title: Modulation of airway responses by prostaglandins in young and fully grown rabbits.
abstract: Maturational changes have been noted in neurally mediated contractile and relaxant responses in airways from New Zealand White rabbits. In this study, we focused on prostaglandins with bronchoprotective properties as potential modulators of airway tone in maturing rabbits. Tracheal rings from 1-, 2-, and 13-wk-old rabbits were assessed for neurally mediated contractile and relaxant responses produced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) of nerves in the presence and absence of the prostaglandin inhibitor, indomethacin (Indo). We also measured EFS-induced release of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and the stable metabolite of prostacyclin, 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1alpha) (6-keto-PGF(1alpha)). In the presence of Indo, EFS produced significant increases in contractile responses in segments from 1- and 2-wk-old animals but not in segments from 13-wk adult rabbits. Tracheal rings from 1- and 2-wk-old animals precontracted with neurokinin A (NKA) relaxed 100% in response to EFS when Indo was not in the bath. In rings from 13-wk-old animals, relaxation was 40%. With Indo, relaxation was abolished in 1-wk-old animals and reduced to 30% in the 2- and 13-wk-old groups. Buffer from baths collected after EFS had significant increases in PGE(2) and 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) released from tissues from 1- vs. 2- and 13-wk-old animals. Dose response curves to PGE(2) using tissues precontracted to NKA showed significant increases in relaxant responses in 1- and 2- vs. 13-wk-old rabbits. In rabbit airways, this study demonstrates enhanced modulation of airway tone by PGE(2) and greater release of the bronchoprotective prostaglandins PGE(2) and prostacyclin early in life.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Dept. of Pediatrics, Rm. J 303, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, 1400 Jackson St., Denver, CO 80206, USA.
authors.forename: Gary L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Larsen
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Loader
authors.forename: Cori
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fratelli
authors.forename: June-ku Brian
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Azzeddine
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dakhama
authors.forename: Giuseppe N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Colasurdo
mesh_terms: D015121:6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000378:metabolism; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D009126:Muscle Relaxation / Q000187:drug effects; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000187:drug effects; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011817:Rabbits; D014132:Trachea / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D011453:Prostaglandins; D015121:6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha; D015232:Dinoprostone