Bi-directional regulation of emodin and quercetin on smooth muscle myosin of gizzard.

This study is to reveal the characteristics of bidirectional regulation of emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methyl-anthraquinone) and quercetin on gizzard smooth muscle myosin. Our results indicate that: (a) emodin demonstrates stimulatory effects, and quercetin produces inhibitory effects on myosin phosphorylation and Mg(2+)-ATPase activities of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent phosphorylated myosin in a dose-dependent manner; (b) a combination of emodin and quercetin enhances phosphorylation and Mg(2+)-ATPase activities for partially phosphorylated myosin and inhibits those activities for fully phosphorylated myosin; (c) 1-(5-Chloronaphthalene-1-sulfonyl)-1H2-hexahydro-1,4-diazepine inhibits myosin phosphorylation in the presence of emodin and/or quercetin. A combination of emodin and quercetin indicates its potential for modulating gastric-intestinal smooth muscle.