiments, performed in the presence of blockers of inhibitory innervation, a train of electrical pulses at 5 Hz for 300 s produced a sustained contraction of the circular muscle of guinea-pig colon: the sequential addition of atropine (1 microM), of the tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, SR 140333 (0.3 microM) and of the tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist, MEN 11420 (1 microM) produced a cumulative inhibitory effect and progressively delayed the onset of the contractile response to nerve stimulation. In the presence of peptidase inhibitors, atropine was less effective in inhibiting the contractile response for prolonged periods of stimulation: however, the pattern of inhibition of the evoked response produced by the sequential addition of blocker drugs was not substantially affected. The selective tachykinin NK3 receptor agonist, senktide, produced a concentration-dependent contraction of guinea-pig colon. The sequential addition of atropine (1 microM), SR 140333 (0.3 microM) and MEN 11420 (1 microM) reproduced the effect of the same drugs on the response to electrical nerve stimulation. The peptide blocker of N-type voltage-dependent calcium channels, omega-conotoxin (0.1 microM) produced a partial inhibitory effect of the response to senktide. The omega-conotoxin-resistant response to 1 microM senktide was inhibited and delayed by the progressive application of atropine, SR 140333 and MEN 11420, similar to the effect observed in the absence of omega-conotoxin. In sucrose gap, single-pulse electrical field stimulation produced a fast excitatory junction potential which was largely (90%) inhibited by atropine; application of a low concentration of the potassium channel blocker, 4-aminopyridine (30 microM), markedly enhanced the atropine-resistant excitatory junction potential which was abolished by the NK1 receptor antagonist, GR 82334. We conclude that, during prolonged electrical or chemical stimulation of excitatory motorneurons, there is a sequential, time-dependent activation of the three excitatory mechanisms in the circular muscle of guinea-pig colon: the pattern of activation is relatively independent of the intensity of stimulation and/or the mechanisms of secretion of released transmitters. Postjunctional factors predominate in determining the relative contribution of the three transmitters, acetylcholine, substance P and neurokinin A, in producing excitation of the circular muscle.

Tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors mediate non-adrenergic non-cholinergic excitatory neuromuscular transmission in the human ileum

Tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptor selective antagonists and agonists were used to study excitatory non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) transmission in circular muscle strips from human ileum by the sucrose-gap method. In the presence of atropine (1 microM), guanethidine (3 microM), indomethacin (3 microM), apamin (0.1 microM), and N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG, 30 microM), electrical field simulation (EFS) produced a NANC inhibitory junction potential (i.j.p.) followed by NANC excitatory junction potential (e.j.p.) with superimposed action potentials and contraction of the circular muscle of human ileum. The selective tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, GR 82334 (0.1-3 microM) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the EFS-evoked NANC e.j.p. (IC50 = 0.21 microM) and contraction (IC50 = 0.21 microM). The selective tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist, MEN 10627 (0.01-1 microM), likewise produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the EFS-evoked NANC e.j.p. (IC50 = 0.07 microM) and contraction (IC50 = 0.03 microM). Either antagonist was more effective in inhibiting the mechanical than the electrical response to EFS. Neither GR 82334 nor MEN 10627 had any effect on the apamin- and L-NOARG-resistant NANC i.j.p. Activation of the NK1 or NK2 receptors by the selective receptor agonists, [Sar9]substance P (SP) sulfone and [beta Ala8]neurokinin A (NKA) (4-10), respectively (0.3 microM for 20 s each), produced depolarization with superimposed action potentials and contractions. GR 82334 selectively inhibited the responses to [Sar9]]SP sulfone, without affecting the responses to [beta Ala8]NKA (4-10). MEN 10627 inhibited the responses to [beta Ala8]NKA (4-10), without affecting the responses to [Sar9]SP sulfone. We conclude that both tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors co-operate in producing NANC excitation and contraction of the circular muscle in human ileum.

Tachykinin receptors and intestinal motility

Substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) are synthesized by enteric cholinergic motorneurons that project to the longitudinal and circular muscle of the mammalian intestine. Thus, acetylcholine, SP, and NKA are the excitatory neuromuscular transmitters in the intestine. Tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors are expressed by smooth muscle cells in most regions of the intestine: the corelease of SP and NKA from nerves thus realizes paradigms of tachykininergic cotransmission. Examples have been found in which a cooperative model can be applied to account for the action of SP-NKA acting at NK1 and NK2 receptors (e.g., circular muscle of guinea-pig duodenum), as well as examples in which the message produced by activation of the two receptors diverges sharply in producing responses that have a markedly different time course and use different effector systems (e.g., circular muscle of guinea-pig colon). NK3 receptors are expressed on both excitatory and inhibitory motor neurons: indirect contractions (via release of acetylcholine and tachykinins) and relaxations (via release of nitric oxide) can be evoked in the gut by selective stimulation of NK3 receptors. Although a role of NK3 receptors in certain enteric reflexes has been evidenced, the importance of this system in mediating hexamethonium-resistant enteric transmission appears less important than previously speculated.

The possible role of ATP and PACAP as mediators of apaminsensitive NANC inhibitory junction potentials in circular muscle of guinea-pig colon

1. In the presence of atropine (1 microM), guanethidine (3 microM), indomethacin (3 microM), nifedipine (1 microM), L-nitroarginine (L-NOARG, 100 microM), and the selective tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptor antagonists, SR 140,333 and GR 94,800, respectively (0.1 microM each), a single pulse of electrical field stimulation (EFS) produced a monophasic non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) inhibitory junction potential (i.j.p., about 10 mV in amplitude) in the circular muscle of guinea-pig proximal colon, recorded by the modified single sucrose gap technique. 2. The P2 purinoceptor agonist, alpha, beta methylene ATP (alpha, beta mATP, 100 microM) and the pituitary adenylyl cyclase activating peptide (PACAP, 1 microM) both produced hyperpolarization (11 +/- 0.8 mV, n = 14 and 10.2 +/- 0.8 mV, n = 19, respectively) and relaxation (1.1 +/- 0.2 mV, n = 14 and 1.5 +/- 0.2 mN, n = 19, respectively) of the circular muscle. 3. Apamin (0.1 microM) nearly abolished (about 90% inhibition) the NANC i.j.p. and the alpha, beta mATP-induced hyperpolarization, markedly reduced the alpha, beta mATP-induced relaxation (73% inhibition) and the PACAP-induced hyperpolarization (65% inhibition), while the PACAP-induced relaxation was unaffected. 4. Tetraethylammonium (TEA, 10 mM) increased the EFS-evoked i.j.p. and revealed an excitatory junction potential (e.j.p.). In the presence of TEA, alpha, beta mATP induced a biphasic response: transient depolarization and contraction followed by hyperpolarization and relaxation. The hyperpolarization to PACAP was reduced by TEA (45% inhibition) but the relaxation was unaffected. 5. The combined application of apamin (0.1 microM) and TEA (10 mM) abolished the i.j.p. and single pulse EFS evoked a pure e.j.p. with latency three times longer than that of the i.j.p. In the majority of strips tested, alpha, beta mATP and PACAP elicited a biphasic response : depolarization and small contraction followed by hyperpolarization and relaxation. 6. The P2 purinoceptor antagonist, pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS) inhibited the NANC i.j.p. in concentration-dependent manner and inhibited the alpha, beta mATP-induced hyperpolarization and relaxation, without affecting the hyperpolarization and relaxation induced by PACAP. On the other hand, the P2 purinoceptor antagonist, suramin (100 microM) inhibited to a similar extent (60-80%) the NANC i.j.p. and the hyperpolarization and relaxation induced by alpha, beta mATP or PACAP. 7. PPADS and suramin reduced the NANC e.j.p. evoked by a single pulse EFS in the presence of apamin and TEA (100 microM of PPADS and 300 microM of suramin inhibited the e.j.p. by about 40%). 8. We conclude that ATP, but not PACAP, mediates the apamin-sensitive NANC i.j.p. in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig colon. After blockade of the NANC i.j.p., ATP may act as an excitatory transmitter by activating excitatory P2 purinoceptors. The subtypes of P2 purinoceptor involved in the inhibitory and excitatory responses remain to be established. The data suggest that excitatory P2 purinoceptors may be located extrajunctionally.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the circular muscle of guinea-pig colon: role as inhibitory transmitter and mechanisms of relaxation

In the presence of 1 microM tetrodotoxin (TTX), human alpha calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) produced a concentration-dependent relaxation (EC50 1.1 nM; Emax 86% of the relaxation to 1 microM isoprenaline) of mucosa-free circular muscle strips from the guinea-pig proximal colon. In the presence of TTX, the C-terminal fragment CGRP(8-37) produced a concentration (0.3-3 microM)-dependent rightward shift of the curve to CGRP. The TTX-resistant, receptor-mediated, CGRP-induced relaxation was unaffected by apamin (0.3 microM) and L-nitroarginine (L-NOARG, 100 microM), alone or in combination, as well as by glibenclamide (3 microM) or (S)-ketoprofen (10 microM). Tetraethylammonium (TEA, 1-10 mM) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA, 3-10 microM) produced a concentration-dependent partial inhibition of the relaxant response to CGRP. The inhibitory effect of TEA on the maximal relaxation produced by CGRP was prevented by nifedipine (1 microM) which did not affect the CGRP-relaxation of its own. In the presence of atropine (1 microM), guanethidine (3 microM), SR 140,333 (0.3 microM), MEN 10,627 (1 microM), apamin (0.3 microM) and L-NOARG (100 microM), the application of 1 microM capsaicin produced a transient relaxation of the strips. This response was not reproduced upon a second application of capsaicin, 60 min later, indicating complete desensitization. CGRP(8-37) (0.3-1.0 microM) produced a partial inhibitory effect (about 50% inhibition) of the relaxant response to capsaicin. In the presence of atropine (1 microM), guanethidine (3 microM), SR 140,333 (0.3 microM), MEN 10,627 (1 microM), apamin (0.3 microM), L-NOARG (100 microM) and after capsaicin in vitro pretreatment (10 microM for 15 min), electrical field stimulation (EFS, 10 Hz for 5 s) produced a transient relaxation which was unchanged by CGRP(8-37) (1 microM) while being abolished by TTX. In sucrose gap, brief superfusion with 0.3 microM CGRP produced a TTX (1 microM)- resistant membrane hyperpolarization and relaxation: the hyperpolarization produced by CGRP was inhibited by about 50% by either TEA (10 mM) or CPA (10 microM), while being unaffected by glibenclamide (3 microM). The combined application of TEA and CPA was not more effective (65% inhibition) in inhibiting the CGRP-induced hyperpolarization than each drug alone. We conclude that CGRP produces a direct relaxation of the circular muscle of the guinea-pig proximal colon by activating receptors sensitive to blockade by CGRP(8-37). Activation of Ca-dependent potassium channels and Ca release/reuptake from internal store(s) appear both to be involved in the action of CGRP. Endogenous CGRP mediates part of the relaxant response evoked by stimulation of capsaicin-sensitive primary afferent nerves in the circular muscle of guinea-pig colon, while it is not involved in the apamin and L-NOARG-resistant nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) relaxation produced by electrical field stimulation of intrinsic inhibitory nerves.

Neuronal tachykinin NK2 receptors mediate release of non-adrenergic non-cholinergic inhibitory transmitters in the circular muscle of guinea-pig colon

The aims of this study were: (i) verify the usefulness of the recently described non-peptide antagonist, SR 142801, for blocking tachykinin NK3 receptors in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig colon and (ii) after occlusion of NK3 receptors by SR 142801, test the hypothesis that tachykinins may activate non-adrenergic non-cholinergic inhibitory neurons via non-NK3 receptors. In sucrose gap, we found that SR 142801 (0.1 microM) time-dependently inhibited the senktide-induced atropine (1 microM)-sensitive depolarization, action potentials and contractions of circular muscle of guinea-pig colon without affecting the cholinergic excitatory junction potential and contraction produced by single pulse electrical field stimulation. Likewise, SR 142801 (0.1 microM) time-dependently inhibited the senktide-induced non-adrenergic non-cholinergic hyperpolarization and relaxation of the circular muscle, without affecting the non-adrenergic non-cholinergic inhibitory junction potentials and relaxation produced by single pulse electrical field stimulation. Therefore, SR 142801 is a suitable tool to occlude neuronal NK3 receptors in guinea-pig colon. In the presence of SR 142801 (0.1 microM), atropine (1 microM), guanethidine (3 microM), indomethacin (3 microM) and nifedipine (1 microM) superfusion with neurokinin A (0.3 microM) produced depolarization on which a series of inhibitory junction potentials were superimposed. The incidence, number and amplitude of the inhibitory junction potentials evoked by neurokinin A was partly reduced by pretreatment with either apamin (0.1 microM) or L-nitroarginine (30 microM) and was totally blocked by pretreatment with apamin plus L-nitroarginine or by tetrodotoxin (1 microM). None of these treatments affected the depolarization and contraction produced by neurokinin A. The NK1 receptor selective antagonist, GR 82,334 (3 microM), did not affect the responses to neurokinin A, which were abolished by the NK2 receptor-selective antagonist GR 94,800 (0.1 microM). Substance P (0.3 microM) produced a large depolarization of the membrane but was poorly effective in producing superimposed inhibitory junction potentials. The NK1 receptor-selective agonist [Sar9]substance P sulfone (0.3 microM) produced large depolarization without inducing superimposed inhibitory junction potentials, while the NK2 receptor-selective synthetic agonist [beta-Ala8]neurokinin A(4-10) (0.3 microM) produced depolarization and superimposed inhibitory junction potentials. We conclude that neurokinin A, in addition to direct excitation and contraction of circular muscle activates, via neuronal NK2 receptors, inhibitory non-adrenergic non-cholinergic motorneurons. Thus, neuronal NK2 receptors should be considered as targets for endogenous tachykinins in enteric circuitries leading to descending relaxation in guinea-pig colon.

Evidence that tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors mediate non-adrenergic non-cholinergic excitation and contraction in the circular muscle of guinea-pig duodenum

1. In the presence of atropine (1 microM), guanethidine (3 microM), indomethacin (3 microM), apamin (0.1 microM) and L-nitroarginine (L-NOARG, 30 microM), electrical field simulation (EFS) produced a nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) excitatory junctional potential (e.j.p.), action potentials and contraction of the circular muscle of the guinea-pig proximal duodenum, recorded by the single sucrose gap technique. 2. The selective tachykinin (TK) NK1 receptor antagonist, GR 82,334 (30 nM-3 microM) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the EFS-evoked NANC e.j.p. and contraction. Similarly, the selective NK2 receptor antagonists, MEN 10,627 (30 nM-3 microM) and GR 94,800 (100 nM-10 microM), both produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the EFS-evoked NANC e.j.p. and contraction. GR 82,334 inhibited the electrical and mechanical NANC responses to EFS in an almost parallel manner, while MEN 10,627 and GR 94,800 were more effective in inhibiting the mechanical than the electrical response to EFS. 3. Activation of the NK1 or NK2 receptor by the selective agonists, [Sar9]substance P (SP) sulphone and [beta Ala8]neurokinin A (NKA) (4-10), respectively (0.3 microM each), produced depolarization, action potentials and contractions. GR 82,334 selectively inhibited the responses to [Sar9]SP sulphone, without affecting the responses to [beta Ala8]NKA (4-10). MEN 10,627 and GR 94,800 inhibited or abolished the responses to [beta Ala8]NKA (4-10), without affecting the responses to [Sar9]SP sulphone. 4. Nifedipine (1 microM) abolished the action potentials and contraction produced either by EFS or by the TK receptor agonists [Sar9]SP sulphone or [beta Ala8]NKA (4-10). 5. In the presence of nifedipine, the NANC e.j.p. produced by EFS was biphasic: in the majority of strips tested (21 out of 29) an early fast phase of depolarization was followed by a second slow component. The combined administration of GR 82,334 and GR 94,800 (3 microM each) reduced both components, the slow phase being inhibited to a greater extent than the fast phase. 6. The P2 purinoreceptor antagonist, suramin (100 microM) reduced the fast phase of the e.j.p. produced by EFS in the presence of nifedipine, without affecting the slow phase. The combined administration of suramin, GR 82,334 and GR 94,800 produced a nearly complete blockade of the e.j.p. produced by EFS in the presence of nifedipine. 7. When tested in the absence of apamin and L-NOARG, EFS induced a NANC inhibitory junction potential (i.j.p.) followed by an e.j.p., and the selective P2Y receptor agonist, adenosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (ADP beta S, 10 microM), produced membrane hyperpolarization. After addition of apamin and L-NOARG, the ij.p. was blocked, and EFS produced a pure NANC e.j.p.; ADPPS produced depolarization, action potentials and contraction.8. Suramin (100 microM) blocked the depolarization, action potentials and contractions produced by ADP beta S in the presence of apamin and L-NOARG, without affecting the responses produced by the NK1receptor agonist, [Sar9}SP sulphone.9. We conclude that NK1 and NK2 receptors cooperate in producing NANC excitation and contraction of the circular muscle in the guinea-pig proximal duodenum. Activation of either TK receptor produces membrane depolarization and both receptors contribute to generate action potentials which are essential for producing muscle contraction, via nifedipine-sensitive calcium channels. It appears that endogenous ATP chiefly acts as an inhibitory transmitter but, after blockade of NANC inhibitory mechanism(s),ATP may act as a fast signalling excitatory transmitter.

Specialization of tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors in producing fast and slow atropine-resistant neurotransmission to the circular muscle of the guinea-pig colon

We studied the relative contribution of tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors in producing nonadrenergic noncholinergic excitation of the circular muscle of the guinea-pig proximal colon in response to electrical field stimulation. All experiments were performed in the presence of atropine, guanethidine, indomethacin, apamin and L-nitroarginine. In organ bath experiments, electrical stimulation produced a tetrodotoxin-sensitive frequency-dependent contraction. The NK1 receptor antagonists, FK 888 (1-10 microM) and GR 82,334 (0.3-3 microM) markedly reduced but did not abolish the nonadrenergic noncholinergic response. The NK2 receptor antagonist, GR 94,800 (0.3-3 microM) was partly effective at 3 microM. The combined administration of FK 888 (10 microM) and GR 94,800 (3 microM) or GR 82,334 and GR 94,800 abolished the nonadrenergic noncholinergic contraction. The response to a prolonged period of stimulation (3 Hz for 5 min) was evenly depressed by FK 888 or GR 82,334, while GR 94,800 was more effective in inhibiting the late (87% inhibition) than the peak response (25% inhibition). In the presence of nifedipine (1 microM) a marked inhibition of the nonadrenergic noncholinergic contraction was observed and a time lag was evident between stimulus application and onset of contraction, which showed slow onset and offset kinetics. The nifedipine-resistant nonadrenergic noncholinergic contraction was unaffected by FK 888 or GR 82,334 but was suppressed by GR 94,800. Submaximally effective (1-3 nM) concentrations of substance P and neurokinin A produced distinct patterns of contraction: the response to substance P was fast and declined rapidly toward baseline; the response to neurokinin A was slow and sustained. In the presence of nifedipine, the response to substance P was greatly depressed and became slower in onset; nifedipine did not affect the contraction to neurokinin A but slowed its time-course. In sucrose gap experiments, either a short (10 Hz for 1 s) or a prolonged period of electrical stimulation (3 Hz for 3 min) evoked membrane depolarization, action potentials and contraction: in response to the "prolonged" stimulation, distinct phasic and tonic component of contraction were observed. Nifedipine abolished action potentials and the phasic contraction produced by a short period of stimulation, reduced by about 50% the maximal contraction developed during the prolonged stimulation without affecting the amplitude of the tonic response. In the presence of nifedipine, GR 82,334 (3 microM) blocked the membrane depolarization but did not affect contraction; GR 94,800 (0.1 microM) did not affect depolarization but abolished contraction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Tachykinin NK3 receptor mediates NANC hyperpolarization and relaxation via nitric oxide release in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig colon

In the presence of atropine (1 microM), guanethidine (3 microM) and of the tachykinin NK1 (SR 140,333 0.1 microM) and NK2 (GR 94,800 3 microM) receptor antagonists, the application of the tachykinin NK3 receptor selective agonist senktide, or that of neurokinin B, produced concentration-dependent sustained nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) relaxation of mucosa-free circular muscle strips from the guinea-pig proximal colon. The maximal relaxant responses to senktide and neurokinin B were similar, approaching about 70% of the relaxation to 1 microM isoprenaline. Senktide (EC50 0.16 nM) was about 64-fold more potent than neurokinin B (EC50 10.3 nM). When tested in the presence of peptidase inhibitors (thiorphan 1 microM, captopril 1 microM and amastatin 10 microM), neurokinin B (EC50 0.24 nM) was equipotent to senktide (EC50 0.19 nM). At 1 nM, substance P and neurokinin A were ineffective in producing a NANC relaxation of the colon. At 1 microM substance P, neurokinin A and neurokinin B produced a NANC relaxation, which averaged 23, 40 and 79% of the maximal response to isoprenaline, respectively. In the presence of peptidase inhibitors, 1 nM substance P and neurokinin A produced threshold relaxant responses and, at 1 microM, the three natural tachykinins were equieffective (66 +/- 8, 72 +/- 5 and 75 +/- 5% of the relaxation to isoprenaline for substance P, neurokinin A and neurokinin B, respectively). The relaxant response to 1 nM senktide (producing about 70-80% of its maximal effect) was totally abolished by 1 microM tetrodotoxin and largely (> 90%) inhibited by 100 microM L-nitroarginine (L-NOARG). The inhibition by L-NOARG was partially reversed by L-arginine (3 mM) but not D-arginine. Apamin (1 microM) produced a slight (about 20%) inhibition of the response to senktide. The peptide blocker of N-type calcium channels, omega-conotoxin (0.1 microM) was ineffective. In sucrose gap electrophysiological experiments, superfusion with senktide (0.1 microM for 10 s) produced a slowly developing and prolonged hyperpolarization of the membrane and relaxation. Both effects were inhibited by L-NOARG while apamin had no effect. These findings indicate that a neuronal NK3 receptor mediates NANC hyperpolarization and relaxation of the circular muscle of the guinea-pig proximal colon, principally through the release of NO. NO generation/release in response to NK3 receptor stimulation does not require calcium influx through N-type calcium channels.

Electrophysiological evidence for different release mechanism of ATP and NO as inhibitory NANC transmitters in guinea-pig colon

1. The effect of the P2-purinoceptor antagonist, suramin, the specific N-type voltage-dependent calcium channel blocker, omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTx) and the delta-opioid receptor agonist [D-Pen2,D-Pen5] enkephalin (DPDPE) on the apamin-sensitive and apamin-resistant inhibitory junction potentials (i.j.ps) produced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) were investigated by means of a sucrose-gap technique in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig colon. 2. After incubation of muscle strips in either atropine (1 microM), guanethidine (3 microM) and NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG, 30 microM) or atropine, guanethidine and apamin (0.3 microM), the addition of the NK1 receptor antagonist, SR 140,333 (1 microM) abolished the non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) excitatory junction potential (e.j.p.) and unmasked a pure apamin-sensitive i.j.p. (in the presence of L-NOARG) or a pure apamin-resistant i.j.p. (in the presence of apamin). Both types of i.j.p. were abolished by tetrodotoxin. 3. Suramin (30-300 microM) concentration-dependently inhibited the apamin-sensitive i.j.p., while the apamin-resistant i.j.p. was not significantly affected by suramin (up to 300 microM). L-NOARG (30 microM) markedly reduced the apamin-resistant i.j.p. 4. The delta-opioid receptor agonist, DPDPE (0.03-3 microM) concentration-dependently reduced the apamin-sensitive i.j.p., while leaving the apamin-resistant i.j.p. unaffected. Naloxone (1 microM) prevented the i.j.p. inhibition evoked by DPDPE (0.3 microM). 5. omega-CgTx (0.3 microM) markedly reduced the apamin-sensitive but not the apamin-resistant i.j.p. The application of DPDPE (3 MicroM), after development of a steady state inhibitory effect by omega-CgTx, evoked further inhibition of the apamin-sensitive ij.p., similar to the effect produced by DPDPE alone. The L-type calcium channel blocker, nifedipine (1 MicroM) did not significantly affect either the apamin-sensitive or the apamin-resistant ij.ps.6. These findings support the purinergic origin of the fast, apamin-sensitive ij.p. produced by EFS in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig colon and strongly suggest that the apamin-sensitive and the apamin-resistant components of the evoked ij.p. utilize different mechanisms for the secretion of theNANC transmitters, ATP and NO, respectively.

Different Ca2+ influx pathways mediate tachykinin receptor-induced contraction in circular muscle of guinea-pig colon

We used an electrophysiological approach (single sucrose gap) to compare the mechanism of action of selective tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptor agonists ([Sar9]substance P sulfone and [beta ala8]neurokinin A-(4-10), respectively) in producing contraction of the circular muscle of the guinea-pig proximal colon. [Sar9]Substance P sulfone produced a marked depolarization, action potentials and increase in membrane conductance. On the other hand, [beta Ala8]neurokinin A-(4-10) produced less depolarization of the cell membrane and did not change membrane resistance. Nifedipine (1 microM) greatly reduced (80% inhibition) the contraction due to [Sar9]substance P sulfone while that due to [beta Ala8]neurokinin A-(4-10) was slightly affected (13% inhibition). Action potentials induced by either agonist were suppressed by nifedipine, while depolarization was reduced only to a minor extent. When tested in a Ca(2+)-free medium, the contraction produced by either agonist was greatly reduced (84-89%) as compared to the control. In organ bath experiments [Sar9]substance P sulfone and [beta Ala8]neurokinin A-(4-10) produced concentration-dependent contraction of the circular muscle of the colon (EC50 8 and 12 nM, respectively). Nifedipine (1 microM) markedly suppressed the response to [Sar9]substance P sulfone while that to [beta Ala8]neurokinin A-(4-10) was only slightly depressed. These findings demonstrate that NK1 receptor-mediated contraction is strictly linked to membrane depolarization and action potentials generation through nifedipine-sensitive Ca2+ channels (electromechanical coupling) while the NK2 receptor-mediated contraction is substantially unrelated to depolarization and, while being largely dependent upon extracellular Ca2+, is nifedipine-resistant, possibly linked to the opening of non-selective (Ca(2+)-permeable) receptor-gated cation channels (pharmacomechanical coupling).

Tachykinin NK1 but not NK2 receptors mediate non-cholinergic excitatory junction potentials in the circular muscle of guinea-pig colon

1. The effect of tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptor antagonists on noncholinergic excitatory junction potentials (e.j.ps) evoked by electric field stimulation (EFS) in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig proximal colon was investigated by means of a sucrose-gap technique. 2. In the presence of 1 microM atropine, submaximal EFS (10 Hz, 20-30 V, 0.5 ms pulse width, 1 s train duration) evoked an inhibitory junction potential (i.j.p.) followed by e.j.p. with superimposed action potentials (APs) and contraction. Addition of either NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG, 0.1 mM) or apamin (0.1 microM) inhibited the evoked i.j.p. and the combined administration of the two agents almost abolished it. In the presence of both L-NOARG and apamin, an atropine-resistant e.j.p. was the only electrical response evoked by EFS in 50% of cases and a small i.j.p. (10% of original amplitude) followed by e.j.p. was evident in the remainder. 3. In the presence of L-NOARG and apamin, the tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonists, (+/-)-CP 96,345 and GR 82,334 (10 nM-3 microM) concentration-dependently inhibited the atropine-resistant e.j.p. and accompanying contraction evoked by EFS. EC50 values were: 0.77 microM (e.j.p. inhibition) and 0.22 microM (inhibition of contraction) for (+/-)-CP 96,345; 0.61 microM (e.j.p. inhibition) and 0.20 microM (inhibition of contraction) for GR 82,334. The tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonists, MEN 10,376 (up to 3 microM) and SR 48,968 (up to 1 microM) had no effect on the atropine-resistant e.j.p. MEN 10,376 (3 microM) but not SR 48,968 produced a slight inhibition of the evoked contraction. 4. (+/- )-CP 96,345 (3 microM) and GR 82,334 (3 microM) markedly reduced (81 and 89% inhibition, respectively)the atropine-resistant ej.p. in the absence of L-NOARG and apamin, without affecting the ij.p. MEN 10,376 (3 microM) and SR 48,968 (1 microM) had no significant effect on noncholinergic ij.p. and ej.p. evoked in the absence of apamin and L-NOARG.5. The electrical and mechanical responses to the NK, receptor agonist [Sar9]substance P (SP) sulfone were blocked by (+/-)-CP 96,345 (3 1M) or GR 82,334 (3 microM) which, at the same concentration, failed to affect the responses to the NK2 receptor agonist [PAla8] neurokinin A (NKA) (4-10). In contrast, MEN10,376 (3 microM) or SR 48,968 (1 microM) blocked the response to [beta Ala8]NKA(4-10) without affecting the response to [Sar9]SP sulfone.6. In the presence of L-NOARG and apamin, and in the absence of atropine, EFS of low pulse width(0.02-0.03 ms, other parameters as above) produced cholinergic ej.ps and contraction which were unaffected by GR 82,334 (3 microM). (+/-)-CP 96,345 (3 JAM) produced 24% reduction in the area of the atropine-sensitive ej.p. without affecting the peak amplitude of ej.p. or contraction.7. These findings demonstrate that the noncholinergic ej.ps and accompanying contraction of the circular muscle of the guinea-pig colon are produced through activation of intramural tachykininergic nerves and that the resultant smooth muscle response is almost entirely mediated through NK1 receptors.