Background and purpose: Diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) is often used as an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, but is increasingly being found to have unrelated side effects. We investigated its effects on smooth muscle contractions and the related mechanisms. Experimental approach: We studied isometric contractions in smooth muscle strips from bovine trachea. Cholinesterase activity was measured using a spectrophotometric assay; internal Ca 2+ pump activity was assessed by Ca 2+ uptake into smooth muscle microsomes. Key results: Contractions to acetylcholine were markedly enhanced by DPI (10 -4 M), whereas those to carbachol (CCh) were not, suggesting a possible inhibition of cholinesterase. DPI markedly suppressed contractions evoked by CCh, KCl and 5-HT, and also unmasked phasic activity in otherwise sustained responses. Direct biochemical assays confirmed that DPI was a potent inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase (IC50~8 ¥ 10 -6 M and 6 ¥ 10 -7 M, respectively), following a readily reversible, mixed non-competitive type of inhibition. The inhibitory effects of DPI on CCh contractions were not mimicked by another NADPH oxidase inhibitor (apocynin), nor the Src inhibitors PP1 or PP2, ruling out an action through the NADPH oxidase signalling pathway. Several features of the DPI-mediated suppression of agonist-evoked responses (i.e. suppression of peak magnitudes and unmasking of phasic activity) are similar to those of cyclopiazonic acid, an inhibitor of the internal Ca 2+ pump. Direct measurement of microsomal Ca 2+ uptake revealed that DPI modestly inhibits the internal Ca 2+ pump. Conclusions and implications: DPI inhibits cholinesterase activity and the internal Ca 2+ pump in tracheal smooth muscle.

The conductance changes underlying agonist-evoked depolarization in human airway smooth muscle (ASM) were examined using single ASM cells liberated enzymatically from noncarcinomatous bronchi and studied using patch-clamp techniques. Step commands to potentials at or more positive than the resting membrane potential evoked outward current, which was predominantly delayed rectifier K+ current with some Ca(2+)-dependent K+ current Caffeine (5 mM) evoked depolarization and contraction lasting several minutes. During voltage clamp at -60 mV, caffeine evoked inward current with a latency of approximately equal to 1 s, mean amplitude of 320 +/- 65 pA, and a duration of approximately equal to 5 s (even though agonist application exceeded this duration). With the use of the perforated-path configuration, these responses could be evoked repeatedly at 4-min intervals for up to 30 min; rupture of the membrane and dialysis of the cytosol, however, abrogated the responses to caffeine. The current was outwardly rectifying with mean reversal potential (Vrev) of -31 +/- 4 mV. When K+ conductances were blocked by Ca+, the current-voltage (I-V) relationship was linear (i.e., an outwardly-rectifying component was eliminated) and Vrev was displaced in the positive direction to +2 +/- 1 mV. Changes in the CL- equilibrium potential were accompanied by a displacement of Vrev in a manner predicted by the Nernst equation for a Cl- current. The effects of caffeine were mimicked by acetylcholine; in addition, acetylcholine and caffeine each occluded the response to the other agonist. Spasmogens also caused a prolonged suppression of K+ currents (both Ca(2+)--dependent and delayed rectifier). We conclude that, in human ASM, acetylcholine and caffeine cause a transient activation of Ca(2+)--dependent Cl- current (due to release of internal Ca2+) and prolonged suppression of K+ currents, leading to depolarization and contraction.

Reversible airflow obstruction and nonspecific airway hyperresponsiveness are: 1) the two key features of asthma; 2) the primary concern for asthma patients; and 3) both directly caused by the airway smooth muscle (ASM). As such, controlling bronchoconstriction should be of primary importance. Unfortunately, all existing pharmacological asthma therapies that specifically target the ASM are based on decades old strategies.In the present study, the evolution of pharmacological asthma therapy will be briefly discussed, some explanations will be suggested as to why substantial new advances in this area have not occurred in several years and, finally, several new directions for novel asthma therapies will be proposed.