Carbon monoxide-induced relaxation and distribution of haem oxygenase isoenzymes in the pig urethra and lower oesophagogastric junction

Influence between NO and CO in guinea pig stomach fundus

The interaction between carbon monoxide and nitric oxide and their role in modulation of stomach fundus excitability was studied. The presence and colocalization of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was verified in myentheric ganglia by immunohistochemistry. The role of inducible heme oxygenase isoenzyme was investigated after in vivo treatment of animals with CoCl2 (80 mg kg-1 b.w.) injected subcutaneously 24 hours before euthanasia. This treatment resulted in positive staining for the inducible isoform in stomach smooth muscle.

Protective role of hemeoxygenase-1 in gastrointestinal diseases

Disorders and diseases of the gastrointestinal system encompass a wide array of pathogenic mechanisms as a result of genetic, infectious, neoplastic, and inflammatory conditions. Inflammatory diseases in general are rising in incidence and are emerging clinical problems in gastroenterology and hepatology. Hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a stress-inducible enzyme that has been shown to confer protection in various organ-system models. Its downstream effectors, carbon monoxide and biliverdin have also been shown to offer these beneficial effects. Many studies suggest that induction of HO-1 expression in gastrointestinal tissues and cells plays a critical role in cytoprotection and resolving inflammation as well as tissue injury. In this review, we examine the protective role of HO-1 and its downstream effectors in modulating inflammatory diseases of the upper (esophagus and stomach) and lower (small and large intestine) gastrointestinal tract, the liver, and the pancreas. Cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic activities of HO-1 make it a promising if not ideal therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal system.

Review article: carbon monoxide in gastrointestinal physiology and its potential in therapeutics

BACKGROUND

While carbon monoxide (CO) is a known toxin, it is now recognised that CO is also an important signalling molecule involved in physiology and pathophysiology.

AIMS

To summarise our current understanding of the role of endogenous CO in the regulation of gastrointestinal physiology and pathophysiology, and to potential therapeutic applications of modulating CO.

METHODS

This review is based on a comprehensive search of the Ovid Medline comprehensive database and supplemented by our ongoing studies evaluating the role of CO in gastrointestinal physiology and pathophysiology.

RESULTS

Carbon monoxide derived from haem oxygenase (HO)-2 is predominantly involved in neuromodulation and in setting the smooth muscle membrane potential, while CO derived from HO-1 has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, which protect gastrointestinal smooth muscle from damage caused by injury or inflammation. Exogenous CO is being explored as a therapeutic agent in a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including diabetic gastroparesis, post-operative ileus, organ transplantation, inflammatory bowel disease and sepsis. However, identifying the appropriate mechanism for safely delivering CO in humans is a major challenge.

CONCLUSIONS

Carbon monoxide is an important regulator of gastrointestinal function and protects the gastrointestinal tract against noxious injury. CO is a promising therapeutic target in conditions associated with gastrointestinal injury and inflammation. Elucidating the mechanisms by which CO works and developing safe CO delivery mechanisms are necessary to refine therapeutic strategies.

Endogenous hydrogen sulfide has a powerful role in inhibitory neurotransmission to the pig bladder neck

PURPOSE

We investigated the possible involvement of H2S in nitric oxide independent inhibitory neurotransmission to the pig bladder neck.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used immunohistochemistry to determine the expression of the H2S synthesis enzymes cystathionine γ-lyase and cystathionine β-synthase. We also used electrical field stimulation and myographs for isometric force recordings to study relaxation in response to endogenously released or exogenously applied H2S in urothelium denuded, phenylephrine precontracted bladder neck strips under noradrenergic, noncholinergic, nonnitrergic conditions.

RESULTS

Cystathionine γ-lyase and cystathionine β-synthase expression was observed in nerve fibers in the smooth muscle layer. Cystathionine γ-lyase and cystathionine β-synthase immunoreactive fibers were also identified around the small arteries supplying the bladder neck. Electrical field stimulation (2 to 16 Hz) evoked frequency dependent relaxation, which was decreased by DL-propargylglycine and abolished by tetrodotoxin (blockers of cystathionine γ-lyase and neuronal voltage gated Na(+) channels, respectively). The cystathionine β-synthase inhibitor O-(carboxymethyl)hydroxylamine did not change nerve mediated responses. The H2S donor GYY4137 (0.1 nM to 10 μM) induced potent, concentration dependent relaxation, which was not modified by neuronal voltage gated Na(+) channels, or cystathionine γ-lyase or cystathionine β-synthase blockade.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that endogenous H2S synthesized by cystathionine γ-lyase and released from intramural nerves acts as a powerful signaling molecule in nitric oxide independent inhibitory transmission to the pig bladder neck.

Regional functional specialization and inhibitory nitrergic and nonnitrergic coneurotransmission in the human esophagus

The aim of this study was to explore the myenteric mechanisms of control of human esophageal motility and the effect of nitrergic and nonnitrergic neurotransmitters. Human circular esophageal strips were studied in organ baths and with microelectrodes. Responses following electrical field stimulation (EFS) of enteric motoneurons (EMNs) or through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors were compared in the esophageal body (EB) and in clasp and sling regions in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). In clasp LES strips: 1) sodium nitroprusside (1 nM to 100 μM), adenosine-5'-[β-thio]diphosphate trilithium salt (1-100 μM), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (1 nM to 1 μM) caused a relaxation; 2) 1 mM N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) shifted the EFS "on"-relaxation to an "off"-relaxation, partly antagonized by 10 μM 2'-deoxy-N(6)-methyladenosine 3',5'-bisphosphate tetrasodium salt (MRS2179) or 10 U/ml α-chymotrypsin; and 3) nicotine-relaxation (100 μM) was mainly antagonized by L-NNA, and only partly by MRS2179 or α-chymotrypsin. In sling LES fibers, EFS and nicotine relaxation was abolished by L-NNA. In the EB, L-NNA blocked the latency period, and MRS2179 reduced "off"-contraction. The amplitude of cholinergic contraction decreased from the EB to both LES sides. EFS induced a monophasic inhibitory junction potential in clasp, sling, and EB fibers abolished by L-NNA. Our study shows a regional specialization to stimulation of EMNs in the human esophagus, with stronger inhibitory responses in clasp LES fibers and stronger cholinergic excitatory responses in the EB. Inhibitory responses are mainly triggered by nitrergic EMNs mediating the inhibitory junction potentials in the LES and EB, EFS on-relaxation in clasp and sling LES sides, and latency in the EB. We also found a minor role for purines (through P2Y(1) receptors) and vasoactive intestinal peptide-mediating part of nonnitrergic clasp LES relaxation.

Heme-oxygenase-2 immunolabelling in pig jejunum

Heme-oxygenase-2 generates carbon monoxide in the enteric nervous system and in interstitial cells of Cajal in the canine, mouse and human jejunum. Carbon monoxide is considered a non-adrenergic and non-cholinergic inhibitory neurotransmitter and it establishes and maintains the resting membrane potential in the stomach and small intestine. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of heme-oxygenase-2 in the enteric nervous system of the pig jejunum. Heme-oxygenase-2 immunoreactivity was found in neurons of myenteric ganglia and in nerve fibers in the circular and longitudinal muscle layers. These results suggest that carbon monoxide is produced in the enteric nervous system of the pig jejunum and might mediate inhibitory neural activity in myenteric ganglia and inhibitory neural input to smooth muscle cells in the circular and longitudinal muscle layers.

Non-adrenergic non-cholinergic inhibition of gastrointestinal smooth muscle and its intracellular mechanism(s)

Relaxation of gastrointestinal smooth muscle caused by release of non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) transmitters from enteric nerves occurs in several physiologic digestive reflexes. Likely candidate NANC inhibitory agents include nitric oxide (NO), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP), carbon monoxide (CO), protease-activated receptors (PARs), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), neurotensin (NT) and beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (beta-NAD). Multiple NANC transmitters work in concert, are pharmacologically coupled and are closely coordinated. Individual contribution varies regionally in the gastrointestinal tract and between species. NANC inhibition of gastrointestinal smooth muscle involves several intracellular mechanisms, including increase of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), increase of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and hyperpolarization of the cell membrane via direct or indirect activation of potassium ion (K+) channels.

Putative role of carbon monoxide signaling pathway in penile erectile function

INTRODUCTION

Erectile response depends on nitric oxide (NO) generated by NO synthase (NOS) enzyme of the nerves and vascular endothelium in the cavernous tissue. NO activates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), leading to the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP activates cGMP-dependent protein kinase that activates Ca(2+)/ATPase pump that activates Ca(2+)/K efflux pump extruding Ca(2+) across the plasma membrane with consequent smooth muscle cell relaxation. A role similar to that of NOS/NO signaling has been postulated for carbon monoxide (CO) produced in mammals from heme catabolism by heme oxygenase (HO) enzyme.

AIM

To assess CO signaling pathway for erectile function by reviewing published studies.

METHODS

A systematic review of published studies on this affair based on Pubmed and Medical Subject Heading databases, with search for all concerned articles.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Documentation of positive as well as negative criteria of CO/HO signaling focused on penile tissue.

RESULTS

The concept that HO-derived CO could play a role in mediating erectile function acting in synergism with, or as a potentiator for, NOS/NO signaling pathway is gaining momentum. CO/HO signaling pathway has been shown to partially mediate the actions of oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. In addition, it was shown that the use of CO releasing molecules potentiated cavernous cGMP levels. However, increased CO production or release was reported to be associated, in some studies, with vasoconstriction.

CONCLUSION

This review sheds a light on the significance of cavernous tissue CO signaling pathway that may pave the way for creation of therapeutic modalities based on this pathway.

Upregulation of heme oxygenase and collagen type III in the rat bladder after partial bladder outlet obstruction

The objective of the study was to evaluate possible changes of the gene expression and localization of the enzymes, heme oxygenase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), with reference to increase of collagen type III in response to the partial obstruction of the bladder. Following initial obstruction, whole rat bladders were removed for real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Real-time RT-PCR demonstrated significantly enhanced expression of HO (p < 0.01) and collagen type III (p < 0.001) gene on postoperative day 14. Enhanced expression of NOS gene was seen only on postoperative day 4 (p < 0.01). Immunohistochemistry revealed that immunoreactivity to HO-1 had much in common in neural cells and fibers, although immunoreactivity to HO-2 and iNOS was relatively weak. This study suggested gene expression of HO, especially HO-1, was more dramatically changed than NOS, and was upregulated simultaneously with increase of collagen type III after obstruction. HO systems could be involved in the pathogenesis of bladder dysfunction related to increase of collagen type III after obstruction.

Mechanisms of relaxation by carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-2 in murine gastric fundus and jejunum

This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of action of carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-2 (CORM-2), compared to those of carbon monoxide (CO), in murine gastric fundus and jejunal circular smooth muscle. Functional in vitro experiments and cGMP measurements were conducted. In both tissues, CO and CORM-2 induced concentration-dependent relaxations. CO-induced relaxations were abolished by the soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) inhibitor ODQ, while CORM-2-evoked inhibitory responses were only partly prevented by ODQ. Relaxations elicited by CO (300 microM) were associated with a significant increase in cGMP levels, whereas for CORM-2 (300 microM) no significant increase in cGMP levels could be measured. The sGC sensitizer YC-1 was able to accelerate and potentiate both CO- and CORM-2-induced relaxations. Furthermore, the intermediate- and large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (IKCa-BKCa) channel blocker charybdotoxin significantly reduced CO- and CORM-2-induced relaxations in jejunal tissue; this same effect was observed with the BKCa channel blocker iberiotoxin. The combination of apamin plus charybdotoxin significantly reduced relaxations in gastric fundus and had synergistic inhibitory effects in jejunum. The NOS inhibitor L-NAME had no effect on the induced relaxations in gastric fundus, but significantly reduced CO- and CORM-2-evoked relaxations in jejunum. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that CO and CORM-2 produce relaxation in gastric fundus and jejunum via sGC and activation of KCa channels, and a nitric oxide (NO)-mediated amplification of CO signaling in jejunum is suggested.

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Phosphodiesterase 5 in the female pig and human urethra: morphological and functional aspects

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the distribution of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5), cGMP and cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (PKG1), and to evaluate the effect of pharmacological inhibition of PDE-5 in isolated preparations of pig and human urethra, as the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP pathway generates the main inhibitory signals to reduce resistance in the bladder outlet and urethra during emptying of the bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After obtaining ethics committee approval, urethral specimens were obtained from three female patients during cystectomy, and from young female pigs. The specimens were prepared for immunohistochemical investigations and for functional studies in organ baths. Effects of sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil (1 nm to 30 microm) were studied in l-noradrenaline (1 microm)-activated or spontaneously contracted preparations, and on relaxations induced by electrical-field stimulation (EFS). Levels of cGMP were determined by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

After stimulation with the NO donor, DETA NONO-ate (1 mm), there was greater cGMP-immunoreactivity (IR) in urethral and vascular smooth muscles. There was a wide distribution of cGMP- and vimentin-positive interstitial cells between pig urethral smooth muscle bundles. There was also cGMP-IR within NO-synthase-IR endothelium. There was PDE-5 IR within the urethral and vascular smooth muscle cells, but also in vascular endothelial cells that expressed cGMP-IR. In pig and human sections, there was strong PKG1-IR in alpha-actin-IR urethral smooth muscle cells that also contained IR for cGMP. Sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil caused mean (sem) concentration-dependent relaxations of the pig urethra which, at 30 microm, were 80 (3)% (11 samples), 81 (5)% (12 samples) and 64 (4)% (10 samples) of the spontaneous tone. The relaxation of L-noradrenaline-contracted female human urethra was 100% in response to 10 microm sildenafil, and 85 (15)% and 47 (13)% for 30 microm of vardenafil and tadalafil, respectively (three samples). Vardenafil or sildenafil (30 microm) doubled cGMP levels in pig specimens. There were no effects on cGMP levels with tadalafil. EFS (1-32 Hz) caused l-NG-nitroarginine-sensitive relaxations of pig urethral muscle that were increased in amplitude and duration by PDE-5 inhibition. At 0.1 microm, sildenafil, vardenafil or tadalafil significantly prolonged the mean (sem) duration of the relaxation at 4 Hz by 55 (19)%, 45 (14)% and 51 (12)%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

PDE-5-, cGMP- and PKG1-IR is widely distributed in human and pig urethral tissues. Nerve-induced relaxations of urethral preparations were enhanced at low concentrations of sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil, whereas there were direct smooth muscle-relaxant actions of the PDE-5 inhibitors at high concentrations. Inhibition of PDE-5 might be an interesting option to facilitate cGMP-mediated relaxation of the outflow region.

Protein kinase G-dependent heme oxygenase-1 induction by Agastache rugosa leaf extract protects RAW264.7 cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced injury

It has been proposed that the inducible isoform of heme oxygenase (HO) protects cells against oxidant-mediated injury. Although components of Agastache rugosa showed antioxidant effect, it is unclear this effect is related with HO-1 activity. Thus, we investigated the effects of Agastache rugosa leaf extract (ALE) on HO-1 protein expression and enzyme activity, and its protective effect against H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative damage was also investigated using RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Results showed that ALE concentration dependently increased HO-1 protein and enzyme activity, and protected cells from H(2)O(2)-induced cytotoxicity, with an IC(50) of 0.526 mg/ml. Hemin, a HO-1 inducer, also showed similar effect to ALE. Furthermore, the protective effect of both ALE and hemin was inhibited by a HO inhibitor, zinc protoporphyrin IX. The expression of HO-1 protein by ALE was reduced by pretreatment with LY83583 and ODQ, specific inhibitors of guanylate cyclase, but not by PKA inhibitors, H89 and KT5720, indicating that PKG signaling pathway regulates HO-1 induction by ALE. Taken together, it is concluded that PKG-dependent HO-1 induction is one of the important antioxidant mechanisms by which ALE protects RAW264.7 cells from H(2)O(2). Thus, ALE along with other actions may be beneficial for the treatment of oxidant-induced cellular injuries.

Carbon Monoxide: Endogenous Production, Physiological Functions, and Pharmacological Applications

Over the last decade, studies have unraveled many aspects of endogenous production and physiological functions of carbon monoxide (CO). The majority of endogenous CO is produced in a reaction catalyzed by the enzyme heme oxygenase (HO). Inducible HO (HO-1) and constitutive HO (HO-2) are mostly recognized for their roles in the oxidation of heme and production of CO and biliverdin, whereas the biological function of the third HO isoform, HO-3, is still unclear. The tissue type-specific distribution of these HO isoforms is largely linked to the specific biological actions of CO on different systems. CO functions as a signaling molecule in the neuronal system, involving the regulation of neurotransmitters and neuropeptide release, learning and memory, and odor response adaptation and many other neuronal activities. The vasorelaxant property and cardiac protection effect of CO have been documented. A plethora of studies have also shown the importance of the roles of CO in the immune, respiratory, reproductive, gastrointestinal, kidney, and liver systems. Our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate the production and mediate the physiological actions of CO has greatly advanced. Many diseases, including neurodegenerations, hypertension, heart failure, and inflammation, have been linked to the abnormality in CO metabolism and function. Enhancement of endogenous CO production and direct delivery of exogenous CO have found their applications in many health research fields and clinical settings. Future studies will further clarify the gasotransmitter role of CO, provide insight into the pathogenic mechanisms of many CO abnormality-related diseases, and pave the way for innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies based on the physiologic effects of CO.

Pharmacologic characterization of intrinsic mechanisms controlling tone and relaxation of porcine lower esophageal sphincter

The neurotransmitters mediating relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) were studied using circular LES strips from adult pigs in organ baths. LES relaxation by sodium nitroprusside (1 nM-3 microM), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP; 1 nM-1 microM), ATP (10 microM-30 mM), and tricarbonyldichlororuthenum dimer (1 microM-1 mM) was unaffected by tetrodotoxin (1 microM) or l-N(G)-nitroarginine methyl ester (l-NAME; 100 microM). Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP; 1 nM-1 microM) did not affect LES tone. ATP relaxation was blocked by 1 microM apamin and the P2Y(1) antagonist MRS 2179 (N6-methyl 2'-deoxyadenosine 3',5'-bisphosphate; 10 microM). Apamin inhibited PACAP relaxation. VIP and PACAP relaxation was blocked by 10 U/ml alpha-chymotrypsin. L-NAME (-62.52 +/- 13.13%) and 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole-[4,3-alpha]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; 10 microM, -67.67 +/- 6.80%) similarly inhibited electrical LES relaxation, and apamin blocked non-nitrergic relaxation. Nicotine relaxation (100 microM) was inhibited by L-NAME (-60.37 +/- 10.8%) and ODQ (-41.90 +/- 7.89%), and apamin also blocked non-nitrergic relaxation. Non-nitrergic and apamin-sensitive LES relaxation by electrical stimulation or nicotine was strongly inhibited by MRS 2179, slightly inhibited by alpha-chymotrypsin and the P2X(1,2,3) receptor antagonist NF 279 (8,8 cent-[carbonylbis(imino-4,1-phenylenecarbonylimino-4,1-phenylenecarbonylimino)]bis-1,3,5-naphthalenetrisulfonic acid hexasodium salt; 10 microM), and unaffected by tin protoporphyrin IX (100 microM). Porcine LES relaxation after stimulation of intrinsic inhibitory motor neurons is mediated by two main neuromuscular pathways: nitric oxide through guanylate cyclase signaling and apamin-insensitive mechanisms and by non-nitrergic apamin-sensitive neurotransmission mainly mediated by ATP, ADP, or a related purine acting on P2Y1 receptors and a minor contribution of purinergic P2X1,2,3 receptors and PACAP. Nitrergic and purinergic co-transmitters show parallel effects of similar magnitude without major interplay. Our study shows no role for CGRP and only a minor one for VIP and carbon monoxide in porcine LES relaxation.

Carbon monoxide and hypertension

The enzymatic action of heme oxygenase yields carbon monoxide, biliverdin and iron. Carbon monoxide is implicated in many physiological processes, including the regulation of vascular tissue contractility and apoptosis. By stimulating the soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC)/cGMP pathway and activating K channels in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), carbon monoxide relaxes vascular tissues under physiological conditions. Altered metabolism and functions of carbon monoxide have been linked to the pathogenesis and maintenance of hypertension. The expression and activity of heme oxygenase-1, sGC and cGMP in vascular SMCs are associated with different stages of development of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The importance of altered heme oxygenase-2 expression in vascular tissues in hypertension remains unclear. Increased vascular contractility, unbalanced cellular apoptosis and proliferation in the vascular wall, increased oxidative stress, and the altered interaction of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide are among the consequences of heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide system dysfunction in hypertension. Acute application of pharmacological inducers to upregulate the expression of heme oxygenase-1 or the use of gene delivery method to overexpress heme oxygenase-1 decreases blood pressure in young SHRs and other animal models of hypertension. These blood pressure-decreasing effects are annulled by metalloporphyrins. In adult SHRs, the heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide system appears to be normalized as a compensatory reaction. To date, acute manipulation of the expression of heme oxygenase-1 has not been successful in decreasing blood pressure in adult SHRs. In conclusion, abnormality of the heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide system has a critical role in the pathogenesis of hypertension, and novel therapeutic approaches should be pursued to achieve selective improvement in the function of this system in hypertension.

Mechanism of internal anal sphincter relaxation by CORM-1, authentic CO, and NANC nerve stimulation

The present studies compared the effects of CO-releasing molecule (CORM-1), authentic CO, and nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) nerve stimulation in the internal anal sphincter (IAS). Functional in vitro experiments and Western blot studies were conducted in rat IAS smooth muscle. We examined the effects of CORM-1 (50-600 microM) and authentic CO (5-100 microM) and NANC nerve stimulation by electrical field stimulation (EFS; 0.5-20 Hz, 0.5-ms pulse, 12 V, 4-s train). The experiments were repeated after preincubation of the tissues with the neurotoxin TTX, the guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo-(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), the selective heme oxygenase (HO) inhibitor tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP-IX), the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), and SnPP-IX + L-NNA. We also investigated the effects of the HO substrate hematin (100 microM). CORM-1, as well as CO, produced concentration-dependent IAS relaxation, whereas hematin had no effect. TTX abolished and L-NNA significantly blocked IAS relaxation by EFS without any effect on CORM-1 and CO. ODQ blocked IAS relaxation by CORM-1, authentic CO, and EFS. SnPP-IX had no significant effect on IAS relaxation by CORM-1, CO, or EFS. The presence of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, HO-1, and HO-2 in IAS smooth muscle was confirmed by Western blot studies. CORM-1 and CO, as well as NANC nerve stimulation, produced IAS relaxation via guanylate cyclase/cGMP-dependent protein kinase activation. The advent of CORM-1 with potent effects in the IAS has significant implications in anorectal motility disorders with regard to pathophysiology and therapeutic potentials.

Metabolic regulation of potassium channels

Potassium (K+) channels exist in all three domains of organisms: eubacteria, archaebacteria, and eukaryotes. In higher animals, these membrane proteins participate in a multitude of critical physiological processes, including food and fluid intake, locomotion, stress response, and cognitive functions. Metabolic regulatory factors such as O2, CO2/pH, redox equivalents, glucose/ATP/ADP, hormones, eicosanoids, cell volume, and electrolytes regulate a diverse group of K+ channels to maintain homeostasis.

Carbon monoxide mediates vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-associated nonadrenergic/noncholinergic neurotransmission

Carbon monoxide (CO) synthesized by heme oxygenase 2 (HO2) and nitric oxide (NO) produced by neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) mediate nonadrenergic/noncholinergic (NANC) intestinal relaxation. In many areas of the gastrointestinal tract, NO and CO function as coneurotransmitters. In the internal anal sphincter (IAS), NANC relaxation is mediated primarily by CO. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) has also been shown to participate in NANC relaxation throughout the intestine, including the IAS. By using a combination of pharmacology and genetic knockout of the biosynthetic enzymes for CO and NO, we show that the physiologic effects of exogenous and endogenous VIP in the IAS are mediated by HO2-synthesized CO.

Carbon monoxide neurotransmission activated by CK2 phosphorylation of heme oxygenase-2

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a putative gaseous neurotransmitter that lacks vesicular storage and must be synthesized rapidly following neuronal depolarization. We show that the biosynthetic enzyme for CO, heme oxygenase-2 (HO2), is activated during neuronal stimulation by phosphorylation by CK2 (formerly casein kinase 2). Phorbol ester treatment of hippocampal cultures results in the phosphorylation and activation of HO2 by CK2, implicating protein kinase C (PKC) in CK2 stimulation. Odorant treatment of olfactory receptor neurons augments HO2 phosphorylation and activity as well as cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels, with all of these effects selectively blocked by CK2 inhibitors. Likewise, CO-mediated nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) relaxation of the internal anal sphincter requires CK2 activity. Our findings provide a molecular mechanism for the rapid neuronal activation of CO biosynthesis, as required for a gaseous neurotransmitter.

NOVELNEURALMODULATORS

The discovery that nitric oxide (NO) is produced by neurons and regulates synaptic activity has challenged the definition of a neurotransmitter. NO is not stored in synaptic vesicles and does not act at conventional receptors on the surface of adjacent neurons. The toxic gases carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are also produced by neurons and modulate synaptic activity. D-serine synthesis and release by astrocytes as an endogenous ligand for the "glycine" site of N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors defy the concept that a neurotransmitter must be synthesized by neurons. We review the properties of these "atypical" neural modulators.

Investigation of the potential modulatory effect of biliverdin, carbon monoxide and bilirubin on nitrergic neurotransmission in the pig gastric fundus

In porcine gastric fundus, we have investigated the colocalization of the bile pigment biosynthetic enzymes heme oxygenase-2 and biliverdin reductase with neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), the effect of carbon monoxide (CO) on fundic circular smooth muscle and the possible modulatory effect of the bile pigments biliverdin and bilirubin on CO-mediated relaxations and on nitrergic relaxation. Heme oxygenase-2 and biliverdin reductase immunoreactivity was present in all nNOS containing myenteric neurons. CO induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of fundic circular smooth muscle strips, which was completely blocked by the specific guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzylindazole (YC-1), biliverdin and bilirubin strongly enhanced the amplitude of the CO-induced relaxation. Tin protoporphyrin had no effect on electrically induced nitrergic relaxation, but spectrophotometric analysis learned that incubation of porcine gastric fundus circular muscle strips with tin protoporphyrin did not influence heme oxygenase activity. In conclusion, our data suggest that nitrergic neurons in the pig gastric fundus are able to produce biliverdin and bilirubin, and that these agents potentiate the relaxant effect of CO, which is formed concomitantly with biliverdin by heme oxygenase-2.

Different mechanisms underlying the stimulation of K(Ca) channels by nitric oxide and carbon monoxide

The molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), individually and collectively, on large-conductance calcium-activated K(+) (K(Ca)) channels were investigated in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Both NO and CO increased the activity of native K(Ca) channels. Dehydrosoyasaponin-I, a specific agonist for beta subunit of K(Ca) channels, increased the open probability of native K(Ca) channels only when it was delivered to the cytoplasmic surface of membrane. CO, but not NO, further increased the activity of native K(Ca) channels that had been maximally stimulated by dehydrosoyasaponin-I. After treatment of SMCs with anti-K(Ca),beta subunit antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, the stimulatory effect of NO, but not of CO, on K(Ca) channels was nullified. CO, but not NO, enhanced the K(Ca) current densities of heterologously expressed cloned K(Ca),alpha subunit, showing that the presence of K(Ca),beta subunit is not a necessity for the effect of CO but essential for that of NO. Finally, pretreatment of SMCs with NO abolished the effects of subsequently applied CO or diethyl pyrocarbonate on K(Ca) channels. In summary, the stimulatory effects of CO and NO on K(Ca) channels rely on the specific interactions of these gases with K(Ca),alpha and K(Ca),beta subunits.

Induction of heme oxygenase in guinea-pig stomach: roles in contraction and in single muscle cell ionic currents

The role of heme oxygenase reaction products in modulation of stomach fundus excitability was studied. The presence of constitutive heme oxygenase 2 was verified in myenteric ganglia by immunohistochemistry. The role of inducible heme oxygenase isoenzyme was investigated after invivo treatment of animals with CoCl2 (80 mg kg-1 b.w) injected subcutaneously 24 h before they were killed. This treatment resulted in increased production of bilirubin and positive staining for the inducible isoform in stomach smooth muscle and vast induction in the liver. In both control and treated animals haemin, applied to the bath as a substrate of heme oxygenase caused significant decrease of prostaglandin F2alpha-induced tone, and ameliorated the relaxatory response of the fundic strips to electrical field stimulation. Both effects were antagonized by Sn-protoporphyrin IX, competitive heme oxygenase inhibitor, and were found to be neuronally dependent. In single freshly isolated smooth muscle cells from control animals haemin caused a concentration-dependent increase of the whole cell K+ currents, which was not affected by Sn-protoporphyrin IX, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase or guanylyl cyclase antagonists, but was reversed by various antioxidants and abolished by an NO scavenger. In cells from treated animals the K+ current increasing effect of haemin did not depend on the presence of antioxidants, but was abolished by protein kinase G and guanylyl cyclase inhibitors, depletors of intracellular Ca2+ pools or Sn-protoporphyrin IX. Biliverdin did not affect contraction or ionic currents. Thus, this is the first study demonstrating that heme oxygenase is an inducible enzyme in guinea-pigs, which exerts a modulatory role on gastric smooth muscle excitability via carbon monoxide production.

Immunohistochemical localization of the antioxidant enzymes biliverdin reductase and heme oxygenase-2 in human and pig gastric fundus

The intrinsic antioxidant capacities of the bile pigments biliverdin and bilirubin are increasingly recognized since both heme degradation products can exert beneficial cytoprotective effects due to their scavenging of oxygen free radicals and interaction with antioxidant vitamins. Several studies have been published on the localization of the carbon monoxide producing enzyme heme oxygenase-2 (HO-2), which concomitantly generates biliverdin; histochemical data on the distribution of biliverdin reductase (BVR), converting biliverdin to bilirubin, are still very scarce in large mammals including humans. The present study revealed by means of immunohistochemistry the presence of BVR and HO-2 in mucosal epithelial cells and in the endothelium of intramural vessels of both human and porcine gastric fundus. In addition, co-labeling with the specific neural marker protein-gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) demonstrated that both BVR and HO-2 were present in all intrinsic nerve cell bodies of both submucous and myenteric plexuses, while double labeling with c-Kit antibody confirmed their presence in intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Our results substantiate the hypothesis that BVR, through the production of the potent antioxidant bilirubin, might be an essential component of normal physiologic gastrointestinal defense in man and pig.

Stereologic description of the changing expression of constitutive nitric oxide synthase and heme oxygenase in the enteric plexuses of the pig small intestine during development

The similarities between heme oxygenase-2 (HO-2) and nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and the transient expression of nNOS during development led us to investigate whether both systems are similarly affected by changes that occur during development and by regional differences along the small intestine. By combining NADPH diaphorase histochemistry and HO-2 immunohistochemistry on whole-mount preparations and by using stereologic methods, a qualitative and quantitative description of HO-2 and nNOS expression was obtained. Examinations were carried out on the small intestine of fetal, 1-2-day and 5-6-week-old pigs. In all age groups, three enteric plexuses were distinguished. The presence of HO-2-immunoreactive (HO-2-IR) and NADPH diaphorase-positive neurons corresponded to earlier morphological and physiological reports. Nevertheless, the total number of nitrergic neurons remained constant or decreased in the enteric plexuses, whereas the total number of HO-2-IR neurons displayed an overall increase. Changing concentrations of glucocorticoids, target-derived signals, presynaptic input, and an effect of HO-2 activity on nNOS synthesis are likely to play roles in the observed developmental changes. The numerical density of HO-2-IR neurons remained relatively constant along the intestinal tract; in contrast, the nitrergic neurons were most numerous in the inner submucous and myenteric plexus in the duodenum and ileum, respectively. It is believed that the duodenal nitrergic neurons in the inner submucous plexus could be involved in the regulation of duodenal secretion processes, whereas the region-dependent density in the myenteric plexus possibly forms the morphological basis for a regionally different participation of NO in the relaxation of the small intestine.

Developmental changes in heme-oxygenase-2 and bNOS expression in enteric neurons in the pig duodenum

There exists much parallelism between carbon monoxide- and nitric oxide-generating systems. Therefore, we wondered whether developmental and functional differences along the duodenum similarly affect, part of them, namely, heme oxygenase-2-(HO-2) and neural isoform of nitric oxide synthase- (nNOS) expressing neurons. By applying NADPH diaphorase histochemistry and HO-2 immunohistochemistry on whole-mount preparations and by using stereologic methods, a qualitative and quantitative description of HO-2 and nNOS expression was obtained. Examinations were carried out on the duodenum of fetal, neonatal and weaned pigs. At all ages, three enteric plexuses were readily distinguished. The presence of both enzymes fits in with other morphological and physiological reports. However, the expression of both enzymes significantly changed during development. The number of HO-2-IR neurons increased approximately 20-fold in the inner submucous and almost doubled in the myenteric plexus. In addition, the number of nNOS-expressing neurons displayed a significant decrease in the outer submucous plexus after weaning. High levels of glucocorticoids may cause the perinatally increased HO-2 expression, whereas an influence on nNOS expression is doubtful. Therefore, it seems that notwithstanding the high similarity between both systems, their expression is regulated differently in the pig duodenum.

Haem oxygenase in enteric nervous system of human stomach and jejunum and co-localization with nitric oxide synthase

Recent evidence suggests that carbon monoxide (CO) may be a neurotransmitter, similar to nitric oxide (NO) in the enteric nervous system. The distribution of haem oxygenase (HO), the biosynthetic enzyme for CO, has been determined in the enteric nervous system of animals, but little is known about the distribution of HO in human gastrointestinal tract. The present study investigated the expression of HO and its colocalization with NO synthase (NOS), the biosynthetic enzyme for NO, in human antrum and jejunum. HO isoforms were identified using immunohistochemistry and NOS was identified by immunohistochemistry or NADPH-d histochemistry. HO-2 immunoreactive (IR) cell bodies in enteric ganglia and nerve fibres in longitudinal and circular muscle were found in both antrum and jejunum. Co-localization of HO-2 and NOS was about 40% in HO-2 containing cell bodies of myenteric ganglia and only 10% or less in cell bodies of submucous ganglia. HO-1 immunoreactivity was not detected in antrum or jejunum. The results suggest that CO is produced in human enteric ganglion neurones and indicate a possible role of CO as a neurotransmitter and possible interaction between HO and NOS pathways in inhibitory neurotransmission in the human gastrointestinal tract.

Cholinergic nerves in human corpus cavernosum and spongiosum contain nitric oxide synthase and heme oxygenase

PURPOSE

To characterize the distribution of cholinergic nerves in the human corpus cavernosum (CC) and spongiosum (CS) using antibodies to the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), and to compare this distribution to those of other transmitters/mediators or transmitter/mediator generating enzymes (heme oxygenases: HO-1 and HO-2; neuronal and endothelial NO synthases: nNOS and eNOS; vasoactive intestinal polypeptide: VIP; and tyrosine hydroxylase: TH), and to investigate NO- and carbon monoxide (CO)-mediated effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Immunocytochemistry, confocal laser scanning microscopy, radioimmunoassay, and functional in vitro studies.

RESULTS

Along strands of smooth muscle in the CC and CS, rich numbers of VAChT-, nNOS-, VIP-, TH-, and very few HO-1-immunoreactive (-IR) nerve fibers were observed. Immunoreactivities for VAChT and nNOS, VAChT and VIP, and nNOS and VIP, were generally found in the same varicose nerve terminals. TH-IR nerve fibers or terminals did not contain immunoreactivities for VAChT, NOS or VIP. In the endothelium lining penile arteries, immunoreactivities for eNOS, HO-1, and HO-2 were detected. Single endothelial cells, lining the sinusoidal walls of the CC and CS, were found also to contain eNOS and HO-immunoreactivities. Noradrenaline (NA)-contracted preparations of CC and CS were relaxed by NO, CO, carbachol and by electrical stimulation of nerves. Inhibition of NO synthesis abolished electrically- and carbachol-induced relaxation. In NA-activated strips, relaxation induced by exogenously applied NO, but not those by CO, were accompanied by increases in intracellular levels of cyclic GMP.

CONCLUSIONS

VAChT, NOS and VIP are found in the same nerve terminals within the human CC and CS, suggesting that these terminals comprise a distinct population of parasympathetic, cholinergic nerves. Endothelially derived NO and the HO/CO system may have a complementary role in penile erection.

Cholinergic nerves in human corpus cavernosum and spongiosum contain nitric oxide synthase and heme oxygenase

PURPOSE

To characterize the distribution of cholinergic nerves in the human corpus cavernosum (CC) and spongiosum (CS) using antibodies to the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), and to compare this distribution to those of other transmitters/mediators or transmitter/mediator generating enzymes (heme oxygenases: HO-1 and HO-2; neuronal and endothelial NO synthases: nNOS and eNOS; vasoactive intestinal polypeptide: VIP; and tyrosine hydroxylase: TH), and to investigate NO- and carbon monoxide (CO)-mediated effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Immunocytochemistry, confocal laser scanning microscopy, radioimmunoassay, and functional in vitro studies.

RESULTS

Along strands of smooth muscle in the CC and CS, rich numbers of VAChT-, nNOS-, VIP-, TH-, and very few HO-1-immunoreactive (-IR) nerve fibers were observed. Immunoreactivities for VAChT and nNOS, VAChT and VIP, and nNOS and VIP, were generally found in the same varicose nerve terminals. TH-IR nerve fibers or terminals did not contain immunoreactivities for VAChT, NOS or VIP. In the endothelium lining penile arteries, immunoreactivities for eNOS, HO-1, and HO-2 were detected. Single endothelial cells, lining the sinusoidal walls of the CC and CS, were found also to contain eNOS and HO-immunoreactivities. Noradrenaline (NA)-contracted preparations of CC and CS were relaxed by NO, CO, carbachol and by electrical stimulation of nerves. Inhibition of NO synthesis abolished electrically- and carbachol-induced relaxation. In NA-activated strips, relaxation induced by exogenously applied NO, but not those by CO, were accompanied by increases in intracellular levels of cyclic GMP.

CONCLUSIONS

VAChT, NOS and VIP are found in the same nerve terminals within the human CC and CS, suggesting that these terminals comprise a distinct population of parasympathetic, cholinergic nerves. Endothelially derived NO and the HO/CO system may have a complementary role in penile erection.

Carbon monoxide and nitric oxide as coneurotransmitters in the enteric nervous system: evidence from genomic deletion of biosynthetic enzymes

Nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) seem to be neurotransmitters in the brain. The colocalization of their respective biosynthetic enzymes, neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) and heme oxygenase-2 (HO2), in enteric neurons and altered intestinal function in mice with genomic deletion of the enzymes (nNOS(Delta/Delta) and HO2(Delta/Delta)) suggest neurotransmitter roles for NO and CO in the enteric nervous system. We now establish that NO and CO are both neurotransmitters that interact as cotransmitters. Small intestinal smooth muscle cells from nNOS(Delta/Delta) and HO2(Delta/Delta) mice are depolarized, with apparent additive effects in the double knockouts (HO2(Delta/Delta)/nNOS(Delta/Delta)). Muscle relaxation and inhibitory neurotransmission are reduced in the mutant mice. In HO2(Delta/Delta) preparations, responses to electrical field stimulation are nearly abolished despite persistent nNOS expression, whereas exogenous CO restores normal responses, indicating that the NO system does not function in the absence of CO generation.

Relaxation of rabbit lower urinary tract smooth muscle by nitric oxide and carbon monoxide: modulation by hydrogen peroxide

Recent studies suggest that the body produces two gaseous messengers, nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), both of which activate soluble guanylyl cyclase and thus modulate the activity of smooth muscle cells. In the present study, the effects of NO and CO on the smooth muscle of the lower urinary tract were compared. In addition, the modulation of tissue NO- and CO-induced relaxation by hydrogen peroxide was examined. NO, produced endogenously by electrical field stimulation (EFS) or applied exogenously as a solution, induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of rabbit cavernosal and urethral smooth muscle strips, but not of bladder tissues. The cavernosal tissue was found to be three times more sensitive to the actions of NO than the urethra. CO also induced relaxation of both tissue types, but with no apparent difference in sensitivity between the tissues. However, CO was much less potent than NO with respect to smooth muscle relaxation. The mechanism of action of the two mediators was cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent, as evidenced by enhanced formation of cGMP and inhibition of relaxation by the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, oxadiazoloquinoxaline-1-one (ODQ.) The data suggests that NO is the dominant messenger in these tissues, but does not exclude a role for CO. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide, the relaxation responses induced by both NO and CO were significantly increased, regardless of tissue type. The mechanism for this effect is unclear, but evidence points to a requirement for the activation of guanylyl cyclase and enhanced formation of cGMP, since potentiation by the peroxide was blocked by a specific guanylyl cyclase inhibitor. We suggest that H(2)O(2) may play a positive role in the amplification or NO and CO-mediated responses.

Heme oxygenase-2 distribution in anorectum: colocalization with neuronal nitric oxide synthase

Recent investigations have suggested carbon monoxide (CO) as a putative messenger molecule. Although several studies have implicated the heme oxygenase (HO) pathway, responsible for the endogenous production of CO, in the neuromodulatory control of the internal anal sphincter (IAS), its exact role is not known. Nitric oxide, produced by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) of myenteric neurons, is an important inhibitory neural messenger molecule mediating nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) relaxation of the IAS. The present studies were undertaken to investigate in detail the presence and coexistence of heme oxygenase-2 (HO-2) with nNOS in the opossum anorectum. In perfusion-fixed, frozen-sectioned tissue, HO-2 immunoreactive (IR) and nNOS IR nerves were identified using immunocytochemistry. Ganglia containing HO-2 IR neuronal cell bodies were present in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses throughout the entire anorectum. Colocalization of HO-2 IR and nNOS IR was nearly 100% in the IAS and decreased proximally from the anal verge. In the rectum, colocalization of HO-2 IR and nNOS IR was approximately 70%. Additional confocal microscopy studies using c-Kit staining demonstrated the localization of HO-2 IR and nNOS IR in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) of the anorectum. From the high rate of colocalization of HO-2 IR and nNOS IR in the IAS as well as the localization of HO-2 IR and nNOS IR in ICC in conjunction with earlier studies of the HO pathway, we speculate an interaction between HO and NOS pathways in the NANC inhibitory neurotransmission of the IAS and rectum.

One hundred years of interstitial cells of Cajal

This review is a portrayal of the evolution of ideas involving the interstitial cells of Cajal in changing disguises as dull fibroblasts, not very exciting Schwann cells, or perhaps quite important, though primitive neurons. However, today unmasked (we believe), they reveal themselves as myoid cells, a role that, judging by current interest, is far more exciting than former ones. Close to 500 publications from 1860-1999 have contributed to the discussion in one way or the other. This literature contains a wealth of correct observations but obviously also wrong interpretations, which are seen as a result of too blind a belief in specificities of visualization methods, combined with a desire to interpret even the hidden detail. It has been my objective to attempt to trace the origins of viable ideas, and I have therefore focused on relatively few authors. The most recent development from 1980 until today is so well covered by easily accessible reviews that I have resorted to a mere, but hopefully complete, list of them. Modern ICC'ists have so far been caught in the external muscle of the gut and kept their hands off its internal affairs. However, while working my way through the literature it struck me that a number of recent studies may provide the elements of a plausible model for the villous contraction mechanism. In the present context, an important point is that the very first published interstitial "neurons" from Cajal's hand-of the intestinal villus, 1889-may achieve new significance as a possible correlate to the regulatory ICC of the intestinal muscularis. Partly to make this point, I have taken the liberty of giving a short account of recent results from our lab.

Guide to the identification of interstitial cells of Cajal

The interstitial cell of Cajal, abbreviated ICC, is a specific cell type with a characteristic distribution in the smooth muscle wall throughout the alimentary tract in humans and laboratory mammals. The number of publications relating to ICC is rapidly increasing and demonstrate a rich variation in the structure and organization of these cells. This variation is species-, region-, and location-dependent. We have chosen to define a "reference ICC," basically the ICC in the murine small intestine, as a platform for discussion of variability. The growing field of ICC markers for light and electron microscopy is reviewed. Although there is a rapidly increasing number of approaches applicable to bright field and fluorescence microscopy, the location of markers by electron microscopy still suffers from inadequate preservation of ultrastructural detail. Finally, we summarize evidence related to ICC ultrastructure under conditions differing from those of the normal, adult individual (during differentiation, in pathological conditions, transplants, mutants, and in cell culture).

Morphological and biochemical investigation of nitric oxide synthase and related enzymes in the rat and pig urothelium

We investigated the enzymes involved in the NADPH-diaphorase (d) reaction in the rat and pig bladder urothelium. The urothelial cell layer displayed intense and uniform NADPH-d activity. Preincubation with the flavoprotein inhibitor diphenyleneiodionium chloride (DPI) and the alkaline phosphatase inhibitor levamisole concentration-dependently decreased the urothelial NADPH-d activity. Immunoreactivities to neuronal (n), endothelial (e), or inducible (i) nitric oxide synthase (NOS) were not detected in rat or pig urothelial cells. In rats, the urothelium was uniformly immunoreactive for NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase, whereas the pig urothelium displayed inconsistent labeling. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated rats, the bladder urothelium showed positive iNOS immunoreactivity. The iNOS labeling was found predominantly in cells located in the basal layer of the urothelium. In the pig bladder mucosa, a Ca2+-dependent NOS activity was evident in cytosolic and particulate fractions that was quantitatively comparable to the NOS activity found in the smooth muscle. In ultrastructural studies of urothelial cells, NADPH-d reaction products were found predominantly on membranes of the nuclear envelope, endoplasmatic reticulum and mitochondria. In conclusion, NADPH-d staining of the urothelium cannot be taken as an indicator for the presence of constitutively expressed NOS. Activity of alkaline phosphatase and cytochrome P450 reductase may account for part of the NADPH-d reaction in urothelial cells. However, LPS treatment of rats caused expression of iNOS in urothelial cells.

NO synthase in cholinergic nerves and NO-induced relaxation in the rat isolated corpus cavernosum

1. In the rat corpus cavernosum (CC), the distribution of immunoreactivity for neuronal and endothelial NO synthase (nNOS and eNOS), and the pattern of NOS-immunoreactive (-IR) nerves in relation to some other nerve populations, were investigated. Cholinergic nerves were specifically immunolabelled with antibodies to the vesicular acetylcholine transporter protein (VAChT). 2. In the smooth muscle septa surrounding the cavernous spaces, and around the central and helicine arteries, the numbers of PGP- and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-IR terminals were large, whereas neuropeptide Y (NPY)-, VAChT-, nNOS-, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-IR terminals were found in few to moderate numbers. 3. Double immunolabelling revealed that VAChT- and nNOS-IR terminals, VAChT- and VIP-IR terminals, nNOS-IR and VIP-IR terminals, and TH- and NPY-IR terminals showed coinciding profiles, and co-existence was verified by confocal laser scanning microscopy. TH immunoreactivity was not found in VAChT-, nNOS-, or VIP-IR nerve fibres or terminals. 4. An isolated strip preparation of the rat CC was developed, and characterized. In this preparation, cumulative addition of NO to noradrenaline (NA)-contracted strips, produced concentration-dependent, rapid, and almost complete relaxations. Electrical field stimulation of endothelin-1-contracted preparations produced frequency-dependent responses: a contractile twitch followed by a fast relaxant response. After cessation of stimulation, there was a slow relaxant phase. Inhibition of NO synthesis, or blockade of guanylate cyclase, abolished the first relaxant phase, whereas the second relaxation was unaffected. 5. The results suggest that in the rat CC, nNOS, VAChT- and VIP-immunoreactivities can be found in the same parasympathetic cholinergic neurons. Inhibitory neurotransmission involves activation of the NO-system, and the release of other, as yet unknown, transmitters.

Carbon monoxide is a major contributor to the regulation of vascular tone in aortas expressing high levels of haeme oxygenase-1

The contribution of haeme oxygenase-derived carbon monoxide (CO) to the regulation of vascular tone in thoracic aorta was investigated following induction of the inducible isoform of haeme oxygenase (HO-1). Isometric smooth muscle contractions were recorded in isolated rat aortic ring preparations. Rings were incubated in the presence of the nitric oxide (NO) donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine (SNAP, 500 microM) for 1 h, then repetitively washed and maintained for a further 4 h prior to producing a concentration-response curve to phenylephrine (PE, 1-3000 nM). Treatment with SNAP resulted in increased mRNA and protein expression of aortic HO-1 and was associated with a significant suppression of the contractile response to PE (P<0.05 vs control). Immunohistochemical staining procedures revealed marked HO-1 expression in the endothelial layer and, to a lesser extent, in smooth muscle cells. Induction of HO-1 in SNAP-treated rings was associated with a higher 14CO release compared to control, as measured by scintillation counting after incubation of aortas with [2-14C]-L-glycine, the precursor of haeme. Guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic GMP) content was also greatly enhanced in aortas expressing high levels of HO-1. Incubation of aortic rings with the NO synthase inhibitor, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (100 microM), significantly (P<0.05) increased the contractile response to PE in controls but failed to restore PE-mediated contractility in SNAP-treated rings. In contrast, the selective inhibitor of haeme oxygenase, tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP-IX, 10 microM), restored the pressor response to PE in SNAP-treated rings whilst markedly reducing CO and cyclic GMP production. We conclude that up-regulation of the HO-1/CO pathway significantly contributes to the suppression of aortic contractility to PE. This effect appears to be mediated by the elevation of cyclic GMP levels and can be reversed by inhibition of the haeme oxygenase pathway.

Inhibitory innervation of the guinea-pig urethra; roles of CO, NO and VIP

The inhibitory innervation of guinea-pig urethral smooth muscle was investigated histochemically and functionally. The distribution of immunoreactivities to haem oxygenases (HO), neuronal NO synthase (nNOS), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) was studied, and the functional effects of the corresponding putative transmitters, CO, NO, and VIP, were assessed. HO-2 immunoreactivity was found in all nerve cell bodies of intramural ganglia, localized between smooth muscle bundles in the detrusor, bladder base and proximal urethra. About 70% of the ganglionic cell bodies were also NOS-immunoreactive (IR), whereas a minor part was VIP-IR. Some ganglion cells exhibiting tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity were demonstrated. Rich numbers of NOS-IR varicose nerve terminals could be found innervating the smooth muscle of the urethra, whereas VIP-IR terminals were less numerous. A rich number of TH-IR terminals were observed. The bladder showed a similar distribution of nerves, although only a few number of TH-IR nerves could be found. In bladder preparations exposed to sodium nitroprusside, cGMP-IR cells could be seen, forming an interconnecting network with long spindle-shaped processes. The cGMP-IR cells were especially abundant in the outer smooth muscle layers of the bladder, but less numerous in the urethra. In urethral strip preparations, electrical field stimulation evoked long-lasting frequency-dependent relaxations. The relaxations were not inhibited by the NO-synthesis inhibitor, L-NOARG, or enhanced by the NO-precursor, L-arginine. The haem precursor, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), or the inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, ODQ, did not affect the urethral relaxations. Exogenously applied NO, SIN-1, and VIP relaxed the preparations by approximately 50%, whereas the relaxation evoked by exogenous CO was minor. These results suggest that CO probably is not involved in non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic inhibitory control of the guinea-pig urethra, where a non-NO/cGMP mediated relaxation seems to be predominant.

Mediators and mechanisms of relaxation in rabbit urethral smooth muscle

1. Electrophysiological and mechanical experiments were performed to investigate whether the nitric oxide (NO)-mediated relaxation of rabbit urethral smooth muscle is associated with a hyperpolarization of the membrane potential. In addition, a possible role for vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and carbon monoxide (CO) as relaxant agents in rabbit urethra was investigated. 2. Immunohistochemical experiments were performed to characterize the NO-synthase (NOS) and VIP innervation. Possible target cells for NO were studied by using antisera against cyclic GMP. The cyclic GMP-immunoreactivity was investigated on tissues pretreated with 1 mM IBMX, 0.1 mM zaprinast and 1 mM sodium nitroprusside. 3. Intracellular recordings of the membrane potential in the circular smooth muscle layer revealed two types of spontaneous depolarizations, slow waves with a duration of 3-4 s and an amplitude of 30-40 mV, and faster (0.5-1 s), more irregular depolarizations with an amplitude of 5-15 mV. The resting membrane potential was 39 +/- 1 mV (n = 12). Application of NO (30 microM), CO (30 microM) or VIP (1 microM) did not change the resting membrane potential. 4. Both NO (1-100 microM) and VIP (1 nM-1 microM) produced concentration-dependent relaxations amounting to 87 +/- 4% and 97 +/- 2% (n = 6), respectively. The relaxant effect of CO (1-30 microM) amounted to 27 +/- 4% (n = 5) at the highest concentration used. 5. Immunohistochemical experiments revealed a rich supply of NOS-immunoreactive nerve fibres in the smooth muscle layers. Numerous spinous cyclic GMP-immunoreactive cells were found interspersed between the smooth muscle bundles, mainly localized in the outer layer. These cells had long processes forming a network surrounding the smooth muscle bundles. VIP-immunoreactivity was sparse in comparison to NOS-immunoreactive nerves. 6. The rich supply of NOS-immunoreactive nerve fibres supports the view that NO is an important NANC-mediator in the rabbit urethra. In contrast to several other tissues, the relaxant effect of NO in the rabbit urethra does not seem to be mediated by hyperpolarization. The network of cyclic GMP-immunoreactive cells may constitute target cells for NO, but their function remains to be established.

NANC transmitters in the female pig urethra--localization and modulation of release via alpha 2-adrenoceptors and potassium channels

1. To investigate further the release, localization and identity of a non-nitrergic mediator of smooth muscle relaxation in the female pig urethra, we studied the effects of drugs acting at alpha 2-adrenoceptors or K+ channels, the effects of capsaicin and chemical sympathectomy, and the actions of several transmitter candidates. 2. Electrical field stimulation (EFS; frequencies above 12 Hz) of spontaneously contracted smooth muscle strips from the female pig urethra evoked long-lasting, frequency-dependent relaxations in the presence of prazosin, scopolamine, and NG-nitro-L-arginine. Treatment with the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist UK-14 304 markedly reduced the relaxations evoked by EFS at all frequencies tested (16-30 Hz). The inhibitory effect of UK-14 304 was completely antagonized by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist rauwolscine. The muscarinic M1 receptor antagonist, pirenzepine, or exogenously administered carbachol, did not have any effects on the electrically evoked relaxations. 3. Inhibition of high conductance Ca2+ activated K+ channels by iberiotoxin or charybdotoxin significantly enhanced the relaxations evoked by EFS at all frequencies. However, inhibition of voltage-sensitive K+ channels with 4-aminopyridine or dendrotoxin-1, treatment with the ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker, glibenclamide, or treatment with the high and low conductance Ca2+ activated K+ channel blockers, tetraethylammonium chloride and apamin, had no effect on the relaxations evoked by EFS. 4. Electrically evoked relaxations were not affected by adrenergic denervation with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) at any frequency. However, treatment with 6-OHDA abolished prazosin-sensitive electrically induced contractions, and a long-lasting relaxation was revealed. Treatment with capsaicin, believed to damage selectively a subpopulation of primary afferent fibres, did not affect basal tone or relaxations evoked by EFS. 5. Exogenously applied vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP)-27, PACAP-38, adenosine, ATP and 5-hydroxy-tryptamine caused relaxations of the urethral preparations, whereas prostaglandin E2 and calcitonin gene-related peptide had no effects. VIP 10-28, alpha, beta-methylene-ATP, reactive blue-2, suramin or indomethacin did not reduce the electrically-evoked relaxations at any frequency. However, the relaxations were slightly reduced by trypsin or alpha-chymotrypsin. 6. The present results suggest that the release of the unknown mediator in the female pig urethra can be modulated via alpha 2-adrenoceptors and high conductance Ca2+ activated K+ channels. Furthermore, the mediator does not appear to be localized to or released from adrenergic or capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerve-endings. The identity of the transmitter remains to be established.

Heme oxygenase and NO-synthase in the human prostate--relation to adrenergic, cholinergic and peptide-containing nerves

In the human prostate, the distribution of heme oxygenase (HO-1 and HO-2)-, nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive (IR), acetylcholine-esterase (AChE)-positive, and some peptidergic nerve structures was investigated. Cell bodies and nerve fibers within coarse nerve trunks expressed HO-1-, HO-2-, NOS-, TH-, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-immunoreactivities, and were AChE-positive, but, as revealed by confocal microscopy. HO- and NOS-immunoreactivities were found in separate nerves. Along strains of smooth muscle, intraglandular septa, and around acini, HO-1-, NOS-, and VIP-IR nerves, and AChE-positive fibers were observed. Double immunostaining showed that NOS- and VIP-immunoreactivities were generally co-localized in varicose nerve terminals. Some TH-IR terminals had profiles that were similar, but not identical, to those of NOS-, HO-1-, or VIP-IR terminals. NPY-IR nerves were similarly distributed as VIP- and NOS-IR fibers, and were found in rich amounts. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-IR nerves were few compared to other nerve populations studies. NOS- and CGRP-IR terminals had similar profiles, but the immunoreactivities were not co-localized. Nitric oxide and electrical stimulation of nerves relaxed noradrenaline-contracted preparations of prostatic stroma. Inhibition of synthesis of nitric oxide abolished the electrically induced relaxations. VIP had small relaxant effects, whereas carbon monoxide was without effect on noradrenaline-contracted strips. The innervation pattern and the functional effects suggest that the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway may have a role in the control of human prostatic smooth muscle activity and/or in secretory neurotransmission. A physiological role of carbon monoxide in the prostate remains to be established.