Contractile and relaxant effects of dimaprit on guinea pig isolated intestinal cells

The effect of the histamine H₂ receptor agonist dimaprit on intestinal contractility was characterized on smooth muscle cells isolated from the longitudinal muscle of the guinea pig ileum. Dimaprit exerted two opposite effects on the contractility of isolated muscle cells: relaxation of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-S)-induced contractions in the range of concentrations 10⁻¹⁷-10⁻¹³ M and contraction at concentrations higher than 10⁻¹³ M. The relaxant effect of dimaprit was totally prevented by the H₂ blocker famotidine (10⁻⁷ M), which, at the same time, enhanced the contractile effect of dimaprit, shifting to the left the concentration-response curve to the agonist. This contraction was not modified by the histamine H₁ receptor antagonists pyrilamine and temelastine, tested both at 10⁻⁷ M. By contrast, atropine 10⁻⁸ M abolished the contractile effect of dimaprit, while leaving unchanged the response to CCK-8. Our results clearly indicate that longitudinal muscle cells of the guinea pig ileum possess inhibitory H₂ receptors, which can be activated by very low concentrations of dimaprit; moreover, they revealed that dimaprit can have non-histaminergic effects, probably due to muscarinic receptor activation; however, concentrations about 10000 times higher than those necessary to activate H₂ receptors, are required.     

Histamine H2-receptors in guinea pig peripheral airway smooth muscle.

The presence and function of histamine H₂-receptors in guinea pig lung was studied using lung strips as an in vitro model of peripheral airway smooth muscle. The lung strips were incubated in Krebs-Henseleit solution in the absence or presence of specific antagonists for 20 min prior to the addition of either histamine or dimaprit added in a half-log cumulative fashion. Changes in isometric tension were recorded. Histamine at low concentrations (10^?7?10^?6M) caused a slight relaxation which was potentiated by the histamine H₁-antagonist chlorpheniramine (10^?7 or 10^?6M) and abolished by the histamine H₂-antagonist metiamide (10^?4M). Higher concentrations of histamine produced a dose-related contraction which was antagonized competitively by chlorpheniramine or potentiated by metiamide. Dimaprit, a histamine H₂-agonist, produced only a relaxant response over the concentration range of 10^?7 ? 10^?3M. This relaxation was reduced by metiamide but not by the beta adrenergic antagonist propranolol. These results indicate the presence of both histamine H₂ and H₁-receptors in guinea pig peripheral airway smooth muscle which mediate the relaxant and contractile effects of histamine respectively.     

Accelerated communication H1 contractile and H2 relaxant receptors in canine gastric muscularis mucosae

Histamine had two effects on the contractility of canine gastric muscularis mucosae in vitro: relaxation at or below 10 μM and contraction at higher concentrations. Selective agonists and antagonists were used to test the possibility that these effects were mediated by different receptor subtypes. The H₁-selective agonist 2-pyridylethylamine (2-PEA) and the H₂-selective agonist dimaprit contracted and relaxed this muscle, respectively, while the H₃-selective agonist R-α-methylhistamine had no effect. The H₁- and H₂-selective antagonists mepyramine and ranitidine selectively blocked 2-PEA-mediated contractions and dimaprit-mediated relaxations, respectively. Agonist responses, were unaltered by tetrodotoxin, suggesting a site of action other than nerves. Our results indicate that canine gastric corpus muscularis mucosae possesses both contractile H₁ and relaxant H₂ receptors.     

Studies on histamine H2 receptors coupled to cardiac adenylate cyclase Effects of guanylnucleotides and structural requirements for agonist activity

In particular preparations from guinea-pig ventricle, histamine in the concentration range 10^?6–10^?3 M caused a 3–5-fold stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity which was dependent on the presence of GTP. The effects of fourteen analogs of histamine were examined on this cyclase preparation. Five of the compounds studied proved to be partial agonists relative to histamine while nine others had essentially the same intrinsic activity as histamine. The intrinsic activities of the partial agonists were increased by GppNHP to the extent that dimaprit, which was a partial agonist in the presence of GTP, became a full agonist in the presence of GppNHp. The relative potencies of the full agonists as activators of the cyclase were found to correlate with the relative potencies on physiologically defined H₂ receptor systems. Activation of the cyclase by histamine, as well as by several of the agonist analogs, including dimaprit and tolazoline, was completely blocked by the H₂ antagonist cimetidine, but was not affected by pharmacologically relevant concentrations of the H₁ antagonist mepyramine, the β-blocker alprenolol, or the α-blocker phentolamine. The results suggest that all the agonists studied probably interact with a common H₂ receptor site on the cardiac muscle cell leading to activation of adenylate cyclase. The accompanying increase in cyclic AMP is presumably responsible for the chronotropic and inotropic effects of histamine and related compounds on cardiac muscle.     

Histamine H3 receptors in the guinea pig ileum: evidence for a postjunctional location.

The effect of the selective histamine H3 receptor agonists (R)alpha-methylhistamine, (R)MHA and immepip (IMM) on intestinal smooth muscle contractility was investigated on isolated cells from the longitudinal muscle of the guinea pig ileum. (R)MHA (10(-13)-10(-8) M) and IMM (10(-13)-10(-8) M) did not significantly modify the basal length of intestinal cells; in contrast both agonists (10(-15)-10(-11) M) prevented the contraction produced by acetylcholine (10(-7) M). The (S)-isomer of alpha-methylhistamine, (S)MHA, was inactive both on basal contractility and on acetylcholine-induced contractions. The relaxant effect of (R)MHA was not modified by famotidine (10(-7) M), but totally prevented by the selective H3 receptor antagonist clobenpropit (10(-8) M), which per se did not modify either basal contractility or the contractile response to acetylcholine. These data indicate that inhibitory histamine H3 receptors are present on smooth muscle cells of the guinea pig ileum and can be activated by very low concentrations of selective agonists. It is not clear, however, whether they can have a functional importance in the regulation of intestinal contractility in an intact system.     

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide: increased tone, enhancement of acetylcholine release, and stimulation of adenylate cyclase in intestinal smooth muscle

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) was examined $\text{in vitro}$ for effects on tone and neuronal release mechanisms in intestinal smooth muscle since this is a site of high peptide concentration. VIP contracted the guinea pig ileum and rabbit jejunum in concentrations ranging from 10^?9 to 10^?7 M. Increased tone in the guinea pig ileum was partially antagonized by the anticholinergic agent, atropine (4.38 × 10^?6 M) suggesting that one component of the contractile response was due to the indirect release of acetylcholine. The H₁ receptor antagonist, pyrilamine, did not alter the increased tone produced by VIP indicating that histamine release did not contribute to the ileal contractile response and that VIP exerted a selective effect to enhance neuronal release of acetylcholine. The ability of VIP to modulate acetylcholine release was confirmed in field stimulated ileal preparations where VIP increased the force developed to endogenously released acetylcholine without altering the direct response to acetylcholine. In rabbit jejunum and ileal smooth muscle, VIP related cyclic AMP levels. However, inhibition of phosphodiesterase with papaverine did not potentiate either the VIP-induced ileal contraction or enhancement of the field stimulated response. This raises the possibility that increases in intestinal cyclic AMP may be involved more in VIP-induced alterations in ion transport or secretory phenomenon than in intestinal motility. These studies describing the ability of VIP to modulate acetylcholine release and to increase ileal tone are consistent with the proposed role of VIP in intestinal patholgies involving excessive mucous secretion and motility.     

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 and EP1 receptor antagonism reduces human colonic longitudinal muscle contractility in vitro

We investigated the contribution of cyclo-oxygenase enzyme inhibition and prostamide agonism on human colonic contractility in vitro. The effects of the non-specific COX inhibitor diclofenac were compared against selective COX-2 inhibition via nimesulide, the prostanoid EP₁ receptor antagonist SC19220 or the prostaglandin prodrug/prostamide receptor agonist bimatoprost, on potency of contraction to acetylcholine in human colonic circular and longitudinal muscle strips. Pre-treatment with either nimesulide (10^?5 M) or diclofenac (10^?6 M) caused a significant decrease in the potency of acetylcholine-evoked longitudinal muscle contraction, but did not inhibit acetylcholine-evoked circular muscle contraction. Pre-treatment with the EP₁ receptor antagonist SC19220 (10^?5 M) similarly decreased cholinergic potency in longitudinal muscle, without influence on circular muscle contraction. The prostamide agonist bimatoprost (10^?6 M) increased basal circular and longitudinal muscle tone, but did not alter cholinergic potency in either muscle layer. In conclusion, colonic longitudinal muscle contraction is augmented by COX-2 activity, most likely via PGE₂ acting at EP₁ receptors. While colonic contraction is tonically modulated by bimatoprost, it does not share the same functional properties attributed to other endogenous COX-2 metabolites on colonic contractile function.     

Role of histamine receptors in the effects of histamine on the production of reactive oxygen species by whole blood phagocytes

Aims

The diverse physiological functions of histamine are mediated through distinct histamine receptors. In this study we investigated the role of H₂R and H₄R in the effects of histamine on the production of reactive oxygen species by phagocytes in whole blood.

Main methods

Changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by whole blood phagocytes after treatment with histamine, H₄R agonists (4-methylhistamine, VUF8430), H₂R agonist (dimaprit) and their combinations with H₄R antagonist (JNJ10191584) and H₂R antagonist (ranitidine) were determined using the chemiluminescence (CL) assay. To exclude the direct scavenging effects of the studied compounds on the CL response, the antioxidant properties of all compounds were measured using several methods (TRAP, ORAC, and luminol–HRP–H₂O₂ based CL).

Key findings

Histamine, 4-methylhistamine, VUF8430 and dimaprit inhibited the spontaneous and OZP-activated whole blood CL in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, only VUF8430 was able to inhibit PMA-activated whole blood CL. Ranitidine, but not JNJ10191584, completely reduced the effects of histamine, 4-methylhistamine and dimaprit. The direct scavenging ability of tested compounds was negligible.

Significance

Our results demonstrate that the inhibitory effects of histamine on ROS production in whole blood phagocytes were caused by H₂R. Our results also suggest that H₄R agonists in concentrations higher than 10^− 6 M may also influence ROS production via binding to H₂R.     

Evidence of histamine receptor function in isolated horse penile dorsal arteries

The effect of histamine (10(-9)-10(-3) M) on horse penile dorsal artery was evaluated. Precontracted vessels showed a biphasic response (relaxation-contraction) to histamine, while at basal tone, histamine only induced a contractile effect. The H1 receptor agonist, 2-pyridylethylamine (PEA) (10(-9)-10(-3) M), induced concentration-dependent relaxation in precontracted rings and provoked vasoconstriction at basal tone. Mepyramine (10(-9)-10(8) M), an H1 receptor antagonist, competitively antagonized the relaxant response to histamine (pA2 = 9.7) and PEA (pA2 = 9.2). At basal tone, mepyramine (10(-10)-10(-8) M) also caused a rightward shift in the histamine contraction curve (pA2 = 10.1). Mepyramine (10(-9)-10(-8) M)/PEA Schild plots for resting vessels yielded a pA2 value of 9.4. A regulatory role for H2 and H3 receptors was precluded since there was no response to their agonists (dimaprit (10(-9)-10(-3) M), (R)-alpha-methylhistamine (10(-10)- 3 x 10(-4) M)), and antagonists (cimetidine (10(-5) M), thioperamide (10(-6) M)) did not affect control curves. Removal of the endothelium abolished the relaxant component causing a leftward shift in the contractile component in precontracted rings, with no effect on maximum contraction. Inhibitors of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, L-NAME (3 x 10(-4) M) and L-NOARG (3 x 10(-4) M), modified the relaxant response while contraction was unaffected. L-Arginine (3 x 10(-4) M) potentiated maximum relaxation but did not affect contraction in precontracted rings. Effects of a prostanoid and K+ channels were ruled out. The biphasic response of precontracted vessels persisted in the presence of indomethacin (3 x 10(-6) M), tetraethylammonium (10(-3) M) and gliblenclamide (10(-5) M). L-NAME plus indomethacin, or this combination plus TEA or glibenclamide produced similar effects as isolated treatments. In resting vessels, histamine contraction was also unaffected by the lack of endothelium, or L-NAME, L-arginine or indomethacin pretreatment. The biphasic response to histamine is probably mediated by H1 receptors with a partial role for NO in the relaxant response in precontracted vessels. In the absence of tone, the contractile effect may be mediated by direct action on smooth muscle.     

Bornchoconstriction induced by N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine in t he guinea pig; involvement of arachidonic acid metabolites

The chemotactic peptide N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (F-met-leu-phe) was shown to be a potent myotropic agent on the guinea-pig parenchymal strip (IC₅₀), 2 × 10⁻⁷ M). The response was unaffected by the histamine (H₁) antagonist, mepyramine, but in the presence of the cyclooxygenease inhibitor, indomethacin, the dose response curve was shifted to the left (IC₅, 4 × qo⁻⁸ M) and the maximal response reduced. Injection of F-met-leu-phe into perfused guinea pig lungs resulted in the release of leukotriene-like activity which was detected by superfusion over guinea-pig ileum preparations in the presence and absence of FPL-55712. Intravenous injection of F-met-leu-phe to spontaneously breathing anaesthetized guinea pigs resulted in transient increases in pulmonary resistance and blood pressure and decreases in dynamic compliance and heart rate. The pulmonary parameters were significantly inhibited by BW 755C, indomethacin, FPL-55712 and a contractile prostanoid antagonist, L-640,305. These results demonstrate that F-met-leu-phe is potent bronchoconstrictor in the guinea pig and that the peptide may induce these changes through the generation of products of the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism.     

Histamine releases PGI2 from human pulmonary artery

Histamine caused a triphasic response of human pulmonary artery strips in vitro, consisting of a small initial contraction followed by pronounced relaxation preceding a second contractile response. These characteristics were not seen with other contractile stimuli including 5-hdyroxytryptamine, leukotriene D₄, and KC1. The relaxant component of this response was ablated by removal of endothelium from the vascular strips or by pretreatment of the tissues with 1μM indomethacin. Measurement of the PGI₂ degradation product 6-keto-PGF_1α in supernatants from histamine-challenged tissues confirmed the synthesis of PGI₂. Supernatants from unstimulated or leukotriene-challenged tissues contained no detectable amounts of 6-keto-PGF_1α. The histamine H₁ antagonist diphenhydramine inhibited both the contractile and relaxant responses to histamine whereas the H₂ antagonist cimetidine affected neither component. The released PGI₂ significantly altered the dose-respons curve to histamine without inhibiting the maximal contractile responses. We conclude that histamine induces PGI₂ formation from pulmonary arterial endothelium via an H₁ receptor.     

Effect of vanadate on cardiac contraction and adenylate cyclase.

Vanadate produces a positive inotropic effect on ventricular muscle from rat, rabbit, guinea pig and cat; a positive inotropic effect on the atria of rat and rabbit, but a negative inotropic effect on the atria of guinea pig and cat. The effects of vanadate are completely reversible and occur in a concentration range of 10^?5M to 10^?3M. In this same concentration range, vanadate also causes a marked activation of cardiac adenylate cyclase suggesting that the positive inotropic action might be due in part to an elevation of cyclic AMP levels. The effects of vanadate are not influenced by alprenolol, cimetidine, or mepyramine, indicating a lack of involvement of β-adrenergic or histamine H₂ and H₁ receptors.     

THE BINDING OF [3H]MEPYRAMINE TO HISTAMINE H1 RECEPTORS IN GUINEA-PIG BRAIN

The promethazine-sensitive binding of [³H]mepyramine to a membrane fraction from guinea-pig whole brain is saturable with a dissociation constant of 1.7 × 10^-9M. The maximum amount of [³H]mepyramine binding varied widely between preparations, range 122–365 pmol/g protein, with a mean value of 227 ± 52 pmol/g protein. The inhibition of [³H]mepyramine binding by a number of drugs correlated closely with their potency as histamine H₁ antagonists. (+) Chlorpheniramine was 240-fold more potent as an inhibitor of [³H]mepyramine binding than (-)-chlorpheniramine. All antagonists inhibited the binding of [³H]mepyramine to the same extent, but the Hill coefficients characterising the inhibition curves did not all approximate to unity, the value expected for a simple antagonist-receptor equilibrium. The distribution of histamine H₁ receptors, defined by the promethazine-sensitive binding of [³H]mepyramine, in 11 different brain regions was uneven with the largest amounts in cerebellum, superior and inferior colliculus and hypothalamus and the smallest in caudate nucleus, brain stem and spinal cord.     

Antagonism by ETYA of the effects of leukotrienes on ileum and lung parenchymal strips independent of effects on arachidonic acid metabolism

5,8,11,14-Eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), a compound which inhibits both the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism, antagonized the contraction of segments of guinea-pig ileal longitudinal muscle produced by SRS-A (IC₅₀ = 2.73 μM). This activity was unaffected by pretreatment of the tissues with 10 μM indomethacin. Phenidone, another mixed cyclooxgenese-lipoxygenese inhibitor, was inactive. FPL-55712, an SRS-A antagonist, was a very potent inhibitor (IC₅₀ = 0.011 μM).BW755C and NDGA nonselectively inhibited the contractions of the guinea-pig ileal longitudinal muscle induced by SRS-A or histamine.ETYA antagonized the contraction of the guinea-pig ileal strip produced by 6 nM synthetic LTC₄ (IC₅₀ = 9.3 μM). FPL-55712 demonstrated an IC₅₀ of 0.3 μM in a similar series of experiments. ETYA, 1, 3 or 10 μM did not inhibit the contractions elicited by 0.5 μM of histamine.This was not a tissue-selective effect since 100 μM ETYA antagonized the LTC₄-induced contraction of the guinea-pig lung parenchymal strip preparation.These data demonstrate that ETYA antagonized the contractile effect of the leukotrienes on tissues from the gastrointestinal tract and lung. Furthermore, the inability of indomethacin or phenidone to inhibit the contractile response suggests that antagonism by ETYA may occur by a mechanism independent of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes.     

Studies on histamine H2 receptors coupled to cardiac adenylate cyclase. Effects of guanylnucleotides and structural requirements for agonist activity.

In particulate preparations from guinea-pig ventricle, histamine in the concentration range 10(-6)--10(-3) M caused a 3--5fold stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity which was dependent on the presence of GTP. The effects of fourteen analogs of histamine were examined on this cyclase preparation. Five of the compounds studied proved to be partial agonists relative to histamine while nine others had essentially the same intrinsic activity as histamine. The intrinsic activities of the partial agonists were increased by GppNHp to the extent that dimaprit, which was a partial agonist in the presence of GTP, became a full agonist in the presence of GppNHp. The relative potencies of the full agonists as activators of the cyclase were found to correlate with the relative potencies on physiologically defined H2 receptor systems. Activation of the cyclase by histamine, as well as by several of the agonist analogs, including dimaprit and tolazoline, was completely blocked by the H2 antagonist cimetidine, but was not affected by pharmacologically relevant concentrations of the H1 antagonist mepyramine, the beta-blocker alprenolol, or the alpha-blocker phentolamine. The results suggest that all the agonists studied probably interact with a common H2 receptor site on the cardiac muscle cell leading to activation of adenylate cyclase. The accompanying increase in cyclic AMP is presumably responsible for the chronotropic and inotropic effects of histamine and related compounds on cardiac muscle.     

Effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines,lipopolysaccharide and COX-2 mediators on human colonic neuromuscular function and epithelial permeability

Chronic colitis is associated with decreased colonic muscle contraction and loss of mucosal barrier function. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are important in the generation and maintenance of inflammation. While colitis is associated with upregulated COX-2 -derived prostanoids and nitric oxide (NO), the direct activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines on human colonic neuromuscular function is less clear. This study investigated the effects of IBD-associated pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17, TNF-α, IL-1β and LPS on human colonic muscle strip contractility, alone and following inhibition of COX-2 or nitric oxide production. In addition, human colonic epithelial Caco-2 cell monolayers were treated with LPS or COX-2 mediators including prostaglandins (PGE₂, PGF_2α) or their corresponding ethanolamides (PGE₂-EA or PGF_2α-EA) over 48 h and trans-epithelial electrical resistance used to record permeability changes. Longitudinal muscle strips were obtained from healthy colonic resection margins and mounted in organ baths following IL-17, TNF-α, IL-1β and bacterial LPS incubations in an explant setting over 20 h. Contraction in response to acetylcholine (ACh) was then measured, before and after either COX-2 inhibition (nimesulide; 10⁻⁵ M) or nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition (l-NNA; 10⁻⁴ M). None of the cytokine or LPS explant incubations affected the potency or maximum cholinergic contraction in vitro, and subsequent COX-2 blockade with nimesulide revealed a significant but similar decrease in potency of ACh-evoked contraction in control, LPS and cytokine-incubated muscle strips. Pre-treatment with l-NNA provided no functional differences in the potency or maximum contractile responses to ACh in cytokine or LPS-incubated colonic longitudinal smooth muscle. Only PGE₂ transiently increased Caco-2 monolayer permeability at 24 h, while LPS (10 μg/ml) increased permeability over 24–48 h.These findings indicate that cholinergic contractility in the human colon can be decreased by the blockade of COX-2 generated excitatory prostanoids, but major pro-inflammatory cytokines or LPS do not alter the sensitivity or amplitude of this contraction ex vivo. While PGE₂ transiently increase epithelial permeability, LPS generates a significant and sustained increase in permeability indicative of an important role on barrier function at the mucosal interface.     

Opposite effects of mepyramine on JNJ 7777120-induced amelioration of experimentally induced asthma in mice in sensitization and provocation

Background

Histamine is detected in high concentrations in the airways during an allergic asthma response. In a murine model of allergic asthma, JNJ 7777120, an antagonist at the histamine H₄ receptor, reduces asthmatic symptoms, while the histamine H₁ receptor-selective antagonist mepyramine is virtually without effect. In the present study, we analyzed the effect of combined antagonism at the histamine H₁ and H₄ receptors in a murine asthma model in relation to the timing of their application, i.e. sensitization or provocation.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Asthma was induced in mice by sensitization and provocation with ovalbumin. JNJ 7777120 and/or mepyramine were injected subcutaneously either during sensitization or during provocation, and typical asthma parameters were analyzed. JNJ 7777120, but not mepyramine, reduced serum concentrations of anti-OVA IgE, inflammatory infiltrations in lung tissue, and eosinophilia in bronchoalveolar-lavage (BAL)-fluids independently of the timing of application. Upon application of JNJ 7777120 plus mepyramine in combination during provocation, mepyramine inhibited the effects of JNJ 7777120. In contrast, when applied during sensitization, mepyramine enhanced the disease-ameliorating effects of JNJ 7777120.

Conclusions/Significance

Our study indicates that both histamine H₁ and H₄ receptors play important roles in the course of murine experimental asthma. Unexpectedly, the contribution of these receptors to the pathogenesis differs between the two phases, sensitization or provocation. Since in human asthma, repeated contact to the allergen is not only provocation but also a boost of sensitization, a combined pharmacological targeting of histamine H₁ and H₄ receptors could be taken into consideration as an option for the prevention of asthma and maybe other allergic diseases.     

Involvement of Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript> signaling in tachykinin-mediated contractile responses in swine trachea

Summary Neuropeptide tachykinins, present within sensory nerves, have been implicated as neurotransmitters involved in nonadrenergic and noncholinergic airway muscle contraction. The signal transduction pathways of tachykinins on muscle contraction and Ca²⁺ mobilization were investigated in swine trachea. Tachykinins, substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA), concentration (1 nM to 1 μM)-dependently induced contractile responses with removal of epithelium, whereas neurokinin B (NKB) did not alter the muscle tension. The SP- and NKA-evoked muscle contractions were inhibited by NK1-R antagonist L732138, but not by either NK2-R antagonist MDL29913 or NK3-R antagonist SB218795. Consistently, SP-elicited increase in [Ca²⁺]_i was abolished by NK1-R antagonist, neither by NK2-R nor NK3-R antagonists. The SP-induced muscular responses were significantly inhibited by L-type Ca²⁺ channel blocker verapamil and withdrawal of external Ca²⁺. Caffeine (10 mM) or ryanodine (50 μM) also partly suppressed the SP-induced muscle responses. Inhibition of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP₃) receptor with 2-APB (75 μM) potently attenuated SP-evoked Ca²⁺ mobilization and muscle contraction, which was further inhibited by 2-APB under Ca²⁺-free external solution, but not completely. Unexpectedly, simultaneous blockade of InsP₃ receptor and ryanodine receptor (RyR) by 2-APB and ryanodine enhanced SP-evoked muscle contraction and Ca²⁺ mobilization. This potentiation was virtually abolished by removal of external Ca²⁺, suggesting native Ca²⁺ channels may contribute to this phenomenon. These results demonstrate that tachykinins produce a potent muscle contraction associated with Ca²⁺ mobilization via tachykinin NK1- R-dependent activation of multiple signal transduction pathways involving Ca²⁺ influx and release of Ca²⁺ from InsP₃- and ryanodine-sensitive Ca²⁺ stores. Blockade of both InsP₃ receptor and RyR enhances the Ca²⁺ influx through native Ca²⁺ channels in plasma membrane, which is crucial to Ca²⁺ signaling in response to NK1 receptor activation.     

Thromboxane A2 antagonist inhibits leukotriene D4-induced smooth muscle contraction in guinea-pig lung parenchyma, but not in trachea

Although the bronchoconstriction induced by leukotriene D₄ (LTD₄) has been reported to be partly mediated by thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂) in the guinea-pig airway, it is not known which part of the airway is susceptible to TXA₂. In order to determine the role of TXA₂ in the central and peripheral airways, we compared the effect of a TXA₂ antagonist on tracheal strips to its effect on parenchymal strips of guinea-pigs. Tracheal and parenchymal strips were mounted in a 3.5 ml organ bath filled with Krebs-Henseleit solution aerated with 95% O₂, 5% CO₂ and kept at 37°C. After equilibration for 60 min in Krebs solution, the strip was contracted by exposure to 10⁻⁵ M of acetylcholine (ACh). Sixty minutes after ACh was eliminated, the concentration-response curve to LTD₄ (10⁻⁹ M–10⁻⁷ M) was obtained, and the LTD₄-induced contractions were expressed as the percent of the contraction evoked by 10⁻⁵ M of ACh. We measured the contractile response to LTD₄ in the presence or absence of the TXA₂ antagonist, BAY u3405 (10⁻⁸ M–10⁻⁶ M). In the tracheal strips, BAY u3405 had no effect on the LTD₄-induced contraction. However, in parenchymal strips, BAY u3405 significantly suppressed the contractile response to LTD₄. These results suggest that in the central airway LTD₄ contracts smooth muscle directly, but that in the peripheral airway LTD₄ induces smooth muscle contraction both directly and indirectly, via TXA₂.     

A theoretical study concerning the mode of interaction of the histamine H2-agonist dimaprit

A theoretical study was performed to elucidate the mode of interaction of the histamine H₂-agonist dimaprit with the histamine H₂-receptor. For this purpose receptor mapping techniques, including ab initio energy calculations, geometry optimizations and molecular electrostatic potential calculations (MEPs), have been used. The characteristics of dimaprit were compared to those of histamine for which the points of interaction with the H₂-receptor are known, as well as its bioactive conformation. In this comparative study two possible models for the interaction of dimaprit with the H₂-receptor were considered. In one model the two nitrogen atoms of the isothiourea moiety of dimaprit play an essential role in the recognition of the ligand by the receptor and have the same function as the nitrogen atoms of the imidazole ring of histamine; in the second model this role is fulfilled by a sulphur and a nitrogen atom of the same isothiourea moiety. The comparison to histamine was based on geometrical resemblance as well as on similarity in MEPs. Also the conformational energy of dimaprit in the two interaction models was considered. Results of the investigations reveal that the isothiourea moiety of dimaprit most probably interacts with the histamine H₂-receptor through the sulphur and nitrogen atom, the first atom acting as a proton acceptor and the second one as a proton donor. Subsequently, three analogues of dimaprit, namely SK&F 91487, SK&F 91488 and SK&F 92054, were studied. It was possible to explain their pharmacological behavior within the proposed model. Furthermore, the new model for the interaction of dimaprit with the H₂-receptor enabled the design of a structurally new histamine H₂-agonist, 2-amino-5-(2-aminoethyl)thiazole.