Lack of second messenger function of cyclic GMP in acetylcholine-induced negative inotropism

As cyclic 3',5'-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is still discussed as a possible mediator of the negative inotropic effects of cholinergic agents, the influence of acetylcholine (ACh) on force of contraction and cGMP tissue levels was studied in isolated, electrically driven guinea pig auricles in the presence of methylene blue, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase activation, as well as of M & B 22,948, an inhibitor of cGMP breakdown. Nitroprusside-Na (NP), a potent stimulator of guanylate cyclase, was tested for comparison under the same conditions. ACh at concentrations of 10(-7)-5 X 10(-6) M dose-dependently diminished force of contraction down to cardiac arrest, whereas NP only had a slight negative inotropic effect that was maximum at 10(-5) M and reduced force of contraction to 89% of control. Although ACh was much more effective in reducing force of contraction than NP, only NP significantly increased myocardial cGMP levels. The rise in cGMP produced by NP was attenuated by methylene blue (5 X 10(-5) M) and augmented by M & B 22,948 (3.7 X 10(-4) M), whereas the contractile effects (similar as those of ACh) remained unchanged. These results suggest that the negative inotropic action of ACh is not mediated by cGMP.