Impairment of epithelium-dependent relaxation in coaxial bioassay by reactive oxygen species

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of reactive oxygen species on the activity of epithelium-derived relaxant factor (EpDRF) released by guinea-pig tracheal epithelium. Reactive oxygen species were generated by the electrolysis of the physiological buffer in which the tissues were bathed. Epithelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine in precontracted rat anococcygeus muscle that was placed in epithelium-intact guinea-pig trachea (coaxial bioassay system) was significantly attenuated when the tissues were exposed to electrolysis. Impairment of the acetylcholine response was prevented by incubation with free radical scavengers prior to electrolysis. In isolated rings of guinea-pig trachea, the contractile responses elicited by acetylcholine, histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine were not altered after electrolysis of the bathing solution. The results of the present study suggested that exposure to reactive oxygen species impaired EpDRF release from guinea-pig trachea epithelium but did not alter the contractility of tracheal smooth muscle.