Abstract
The actions of opiates in modulating ion transport across the porcine distal jejunal mucosa were examined in vitro. Opiate receptors were functionally characterized using [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]-enkephalin (DPDPE), [D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) and U-50,488 (trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)- cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetamide), agonists selective for delta, mu and kappa receptor types, respectively. Serosal administration of opiate agonists produced concentration-dependent decreases in basal short-circuit current (Isc. DPDPE and DAMGO also increased tissue conductance (Gt). DPDPE (EC50 = 4 nM) was 7- and 86-fold more potent in decreasing basal Isc than DAMGO and U-50,488, respectively. U-50,488 displayed the greatest efficacy in decreasing Isc. Serosal naloxone decreased DPDPE and DAMGO potencies under basal conditions with Ke values of 11 and 6 nM, respectively. DPDPE- and DAMGO-induced decreases in basal Isc were associated with increases in net Cl absorption; in addition, DAMGO produced an increase in net Na absorption. 8-Bromocyclic AMP (0.3 mM) increased Isc, decreased Gt and inhibited net Na and Cl absorptive fluxes. Selective opiate agonists decreased cyclic AMP-induced elevations in Isc with a rank order of potency (DPDPE, EC50 = 3 nM) of DPDPE greater than DAMGO greater than U-50,488. DPDPE reversed the action of cyclic AMP on Isc and Cl absorption but had no effect on net Na transport. Cyclic AMP-induced decreases in Gt were not altered by DPDPE.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)