Mechanical and biochemical responses to endothelin-1 and endothelin-3 in human bronchi

In human bronchi, contractions to endothelin-1 were unaltered by atropine (10(-5) M), indomethacin (10(-6) M), nifedipine (10(-5) M), or phosphoramidon (3.67 x 10(-5) M). Endothelin-3-evoked contractions were markedly enhanced by phosphoramidon (3.67 x 10(-5) M), unaffected by atropine (10(-5) M), and attenuated by indomethacin (10(-6) M) or nifedipine (10(-5) M). Phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDB, 10(-8) M) enhanced both endothelin-1- and endothelin-3 (plus phosphoramidon)-evoked responses, an effect abolished by Ro 31-8220 (3 x 10(-8) M). Contractions to endothelin-1 or endothelin-3 alone were unaltered by staurosporine 10(-8)-3 x 10(-7) M) or Ro 31-8220 (3 x 10(-9)-3 x 10(-8) M). Endothelin-1 (3 x 10(-7) M), but not endothelin-3 (10(-10)-3 x 10(-7) M), evoked a rise in levels of inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3). These results suggest that endothelin-1 does not act via cyclo-oxygenase metabolites nor require Ca2+ influx via dihydropyridine-sensitive channels. It evokes Ins(1,4,5)P3 production, but does not rely upon protein kinase C activation for contraction. Endothelin-3-evoked contractions are partly mediated by cyclo-oxygenase metabolites. Endothelin-3 does not stimulate phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) hydrolysis, nor utilise protein kinase C to produce contraction, but its actions may rely upon extracellular Ca2+.