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E E Daniel

Publications and source records attributed to E E Daniel.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Role of depolarization and calcium in contractions of canine trachealis from endogenous or exogenous acetylcholine.

The relationships of the electrical to the mechanical responses of the canine trachealis muscle during stimulation of its cholinergic nerves or exposure to exogenous acetylcholine were recorded in the single or the double sucrose gap. At 27 degrees C, the responses to a train of stimuli consisted of a transient depolarization excitatory junction potential of 10-30 mV followed by fading oscillations and contractions. When stimulus parameters were varied in the single sucrose gap, contractions were more closely associated with the occurrence of and varied in duration with the oscillations rather than with the amplitude of the EJP. Acetylcholine superfused at a concentration of 10(-6) M for 30 s caused a prolonged depolarization of 10-20 mV, but a much larger contraction than could be elicited by nerve stimulation. None of the responses to acetylcholine was significantly affected by the Ca channel antagonists, nifedipine, nitrendipine, or verapamil in Ca channel blocking concentrations. When tissues were exposed to a Ca-free medium, the excitatory junction potentials and oscillations rapidly disappeared, but the electrical and mechanical responses to acetylcholine persisted and only gradually disappeared with repetitive exposures. Furthermore, in a medium with normal Ca2+ in the double sucrose gap, depolarization by 10-15 mV with an applied current caused no contraction, and repolarization to the normal membrane potential during acetylcholine-induced contraction caused no relaxation. Tetraethylammonium ion (20 mM) depolarized the membrane, increased membrane resistance, and enhanced the secondary oscillations and contractions after field stimulation. No other K(+)-channel blocker tested (Ba2+, apamin, 4-aminopyridine, glibenclamide, charybdotoxin) had the effect of prolonging secondary oscillations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylcholine↗

Alpha 2-adrenergic receptors on the circular smooth muscle of canine small intestine.

We have studied the distribution and properties of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in the circular muscle layer (containing deep muscular plexus) of canine small intestine. Using radioactivity labelled rauwolscine, we located the binding sites to the neuronal membranes supporting the prejunctional action of alpha 2-adrenergic agents in the gut. Moreover, although the functional data to suggest the existence of postjunctional alpha 2-adrenergic receptors coupled to contraction are not available so far, we measured a substantial number of rauwolscine binding sites on the smooth muscle plasma membranes. Scatchard and Hill analyses of the saturation data were indicative of the presence of a single high affinity site (Hill coefficient 0.996) with a KD value of 8.8 nM and the maximum number of binding sites (Bmax) of 313 fmol/mg of protein. Competition studies suggested the presence of multiple subtypes of alpha 2-adrenoceptors.

Animals↗

Effects of inactivation of oxytocin receptor and inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis on uterine oxytocin receptor and gap junction formation and labor in the rat.

Normal term labor is associated with a surge in myometrial oxytocin receptor formation and gap junction development. We have previously shown that inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by naproxen sodium, 2.0 mg/day, suppressed oxytocin receptor formation but not gap junction formation and prolonged gestation. In this study, we investigated the effects of a specific oxytocin antagonist on oxytocin receptor formation, gap junction formation, and labor in the rat. [Pen1,Phe(Me)2,Thr4,Orn8]oxytocin, a specific oxytocin antagonist, was infused subcutaneously during the last 3 days of pregnancy at 300 micrograms/day. Measurements of myometrial oxytocin receptor concentrations and gap junction formation on days 21 and 22 and days 22-23 (in labor) pregnant uteri showed no significant differences in the Bmax and Kd values between the control and the treated group. Gestation period was not prolonged by the oxytocin antagonist. However, in a separate group of day 23 pregnant rats, the uterine contractile response to 60 mU of oxytocin i.v. was found completely blocked by 10 micrograms of the oxytocin antagonist. These findings suggest that although functional oxytocin receptors did not appear to be essential for the initiation of labor, oxytocin antagonists may still be effective in the prevention of premature contractions. We also examined the effects of a higher dose of naproxen sodium, 5.0 mg/day, on gap junction formation. At this dose, naproxen sodium suppressed both oxytocin receptor and gap junction formation, prolonged gestation, and delayed parturition by 24 h or longer. Prostaglandin appears to be an important regulator or mediator of oxytocin receptor and gap junction formation and plays a critical role in the initiation of labor.

Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists↗

Nitric oxide may be the final mediator of nonadrenergic, noncholinergic inhibitory junction potentials in the gut.

This study tested the hypothesis that the final mediator of nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) inhibitory junction potentials (ijps) and associated relaxation responses was nitric oxide (NO) or a related substance and not vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). We used opossum esophagus body circular muscle and canine intestine circular muscle. In both these tissues, ijps had reversal potentials near the potassium equilibrium potential, (EK); in esophagus the ijps were apamin insensitive, but in the intestine they were partially apamin sensitive. N omega-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (NAME) (10(-5) to 5 x 10(-4) M) abolished ijps in both tissues, an effect overcome by 10(-3) M L-arginine but not D-arginine. NAME increased input resistance of esophagus tissues in the double sucrose gap but caused no significant depolarization in the sucrose gap or in studies with microelectrodes. Contractions and basal tension were increased in both tissues by NAME. The apamin sensitive and insensitive ijp components in canine muscle were both abolished by NAME, but the time course of this abolition was different for the two components. Methylene blue (10-50 microM) with variable rapidity and extent inhibited ijps in both tissues, but L-arginine could not overcome this effect. Methylene blue, like NAME, did not depolarize detectably but enhanced the contractile activity. VIP (10(-6) M) had very small effects in both tissues, little or no hyperpolarization and increased input resistance in esophagus, these effects were not changed by NAME, and VIP did not affect ijps. We conclude that NO may be the final mediator of NANC-initiated inhibitory junction potentials in gastrointestinal circular smooth muscle.

Animals↗

Acetylcholine Ca2+ stores refilling directly involves a dihydropyridine-sensitive channel in dog trachea.

Repetitive stimulation of the smooth muscle with acetylcholine (ACh) in the continuous presence of nifedipine resulted in a progressive decrease in the developed tension. This was associated with a decrease in the content of the agonist-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ stores. Agonist-sensitive internal Ca2+ stores appeared to be readily depleted by successive or prolonged agonist stimulation in Ca(2+)-free medium. The refilling of the empty stores when the muscle is at rest required extracellular Ca2+, was decreased by nifedipine, and was increased by BAY K 8644 and by increased external Ca2+ concentration. Refilling of stores during ACh stimulation in Ca(2+)-containing medium was decreased by nifedipine and by cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ pump, and was potentiated by BAY K 8644. BAY K 8644 reversed the inhibitory effect of CPA on stores Ca2+ refilling. Ryanodine in normal Krebs increased muscle resting tension, an effect not observed in Ca(2+)-free medium, blocked by nifedipine and enhanced by BAY K 8644. We propose that the refilling of ACh-sensitive internal Ca2+ stores involves two distinct pathways, one dependent on the uptake of cytosolic Ca2+ via a CPA-sensitive SR Ca(2+)-adenosinetriphosphatase, and the other pathway dependent on extracellular Ca2+ influx via a dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channel and is CPA insensitive. The refilling pathway between plasmalemma and SR may involve a plasmalemma L-type Ca2+ channel (dihydropyridine sensitive) and the SR Ca2+ release channel (ryanodine sensitive).

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

Slow-wave activity in colon: role of network of submucosal interstitial cells of Cajal.

The present study compares the electrophysiological properties of two preparations dissected from the canine colon circular muscle layer: first, containing the submucosal network of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) with two to four associated smooth muscle cell layers, and second, a circular muscle preparation devoid of the submucosal ICC network. In the ICC-rich preparations, consistent slow-wave activity was observed with prolonged plateau potentials of approximately 10-s duration. The plateau potentials were sensitive to D 600. In approximately 45% of circular muscle preparations devoid of the submucosal ICC network (confirmed using electron microscopy) slow waves, of different waveshape, were recorded at frequencies identical to those in whole circular muscle preparations. These slow waves did not show a plateau potential. Compared with ICC-rich preparations with a resting membrane potential of about -80 mV, circular muscle preparations had lower membrane potentials, about -70 mV when active, and about -60 mV when quiescent. Heptanol (1 mM) electrically uncoupled cells, since it abolished electrotonic current spread and allowed measurement of the input resistance by intracellular current injection. Heptanol also affected ionic conductances. Heptanol abolished slow waves; the underlying mechanism needs further investigation. In the presence of heptanol, cells in the isolated ICC network and in circular smooth muscle preparations showed spontaneous hyperpolarizing potential fluctuations at a frequency of four to six per second. These oscillations were abolished by current-induced hyperpolarization and TEA (30 mM) and are therefore likely due to spontaneously active K+ conductance.

Alcohols↗

Mechanism underlying ozone-induced in vitro hyperresponsiveness in canine bronchi.

The effects of ozone inhalation on the contractility of canine bronchi and the mechanisms underlying any changes observed were investigated. Ozone inhalation caused acetylcholine airway hyperresponsiveness in vivo. Isolated segments of bronchi (3rd to 5th order) from dogs previously exposed to ozone (or normal air) were mounted in organ baths. Contractile responses to electrical field stimulation (FS) in all tissues decreased in magnitude over time (measured at 10, 120, 210, and 300 min after mounting tissues in the organ baths); responses to 150 mM KCl did not show such a progressive decrease. Ozone inhalation produced a dramatic enhancement of FS responses, a smaller enhancement of responses to carbachol (10(-8)-10(-4) M), and no change in responses to KCl (150 mM). In the presence of 10(-5) M indomethacin, all responses were enhanced and tended to increase in magnitude over time; indomethacin also abolished the differences in responsiveness between the control and ozone-exposed tissues. In the presence of the thromboxane receptor antagonist L-670,596 (10(-8) M), the magnitudes of all FS responses showed a progressive decrease over time while KCl responses did not; again, the differences in FS responses between control and ozone-exposed tissues were decreased or made insignificant. In conclusion, ozone produced airway hyperresponsiveness in vivo and hyperresponsiveness in canine bronchi in vitro via decreased prejunctional and postjunctional inhibition (likely mediated by prostaglandin E2) and increased prejunctional excitation mediated by thromboxane A2. However, direct measurements of mediator release should be carried out to reach a firm conclusion.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Pre- and postjunctional effects of a thromboxane mimetic in canine bronchi.

Thromboxane A2 is believed to participate in causation of hyperreactivity of airway smooth muscle (ASM). We therefore investigated the effects of a thromboxane mimetic (U-46619) on isolated ring segments of canine bronchial ASM (3rd to 5th order). U-46619 (10(-9)-10(-5) M) was found to elicit tonic contraction, membrane depolarization, and oscillations in membrane potential. These effects were sensitive to blockade of thromboxane receptors (using 10(-8) M L 670, 596); the mechanical response was insensitive to 3 x 10(-8) M atropine, 10(-7) M nitrendipine, or exposure to Ca(2+)-free media [(containing 0.5 mM ethylene glycol-bis (beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA)]. U-46619 also potentiated electrical field stimulation-elicited contractions and excitatory junction potentials without altering the sensitivity to carbachol. This potentiation was also sensitive to L 670,596 but not to blockade of adrenoceptors (using phentolamine plus propranolol). We conclude that canine bronchial ASM possesses both prejunctional and postjunctional thromboxane receptors. The former potentiate cholinergic neurotransmission through a mechanism not involving adrenoceptors. The latter excite the ASM through a mechanism not involving muscarinic receptors and that utilizes intracellular Ca2+ (rather than extracellular Ca2+). Excitation-contraction coupling was found to be pharmacomechanical in nature (rather than electromechanical).

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

Alpha-adrenoceptors in vascular smooth muscle: all is not well.

Studies of binding interactions and contractile responses of vascular muscles at alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors revealed the following. (1) Agonists at alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors may achieve selectivity by virtue of different efficacies despite similar affinities at the two receptors as well as by differing affinities. This implies that their potencies in binding studies may not correlate with potencies in response and that an agonist may produce positive or negative interactions by occupying both alpha 1- and alpha 2-receptors. (2) Agonists at alpha 2-adrenoceptors have the ability in some vascular muscles to release internal Ca2+ (implying an inositol triphosphate mechanism) as well as open Ca2+ channels. However, their contractile abilities are not closely related to function of Na+/H+ or Na+/Ca2+ exchange sites. Amiloride derivatives probably inhibit contractile effects of alpha-agonists and K+ elevation by an action at sites distal to the receptor or Ca channels. (3) The failure of alpha 2-agonists to contract arteries in vitro is not related to the absence of these receptors but most likely to their uncoupling from contractile responses, possibly owing to changes related to the in vitro condition (loss of modulating endogenous substances present in vivo such as angiotensin II or endothelins or to changed physical conditions such as may alter function of stretch-activated channels).

Amiloride↗

Effect of inflammatory mediators on airway nerves and muscle.

The neuromuscular mechanisms underlying airway hyperresponsiveness have been reviewed on the basis of studies of the changes induced by ozone inhalation in dogs. In vivo, there is increased, nonspecific airway hyperresponsiveness based on studies of the response to inhaled acetylcholine or histamine. The underlying inflammatory mechanism involves release of LTB4 and/or other chemotactic agents from epithelial or lumenal cells, ingress of macrophages, neutrophils, and platelets from the blood vessels between the muscle and epithelium, and migration of mast cells into the epithelium. The hyperresponsiveness seems to depend upon the influx of neutrophils and actions of thromboxane A2 released from the neutrophils. In vitro, there is increased responsiveness to field stimulation of cholinergic nerves and to acetylcholine (not to KCI) in tracheal strips. These effects can be mimicked by a thromboxane A2 analog (U44619). In the sucrose gap, the TxA2 analog does not affect the excitatory junction potential, but in low concentration it increases and prolongs a series of fading membrane oscillations closely related to the contractions. We consider these oscillations to reflect ongoing release and/or action of acetylcholine. In high concentrations the analog causes a small depolarization and a tonic contraction, but it does not enhance the sensitivity to acetylcholine. TxA2 may be acting either presynaptically or postsynaptically or both to produce these effects; however, changes in release of an epithelial-derived relaxing factor do not seem to be involved. We conclude that TxA2 actions probably underlie hyperresponsiveness developed in vivo and in vitro after ozone inhalation.

Acetylcholine↗

Distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) binding in circular muscle and characterization of VIP binding in canine small intestinal mucosa.

The present study examined the localization and characterization of [125I]vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) binding to synaptosomes and enterocyte membranes using preparations made from homogenized canine intestinal mucosa and compared it to [3H]saxitoxin binding and VIP-immunoreactive content (markers for synaptosomes). The highest [125I]VIP binding was located in the P2 fraction and was correlated with the locations of maximal [3H]saxitoxin binding and VIP-immunoreactive content. This correlation indicates that VIP receptors are present on synaptosomes of canine small intestinal mucosa. A fraction enriched in synaptosomes contained a high density of saturable VIP receptors (352 +/- 26.40 fmol/mg) having high affinity (Kd, 0.23 nM) for [125I]VIP. Studies of association and dissociation of [125I]VIP to this site revealed that binding was fully reversible and yielded a Kd value similar to that from equilibrium binding. Competition binding experiments suggested the presence of two binding sites, a high and a low affinity binding site. The order of competition potency was VIP greater than peptide histidine isoleucine greater than secretin greater than peptide histidine methionine greater than or equal to [D-Ala4]VIP greater than or equal to [Phe1]VIP greater than VIP10-28 greater than [4-Cl-D-Phe6-Leu17]VIP. All these competitors displaced all specifically bound VIP. VIP, peptide histidine isoleucine and secretin interacted differentially with each of the two binding sites. Peptide histidine methionine, [D-Ala4]VIP, [Phe1]VIP, VIP10-28 and [4-Cl-D-Phe6-Leu17]VIP interacted with a single low affinity at all binding sites. Other VIP binding sites were sought in circular muscle and submucosa.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Depolarizing agents induce oscillations in canine bronchial smooth muscle membrane potential: possible mechanisms.

Tetraethylammonium (TEA) 925 mM), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) (5 mM) and carbachol (3 X 10(-7) M) elicited membrane depolarization (approximately 20 mV) and oscillation (0.5-1.0 Hz; up to 25 mV in amplitude) in canine bronchi (3rd to 5th order). BaCl2 (1 mM) also elicited large depolarizations but not oscillations. The oscillations were antagonized by nitrendipine (NT) (10(-8) M) or atropine (10(-6) M) and were unaffected by phentolamine, propranolol or apamin (all 10(-7) M). TEA- or 4-AP-induced membrane depolarizations were partially reversed by atropine. After replacement of extracellular Ca++ with Sr++, oscillations elicited by carbachol or TEA were considerably slower (although amplitudes were similar to those seen in Ca++). Excitatory junction potentials were not altered by NT, were inhibited by 4-AP or replacement of extracellular Ca++ with Sr++, were potentiated by Ba++ and were variably affected by TEA. Contractile responses to acetylcholine were supported by Ca++ or Sr++ (with reduced efficacy), and only the latter were sensitive to NT. Our data suggest that, in canine bronchi (3rd to 5th order), 1) there are K+ channels and Ca++ channels (not L-type) on the cholinergic nerve endings, which modulate neurotransmitter release, 2) there are voltage-dependent K+ channels on the smooth muscle, which regulate membrane potential and suppress excitatory activity, and 3) membrane depolarization leads to alternating opening and closing of voltage-dependent (L-type) Ca++ channels on the smooth muscle, producing oscillations in membrane potential.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Classification of postjunctional beta adrenoceptors mediating relaxation of canine bronchi.

Adrenoceptors mediating relaxant responses to exogenously added or endogenously released catecholamines in isolated canine bronchi (3rd-6th order) were characterized using selective beta receptor agonists and antagonists. Norepinephrine (3 x 10(7) to 3 x 10(-5) M) or isoproterenol (3 x 10(-8) to 10(-6) M) fully relaxed tissues precontracted with 3 x 10(-7) M carbachol (Cch). Salbutamol (Sal) also relaxed Cch-precontracted tissues, but this relaxant effect was extremely sensitive to the concentration of precontracting agent used: the maximal effect of Sal was 100, 79 and 28% reversal of tone in tissues precontracted with 2 x 10(-8), 10(-7) and 3 x 10(-7) M Cch. The effects of isoproterenol were antagonized by propranolol. Norepinephrine relaxations were antagonized by the beta-1-selective antagonist ICI 89,406 (pA2 = 7.70) and the beta-2-selective antagonist ICI 118,551 (pA2 = 6.33). Sal-relaxations were antagonized by ICI 118,551 (pA2 = 8.91). Field stimulation in tissues precontracted with McNeil A343 (M1-selective muscarinic agonist) produced transient relaxations which were antagonized by ICI 89,406 but not ICI 118,551 (both 10(-9) to 10(-7) M). Thus, exogenous and endogenous catecholamines relax canine bronchial smooth muscle by activating both beta-1 and beta-2 adrenoceptors, although the latter seen to play a significant role only when low concentrations of Cch were used.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Interaction of trimebutine and Jo-1196 (fedotozine) with opioid receptors in the canine ileum.

Receptor binding of the opioid receptor antagonist, [3H]diprenorphine, which has a similar affinity to the various opioid receptor subtypes, was characterized in subcellular fractions derived from either longitudinal or circular smooth muscle of the canine small intestine with their plexuses (myenteric plexus and deep muscular plexus, respectively) attached. The distribution of opioid binding activity showed a good correlation in the different fractions with the binding of the neuronal marker [3H]saxitoxin but no correlation to the smooth muscle plasma membrane marker 5'-nucleotidase. The saturation data (Kd = 0.12 +/- 0.04 nM and maximum binding = 400 +/- 20 fmol/mg) and the data from kinetic experiments (Kd = 0.08 nmol) in the myenteric plexus were in good agreement with results obtained previously from the circular muscle/deep muscular plexus preparation. Competition experiments using selective drugs for mu [morphiceptin-analog (N-MePhe3-D-Pro4)-morphiceptin] ), delta (D-Pen2,5-enkephalin) and kappa (dynorphin 1-13, U50488-H) ligands showed the existence of all three receptor subtypes. The existence of kappa receptors was confirmed in saturation experiments using [3H] ethylketocycloazocine as labeled ligand. Two putative opioid agonists, with effects on gastrointestinal motility, trimebutine and JO-1196 (fedotozin), were also examined. Trimebutine (Ki = 0.18 microM), Des-Met-trimebutine (Ki = 0.72 microM) and Jo-1196 (Ki = 0.19 microM) displaced specific opiate binding. The relative affinity for the opioid receptor subtypes was mu = 0.44, delta = 0.30 and kappa = 0.26 for trimebutine and mu = 0.25, delta = 0.22 and kappa = 0.52 for Jo-1196. Thus, Jo-1196 had some selectivity for kappa receptors compared to trimebutine. We conclude that there are similar types of opioid receptors in the myenteric plexus and the deep muscular plexus and that specificity of function of opioid nerves must depend on differential location of receptor types on particular neurons. The action of trimebutine and related drugs could vary depending upon their interactions with various gut opioid receptors having different physiological roles.

5'-Nucleotidase↗

Thapsigargin inhibits repletion of phenylephrine-sensitive intracellular Ca++ pool in vascular smooth muscles.

Thapsigargin (TSG), a putative selective Ca(++)-ATPase inhibitor, has been used to study Ca++ mobilization in many non-excitable cell types. This study aims to determine whether TSG is effective as a selective microsomal Ca++ uptake inhibitor by studying its ability to affect repletion of the phenylephrine (PE)-sensitive Ca++ pool in rat aorta and dog mesenteric artery evaluated by contractility studies. TSG caused a concentration-dependent contraction that was dependent on the concentration of extracellular Ca++. Ca++ influx promoted by TSG was found to occur mostly through L-type Ca++ channels in the dog mesenteric artery but not in the rat aorta. When arterial rings, depleted of their PE-sensitive internal store, were allowed to replete their stores in normal Krebs' solution or in the presence of elevated K+ levels, it was found that repletion was significantly enhanced in the presence of elevated K+. In TSG-treated rings, however, repletion was significantly inhibited under both conditions as indicated by the subsequent PE-induced contraction in Ca(++)-free medium. While the rate of contraction induced by elevated K+ levels was slow immediately after pool depletion in controls, it was rapid in TSG-treated arterial rings. The slow onset of K+ contraction may reflect Ca++ uptake into the pool which was absent in TSG-treated arteries. Differences in the behavior of the two arteries were noted and these may reflect differences in the size of their Ca++ store and their coupling to the extracellular space. Single cells isolated from the dog mesenteric artery were also found to shorten in response to TSG to an amount comparable with that obtained from whole tissue experiments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Ryanodine and the adrenergic, purinergic stimulation in the rat vas deferens smooth muscle: functional and radioligand binding studies.

The distribution of [3H]ryanodine binding in subcellular fractions isolated from rat vas deferens (RVD) paralleled that of NADPH cytochrome C reductase activity indicating an endoplasmic reticulum origin of the binding sites. Scatchard analysis of [3H] ryanodine binding indicated an homogenous site with a Kd value of 6.4 nM. The maximum number of ryanodine binding sites was 488 fmol of [3H]ryanodine per milligram of protein. Norepinephrine (NE) or ATP endogenously released after electrical field stimulation (tetrodoxin-sensitive responses), both produced a biphasic contraction of the RVD when the action of the other was blocked. When NE was the agonist (prazosin-sensitive response), the initial transient contraction was suppressed by 30 microM ryanodine whereas the secondary component was abolished by 2 microM nifedipine. When ATP was the agonist (P2 tachyphylaxis-sensitive response), both phases of the contraction were suppressed by 2 microM nifedipine. However, the initial phasic component of the contraction induced by endogenously released ATP was also inhibited by 30 microM ryanodine except at high stimulation frequency (10 Hz). Exogenously added NE and alpha, beta methylene ATP produced concentration-dependent contractions of the RVD. The effect of both agonists was inhibited by 2 microM nifedipine whereas 30 microM ryanodine had little effect except at high concentrations of NE. We conclude that ryanodine binding sites reside in RVD endoplasmic reticulum. There was a lack of uniformity in the effect of ryanodine and nifedipine against alpha adrenoceptor stimulation and purinoceptor stimulation indicating a difference in the stimulation-contraction coupling process between these two modes of stimulation.

Animals↗

The inhibitory influence of tracheal mucosa mounted in close proximity to canine trachealis.

Reduced smooth muscle contractile responses to agonists occur in the presence of epithelium, perhaps due to the release of an epithelium-derived relaxing factor (EpDRF). It is not clear whether the release of EpDRF requires the direct attachment of the epithelium to the smooth muscle. In the present study, using isolated canine tracheal smooth muscle strips, we examined whether the inhibitory effects of airway mucosa require the attachment of the mucosa to smooth muscle. The smooth muscle contractile responses to acetylcholine and histamine were reduced in the presence of airway mucosa, whether the mucosa was attached or in close proximity. The inhibitory effect mediated by the airway mucosa therefore is not dependent on mucosal attachment to smooth muscle. This phenomenon appears to be due to the release of a soluble, short-acting mediator from the airway mucosa.

Acetylcholine↗