Opossum Lower Esophageal Sphincter Research Articles

Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide is the most potent natriuretic peptide to cause relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) causes relaxation in the opossum lower esophageal sphincter. The effects of dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP) and other natriuretic peptides in the lower esophageal sphincter were not known. We measured the relaxation of transverse strips from the guinea pig lower esophageal sphincter caused by DNP, ANP, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), and a natriuretic peptide receptor-C agonist des[Gln18, Ser19, Gly20, Leu21, Gly22]ANP(4–23) amide (cANF(4–23)) in vitro. In resting strips of the guinea pig lower esophageal sphincter DNP and BNP caused marked relaxations. Furthermore, in both sarafotoxin S6c and carbachol-contracted lower esophageal sphincter strips, DNP caused marked and BNP caused moderate, concentration-dependent relaxations. ANP as well as CNP caused mild relaxations. In contrast, cANF(4–23) did not cause relaxation. The relative potencies for natriuretic peptides to cause relaxation were DNP>BNP>ANP>=CNP in both sarafotoxin S6c and carbachol-contracted lower esophageal sphincter strips. The DNP and BNP-induced relaxations were not affected by tetrodotoxin or atropine, suggesting that the natriuretic peptide-induced response was not neutrally mediated. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that natriuretic peptides cause the relaxation of the guinea pig lower esophageal sphincter. DNP is the most potent natriuretic peptide to cause lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, which might be mediated by natriuretic peptide receptor-A or a novel DNP-selective natriuretic peptide receptor.

TREK‐1 channels do not mediate nitrergic neurotransmission in circular smooth muscle from the lower oesophageal sphincter

The ionic mechanisms underlying nitrergic inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) in gut smooth muscle remain a matter of debate. Recently, it has been reported that opening of TWIK-related K(+) channel 1 (TREK-1) K(+) channels contributes to the nitrergic IJP in colonic smooth muscle. We investigated the effects of TREK-1 channel blockers on nitrergic neurotransmission in mouse and opossum lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) circular smooth muscle (CSM). The effects of TREK-1 channel blockers were characterized pharmacologically in murine and opossum gut smooth muscle using conventional intracellular and tension recordings. In LOS, L-methionine depolarized the resting membrane potential (RMP) but did not inhibit the nitrergic IJP. Cumulative application of theophylline hyperpolarized the RMP and inhibited the nitrergic IJP concentration dependently. The induced membrane hyperpolarization was prevented by pre-application of caffeine, but not by 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one. 8-Br-cAMP significantly hyperpolarized membrane potential and increased the amplitude of the nitrergic IJP. In opossum LOS muscle strips, L-methionine increased resting tone but had no effect on nerve-mediated LOS relaxation. On the other hand, theophylline markedly inhibited tone. In CSM from mouse proximal colon, L-methionine caused modest inhibition of nitrergic IJPs. TREK-1 channels were not involved in the nitrergic IJP in LOS CSM. Not only does L-methionine have no effect on the nitrergic IJP or LOS relaxation, but the effect of theophylline appears to be due to interruption of Ca(2+)-releasing pathways (i.e. caffeine-like effect) rather than via blockade of TREK-1 channels.

The effect of guanylate cyclase inhibitors on non‐adrenergic and non‐cholinergic neurogenic relaxations of the South American opossum lower esophageal sphincter

South American (SA) opossum lower esophageal sphincter (LES) circular smooth muscle relaxes by activation of enteric nerves elicited by EFS (electrical field stimulation, 0.5 ms, 48 V, 0.5-8 Hz for 10 s). The identity of the mediator released and the cellular mechanism, however, remain to be fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the enzyme soluble guanylate cyclase (cGC) inhibitors, cystamine (100 microM), methylene blue (30 microM), LY 83583 (6-anilino-5,8 quinoledione, 10 microM) and ODQ (H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3]quinoxalin-1-one, 1 microM) on the relaxations induced by EFS and by exogenous NO (nitric oxide, 0.5 mM) or NO-donors on SA opossum LES smooth muscle strips. EFS caused frequency-dependent relaxations, which were inhibited by NO-synthase inhibitors and abolished by tetrodotoxin. Cystamine did not affect relaxations caused by EFS and NO or NO-donor. Methylene blue also failed to affect EFS-caused relaxations, although it was capable of inhibiting relaxation induced by NO. LY 83583 inhibited relaxations induced by NO, but did not affect those induced by EFS or by SNAP and HXA. ODQ abolished relaxations caused by EFS at lower frequencies and by HXA (hydroxylamine, 10 microM) and SNAP (S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine, 10 microM). Relaxations at higher frequencies of EFS and induced by SNP (sodium nitroprusside, 30 microM) and NO were only reduced by ODQ. These findings indicate that activation of the cGC can be involved in relaxations induced by EFS at lower frequencies, but other mechanisms can be involved at higher frequencies of EFS and caused by SNP or NO.

Functional evidence for Na+-activated K+ channels in circular smooth muscle of the opossum lower esophageal sphincter

Na(+) reduction induces contraction of opossum lower esophageal sphincter (LES) circular smooth muscle strips in vitro; however, the mechanism(s) by which this occurs is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the electrophysiological effects of low Na(+) on opossum LES circular smooth muscle. In the presence of atropine, quanethidine, nifedipine, and substance P, conventional intracellular electrodes recorded a resting membrane potential (RMP) of -37.5 +/- 0.9 mV (n = 4). Decreasing [Na(+)] from 144.1 to 26.1 mM by substitution of equimolar NaCl with choline Cl depolarized the RMP by 7.1 +/- 1.1 mV. Whole cell patch-clamp recordings revealed outward K(+) currents that began to activate at -60 mV using 400-ms stepped test pulses (-120 to +100 mV) with increments of 20 mV from holding potential of -80 mV. Reduction of [Na(+)] in the bath solution inhibited K(+) currents in a concentration-dependent manner. Single channels with conductance of 49-60 pS were recorded using cell-attached patch-clamp configurations. The channel open probability was significantly decreased by substitution of bath Na(+) with equimolar choline. A 10-fold increase of [K(+)] in the pipette shifted the reversal potential of the single channels to the positive by -50 mV. These data suggest that Na(+)-activated K(+) channels exist in the circular smooth muscle of the opossum LES.

Generation of Nitric Oxide in the Opossum Lower Esophageal Sphincter during Physiological Experimentation

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), given in vivo, modulates opossum esophageal motor functions by inducing the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which increases nitric oxide (NO) production. Superoxide, a NO scavenger, is generated during this endotoxemia. Superoxide is cleared by superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) to protect the physiological function of NO. This study examined whether lower esophageal sphincter (LES) motility, NO release, and iNOS and nitrotyrosine accumulation in the LES are affected by LPS in vitro. Muscle strips from the opossum LES were placed in tissue baths containing oxygenated Krebs buffer. NO release was measured with a chemiluminescence NOx analyzer, and Western blots were performed to analyze iNOS and nitrotyrosine production. The percent change in resting LES tone after a 6-hour exposure to LPS was significantly increased compared to pretreatment values. The percent LES relaxation upon electrical stimulation was significantly decreased in the control group at 6 hours, indicating that the LPS treatment had an effect. The NO concentration in the tissue bath of LPS-treated muscle without nerve stimulation was significantly less than that of LPS treatment combined with SOD/CAT or SOD/CAT alone. iNOS and nitrotyrosine were detectable and increased over time in the LES muscle of both the control and LPS-treated groups. Antioxidant enzymes may play a role in regulating NO-mediated neuromuscular functions in the LES.

Y-27632, A Rho-Kinase Inhibitor, Inhibits Proliferation and Adrenergic Contraction of Prostatic Smooth Muscle Cells

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) causes mechanical urinary flow obstruction by 2 components, namely an enlarged prostate (static component) and elevated smooth muscle tone (dynamic component). Currently available treatments for BPH aim to inhibit the proliferation of prostatic cells or decrease the elevated tone. To our knowledge no single agent that can achieve these 2 ends has yet been identified. A specific inhibitor of Rho-kinase, Y-27632 ((+)-(R)-trans-4-(1-aminoethyl)-N-(4-pyridyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide dihydrochloride), has been demonstrated to cause smooth muscle relaxation and inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation. Therefore, we investigated the effect of Y-27632 on prostatic smooth muscle proliferation and tone. Rho-kinase expression was investigated by immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting in smooth muscle cells obtained from rat and human prostates. The effect of Y-27632 was examined on the proliferation of these cells and on the contractions elicited by electrical field stimulation and exogenous phenylephrine in rat prostatic strips. Immunoblot and immunofluorescence analysis showed that Rho-kinase is present in the cytosol and located in the perinuclear region in human and rat prostatic smooth muscle cells. Y-27632 decreased the proliferation of human and rat prostatic smooth muscle cells, and inhibited noradrenergic contractions elicited by electrical field stimulation and exogenous phenylephrine in rat prostatic strips (EC50 17.8 +/- 4.8 and 7.8 +/- 2.1 microM, respectively). To our knowledge we report the first demonstration of the presence of Rho-kinase in prostatic smooth muscle cells, and of the relaxant and antiproliferative effect of a Rho-kinase inhibitor. We suggest a novel use for Rho-kinase inhibitors in the treatment of BPH as a single agent with dual action.

Role of sarcoplasmic reticulum in control of membrane potential and nitrergic response in opossum lower esophageal sphincter.

1. We previously demonstrated that a balance of Ca2+-activated Cl- current (ICl(Ca)) and K+ current activity sets the resting membrane potential of opossum lower esophageal sphincter (LES) circular smooth muscle at approximately -41 mV, which leads to continuous spike-like action potentials and the generation of basal tone. Ionic mechanisms underlying this basal ICl(Ca) activity and its nitrergic regulation remain unclear. Recent studies suggest that spontaneous Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) play important roles. The current study investigated this possibility. Conventional intracellular recordings were performed on circular smooth muscle of opossum LES. Nerve responses were evoked by electrical square wave pulses of 0.5 ms duration at 20 Hz. 2. In the presence of nifedipine (1 microm), substance P (1 microm), atropine (3 microm) and guanethidine (3 microm), intracellular recordings demonstrated a resting membrane potential (MP) of -38.1+/-0.7 mV (n=25) with spontaneous membrane potential fluctuations (MPfs) of 1-3 mV. Four pulses of nerve stimulation induced slow inhibitory junction potentials (sIJPs) with an amplitude of 6.1+/-0.3 mV and a half-amplitude duration of 1926+/-147 ms (n=25). 3. 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), a specific guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, abolished sIJPs, but had no effects on MPfs. Caffeine, a ryanodine receptor agonist, hyperpolarized MP and abolished sIJPs and MPfs. Ryanodine (20 microm) inhibited the sIJP and induced biphasic effects on MP, an initial small hyperpolarization followed by a large depolarization. sIJPs and MPfs were also inhibited by cyclopiazonic acid, an SR Ca2+ ATPase inhibitor. Specific ICl(Ca) and MLCK inhibitors hyperpolarized the MP and inhibited MPfs and sIJPs. 4. These data suggest that (1). spontaneous release of Ca2+ from the SR activates ICl(Ca), which in turn contributes to resting membrane potential; (2). MLCK is involved in activation of ICl(Ca); (3). inhibition of ICl(Ca) is likely to underlie sIJPs induced by nitrergic innervation.

Evidence for Na+-activated K+ channels in circular smooth muscle of opossum lower esophageal sphincter

Evidence for Na+-activated K+ channels in circular smooth muscle of opossum lower esophageal sphincter

Inhibitory effect of beta3-adrenoceptor agonist in lower esophageal sphincter smooth muscle: in vitro studies.

We investigated the effects of (R,R)-5-[2-[2-3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl] - amino]propyl] - 1,3 - benzodioxole - 2, 2 - dicarboxylate (CL 316243) (a typical beta3-agonist) on the spontaneously tonic smooth muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Studies were carried out in smooth muscle strips and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of opossum LES. Isometric tension was recorded in the basal state and after CL 316243, and before and after beta3-antagonist (S)-N-[4-[2-[[3-[-(acetamidomethyl)phenoxy]-2-hydroxypropyl]amino]ethyl]phenyl]benzenesulfonamide (L 748337) and nonselective antagonist propranolol. In some experiments, the effects of nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) nerve activation by electrical field stimulation (EFS) were also examined. The effects of CL 316243 were compared with those of nonselective beta-agonist isoproterenol. CL 316243 caused a concentration-dependent relaxation of the LES smooth muscle. The relaxant action of CL 316243 was determined to be directly at the smooth muscle because it remained unmodified by the neurotoxin tetrodotoxin and other neurohumoral antagonists, and also was observed in the SMCs. L 748337 selectively antagonized the relaxant effect of CL 316243 and, conversely, had no significant effect on the inhibitory actions of isoproterenol. CL 316243 (1 x 10(-8) M) caused an augmentation of NANC relaxation in the LES. Another beta3-agonist, (S)-4-[hydroxy-3-phenoxy-propylamino-ethoxy]-N-(2-methoxyethyl)-phenoxyacetamide (ZD 7114), also caused concentration-dependent full relaxation of the LES that was selectively antagonized by beta3-anatagonist 3-(2-ethylphenoxy)-1-[(1S)1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth-1-ylaminol]-(2S)-2-propanol oxalate (SR 59230A). These studies defined the effects of characteristic inhibitory beta3-adrenoceptors in the spontaneously tonic LES smooth muscle and suggested a potential therapeutic role in the esophageal motility disorders characterized by hypertensive LES.

Comparison of angiotensin II (Ang II) effects in the internal anal sphincter (IAS) and lower esophageal sphincter smooth muscles

Studies were performed to compare the actions of Ang II in the internal anal sphincter (IAS) vs. lower esophageal sphincter (LES) smooth muscles in vitro, in opossum and rabbit. Studies also were carried out in isolated smooth muscle cells. In opossum, Ang II produced no discernible effects in the IAS, but did produce a concentration-dependent contraction in the LES. Conversely, in the rabbit, while Ang II caused a modest response in the LES, it caused a significant contraction in the IAS. The contractile responses of Ang II in the opossum LES were mostly resistant to different neurohumoral antagonists but were antagonized by AT 1 antagonist losartan. AT 2 antagonist PD 123,319, rather than inhibiting, prolonged the contractile action of Ang II. The contractile actions of Ang II in the opossum LES were not modified by the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (genistein and tyrphostin 1×10 −6 M) but were partially attenuated by the PKC inhibitor H-7 (1×10 −6 M), Ca 2+ channel blocker nicardipine (1×10 −5 M), Rho kinase inhibitor HA-1077 (1×10 −7 M) or p 44/42 MAP kinase inhibitor PD 98059 (5×10 −5 M). The combination of HA-1077 and H-7 did not cause an additive attenuation of Ang II responses. Western blot analyses revealed the presence of both AT 1 and AT 2 receptors. We conclude that Ang II-induced contraction of sphincteric smooth muscle occurs primarily by the activation of AT 1 receptors at the smooth muscle cells and involves multiple pathways, influx of Ca 2+, and PKC, Rho kinase and p 44/42 MAP kinase.

Diversity of K+ channels in circular smooth muscle of opossum lower esophageal sphincter

We previously demonstrated that a balance of K+ and Ca2+-activated Cl– channel activity maintained the basal tone of circular smooth muscle of opossum lower esophageal sphincter (LES). In the current studies, the contribution of major K+ channels to the LES basal tone was investigated in circular smooth muscle of opossum LES in vitro. K+ channel activity was recorded in dispersed single cells at room temperature using patch-clamp recordings. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings displayed an outward current beginning to activate at –60 mV by step test pulses lasting 400 ms (–120 mV to +100 mV) with increments of 20 mV from holding potential of –80 mV ([K+]I = 150 mM, [K+]o = 2.5 mM). However, no inward rectification was observed. The outward current peaked within 50 ms and showed little or no inactivation. It was significantly decreased by bath application of nifedipine, tetraethylammonium (TEA), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), and iberiotoxin (IBTN). Further combination of TEA with 4-AP, nifedipine with 4-AP, and IBTN with TEA, or vice versa, blocked more than 90% of the outward current. Ca2+-sensitive single channels were recorded at asymetrical K+ gradients in cell-attached patch-clamp configurations (100.8 ± 3.2 pS, n = 8). Open probability of the single channels recorded in inside-out patch-clamp configurations were greatly decreased by bath application of IBTN (100 nM) (Vh = –14.4 ± 4.8 mV in control vs. 27.3 ± 0.1 mV, n = 3, P < 0.05). These data suggest that large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ and delayed rectifier K+ channels contribute to the membrane potential, and thereby regulate the basal tone of opossum LES circular smooth muscle.Key words: large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels, delayed rectifier K+ channels, patch-clamp recording, visceral smooth muscle.

Diversity of K+ channels in circular smooth muscle of opossum lower esophageal sphincter

Diversity of K+ channels in circular smooth muscle of opossum lower esophageal sphincter

Diversity of K+ channels in circular smooth muscle of opossum lower esophageal sphincter

Diversity of K+ channels in circular smooth muscle of opossum lower esophageal sphincter

Diversity of K<sup>+</sup> channels in circular smooth muscle of opossum lower esophageal sphincter

We previously demonstrated that a balance of K+ and Ca2+-activated Cl- channel activity maintained the basal tone of circular smooth muscle of opossum lower esophageal sphincter (LES). In the current studies, the contribution of major K+ channels to the LES basal tone was investigated in circular smooth muscle of opossum LES in vitro. K+ channel activity was recorded in dispersed single cells at room temperature using patch-clamp recordings. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings displayed an outward current beginning to activate at -60 mV by step test pulses lasting 400 ms (-120 mV to +100 mV) with increments of 20 mV from holding potential of -80 mV ([K+]I = 150 mM, [K+]o = 2.5 mM). However, no inward rectification was observed. The outward current peaked within 50 ms and showed little or no inactivation. It was significantly decreased by bath application of nifedipine, tetraethylammonium (TEA), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), and iberiotoxin (IBTN). Further combination of TEA with 4-AP, nifedipine with 4-AP, and IBTN with TEA, or vice versa, blocked more than 90% of the outward current. Ca2+-sensitive single channels were recorded at asymetrical K+ gradients in cell-attached patch-clamp configurations (100.8+/-3.2 pS, n = 8). Open probability of the single channels recorded in inside-out patch-clamp configurations were greatly decreased by bath application of IBTN (100 nM) (Vh = -14.4+/-4.8 mV in control vs. 27.3+/-0.1 mV, n = 3, P < 0.05). These data suggest that large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ and delayed rectifier K+ channels contribute to the membrane potential, and thereby regulate the basal tone of opossum LES circular smooth muscle.

Opposing roles of K(+) and Cl(-) channels in maintenance of opossum lower esophageal sphincter tone.

The ionic basis underlying the maintenance of myogenic tone of lower esophageal sphincter circular muscle (LES) was investigated in opossum with the use of standard isometric tension and conventional intracellular microelectrode recordings in vitro. In tension recording studies, nifedipine (1 microM) reduced basal tone to 27.7 +/- 3.8% of control. The K(+) channel blockers tetraethylammonium (TEA, 2 mM), charybdotoxin (100 nM), and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 2 mM) enhanced resting tone, whereas apamin and glibenclamide were without affect. Cl(-) channel blockers DIDS (500 microM) and 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid (500 microM), as well as niflumic acid (0.1-300 microM), decreased basal tone, but tamoxifen was without effect. Intracellular microelectrode recordings revealed ongoing, spontaneous, spike-like action potentials (APs). Nifedipine abolished APs and depolarized resting membrane potential (RMP). Both TEA and 4-AP significantly depolarized RMP and augmented APs, whereas niflumic acid dose-dependently hyperpolarized RMP and abolished APs. These data suggest that, in the opossum, basal tone is associated with continuous APs and that K(+) and Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels have important opposing roles in the genesis of LES tone.

Role of cGMP as a mediator of nerve-induced motor functions of the opossum esophagus.

Stimulation of esophageal nerves produces biphasic relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and an off response of circular esophageal muscle. Previously, we proposed that cGMP mediates nerve-induced hyperpolarization of circular LES muscle but not LES relaxation. These experiments explore whether cGMP mediates LES relaxation or the off response. Strips of muscle from the opossum esophagus and LES were connected to force-displacement transducers, placed in tissue baths containing oxygenated Krebs solution at 37 degrees C, and stimulated by an electrical field. 1H-[1,2, 4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), a selective inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase, antagonized the off response, shortened its latency, and blocked the first phase of LES relaxation. ODQ also antagonized LES relaxation by exogenous nitric oxide (NO) but not relaxations by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). Part of the nerve-induced LES relaxation and the off response appear to be mediated by the second messenger cGMP. These studies indicate that VIP-induced LES relaxation is not mediated by cGMP and therefore do not support the hypothesis that VIP produces LES relaxation by causing the generation of NO.

Effect of K + and C1 - channel blockers on mechanical and electrical properties of opossum lower esophageal sphincter (LES)

Effect of K + and C1 - channel blockers on mechanical and electrical properties of opossum lower esophageal sphincter (LES)

Enhanced substance P response of botulinum toxin-injected opossum lower esophageal sphincter

Enhanced substance P response of botulinum toxin-injected opossum lower esophageal sphincter

P-544 - The effect of Z-338, a new gastroprokinetic agent, on the isolated segment of the opossum lower esophageal sphincter

P-544 - The effect of Z-338, a new gastroprokinetic agent, on the isolated segment of the opossum lower esophageal sphincter

Biphasic relaxation of the opossum lower esophageal sphincter: roles of NO., VIP, and CGRP.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and nitric oxide (NO.) are thought to mediate lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation. Transverse muscle strips from the opossum LES were used to test this hypothesis. Electrical field stimulation (EFS) produced a biphasic LES relaxation: a rapid component during the stimulus was more prominent at lower stimulus frequencies, and a sustained component was more prominent at higher frequencies. N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine and hemoglobin inhibited the rapid component but affected the sustained component less. Exogenous VIP decreased LES tone. A number of purported VIP antagonists blocked neither VIP-induced nor EFS-induced relaxation of the LES. The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist CGRP-(8-37) did not alter EFS-induced LES relaxation. EFS-induced relaxation of opossum LES muscle is biphasic, and the initial, rapid component of the relaxation is mediated primarily by NO. The mediator of the sustained component was not identified.