Heather A. Briand

Effects of modulatory agents on neurally-mediated responses of trout intestinal smooth musclein vitro.

Mediators and mechanisms responsible for the inhibitory modulation of trout intestinal smooth muscle were examined using a series of putative mediators and substances known to modulate neurotransmission in mammalian systems. Frequency response relationships to transmural stimulation and concentration response relationships to 5-hydroxytryptamine, carbachol, and substance P were established on paired segments of rainbow trout intestinein vitro in the presence and absence of putative modulatory agents. Modulation of neurally-mediated contractions of trout intestine was achieved with dibutyryl cyclic AMP and forskolin, agents that increase intracellular levels of cyclic AMP. The effect appears to be at the level of the smooth muscle, since the adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin, inhibited muscarinic and serotoninergic contractions as well as transmurally stimulated contractions. Substance P-induced contractions were unaffected by forskolin. The endogenous agonists/neurotransmitters which would increase cyclic AMP levels in rainbow trout intestinal smooth muscle are as yet unknown. The effects do not appear to be modulated by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), calcitonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), or agents that activate β-adrenoceptors. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and α2-adrenergenic agonists are possible agents which will decrease contractility of the smooth muscle. They were only active in the proximal intestine and on transmurally stimulated contractions. The effects of both PGE2 and α2-agonists appear to be prejunctional, decreasing release of contractile neurotransmitters in the enteric nervous system.

The effects of acute temperature change on smooth muscle contractility of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) intestine.

The effects of altered temperature in vivo on in vitro smooth muscle contractility of rainbow trout intestine were investigated. Initial analysis of the data revealed a seasonal variation in the maximal tension of intestinal smooth muscle attainable with 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin), carbachol, KCl, and transmural stimulation in vitro. Peaks occurred in spring and troughs in autumn. There was no seasonal cycling of the potency of the stimulants. All data regarding the efficacy of the stimulants were subsequently corrected for seasonal variation. The response of smooth muscle depends on the temperature of the water in which the fish are placed (2°C−20°C). There was a marked linear increase in efficacy and a slight increase in potency of the stimulants with increasing temperature. Changes in responsiveness of the intestinal smooth muscle occurred within 30 min of moving the fish between tanks. Smooth muscle reactivity returned to pretreatment values by 48h. Any changes in responsiveness with regards to time were unlikely to be as a consequence of water temperature, but may have been a result of handling stress.

Changes in smooth muscle contractility of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) intestine during acclimation to altered temperature.

The effects of altered water temperature in vivo on in vitro smooth muscle contractility of rainbow trout intestine were investigated. Temperature has a significant effect on receptor-mediated intestinal smooth muscle contractility in the rainbow trout. The efficacy of 5-HT, carbachol, and transmural stimulation increased with temperatures above 10°C, with an optimal increase at 15°C. There was also a modest increase in the potency of 5-HT and carbachol within 2 days of establishing trout at 20°C. By day 8, most of these changes had either stabilized or were returning to control values, suggesting that acclimation changes in membranes and enzyme activities were taking effect. However, the contractile responses to carbachol and transmural stimulation were still increasing at this time. This may imply that the muscarinic receptors are more resistant to membrane acclimation changes and may take longer to adapt. Because these experiments were controlled for handling stress and seasonal changes that affect contractility, we have been able to demonstrate some early changes in smooth muscle contractility that occur during acclimation to altered temperature.