PGE2 maintains the tone of the guinea pig trachea through a balance between activation of contractile EP1 receptors and relaxant EP2 receptors.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

The guinea pig trachea (GPT) is commonly used in airway pharmacology. The aim of this study was to define the expression and function of EP receptors for PGE(2) in GPT as there has been ambiguity concerning their role.

Experimental approach

Expression of mRNA for EP receptors and key enzymes in the PGE(2) pathway were assessed by real-time PCR using species-specific primers. Functional studies of GPT were performed in tissue organ baths.

Key results

Expression of mRNA for the four EP receptors was found in airway smooth muscle. PGE(2) displayed a bell-shaped concentration-response curve, where the initial contraction was inhibited by the EP(1) receptor antagonist ONO-8130 and the subsequent relaxation by the EP(2) receptor antagonist PF-04418948

SUBMITTER: Safholm J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3631371 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature