Comparison of potency of substance P and related peptides on [3H]-acetylcholine release, and contractile actions, in the guinea-pig ileum

Tachykinin receptor types: Classification and membrane signalling mechanisms

The use of selective agonists in both functional and binding studies has provided unequivocal evidence for the existence of three types of tachykinin receptor (NK(1), NK(2) and NK(3)); there is also preliminary evidence for the existence of further subtypes. These results have been confirmed by the development of selective antagonists and by the identification and cloning of three distinct cDNA sequences. All three receptors belong to the superfamily of G protein coupled receptors and are linked to the phosphoinositide transmembrane-signalling pathway. The purpose of this article is to review recent developments in the pharmacology of each receptor with emphasis on the NK(3) type. In particular, the need to use selective agonists and antagonists to identify each receptor type is stressed.

Enhanced nerve-stimulated muscarinic and neurokinin contractions of ileum from streptozotocin guinea-pigs

Diabetes mellitus can lead to neuropathy of enteric neurons, resulting in abnormal gut motility. These studies investigated voltage-dependent contributions of muscarinic M₃ receptor activation by acetylcholine and neurokinin NK₁ receptor activation by neurokinins to nerve-stimulated contractions of longitudinal ileal strips from STZ guinea-pigs, a type 1 diabetic model with insulin deficiency, but mild hyperglycaemia. Contractions to bethanechol, substance P methyl ester, and nerve stimulation were greater in diabetic as compared to control ileum. The muscarinic M₃ receptor antagonist 4-DAMP at lower voltages and the neurokinin NK₁ receptor antagonist SR140333 at higher voltages, but not the neurokinin NK₁ receptor antagonist CP-96,345, were more effective at inhibiting nerve-stimulated immediate peak contractions and total areas of contraction of ileum from diabetic as compared to control animals. For diabetic ileum, voltage-dependent increases in the areas of nerve-stimulated contraction were observed in the presence of 4-DAMP and CP-96,345 but not SR140333. At low voltages only, nerve-stimulated release of acetylcholine was greater from diabetic as compared to control ileum. Fluorescence intensity of tachykinin-like immunoreactivity was increased in ileal myenteric ganglia from diabetic as compared to control animals. In diabetic guinea-pigs, stronger ileal nerve-stimulated contractions reflected increased release of acetylcholine at lower voltages and tachykinins at higher voltages, as well as increased sensitivity of smooth muscle M₃ and NK₁ receptors to acetylcholine and tachykinins. Hypoinsulinaemia may be a primary contributor to intestinal motility dysfunction in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Tachykinins in the gut. Part II. Roles in neural excitation, secretion and inflammation

The preprotachykinin-A gene-derived peptides substance (substance P; SP) and neurokinin (NK) A are expressed in intrinsic enteric neurons, which supply all layers of the gut, and extrinsic primary afferent nerve fibers, which innervate primarily the arterial vascular system. The actions of tachykinins on the digestive effector systems are mediated by three different types of tachykinin receptor, termed NK1, NK2 and NK3 receptors. Within the enteric nervous system, SP and NKA are likely to mediate, or comediate, slow synaptic transmission and to modulate neuronal excitability via stimulation of NK3 and NK1 receptors. In the intestinal mucosa, tachykinins cause net secretion of fluid and electrolytes, and it appears as if SP and NKA play a messenger role in intramural secretory reflex pathways. Secretory processes in the salivary glands and pancreas are likewise influenced by tachykinins. The gastrointestinal arterial system may be dilated or constricted by tachykinins, whereas constriction and an increase in the vascular permeability are the only effects seen in the venous system. Various gastrointestinal disorders are associated with distinct changes in the tachykinin system, and there is increasing evidence that tachykinins participate in the hypersecretory, vascular and immunological disturbances associated with infection and inflammatory bowel disease. In a therapeutic perspective, it would seem conceivable that tachykinin antagonists could be exploited as antidiarrheal, antiinflammatory and antinociceptive drugs.

Tachykinins in the gut. Part I. Expression, release and motor function

The preprotachykinin-A gene-derived peptides substance P and neurokinin (NK) A are expressed in distinct neural pathways of the mammalian gut. When released from intrinsic enteric or extrinsic primary afferent neurons, tachykinins have the potential to influence both nerve and muscle by way of interaction with three different types of tachykinin receptor, termed NK1, NK2 and NK3 receptors. Most prominent among the effects of tachykinins is their excitatory action on gastrointestinal motor activity, which is seen in virtually all regions and layers of the mammalian gut. This action depends not only on a direct activation of the muscle through NK1 and/or NK2 receptors, but also on stimulation of excitatory enteric motor pathways through NK3 and/or NK1 receptors. In addition, tachykinins can inhibit motor activity by stimulating either inhibitory neuronal pathways or interrupting excitatory relays. A synopsis of the available data indicates that endogenous substance P and NKA interact with other enteric transmitters in the physiological control of gastrointestinal motor activity. Derangement of the regulatory roles of tachykinins may be a factor in the gastrointestinal dysmotility associated with infection, inflammation, stress and pain. In a therapeutic perspective, it would seem conceivable, therefore, that tachykinin agonists and antagonists are adjuncts to the treatment of motor disorders that involve pathological disturbances of the gastrointestinal tachykinin system.

Tachykinin receptors in gastrointestinal motility

For a long time research on the action of TKs on gastrointestinal tissue has been demonstrating the importance of the TKs as non-cholinergic stimulators of motility in most parts of the mammalian gastrointestinal tract. The past years witnessed the development of TK agonists and antagonists selective for the various receptor types, which prompted a wealth of new insight into the pharmacology and molecular biology of the TK receptors. This knowledge now allows a more specific elucidation of the role of TKs and their receptors in the various aspects of gastrointestinal motility, not only in normal tissue but also under pathological conditions.

Differential effects of selective neurokinin agonists on phasic and tonic activity in rat ileal longitudinal muscle

To test the hypothesis that different neurokinin receptors might be involved in the generation of either phasic or tonic muscular activity, selective ligands for the 6 neurokinin-1-receptor, [Sar9, Met(O2)]-SP, the neurokinin-2-receptor, [Nle10]-NKA4-10, and the neurokinin-3 receptor, [beta Asp4,MePhe7]-NKB4-10, were used to evaluate the excitatory effects of these agonists in the longitudinal rat ileal muscle in vitro. The excitatory effect was analyzed as total response (area under the curve) and as tonic or phasic (area under or within the peaks) activity. Substance P (SP, relative amount of phasic activity in comparison to total activity: 3 x 10(-8) M 87%, 3 x 10(-6) M 30%) and the neurokinin-2-receptor selective agonist [Nle10]-NKA4-10 (N-NKA: 3 x 10(-8) M 67%, 3 x 10(-6) M 59%) caused both tonic and phasic responses, with the percentage of phasic responses decreasing at higher concentrations. The neurokinin-1-receptor selective agonist [beta Ala4, Sar9, Met(O2)]-SP4-11 caused a predominantly tonic response with only a small phasic component (10(-8) M 27.1% 10(-6) M 13.8%). The selective neurokinin-3 receptor agonist [beta Asp4, MePhe7]-NKB4-10 caused a predominantly phasic motor response (SM-SP: 3 x 10(-8) M 98%, 3 x 10(-6) M 87%). Tetrodotoxin (TTX 10(-6) M), omega-conotoxin (CTX 10(-7) M) and atropine (10(-6) M) had no significant influence on the contractile responses to all four peptides, indicating a direct action on the smooth muscle cell.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Tachykinin receptors: a radioligand binding perspective

The last decade has witnessed major breakthroughs in the study of tachykinin receptors. The currently described NK-1, NK-2, and NK-3 receptors have been sequenced and cloned from various mammalian sources. A far greater variety of tachykinin analogues are now available for use as selective agonists and antagonists. Importantly, potent nonpeptide antagonists highly selective for the NK-1 and NK-2 receptors have been developed recently. These improved tools for tachykinin receptor characterization have enabled us to describe at least three distinct receptor types. Furthermore, novel antagonists have yielded radioligand binding and functional data strongly favoring the existence of putative subtypes of NK-1 and especially NK-2 receptors. Whether these subtypes are species variants or true within-species subtypes awaits further evidence. As yet undiscovered mammalian tachykinins, or bioactive fragments, may have superior potency at a specific receptor class. The common C terminus of tachykinins permits varying degrees of interaction at essentially all tachykinin receptors. Although the exact physiological significance of this inherent capacity for receptor "cross talk" remains unknown, one implication is for multiple endogenous ligands at a single receptor. For example, NP gamma and NPK appear to be the preferred agonists and binding competitors at some NK-2 receptors, previously thought of as exclusively "NKA-preferring." Current evidence suggests that tachykinin coexistence and expression of multiple receptors may also occur with postulated NK-2 and NK-1 receptor subtypes. Other "tachykinin" receptors may recognize preprotachykinins and the N terminus of SP. In light of these recent developments, the convenient working hypothesis of three endogenous ligands (SP, NKA, and NKB) for three basic receptor types (NK-1, NK-2, and NK-3) may be too simplistic and in need of amendment as future developments occur (Burcher et al., 1991b). In retrospect, the 1980s contributed greatly to our understanding of the structure, function, and regulation of tachykinins and their various receptors. The development of improved, receptor subtype-selective antagonists and radioligands, in addition to recent advances in molecular biological techniques, may lead to a more conclusive pharmacological and biochemical characterization of tachykinin receptors. The 1990s may prove to be the decade of application, where a better understanding of the roles played by endogenous tachykinins (at various receptor subtypes) under pathophysiological conditions will no doubt hasten the realization of clinically useful therapeutic agents.

The Leu13-motilin (KW-5139)-evoked release of acetylcholine from enteric neurones in the rabbit duodenum

1. Involvement of cholinergic mechanisms in the contractile response to Leu13-motilin (LMT, KW-5139) was investigated in rabbit duodenal segments, and longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus (LM-MP) preparations preincubated wtih [3H]-choline. 2. Contractile response to LMT (0.1 nM-1 microM) consisted of an initial rapid (phasic) contraction and a tonic contraction slowly fading to a sustained plateau. LMT caused a concentration-dependent phasic contraction of rabbit isolated duodenal segments. The EC50 value was 2.5 nM and the maximum amplitude of the contraction was 103% of the response induced by acetylcholine (ACh, 100 microM). Neither tetrodotoxin nor atropine changed the EC50 value or the maximum amplitude of the response to LMT. 3. Both atropine and tetrodotoxin decreased the amplitude and accelerated fading of the tonic contraction produced by LMT. 4. LMT (30 nM-3 microM) induced an increase of 3H-outflow, in a concentration-dependent manner. The LMT-induced increase of 3H-outflow was prevented by removal of external Ca2+ or by the presence of tetrodotoxin. 5. Porcine motilin (10 nM-1 microM) also stimulated the release of 3H at a similar concentration-range to that seen with LMT. 6. Pretreatment with LMT (3 microM for 20 min) decreased LMT- and the porcine motilin-evoked release of 3H but did not alter the high K(+)-evoked release. 7. Our results suggest that LMT and porcine motilin stimulate the release of ACh from enteric neurones through the same receptor, and that the release of ACh plays a role in tonic components of contraction in the rabbit duodenum.

Tachykinins in the canine gastroesophageal junction

Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) effects produced by the mammalian tachykinins were evaluated in anesthetized dogs. The distribution and content of substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) in the region of the canine gastroesophageal junction was also studied. SP and NKA stimulated a linear dose-dependent contraction of the LES after intra-arterial administration. Neurokinin B (NKB) failed to stimulate an increase in LES pressure (LESP). SP was characterized by an immediate but short-lived contraction followed by a period of relaxation. NKA stimulated a potent LES contraction that was slow in onset but long-lasting. On an equimolar basis, both SP and NKA were approximately 100 times more potent LES stimulants than bethanechol or phenylephrine. Pretreatment with atropine (muscarinic blockade) or tetrodotoxin (neural blockade) inhibited the effect produced by SP. NKA appeared to stimulate LES contraction independent of neural or cholinergic mechanisms. Radioimmunoassay revealed a regional variation in tachykinin content in the gastroesophageal junction. Ganglia, cell bodies, nerve fascicles, and neurites stained specifically for both SP and NKA. The variable effects, potencies, and mechanisms of action observed in this study suggest the presence of specific tachykinin receptor subtypes in the gastroesophageal junction. Both SP and NKA were found to have a broad neural distribution in this region. These findings suggest that the tachykinins may play an important role in neuroregulation of LES smooth muscle.

Neuropeptide release from isolated myenteric nerve endings derived from the guinea pig myenteric plexus

Isolated myenteric nerve varicosities prepared from the myenteric plexus of the guinea pig ileum were investigated as a suitable model system with which to study the release of several neuropeptide-like immunoreactivities (-LI). Basal release of substance P-LI, neurokinin A-LI, Leu-enkephalin-LI and Met-enkephalin-LI was determined, and clear depolarization-induced release of the enkephalin-LI's and neurokinin A-LI was obtained using this preparation, providing further support for their roles as putative mediators in the enteric nervous system. Evoked-release of these peptides was dependent on the presence in the incubation mixture of certain antagonists to known endogenous neuronal mediators. In the absence of such antagonists, no unequivocal evidence of release was seen. Clear evoked release of Leu-enkephalin-LI occurred only in the presence of the adenosine receptor antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-p-sulfophenylxanthine (DPSPX), atropine and naloxone. Release of Met-enkephalin-LI occurred in the presence of either atropine or naloxone. The release of neurokinin A-LI was evident in the presence of DPSPX. These findings suggest the existence of either distinct subpopulations of nerve varicosities or distinct neuronal pools containing each peptide and that these peptides may be under differential regulation by endogenous inhibitory mediators. It is concluded that, under suitable conditions, isolated myenteric nerve varicosities provide a useful model system for the study of release, and the modulation of release, of endogenous neuropeptides.

Identification of neurotransmitters regulating intestinal peristaltic reflex in humans

The components of the intestinal peristaltic reflex in humans were examined and the neurotransmitters responsible for them identified for the first time i isolated flat sheet segments of intestine. Increasing radial stretch to the caudad end elicited increasing ascending contraction only, whereas increasing radial stretch to the orad end elicited increasing descending relaxation only. Both components were abolished by hexamethonium, implying the participation of cholinergic interneurons in each component. Atropine inhibited ascending contraction only, abolishing the response to low grades of stretch and partially inhibiting the response to high grades of stretch (69% +/- 17%, p less than 0.01). The substance P antagonist [D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9] substance P partially inhibited ascending contraction induced by high grades of stretch only (40% +/- 12%, p less than 0.02). The vasoactive intestinal peptide antagonist [4-Cl-D-Phe6, Leu17]vasoactive intestinal peptide inhibited descending relaxation, abolishing the response to low grades of stretch and partially inhibiting the response to high grades of stretch (40% +/- 4%, p less than 0.001). Release of vasoactive intestinal peptide increased significantly by 91% during descending relaxation only, whereas release of both substance P and substance K increased significantly by 107% during ascending contraction only, supporting the participation of vasoactive intestinal peptide motor neurons in descending relaxation and tachykinin motor neurons as well as cholinergic motor neurons in ascending contraction. The components of the human peristaltic reflex and transmitters regulating them were identical to those found in rat and guinea pig intestine.

Selective agonists for receptors of substance P and related neurokinins

Neurokinins and their receptors are a complex system consisting of at least three endogenous agents--substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA), and neurokinin B (NKB)--and their corresponding receptor types, respectively, NK-1, NK-2, and NK-3. Investigations on receptors have been made using sensitive and fairly selective pharmacological preparations (the dog carotid artery for the NK-1, the rabbit pulmonary artery devoid of endothelium for the NK-2, and the rat portal vein for the NK-3 receptor), and some natural peptides of mammalian and nonmammalian origin. Because of the nonselectivity of the natural peptides, analogues of the neurokinins have been found that act on one receptor only and show therefore high selectivity. The selective agonists [Sar9,Met(O2)11]SP, [Nle10]NKA (4-10), and [MePhe7]-NKB have been used successfully for (a) characterizing the three neurokinin receptors, (b) identifying isolated organs whose responses to neurokinins depend on the activation of a single (monoreceptor systems) or of more than one (multireceptor systems) receptor, and (c) elucidating some of the physiological function of the three receptor types. It is suggested that NK-1 mediate peripheral vasodilatation and exocrine secretions, NK-2 stimulate bronchial muscles and facilitate the release of catecholamines, and NK-3 promote the release of acetylcholine in peripheral organs.

Neurokinin3-receptors are linked to inositol phospholipid hydrolysis in the guinea-pig ileum longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparation

1. Tachykinin-stimulated inositol phospholipid hydrolysis was examined in slices of longitudinal muscle from guinea-pig ileum. 2. Substance P, neurokinin A and neurokinin B induced a concentration-dependent accumulation of total [3H]-inositol phosphates in the presence of 12 mM lithium with similar maximal responses and EC50 values. 3. The selective NK1-receptor agonist, substance P methyl ester, and the selective NK3-receptor agonist succ-[Asp6, MePhe8]-SP(6-11) (senktide) also stimulated [3H]-inositol phosphate formation with maximum responses of 50.69 +/- 0.96 and 45.64 +/- 1.17% relative to 10 microM substance P, respectively. Substance P methyl ester was approximately equipotent with substance P, whereas senktide was approximately 100 times more potent. 4. When added together, maximally effective concentrations of substance P methyl ester and senktide gave responses that were fully additive. In contrast, responses to substance P and neurokinin B were not additive. 5. The stimulation of [3H]-inositol phosphate formation by substance P, neurokinin B and senktide was not affected by atropine (2 microM) or tetrodotoxin (TTX, 0.3 microM). 6. The contractile effect of senktide was inhibited completely by TTX and partially blocked by atropine. Contractions induced by substance P methyl ester were not changed in the presence of TTX or atropine. 7. [D-Pro4, D-Trp7,9,10]-SP(4-11) competitively antagonized the action of substance P methyl ester on inositol phospholipid hydrolysis and contraction, but had no significant effect on senktide-induced inositol phospholipid breakdown or contraction. 8. These results suggest that NK3-receptors in the guinea-pig ileum are coupled to inositol phospholipid hydrolysis.

Contractile response to substance P in isolated smooth muscle strips from the intestinal bulb of the carp (Cyprinus carpio)

1. The effect of substance P on the mechanical activity of carp intestinal bulb smooth muscle was investigated in vitro. 2. Bath-applied substance P (1 nM-1 microM) caused concentration-dependent contraction of the smooth muscle. The EC50 value was 20 +/- 3 nM (N = 13). 3. Pretreatment with tetrodotoxin (780 nM) or atropine (500 nM) partially decreased the contractile response to substance P, while methysergide (3 microM) did not decrease the response. 4. The contractile response to substance P was not decreased by [D-Pro2, D-Trp7.9]-substance P or [D-Pro4, D-Trp7.9]-substance P (4-11) pretreatment (10 microM for 5 min). 5. Exposure of the intestinal bulb to substance P (100 nM and 1 microM for 15 min) decreased the response to subsequent application of substance P, physalaemin and eledoisin in a concentration dependent manner, while the contractile response to acetylcholine or methionine-enkephalin was not affected. 6. Exposure of the intestinal bulb to physalaemin and eledoisin (100 nM for 15 min) decreased the response to subsequent application of substance P. 7. The above results indicate that substance P causes the contraction of the carp intestinal bulb smooth muscle through its direct action on the smooth muscle and its indirect action through enteric cholinergic nerves. Long-term exposure to substance P causes desensitization of the preparation to substance P, physalaemin and eledoisin at the receptor level.

Evidence for neurokinin-3 receptor-mediated tachykinin release in the guinea-pig ileum

Contraction of longitudinal muscle strips of the guinea-pig ileum induced by the selective NK3 receptor agonist, succ-[Asp6,MePhe8]SP-(6-11) (senktide), were completely inhibited by tetrodotoxin and partially blocked by atropine. The atropine-resistant contraction was markedly reduced if the smooth muscle tachykinin receptors were either desensitized with the selective NK1 agonist substance P methyl ester, or blocked with the tachykinin receptor antagonist [D-Pro4,D-Trp7,9,10]SP-(4-11). These results suggest that activation of NK3 receptors on enteric neurones results in acetylcholine and tachykinin release.

Participation of capsaicin-sensitive neurons in the cardiovascular effects of neurotensin in guinea pigs

Intravenous (IV) infusions of neurotensin (NT) in anesthetized guinea pigs elicited dose-dependent pressor effects and tachycardia. Both effects were significantly reduced or abolished in guinea pigs given a chronic treatment with the neurotoxin capsaicin. In guinea pig isolated atria NT evoked a positive inotropic and chronotropic effect. Both effects were completely abolished in atria derived from capsaicin-treated guinea pigs. The positive inotropic and chronotropic effects of NT in guinea pig atria were mimicked by capsaicin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). These results were interpreted as an indication that NT produces its cardiovascular effects in guinea pigs by activating capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons.

Substance P-like immunoreactivity and the effects of tachykinins in the intestine of the Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua

The substance P (SP)-like peptides present in the intestine of the cod, Gadus morhua, were studied by immunochemical techniques. The amount of SP-like material in extracts of the intestine was quantified using radioimmunoassay (RIA). Immunohistochemistry indicated that the SP-like material detected in nerve fibres and endocrine cells of the intestine is more closely related to SP than to the other tachykinins used in the study. The excitatory response of SP on the vascularly perfused cod intestine was reduced or abolished by treatment with atropine, methysergide or tetrodotoxin. The results indicate that SP acts partly via cholinergic and serotonergic neurons and partly directly on the smooth muscle cells of the intestine. The effect of SP was compared to the effects of 5 other tachykinins. No great difference was found between the potencies of the tachykinins, suggesting that the receptors present are most similar to the SP-P type of receptor.

Involvement of substance P in the excitatory action of GABAA agonists on cholinergic neurons in the guinea-pig ileum

The possible involvement of substance P (SP) in cholinergic contractions induced by GABAA agonists in the guinea-pig ileum was further investigated. Responses evoked by 3-aminopropane sulphonic acid (3-APS) or muscimol consisted of a rapid phasic contraction followed in 70% of preparations by a tonic contraction, usually smaller in amplitude but considerably longer in duration. Phasic and tonic components were sensitive to bicuculline, neurogenic (cholinergic) in nature and susceptible to desensitization. Capsaicin (0.2 microM) pretreatment and SP receptor desensitization caused by 3 different priming SP concentrations (10 nM, 30 nM, 100 nM), depressed both components of the 3-APS-induced response, the magnitude of antagonism being greater for tonic contractions. Similar findings were obtained by using 10 microM (D-Pro4,D-Trp7.9)SP-(4-11), even though the degree of antagonism caused by this SP antagonist was consistently lower. These results indicate that depression of SP receptor function achieved by three different procedures decreases cholinergic contractile responses to GABAA agonists in the guinea-pig ileum. This provides further support for the hypothesis that GABAA receptor activation evokes both direct and indirect stimulation of enteric cholinergic neurons and that SP and/or a related peptide play an important role in mediating the indirect component of the cholinergic response.

Peripheral effects of neurokinins: functional evidence for the existence of multiple receptors

The ability of six neurokinins (substance P, neurokinin A, neurokinin B, physalaemin, eledoisin and kassinin) to induce hypotension, salivary secretion and to activate motility of the duodenum and of the urinary bladder was investigated in urethane-anaesthetized rats. A comparison of the relative potency of these substances in producing a given biological effect yielded results consistent with the hypothesis of the existence of three distinct types of receptor in rat peripheral tissues, namely SP-P, SP-K and SP-E according to the nomenclature proposed by Buck, Burcher, Shults, Lovenberg & O'Donohue (1984), or NK-P, NK-A and NK-B according to that of Regoli, D'Orleans-Juste, Drapeau, Dion & Escher (1985). An NK-P receptor is responsible for the production of the hypotensive effect and for the activation of salivary secretion. An 'NK-P like' receptor subtype may be involved in determining the direct contractile effects on muscle cells of neurokinins in the rat isolated urinary bladder and the 'phasic' contraction of the rat duodenum. An NK-A receptor mediates the 'tonic' contraction of the rat duodenum while an NK-B receptor mediates the activation of the micturition reflex. Evidence is presented that multiple neurokinin receptors are present in the same organ and participate with different modalities to the regulation of smooth muscle function.

Effects of tachykinins on inositol phospholipid hydrolysis in slices of hamster urinary bladder

Tachykinin-stimulated inositol phospholipid hydrolysis was examined in slices of hamster urinary bladder. In the presence of lithium, to inhibit inositol monophosphatase activity, substance P, eledoisin and related tachykinins induced large, dose-dependent increases in [3H]-inositol monophosphate accumulation. The responses to substance P and eledoisin were not antagonized by the cholinoceptor antagonist, atropine. The rank order of potency for various tachykinins was kassinin greater than neurokinin A greater than neurokinin B greater than eledoisin greater than physaelamin greater than substance P greater than substance P methyl ester. The synthetic analogue [p-Glu6, D-Pro9]SP (6-11) was considerably more potent than its L-prolyl stereoisomer at stimulating inositol phospholipid hydrolysis. These results suggest that in the hamster urinary bladder, tachykinin-induced inositol phospholipid breakdown is mediated via tachykinin receptors of the SP-E type, as opposed to the SP-P type.

Differentiation of multiple neurokinin receptors in the guinea pig ileum

We have studied the selectivity and competitiveness of three neurokinin antagonists and atropine against substance P, neurokinin A, and neurokinin B. DPDTNLE-NB, [D-Pro2, D-Trp6,8, Nle10]-neurokinin B is a competitive antagonist of neurokinin B (pA2 = 5.5), but not substance P or neurokinin A. DPDT-SP ([D-Pro2,Trp7,9]-substance P), competitively blocks substance P (pA2 = 6.9) and neurokinin B (pA2 = 6.8), but not neurokinin A. Spantide ([D-Arg1, D-Trp7,9, Leu11]-substance P) competitively blocks substance P (pA2 = 6.7) and at a log unit higher concentration blocks neurokinin A (pA2 = 5.8), but does not block neurokinin B. Atropine is a competitive antagonist of neurokinin B (pA2 = 9.0) at ten times the concentration needed to block acetylcholine (pA2 = 10.1), but does not inhibit the other neurokinins. These results support the hypothesis of multiple neurokinin receptors in the guinea pig ileum and indicate that the site of neurokinin B, but not substance P or neurokinin A is predominantly on intramural neurons. This indirect stimulation appears to be dependent on the release of acetylcholine. Neurokinin B also has activity on smooth muscle receptors since the contractile response could not be completely antagonized by atropine. There appear to be two smooth muscle neurokinin receptors on the basis of results obtained with DPDT-SP and spantide, one predominantly responsive to substance P and the other to neurokinin A. Only spantide appeared to have any effect on the neurokinin A receptor and that was at a much higher concentration than that needed to block substance P.

Antagonist discrimination between subtypes of tachykinin receptors in the guinea-pig ileum

The effects of substance P and eledoisin on spontaneous and electrically-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine, and on smooth muscle were studied in the guinea-pig myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle preparation preloaded with [3H]choline. Substance P and eledoisin caused transient increases in spontaneous release of [3H]-acetylcholine and in longitudinal muscle tone. Both tachykinins were equipotent in contracting the muscle, but eledoisin was more potent than substance P in eliciting [3H]acetylcholine release. The release caused by substance P was enhanced in the presence of naloxone and scopolamine which suggests that the release is modulated through opioid and muscarinic receptors. Substance P and eledoisin inhibited the release of [3H]acetylcholine evoked by electrical stimulation at 0.1 Hz. The inhibition was not due to an activation of alpha-adrenoceptors, histamine or opioid receptors. The substance P antagonists (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9)SP (10 and 30 microM) and (Arg5, D-Trp7,9, Nle11)SP5-11 (1 and 10 microM) competitively antagonized both the contractile effects of substance P and eledoisin, and the inhibition by the tachykinins of the electrically-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine. The increase in spontaneous [3H]acetylcholine release elicited by substance P and eledoisin was not prevented by the substance P antagonists. The results suggest that the neuronal receptor whose activation causes inhibition of acetylcholine release and the smooth muscle receptor correspond to the SP-P type, whereas the neuronal receptor mediating an increase in spontaneous acetylcholine release is of the SP-E type. The two antagonists, (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9)SP and (Arg5, D-Trp7,9, Nle11)SP5-11, selectively block only the SP-P receptor.

Multiple tachykinin binding sites in hamster, rat and guinea-pig urinary bladder

Binding of the 125I-Bolton-Hunter labelled tachykinins substance P, substance K, eledoisin and neuromedin K (BHSP, BHSK, BHE, BHNK) was examined in urinary bladders of hamster, rat and guinea-pig using crude membrane suspensions and by autoradiography. High-affinity binding of BHSK was observed in hamster and rat bladder and high-affinity binding of BHSP was seen in rat and guinea-pig bladder. Characterization of this binding showed that the hamster bladder contains very large numbers of K-type binding sites, where BHSK is displaced by substance K greater than kassinin greater than eledoisin greater than neuromedin K greater than substance P greater than physalaemin, and has very few P-type binding sites, where BHSP is displaced by substance P greater than substance K much greater than neuromedin K. In contrast, the rat bladder contains moderate and approximately equal numbers of both K (KD, 0.74 nM; Bmax 2.9 fmol/mg wet weight tissue) and P (KD, 0.12 +/- 0.01 nM; Bmax 2.6 +/- 0.2 fmol/mg wet weight tissue) sites. The guinea-pig bladder possesses predominantly P sites. Most tachykinin binding sites are localized over smooth muscle and probably represent functional receptors mediating the direct contractile effects of tachykinins in these tissues. Few E-type binding sites, as previously described in rat brain, were found, although some BHNK binding sites were seen in the mucosa of guinea-pig bladder.

Functional characterization of substance P receptors in the rabbit ear artery

Rabbit isolated ear arteries were perfused at a constant flow and stimulated with field pulses (5 Hz, 5 impulses). Different tachykinins and capsaicin depressed stimulation-induced vasoconstriction, substance P (SP) being the most potent inhibitor. The rank order of potency of the tachykinins was, SP approximately equal to physalaemin approximately equal to eledoisin greater than SP-methyl ester; that of SP and its C-terminal fragments, SP approximately equal to SP-(2-11) approximately equal to SP-(4-11) greater than SP-(6-11). SP-(1-9) was inactive. The SP antagonist (Arg5,D-Trp7,9,Nle11)SP-(5-11) 10 mumol/l shifted the concentration-response curve of SP to the right (pA2 = 5.43), whereas it did not reduce the action of capsaicin. Another SP antagonist (D-Pro4,D-Trp7,9,10)SP-(4-11) 10 mumol/l failed to affect the SP depression. Neither antagonist changed vasoconstriction by itself. Pretreatment of the arteries with a mixture of yohimbine, propranolol, atropine, diphenhydramine, burimamide, methysergide and indomethacin, all 1 mumol/l, did not influence the effect of SP or capsaicin. Only the inhibition by SP, but not that by capsaicin was abolished after mechanical destruction of the endothelium. SP, physalaemin and eledoisin, all 3 mumol/l, reduced vasoconstriction by noradrenaline or histamine; capsaicin 30 mumol/l depressed noradrenaline-induced vasoconstriction. In arteries preincubated with 3H-noradrenaline, electrical stimulation (1 Hz, 120 pulses) triggered an increase in the outflow of tritium and evoked vasoconstriction. SP 1 mumol/l did not change either basal or stimulation-evoked tritium outflow, whereas it reduced vasoconstriction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

An examination of the pharmacology of two substance P antagonists and the evidence for tachykinin receptor subtypes

The potencies of two tachykinin antagonists [D-Pro4,D-Trp7,9,10]-SP(4-11) and [D-Arg1,D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9,Leu11]-SP(1-11) against four tachykinins were examined in a range of smooth muscle preparations, including guinea-pig ileum and bladder and rat colon muscularis mucosae and duodenum. Parallel shifts in the log dose-response curves of all the tachykinins tested were observed in all tissues, except in the case of the guinea-pig bladder where [D-Pro4, D-Trp7,9,10]-SP(4-11) was without effect at concentrations up to 32 microM. The slopes of the Schild plots for the two antagonists did not differ significantly from unity, with the exception of [D-Pro4, D-Trp7,9,10]-SP(4-11) in the rat duodenum, which may indicate a heterogeneous receptor population in this tissue. The antagonists displayed agonist selectivity in the case of the guinea-pig ileum where log dose-response curves to substance P and physalaemin were shifted less than those to eledoisin and kassinin. Rank orders of potency for eledoisin, kassinin, physalaemin and substance P in the five preparations studied allowed classification of the tissues by the predominant receptor type according to the 'SP-P' and 'SP-E' scheme. It is concluded that [D-Pro4, D-Trp7,9,10]-SP(4-11), in particular, displays tissue selectivity that may indicate different receptor populations, but classification of receptor and tissue types on this basis does not fully correspond with classifications based on agonist potencies. Such schemes should therefore be treated with caution at this stage.

A comparison of the effects of three substance P antagonists on tachykinin-stimulated [3H]-acetylcholine release in the guinea-pig ileum

The potencies of three tachykinin antagonists [D-Pro4,D-Trp7,9,10]SP(4-11), [D-Arg1,D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]SP(1-11) and [D-Arg1,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]SP(1-11) (spantide) against eledoisin were examined in the guinea-pig ileum myenteric plexus, where a continuous superfusion system was employed to examine evoked release of [3H]-acetylcholine [( 3H]-ACh]); effects on mechanical activity of the preparations were also measured. Eledoisin was chosen as the standard tachykinin agonist since the rank order of potency observed in evoking release was eledoisin, kassinin, substance P, physalaemin; on this basis is may be presumed that an 'SP-E' type receptor was involved in the release process. The two undecapeptide antagonists both significantly reduced the response to eledoisin (10 nM) as assessed by both [3H]-ACh release and mechanical activity which under these conditions was largely dependent on ACh release, and the response levels could be restored by increasing the concentration of eledoisin to 100 nM. The pA2 values for the two antagonists were estimated as 5.3 for [D-Arg1,D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]SP(1-11) and 5.2 for [D-Arg1,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]SP(1-11). [D-Pro4,D-Trp7,9,10]SP(4-11) was markedly less potent with a pA2 value of less than 4.8. All three antagonists possessed considerable inherent stimulatory activity as measured both by [3H]-ACh release and mechanical activity, [D-Pro4,D-Trp7,9,10]SP(4-11) being the most active in this respect, a 10 microM concentration producing 50% of the response seen with 10 nM eledoisin. These findings are discussed both in relation to tachykinin receptor classifications and limitations in the use of such antagonists in the study of the role of tachykinins in neurotransmission.

gamma-Aminobutyric acid in peripheral tissues

Significant amounts of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an endogenous amino acid, are present in mammalian peripheral tissues. This finding led to the suggestion that GABA may act as a neurotransmitter in the peripheral nervous system as it does in the central nervous system. This review deals with recent identification of GABA in the autonomic nervous system and the possible functional role of GABA in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues. The identification of GABA in the autonomic nervous system has paved the way for new approaches in pharmacological investigations.

Presynaptic modulation by noradrenaline and an opioid of the substance P-induced release of [3H]acetylcholine from the myenteric plexus

Substance P (7.5-750 nM) applied in superfusion dose-dependently released 3H from isolated strips of myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle of the guinea-pig ileum loaded with [3H]choline. Separation of the [3H]acetylcholine and [3H]choline components of the released radioactivity revealed that in response to substance P (SP) administration only the release of [3H]acetylcholine increased above resting level. A slowly developing tachyphylaxis to the effect of SP was observed. Evidence has been obtained that the slow tachyphylaxis developed to the acetylcholine-releasing effect of SP was not due to the exhaustion of releasable acetylcholine pool. Release of acetylcholine by 150 nM SP was completely prevented by tetrodotoxin or in a Ca2+-free medium and greatly reduced in the presence of noradrenaline or the opioid receptor agonist (D-Met2,Pro5)-enkephalinamide. The effect of noradrenaline and the opioid peptide was apparently prevented by yohimbine and naloxone, respectively.

Neurokinin B is a preferred agonist for a neuronal substance P receptor and its action is antagonized by enkephalin

Receptor specificity of the substance P-related peptides neurokinin A and neurokinin B was studied in the isolated guinea pig ileum. Substance P and the recently discovered neurokinins elicit contraction of the ileum both directly through action on a muscle cell receptor and indirectly through stimulation of a neuronal receptor, leading to release of acetylcholine, which causes muscle contraction via muscarinic receptors. Two specific assay procedures for the function of the neuronal receptor were developed. The muscular receptor was inactivated either by desensitization with the selective agonist substance P methyl ester or by receptor blockade with the selective antagonist [Arg6, D-Trp7,9, Me-Phe8]substance P-(6-11) hexapeptide. Both procedures revealed that the neuronal receptor is clearly distinct from the muscular receptor, since it exhibits different agonist specificity and is insensitive to antagonists of the muscular receptor. Neurokinin B was found to be the most potent agonist (EC50 = 1 nM) for the neuronal receptor. Furthermore, [D-Ala2, Met5]enkephalinamide inhibited in a naloxone-sensitive manner the effect of neurokinin B mediated via the neuronal receptor. These results suggest that the different mammalian tachykinins can play specific physiological roles by virtue of their distinct receptor specificities.

Interaction of tachykinins with an adrenergic receptor in the rat urinary bladder

The rat urinary bladder was examined as a model for studying tachykinin receptors. The order of potency, the maximal effect and the slope of the dose-response curve were examined with six tachykinins - substance P (SP), physalaemin, phyllomedusin, uperolein, eledoisin, kassinin - and several substance P fragments - SP-(2-11), SP-(3-11), SP-(4-11) and SP-(6-11). The tachykinin receptor on the rat urinary bladder was shown to bind preferentially tachykinins having a hydrophilic amino acid residue in position 5-6, as occurs with physalaemin, phyllomedusin, eledoisin and kassinin. The N-terminal of the tachykinins and in particular substance P is suggested to play a major role in regulating affinity, intrinsic activity and the slope of the dose-response curve. The tachykinins are thought to exert a direct action on smooth muscle. An accessory binding site associated with the tachykinin receptor on rat urinary bladder was also identified. This accessory site binds the N-terminal amino acids of the tachykinins as well as some alpha-adrenergic compounds (phentolamine, prazosin, noradrenaline or adrenaline in the presence of propranolol). When the accessory binding site is occupied by adrenergic compounds, the affinity of the tachykinins is markedly reduced. This observation is interpreted to mean that catecholamines may have a modulatory influence on tachykinin activity on the rat urinary bladder.

Substance P action on phosphoinositides in guinea-pig intestinal muscle: a possible transduction mechanism?

The effect of substance P on the metabolism of membrane phosphoinositides and the possible role of this effect in the contractile response to substance P was investigated in longitudinal muscle strips obtained from the guinea-pig small intestine and prelabelled with [3H] inositol. Substance P (2.2 microM) failed to change significantly the tissue content of phosphoinositides but caused an accumulation of their water-soluble hydrolysis products, inositol bisphosphate (InsP2) and inositol monophosphate (InsP). These experiments were carried out in the presence of Li+ (12 mM), since only under these conditions could an accumulation of InsP2 be observed. The rate at which InsP2 and InsP accumulated was highest during the first 0.5 min of exposure to substance P (2.2 microM) and then decreased rapidly. Thus, the rate of inositol phosphate accumulation paralleled the time course of the contractile response to substance P. The magnitude of inositol phosphate accumulation was related to the concentration of substance P (22 nM-22 microM). The substance P-induced accumulation of InsP2 and InsP was not reduced when muscle strips had been incubated in Ca2+-free medium, for a time period sufficient to deplete the intracellular Ca2+ store which can be released by substance P, or in Ca2+-free medium containing high [K+]. These findings are compatible with the concept that hydrolysis of membrane phosphoinositides is a mechanism that links substance P receptor activation to contraction but further work is needed to establish a causal relationship.

Substance P antagonists showing some selectivity for different receptor types

Five antagonists have been used against substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NA) in isolated smooth muscle preparations containing either SP-P (the guinea pig ileum (G.P.I.), the dog carotid artery (D.C.A.) or SP-E receptors (the rat duodenum (R.D.), the dog (D.U.B.) and hamster urinary bladders (H.U.B.]. [D-Pro4,D-Trp7,9,10, Phe11]SP-(4-11) was found to be selective for SP-P receptors, since it showed high affinity both against SP and NA, on the G.P.I. and D.C.A., while it was found to be inactive on some SP-E receptor systems (D.U.B., H.U.B.) and very weak in others (R.D.). Two octapeptide antagonists, modified in position 6, [D-Pro4,Ala6,D-Trp7,9,10,Phe11]SP-(4-11) and [D-Pro4,Lys6,D-Trp7,9,10,Phe11]SP-(4-11) showed some selectivity for SP-E receptors since they acted as full agonists on one SP-P preparation (the D.C.A.) and the first compound contracted also the G.P.I. In addition to being pure antagonists on the D.U.B., H.U.B. and on the R.D., the two octapeptides showed a higher potency against the SP-E stimulant NA, compared to SP, in the R.D. Two undecapeptide antagonists were active against SP and NA on both SP-P and SP-E receptor preparations and therefore were less discriminative than the octapeptides. They were however more active against NA on the R.D., similar to the octapeptides modified in position 6. It is concluded that: (a) both agonists and antagonists appear to be useful for the characterization of tachykinins receptors; (b) either the whole N-terminal portion of SP or a shorter sequence, modified in position 6, increase the antagonist affinity against NA in the SP-E receptor system of the rat duodenum.

Neurotransmitters in the intestine of the Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua

The effects of the putative neurotransmitters acetylcholine, adrenaline, adenosine, ATP, bombesin, 5-hydroxytryptamine, met-enkephalin, neurotensin, somatostatin, substance P and VIP have been investigated in the perfused intestine of the cod, Gadus morhua. The presence and distribution of the different types of nerves was investigated with immunohistochemistry and Falck-Hillarp fluorescence histochemistry. A spontaneous rhythmic activity of the perfused preparations usually occurred within a few minutes from the start of the experiment. This activity was diminished or abolished by addition of atropine, methysergide or tetrodotoxin to the perfusion fluid. Acetylcholine, 5-hydroxytryptamine or substance P caused a contraction of the intestinal wall. The response to acetylcholine was blocked by atropine but not by tetrodotoxin, while the response to 5-hydroxytryptamine was blocked by methysergide and usually also by tetrodotoxin. This indicates that the effect of acetylcholine is direct on the muscle cells, while the effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine may be at least partly via a second neuron. All adrenergic agonists (adrenaline, isoprenaline and phenylephrine) had a dominating inhibitory effect on the intestine. Experiments with antagonists showed that the inhibition is due to stimulation of both alpha-adrenoceptors and beta-adrenoceptors. ATP, adenosine and somatostatin also caused a relaxation of the intestinal wall, often followed by a contraction. Met-enkephalin produced variable responses, either a relaxation, a contraction or both. Bombesin caused a weak inhibition, if anything. Neurotensin and VIP did not visibly affect the intestinal motility. 5-HT-, substance P- and VIP-like immunoreactivity and catecholamine fluorescence were observed in the myenteric plexus, submucosa and muscle layers in all parts of the intestine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)