The sphingosine analog fingolimod (FTY720) enhances tone and contractility of rat gastric fundus smooth muscle

Background Sphingosine and its metabolite sphingosine phosphate (S1P) regulate a multitude of biological functions, including the contractile state of smooth. Gastrointestinal side effects have been reported in patients treated with FTY720, a sphingosine analog that is approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of FTY720 on rat gastric fundus smooth muscle under basal conditions and during activation induced by high‐K+ solution. Methods Isometric contractions of isolated circular strips of gastric fundus smooth muscle were recorded using the organ bath method. The effects of FTY720 or vehicle were recorded under control conditions and in the presence of indomethacin, L‐NAME, HA‐1100, nifedipine, JTE‐013, and suramin. Tone and contractions recorded in the presence of FTY720 or vehicle are reported as % of the amplitude of an initial high‐K+ contraction obtained under control conditions. Key Results From a concentration of 10 μmol L−1 onwards, FTY720 increased the tone, reaching 8.9% ± 7.5% at 100 μmol L−1 (P