Bioassay of a tracheal smooth muscle-constricting factor released by respiratory epithelial cells

Epithelium-derived factors of unknown identity have been proposed to modulate airway smooth muscle tone. We developed a novel sensitive bioassay system that allows serial perfusion of cultured respiratory epithelial cells and guinea pig trachea (GPT). GPT responses were assessed as diameter changes by computerized video microscopy (resolution, 15 microns). A permanent hamster lung epithelial cell line was grown on microcarrier beads and perfused in a cell column. When the outflow tubing from the epithelial cell column was connected to the inflow cannula, the detector GPT contracted, reaching 28 +/- 6% of the maximum methacholine (100 microM)-induced contraction (n = 12, P less than 0.001). Perfusion of the cell column with diclofenac (10 microM) or lysin-mono-acetylsalicylic acid (100 microM) abolished the GPT contraction, whereas selective perfusion of the detector GPT with either agent did not block the contraction. Analysis of the effluent of the epithelial cell column demonstrated a significant basal release of prostaglandins F2 alpha and E2 (PGF2 alpha and PGE2) and 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha, whereas only marginal amounts of thromboxane B2 were detected. When given exogenously, PGF2 alpha, PGE2, PGI2, and U-46619 all contracted the GPT. It is concluded that lung epithelial cells can contract GPT by releasing a transferable factor. This factor is likely to be a constrictor cyclooxygenase product that is not produced in epithelium-denuded GPT.