Ca 2+-recruitment in tachykinin-induced contractions of gut smooth muscle from African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis and rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Abstract

Changes in intracellular Ca 2+ concentration control many essential cellular functions like the contraction of smooth muscle cells. The aim of this study was to investigate if the tachykinin substance P (SP) engages external Ca 2+-sources, internal Ca 2+-sources, or both in the contraction of the gastrointestinal smooth muscle of rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss) and the African clawed frog ( Xenopus laevis). Strip preparations made of either longitudinal smooth muscle of proximal intestine or circular smooth muscle of cardiac stomach were mounted in organ baths and the tension was recorded via force transducers. Ca 2+-free Ringer’s solution containing the Ca 2+ chelating agent EGTA (2 mM) abolished all spontaneous contractions. Exposure to SP in Ca 2+-free solution decreased the response. Preparations were also treated with the Ca 2+-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin (10 μM) during 30 min. Thapsigargin reduced the effect of SP on intestinal longitudinal smooth muscle in rainbow trout and on stomach circular smooth muscle in the African clawed frog and to a less extent in the intestinal longitudinal smooth muscle. The results show that external Ca 2+ is of great importance, but is not the only source of Ca 2+ recruitment in SP-activation of gastrointestinal smooth muscle in rainbow trout and the African clawed frog.