Functional assessment of beta adrenoceptor subtypes in human colonic circular and longitudinal (taenia coli) smooth

L Manara1, T Croci, G Aureggi

  • 1Research Centre Sanofi Midy, Via GB Piranesi 38, 20137 Milan, Italy. luciano.manara@sanofi-synthelabo.com

Gut
|August 15, 2000
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Human colon smooth muscle relaxation involves beta-1, beta-2, and beta-3 adrenoceptors. Different subtypes show varying potencies and effects on circular and taenia muscle strips, impacting motility inhibition.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Beta adrenoceptors exhibit heterogeneity across subtypes and species, necessitating a functional re-evaluation in the human colon.
  • Understanding these molecular targets is crucial for addressing motility inhibition in the human colon.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To functionally reappraise beta adrenoceptors as molecular targets of motility inhibition in the human colon.
  • To investigate the subtype-specific roles of beta adrenoceptors in human colon smooth muscle relaxation.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro measurement of muscle strip relaxation.
  • Utilized selective and non-selective agonists and antagonists for beta adrenoceptor subtypes (beta(1), beta(2), beta(3)).
  • Compared agonist potency and antagonist effects on circular and taenia muscle strips.

Main Results:

  • Agonist potency for relaxation decreased in the order: (-)isoprenaline (non-selective) > terbutaline (beta(2) selective) > CGP 12177 (beta(3) selective) > SR 58611A (beta(3) selective).
  • Isoprenaline and terbutaline were more potent on circular strips, while CGP 12177 and SR 58611A showed weak relaxation on taenia strips.
  • Beta(1), beta(2), and beta(3) adrenoceptors were functionally detected; all subtypes relaxed taenia, but only isoprenaline fully activated beta(3) receptors for taenia relaxation.

Conclusions:

  • Beta(1), beta(2), and beta(3) adrenoceptors are functionally present in the human colon.
  • Agonist stimulation of any beta adrenoceptor subtype can relax taenia muscle.
  • Isoprenaline demonstrated full efficacy at the beta(3) subtype for taenia relaxation, highlighting subtype-specific functional roles.