PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Yoshio Tanaka

Publications and source records attributed to Yoshio Tanaka.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Function of beta1-adrenoceptors and mRNA expression of beta1- and beta2-adrenoceptors in guinea-pig esophagus.

beta-Adrenoceptor subtypes mediating relaxation were examined by using pharmacological and molecular analyses in guinea-pig esophageal muscularis mucosae. (-)-Isoprenaline-induced relaxations were antagonized by (+/-)-propranolol (pA2 = 8.47+/-0.07), a selective beta1-adrenoceptor antagonist, (+/-)-2-hydroxy-5-[2-[[2-hydroxy-3-[4-[1-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]phenoxy]propyl]amino]ethoxy]-benzamide methanesulfonate (CGP20712A; pA(2)=9.43+/-0.09), and a selective beta(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist, (+/-)-1-[2,3-(dihydro-7-methyl-1H-inden-4-yl)oxy]-3-[(1-methylethyl)amino]-2-butanol hydrochloride (ICI-118,5511; pA2 = 7.11+/-0.04), indicating that beta(1)-adrenoceptors but not beta2- or beta3-adrenoceptors were essentially involved in beta-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxations. However, the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) for beta1- and beta2-adrenoceptors, but not for beta3-adrenoceptors, was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). These results clearly suggest that not all beta-adrenoceptor mRNA expressed strictly reflect functional receptors in guinea-pig esophageal muscularis mucosae.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

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

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

4-Aminopyridine↗

Possible involvement of prostaglandins F(2alpha) and D(2) in acetylcholine-induced positive inotropy in isolated mouse left atria.

The inotropic action of prostaglandins PGF(2alpha), PGD(2) and PGE(2) on isolated mouse left atria was characterized and compared with the positive inotropic action of acetylcholine, which has previously been shown to be mediated by prostaglandins released from the endocardial endothelium. PGF(2alpha), PGD(2) and PGE(2) produced positive inotropic responses; the time course of the change in contractile force induced by PGF(2alpha) and PGD(2) was about the same as that by acetylcholine, while that by PGE(2) was slower. Fluprostenol and sulprostone, FP and EP receptor agonists, respectively, had positive inotropic effects while BW-245C, a DP receptor agonist, had no effect. AH-6809, a DP receptor antagonist, had no inhibitory effect on the positive inotropic response to PGD(2). Dimethylamiloride, an inhibitor of Na(+)/H(+) exchange, inhibited the positive inotropic response to PGF(2alpha), PGD(2) and acetylcholine, but not PGE(2). Fluorometric pH measurement with carboxy-SNARF-1-loaded atrial myocytes revealed no change in intracellular pH on application of PGF(2alpha). PGF(2alpha) and PGD(2) significantly prolonged the duration of the atrial action potential while PGE(2) had no significant effect. These findings suggest that prostaglandins induce positive inotropic response in mouse atria through FP and EP receptor stimulation and that the former mechanism mediates in part the positive inotropic response to acetylcholine.

Action Potentials↗

Phospholipase C inhibitors suppress spontaneous mechanical activity of guinea pig urinary bladder smooth muscle.

Urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM) exhibits spontaneous rhythmic contraction. This spontaneous mechanical activity is generated in the presence of neuronal blockade and thus is myogenic in origin. The spontaneous myogenic contraction of UBSM may be the fundamental determinant of the physiological functions of the urinary bladder to store and excrete urine. Although the mechanisms by which UBSM generates spontaneous contraction have not been completely ascertained, its induction has been suggested to be intimately associated with smooth muscle cell action potentials to enhance extracellular Ca(2+) influx through voltage-gated L-type Ca(2+) channels. However, the alteration of membrane electrical activity does not seem to be the exclusive trigger mechanism for the generation of the spontaneous contraction. In the present study, we show that spontaneous mechanical activity of guinea pig UBSM is substantially diminished by an inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC), U-73122, but is not affected by its inactive form, U-73343. Significant attenuation of the mechanical activity can be also obtained with another PLC inhibitor 2-nitro-4-carboxyphenyl-N,N-diphenylcarbamate. Our present findings suggest a significant role for the activation of PLC and subsequent inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced Ca(2+) release mechanism as an alternative triggering system for inducing spontaneous mechanical activity of UBSM. The present results support the idea that the action potential is not the sole pacemaker mechanism by which spontaneous contraction is induced in UBSM.

Animals↗

Pharmacological evidence for involvement of phospholipase D, protein kinase C, and sodium-calcium exchanger in alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated negative inotropy in adult mouse ventricle.

The intracellular signalling pathway for alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated negative inotropy was studied pharmacologically in isolated adult mouse ventricle. The negative inotropy was inhibited by GF-109203X, a nonselective protein kinase C inhibitor. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate also produced sustained negative inotropy, which was inhibited by KB-R7943, a Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger inhibitor. The alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated negative inotropy was augmented by RHC-80267, a diacylglycerol lipase inhibitor, but was inhibited either by C(2)-ceramide, a phospholipase D inhibitor, and high concentration of propranolol (50 micro M), which inhibits phosphatidate phosphohydrolase. The inotropy was not affected by U-73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor. Lavendustin-A, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, also inhibited the negative inotropy. These findings suggest that alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated negative inotropy in adult mouse ventricle is mediated by activation of tyrosine kinase, the phospholipase D-phosphatidate phosphohydrolase pathway, and protein kinase C.

Animals↗

Inhibition of agonist-induced positive inotropy by a selective Rho-associated kinase inhibitor, Y-27632.

We examined the effect of Y-27632 ((+)-(R)-trans-4-(1-aminoethyl)-N-(4-pyridyl)cyclo-hexanecarboxamide), a selective Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, on agonist-induced inotropy in isolated mouse left atria. Endothelin-1, angiotensin-II, and prostaglandin F(2)(alpha) (PGF(2)(alpha)) produced positive inotropy, which was significantly attenuated by Y-27632 (100 microM). On the other hand, isoproterenol-induced positive inotropy was not attenuated by the drug. These results provide the first evidence that the Rho/ROCK pathway is involved in endothelin-1-, angiotensin-II-, and PGF(2)(alpha)-induced positive inotropy, but not in beta-adrenoceptor-mediated positive inotropy.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Pharmacological characterization of alpha1-adrenoceptor in mouse iliac artery.

Subtypes of alpha(1)-adrenoceptor-mediated contraction to noradrenaline in the mouse iliac artery were determined (pharmaco-mechanically). Prazosin, 2-[2,6-dimethoxyphenoxyethyl]aminomethyl-1,4-benzodioxane hydrochloride (WB 4101) and 5-methylurapidil shifted the concentration-response curve for noradrenaline to the right, giving the pA(2) values of 9.30, 9.55 and 8.71, respectively. 8-[2-[4-(2-Methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]-ethyl]-8-azaspiro[4,5]decane-7,9-dione dihydrochloride (BMY 7378) shifted the concentration-response curve for noradrenaline to the right and the pA(2) value was 6.62. These results indicate that the contractile response to noradrenaline in the mouse iliac artery is predominantly mediated by the alpha(1A) -adrenoceptor subtype.

Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Agonists↗

Pharmacological evidence that tetraethylammonium-sensitive, iberiotoxin-insensitive K+ channels function as a negative feedback element for sympathetic neurotransmission by suppressing omega-conotoxin-GVIA-insensitive Ca2+ channels in the relaxation of rabbit facial vein.

The facial vein isolated from various species relaxes in response to electrical field stimulation (EFS). EFS-elicited relaxation of the facial vein is mediated through the release of noradrenaline (NA) from sympathetic nerve endings and the subsequent activation of smooth muscle beta-adrenoceptors. The release of NA from sympathetic nerve endings in arterial tissues requires transmembrane Ca2+ influx, mediated predominantly by voltage-gated N-type Ca2+ channels. The present pharmaco-mechanical study was undertaken to determine whether the N-type channel is the exclusive pre-junctional Ca2+ channel mediating NA release from sympathetic nerve endings in the rabbit facial vein. Possible roles of K+ channels in the sympathetic neurotransmission were also examined, especially focusing on the contribution of voltage-dependent, Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channels. An isolated ring preparation of the rabbit facial vein exhibited intrinsic myogenic tone which lasted for several hours when stretched. EFS produced frequency-dependent (0.25-2 Hz) relaxation in this preparation. EFS-elicited relaxation was abolished by tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 microM), guanethidine (5 microM) or propranolol (1 microM), indicating that NA released from sympathetic nerve endings was mediating the relaxant response. NA-mediated neurogenic relaxation was almost eliminated by omega-conotoxin-GVIA (1 microM), an N-type Ca2+ channel blocker. On the other hand, tetraethylammonium (TEA, 2 mM) strongly potentiated EFS-elicited relaxation without affecting the relaxation induced by exogenously applied NA. This potentiation by TEA was not profoundly diminished by omega-conotoxin-GVIA (1 microM) alone or omega-conotoxin-GVIA (1 microM) plus omega-agatoxin IVA (10 nM, P-type channel blocker), but was almost abolished by omega-conotoxin-GVIA (1 microM) plus omega-agatoxin IVA (10 nM) plus omega-conotoxin-MVIIC (3 microM, N-, P- and Q-type channel blocker). The potentiating effect of TEA was not mimicked by iberiotoxin (100 nM) or charybdotoxin (3 microM), both of which block BKCa channels. These findings suggest that pre-junctional N-type Ca2+ channels play the predominant role in the sympathetic nerve transmission in the rabbit facial vein, as in peripheral arterial vascular beds. In addition, Ca2+ channels resistant to 1 microM omega-conotoxin-GVIA, most probably Q-type channels, appear to be present at the sympathetic nerve endings in the rabbit facial vein and contribute substantially to the regulation of NA release from the nerve endings. Prejunctional K+ channels, sensitive to TEA but pharmacologically distinct from iberiotoxin-sensitive BKCa channels, seem to be functionally coupled intimately with the omega-conotoxin-GVIA-resistant Ca2+ channels, and thus function as a negative feedback element in sympathetic neurotransmission in the rabbit facial vein.

Adrenergic Fibers↗

2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate causes dissociation between membrane electrical and mechanical activity in guinea-pig urinary bladder smooth muscle.

Physiological functions of urinary bladder profoundly reflect smooth muscle mechanical activity. Urinary bladder smooth muscle itself produces myogenic rhythmic contraction, and this spontaneous mechanical event could be the fundamental determinant of urinary bladder functions. The spontaneous contraction of urinary bladder smooth muscle is thought to be triggered primarily by the action potential generated in this smooth muscle cell. Modulators of ion channels contributing to the configuration of action potential also affect urinary bladder smooth muscle mechanical activity as expected exactly from the effects on the electrical event. In the present study, we show that the frequency of action potential recorded in intact strip of guinea-pig urinary bladder smooth muscle is dramatically increased by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB; 30 microM) from 0.2 Hz to 1 Hz (approximately 500% increments). In contrast to an increasing effect expected from the membrane electrical alterations, mechanical activity (both contraction amplitude and frequency) of this smooth muscle is unexpectedly reduced by the same concentration of 2-APB to approximately 35% of the control. The present results firstly show an apparent dissociation of electrical-mechanical coupling in urinary bladder smooth muscle. The alteration of membrane electrical activity might not be the exclusive trigger mechanism responsible for the generation of spontaneous rhythmic contraction of this smooth muscle.

Action Potentials↗

Aging, ion channel expression, and vascular function.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and aging is one of the main risk factors for its development. Coronary arteries nurture the heart, but as age progresses, they suffer changes that make them stiffer, thicker, and with higher spontaneous contractile activity. Even in the absence of pathological atherosclerotic lesions, these changes make the coronary arteries at risk for vasospasm and the individual at risk for myocardial ischemia and heart failure. Thus, knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in the vascular physiology, disease, and aging of the coronary circulation is required to develop strategies to preserve the quality of life of an increasingly aging population. One of the key factors that regulate coronary arterial tone is the activity of K+ channels in the vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). In particular, voltage-dependent and Ca(2+)-activated K+ (BKCa) channels, which are abundant in the coronary SMCs, are targets of vasoconstrictors and vasorelaxants, and play a key role in determining arterial tone and diameter. Aging induces a reduction in the density of the alpha-subunit of BKCa channels in coronary smooth muscle, lowers baseline endothelial release of the relaxant nitric oxide (NO), and increases the response to endothelial constrictor factors and K+. Thus, aging induces the remodeling of important proteins involved in the excitability and contractility of the coronary circulation. Altogether, these changes increase the risk of coronary artery vasospasm, myocardial ischemia, and infarct in the elderly.

Aging↗

Effect of SEA0400, a novel inhibitor of sodium-calcium exchanger, on myocardial ionic currents.

The effects of 2-[4-[(2,5-difluorophenyl) methoxy]phenoxy]-5-ethoxyaniline (SEA0400), a newly synthesized Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) inhibitor, on the NCX current and other membrane currents were examined in isolated guinea-pig ventricular myocytes and compared with those of 2-[2-[4-(4-nitrobenzyloxy) phenyl]ethyl]isothiourea (KB-R7943). SEA0400 concentration-dependently inhibited the NCX current with a 10 fold higher potency than that of KB-R7943; 1 microM SEA0400 and 10 microM KB-R7943 inhibited the NCX current by more than 80%. KB-R7943, at 10 microM, inhibited the sodium current, L-type calcium current, delayed rectifier potassium current and inwardly rectifying potassium current by more than 50%, but SEA0400 (1 microM) had no significant effect on these currents. These results indicate that SEA0400 is a potent and highly selective inhibitor of NCX, and would be a powerful tool for further studies on the role of NCX in the heart and the therapeutic potential of its inhibition.

Aniline Compounds↗

Effects of HNS-32, a novel antiarrhythmic agent, on guinea-pig myocardium.

The electrophysiological and mechanical effects of HNS-32, a novel azulene-1-carboxamidine derivative with antiarrhythmic activity, were studied in isolated guinea-pig myocardial preparations. HNS-32 (10(-6)-10(-4) mol/l) concentration-dependently decreased the maximum rate of rise (V(max)) of action potential in isolated papillary muscle; the potency was the same or slightly higher than that of disopyramide. At 10(-4) mol/l, HNS-32 also shortened the action potential duration (APD) and depolarized the resting membrane potential; these effects were similar to those of 10(-5) mol/l verapamil. HNS-32 (10(-7)-10(-4) mol/l), as well as verapamil (10(-8)-10(-5) mol/l) and disopyramide (10(-6)-10(-3) mol/l), had concentration-dependent negative chronotropic and negative inotropic effects on isolated right atrial and right ventricular papillary muscle preparations, respectively. The concentration-response relationship for the positive chronotropic effect of isoproterenol was not affected by HNS-32 (10(-5) mol/l). In isolated ventricular myocytes, HNS-32 (10(-6)-10(-4) mol/l) concentration-dependently inhibited the peak amplitude of the L-type Ca(2+) current. These results suggest that NHS-32 has V(max) reducing activity on myocardial tissue, which may be responsible for antiarrhythmic effect. The drug may also have additional effect on the Ca(2+) channel at higher concentrations.

Action Potentials↗

[BK channels play an important role as a negative feedback mechanism in the regulation of spontaneous rhythmic contraction of urinary bladder smooth muscles].

Smooth muscles of urinary bladder wall exhibit spontaneous rhythmic contraction which is myogenic in origin. Although the precise mechanism responsible for the generation of this mechanical activity remains to be established, it can be related closely to the action potential (AP) in urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM) cell, and may be the fundamental constituent to determine urinary bladder physiological functions to store and micturate urine. In the present study, possible roles of voltage-dependent and Ca(2+)-sensitive K+ (BK) channels, highly expressed in UBSM cells, were examined in the regulation of spontaneous UBSM contraction with reference to the generation of AP. Iberiotoxin (IbTx), a selective BK channel blocker, strongly increased mechanical activity and AP generation in guinea-pig UBSM. In contrast, BK channel openers (NS-1619, niflumic acid; estradiol, tamoxifen: BK channel alpha- and beta-subunit activators, respectively) significantly diminished AP generation and spontaneous mechanical activity. The present study indicates that BK channels play the primary role as a negative feedback element to limit extracellular Ca2+ influx through affecting AP configurations in the generation of UBSM contraction. BK channel openers including beta-subunit activators may be a potentially useful therapeutic remedy for the treatment of urinary bladder dysfunctions such as frequent urination.

Action Potentials↗

Purification and characterization of a novel fungal alpha-glucosidase from Mortierella alliacea with high starch-hydrolytic activity.

The fungal strain Mortierella alliacea YN-15 is an arachidonic acid producer that assimilates soluble starch despite having undetectable alpha-amylase activity. Here, a alpha-glucosidase responsible for the starch hydrolysis was purified from the culture broth through four-step column chromatography. Maltose and other oligosaccharides were less preferentially hydrolyzed and were used as a glucosyl donor for transglucosylation by the enzyme, demonstrating distinct substrate specificity as a fungal alpha-glucosidase. The purified enzyme consisted of two heterosubunits of 61 and 31 kDa that were not linked by a covalent bond but stably aggregated to each other even at a high salt concentration (0.5 M), and behaved like a single 92-kDa component in gel-filtration chromatography. The hydrolytic activity on maltose reached a maximum at 55 degrees C and in a pH range of 5.0-6.0, and in the presence of ethanol, the transglucosylation reaction to form ethyl-alpha-D-glucoside was optimal at pH 5.0 and a temperature range of 45-50 degrees C.

Binding Sites↗

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies against the second-generation schizonts of Leucocytozoon caulleryi.

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), R1 and M5, were established against the second-generation schizont of Leucocytozoon caulleryi (L. caulleryi). Both antibodies reacted to membrane and internal structure proteins of the second-generation schizont by immunofluorescence microscopy. Molecular weight of the second-generation schizont (2GS) antigen was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting. At least 40 protein bands were detected in 2GS antigen by SDS-PAGE under reduced condition and ranged from 10 to 270 kDa. MAb R1 reacted to polypeptides of 150-268 kDa in 2GS antigen, whereas MAb M5 did with that of 66 kDa. Injection with a protein of 2GS antigen fractionated by affinity chromatography using MAbs R1 and M5 protected chickens against challenge with sporozoites of L. caulleryi. These results suggest that MAbs, R1 and M5, recognize 2GS antigen of L caulleryi.

Animals↗

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

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

Animals↗

The beta2- and beta3-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation induced by fenoterol in guinea pig taenia caecum.

Fenoterol, a beta2-adrenoceptor selective agonist, belongs to the arylethanolamine class. To understand the receptor subtypes responsible for beta-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation of guinea pig taenia caecum, we investigated the effect of fenoterol. Fenoterol caused concentration-dependent relaxation of the guinea pig taenia caecum. Propranolol, bupranolol and butoxamine produced shifts of the concentration-response curve for fenoterol. Schild regression analyses carried out for propranolol, butoxamine and bupranolol against fenoterol gave pA2 values of 8.41, 6.33 and 8.44, respectively. However, in the presence of 3 x 10(-4) M atenolol, 10(-4) M butoxamine and 10(-6) M phentolamine to block the beta1-, beta2- and a-adrenoceptor effects, respectively, Schild regression analysis carried out for bupranolol against fenoterol gave pA2 values of 5.80. These results suggest that the relaxant response to fenoterol in the guinea pig taenia caecum is mediated by both the beta2- and the beta3-adrenoceptors.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Nitric oxide (NO) primarily accounts for endothelium-dependent component of beta-adrenoceptor-activated smooth muscle relaxation of mouse aorta in response to isoprenaline.

Isoprenaline is known to produce vascular relaxation through activation of beta-adrenoceptors. In recent years, beta-adrenoceptor-activated vascular relaxation has been the focus of pharmacological study in terms of both the receptor subtypes and the intracellular signaling mechanisms which trigger smooth muscle mechanical functions. In addition, the possible contribution of the endothelium to beta-adrenoceptor-activated relaxation of vascular beds has provoked considerable discussion, with consensus still to be established. In the present study, we examined the effects of isoprenaline on isolated mouse aortic smooth muscles to determine whether the presence of the endothelium plays a substantial role in the relaxation it produces. A possible role for nitric oxide (NO) as a primary endothelium-derived factor released in response to isoprenaline was also elucidated pharmaco-mechanically. In isolated thoracic and abdominal aortae pre-contracted with phenylephrine (3 x 10(-7)-10(-6) M), isoprenaline elicited relaxation in a concentration-dependent fashion (10(-9)-10(-5) M). In endothelium-denuded preparations, isoprenaline-elicited relaxation was reduced to 40-50% of the response obtained in endothelium-intact preparations. In the preparations treated with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 3 x 10(-4) M; an NO synthase inhibitor) or 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo[4,3-a]-quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 10(-5) M; a soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor), isoprenaline-elicited relaxation was attenuated almost to the same degree as the response in endothelium-denuded preparations. The degree of endothelium-dependency in isoprenaline-elicited relaxation was largely diminished when treated with propranolol (3 x 10(-6) M). The present findings indicate that isoprenaline substantially relaxes the mouse aorta with both endothelium-dependent and -independent mechanisms. The endothelium-dependent component seems to correspond to about 50% of the isoprenaline-elicited relaxation, and is almost entirely due to endothelium-derived NO. Activation of propranolol (3 x 10(-6) M)-inhibitable beta-adrenoceptors seems to be primarily responsible for the NO-mediated endothelium-dependent pathway in isoprenaline-elicited relaxant response of mouse aorta.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗