TY - JOUR T1 - Hyperosmolar Solution Effects in Guinea Pig Airways. IV. Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Alterations in Airway Reactivity and Epithelial Bioelectric Responses to Methacholine and Hyperosmolarity JF - Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics JO - J Pharmacol Exp Ther SP - 37 LP - 46 DO - 10.1124/jpet.103.051672 VL - 308 IS - 1 AU - Richard A. Johnston AU - Michael R. Van Scott AU - Choudari Kommineni AU - Lyndell L. Millecchia AU - Juanita Dortch-Carnes AU - Jeffrey S. Fedan Y1 - 2004/01/01 UR - http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/308/1/37.abstract N2 - We investigated the in vivo and in vitro effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment (4 mg/kg i.p.) on guinea pig airway smooth muscle reactivity and epithelial bioelectric responses to methacholine (MCh) and hyperosmolarity. Hyperosmolar challenge of the epithelium releases epithelium-derived relaxing factor (EpDRF). Using a two-chamber, whole body plethysmograph 18 h post-treatment, animals treated with LPS were hyporeactive to inhaled MCh aerosol. This could involve an increase in the release and/or actions of EpDRF, because LPS treatment enhanced EpDRF-induced smooth muscle relaxation in vitro in the isolated perfused trachea apparatus. In isolated perfused tracheas the basal transepithelial potential difference (Vt) was increased after LPS treatment. The increase in Vtwas inhibited by amiloride and indomethacin. Concentration-response curves for changes in Vtin response to serosally and mucosally applied MCh were biphasic (hyperpolarization, <3 × 10-7M; depolarization, >3 ×10-7M); MCh was more potent when applied serosally. The hyperpolarization response to MCh, but not the depolarization response, was potentiated after LPS treatment. In both treatment groups, mucosally applied hyperosmolar solution (using added NaCl) depolarized the epithelium; this response was greater in tracheas from LPS-treated animals. The results of this study indicate that airway hyporeactivity in vivo after LPS treatment is accompanied by an increase in the release and/or actions of EpDRF in vitro. These changes may involve LPS-induced bioelectric alterations in the epithelium. The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics ER -