Tachykinin receptors mediating contractions of oestrogen-primed rat uterus: Classification using non-peptide antagonists

I. The aim of the present study,vas to characterize the tachykinin receptors mediating contractions of the uterus from the oestrogen-primed rat. Apparent pK(B) values versus mammalian tachykinins and some subtype-selective agonists were determined for the non-peptide NK1, NK2 and NK3 receptor antagonists SR 140333, SR 48968 and SR 142801, respectively. 2. Apparent pK(B) values for SR 48968 tested at concentrations of 3, 10 and 30 nmol/L versus neurokinin NKA, [Lys(5)MeLeu(9)Nle(10)] NKA(4-10) and [Nle(10)] NKA(4-10) were 8.79, 9.44 and 9.33, respectively, indicating activation of an NK2 receptor and, in the case of NKA, the possible activation of an additional receptor subtype. SR 48968 (30 nmol/L) did not affect responses to NKB (1 mu mol/L), senktide (30 nmol/L), substance P (SP; 100 nmol/L) or [Sar(9)Met(O-2)(11)] SP (100 nmol/L), indicating its selectivity at this concentration. 3. SR 140333 (1-100 nmol/L) reduced the effects of the NK1-preferring agonists SP and [Sar(9)Met(O-2)(11)] SP, indicating the presence of NK1 receptors. The pK(B) estimate versus [Sar(9)Met(O-2)(11)] was 9.01. SR 140333 (100 mmol/L) did not affect responses to NK2 and NK3 receptor-preferring agonists. 4. SR 142801 (100 nmol/L to 1 mu mol/L) produced small rightward shifts in the log concentration-response curves to NKB, yielding an apparent pK(B) value of 7.0. At 1 mu mol/L, Sk 142801 reduced responses to the NK2 agonists, suggesting some nonselectivity at this concentration. 5. Taken together, these data provide strong evidence that tachykinin-induced contractions of the uterus of the oestrogen-primed rat are mediated by NK2 receptors, with some contribution from NK1 receptors.