Full and partial relaxing CCK-C-terminal fragments in hog duodenal circular muscle

Contribution of inhibitory neurotransmitters to the CCK induced relaxation of the circular muscle of avian ileum

The sulphated form of cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-OP) induces a concentration-dependent relaxation of the circular muscle of isolated chicken ileum which is unaffected by atropine or propranolol but abolished by tetrodotoxin (TTX). The aim of this study was to investigate whether purinergic (ATP), nitrergic (NO) and peptidergic (VIP) neurons are implicated in the response to CCK-OP. In preparations prerelaxed with ATP, CCK-OP caused a further relaxation (average 46%). In addition, suramin (a P2 purinoceptor antagonist) inhibited the response to both ATP and CCK-OP. L-N(G)-nitroarginine (L-NO-Arg) reduced the response to CCK-OP, an effect which was reversed by L-arginine (L-Arg). In the presence of trypsin, the response to CCK-OP was markedly decreased (to about 10% of the original response). Moreover, in preparations prerelaxed with chVIP, the response to CCK-OP consisted of a small additional relaxation (average 15,7%). The responses to chicken VIP (chVIP) or sodium nitroprusside (NaNP), a NO donor, are TTX resistant whereas that to ATP is blocked by TTX. L-NO-Arg significantly reduced the relaxation induced by ATP, but did not change that induced by chVIP. The response to ATP after exposure of the tissue to maximal chVIP concentration was significantly reduced (average 25%). Our results suggest that the effects of CCK-OP seem to be mediated through purinergic neurons, which in turn would stimulate the release of NO and a peptide (possibly chVIP). ChVIP and NO interact with receptors located on muscle cells causing the relaxation of the circular muscle coat of the ileum.

Modulation of colonic motility by substance P, cholecystokinin and neuropeptide Y

The effects of substance P, cholecystokinin and neuropeptide Y were examined on rabbit distal colonic motility. All three agents produced increased contractile activity but the mechanisms responsible differed depending on the agent tested. In the intact animal, peptide effects were measured under basal conditions and following exposure to atropine, tetrodotoxin and the alpha-adrenergic antagonist phentolamine. Administration of all three peptides resulted in a stimulation of colonic motility. Phentolamine did not significantly effect substance P-, cholecystokinin- or neuropeptide Y-induced activity. By contrast, the in vivo activity induced by cholecystokinin and neuropeptide Y, but not substance P, was nearly eliminated by tetrodotoxin. Only the neuropeptide Y response was partially atropine sensitive. In isolated colonic strips, cholecystokinin-induced activity, but not that produced by neuropeptide Y or substance P, was blocked by tetrodotoxin. Atropine did not significantly inhibit any of the hormone-induced contractions.

Structure-activity studies of C- and N-terminal fragments of cholecystokinin 26-33 in guinea pig isolated tissues

In vitro structure-activity studies with cholecystokinin (CCK)/gastrin-related peptides, including C- and N-terminal fragments of CCK 26-33, were undertaken in guinea pig gallbladder and ileum. The general order of potency in both smooth muscle preparations is CCK 26-33 greater than CCK 1-33 greater than 27-33 much much greater than nonsulfated (NS) CCK 26-33 greater than pentagastrin greater than CCK 30-33. None of the CCK fragments exhibit antagonistic properties such as in guinea pig, rat and mouse pancreatic acinar cells and hog duodenum. These observations suggest the existence of CCK receptor sub-types in peripheral tissues.