Abstract

Large numbers of polymorphonuclear leukocytes which generate reactive oxygen metabolites are found in mucosa and submucosa of the intestinal wall of subjects suffering from inflammatory bowel disease. We have, therefore, examined the relative influences of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and N-chloramines such as NH2Cl, on the neurally stimulated and nonstimulated guinea pig ileum. In separate experiments the oxidants were tested in the presence and absence of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor piroxicam and the antioxidant glutathione. All three oxidants, in concentrations produced by activated neutrophils, increased the muscle tone (concentration-dependent, peak at 0.3 mM for NH2Cl and H2O2 and 1 mM for HOCl). Tetrodotoxin (0.5 microM) inhibited the NH2Cl and H2O2 effects by 50% and 70%, respectively. Piroxicam (5 microM) partially blocked maximal contractions induced by all three oxidants. The contractile response to carbachol (10 microM) was blocked by 0.3 mM NH2Cl, but not by H2O2 and HOCl. In electrically stimulated ileum the oxidants produced a concentration-dependent biphasic response (transient enhancement of neurally mediated twitch contraction followed by marked inhibition). This response was not modified by piroxicam, hexamethonium, atropine and pyrilamine. The inhibition of twitch contraction was irreversible for NH2Cl and HOCl, in contrast to H2O2, which was reversed by repeated washing. Neither the contractile effect nor the effects on nerve stimulation-induced contraction were affected by preincubation of the tissue with glutathione, whereas prior combination of NH2Cl with glutathione prevented the effects of NH2Cl. Oxidant-induced contraction of guinea pig ileum appears to be via release of prostaglandins and one or more neurotransmitters. High concentrations of reactive oxygen metabolites may alter receptor function.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)