GABAB receptors inhibit low-voltage activated and high-voltage activated Ca(2+) channels in sensory neurons via distinct mechanisms.

Growing evidence suggests that mammalian peripheral somatosensory neurons express functional receptors for gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABAA and GABAB. Moreover, local release of GABA by pain-sensing (nociceptive) nerve fibres has also been suggested. Yet, the functional significance of GABA receptor triggering in nociceptive neurons is not fully understood. Here we used patch-clamp recordings from small-diameter cultured DRG neurons to investigate effects of GABAB receptor agonist baclofen on voltage-gated Ca(2+) currents. We found that baclofen inhibited both low-voltage activated (LVA, T-type) and high-voltage activated (HVA) Ca(2+) currents in a proportion of DRG neurons by 22% and 32% respectively; both effects were sensitive to Gi/o inhibitor pertussis toxin. Inhibitory effect of baclofen on both current types was about twice less efficacious as compared to that of the µ-opioid receptor agonist DAMGO. Surprisingly, only HVA but not LVA current modulation by baclofen was partially prevented by G protein inhibitor GDP-ß-S. In contrast, only LVA but not HVA current modulation was reversed by the application of a reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT). Inhibition of T-type Ca(2+) current by baclofen and the recovery of such inhibition by DTT were successfully reconstituted in the expression system. Our data suggest that inhibition of LVA current in DRG neurons by baclofen is partially mediated by an unconventional signaling pathway that involves a redox mechanism. These findings reinforce the idea of targeting peripheral GABA receptors for pain relief.

Effects of Dangkwisoo­san, a traditional herbal medicine for treating pain and blood stagnation, on the pacemaker activities of cultured interstitial cells of Cajal.

The interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are the pacemaker cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In the present study, the effects of Dangkwisoo­san (DS) on pacemaker potentials in cultured ICCs from the small intestine of the mouse were investigated. The whole­cell patch­clamp configuration was used to record pacemaker potentials from cultured ICCs and the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+i) was analyzed in cultured ICCs using fura­2­acetoxymethyl ester. The generation of pacemaker potentials in the ICCs was observed. DS produced pacemaker depolarizations in a concentration dependent manner in current clamp mode. The 4­diphenylacetoxy­N­methyl­piperidine methiodide muscarinic M3 receptor antagonist inhibited DS­induced pacemaker depolarizations, whereas methoctramine, a muscarinic M2 receptor antagonist, did not. When guanosine 5'­[ß­thio] diphosphate (GDP­ß­S; 1 mM) was in the pipette solution, DS marginally induced pacemaker depolarizations, whereas low Na+ solution externally eliminated the generation of pacemaker potentials and inhibited the DS­induced pacemaker depolarizations. Additionally, the nonselective cation channel blocker, flufenamic acid, inhibited the DS­induced pacemaker depolarizations. Pretreatment with Ca2+­free solution and thapsigargin, a Ca2+­ATPase inhibitor in the endoplasmic reticulum, also eliminated the generation of pacemaker currents and suppressed the DS­induced pacemaker depolarizations. In addition, [Ca2+]i analysis revealed that DS increased [Ca2+]i. These results suggested that DS modulates pacemaker potentials through muscarinic M3 receptor activation in ICCs by G protein­dependent external and internal Ca2+ regulation and external Na+. Therefore, DS were observed to affect intestinal motility through ICCs.

R-Isovaline: a subtype-specific agonist at GABA(B)-receptors?

The R-enantiomer of isovaline, an analgesic amino acid, has a chemical structure similar to glycine and GABA. Although its actions on thalamic neurons are strychnine-resistant and independent of the Cl(-) gradient, R-isovaline increases membrane conductance for K(+). The purpose of this study was to determine if R-isovaline activated metabotropic GABA(B) receptors. We used whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings to characterize the effects of R-isovaline applied by bath perfusion and local ejection from a micropipette to thalamic neurons in 250 µm thick slices of rat brain. The immunocytochemical methods that we employed to visualize GABA(B1) and GABA(B2) receptor subunits showed extensive staining for both subunits in ventrobasal nuclei, which were the recording sites. Bath or local application of R-isovaline caused a slowly developing increase in conductance and outward rectification in 70% (54/77) of neurons, both effects reversing near the K(+) Nernst potential. As with the GABA(B) agonist baclofen, G proteins likely mediated the R-isovaline effects because they were susceptible to blockade by non-hydrolyzable substrates of guanosine triphosphate. The GABA(B) antagonists CGP35348 and CGP52432 prevented the conductance increase induced by R-isovaline, applied by bath or local ejection. The GABA(B) allosteric modulator CGP7930 enhanced the R-isovaline induced increase in conductance. At high doses, antagonists of GABA(A), GABA(C), glycine(A), µ-opioid, and nicotinic receptors did not block R-isovaline responses. The observations establish that R-isovaline increases the conductance of K(+) channels coupled to metabotropic GABA(B) receptors. Remarkably, not all neurons that were responsive to baclofen responded to R-isovaline. The R-isovaline-induced currents outlasted the fast baclofen responses and persisted for a 1-2-h period. Despite some similar actions, R-isovaline and baclofen do not act at identical GABA(B) receptor sites. The binding of R-isovaline and baclofen to the GABA(B) receptor may not induce the same conformational changes in receptor proteins or components of the intracellular signaling pathways.

Identification of the muscarinic pathway underlying cessation of sleep-related burst activity in rat thalamocortical relay neurons.

Modulation of the standing outward current (I (SO)) by muscarinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptor (MAChR) stimulation is fundamental for the state-dependent change in activity mode of thalamocortical relay (TC) neurons. Here, we probe the contribution of MAChR subtypes, G proteins, phospholipase C (PLC), and two pore domain K(+) (K(2P)) channels to this signaling cascade. By the use of spadin and A293 as specific blockers, we identify TWIK-related K(+) (TREK)-1 channel as new targets and confirm TWIK-related acid-sensitve K(+) (TASK)-1 channels as known effectors of muscarinic signaling in TC neurons. These findings were confirmed using a high affinity blocker of TASK-3 and TREK-1, namely, tetrahexylammonium chloride. It was found that the effect of muscarinic stimulation was inhibited by M(1)AChR-(pirenzepine, MT-7) and M(3)AChR-specific (4-DAMP) antagonists, phosphoinositide-specific PLCß (PI-PLC) inhibitors (U73122, ET-18-OCH(3)), but not the phosphatidylcholine-specific PLC (PC-PLC) blocker D609. By comparison, depleting guanosine-5'-triphosphate (GTP) in the intracellular milieu nearly completely abolished the effect of MAChR stimulation. The block of TASK and TREK channels was accompanied by a reduction of the muscarinic effect on I (SO). Current-clamp recordings revealed a membrane depolarization following MAChR stimulation, which was sufficient to switch TC neurons from burst to tonic firing under control conditions but not during block of M(1)AChR/M(3)AChR and in the absence of intracellular GTP. These findings point to a critical role of G proteins and PLC as well as TASK and TREK channels in the muscarinic modulation of thalamic activity modes.

Electrophysiological analysis of the inhibitory effects of FMRFamide-like peptides on the pacemaker activity of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in the terminal nerve (TN) show endogenous pacemaker activity, which is suggested to be dependent on the physiological conditions of the animal. The TN-GnRH neurons have been suggested to function as a neuromodulatory neuron that regulates long-lasting changes in the animal behavior. It has been reported that the TN-GnRH neurons are immunoreactive to FMRFamide. Here, we find that the pacemaker activity of TN-GnRH neuron is inhibited by FMRFamide: bath application of FMRFamide decreased the frequency of pacemaker activity of TN-GnRH neurons in a dose-dependent manner. This decrease was suppressed by a blockage of G protein-coupled receptor pathway by GDP-ß-S. In addition, FMRFamide induced an increase in the membrane conductance, and the reversal potential for the FMRFamide-induced current changed according to the changes in [K(+)](out) as predicted from the Nernst equation for K(+). We performed cloning and sequence analysis of the PQRFamide (NPFF/NPAF) gene in the dwarf gourami and found evidence to suggest that FMRFamide-like peptide in TN-GnRH neurons of the dwarf gourami is NPFF. NPFF actually inhibited the pacemaker activity of TN-GnRH neurons, and this inhibition was blocked by RF9, a potent and selective antagonist for mammalian NPFF receptors. These results suggest that the activation of K(+) conductance by FMRFamide-like peptide (≈NPFF) released from TN-GnRH neurons themselves causes the hyperpolarization and then inhibition of pacemaker activity in TN-GnRH neurons. Because TN-GnRH neurons make tight cell clusters in the brain, it is possible that FMRFamide-like peptides released from TN-GnRH neurons negatively regulates the activities of their own (autocrine) and/or neighboring neurons (paracrine).

Modulation of N-type calcium currents by presynaptic imidazoline receptor activation in rat superior cervical ganglion neurons.

Presynaptic imidazoline receptors (R(i-pre)) are found in the sympathetic axon terminals of animal and human cardiovascular systems, and they regulate blood pressure by modulating the release of peripheral noradrenaline (NA). The cellular mechanism of R(i-pre)-induced inhibition of NA release is unknown. We, therefore, investigated the effect of R(i-pre) activation on voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels in rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons, using the conventional whole-cell patch-clamp method. Cirazoline (30 µM), an R(i-pre) agonist as well as an α-adrenoceptor (R(α)) agonist, decreased Ca(2+) currents (I(Ca)) by about 50% in a voltage-dependent manner with prepulse facilitation. In the presence of low-dose rauwolscine (3 µM), which blocks the α(2)-adrenoceptor (R(α2)), cirazoline still inhibited I(Ca) by about 30%, but prepulse facilitation was significantly attenuated. This inhibitory action of cirazoline was almost completely prevented by high-dose rauwolscine (30 µM), which blocks R(i-pre) as well as R(α2). In addition, pretreatment with LY320135 (10 µM), another R(i-pre) antagonist, in combination with low-dose rauwolscine (3 µM), also blocked the R(α2)-resistant effect of cirazoline. Addition of guanosine-5-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (2 mm) to the internal solutions significantly attenuated the action of cirazoline. However, pertussis toxin (500 ng ml(1)) did not significantly influence the inhibitory effect of cirazoline. Moreover, cirazoline (30 µM) suppressed M current in SCG neurons cultured overnight. Finally, omega-conotoxin (omega-CgTx) GVIA (1 µM) obstructed cirazoline-induced current inhibition, and cirazoline (30 µM) significantly decreased the frequency of action potential firing in a partly reversible manner. This cirazoline-induced inhibition of action potential firing was almost completely occluded in the presence of omega-CgTx. Taken together, our results suggest that activation of R(i-pre) in SCG neurons reduced N-type I(Ca) in a pertussis toxin- and voltage-insensitive pathway, and this inhibition attenuated repetitive action potential firing in SCG neurons.

L-type channel inhibition by CB1 cannabinoid receptors is mediated by PTX-sensitive G proteins and cAMP/PKA in GT1-7 hypothalamic neurons.

Using immortalized hypothalamic GT1-7 neurons, which express the CB1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) and three Ca2+ channel types (T, R and L), we found that the CB1R agonist WIN 55,212-2 inhibited the voltage-gated Ca2+ currents by about 35%. The inhibition by WIN 55,212-2 (10 microM) was reversible and prevented by nifedipine (3 microM), suggesting a selective action on L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs). WIN 55,212-2 action exhibited all the features of voltage-independent Ca2+ channel modulation: (1) no changes of the activation kinetics, (2) equal depressive action at all potentials and (3) no facilitation following strong prepulses. At variance with WIN 55,212-2, the CB1R inverse agonist AM-251 (10 microM) caused 20% increase of Ca2+ currents. The inhibition of LTCCs by WIN 55,212-2 was prevented by overnight PTX-incubation and by intracellular perfusion with GDP-beta-S. The latter caused also a 20% Ca2+ current up-regulation. WIN 55,212-2 action was also prevented by application of the PKA-blocker H89 or by loading the neurons with 8-CPT-cAMP. Our results suggest that LTCCs in GT1-7 neurons are partially inhibited at rest due to a constitutive CB1R activity removed by AM-251 and GDP-beta-S. Activation of CB1R via PTX-sensitive G proteins and cAMP/PKA pathway selectively depresses LTCCs that critically control the synchronized spontaneous firing and pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in GT1-7 neurons.

Metaplasticity of hypothalamic synapses following in vivo challenge.

Neural networks that regulate an organism's internal environment must sense perturbations, respond appropriately, and then reset. These adaptations should be reflected as changes in the efficacy of the synapses that drive the final output of these homeostatic networks. Here we show that hemorrhage, an in vivo challenge to fluid homeostasis, induces LTD at glutamate synapses onto hypothalamic magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs). LTD requires the activation of postsynaptic alpha2-adrenoceptors and the production of endocannabinoids that act in a retrograde fashion to inhibit glutamate release. In addition, both hemorrhage and noradrenaline downregulate presynaptic group III mGluRs. This loss of mGluR function allows high-frequency activity to potentiate these synapses from their depressed state. These findings demonstrate that noradrenaline controls a form of metaplasticity that may underlie the resetting of homeostatic networks following a successful response to an acute physiological challenge.

Glucocorticoids regulate glutamate and GABA synapse-specific retrograde transmission via divergent nongenomic signaling pathways.

Glucocorticoids exert an opposing rapid regulation of glutamate and GABA synaptic inputs to hypothalamic magnocellular neurons via the activation of postsynaptic membrane-associated receptors and the release of retrograde messengers. Glucocorticoids suppress synaptic glutamate release via the retrograde release of endocannabinoids and facilitate synaptic GABA release via an unknown retrograde messenger. Here, we show that the glucocorticoid facilitation of GABA inputs is due to the retrograde release of neuronal nitric oxide and that glucocorticoid-induced endocannabinoid synthesis and nitric oxide synthesis are mediated by divergent G-protein signaling mechanisms. While the glucocorticoid-induced, endocannabinoid-mediated suppression of glutamate release is dependent on activation of the G(alpha)s G-protein subunit and cAMP-cAMP-dependent protein kinase activation, the nitric oxide facilitation of GABA release is mediated by G(beta)gamma signaling that leads to activation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase. Our findings indicate, therefore, that glucocorticoids exert opposing rapid actions on glutamate and GABA release by activating divergent G-protein signaling pathways that trigger the synthesis of, and glutamate and GABA synapse-specific retrograde actions of, endocannabinoids and nitric oxide, respectively. The simultaneous rapid stimulation of nitric oxide and endocannabinoid synthesis by glucocorticoids has important implications for the impact of stress on the brain as well as on neural-immune interactions in the hypothalamus.

Unique presynaptic and postsynaptic roles of Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors in the modulation of thalamic network activity.

The thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) is a sheet of GABAergic neurons that project to other TRN neurons and to associated thalamocortical relay nuclei. The TRN receives glutamatergic synaptic inputs from cortex as well as reciprocal inputs from the collaterals of thalamocortical neurons. In addition to ionotropic glutamate receptors, metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are present in the TRN circuitry. Using whole cell voltage clamp recordings, we pharmacologically characterized unique pre- and postsynaptic functions for Group II mGluRs (mGluR 2 and mGluR 3) within the TRN circuitry in ferrets. mGluR 2 was found on presynaptic cortical axon terminals in the TRN, where it reduced glutamate release, while mGluR 3 acted postsynaptically on TRN cells to increase membrane conductance. Using miniature inhibitory postsynaptic current analysis, we also found that picrotoxin-sensitive intra-TRN GABA-mediated neurotransmission was not affected by administration of a Group II mGluR agonist, indicating that neither mGluR 2 nor 3 acts on presynaptic GABA-containing terminals within the TRN. Because strong corticothalamic activation is implicated in abnormal thalamic rhythms, we used extracellular recordings in the lateral geniculate nucleus to study the effect of Group II mGluR agonists upon these slow oscillations. We induced approximately 3 Hz spike-and-wave discharge activity through corticothalamic stimulation, and found that such activity was reduced in the presence of the Group II mGluR agonist, (-)-2-oxa-4-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,6-dicarboxylate (LY379268). These data indicate that Group II mGluR reduce the impact of corticothalamic excitation, and that they may be a useful target in the reduction of absence-like rhythms.

Synaptic depression and short-term habituation are located in the sensory part of the mammalian startle pathway.

BACKGROUND: Short-term habituation of the startle response represents an elementary form of learning in mammals. The underlying mechanism is located within the primary startle pathway, presumably at sensory synapses on giant neurons in the caudal pontine reticular nucleus (PnC). Short trains of action potentials in sensory afferent fibers induce depression of synaptic responses in PnC giant neurons, a phenomenon that has been proposed to be the cellular correlate for short-term habituation. We address here the question whether both this synaptic depression and the short-term habituation of the startle response are localized at the presynaptic terminals of sensory afferents. If this is confirmed, it would imply that these processes take place prior to multimodal signal integration, rather than occurring at postsynaptic sites on PnC giant neurons that directly drive motor neurons. RESULTS: Patch-clamp recordings in vitro were combined with behavioral experiments; synaptic depression was specific for the input pathway stimulated and did not affect signals elicited by other sensory afferents. Concordant with this, short-term habituation of the acoustic startle response in behavioral experiments did not influence tactile startle response amplitudes and vice versa. Further electrophysiological analysis showed that the passive properties of the postsynaptic neuron were unchanged but revealed some alterations in short-term plasticity during depression. Moreover, depression was induced only by trains of presynaptic action potentials and not by single pulses. There was no evidence for transmitter receptor desensitization. In summary, the data indicates that the synaptic depression mechanism is located presynaptically. CONCLUSION: Our electrophysiological and behavioral data strongly indicate that synaptic depression in the PnC as well as short-term habituation are located in the sensory part of the startle pathway, namely at the axon terminals of sensory afferents in the PnC. Our results further corroborate the link between synaptic depression and short-term habituation of the startle response.

Nongenomic glucocorticoid inhibition via endocannabinoid release in the hypothalamus: a fast feedback mechanism.

Glucocorticoid negative feedback in the brain controls stress, feeding, and neural-immune interactions by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, but the mechanisms of inhibition of hypothalamic neurosecretory cells have never been elucidated. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in an acute hypothalamic slice preparation, we demonstrate a rapid suppression of excitatory glutamatergic synaptic inputs to parvocellular neurosecretory neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) by the glucocorticoids dexamethasone and corticosterone. The effect was maintained with dexamethasone conjugated to bovine serum albumin and was not seen with direct intracellular glucocorticoid perfusion via the patch pipette, suggesting actions at a membrane receptor. The presynaptic inhibition of glutamate release by glucocorticoids was blocked by postsynaptic inhibition of G-protein activity with intracellular GDP-beta-S application, implicating a postsynaptic G-protein-coupled receptor and the release of a retrograde messenger. The glucocorticoid effect was not blocked by the nitric oxide synthesis antagonist N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride or by hemoglobin but was blocked completely by the CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonists AM251 [N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide] and AM281 [1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-4-methyl-N-4-morpholinyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide] and mimicked and occluded by the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 [(beta)-(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-(4-morpholinylmethyl)pyrrolo[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl]-1-naphthalenylmethanone mesylate], indicating that it was mediated by retrograde endocannabinoid release. Several peptidergic subtypes of parvocellular neuron, identified by single-cell reverse transcripton-PCR analysis, were subject to rapid inhibitory glucocorticoid regulation, including corticotropin-releasing hormone-, thyrotropin-releasing hormone-, vasopressin-, and oxytocin-expressing neurons. Therefore, our findings reveal a mechanism of rapid glucocorticoid feedback inhibition of hypothalamic hormone secretion via endocannabinoid release in the PVN and provide a link between the actions of glucocorticoids and cannabinoids in the hypothalamus that regulate stress and energy homeostasis.

Hyperforin modulates gating of P-type Ca2+ current in cerebellar Purkinje neurons.

Whole-cell, patch-clamp recordings from acutely isolated cerebellar Purkinje neurons demonstrate a two-stage modulation of P-type high-voltage-activated (HVA) Ca2+ current by a constituent of St. John's wort, hyperforin (0.04-0.8 microM). The first stage of modulation was voltage dependent and reversible. It comprised slow-down of the activation kinetics and a shift in the voltage dependence of P-current to more negative voltages. Hyperforin (0.8 microM) shifted the maximum of the current/voltage (I/V) relationship by -8+/-2 mV. The second, voltage-independent stage of modulation was manifested as a slowly developing inhibition of P-current that could not be reversed within the period of study. Neither form of modulation was abolished by intracellular guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDPPS) or guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPgammaS) or by strong depolarising pre-pulses, indicating that modulation via guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) is not involved in the observed phenomenon. Calmidazolium (0.5 microM), an antagonist of the intracellular Ca2+-binding protein calmodulin significantly inhibited the hyperforin-induced shift of the IIV curve maximum and the slow-down of the activation kinetics. It did not, however, affect the delayed inhibition of P-current, indicating that the two stages of modulation are mediated by separate mechanisms.

Facilitation of the presynaptic calcium current at an auditory synapse in rat brainstem.

1. The presynaptic calcium current (IpCa) was recorded from the calyx of Held in rat brainstem slices using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. 2. Tetanic activation of IpCa by 1 ms depolarizing voltage steps markedly enhanced the amplitude of IpCa. Using a paired pulse protocol, the second (test) response was facilitated with inter-pulse intervals of less than 100 ms. The facilitation was greater at shorter intervals and was maximal (about 20%) at intervals of 5-10 ms. 3. When the test pulse duration was extended, the facilitation was revealed as an increased rate of IpCa activation. From the current-voltage relationship measured at 1 ms from onset, facilitation could be described by a shift in the half-activation voltage of about -4 mV. 4. IpCa facilitation was not attenuated when guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPgammaS) or guanosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDPbetaS) was included in the patch pipette, suggesting that G-proteins are not involved in this phenomenon. 5. On reducing [Ca2+]o, the magnitude of facilitation diminished proportionally to the amplitude of IpCa. Replacement of [Ca2+]o by Ba2+ or Na+, or buffering of [Ca2+]i with EGTA or BAPTA attenuated IpCa facilitation. 6. We conclude that repetitive presynaptic activity can facilitate the presynaptic Ca2+ current through a Ca2+-dependent mechanism. This mechanism would be complementary to the action of residual Ca2+ on the exocytotic machinery in producing activity-dependent facilitation of synaptic responses.

Serum from diabetic BB/W rats enhances calcium currents in primary sensory neurons.

We examined the hypothesis that exposure of nondiabetic rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to sera from diabetic BB/W rats would produce an increase in calcium currents associated with impaired regulation of the inhibitory G protein-calcium channel complex. Acutely dissociated rat DRGs were incubated for 18-24 h in medium supplemented with sera (10% vol/vol) from either diabetic rats with neuropathy or age-matched, nondiabetic controls. Exposure of DRG neurons to sera from diabetic BB/W rats resulted in a surface membrane immunofluorescence pattern when treated with an anti-rat light-chain antibody that was not observed in neurons exposed to control sera. Calcium current density (IDCa) was assessed with the use of the whole cell variation of the patch-clamp technique. IDCa in neurons exposed to diabetic sera was significantly increased compared with neurons exposed to control sera. Guanine nucleotide-binding (G) protein regulation of calcium channel function was examined with the use of a two-pulse "facilitation" or IDCa enhancement protocol in the presence of activators [guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S)] or antagonists [guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP beta S) and pertussis toxin (PTX)] of G protein function. Facilitation was significantly decreased in neurons exposed to diabetic sera. Intracellular diffusion of neurons with GDP beta s blocked facilitation, whereas dialysis with GTP gamma s increased facilitation to a similar magnitude in neurons exposed to either diabetic or control sera. Treatment with PTX resulted in a significant increase in IDCa and approximately 50% decrease in facilitation in neurons treated with control sera but no significant changes in neurons exposed to diabetic sera. We conclude that serum from diabetic BB/W rats with neuropathy contains an autoimmune immunoglobulin that impairs regulation of the inhibitory G protein-calcium channel complex, resulting in enhanced calcium influx. Regulation of the inhibitory G protein-calcium channel complex involves PTX-sensitive and -insensitive G proteins.

Na+/H+ exchange in vascular smooth muscle cells is controlled by GTP-binding proteins.

This study examines the involvement of GTP-binding proteins (Gps) in the regulation of Na+/H+ exchange and Ca2+ influx, which are increased in vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats. Gp activity was modulated by fluoride, GTPgammaS, GDPbetaS, and antisense oligodeoxynucleotides complementary to conserved regions of the alpha- and beta-subunits of Gps (alpha-comm and beta-comm, respectively). Beta-adrenergic-induced Gs-mediated cAMP production was used as a positive control to estimate the efficiency of these compounds. Na+/H+ exchange, measured as ethylisopropyl amiloride-sensitive 22Na influx, was activated by 5- to 6-fold by a 30-minute preincubation of cells with 10 mmol/L NaF with a K0.5 for NaF of approximately 13 mmol/L. In contrast, no activation of 45Ca influx was observed under preincubation of vascular smooth muscle cells with NaF in Ca2+-free medium, whereas at [Ca2+]o >0.5 mmol/L, simultaneous addition of 45Ca and 10 mmol/L NaF led to sharply increased isotope uptake. NaF-induced 45Ca influx did not reach saturation up to 3 mmol/L [Ca2+]o and 20 mmol/L NaF and was correlated with the formation of calcium-fluoride complexes measured by light scattering. GTPgammaS increased basal cAMP production and Na+/H+ exchange, whereas GDPbetaS decreased isoproterenol-induced cAMP production and Na+/H+ exchange. Alpha-comm reduced whereas beta-comm augmented isoproterenol-induced cAMP production by 70%. Both oligodeoxynucleotides decreased basal Na+/H+ exchange by 40% to 50%. NaF-induced Na+/H+ exchange was not sensitive to alpha-comm but was inhibited by 60% in beta-comm-loaded cells. Neither basal nor NaF-induced 45Ca uptake was affected by GTPgammaS, GDPbetaS, and the oligodeoxynucleotides. Our results show that 45Ca uptake is activated by NaF in vascular smooth muscle cells by nonspecific accumulation of calcium-fluoride complexes and is not related to modification of Gps. On the contrary, the Na+/H+ exchanger is controlled by Gps, and Gp beta-subunits are involved in [Ca2+]o-independent activation of this carrier by NaF.

G-protein modulation of N-type calcium channel gating current in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293).

1. Voltage-dependent inhibition of N-type calcium currents by G-proteins contributes importantly to presynaptic inhibition. To examine the effect of G-proteins on key intermediary transitions leading to channel opening, we measured both gating and ionic currents arising from recombinant N-type channels (alpha 1B, beta 1b and alpha 2) expressed in transiently transfected human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293). Recombinant expression of a homogeneous population of channels provided a favourable system for rigorous examination of the mechanisms underlying G-protein modulation. 2. During intracellular dialysis with GTP gamma S to activate G-proteins, ionic currents demonstrated classic features of voltage-dependent inhibition, i.e. strong depolarizing prepulses increased ionic currents and produced hyperpolarizing shifts in the voltage-dependent activation of ionic current. No such effects were observed with GDP beta S present to minimize G-protein activity. 3. Gating currents were clearly resolved after ionic current blockade with 0.1 mM free La3+, enabling this first report of gating charge translocation arising exclusively from N-type channels. G-proteins decreased the amplitude of gating currents and produced depolarizing shifts in the voltage-dependent activation of gating charge movement. However, the greatest effect was to induce a approximately 20 mV separation between the voltage-dependent activation of gating charge movement and ionic current. Strong depolarizing prepulses largely reversed these effects. These modulatory features provide telling clues about the kinetic steps affected by G-proteins because gating currents arise from the movement of voltage sensors that trigger channel activation. 4. The mechanistic implications of concomitant G-protein-mediated changes in gating and ionic currents are discussed. We argue that G-proteins act to inhibit both voltage-sensor movement and the transduction of voltage-sensor activation into channel opening.

G-protein activation by metabotropic glutamate receptors reduces spike frequency adaptation in neocortical neurons.

Intracellular recordings were obtained from neocortical brain slices of adult rats maintained in vitro. The effect of metabotropic glutamate receptor activation on spike frequency adaptation in regular spiking layer II and III neurons was determined. Putative metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists and antagonists, as well as inhibitors of intracellular signaling systems, were tested. Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors by bath applied (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylate (1S,3R-ACPD; 50-200 microM) reduced the first interspike interval and increased action potential frequency at all current intensities. This effect was not blocked by ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists. Under these recording conditions, quisqualate (1-10 microM) similarly reduced spike frequency adaptation. Neither 1R,3S-ACPD, L-2-carboxycyclopropylglycine-I nor the putative presynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist, L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate, mimicked the effects of 1S,3R-ACPD or quisqualate. Bath application of the putative metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist, alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine, competitively antagonized the excitatory actions of 1S,3R-ACPD. Another putative antagonist, L-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionate, failed to antagonize the reduction in spike frequency adaptation. Intracellular injection of guanosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate), a non-hydrolysable analog of GTP, inhibited the postsynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated effects. However, the depression of synaptic transmission by 1S,3R-ACPD was not antagonized by this compound. The decrease in spike frequency adaptation by 1S,3R-ACPD was not prevented by prior exposure to the non-specific protein kinase inhibitors H-7 or H-8 (10 microM), the protein kinase A inhibitor H-89 (0.25 microM) or the protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine (0.10 microM). These data suggest that the metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated reduction in spike adaptation requires the activation of specific G-protein-coupled metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes located on postsynaptic sites. The increase in neuronal excitability observed in the adult neocortex may be mediated either by an unidentified G-protein-coupled second messenger or via a membrane-delimited G-protein action.

Abolition of G protein inhibition of alpha 1A and alpha 1B calcium channels by co-expression of the beta 3 subunit.

Three different classes of alpha 1 Ca2+ channel (alpha 1A, alpha 1B, alpha 1C) were expressed in Xenopus oocytes to determine whether G protein-mediated inhibition is an inherent property of the alpha 1 subunit itself, and if so, whether co-expression of auxiliary subunits modulates the inhibition seen. From our data it is apparent that either alpha 1A or alpha 1B Ca2+ channels expressed alone are sufficient for voltage-dependent G protein inhibition. alpha 1C Ca2+ channels expressed alone do not exhibit the G protein inhibition seen in alpha 1A and alpha 1B channels. Additionally, co-expression of the beta 3 subunit abolishes the ability of G proteins to inhibit currents through alpha 1A and alpha 1B Ca2+ channels. Differential sensitivity of alpha 1 as well as modulation of properties by beta 3 provide a potential mechanism for the regulation of G protein-mediated inhibition in neurons.

A membrane-delimited pathway of G-protein regulation of the guard-cell inward K+ channel.

GTP-binding protein (G-protein) regulation of inward rectifying K+ channels in the plasma membrane of Vicia (Vicia faba L.) guard cells has previously been demonstrated at the whole-cell level. However, whether a cytosolic signal transduction chain is required for G-protein regulation of K+ channels in Vicia guard cells, or in any plant cell type, remains unknown. In the present study, we assayed effects of several G-protein regulators on inward K+ channels in isolated inside-out membrane patches from Vicia guard cell protoplasts. Guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate, a nonhydrolyzable GTP analog that locks G proteins into their activated state, decreased the open state probability (Po) of single inward K+ channels. This decrease in Po was accompanied by an increase in one of the closed time constants of the K+ channel. Guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate, a GDP analog that locks G proteins into their inactivated state, slightly increased the Po of the inward K+ channel and shortened the closed time constants. Pertussis toxin and cholera toxin, which ADP-ribosylate G proteins at different sites, decreased the Po of the inward K+ channel. Our data indicate that G proteins can act via a membrane-delimited pathway to regulate inward K+ channels in the guard-cell plasma membrane.