ENDOTHELIN-1, VIA ACTIVATION OF AN ET(B) RECEPTOR, INHIBITS CHOLINERGIC NERVE-MEDIATED CONTRACTIONS IN SHEEP TRACHEA

In this study, we have examined the neuromodulatory actions of endothe lin (ET)-1 and related peptides on cholinergic nerve function in the a irways. We and others have recently demonstrated that activation of pr ejunctional ET(B) receptors augments cholinergic-nerve mediated contra ctions in the airways of the rabbit and mouse. In contrast, the curren t study in sheep isolated trachea reveals that activation of prejuncti onal ET(B) receptors is associated with attenuation of electrical fiel d stimulation (EFS)-induced, cholinergic nerve-mediated contractions.