Selectivity of ruthenium red in inhibiting bronchoconstriction and CGRP release induced by afferent C‐fibre activation in the guinea‐pig lung

Abstract

In the present study we evaluated the effects of ruthenium red, a blocker of transmembrane Ca2+ fluxes, on bronchoconstriction and the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity induced by different stimuli in the isolated perfused guinea-pig lung. Vagal stimulation (1 Hz, 1 min), capsaicin (10(-8) M, 10(-6) M), resiniferatoxin (3 x 10(-10) M), nicotine (10(-4) M), bradykinin (5 x 10(-6) M) and histamine (10(-5) M) evoked bronchoconstriction and calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity overflow. Ruthenium red (5 x 10(-6) M) almost completely inhibited the bronchoconstriction and calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity overflow induced by capsaicin and resiniferatoxin but did not influence the effects induced by vagal nerve stimulation, nicotine, bradykinin or histamine. The 20-deacetylated derivative of resiniferatoxin (ROPA), which lacks the homovanillyl ester group, did not evoke release or bronchoconstriction. Ruthenium red (3 x 10(-4) M) aerosol attenuated the cough induced by nebulized citric acid in conscious guinea-pigs. Citric acid-induced coughing is mediated via capsaicin-sensitive neurons. However, cigarette smoke-induced coughing, which involves capsaicin-resistant mechanisms, was not affected by ruthenium red. In conclusion, ruthenium red selectively inhibits the capsaicin, resiniferatoxin and citric acid-induced excitation of the sensory nerves as revealed by calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity release, bronchoconstriction and coughing, suggesting that these agents share a common mechanism of action.