Characterization of muscarinic autoreceptors in the rabbit hippocampus and caudate nucleus.

Oxotremorine-induced inhibition of electrically evoked release of 3H-acetylcholine from brain slices preincubated with 3H-choline was used to characterize muscarinic autoreceptors in rabbit hippocampus and caudate nucleus. From the shifts to the right of the concentration-response curves of oxotremorine in the presence of muscarinic receptor antagonists, the following pKB values [95% C.I.] were determined in the hippocampus: tripinamide: 8.7 [8.5, 8.8]; himbacine: 8.4 [8.3, 8.5]; AQ-RA 741: 8.3 [8.2, 8.5]; 4-DAMP: 8.2 [8.0, 8.3]; hexahydrosiladifenidol: 7.4 [7.2, 7.5]; AF-DX 116: 7.3 [7.1, 7.4]; pirenzepine: 6.8 [6.6, 7.0]; and PD102807: 6.3 [6.0, 6.5]. In the caudate nucleus: tripinamide: 9.1 [8.9, 9.2]; 4-DAMP: 8.3 [8.2, 8.5]; himbacine: 8.1 [8.0, 8.2]; AQ-RA 741: 8.1 [8.0, 8.3]; hexahydrosiladifenidol: 7.3 [7.2, 7.4]; AF-DX 116: 7.1 [7.0, 7.2]; pirenzepine: 6.7 [6.6, 6.8]; and PD102807: 6.5 [6.2, 6.8]. These pKB values fit best to literature values for M2 receptors, suggesting that the muscarinic autoreceptor of the rabbit hippocampus and caudate nucleus is the m2 gene product.

Properties of 3,4-diaminopyridine-evoked dopamine and acetylcholine release in rabbit caudate nucleus slices: involvement of facilitatory adenosine A2 receptors or nitric oxide?

The 3H-overflow from slices of the rabbit caudate nucleus preincubated with tritiated dopamine (DA), or choline, and then superfused and stimulated twice with 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP; 25 microM, 1 min), was explored as an in vitro model for evoked release of DA, or acetylcholine (ACh), respectively. In both cases the 3,4-DAP-evoked 3H-overflow was tetrodotoxin-sensitive and Ca(2+)-dependent and hence most probably represents action potential-induced exocytotic release of DA or ACh, respectively. Using pairs of preferential agonists/antagonists it was shown, that evoked DA release was inhibited via presynaptic D2 autoreceptors (quinpirole/domperidone) and kappa-opioid receptors (U-50488H/norbinaltorphimine). No evidence was found for the presence of presynaptic adenosine A1 or A2 receptors on dopaminergic terminals. Moreover, 3,4-DAP-evoked DA release was unaffected by increased intracellular cyclic AMP levels or by drugs affecting the NO/guanylate cyclase pathway. In a similar manner it was shown that 3,4-DAP-evoked ACh release was inhibited via presynaptic muscarine autoreceptors (oxotremorine/atropine) and dopamine D2 heteroreceptors (quinpirole/domperidone). Again, no evidence for the involvement of the NO/guanylate cyclase system in the modulation of ACh release was found, whereas the presence of inhibitory adenosine A1 receptors, but not of facilitatory A2 receptors, could be clearly established. It is concluded, that 3,4-DAP-evoked 3H-overflow from rabbit caudate nucleus slices preincubated with [3H]DA or [3H]choline, represents a simple and useful in vitro model for action potential-induced DA or ACh release, respectively. Moreover, at least in this model or rabbit brain region, facilitatory adenosine A2 receptors and the NO/guanylate cyclase system seem not to be involved in the release of these transmitters.

The influx of Ca2+ and the release of noradrenaline evoked by the stimulation of presynaptic nicotinic receptors of chick sympathetic neurons in culture are not mediated via L-, N-, or P-type calcium channels.

We have shown earlier that nicotinic agonists induce the release of noradrenaline from chick sympathetic neurons in culture in two ways: (a) by activating the postsynaptic nicotinic receptors on nerve cell bodies, giving rise to spreading electrical activity and opening of voltage operated calcium channels in neuronal processes; (b) by activating the presynaptic nicotinic receptors on neuronal processes. In the present work, we investigated the contribution of various pathways to the observed Ca2+ influx and subsequent noradrenaline release. Sympathetic neurons in culture were stimulated either by the nicotinic agonist dimethylphenylpiperazinium or electrically, in the presence or absence of tetrodotoxin and of specific blockers of calcium or nicotinic channels, and the effects on [Ca2+]i in the area of neuronal processes and on noradrenaline release were measured. Under control conditions, the N-type channel blocker omega-conotoxin (0.1 mumol/l) diminished the release of noradrenaline and the increase of intraterminal Ca2+ by 48% and 55%, respectively, whereas the L-type channel blocker (+)Bay k 8644 (1 mumol/l) diminished the release of noradrenaline by 25% and the increase of [Ca2+]i by 39%. The P-type channel blocker omega-agatoxin (0.3 mumol/l) had no effect. The effects of the L-type channel ligands were complex and could only be explained on the assumption that, at high concentrations, these drugs also act as nicotinic antagonists. Tetrodotoxin blocked the Ca2+ response evoked by electrical stimulation whereas DMPP applied in the presence of tetrodotoxin still evoked an increase of [Ca2+]i and the release of noradrenaline (27% and 30% of control without tetrodotoxin, respectively). These residual responses were not blocked by any of the calcium channel blockers used or by their combination. Apparently, a substantial part of the influx of Ca2+ induced by the activation of presynaptic nicotinic receptors is not carried by the N-, L- or P-type channels and probably occurs directly via the open channels of nicotinic receptors.

3,4-Diaminopyridine masks the inhibition of noradrenaline release from chick sympathetic neurons via presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors: insights into the role of N- and L-type calcium channels.

We have investigated the participation of the N-type (omega-conotoxin GVIA-sensitive) and L-type (nifedipine-sensitive) calcium channels in the alpha 2-adrenoceptor mediated autoinhibition of the release of [3H]noradrenaline from chick sympathetic neurons in culture. Blockade of 3,4-diaminopyridine-sensitive potassium channels resulted in tetrodotoxin-sensitive and calcium-dependent increase of the release of [3H]noradrenaline evoked by electrical stimulation. Nifedipine attenuated the evoked release under control conditions by 20%, but in the presence of 3,4-diaminopyridine by 51%, while omega-conotoxin decreased the release under control conditions by 87% and in the presence of 3,4-diaminopyridine by only 43%. The L-type calcium channel activator Bay k 8644 increased the evoked release of the transmitter both in the absence and in the presence of 3,4-diaminopyridine. Under control conditions, the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist UK 14304 decreased the evoked release by 57% and the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist rauwolscine increased it by 14%. Nifedipine did not prevent this modulation. In the presence of 3,4-diaminopyridine, UK 14304 lost its effect on the release of noradrenaline, but its inhibitory action was restored when nifedipine, but not omega-conotoxin, was added. Changes in the increase of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) evoked by electrical stimulation, measured in the cell processes by microfluorimetry, paralleled the changes in the release of [3H]noradrenaline. Under control conditions, nifedipine attenuated the rise of intracellular calcium by only 16%, while omega-conotoxin did so by 66%. 3,4-Diaminopyridine enhanced the evoked rise of [Ca2+]i; in its presence the rise of intracellular calcium was about equally reduced by nifedipine and omega-conotoxin (by 46 and 36%, respectively). These effects were additive. UK 14304 diminished the peak concentration of [Ca2+]i elicited by the standard electrical stimulation by 31% and rauwolscine antagonised this effect. UK 14304 did not measurably inhibit the stimulation-evoked rise of intraterminal [Ca2+]i in the presence of 3,4-diaminopyridine but it produced an inhibition by 26% if nifedipine had been applied together with 3,4-diaminopyridine. Our observations show that, under control conditions, the stimulated release of [3H]noradrenaline is mainly associated with the opening of N-type channels, while in the presence of 3,4-diaminopyridine the contribution of L-type channels becomes more important. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor stimulation by UK 14304 inhibits the release of [3H]noradrenaline but, in the presence of 3,4-diaminopyridine, the inhibition of release can only be observed if the massive influx through L-type calcium channels is prevented. These data suggest that presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors of chick sympathetic neurons preferentially influence the N-type calcium channels.

Presynaptic nicotinic receptors stimulate increases in intraterminal calcium of chick sympathetic neurons in culture.

Stimulation of chick sympathetic neurons in culture by the cholinergic agonists acetylcholine, nicotine, and 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (all at 10-1,000 mumol/L) induced concentration-dependent increases of free calcium levels measured by fura 2 fluorescence in neuronal processes. The response evoked by acetylcholine had both nicotinic and muscarinic components, whereas that induced by 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium was purely nicotinic. Tetrodotoxin (0.3 mumol/L) blocked completely the increase of intraterminal free calcium level evoked by electrical stimulation. On the other hand, stimulation with 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium still evoked 20-25% of the control response in the presence of tetrodotoxin. The concentration-response relationship of 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium stimulation did not differ in the absence and in the presence of tetrodotoxin. The nicotinic antagonists d-tubocurarine (10 mumol/L) and mecamylamine (10 mumol/L), but not alpha-bungarotoxin (125 nmol/L), prevented the increase of intraterminal free calcium level evoked by 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (100 mumol/L) in the presence of tetrodotoxin. These observations indicate the presence of nicotinic receptors on neuronal processes that increase the intraterminal concentration of free calcium and probably modulate transmitter release. Their pharmacological properties are similar to those of nicotinic receptors located on neuronal cell bodies.

3,4-Diaminopyridine-evoked noradrenaline release in rat hippocampal slices: facilitation by endogenous or exogenous nitric oxide.

The involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in the evoked release of noradrenaline (NA) was studied in rat hippocampal slices preincubated with [3H]NA and stimulated with 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP; 200 microM) for 2 min. The 3,4-DAP-evoked [3H]overflow was enhanced by the NO synthase substrate L-arginine, but not by D-arginine; it was reduced by the NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine, which also antagonized the effects of L-arginine. The corresponding nitro derivative of D-arginine was inactive and unable to block the effects of L-arginine. Also drugs known to produce NO in-vitro, like sodium nitroprusside (SNP), 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1) and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) enhanced the 3,4-DAP-evoked NA release. The NO scavenger hemoglobin showed no significant effects when given alone, but reduced or abolished, respectively, the facilitatory effects of SNP, or SNAP and L-arginine. The cyclic GMP derivatives 8-Br-cGMP and Sp-8-p-chlorophenylthioguanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate (Sp-8-pCPT-cGMPS) also acted facilitatory, whereas the corresponding Rp-enantiomer of the latter compound was inactive, but antagonized the effect of Sp-8-pCPT-cGMPS. NA release evoked by 3,4-DAP (10 microM) from rat hippocampus synaptosomes was not affected by L-arginine or NG-nitro-L-arginine but slightly increased by SNAP and Sp-8-pCPT-cGMPS. Antagonists at NMDA, non-NMDA and metabotropic glutamate receptors neither affected the 3,4-DAP-evoked NA release nor the facilitatory effect of L-arginine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Sympathetic sprouting: time course of changes of noradrenergic, cholinergic, and serotonergic markers in the denervated rat hippocampus.

As a first step for experiments investigating the presynaptic characteristics of sympathetic fibers grown into the denervated hippocampus, we studied the time course of changes of neurochemical markers in the rat hippocampus, subsequent to aspiration lesions of the fimbria-fornix and the overlying callosal and cortical structures. At various postsurgical delays (1, 2, 8, 24, and 40 weeks), the activity of choline acetyltransferase, the high-affinity synaptosomal uptake of choline and noradrenaline, and the concentrations of noradrenaline, serotonin, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were measured in a dorsal, an intermediate, and a ventral part of the hippocampus. Levels of all markers were significantly reduced shortly (1-2 weeks) after the lesions. However, whereas the cholinergic (choline uptake and choline acetyltransferase activity) and the serotonergic (concentrations of serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid) markers remained significantly reduced for up to 40 weeks, both noradrenergic markers recovered to near-normal (noradrenaline uptake) or even supranormal (noradrenaline concentration) levels, although with clear-cut differences in the time course and the regional characteristics. The noradrenaline content reached control levels already 8 weeks after lesion surgery and was about two to three times higher 40 weeks later, with the most dramatic effects in the ventral hippocampus. In contrast, high-affinity noradrenaline uptake reached control values only 24 weeks after lesion and exceeded them only in the ventral hippocampus 40 weeks after surgery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Differences of the electrical and nicotinic receptor stimulation-evoked liberation of norepinephrine from chicken sympathetic neurons in culture: possible involvement of different pools of the transmitter.

We studied the release of [3H]norepinephrine from chicken sympathetic neurons in culture evoked by nicotinic and electrical stimulation with an intention to establish functional identity or nonidentity of the two stimuli in investigations of neurotransmitter release. Nicotinic stimulation evoked extracellular calcium dependent release of [3H]norepinephrine and the rise of intracellular calcium concentration. The release was completely blocked by nicotinic antagonists hexamethonium (100 mumol/l) and mecamylamine (10 mumol/l), and decreased by tetrodotoxin (0.3 mumol/l) and omega-conotoxin (0.1 mumol/l) to 17% and 27%, resp. The intracellular calcium response was decreased by nicotinic antagonists and tetrodotoxin, but not changed by omega-conotoxin. The electrical stimulation-evoked release was blocked by both tetrodotoxin and omega-conotoxin, and decreased by previous electrical, but not nicotinic, stimulation. The differential sensitivity to omega-conotoxin and tetrodotoxin,and the inability of nicotinic stimulation to decrease the liberation by following electrical stimulation may suggest the mobilization of different pools of the transmitter.

Behavioural and neurochemical effects of superior cervical ganglionectomy in rats with septo-hippocampal lesions.

This longitudinal study, extending over 12 months, assessed the behavioural and biochemical effects of hippocampal sympathetic ingrowth (HSI) into the partially denervated hippocampus. Male Long-Evans rats received fimbria-fornix lesions (FIFO) or sham operations at 90 days of age. At the same time half of the rats from each group sustained bilateral ablation of the superior cervical ganglia (SCGX). A battery of behavioural tests, measuring spontaneous alternation, activity in the open field and home cage, and radial-maze performance, were employed, starting after one very short (16 days) and one extended (216 days) post-operative delay. Neurochemical analyses measuring choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity, high-affinity choline (HACU) and noradrenaline uptake by hippocampal synaptosomes (HANU), hippocampal noradrenaline ([NA]), serotonin ([5-HT]) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid ([5-HIAA]) concentrations were carried out in a dorsal, a "middle" and a ventral region of the hippocampus. Lesion of the FIFO induced a significant and enduring deficit in radial-maze performance, in addition to a persistent locomotor hyperactivity. ChAT and HACU were significantly depleted in all three regions of the hippocampus at 12 months, and these deficits were negatively correlated with maze performance. SCGX in the presence of the FIFO lesion significantly reduced [NA] in the middle region of the hippocampus, as compared to SCGX rats, and contributed to a restoration of lesion-induced depletions in [5-HT] and [5-HIAA] in the middle and ventral hippocampal regions, whilst failing to elicit any behavioural changes at either time point. It is concluded that if lesion-induced HSI indeed occurred, as is suggested by neurochemical evidence, it had no effect upon the observed behavioural deficits elicited by transection of the FIFO in the rat.

The effects of intrahippocampal raphe and/or septal grafts in rats with fimbria-fornix lesions depend on the origin of the grafted tissue and the behavioural task used.

Long-Evans female rats sustained electrolytic lesions of the fimbria and the dorsal fornix and, two weeks later, received intrahippocampal suspension grafts of fetal tissue. The grafts were prepared from regions including either the medial septum and the diagonal band of Broca (septal grafts), or the mesencephalic raphe (raphe grafts), or from both these regions together (co-grafts). All rats were submitted to a series of behavioural tests (home cage and open-field locomotion, spontaneous alternation, radial-arm maze and Morris water maze performance) run over two periods after grafting (one to nine weeks and 20-35 weeks). Two weeks after completion of behavioural testing, histological (acetylcholinesterase and Cresyl Violet staining) and/or neurochemical (choline acetyltransferase activity, high-affinity synaptosomal uptake of choline and serotonin, noradrenaline, serotonin and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid concentrations) verifications were performed on the hippocampus. Compared to sham-operated rats, lesion-only rats exhibited hyperactivity which was transient in a familiar environment (home cage) and lasting in an unfamiliar one (open field), decreased rates of spontaneous T-maze alternation, and impaired memory performance in both the radial-arm maze and the Morris water maze. These rats also showed decreased cholinergic and serotonergic markers with a maximal depletion in the septal two-thirds of the hippocampus. Noradrenaline concentration tended to be increased in the dorsal third of the hippocampus, but was not modified in the other two-thirds. While septal grafts specifically increased the cholinergic markers and raphe grafts the serotonergic ones, neither of these grafts produced a lasting effect on any behavioural variable. Conversely, the co-grafts, which increased both the cholinergic and serotonergic markers in the septal two-thirds of the hippocampus, completely normalized the Morris water maze probe trial performance, but failed to affect any of the other behavioural variables. Our present results confirm that grafts of fetal neurons injected into the denervated hippocampus may induce a neurochemical recovery that depends on the anatomical origin of the grafted cells, and that co-grafting two fetal brain regions allows the combination of their individual neurochemical properties. Furthermore, our results show that these neurochemical effects of the co-grafts may be involved in the recovery of behavioural function observed in the water maze. However, somewhat paradoxically, those effects appear inefficient for inducing any recovery in other behavioural tasks, even in the radial-arm maze; which is assumed to measure similar spatial functions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Hippocampal amino acid concentrations after raphe and/or septal cell suspension grafts in rats with fimbria-fornix lesions.

Two weeks after infracallosal electrolytic fimbria-fornix lesions, Long-Evans female rats received intrahippocampal suspension grafts of either fetal septal or mesencephalic raphe tissue, or a mixture of both. Ten months after lesion surgery, the concentrations of alanine, aspartate, GABA, glutamate, glutamine, glycine, serine and taurine were determined in a dorsal, a "middle" and a ventral region of the hippocampus. We found neither the lesions nor the grafts to have significantly modified the concentration of these amino acids which, in all groups, presented a regional heterogeneity in their hippocampal distribution. GABA, glutamate and glutamine were highest in the ventral hippocampus, whereas the other amino acids were highest in the dorsal region. Our results (i) show that fimbria-fornix lesions do not result in lasting effects on hippocampal concentrations of the assessed amino acids, (ii) confirm the regional heterogeneity in the distribution of these amino acids in the hippocampus and (iii) demonstrate that cell suspension grafts of fetal septal or mesencephalic raphe tissue, as well as grafts of a mixture of both of these tissues, do not exert a non-specific effect on either of the amino acid concentrations measured. These data complete those of the preceeding paper [Kiss et al. (1990) Neuroscience 36, 61-72] concerning the effects of the same grafts on hippocampal cholinergic, serotonergic and noradrenergic markers, as well as on several behavioural variables.

Presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors inhibit calcium influx in terminals of chicken sympathetic neurons and noradrenaline release evoked by nicotinic stimulation.

The changes of intracellular calcium concentration evoked by stimulation of nicotinic receptors and its modulation by alpha 2-adrenoceptors were investigated in chicken sympathetic neurons grown in culture. Stimulation of nicotinic receptors increased the intracellular calcium both in the area of cell bodies and processes. In normal extracellular calcium (1.3 mmol/l), the specific alpha 2-adrenoreceptor agonist UK 14,304 (10 mumol/l) diminished the response in cell bodies but not in processes. The same treatment in medium with reduced calcium (0.13 mmol/l) resulted in the decrease of the response evoked by nicotinic stimulation in the area of processes but not in the cell bodies. The effect of UK 14,304 on evoked noradrenaline release paralleled its influence on intracellular calcium in processes. These data indicate that nicotine stimulation-induced influx of calcium is inhibited by alpha 2-adrenoceptor stimulation both in cell bodies and in processes. It is concluded that the nicotinic stimulation-evoked release of noradrenaline is triggered by influx of calcium through alpha 2-adrenoreceptor sensitive as well as insensitive pathways.

The antiparkinsonian drugs budipine and biperiden are use-dependent (uncompetitive) NMDA receptor antagonists.

N-Methyl-D-aspartate- (NMDA-) evoked [3H]acetylcholine release in rabbit caudate nucleus slices was inhibited by the antiparkinsonian drugs budipine (1-tert-butyl-4,4-diphenylpiperidine) and biperiden (1-bicyclo[2.2.1.]hept-5-en-2-yl-1-phenyl-3-piperidino propanol) yielding functional Ki values of 4.6 and 8.8 microM. In contrast to the competitive antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonopentaonate, budipine and biperidene significantly reduced both the apparent KD and the Emax value of NMDA. Moreover, they displaced [3H]MK-801 specifically bound to membranes of the same tissue, although with low affinity (IC50: 38 and 92 microM). It is concluded that budipine and biperiden are use-dependent (uncompetitive) antagonists at the NMDA receptor, binding to the receptor-linked ion channel, but probably not to the MK-801 binding site. NMDA antagonism may contribute to the antiparkinsonian effects of budipine.

In vivo comparative study of the seizure- and ischemia-induced synthesis of eicosanoids in the brain of gerbils.

After transient cerebral ischemia induced by bilateral ligation of carotid arteries, followed by 5 min reperfusion, concentrations of prostaglandin D2 and LTC4-like material increased with time in the gerbil brain. At least a 1 min occlusion time was necessary to elevate the eicosanoid concentrations significantly over the basal levels. Spontaneous tonic-clonic seizures of about 20 sec duration induced an increase in prostaglandin D2 and LTC4-like material comparable to the values found after a 2 min occlusion time. Following carotid artery occlusion, the eicosanoid levels were found to be elevated in midbrain, hypothalamus, striatum, hippocampus and cortex, i.e., those brain areas dependent upon the blood supply from the carotid arteries. In contrast, following spontaneous seizures, prostaglandin D2 concentrations were increased in the striatum, hippocampus and cortex only, and the LTC4-like material in the cortex. Hippocampus, striatum and cortex are brain areas which participate in the generation and propagation of seizures. It appears, therefore, unlikely that the seizure-induced eicosanoid synthesis is triggered off by a hypoxic event due to an impaired breathing caused by convulsions. The regional pattern of the eicosanoid synthesis following the seizures may rather depend on the intensity of the neuronal activity than on regional differences in the eicosanoid-synthesizing capacity.

Modulation of electrically evoked [3H]-noradrenaline release from cultured chick sympathetic neurons.

In the present study we attempted a comprehensive characterization of modulation of noradrenaline release from chick sympathetic neurons. To this purpose sympathetic neurons derived from chick lumbosacral paravertebral ganglia and kept in culture for 7 days were loaded with 0.05 mumol/l [3H]-noradrenaline and subjected to electrical field stimulation (36 pulses/3 Hz). Since the released transmitter was partially recaptured, superfusion was usually performed in the presence of (+)-oxaprotiline, an inhibitor of noradrenaline re-uptake. [3H]-Noradrenaline was released in a manner which was dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and sensitive to tetrodotoxin (TTX). omega-Conotoxin (omega-CTX; 100 nmol/l) abolished [3H]-noradrenaline release indicating that influx through omega-CTX-sensitive Ca(2+)-channels was essential for transmitter release. 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-[2- (trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-3-pyridine carboxylic acid methyl ester ((+/-) Bay K 8644) and 4-(4-benzofurazanyl)-1,4-dihydro-2,6- dimethyl-3-nitro-5-pyridinecarboxylic acid isopropyl ester ((+)-202-791), agonists at L-type voltage sensitive Ca(2+)-channels (VSCCs), increased noradrenaline release and induced, in addition, an overflow of tritium which was Ca(2+)-dependent and prevented by the presence of TTX. The L-type VSCC antagonists (-)-202-791 and (+)-4-(4-benzofurazanyl)-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3,5- pyridinedicar boxylic acid methyl, isopropyl ester) ((+)-PN 200-110) diminished [3H]-noradrenaline release. These data suggest that L-type VSCCs, probably located on the cell body of the neuron, play an additional role in modulation of release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Lesions of supracallosal or infracallosal hippocampal pathways in the rat: behavioral, neurochemical, and histochemical effects.

Long-term behavioral and neurochemical effects of bilateral lesions to only the infracallosal component of the "so-called" septohippocampal pathways (cingular bundle, fimbria and fornix) have not been assessed. This experiment compared the behavioral, histochemical and neurochemical effects of supracallosal (SUPRA; cingular bundle) and infracallosal (INFRA; fimbria-fornix) hippocampal denervations in Long-Evans female rats. The rats were tested, over two periods (8-52 and 92-170 days postlesion), for open field locomotion, spontaneous alternation and radial-maze performance. Subsequently, histochemical or neurochemical determinations of cholinergic, serotonergic and noradrenergic hippocampal innervations were performed using acetylcholinesterase-staining, determination of high-affinity synaptosomal uptake of choline and serotonin, and measurement of hippocampal serotonin and noradrenaline concentrations by HPLC methods. Whatever behavioral test was considered, no significant effect was found in rats with SUPRA lesions, whereas rats with INFRA lesions were permanently impaired in all tests. Histochemical and neurochemical analyses showed hippocampal cholinergic as well as serotonergic markers to be substantially decreased in INFRA rats as compared to SHAM and SUPRA rats. The SUPRA rats exhibited a weak but significant reduction of both serotonergic and noradrenergic markers compared to SHAM and INFRA rats. These results suggest that lesions limited to the infracallosal pathway induce a hippocampal denervation sufficient to account for most of the behavioral, histochemical and neurochemical deficits classically reported following extensive lesions of the anterior hippocampal connections. Since the behavioral and neurochemical deficits were found to be lasting, it is suggested that bilateral infracallosal damage to the septohippocampal pathways might constitute an interesting paradigm of partial hippocampal deafferentation to investigate the effects of neural grafts or other treatments in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease.

Presynaptic opioid receptors on dopaminergic nerves in the rabbit caudate nucleus: coupling to pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins and interaction with D2 autoreceptors?

Slices of the rabbit caudate nucleus, preincubated with [3H]dopamine and subjected to electrical field stimulation, were used (1) to investigate the involvement of G-proteins in the signal transduction of presynaptic D2 (auto)receptors and kappa-opioid receptors on dopaminergic axon terminals in this tissue and (2) to study a possible mutual interaction of these two presynaptic receptors. Pretreatment of the slices with either pertussis toxin (8 micrograms/ml; 18 h), or N-ethylmaleimide (30 microM, 30 min) significantly reduced the inhibitory effects of both the D2 agonist quinpirole and the kappa-opioid receptor agonist U-50488H on the [3H]overflow evoked by 36 pulses (2 ms, 24 mA, 0.3 Hz), suggesting the coupling of both receptors to G-proteins. Experiments designed to study possible interactions of these two presynaptic receptors were carried out under stimulation conditions (only 1 pulse), which strongly diminish interference of endogenous transmitters released in the tissue with modulatory effects of exogenous drugs. For instance, due to the presence of endogenous dopamine, quinpirole was much less potent during 36-pulse-than during 1-pulse field stimulation, whereas the D2 antagonist domperidone was almost without effect in the latter case. Using the 1-pulse stimulation paradigm, the concentration/response curve of quinpirole was unaffected in the presence of the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of U-50,488 H (0.1 microM). On the other hand, also quinpirole at its half-maximal inhibitory concentration (0.1 microM), hardly affected the concentration/response curve of U-50,488 H: only high concentrations of U-50,488 H (above 1 microM) seemed to be slightly less effective in the presence than in the absence of the D2 agonist.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

P2 purinoceptors modulating noradrenaline release from sympathetic neurons in culture.

ATP (1 mM) inhibited, whereas 2-methylthio-ATP (30 microM), a P2Y-selective purinoceptor agonist, increased electrically evoked release of [3H]noradrenaline from chick sympathetic neurons. The P2X-selective purinoceptor agonist alpha,beta-methylene-ATP (30 microM) had no effect. The ATP-induced inhibition of release as well as the facilitation caused by 2-methylthio-ATP was not affected by the selective adenosine (P1) receptor antagonist 8-(p-sulfophenyl)-theophylline (8-PST; 100 microM), but completely prevented by the non-selective P2 antagonist suramin (300 microM). The present data reveal a dual regulation of noradrenaline release from sympathetic neurons. Facilitation seems to be mediated by a P2Y purinoceptor, whereas inhibition is caused by a P2 purinoceptor which needs further subtype characterization.

The phorbol ester TPA potentiates cholera toxin- and isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic AMP-synthesis in primary astrocyte cultures.

Cellular responses to changes in the extracellular environment are mediated by intracellular signaling systems. One of the most extensively studied systems is adenylate cyclase which generates the second messenger molecule cAMP. Another one is the phosphatidylinositol (PI) second messenger system giving rise to IP3 and diacylglycerol, the latter stimulating protein kinase C. Recently, a third potential signaling system has attracted increased scientific attention: the phospholipase A2 system which generates arachidonic acid. This substance may be used for eicosanoid synthesis or serve as a second messenger molecule. The present report gives more evidence about mechanisms how these signaling pathways interact in cultured astrocytes. Substances commonly used for stimulation of arachidonic acid release and prostaglandin synthesis in these cultures (A23187, TPA) had no influence on intracellular cAMP levels. Pertussis toxin that had previously been shown to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, had no influence on cAMP levels either. Cholera toxin, however, raised intracellular cAMP significantly, although much less than the beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol. Cholera toxin also caused a marked change in astroglial morphology even at reduced concentrations (1-10 ng/ml). A23187 used in combination with Ctx had a moderate stimulatory effect on cAMP synthesis. In contrast, in the presence of Ctx, the PKC-activating phorbol ester TPA synergistically stimulated cAMP production, raising cAMP levels as high as isoproterenol-stimulated levels. The TPA effect was concentration-dependent. It was also dependent on an intact PKC since preincubation of cells with the phorbol ester completely abolished the synergistic effect. The synergistic effect of the phorbol ester was also observed at subthreshold concentrations of isoproterenol. The data reveal that the sole activation of most Gs molecules is a necessary but not sufficient prerequisite to achieve maximal adenylate cyclase activity. The fine-tuning of this activity apparently occurs at the catalytic subunit which is under the (partial) control of phosphorylation by PKC.

No evidence for presynaptic opioid receptors on cholinergic, but presence of kappa-receptors on dopaminergic neurons in the rabbit caudate nucleus: involvement of endogenous opioids.

The effects of various opioid receptor agonists and antagonists were studied in rabbit caudate nucleus slices preincubated with either [3H]dopamine or [3H]choline, superfused with medium (containing in most experiments the D2 receptor antagonist domperidone) and subjected to electrical field stimulation. The stimulation-evoked [3H]overflow from slices prelabeled with [3H]dopamine (evoked [3H]dopamine release) was significantly reduced by preferential kappa-opioid receptor agonists, like U-50,488 H, but not by mu- or delta-opioid receptor selective drugs. Opioid receptor antagonists shifted the concentration/response curve of U-50,488 H to the right (apparent pA2-value of the kappa-selective antagonist nor-binaltorphimine: 10.1) and enhanced the evoked dopamine release in the presence of a mixture of peptidase inhibitors. On the other hand, the [3H]overflow from rabbit caudate nucleus slices prelabeled with [3H]choline (evoked acetylcholine release) remained almost unaffected by any opioid receptor agonist, as long as the presynaptic D2 heteroreceptor was blocked with domperidone: in the absence of domperidone, U-50,488 H exhibited facilitatory effects. For comparison, the effects of the preferential delta-opioid receptor agonist DPDPE was also studied in slices of the rat striatum, where it clearly inhibited the evoked acetylcholine release. From our data we conclude that in the rabbit caudate nucleus the evoked dopamine release is inhibited by both exogenous and endogenous opioids via presynaptic kappa-opioid receptors, whereas the evoked release of acetylcholine is not, or only indirectly (via released dopamine) affected by opioids.