An attempt to differentiate the effects of angiotensin II, substance P and bradykinin on the field-stimulated guinea-pig vas deferens.

The ability of the angiotensin antagonists 1-Sar,8-Ala-angiotensin II (saralasin) and 1-Sar,8-Leu-angiotensin II (sarleusin) and the bradykinin-potentiating peptide B (BPP) to modify the twitch-enhancing effect of angiotensin II, bradykinin, and substance P, was studied in the isolated field-stimulated guinea-pig vas deferens. The twitch-enhancing effect of angiotensin, bradykinin and substance P underwent tachyphylaxis which was strongest after angiotensin. Saralasin and sarleusin were without influence on the twitch response and antagonized the effect of angiotensin, but not that of bradykinin or substance P, respectively. The features of the antagonism to angiotensin were compatible with the notion that saralasin is a competitive and sarleusin a dual antagonist. BPP did modify either the twitch response or the effects of angiotensin, bradykinin, and substance P. In the non-stimulate vas, the contracting effect of noradrenaline did not undergo tachyphylaxis and was not mofified by angiotensin, bradykinin, or substance P. It is concluded that there exist in the guinea-pig vas specific peptide receptors, one of them having the properties of a "typical" angiotensin receptor.