MaxiK channel-mediated relaxation of guinea-pig aorta following stimulation of IP receptor with beraprost via cyclic AMP-dependent and -independent mechanisms

Uterodilation effect of unripe fruit extract of Crataegus azarolus var. aronia L. on rat uterine smooth muscles

Crataegus azarolus var. aronia L. (C. aronia) is one of the most important medicinal plants used widely in folk medicine for the prevention of several diseases due to its content of several bioactive compounds like phenolic acid, aromatic amines, proanthocyanidins and flavonoids. This study investigated the uterodilation effect of methanol extract (ME) of C. aronia unripe fruit on the uterine smooth muscle in rats. The mechanism of action underlying the plant's extract was also screened. The unripe fruits were cleaned and extracted in methanol. The extract (1.9-4 mg/ml) was tested on rat uterine relaxation in calcium-free Kreb's solution and potassium chloride-induced uterine contraction. The plant extract was also studied in the presence of antagonists in separate experiments to determine the role of various ion channels and hyperpolarizing agents. The plant extract showed an uterodilation effect on the uterus, in which the ME produced a considerable relaxant effect. The results confirmed that the induced dilation was mediated mainly by the nitric oxide pathway and the activation of potassium channels with a limited role of the prostaglandin pathway and calcium channel activation. This in-vitro study provides the first scientific evidence of the claimed effect of C. aronia on uterine relaxation.

Coronary Large Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+ Channel Dysfunction in Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an independent risk of macrovascular and microvascular complications, while cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of death in both men and women with diabetes. Large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels are abundantly expressed in arteries and are the key ionic determinant of vascular tone and organ perfusion. It is well established that the downregulation of vascular BK channel function with reduced BK channel protein expression and altered intrinsic BK channel biophysical properties is associated with diabetic vasculopathy. Recent efforts also showed that diabetes-associated changes in signaling pathways and transcriptional factors contribute to the downregulation of BK channel expression. This manuscript will review our current understandings on the molecular, physiological, and biophysical mechanisms that underlie coronary BK channelopathy in diabetes mellitus.

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. LXXXIII: classification of prostanoid receptors, updating 15 years of progress

It is now more than 15 years since the molecular structures of the major prostanoid receptors were elucidated. Since then, substantial progress has been achieved with respect to distribution and function, signal transduction mechanisms, and the design of agonists and antagonists (http://www.iuphar-db.org/DATABASE/FamilyIntroductionForward?familyId=58). This review systematically details these advances. More recent developments in prostanoid receptor research are included. The DP(2) receptor, also termed CRTH2, has little structural resemblance to DP(1) and other receptors described in the original prostanoid receptor classification. DP(2) receptors are more closely related to chemoattractant receptors. Prostanoid receptors have also been found to heterodimerize with other prostanoid receptor subtypes and nonprostanoids. This may extend signal transduction pathways and create new ligand recognition sites: prostacyclin/thromboxane A(2) heterodimeric receptors for 8-epi-prostaglandin E(2), wild-type/alternative (alt4) heterodimers for the prostaglandin FP receptor for bimatoprost and the prostamides. It is anticipated that the 15 years of research progress described herein will lead to novel therapeutic entities.

Role of prostanoid IP and EP receptors in mediating vasorelaxant responses to PGI2 analogues in rat tail artery: Evidence for Gi/o modulation via EP3 receptors

Prostanoid IP receptors coupled to Gs are thought to be the primary target for prostacyclin (PGI(2)) analogues. However, these agents also activate prostanoid EP(1-4) receptor subtypes to varying degrees, which are positively (EP(2/4)) or negatively (EP(3)) coupled to adenylate cyclase through Gs or Gi, respectively. We investigated the role of these receptors in modulating relaxation to PGI(2) analogues cicaprost, iloprost and treprostinil in pre-contracted segments of rat tail artery. Prostanoid IP (RO1138452), EP(4) (GW627368X), EP(3) (L-798106), EP(1-3) (AH6809), and EP(1) (SC-51322) receptor antagonists were used to determine each receptor contribution. The role of G(i/o) was investigated using pertussis toxin (PTX), while dependence on cAMP was determined using adenylate cyclase (2'5'dideoxyadenosine, DDA) and protein kinase A (2'-O-monobutyryladenosine- 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, Rp- isomer, Rp-2'-O-MB-cAMPS) inhibitors, and by measurement of tissue cAMP. All analogues caused relaxation which was significantly (P<0.01) inhibited by RO1138452; with maximum response to cicaprost, iloprost and treprostinil reduced by 51%, 66% and 37%, respectively. GW627368X had no effect when used alone, but in combination with RO1138452, caused a rightward shift of the curves for cicaprost and iloprost but not treprostinil. PTX treatment potentiated relaxation to all 3 analogues (P<0.01), as did L798106 and AH6809 but not SC-51322. Basal cAMP levels were higher in PTX-treated tissues and DDA- and Rp-2'-O-MB-cAMPs--sensitive responses increased to analogue concentrations <0.1μM. In conclusion, prostanoid EP(3) receptors via G(i/o) negatively modulate prostanoid IP receptor-mediated relaxation to cicaprost, iloprost and treprostinil. However, other pathways contribute to analogue-induced vasorelaxation, the nature of which remains unclear for treprostinil.

Toll-like receptor 7 agonists are potent and rapid bronchodilators in guinea pigs

BACKGROUND

Respiratory tract viral infections result in asthma exacerbations. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 is a receptor for viral single-stranded RNA and is expressed at high levels in the lungs.

OBJECTIVE

Because TLR7 polymorphisms are associated with asthma, we examined the effects of TLR7 agonists in guinea pig airways.

METHODS

We induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs in vivo by means of electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve or intravenous administration of acetylcholine and measured the effect of a TLR7 agonist administered intravenously. We induced contraction of airway smooth muscle in segments of isolated guinea pig tracheas in vitro and measured the effect of TLR7 agonists, antagonists, and pharmacologic inhibitors of associated signaling pathways administered directly to the bath.

RESULTS

TLR7 agonists acutely inhibited bronchoconstriction in vivo and relaxed contraction of airway smooth muscle in vitro within minutes of administration. Airway relaxation induced by the TLR7 agonist R837 (imiquimod) was partially blocked with a TLR7 antagonist and was also blocked by inhibitors of large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels; prostaglandin synthesis; and nitric oxide generation. Another TLR7 agonist, 21-mer single-stranded phosphorothioated polyuridylic acid (PolyUs), mediated relaxation that was completely blocked by a TLR7 antagonist.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate a novel protective mechanism to limit bronchoconstriction and maintain airflow during respiratory tract viral infections. The fast time frame is inconsistent with canonical TLR7 signaling. R837 mediates bronchodilation by means of TLR7-dependent and TLR7-independent mechanisms, whereas PolyUs does so through only the TLR7-dependent mechanism. TLR7-independent mechanisms involve prostaglandins and large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels, whereas TLR7-dependent mechanisms involve nitric oxide. TLR7 is an attractive therapeutic target for its ability to reverse bronchoconstriction within minutes.

Mechanisms of drug combinations: interaction and network perspectives

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying synergistic, potentiative and antagonistic effects of drug combinations could facilitate the discovery of novel efficacious combinations and multi-targeted agents. In this article, we describe an extensive investigation of the published literature on drug combinations for which the combination effect has been evaluated by rigorous analysis methods and for which relevant molecular interaction profiles of the drugs involved are available. Analysis of the 117 drug combinations identified reveals general and specific modes of action, and highlights the potential value of molecular interaction profiles in the discovery of novel multicomponent therapies.

Aging and prostacyclin responses in aorta and platelets from WKY and SHR rats

In spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) aorta, prostacyclin is an endothelium-derived contracting factor contributing to the endothelial dysfunction. This study was designed to determine whether the impairment of the prostacyclin response is influenced by aging and whether such a dysfunction is observed in platelets. Isometric tension was measured in aortic rings, and aggregation was studied in platelet-rich plasma taken from 3-, 6-, and 15-mo-old Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and SHR. In aorta from 3- and 6-mo-old WKY, prostacyclin and beraprost [prostacyclin receptor (IP) agonists] produced relaxations that were enhanced by Triplion (thromboxane-prostanoid receptor antagonist). In 15-mo-old WKY, the relaxations to beraprost were maintained, but not those to prostacyclin. In SHR aorta, prostacyclin or beraprost produced no or minor relaxations, which, in younger SHR, were enhanced by Triplion. In both strains, the relaxations were inhibited by CAY-10441 (IP receptor antagonist). The relaxations to forskolin and isoproterenol were reduced with aging. When compared with those of WKY, the relaxations to isoproterenol were reduced in 3- but not in 6- or 15-mo-old SHR, whereas those to forskolin were consistently diminished at any given age. Whatever the age, prostacyclin and beraprost produced CAY-10441-sensitive inhibitions of ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Both agonists were more potent in SHR than in WKY. Therefore, in platelets from WKY and SHR, the IP receptor-dependent antiaggregant response is functional and maintained during aging. In aorta from WKY those responses are reduced by aging and, in SHR, are already compromised at 3 mo. This dysfunction of the IP receptor is only partially explained by a general dysfunction of the adenylate cyclase pathway.

Studies on the mechanisms underlying beta-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation of rat abdominal aorta

Mechanisms underlying beta-adrenoceptor (beta-AR)-mediated vascular relaxation were studied in the isolated rat abdominal aorta. In the endothelium-denuded helical preparations, a non-selective beta-AR agonist isoprenaline elicited a concentration-dependent relaxation. In the absence of beta-AR antagonists, isoprenaline-induced relaxation was not practically affected by an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ 22,536 (300 microM), but was strongly diminished by high-KCl (80 mM). Isoprenaline-induced relaxation in the presence of SQ 22,536 was significantly diminished by iberiotoxin (IbTx, 0.1 microM), but was not affected by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 3 mM). Isoprenaline-induced relaxation was not also affected by SQ 22,536 (300 microM) even in the presence of CGP20712A (a beta(1)-selective antagonist) and ICI-118,551 (a beta(2)-selective antagonist) (0.1 microM for each), but was strongly diminished by high-KCl. By contrast, SQ 22,536-resistant, isoprenaline-induced relaxation in the presence of CGP20712A plus ICI-118,551 was not affected by IbTx (0.1 microM), but was inhibited significantly by 4-AP (3 mM). These results suggest that in rat abdominal aortic smooth muscle: 1) both beta(1)-/beta(2)-AR- and beta(3)-AR-mediated relaxations substantially involve cAMP-independent mechanisms; 2) beta(1)-/beta(2)-AR-mediated, cAMP-independent relaxant mechanisms are partly attributed to the large-conductance, Ca (2+)-sensitive K(+) (MaxiK, BK) channel whereas beta(3)-AR-mediated relaxant mechanisms are attributed to K(v) channel.

A role for cyclooxygenase in aging-related changes of beta-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation in rat aortas

beta-Adrenoceptor-mediated vasorelaxation decreases with age in various vascular beds. The present study investigated the roles of cyclooxygenase (COX) on beta-adrenoceptor vasorelaxation by isoprenaline in 8- and 54-week-old rat aortas. The vasorelaxation responses by isoprenaline (0.03-3 microM) were significantly reduced in 54-week-old aortas compared to 8-week. Addition of the non-selective COX inhibitors indomethacin (10 microM) or aspirin (10 microM) restored isoprenaline vasorelaxation of 54-week-old aortas to levels found in 8-week-old aortas. This suggests the involvement of COX prostanoids in the age-related reduction of beta-adrenoceptor vasorelaxation. Immunohistochemistry revealed greater levels of COX-1 and COX-2 staining in 54-week-old aortas compared to 8-week with expression located mainly in medial smooth muscle. An age-linked increase in COX-1 and COX-2 protein was found in cremaster arterioles of 54-week-old rats (compared to 8-week) mainly in the endothelial layer. The age-related increase in COX-1 and COX-2 protein led to elevation of prostacyclin (measured as 6-keto prostaglandin F(1alpha)) and thromboxane A(2) (measured as thromboxane B(2)) in 54-week compared to 8-week-old aortas. Endothelium removal in 54-week aortas markedly reduced the 6-keto prostaglandin F(1alpha) level, thus suggesting an endothelial source for elevated prostacyclin. These findings in combination with the effects of COX inhibitors suggest that the age-related decrease in beta-adrenoceptor vasorelaxation by isoprenaline is due to an age-linked increase in COX expression, which elevates production of COX-derived vasoactive prostanoids.

Iloprost-induced desensitization of the prostacyclin receptor in isolated rabbit lungs

Background

The rapid desensitization of the human prostacyclin (IP) in response to agonist binding has been shown in cell culture. Phosphorylation of the IP receptor by protein kinase C (PKC) has been suggested to be involved in this process.

Methods and results

In this study we investigated the vasodilatory effects of iloprost, a stable prostacyclin analogue, in perfused rabbit lungs. Continuous infusion of the thromboxane mimetic U46619 was employed to establish stable pulmonary hypertension. A complete loss of the vasodilatory response to iloprost was observed in experiments with continuous iloprost perfusion, maintaining the intravascular concentration of this prostanoid over a 180 min period. When lungs under chronic iloprost infusion were acutely challenged with inhaled iloprost, a corresponding complete loss of vasoreactivity was observed. This desensitization was not dependent on upregulation of cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases or changes in adenylate cyclase activity, as suggested by unaltered dose-response curves to agents directly affecting these enzymes. Application of a prostaglandin E1 receptor antagonist 6-isopropoxy-9-oxoxanthene-2-carboxylic acid (AH 6809) or the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I (BIM) enhanced the vasodilatory response to infused iloprost and partially prevented tachyphylaxis.

Conclusion

A three-hour infusion of iloprost in pulmonary hypertensive rabbit lungs results in complete loss of the lung vasodilatory response to this prostanoid. This rapid desensitization is apparently not linked to changes in adenylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase activation, but may involve PKC function and co-stimulation of the EP1 receptor in addition to the IP receptor by this prostacyclin analogue.

Functional contribution of the endothelial component to the vasorelaxing effect of resveratrol and NS 1619, activators of the large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels

Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BK) of smooth muscle play a role in the relevant modulation of vascular tone, due to their calcium- and voltage-dependent mechanisms of activation. A potential role of endothelial BK channels has also been suggested by approaches on endothelial cell cultures. However, no functional study, aimed at evaluating the contribution of endothelial BK channels to the effect of BK-openers, has been reported. Resveratrol and NS 1619, BK-openers, have been tested on endothelium-intact and -denuded aortic rings. Furthermore, the effects of high depolarisation of potassium channel blockers TEA (Tetraethylammonium), 4-AP ( 4-Aminopyridine) and IbTX (Iberiotoxin) and of inhibitors of NO-pathway (L-NAME and ODQ) have been evaluated. The presence of endothelium increased the vasorelaxing potency of BK-openers. This potentiation was eliminated by L-NAME and ODQ. TEA, 4-AP, IbTX and high depolarisation had modest or no antagonist influence on resveratrol in endothelium-denuded aortic rings. The effects of NS 1619 on endothelium-denuded aortic rings were not affected by IbTX, and were modestly antagonised by TEA, 4-AP and high depolarisation. In intact endothelium vessels, TEA, IbTX and 4-AP antagonised the vasorelaxing effect of the two BK-activators. A BK-mediated release of endothelial NO seems a very important factor, determining a strong influence on vasodilator profile of BK-openers. Therefore, an eventual therapy with a BK-opener could promote a series of cardiovascular impacts not confined to the only direct vasorelaxing effects, but also due to a significant contribution of endothelial NO.

Endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizations: past beliefs and present facts

Endothelium-dependent relaxations are attributed to the release of various factors, such as nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, reactive oxygen species, adenosine, peptides and arachidonic acid metabolites derived from the cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases, and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases pathways. The hyperpolarization of the smooth muscle cell can contribute to or be an integral part of the mechanisms underlying the relaxations elicited by virtually all these endothelial mediators. These endothelium-derived factors can activate different families of K(+) channels of the vascular smooth muscle. Other events associated with the hyperpolarization of both the endothelial and the vascular smooth muscle cells (endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-mediated responses) contribute also to endothelium-dependent relaxations. These responses involve an increase in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration of the endothelial cells followed by the opening of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels of small and intermediate conductance and the subsequent hyperpolarization of these cells. Then, the endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization of the underlying smooth muscle cells can be evoked by direct electrical coupling through myoendothelial junctions and/or the accumulation of K(+) ions in the intercellular space between the two cell types. These various mechanisms are not necessarily mutually exclusive and, depending on the vascular bed and the experimental conditions, can occur simultaneously or sequentially, or also may act synergistically.

New insights into beta-adrenoceptors in smooth muscle: distribution of receptor subtypes and molecular mechanisms triggering muscle relaxation

1. The beta-adrenoceptor is currently classified into beta(1), beta(2) and beta(3) subtypes and all three subtypes are expressed in smooth muscle. Each beta-adrenoceptor subtype exhibits tissue-specific distribution patterns, which may be a determinant controlling the mechanical functions of corresponding smooth muscle. Airway and uterine smooth muscles abundantly express the beta(2)-adrenoceptor, the physiological significance of which is established as a fundamental regulator of the mechanical activities of these muscles. Recent pharmacomechanical and molecular approaches have revealed roles for the beta(3)-adrenoceptor in the gastrointestinal tract and urinary bladder smooth muscle. 2. The beta-adrenoceptor is a G(s)-protein-coupled receptor and its activation elevates smooth muscle cAMP. A substantial role for a cAMP-dependent mechanism(s) is generally believed to be the key trigger for eliciting beta-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation of smooth muscle. Downstream effectors activated via a cAMP-dependent mechanism(s) include plasma membrane K(+) channels, such as the large-conductance, Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (MaxiK) channel. 3. Beta-Adrenoceptor-mediated relaxant mechanisms also include cAMP-independent signalling pathways. This view is supported by numerous pharmacological and electrophysiological lines of evidence. In airway smooth muscle, direct activation of the MaxiK channel by G(s)alpha is a mechanism by which stimulation of beta(2)-adrenoceptors elicits muscle relaxation independently of the elevation of cAMP. 4. The cAMP-independent mechanism(s) is also substantial in beta(3)-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation of gastrointestinal tract smooth muscle. However, in the case of the beta(3)-adrenoceptor, a delayed rectified K(+) channel rather than the MaxiK channel seems to mediate, in part, cAMP-independent relaxant mechanisms. 5. In the present article, we review the distribution of beta-adrenoceptor subtypes in smooth muscle tissues and discuss the molecular mechanisms by which each subtype elicits muscle relaxation, focusing on the roles of cAMP and plasma membrane K(+) channels.

Comparison of the inhibitory effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on U46619- and phenylephrine-induced contractions in guinea-pig aorta

Inhibitory effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the muscle contractions induced by U46619, a thromboxane A2 (TXA2) mimetic, and phenylephrine were compared in guinea-pig aorta. In de-endothelialized guinea-pig aortic ring preparations, DHA at 10 microM strongly inhibited a sustained contraction produced by U46619 (3-100 nM) whereas it did not exhibit an appreciable effect on phenylephrine (3-10 microM)-induced contraction. The present findings indicate that DHA inhibits more selectively TXA2 receptor (TP receptor)-mediated vascular contraction than alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated response. Selective inhibition by DHA of TP receptor-mediated contraction of blood vessels seems underlie in part the mechanisms by which this polyunsaturated fatty acid exerts its circulatory-protective effects.

MaxiK channel roles in blood vessel relaxations induced by endothelium-derived relaxing factors and their molecular mechanisms

The endothelium of blood vessels plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood flow by controlling mechanical functions of underlying vascular smooth muscle. The regulation by the endothelium of vascular smooth muscle relaxation and contraction is mainly achieved via the release of vasoactive substances upon stimulation with neurohumoural substances and physical stimuli. Nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin I2 (prostacyclin, PGI2) are representative endothelium-derived chemicals that exhibit powerful blood vessel relaxation. NO action involves activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase and PGI2 action is initiated by the stimulation of a cell-surface receptor (IP receptor, IPR) that is coupled with Gs-protein-adenylyl cyclase cascade. Many studies on the mechanisms by which NO and PGI2 elicit blood vessel relaxation have highlighted a role of the large conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ (MaxiK, BKCa) channel in smooth muscle as their common downstream effector. Furthermore, their molecular mechanisms have been unravelled to include new routes different from the conventionally approved intracellular pathways. MaxiK channel might also serve as a target for endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), the non-NO, non-PGI2 endothelium-derived relaxing factor in some blood vessels. In this brief article, we review how MaxiK channel serves as an endothelium-vascular smooth muscle transducer to communicate the chemical signals generated in the endothelium to control blood vessel mechanical functions and discuss their molecular mechanisms.

Impaired arachidonic acid-mediated activation of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels in coronary arterial smooth muscle cells in Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats

We studied the arachidonic acid (AA)-mediated modulation of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels in coronary arterial smooth myocytes from lean control and Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats. A total of 1 micromol/l AA enhanced BK current by 274% in lean and by 98% in ZDF rats. After incubation with 10 micromol/l indomethacin, 1 micromol/l AA increased BK currents by 80% in lean and by 70% in ZDF rats. Vasoreactivity studies showed that the dilation of small coronary arteries produced by 1 micromol/l AA was reduced by 44% in ZDF rats. [3H]6-keto-prostagladin F1alpha ([3H]6-keto-PGF1alpha,), the stable metabolite of prostacyclin (PGI2), was the major [3H]AA metabolite produced by coronary arteries of lean vessels, but ZDF vessels produced only 15% as much [3H]6-keto-PGF1alpha. BK channel activation and vasorelaxation by iloprost were similar in lean and ZDF rats. Immunoblots showed a 73% reduction in PGI2 synthase (PGIS) expression in ZDF vessels compared with lean vessels, and there was no change in cyclooxygenase (COX) and BK channel expressions. Real-time PCR studies showed that mRNA levels of PGIS, COX-1, and COX-2 were similar between lean and ZDF vessels. We conclude that PGI2 is the major AA metabolite in lean coronaries, and AA-mediated BK channel activation is impaired in ZDF coronaries due to reduced PGIS activity.

cAMP-independent mechanism is significantly involved in beta2-adrenoceptor-mediated tracheal relaxation

The role of cAMP in the beta2-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation in response to salbutamol was examined in guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle. The concentration-dependent salbutamol-induced relaxation was antagonized in a competitive fashion by a beta2-selective adrenoceptor antagonist, butoxamine, with a pA2 value of 6.90. Salbutamol (10 microM) elevated the tracheal smooth muscle cAMP content by about fivefold, a response which was significantly inhibited by an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, 9-(tetrahydro-2-furanyl)-9H-purin-6-amine (SQ 22,536, 100 microM). However, the salbutamol-elicited relaxation was not diminished by SQ 22,536 (100 microM). These results provide evidence for the first time that a cAMP-independent mechanism(s) is involved in beta2-adrenoceptor-mediated tracheal smooth muscle relaxation in the guinea pig.

Stimulation of cannabinoid (CB1) and prostanoid (EP2) receptors opens BKCa channels and relaxes ocular trabecular meshwork

Prostanoids and cannabinoids have ocular hypotensive and neuroprotective properties. The effect of the prostanoid AH13205 (EP2), the thromboxane-mimetic U46619, the cannabinoid (CB) agonists WIN55212-2 and CP 55,940, endothelin-1 (ET-1) and 8-bromo-cAMP on the membrane currents of trabecular meshwork (TM) cells were measured using the patch-clamp technique and compared to their effects on TM contractility. Previous studies show relaxation of TM to AH 13205 and other substances that elevate cAMP, while U46619 and endothelin-1 contract TM. This study shows that after contraction (100%) with carbachol (10(-6)m), the CB agonist CP 55,940 dose-dependently reduced contractility to 83+/-4% (n=9) (10(-6)m) and 61+/-10%, (n=7) (10(-5)m). In the presence of both the CB1 antagonist AM251 (10(-6)m) and CP 55,940 (10(-5)m), the contractile response to carbachol reached 84+/-3% (n=6) of the original level. In patch-clamp experiments, membrane permeable 8-bromo-cAMP (10(-4)m) had no effect on currents of TM cells. In contrast, AH 13205 and two cannabinoids reversibly enhanced outward current through high-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BKCa, BK, maxi-K) to the following values (in % of the initial value at 100 mV): AH 13205 (10(-5)m): 200+/-28% (n=6), CP 55,940 (10(-6)m): 196+/-33% (n=7), CP 55,940 (10(-5)m): 484+/-113% (n=7), WIN55212-2 (10(-5)m): 205+/-41% (n=10). Iberiotoxin (10(-7)m) completely blocked these responses. The current response to CP 55,940 (10(-5)m) could be partially blocked by the CB1 antagonist AM251 (10(-6)m). Conversely, the contractile agents in this study either caused a transient reduction in outward current (ET-1(5x10(-8)m)) or had no effect (U46619 (10(-6)m)). We conclude that stimulation of EP2 and CB1 receptors in TM is coupled to the activation of BKCa channels via a non-diffusible second messenger cascade. This effect may contribute to the relaxant activity of EP2 and CB1 agonists in isolated TM strips, modulating ocular outflow.

Prostacyclin attenuates oxidative damage of myocytes by opening mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channels via the EP3 receptor

Prostacyclin (PGI2) and the PGE family alleviate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and limit oxidative damage. The cardioprotective effects of PGI2 have been traditionally ascribed to activation of IP receptors. Recent advances in prostanoid research have revealed that PGI2 can bind not only to IP, but also to EP, receptors, suggesting cross talk between PGI2 and PGEs. The mechanism(s) whereby PGI2 protects myocytes from oxidative damage and the specific receptors involved remain unknown. Thus fresh isolated adult rat myocytes were exposed to 200 microM H2O2 with or without carbaprostacyclin (cPGI2), IP-selective agonists, and ONO-AE-248 (an EP3-selective agonist). Cell viability was assessed by trypan blue exclusion after 30 min of H2O2 superfusion. cPGI2 and ONO-AE-248 significantly improved cell survival during H2O2 superfusion; IP-selective agonists did not. The protective effect of cPGI2 and ONO-AE-248 was completely abrogated by pretreatment with 5-hydroxydecanoate or glibenclamide. In the second series of experiments, the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ (K(ATP)) channel opener diazoxide (Dx) reversibly oxidized flavoproteins in control myocytes. Exposure to prostanoid analogs alone had no effect on flavoprotein fluorescence. A second application of Dx in the presence of cPGI2 or ONO-AE-248 significantly increased flavoprotein fluorescence compared with Dx alone, but IP-selective agonists did not. This study demonstrates that PGI2 analogs protect cardiac myocytes from oxidative stress mainly via activation of EP3. The data also indicate that activation of EP3 receptors primes the opening of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels and that this mechanism is essential for EP3-dependent protection.

MaxiK channel mediates beta2-adrenoceptor-activated relaxation to isoprenaline through cAMP-dependent and -independent mechanisms in guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle

We examined the contribution of large-conductance, Ca(2+)-sensitive K+ (MaxiK) channel to beta2-adrenoceptor-activated relaxation to isoprenaline in guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle focusing on the role for cAMP in the coupling between beta2-adrenoceptor and MaxiK channel. Isoprenaline-elicited relaxation was confirmed to be mediated through beta2-type of adrenoceptor since the response was antagonized in a competitive fashion by a beta2-selective adrenoceptor antagonist butoxamine with a pA2 value of 6.56. Isoprenaline-induced relaxation was significantly potentiated by a selective inhibitor of cyclic AMP-specific phosphodiesterase, Ro-20-1724 (0.1-1 microM). cAMP-dependent mediation of MaxiK channel in the relaxant response to isoprenaline was evidenced since the potentiated response to isoprenaline by the presence of Ro-20-1724 (1 microM) was inhibited by the channel selective blocker, iberiotoxin (IbTx, 100 nM). This concept was supported by the finding that the relaxation to a membrane permeable cAMP analogue, 8-bromo-cAMP (1 mM), was susceptible to the inhibition by IbTx. On the other hand, isoprenaline-induced relaxation was not practically diminished by an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ 22,536 (100 microM). However, isoprenaline-induced relaxation in the presence of SQ 22,536 was suppressed by IbTx. Characteristics of isoprenaline-induced relaxant response, i.e., impervious to SQ 22,536 but susceptible to IbTx, were practically mimicked by cholera toxin (CTX, 5 microg/ml), an activator of adenylyl cyclase coupled-heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein Gs. These findings indicate that in guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle: 1) MaxiK channel substantially mediates beta2-adrenoceptor-activated relaxation; 2) both cAMP-dependent and -independent mechanisms underlie the functional coupling between beta2-adrenoceptor and MaxiK channel to induce muscle relaxation; and 3) direct regulation of MaxiK channel by Gs operates in cAMP-independent coupling between beta2-adrenoceptor and this ion channel.

BETA.1-Adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation with isoprenaline and the role of MaxiK channels in guinea-pig esophageal smooth muscle

The possible functional coupling between beta1-adrenoceptor and MaxiK channels which results in smooth muscle relaxation was examined in the guinea-pig esophageal muscularis mucosae. Isoprenaline-elicited relaxation of esophageal smooth muscle was confirmed to be mediated through beta1-adrenoceptors as the response was competitively antagonized by a beta1-selective antagonist atenolol with a pA2 value of 7.01. Iberiotoxin (IbTx, 10(-7) M), a selective MaxiK channel inhibitor, substantially diminished the relaxant response to isoprenaline. The extent of the MaxiK channel contribution to the relaxant response was 15-40% of the control response when estimated as the E50%-Emax responses to isoprenaline. The relaxation to isoprenaline was also attenuated by high-KCl (80 mM) to the same degree as the relaxant response generated in the presence of IbTx, and thus the estimated extent of the K+ channel contribution was 10-40%. These findings indicate that beta1-adrenoceptors are substantially coupled with MaxiK channels to produce relaxation of esophageal smooth muscle in the guinea-pig. Although MaxiK channels account for the contribution of K+ channels to the beta1-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation in this smooth muscle preparation, their contribution seems to be less when compared to the beta2-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation of tracheal smooth muscle.

β1-Subunit of MaxiK Channel in Smooth Muscle: a Key Molecule Which Tunes Muscle Mechanical Activity

The MaxiK channel is the large-conductance, voltage-dependent, and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel. This channel is almost ubiquitously distributed among mammalian tissues including smooth muscles. The ability of MaxiK to work as a rheostat fine tuning membrane potential and intracellular Ca(2+) enables it to mediate opposite functions: it facilitates contraction, but also acts as a negative feedback mechanism to restore tone after a contraction cycle. MaxiK activation mediates relaxations to a variety of physiological substances, whereas its inhibition plays a significant role in contractile responses. At the molecular level, MaxiK is a protein complex formed by at least two integral dissimilar membrane subunits, the pore-forming alpha-subunit and a regulatory beta-subunit. In smooth muscles, beta1 is the predominant subunit and most MaxiK seem to be assembled of alpha- and beta1-subunits. The presence of the beta1-subunit confers MaxiK with higher Ca(2+)/voltage sensitivity, which makes this channel an efficient tuner of smooth muscle functions in physiological conditions. The enhanced smooth muscle mechanical activities in mice lacking the beta1-subunit gene support the principal role of this channel molecular component in tissue and whole animal functions. In this review, we discuss MaxiK channel roles as a tuner of smooth muscle contractility, especially focusing attention on the modulatory beta1-subunit.

Evidence for a significant role of a Gs-triggered mechanism unrelated to the activation of adenylyl cyclase in the cyclic AMP-independent relaxant response of guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle

Cyclic AMP is a key molecule in the regulation of airway smooth muscle tone. Increased cyclic AMP leads to relaxation of this smooth muscle and its inhibition results in the muscle contraction. A constitutive role for cyclic AMP in the contraction and relaxation of airway muscle is supported by the observations that direct activators of adenylyl cyclase, such as forskolin and membrane-permeable cyclic AMP analogues, relax this smooth muscle potently. This traditional view of the role for cyclic AMP is the basis for the idea that relaxation of airway smooth muscle mediated through adenylyl cyclase-linked, G(s)-coupled receptors, including the beta(2)-adrenoceptor, is achieved mainly by the elevation of cyclic AMP content [cyclic AMP-dependent mechanism(s)]. However, recent pharmacological and biochemical evidence raises a fundamental question concerning the role of cyclic AMP; can G(s)-coupled receptor-mediated relaxation of tracheal smooth muscle be attributed exclusively to cyclic AMP-dependent mechanism(s)? In the present study, we show that cholera toxin (CTX, 5 microg/ml), an activator of the heterotrimeric guanine-nucleotide-binding protein G(s), relaxes guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle. CTX also elevates tissue cyclic AMP content by about 30-fold and this is practically abolished by an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, SQ 22,536 (100 microM). However, unexpectedly, the relaxant response to CTX is not affected by SQ 22,536. These results firstly show that activation of G(s) is able to produce a relaxation in tracheal smooth muscle independently of the elevation of cyclic AMP. G(s)-triggered, cyclic AMP-unrelated cellular mechanism(s) seem(s) to play a substantial role in smooth muscle relaxation mediated through adenylyl cyclase-linked receptors. This mechanism may account in part for the cyclic AMP-independent relaxant response of tracheal smooth muscle.

The aorta and heart differentially express RGS (regulators of G-protein signalling) proteins that selectively regulate sphingosine 1-phosphate, angiotensin II and endothelin-1 signalling

Normal cardiovascular development and physiology depend in part upon signalling through G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), such as the angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptors and endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptor. Since regulator of G-protein signalling (RGS) proteins function as GTPase-activating proteins for the G alpha subunit of heterotrimeric G-proteins, these proteins undoubtedly have functional roles in the cardiovascular system. In the present paper, we show that human aorta and heart differentially express RGS1, RGS2, RGS3S (short-form), RGS3L (long-form), PDZ-RGS3 (PDZ domain-containing) and RGS4. The aorta prominently expresses mRNAs for all these RGS proteins except PDZ-RGS3. Various stimuli that are critical for both cardiovascular development and function regulate dynamically the mRNA levels of several of these RGS proteins in primary human aortic smooth muscle cells. Both RGS1 and RGS3 inhibit signalling through the S1P(1) (formerly known as EDG-1), S1P(2) (formerly known as EDG-5) and S1P(3) (formerly known as EDG-3) receptors, whereas RGS2 and RGS4 selectively attenuate S1P(2)-and S1P(3)-receptor signalling respectively. All of the tested RGS proteins inhibit AT(1)-receptor signalling, whereas only RGS3 and, to a lesser extent, RGS4 inhibit ET(A)-receptor signalling. The conspicuous expression of RGS proteins in the cardiovascular system and their selective effects on relevant GPCR-signalling pathways provide additional evidence that they have functional roles in cardiovascular development and physiology.

Evidence for the primary role for 4-aminopyridine-sensitive K(v) channels in beta(3)-adrenoceptor-mediated, cyclic AMP-independent relaxations of guinea-pig gastrointestinal smooth muscles

Gastrointestinal smooth muscles exhibit relaxation in response to the stimulation of beta-adrenoceptors with catecholamines. Subtypes of beta-adrenoceptors which mediate catecholamine-elicited relaxations in gastrointestinal smooth muscles are predominantly atypical beta-adrenoceptors including beta(3)-adrenoceptors. Gastrointestinal smooth muscle relaxations mediated via beta(3)-adrenoceptors can occur independently of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) elevation. One of the mechanisms responsible for cyclic AMP-independent smooth muscle relaxation following activation of G(s) protein-coupled receptors could be activation of voltage-gated K(+) channels. In the present study, possible contribution of two types of K(+) (large-conductance, Ca(2+)-sensitive and voltage-gated K(+), BK(Ca); voltage-gated, K(v)) channels to beta(3)-adrenoceptor-mediated, cyclic AMP-independent relaxations was compared in gastric fundus and duodenum smooth muscles isolated from the guinea-pig. In these gastrointestinal smooth muscles, three catecholamines ((-)-isoprenaline, (-)-noradrenaline and (-)-adrenaline) and two beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonists ((R(*), R(*))-(+/-)-4-[2-[(2-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl)amino]propyl]phenoxyacetic acid sodium (BRL37344) and (+/-)-[4-[3-[(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-2-hydroxypropoxy] -1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one] hydrochloride ((+/-)-CGP12177A)) elicited a concentration-dependent relaxation in the presence of beta(1)- and beta(2)-adrenoceptor antagonists. The relaxations were unaffected by an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, SQ-22536 (100 microM), which indicates their characteristic of cyclic AMP-independency. On the other hand, the SQ-22536-resistant, beta(3)-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxant components were potently attenuated when the tone was raised using high-KCl (80 mM) or in the presence of a K(v) channel blocker, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 1-3 mM). Iberiotoxin (100 nM), a selective blocker of BK(Ca) channels which significantly contribute to cyclic AMP-independent vascular smooth muscle relaxations induced through activation of G(s) protein-coupled receptors, did not apparently show any inhibitory effects on SQ-22536-resistant, beta(3)-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxations in these gastrointestinal smooth muscles. The present results indicate that 4-AP-sensitive K(v) channels play a primary role in beta(3)-adrenoceptor-mediated, cyclic AMP-independent relaxations of guinea-pig gastrointestinal smooth muscles. In these smooth muscles, BK(Ca) channels seem to apparently contribute insignificantly to cyclic AMP-independent relaxations following stimulation of beta(3)-type of adrenoceptors.

Functional contribution of voltage-dependent and Ca2+ activated K+ (BK(Ca)) channels to the relaxation of guinea-pig aorta in response to natriuretic peptides

We examined the relaxant effects of natriuretic peptide family on the isolated guinea-pig aorta to determine the receptor subtype which primarily mediates this vascular relaxation, with particular attention to the apparent contribution of voltage-dependent and Ca2+-activated KS (BK(Ca)) channels to the response. Three endogenous natriuretic peptide ligands (natriuretic peptide, ANP; brain natriuretic peptide, BNP; C-type natriuretic peptide, CNP) produced a concentration-dependent relaxation in de-endothelialized guinea-pig aorta pre-contracted by noradrenaline (NA), with a potency order of ANP > or = BNP >> CNP. Although the relaxations elicited by these three natriuretic peptide ligands were significantly diminished by iberiotoxin (IbTx, 10(-7) M), a selective BK(Ca) channel blocker, the inhibitory effect of IbTx was most pronounced for the CNP-induced relaxation; when estimated at 10(-7) M of each peptide, the apparent extent of BK(Ca) channel contribution to the total relaxant response was approximately 60% for CNP > approximately 20% for either ANP or BNP. Supporting the substantial role of BK(Ca) channels in the vascular responses, high-KCl (80 mM) potently suppressed the relaxations induced by these natriuretic peptide ligands. The relaxant response to 8-Bromo-cyclic GMP, a membrane permeable cyclic GMP analogue, was also diminished by IbTx (10(-7) M) and high-KCl (80 mM), which indicates the key role of cyclic GMP in the BK(Ca) channel-mediated, natriuretic peptide-elicited vascular relaxation. These results indicate that the A-type receptor (NPR-A, which is more selective for ANP and BNP) rather than the B-type receptor (NPR-B, which is more selective for CNP) predominates in the guinea-pig aorta as the natriuretic peptide receptor which mediates this vascular smooth muscle relaxation. Although activation of BK(Ca) channels substantially contributes to both NPR-A- and NPR-B-activated relaxations, particularly in the NPR-B-activated relaxation, this K channel may function as a primary relaxant mediator in this conduit artery.