Mild irritant prevents ethanol-induced gastric mucosal microcirculatory disturbances through actions of calcitonin gene-related peptide and PGI2 in rats

Pretreatment with a mild irritant such as 1 M NaCl prevented ethanol-induced mucosal injury, which was abolished by indomethacin, suggesting involvement of endogenous PGs. With the use of intravital microscopy, we investigated the mechanism in microcirculation whereby a mild irritant prevents ethanol-induced mucosal injury. Microcirculation of the basal part of gastric mucosa in anesthetized rats was observed through a window with transillumination. Diameters of arterioles, collecting venules, and venules were measured with an electric microscaler. One molar NaCl alone caused dilation of arterioles and constrictions of collecting venules and venules, which were inhibited by indomethacin. Ethanol (50%) applied to mucosa constricted collecting venules and venules but dilated arterioles. Constriction of collecting venules resulted in mucosal congestion. Pretreatment with 1 M NaCl inhibited ethanol-induced constrictions of collecting venules and venules, and administration of indomethacin or a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist, CGRP-(8-37), abolished elimination of constrictions. Topical application (1 nM-10 microM) of PGE2 or beraprost sodium (a PGI2 analog) to microvasculature markedly and dose-dependently dilated arterioles, whereas that of PGE2, but not beraprost, slightly constricted collecting venules. Pretreatment of microvasculature with a nonvasoactive concentration of PGE2 (100 nM) or beraprost (1 nM) completely inhibited ethanol-induced constriction of collecting venules. The inhibitory effect of beraprost but not of PGE2 was abolished by CGRP-(8-37). Present results suggest that the mechanism whereby 1 M NaCl prevents ethanol-induced injury is elimination of constrictions of collecting venules and venules by CGRP whose release may be enhanced by PGI2 but not by PGE2.     

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibits contractions of the prostatic stroma of the rat but not the guinea-pig

This study investigated the presence and effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) within the rat and guinea-pig prostate glands. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that CGRP immunoreactive nerve fibres are sparsely distributed throughout the prostatic fibromuscular stroma in both species. These CGRP immunopositive nerve fibres shared a similar distribution profile but were not colocalized with tyrosine hydroxylase immunopositive nerve fibres which also innervate the prostatic stroma of these species. Nerve terminals within rat and guinea-pig prostatic tissues were electrically field stimulated (60 V, 0.5 ms, 10 Hz, 20 pulses every 60 s). In guinea-pig preparations, application of human alpha-CGRP, rat adrenomedullin or rat amylin (0.1 nM-1 microM) had no effect on responses to field stimulation. In contrast, both rat and human alpha-CGRP (10 pM-300 nM), rat adrenomedullin (0.3 nM-1 microM) and rat amylin (3 nM-1 microM) concentration-dependently inhibited electrically evoked contractile responses in the rat prostate. The relative order of potency was rat alpha-CGRP=human alpha-CGRP>rat adrenomedullin>rat amylin. The inhibition by rat alpha-CGRP of field stimulation-induced contractions in the rat prostate was competitively antagonized by human CGRP((8-37)) (1, 3 and 10 microM) with a pA(2) of 6.20+/-0.13. Rat alpha-CGRP (10 nM) attenuated contractile responses of the rat prostate to exogenously added noradrenaline (1-100 microM). Inhibitory concentration-response curves to rat alpha-CGRP in rat prostates were unaffected by preincubation in either glibenclamide (10-100 microM), N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (10 microM), bestatin (10 microM), captopril (10 microM) or phosphoramidon (3 microM). Our results indicate that CGRP-induced inhibition of electrically evoked contractions in the rat prostate occurs through activation of postjunctional CGRP(2) receptors which act independently of a K(ATP) channel or nitrergic mechanisms. Degradation of rat alpha-CGRP via peptidases does not appear to occur in the rat prostate.     

Mechanisms of calcitonin gene-related peptide-induced increases of pulmonary blood flow in fetal sheep

Fetal pulmonary blood flow is regulated by various vasoactive substances. One, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), increases pulmonary blood flow. We examined four key physiological mechanisms underlying this response using the blocker drugs CGRP receptor blocker (CGRP(8-37)), nitric oxide synthase inhibitor [N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA)], adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium (K(ATP)) channel blocker (glibenclamide), and cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin) in 17 near-term fetal sheep. Catheters were placed in the left (LPA) and main pulmonary arteries, and an ultrasonic flow transducer was placed around the LPA to measure flow continuously. CGRP was injected directly into the LPA (mean 1.02 microgram/kg) before and after blockade, and responses to CGRP were statistically compared. Before blockade, CGRP increased LPA blood flow from 23 +/- 25 to 145 +/- 77 ml/min (means +/- SD), and these increases were significantly attenuated by CGRP(8-37) (n = 6; 91% inhibition), L-NNA (n = 6; 86% inhibition), and glibenclamide (n = 6; 69% inhibition). No significant changes were found with indomethacin (n = 6; 4% inhibition). Thus, in the fetal pulmonary circulation, CGRP increases pulmonary blood flow not only through its specific receptor but also, in part, through nitric oxide release and K(ATP) channel activation.     

Activation of rat mesenteric arterial KATP channels by 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), the cytochrome P-450 epoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid, are candidates of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors. We have previously reported that EETs are potent activators of cardiac ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels, but their effects on the vascular K(ATP) channels are unknown. With the use of whole cell patch-clamp techniques with 0.1 mM ATP in the pipette and holding at -60 mV, freshly isolated smooth muscle cells from rat mesenteric arteries had small glibenclamide-sensitive currents at baseline (13.1 +/- 3.9 pA, n = 5) that showed a 7.2-fold activation by 10 microM pinacidil (94.1 +/- 21.9 pA, n = 7, P < 0.05). 11,12-EET dose dependently activated the K(ATP) current with an apparent EC(50) of 87 nM. Activation of the K(ATP) channels by 500 nM 11,12-EET was inhibited by inclusion of the PKA inhibitor peptide (5 microM) but not by the inclusion of the PKC inhibitor peptide (100 microM) in the pipette solution. These results were corroborated by vasoreactivity studies. 11,12-EET produced dose-dependent vasorelaxation in isolated small mesenteric arteries, and this effect was reduced by 50% with glibenclamide (1 microM) preincubation. The 11,12-EET effects on vasorelaxation were also significantly attenuated by preincubation with cell-permeant PKA inhibitor myristoylated PKI(14-22), and, in the presence of PKA inhibitor, glibenclamide had no additional effects. These results suggest that 11,12-EET is a potent activator of the vascular K(ATP) channels, and its effects are dependent on PKA activities.     

Role of 20-HETE in the pial arteriolar constrictor response to decreased hematocrit after exchange transfusion of cell-free polymeric hemoglobin.

The cerebrovascular response to decreases in hematocrit and viscosity depends on accompanying changes in arterial O2 content. This study examines whether 1) the arteriolar dilation seen after exchange transfusion with a 5% albumin solution can be reduced by the K(ATP) channel antagonist glibenclamide (known to inhibit hypoxic dilation), and 2) the arteriolar constriction seen after exchange transfusion with a cell-free hemoglobin polymer to improve O2-carrying capacity can be blocked by inhibitors of the synthesis or vasoconstrictor actions of 20-HETE. In anesthetized rats, decreasing hematocrit by one-third with albumin exchange transfusion dilated pial arterioles (14 +/- 2%; SD), whereas superfusion of the surface of the brain with 10 muM glibenclamide blocked this response (-10 +/- 7%). Exchange transfusion with polymeric hemoglobin decreased the diameter of pial arterioles by 20 +/- 3% without altering arterial pressure. This constrictor response was attenuated by superfusing the surface of the brain with a 20-HETE antagonist, WIT-002 (10 microM; -5 +/- 1%), and was blocked by two chemically dissimilar selective inhibitors of the synthesis of 20-HETE, DDMS (50 microM; 0 +/- 4%) and HET-0016 (1 microM; +6 +/- 4%). The constrictor response to hemoglobin transfusion was not blocked by an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, and the inhibition of the constrictor response by DDMS was not altered by coadministration of the NO synthase inhibitor. We conclude 1) that activation of K(ATP) channels contributes to pial arteriolar dilation during anemia, whereas 2) constriction to polymeric hemoglobin transfusion at reduced hematocrit represents a regulatory response that limits increased O2 transport and that is mediated by increased formation of 20-HETE, rather than by NO scavenging.     

Modulation of A2A adenosine receptor(s) by K+(ATP) channels in bovine brain striatal membranes

The modulation of adenosine receptor with K+(ATP) channel blocker, glibenclamide, was investigated using the radiolabeled A2A-receptor selective agonist [3H]CGS 21680. Radioligand binding studies in bovine brain striatal membranes (BBM) indicated that unlabeled CGS 21680 displaced the bound [3H]CGS 21680 in a concentration-dependent manner with a maximum displacement being approximately 65% at 10(-4) M. In the presence of 10(-5) M glibenclamide, unlabeled CGS 21680 increased the displacement of bound [3H]CGS 21860 by approximately 28% at 10(-4) M. [3H]CGS 21680 bound to BBM in a saturable manner to a single binding site (Kd = 10.6+/-1.71 nM; Bmax = 221.4+/-6.43 fmol/mg of protein). In contrast, [3H]CGS 21680 showed saturable binding to two sites in the presence of 10(-5) M glibenclamide; (Kd = 1.3+/-0.22 nM; Bmax = 74.3+/-2.14 fmol/mg protein; and Kd = 8.9+/-0.64 nM; Bmax = 243.2+/-5.71 fmol/mg protein), indicating modulation of adenosine A2A receptors by glibenclamide. These studies suggest that the K+(ATP) channel blocker, glibenclamide, modulated the adenosine A2A receptor in such a manner that [3H]CGS 21680 alone recognizes a single affinity adenosine receptor, but that the interactions between K+(ATP) channels and adenosine receptors.     

Multiple potassium channels mediate nitric oxide-induced inhibition of rat vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Several nitric oxide (NO) effects in the cardiovascular system are mediated by soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activation but potassium channels (KC) are also emerging as important effectors of NO actions. We investigated the relationship among vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, NO, cyclic GMP, and KC using the A7r5 smooth muscle cell line derived from rat aorta. NO donors (two nitrosothiols, S-nitroso-acetyl-d,l-penicillamine, SNAP, and S-nitroso-glutathione, GSNO, and an organic nitrate, glyceryl trinitrate, GTN; 1-1000 microM) dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation. ODQ (a selective inhibitor of sGC; 0.1 and 1 microM) and KT5823 (a selective inhibitor of cGMP-dependent protein kinase, 1 microM) prevented NO effects, confirming that sGC is a key target. In this report, we show that tetraethylammonium (TEA, a non-selective blocker of KC, 300 microM), and 4-aminopyridine (a selective blocker of voltage-dependent KC, 100 microM) prevented SNAP inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, whereas glibenclamide (a selective blocker of ATP-dependent KC, 1 microM) was ineffective. Iberiotoxin (a selective blocker of high conductance calcium-activated KC, 100 nM), as well charybdotoxin (a blocker of high and intermediate conductance calcium-activated KC, 100 nM) and apamine (a selective blocker of small conductance calcium-activated KC, 100 nM), blocked the antiproliferative effect induced by SNAP. NS1619 (an opener of high conductance calcium-activated KC, 1-100 microM), inhibited cell proliferation. In addition, sub-effective concentrations of ODQ (100 nM) and TEA (10 microM) synergized in blocking SNAP antiproliferative effects. Thus, voltage-dependent and calcium-activated but not ATP-dependent KC appear to have a prominent role, besides sGC activation, in NO-induced inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.     

Involvement of endothelium/nitric oxide in vasorelaxation induced by purified green tea (-)epicatechin

The present study investigated the involvement of endothelial nitric oxide in relaxation induced by purified green tea (-)epicatechin in rat isolated mesenteric arteries. (-)Epicatechin caused both endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation. NG-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 microM) and methylene blue (10 microM) significantly attenuated (-)epicatechin-induced relaxation in endothelium-intact tissues. L-Arginine (1 mM) partially antagonized the effect of L-NAME. (-)Epicatechin-induced relaxation was inhibited by Rp-guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphothioate triethylamine. In contrast, indomethacin and glibenclamide had no effect. (-)Epicatechin (100 microM) significantly increased the tissue content of cyclic GMP and NG-nitro-L-arginine (100 microM) or removal of the endothelium abolished this increase. (-)Epicatechin (100 microM) induced an increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Iberiotoxin at 100 nM attenuated (-)epicatechin-induced relaxation in endothelium-intact arteries and this effect was absent in the presence of 100 microM L-NAME. In summary, (-)epicatechin-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation is primarily mediated by nitric oxide and partially through nitric oxide-dependent activation of iberiotoxin-sensitive K+ channels. In addition, there may be a causal link between increased Ca2+ levels and nitric oxide release in response to (-)epicatechin.     

ATP-sensitive K(+) channel activation by nitric oxide and protein kinase G in rabbit ventricular myocytes

The present investigation tested the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO) potentiates ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels by protein kinase G (PKG)-dependent phosphorylation in rabbit ventricular myocytes with the use of patch-clamp techniques. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 1 mM) potentiated K(ATP) channel activity in cell-attached patches but failed to enhance the channel activity in either inside-out or outside-out patches. The 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cGMP Rp isomer (Rp-CPT-cGMP, 100 microM) suppressed the potentiating effect of SNP. 8-(4-Chlorophenylthio)-cGMP (8-pCPT-cGMP, 100 microM) increased K(ATP) channel activity in cell-attached patches. PKG (5 U/microl) added together with ATP and cGMP (100 microM each) directly to the intracellular surface increased the channel activity. Activation of K(ATP) channels was abolished by the replacement of ATP with ATPgammaS. Rp-pCPT-cGMP (100 microM) inhibited the effect of PKG. The heat-inactivated PKG had little effect on the K(ATP) channels. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A, 1 U/ml) reversed the PKG-mediated K(ATP) channel activation. With the use of 5 nM okadaic acid (a PP2A inhibitor), PP2A had no effect on the channel activity. These results suggest that the NO-cGMP-PKG pathway contributes to phosphorylation of K(ATP) channels in rabbit ventricular myocytes.     

Nitric oxide-dependent and -independent mechanisms in the relaxation elicited by acetylcholine in fetal rat aorta

The aim of the present study was to analyze the mechanisms involved in the relaxation induced by 1 microM acetylcholine (ACh) in aortic segments from fetal rats at term precontracted with 3 microM prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) and incubated with 1 microM indomethacin. The endothelium-dependent relaxation caused by ACh was reduced by the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 0.1 mM), such an effect was reversed by 0.1 mM L-arginine (L-Arg). After precontraction of segments with 50 mM KCl the relaxant response to ACh was smaller than that after precontraction with PGF2alpha; this reduction was increased by L-NMMA, whereas L-NMMA plus L-Arg potentiated the relaxation. Thiopentone sodium (0. 1 mM), ouabain (10 microM), tetraethylammonium (TEA, 0.5 mM) and apamin (1 microM), inhibitors of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, Na+ pump, Ca2+-activated (KCa) and small-conductance (SKCa) K+ channels, respectively, reduced the relaxation to ACh, which was unaffected by charybdotoxin (0.1 microM) and glibenclamide (1 microM), inhibitors of large-conductance BKCa and ATP-sensitive K+ channels. The L-NMMA/indomethacin-resistant relaxation to ACh was markedly reduced by thiopentone sodium, and similarly decreased by either ouabain or TEA. The endothelium-independent relaxation induced by exogenous NO (10 microM) in segments precontracted with PGF2alpha was unaltered by ouabain, glibenclamide, TEA and after precontraction with 50 mM KCl, and potentiated by L-NMMA. The potentiation of NO responses by L-NMMA was also observed in segments precontracted with KCl. These results suggest that ACh relaxes the fetal rat aorta by endothelial release of both NO and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), a metabolite derived from cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, that hyperpolarizes smooth muscle cells by activation of KCa, essentially SKCa channels, and Na+ pump. It seems that when the effect of EDHF is abolished, the formation of NO could be increased.     

Mechanism of rat mesenteric arterial KATP channel activation by 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid

Recently, we reported that 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (11,12-EET) potently activates rat mesenteric arterial ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels and produces significant vasodilation through protein kinase A-dependent mechanisms. In this study, we tried to further delineate the signaling steps involved in the activation of vascular K(ATP) channels by EETs. Whole cell patch-clamp recordings [0.1 mM ATP in the pipette, holding potential (HP) = 0 mV and testing potential (TP) = -100 mV] in freshly isolated rat mesenteric smooth muscle cells showed small glibenclamide-sensitive K(ATP) currents (19.0 +/- 7.9 pA, n = 5) that increased 6.9-fold on exposure to 5 microM 14,15-EET (132.0 +/- 29.0 pA, n = 7, P < 0.05 vs. control). With 1 mM ATP in the pipette solution, K(ATP) currents (HP = 0 mV and TP = -100 mV) were increased 3.5-fold on exposure to 1 microM 14,15-EET (57.5 +/- 14.3 pA, n = 9, P < 0.05 vs. baseline). In the presence of 100 nM iberiotoxin, 1 microM 14,15-EET hyperpolarized the membrane potential from -20.5 +/- 0.9 mV at baseline to -27.1 +/- 3.0 mV (n = 6 for both, P < 0.05 vs. baseline), and the EET effects were significantly reversed by 10 microM glibenclamide (-21.8 +/- 1.4 mV, n = 6, P < 0.05 vs. EET). Incubation with 5 microM 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (14,15-EEZE), a 14,15-EET antagonist, abolished the 14,15-EET effects (31.0 +/- 11.8 pA, n = 5, P < 0.05 vs. 14,15-EET, P = not significant vs. control). The 14,15-EET effects were inhibited by inclusion of anti-G(s)alpha antibody (1:500 dilution) but not by control IgG in the pipette solution. The effects of 14,15-EET were mimicked by cholera toxin (100 ng/ml), an exogenous ADP-ribosyltransferase. Treatment with the ADP-ribosyltransferase inhibitors 3-aminobenzamide (1 mM) or m-iodobenzylguanidine (100 microM) abrogated the effects of 14,15-EET on K(ATP) currents. These results were corroborated by vasodilation studies. 14,15-EET dose-dependently dilated isolated small mesenteric arteries, and this was significantly attenuated by treatment with 14,15-EEZE or 3-aminobenzamide. These results suggest that 14,15-EET activates vascular K(ATP) channels through ADP-ribosylation of G(s)alpha.     

Purinergic and nitrergic junction potential in the human colon

The aim of the present work is to investigate a putative junction transmission [nitric oxide (NO) and ATP] in the human colon and to characterize the electrophysiological and mechanical responses that might explain different functions from both neurotransmitters. Muscle bath and microelectrode techniques were performed on human colonic circular muscle strips. The NO donor sodium nitroprusside (10 microM), but not the P2Y receptor agonist adenosine 5'-O-2-thiodiphosphate (10 microM), was able to cause a sustained relaxation. NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) (1 mM), a NO synthase inhibitor, but not 2'-deoxy-N6-methyl adenosine 3',5'-diphosphate tetraammonium salt (MRS 2179) (10 microM), a P2Y antagonist, increased spontaneous motility. Electrical field stimulation (EFS) at 1 Hz caused fast inhibitory junction potentials (fIJPs) and a relaxation sensitive to MRS 2179 (10 microM). EFS at higher frequencies (5 Hz) showed biphasic IJP with fast hyperpolarization sensitive to MRS 2179 followed by sustained hyperpolarization sensitive to L-NNA; both drugs were needed to fully block the EFS relaxation at 2 and 5 Hz. Two consecutive single pulses induced MRS 2179-sensitive fIJPs that showed a rundown. The rundown mechanism was not dependent on the degree of hyperpolarization and was present after incubation with L-NNA (1 mM), hexamethonium (100 microM), MRS 2179 (1 microM), and NF023 (10 microM). We concluded that single pulses elicit ATP release from enteric motor neurons that cause a fIJP and a transient relaxation that is difficult to maintain over time; also, NO is released at higher frequencies causing a sustained hyperpolarization and relaxation. These differences might be responsible for complementary mechanisms of relaxation being phasic (ATP) and tonic (NO).     

CGRP receptors in the gerbil spiral modiolar artery mediate a sustained vasodilation via a transient cAMP-mediated Ca2+-decrease

Alteration of cochlear blood flow may be involved in the etiology of inner ear disorders like sudden hearing loss, fluctuating hearing loss and tinnitus. The aim of the present study was to localize the vasodilator calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and to identify CGRP receptors and their signaling pathways in the gerbil spiral modiolar artery (SMA) that provides the main blood supply of the cochlea. CGRP was localized in perivascular nerves by immunocytochemistry. The vascular diameter and cytosolic Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i in the smooth muscle cells were measured simultaneously with videomicroscopy and fluo-4-microfluorometry. Calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) mRNA was identified by RT-PCR as a specific 288 bp fragment in total RNA isolated from the vascular wall. The SMA was preconstricted by a 2-min application of 1 nM endothelin-1 (ET1). CGRP, forskolin, and dibutyryl-cAMP caused a vasodilation (EC50 = 0.1 nM, 0.3 mM, and 20 mM). CGRP and forskolin caused an increase in cAMP production and a transient decrease in the [Ca2+]i. The CGRP-induced vasodilation was antagonized by CGRP8-37 (KDB = 2 mM). The K+-channel blockers iberiotoxin and glibenclamide partially prevented the CGRP- or forskolin-induced vasodilations but failed to reverse these vasodilations. These results demonstrate that CGRP is present in perivascular nerves and causes a vasodilation of the ET1-preconstricted SMA. The data suggest that this vasodilation is mediated by an increase in the cytosolic cAMP concentration, a transient activation of iberiotoxin-sensitive BK and glibenclamide-sensitive KATP K+ channels, a transient decrease in the [Ca2+]i and a long-lasting Ca2+ desensitization.     

Neurally-derived nitric oxide regulates vascular tone in pulmonary and cutaneous arteries of the toad, Bufo marinus

In this study, the role of nitric oxide (NO) in regulation of the pulmocutaneous vasculature of the toad, Bufo marinus was investigated. In vitro myography demonstrated the presence of a neural NO signaling mechanism in both arteries. Vasodilation induced by nicotine was inhibited by the soluble guanylyl cyclase (GC) inhibitor, 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one, and the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor, N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA). Removal of the endothelium had no significant effect on the vasodilation. Furthermore, pretreatment with N(5)-(1-imino-3-butenyl)-l-ornithine (vinyl-l-NIO), a more specific inhibitor of neural NOS, caused a significant decrease in the nicotine-induced dilation. In the pulmonary artery only, a combination of l-NNA and the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, CGRP((8-37)), completely blocked the nicotine-induced dilation. In both arteries, the vasodilation was also significantly decreased by glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(+)(ATP)) channel inhibitor. Levcromakalim, a K(+)(ATP) channel opener, caused a dilation that was blocked by glibenclamide in both arteries. In the pulmonary artery, NO donor-mediated dilation was significantly decreased by pretreatment with glibenclamide. The physiological data were supported by NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry and immunohistochemistry, which demonstrated NOS in perivascular nerve fibers but not the endothelium of the arteries. These results indicate that the pulmonary and cutaneous arteries of B. marinus are regulated by NO from nitrergic nerves rather than NO released from the endothelium. The nitrergic vasodilation in the arteries appears to be caused, in part, via activation of K(+)(ATP) channels. Thus, NO could play an important role in determining pulmocutaneous blood flow and the magnitude of cardiac shunting.     

Acetylcholine causes endothelium-dependent contraction of mouse arteries

The goal of this study was to determine whether acetylcholine evokes endothelium-dependent contraction in mouse arteries and to define the mechanisms involved in regulating this response. Arterial rings isolated from wild-type (WT) and endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase knockout (eNOS(-/-)) mice were suspended for isometric tension recording. In abdominal aorta from WT mice contracted with phenylephrine, acetylcholine caused a relaxation that reversed at the concentration of 0.3-3 microM. After inhibition of NO synthase [with N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), 1 mM], acetylcholine (0.1-10 microM) caused contraction under basal conditions or during constriction to phenylephrine, which was abolished by endothelial denudation. This contraction was inhibited by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (1 muM) or by a thromboxane A(2) (TxA(2)) and/or prostaglandin H(2) receptor antagonist SQ-29548 (1 microM) and was associated with endothelium-dependent generation of the TxA(2) metabolite TxB(2.) Also, SQ-29548 (1 microM) abolished the reversal in relaxation evoked by 0.3-3 microM acetylcholine and subsequently enhanced the relaxation to the agonist. The magnitude of the endothelium-dependent contraction to acetylcholine (0.1-10 microM) was similar in aortas from WT mice treated in vitro with l-NAME and from eNOS(-/-) mice. In addition, we found that acetylcholine (10 microM) also caused endothelium-dependent contraction in carotid and femoral arteries of eNOS(-/-) mice. These results suggest that acetylcholine initiates two competing responses in mouse arteries: endothelium-dependent relaxation mediated predominantly by NO and endothelium-dependent contraction mediated most likely by TxA(2).     

Beta 2-adrenergic receptor signaling acts via NO release to mediate ACh-induced activation of ATP-sensitive K+ current in cat atrial myocytes.

In atrial myocytes, an initial exposure to isoproterenol (ISO) acts via cAMP to mediate a subsequent acetylcholine (ACh)-induced activation of ATP-sensitive K(+) current (I(K,ATP)). In addition, beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) stimulation activates nitric oxide (NO) release. The present study determined whether the conditioning effect of beta-AR stimulation acts via beta(1)- and/or beta(2)-ARs and whether it is mediated via NO signaling. 0.1 microM ISO plus ICI 118,551 (ISO-beta(1)-AR stimulation) or ISO plus atenolol (ISO-beta(2)-AR stimulation) both increased L-type Ca(2+) current (I(Ca,L)) markedly, but only ISO-beta(2)-AR stimulation mediated ACh-induced activation of I(K,ATP). 1 microM zinterol (beta(2)-AR agonist) also increased I(Ca,L) and mediated ACh-activated I(K,ATP). Inhibition of NO synthase (10 microM L-NIO), guanylate cyclase (10 microM ODQ), or cAMP-PKA (50 microM Rp-cAMPs) attenuated zinterol-induced stimulation of I(Ca,L) and abolished ACh-activated I(K,ATP). Spermine-NO (100 microM; an NO donor) mimicked beta(2)-AR stimulation, and its effects were abolished by Rp-cAMPs. Intracellular dialysis of 20 microM protein kinase inhibitory peptide (PKI) abolished zinterol-induced stimulation of I(Ca,L). Measurements of intracellular NO ([NO](i)) using the fluorescent indicator DAF-2 showed that ISO-beta(2)-AR stimulation or zinterol increased [NO](i). L-NIO (10 microM) blocked ISO- and zinterol-induced increases in [NO](i). ISO-beta(1)-AR stimulation failed to increase [NO](i). Inhibition of G(i)-protein by pertussis toxin significantly inhibited zinterol-mediated increases in [NO](i). Wortmannin (0.2 microM) or LY294002 (10 microM), inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI-3K), abolished the effects of zinterol to both mediate ACh-activated I(K,ATP) and stimulate [NO](i). We conclude that both beta(1)- and beta(2)-ARs stimulate cAMP. beta(2)-ARs act via two signaling pathways to stimulate cAMP, one of which is mediated via G(i)-protein and PI-3K coupled to NO-cGMP signaling. Only beta(2)-ARs acting exclusively via NO signaling mediate ACh-induced activation of I(K,ATP). NO signaling also contributes to beta(2)-AR stimulation of I(Ca,L). The differential effects of beta(1)- and beta(2)-ARs can be explained by the coupling of these two beta-ARs to different effector signaling pathways.     

Arginine vasopressin inhibits Kir6.1/SUR2B channel and constricts the mesenteric artery via V1a receptor and protein kinase C

Kir6.1/SUR2B channel is the major isoform of K(ATP) channels in the vascular smooth muscle. Genetic disruption of either subunit leads to dysregulation of vascular tone and regional blood flows. To test the hypothesis that the Kir6.1/SUR2B channel is a target molecule of arginine vasopressin (AVP), we performed studies on the cloned Kir6.1/SUR2B channel and cell-endogenous K(ATP) channel in rat mesenteric arteries. The Kir6.1/SUR2B channel was expressed together with V1a receptor in the HEK-293 cell line. Whole cell currents of the transfected HEK cells were activated by K(ATP) channel opener pinacidil and inhibited by K(ATP) channel inhibitor glibenclamide. AVP produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the pinacidil-activated currents with IC(50) 2.0 nM. The current inhibition was mediated by a suppression of the open-state probability without effect on single-channel conductance. An exposure to 100 nM PMA, a potent PKC activator, inhibited the pinacidil-activated currents, and abolished the channel inhibition by AVP. Such an effect was not seen with inactive phorbol ester. A pretreatment of the cells with selective PKC blocker significantly diminished the inhibitory effect of AVP. In acutely dissociated vascular smooth myocytes, AVP strongly inhibited the cell-endogenous K(ATP) channel. In isolated mesenteric artery rings, AVP produced concentration-dependent vasoconstrictions with EC(50) 6.5 nM. At the maximum effect, pinacidil completely relaxed vasoconstriction in the continuing exposure to AVP. The magnitude of the AVP-induced vasoconstriction was significantly reduced by calphostin-C. These results therefore indicate that the Kir6.1/SUR2B channel is a target molecule of AVP, and the channel inhibition involves G(q)-coupled V1a receptor and PKC.     

Isoproterenol opens K+(ATP) channels via a beta2-adrenoceptor-linked mechanism in Sertoli cells from immature rats.

In the present study, we investigated the mechanism by which isoproterenol hyperpolarises membrane potential (MP) in Sertoli cells from seminiferous tubules of 15-day-old rat testes. Modification of MP and resistance (R0) was analysed using conventional intracellular glass microelectrodes. Isoproterenol (2 x 10(-6) M) induced an immediate and significant hyperpolarisation in the Sertoli-cell membrane. The beta2-AR antagonist, butoxamine (1 x 10(-6) M), nullified isoproterenol action. The effect of the beta1 antagonist, metoprolol (1 x 10(-6) M), was light and non-significant. Sulphonylurea glibenclamide inhibition of the K+(ATP) channels suppressed isoproterenol action, and testosterone, while depolarising Sertoli-cell MP closing the K+(ATP) channels through the PLC/PIP2 pathway, reduced beta-AR agonist-induced hyperpolarisation. Also, polycations LaCl3 and spermine reversed isoproterenol's hyperpolarisation effect, probably depolarising the membrane potential through ionic interaction neutralising the action of isoproterenol on K+(ATP) channels. Adenylate cyclase agonist forskolin (0.1 microM) rapidly hyperpolarised Sertoli-cell MP, mimicking the isoproterenol effect. These effects indicate that isoproterenol's action on K+(ATP) channel probably involves the known signalling cascade beta-AR/Gs/AC/cAMP/PKA. These results suggest that the isoproterenol-induced hyperpolarisation is mediated by the opening of K+(ATP) channels in Sertoli cells. This beta-adrenergic hyperpolarisation might play a physiological role in the modulation of MP.     

Effect of exogenous ATP on canine jejunal smooth muscle

Intracellular recordings were made from the circular smooth muscle cells of the canine jejunum to study the effect of exogenous ATP and to compare the ATP response to the nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) inhibitory junction potential (IJP) evoked by electrical field stimulation (EFS). Under NANC conditions, exogenous ATP evoked a transient hyperpolarization (6.5 +/- 0.6 mV) and EFS evoked a NANC IJP (17 +/- 0.4 mV). Omega-conotoxin GVIA (100 nM) and a low-Ca(2+), high-Mg(2+) solution abolished the NANC IJP but had no effect on the ATP-evoked hyperpolarization. The ATP-evoked hyperpolarization and the NANC IJP were abolished by apamin (1 microM) and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (100 microM). Oxyhemoglobin (5 microM) partially (38.8 +/- 5.5%) reduced the amplitude of the NANC IJP but had no effect on the ATP-evoked hyperpolarization. Neither the NANC IJP nor the ATP-evoked hyperpolarization was affected by P2 receptor antagonists or agonists, including suramin, reactive blue 2, 1-(N, O-bis-[5-isoquinolinesulfonyl]-N-methyl-L-tyrosyl)-4-phenylpiperazine , pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid, alpha, beta-methylene ATP, 2-methylthioadenosine 5'-triphosphate tetrasodium salt, and adenosine 5'-O-2-thiodiphosphate. The data suggest that ATP evoked an apamin-sensitive hyperpolarization in circular smooth muscle cells of the canine jejunum via local production of NO in a postsynaptic target cell.     

Anandamide-induced vasorelaxation in rabbit aortic rings has two components: G protein dependent and independent

The endogenous cannabinoid anandamide (arachidonylethanolamide) produces vasorelaxation in different vascular beds. In the present study, we found that anandamide and a metabolically stable analog, methanandamide, produced dose-dependent (10 nM-10 microM) vasorelaxation of approximately 80% in a rabbit aortic ring preparation in an endothelium-dependent manner. Non-endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation was observed to be a maximum of 20-22% at >10 microM methanandamide. The efficacious CB(1) receptor analogs desacetyllevonantradol (10 microM) and WIN55212-2 (10 microM) failed to produce vasorelaxation; however, the endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation evoked by methanandamide was partially (75%) blocked by the CB(1) receptor antagonist SR141716A. The VR(1) vanilloid receptor antagonist capsazepine or the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist CGRP-(8-37) partially attenuated (25%) the vasorelaxation in endothelium-intact preparations and greatly reduced the response in endothelium-denuded preparations. Pretreatment of aortic rings with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester completely blocked the methanandamide-, capsaicin-, and CGRP-induced vasorelaxation. Pretreatment of aortic rings with pertussis toxin attenuated the methanandamide-induced vasorelaxation in endothelium-intact aortic rings, indicating the involvement of G(i/o) proteins in the vasorelaxation; however, pertussis toxin treatment failed to block the endothelium-independent response. Thus, in the rabbit aorta, methanandamide-induced vasorelaxation exhibits two components: 1) in endothelium-intact rings, an SR141716A-sensitive, non-CB(1) receptor component that requires pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins and nitric oxide (NO) production; and 2) in endothelium-denuded rings, a component that is mediated by VR(1) vanilloid receptors and possibly by the subsequent release of CGRP that requires NO production but is independent of pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins.