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

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.