The bronchodilators 8-iso-prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin E2 induce K+ current suppression via thromboxane A2 receptors in porcine tracheal smooth muscle

We examined relaxations and changes in K(+) current evoked by 8-iso-prostaglandin E(2) and prostaglandin E(2) in porcine tracheal smooth muscle. Both autacoids completely reversed cholinergic tone; blockade of thromboxane A(2) receptors had no effect on relaxations to either compound. 8-iso-prostaglandin E(2) and prostaglandin E(2) suppressed outward K(+) currents while the thromboxane A(2) receptor agonist U46619 (9, 11-dideoxy-9a,11a-methanoepoxy prostaglandin F(2alpha)) had no significant effect. During thromboxane A(2) receptor antagonism, however, 8-iso-prostaglandin E(2) markedly augmented K(+) currents while prostaglandin E(2) no longer suppressed K(+) currents, indicating that the inhibition of K(+) currents by both compounds was thromboxane A(2) receptor-mediated. Furthermore, the observation that K(+) currents were augmented by 8-iso-prostaglandin E(2) but not by prostaglandin E(2) suggests that the salutory effect is not exerted through a prostaglandin E receptor. Additionally, our observations argue against any causal role for K(+) current activation in mediating relaxations evoked by isoprostanes or by prostaglandin E(2). We conclude that 8-iso-prostaglandin E(2) relaxes porcine tracheal smooth muscle independent of K(+) current activity, and that 8-iso-prostaglandin E(2) may also act at a non-thromboxane A(2)/non-prostaglandin E receptor to augment K(+) currents.