Michel R. Corboz

Nociceptin inhibits capsaicin-induced bronchoconstriction in isolated guinea pig lung.

The isolated perfused guinea pig lung was used to investigate the effect of nociceptin against bronchoconstriction elicited by endogenous and exogenous tachykinins. The opioid receptor-like 1 (ORL1) receptor agonist, nociceptin/orphanin FQ (0.001-1 microM) produced a dose-related inhibition of the capsaicin-induced bronchoconstriction (10(-5)-10(3) microg) in isolated guinea pig lung (P<0.05), a response mediated by the release of endogenous tachykinins from lung sensory nerves. The new ORL1 receptor antagonist 1-[(3R, 4R)-1-Cyclooctylmethyl-3-hydroxymethyl-4-piperidyl]-3-ethyl-1, 3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one (J-113397) (0.3 microM) significantly blocked the inhibitory effect of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (0.01 microM) on capsaicin-induced bronchoconstriction, whereas the non-selective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (1 microM) had no effect. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (1 microM) did not affect the bronchoconstriction induced exogenously by the tachykinin NK2 receptor agonist neurokinin A. In conclusion, the present data provide evidence that nociceptin inhibits capsaicin-evoked tachykinin release from sensory nerve terminals in guinea pig lung by a prejunctional mechanism. This inhibitory action occurs independently from activation of opioid receptors. The present study also indicates that J-113397 is a potent ORL1 receptor antagonist.

Effect of anion secretion inhibitors on mucin content of airway submucosal gland ducts

In porcine bronchi, inhibition of both Cl- and[Formula: see text] transport is required to block the anion secretion response to ACh and to cause mucus accumulation within ACh-treated submucosal gland ducts [S. K. Inglis, M. R. Corboz, A. E. Taylor, and S. T. Ballard. Am. J. Physiol. 272 ( Lung Cell. Mol. Physiol. 16): L372-L377, 1997]. In this previous study, a combination of three potential [Formula: see text] transport inhibitors [1 mM acetazolamide, 1 mM DIDS, and 0.1 mM dimethylamiloride (DMA)] was used to block carbonic anhydrase, Cl-/[Formula: see text]exchange, and Na+/H+exchange, respectively. The aim of the present study was to obtain a better understanding of the mechanism of ACh-induced[Formula: see text] secretion in airway glands by determining which of the three inhibitors, in combination with bumetanide, is required to block anion secretion and so cause ductal mucin accumulation. Gland duct mucin content was measured in distal bronchi isolated from domestic pigs. Addition of either bumetanide alone, bumetanide plus acetazolamide, or bumetanide plus DIDS had no significant effect on ACh-induced mean gland duct mucin content. In contrast, glands treated with bumetanide plus DMA as well as glands treated with all four anion transport blockers were almost completely occluded with mucin after the addition of ACh. These data suggest that mucin is cleared from the ducts of bronchial submucosal glands by liquid generated from Cl-- and DMA-sensitive [Formula: see text] transport.In porcine bronchi, inhibition of both Cl- and HCO3- transport is required to block the anion secretion response to ACh and to cause mucus accumulation within ACh-treated submucosal gland ducts [S. K. Inglis, M. R. Corboz, A. E. Taylor, and S. T. Ballard. Am. J. Physiol. 272 (Lung Cell. Mol. Physiol. 16): L372-L377, 1997]. In this previous study, a combination of three potential HCO3- transport inhibitors [1 mM acetazolamide, 1 mM DIDS, and 0.1 mM dimethylamiloride (DMA)] was used to block carbonic anhydrase, Cl-/HCO3- exchange, and Na+/H+ exchange, respectively. The aim of the present study was to obtain a better understanding of the mechanism of ACh-induced HCO3- secretion in airway glands by determining which of the three inhibitors, in combination with bumetanide, is required to block anion secretion and so cause ductal mucin accumulation. Gland duct mucin content was measured in distal bronchi isolated from domestic pigs. Addition of either bumetanide alone, bumetanide plus acetazolamide, or bumetanide plus DIDS had no significant effect on ACh-induced mean gland duct mucin content. In contrast, glands treated with bumetanide plus DMA as well as glands treated with all four anion transport blockers were almost completely occluded with mucin after the addition of ACh. These data suggest that mucin is cleared from the ducts of bronchial submucosal glands by liquid generated from Cl(-)- and DMA-sensitive HCO3- transport.

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ inhibits capsaicin-induced guinea-pig airway contraction through an inward-rectifier potassium channel

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), an endogenous opioid‐like orphan receptor (NOP receptor, previously termed ORL1 receptor) agonist, has been found to inhibit capsaicin‐induced bronchoconstriction in isolated guinea‐pig lungs and in vivo. The underlying mechanisms are not clear. In the present studies, we tested the effect of N/OFQ on VR1 channel function in isolated guinea‐pig nodose ganglia cells. Capsaicin increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration in these cells through activation of vanilloid receptors. Capsaicin‐induced Ca2+ responses were attenuated by pretreatment of nodose neurons with N/OFQ (1 μM). N/OFQ inhibitory effect on the Ca2+ response in nodose ganglia cells was antagonized by tertiapin (0.5 μM), an inhibitor of inward‐rectifier K+ channels, but not by verapamil, a voltage gated Ca2+ channel blocker, indicating that an inward‐rectifier K+ channel is involved in N/OFQ inhibitory effect. In isolated guinea‐pig bronchus, N/OFQ (1 μM) inhibited capsaicin‐induced airway contraction. Tertiapin (0.5 μM) abolished the N/OFQ inhibition of capsaicin‐induced bronchial contraction. Capsaicin (10 μg) increased pulmonary inflation pressure in the isolated perfused guinea‐pig lungs. This response was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with N/OFQ (1 μM). Tertiapin also abolished the N/OFQ inhibitory effect on capsaicin‐induced bronchoconstriction in perfused lungs. Capsaicin increased the release of substance P and neurokinin A from isolated lungs. N/OFQ (1 μM) blocked the capsaicin‐induced tachykinin release. These results indicate that N/OFQ‐induced hyperpolarization of tachykinin containing airway sensory nerves, through an inward‐rectifier K+ channel activation, accounts for the inhibition of capsaicin‐evoked broncoconstriction.

Pharmacological characterization of postjunctional α-adrenoceptors in human nasal mucosa

Background Functional α1- and α2-adrenoreceptor subtype pharmacology was characterized in an in vitro human nasal mucosa contractile bioassay. Methods Nasal mucosa was obtained from 49 donor patients and mucosal strips were placed in chambers filled with Krebs–Ringer solution and attached to isometric force transducers. Results Nonselective α-adrenoreceptor agonists epinephrine, norepinephrine, and oxymetazoline produced concentration-dependent contractions of isolated human nasal mucosa (pD2= 5.2, 4.9, and 6.5, respectively). The α2-adrenoreceptor agonist BHT-920 (10 μM)–induced contractions were blocked by yohimbine (0.01–1 μM) and prazosin (0.01–1 μM) inhibited the contractile response to the α1-adrenoreceptor agonist phenylephrine (10 μM). Histological analysis showed that phenylephrine and BHT-920 differentially contracted the arteries and veins of human nasal mucosa, respectively. Conclusion Our results indicate that functional α1- and α2-adrenoceptors are present and functional in human nasal mucosa. The a 2-adrenoceptors display a predominant role in contracting the veins and the α1-adrenoceptors appear to preferentially constrict the human nasal arteries.

Tachykinin NK3 and NK1 receptor activation elicits secretion from porcine airway submucosal glands

We presently characterized the tachykinin receptor subtypes, using tachykinin receptor agonists and selective antagonists, that induce submucosal gland fluid flux (JG) from porcine tracheal explants with the hillocks technique. We also investigated the effects of the tachykinin receptor agonists on the electrophysiologic parameters of the tracheal epithelium in Ussing chambers. The NK1 tachykinin receptor agonist substance P (SP, 1 μM) and the NK3 tachykinin receptor agonist [MePhe7]neurokinin B ([MePhe7]NKB, 1 μM) induced gland fluid fluxes of 0.29±0.03 μl min−1 cm−2 (n=26) and 0.36±0.05 μl min−1 cm−2 (n=24), respectively; while the NK2 tachykinin receptor agonist [βAla8]neurokinin A (4‐10) ([βAla8]NKA (4‐10), 1 μM) had no effect on JG (n=10). The NK1 receptor antagonist CP99994 (1 μM, n=9) blocked 93% of the SP‐induced JG, whereas the NK3 receptor antagonist SB223412 (1 μM, n=12) had no effect on the SP‐induced JG. However, SB223412 (1 μM, n=9) blocked 89% of the [MePhe7]NKB‐induced JG while CP99994 (1 μM, n=10) did not affect the [MePhe7]NKB‐induced JG. The NK2 receptor antagonist SR48968 (1 μM) did not block the JG induced by either the NK1 (n=4) or NK3 (n=13) receptor agonists. The nicotinic ganglionic acetylcholine receptor antagonist hexamethonium (1 μM) and the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist atropine (1 μM) also decreased the NK3 receptor agonist‐induced JG by 67% (n=10) and 71% (n=12), respectively. The potential difference (PD), short‐circuit current (ISC), and membrane resistance (RM) of the porcine tracheal epithelial membranes were not significantly affected by any of the neurokinin agonists or antagonists (1 μM, basolateral) used in this study, although SP and [βAla8]NKA (4‐10) induced a slight transient epithelial hyperpolarization. These data suggest that NK1 and NK3 receptors induce porcine airway gland secretion by different mechanisms and that the NK3 receptor agonists induced secretion is likely due to activation of prejunctional NK3 receptors on parasympathetic nerves, resulting in acetylcholine‐release. We conclude that tachykinin receptor antagonists may have therapeutic potential in diseases with pathophysiological mucus hypersecretion such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Chlorine gas induced acute lung injury in isolated rabbit lung

This study was designed to investigate the pathogenesis of chlorine gas (Cl2) induced acute lung injury and oedema. Isolated blood-perfused rabbit lungs were ventilated either with air (n=7) or air plus 500 parts per million (ppm) of Cl2 (n=7) for 10 min. Capillary pressure, measured by analysing the pressure/time transients of pulmonary arterial, venous and double (both arterial and venous) occlusions, was unchanged in both groups. In Cl2-exposed lungs, the fluid filtration rate increased from -0.228+/-0.25 to 1.823+/-1.23 mL min(-1) x 100 g(-1) (p<0.001) and the filtration coefficient increased from 0.091+/-0.01 to 0.259+/-0.07 mL x min(-1) x cmH2O(-1) x 100 g(-1) (p<0.001). No changes were observed in the control lungs. The extravascular lung water/blood-free dry weight ratio was 8.6+/-1.6 in the Cl2 group and 4.0+/-0.5 in the control group (p<0.001), confirming that the increase in lung weight was related to accumulation of extravascular fluid. Although the alveolar flooding by oedema is explained, in part, by the Cl2-induced epithelial injury, our results suggest that Cl2 exposure induces acute lung injury and oedema due to an increased microvascular permeability.

Changes in nasal resistance and nasal geometry using pressure and acoustic rhinometry in a feline model of nasal congestion.

This is the first report describing the use and pharmacological characterization of nasal patency by both pressure rhinometry and acoustic rhinometry (AcR) in an experimental cat model of nasal congestion. In pressure rhinometry studies, aerosolized compound 48/80 (0.1–3.0%), a mast cell liberator, increased nasal airway resistance (NAR) 1.2 ± 0.6, 5.8 ± 0.5, 8.6 ± 1.1 and 7.9 ± 1.5 cmH2O·L/minute, respectively. Increases in NAR produced by compound 48/80 were associated with a 395% increase in histamine concentration found in the nasal lavage fluid. Pretreatment with the α-adrenoreceptor agonist, phenylpropanolamine (PPA; 0.1–3.0 mg/kg, i.v.), and the NO synthetase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NAME; 10 mg/kg, i.v.) attenuated the increases in NAR produced by compound 48/80. The histamine H1 antagonist chlorpheniramine (1.0 mg/kg, i.v.) and the H2 antagonist, ranitidine (1.0 mg/kg, i.v.) had no decongestant activity. Also without decongestant activity were the muscarinic antagonist atropine, the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, and the 5-HT blocker methysergide. Aerosolized histamine (0.1–1.0%) also produced a dose dependent increase in NAR. In studies using acoustic rhinometry (AcR), intranasal application of compound 48/80 (0.1–1.0%) elicited pronounced decreases in nasal cavity volumes and minimum cross-sectional area (Amin). Pretreatment with PPA (3 mg/kg, i.v. or 10 mg/kg, p.o.) attenuated the decreases in nasal volume and Amin. The effects of topical intranasal histamine (0.1–1.0%) on nasal geometry were similar to compound 48/80. We conclude that the cat is a useful model for evaluating the pharmacological actions of potential nasal decongestants. Furthermore, we also conclude that AcR is a useful method for noninvasive assessment of nasal patency in a preclinical setting.

Inhibitory activity of nociceptin/orphanin FQ on capsaicin-induced bronchoconstriction in the guinea-pig.

In vivo studies were conducted in the guinea-pig to investigate the activity of the selective ORL1 receptor agonist nociceptin/orphanin FQ against capsaicin-induced bronchoconstriction, a response mediated by the release of tachykinins from pulmonary sensory nerves. Anesthetized guinea-pigs were ventilated with a rodent ventilator and placed in a whole-body plethysmograph, and pulmonary resistance (R(L)) and dynamic lung compliance (C(Dyn)) were monitored. Intravenous administration of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (0.3 mg/kg) inhibited the capsaicin-induced bronchoconstriction. The new nonpeptide ORL1 receptor antagonist 1-[(3R,4R)-1-cyclooctylmethyl-3-hydroxymethyl-4-piperidyl]-3-ethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one (J-113397) administered intravenously (1 mg/kg) produced a significant blockade of the inhibitory effect of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (0.3 mg/kg) on capsaicin-induced bronchoconstriction, whereas the nonselective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (1 mg/kg) had no effect. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (0.3 mg/kg) did not affect the bronchoconstriction induced exogenously by the tachykinin NK2 receptor agonist [beta-ala8]-neurokinin A (4-10). We conclude that nociceptin inhibits in vivo capsaicin-evoked tachykinin release from sensory nerve terminals in the guinea-pig by a prejunctional mechanism. This inhibitory action does not involve activation of opioid receptors.

Tachykinin NK1 receptor-mediated vasorelaxation in human pulmonary arteries

Tachykinin NK1 receptors are present on human pulmonary arteries. Addition of the specific tachykinin NK1 receptor agonist, [Met-OMe11]substance P produced a concentration-dependent relaxation (0.1 nM to 100 nM) in pulmonary arteries preconstricted with phenylephrine (30 microM). The EC50 (agonist concentration needed to produce 50% of the maximal relaxation) value for [Met-OMe11]substance P was 3.7+/-0.7 nM. The relaxation induced by [Met-OMe11]substance P was selectively inhibited by the tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist CP 99994 (1 nM), with a pKb of 9.9+/-0.3. Treatment with the tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist SR 48968 (100 nM) did not significantly affect the vasorelaxation due to [Met-OMe11]substance P (P > 0.05, one-way analysis of variance; ANOVA).

Postjunctional α2C-adrenoceptor contractility in human saphenous vein

Abstract The postjunctional α 2 -adrenoceptor-mediated contractility was characterized in human saphenous vein derived from coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Human saphenous vein contracted to α 2 -adrenoceptor selective agonists BHT-920 (5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-6-(2-propenyl)-4 H -thiazolo[4,5-d]azepin-2-amine dihydrochloride; p D 2 =6.7±0.1) and UK 14,304 (5-Bromo-6-(2-imidazolin-2-ylamino)quinoxaline; p D 2 =7.2±0.1). BHT-920-induced contractions were inhibited by the α 2 -adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine (17-Hydroxy-yohimban-16-carboxylic acid methyl ester hydrochloride; p A 2 =8.7±0.5), but not by the α 1 -adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (1-[4-Amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-quinazolinyl]-4-[2-furanylcarbonyl]-piperazine hydrochloride; 300 nM). In contrast, prazosin (p K b =7.9±0.2) potently antagonized contractions elicited by the α 1 -adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (( R )-3-Hydroxy-α-[(methylamino)methyl] benzenemethanol hydrochloride; p D 2 =4.9±0.1), indicating that both α 2 - and α 1 -adrenoceptor evoke human saphenous vein contractions. Functional antagonist activity estimates (p A 2 or p K b ) obtained for the α-adrenoceptor antagonists ARC 239 (2-[2-(4-(2-Methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl]-4,4-dimethyl-1,3-(2 H ,4 H )-isoquinolindione dihydrochloride), WB 4101 (2-(2,6-Dimethoxyphenoxyethyl)aminomethyl-1,4-benzodioxane hydrochloride) and HV 723 (α-ethyl-3,4,5-trimethoxy-α-(3-((2-(2-methoxyphenoxy) ethyl)amino)propyl)benzeneacetonitrile) against BHT-920-induced human saphenous vein contractions were 7.0±0.6, 8.3±0.6 and 7.7±0.3, respectively. The α 2 -adrenoceptor subtype affinities (p K i ) obtained in recombinant human α 2A -, α 2B - and α 2C -adrenoceptor competition binding assays were 8.6, 8.3 and 8.6 for yohimbine; 6.3, 8.4 and 7.0 for ARC 239; 8.4, 7.5 and 8.4 for WB 4101 and 7.5, 7.4 and 7.9 for HV 723, respectively. Taken together, the binding and functional antagonist activity estimates obtained in these investigations indicate that α 2C -adrenoceptor is the predominant postjunctional α 2 -adrenoceptor subtype in human saphenous vein.