Muscarinic pharmacology of the spinal cord of the neonatal rat in vitro.

The pharmacology of two muscarinic responses, recorded from the ventral roots of the spinal cord in the neonatal rat, have been compared: the depolarising response and the inhibition of the monosynaptic compound action potential (CAP). Pirenzepine was more potent than AF-DX 116 in antagonising the depolarising response. However, the potencies of these compounds indicated that this response may be mediated by neither M1 nor M2 (cardiac-like) receptors. The drug AF-DX 116 (1 microM), but not pirenzepine, selectively reduced the inhibitory effect. It is concluded that the receptors mediating these two responses are different.

Selective antagonism of muscarinic potentials on the superior cervical ganglion of the rat.

Selective antagonists have been used to classify the muscarinic receptors involved in the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential and slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential of the superior cervical ganglia of the rat, as recorded in 1 microM neostigmine, using a grease-gap method. Cardioselective M2 antagonists, e.g. AF-DX 116, depressed the slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential and enhanced the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential. The M1 selective antagonist pirenzepine depressed both potentials equally. The high potency of pirenzepine against the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential, however, indicates that it is mediated by M1 receptors. The slow excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials were found to be pharmacologically similar to the muscarinic agonist-induced depolarisation and hyperpolarisation of this preparation, respectively. The actions of two muscarinic agonists on the postsynaptic potentials were also studied. It is concluded that the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential is mediated by M1 receptors and the slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential by cardiac-like M2 receptors.

BRL 46470 potently antagonizes neural responses activated by 5-HT3 receptors.

The effect of a novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, BRL 46470, has been studied on two electrophysiological models for 5-HT3 receptors: grease-gap recordings from rat isolated vagus nerve and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from mouse neuroblastoma-rat glioma NG108-15 cells. Its action on the rat vagus nerve was compared to that of four other 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. On the rat vagus, BRL 46470 reduced the maximum depolarizing response to 5-HT in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of 0.3-1.0 nM, but the EC50 for 5-HT was not appreciably affected. This action was similar to that of granisetron and ICS 205-930, but differed from that of GR38032F and (+)-tubocurarine which produced clear rightward shifts of the concentration-response curve to 5-HT. The 5-HT-induced fast inward current of voltage-clamped NG108-15 cells was also antagonized by 1 nM BRL 46470 in an insurmountable manner. In contrast to (+)-tubocurarine, the action of BRL 46470 on the rat vagus nerve and NG108-15 cells did not readily reverse on washing with antagonist-free medium. It is concluded that BRL 46470 is a potent, insurmountable 5-HT3 receptor antagonist on the rat vagus and NG108-15 cells.

Characterization of the 5-hydroxytryptamine2A receptor-activated cascade in rat C6 glioma cells.

We have investigated the identity and intracellular cascade of responses resulting from activation of the endogenous 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor in the C6 rat glioma cell line. Sequence analysis of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction products derived from C6 glioma cell messenger RNA revealed complete homology with a portion of the rat 5-hydroxytryptamine2A receptor. The binding of [3H]ketanserin to cell membranes demonstrated a significant correlation with the 5-hydroxytryptamine2A receptor in rat frontal cortex. On intact cells, 5-hydroxytryptamine stimulated a concentration-dependent increase in phosphatidyl inositide turnover and intracellular [Ca2+] mediated by 5-hydroxytryptamine2A receptors. In whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, 5-hydroxytryptamine induced an outward current mediated predominantly by K+ ions (reversal potential = -80 mV). Using caged molecules containing Ca2+ or inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate in the patch electrode solution, we found that rapid photolytic release of Ca2+ and particularly inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate within the cytosol induced an outward current with characteristics similar to those seen after application of 5-hydroxytryptamine. Comparison between differentiated and undifferentiated cells revealed significantly higher receptor density and maximal phosphoinositide response to 5-hydroxytryptamine in undifferentiated cells but the associated rise in [Ca2+]i and activation of an outward current was observed more frequently in differentiated cells. Prolonged exposure of the cells to 5-hydroxytryptamine led to a decrease in all responses and to the down-regulation of receptor number. We conclude that the rat C6 glioma cell expresses a 5-hydroxytryptamine2A receptor identical to that found in rat brain and that stimulation of the receptor in C6 cells leads to the activation of Ca2+ activated K+ channels via phosphoinositide hydrolysis and subsequent rise in cytosolic Ca2+ ion concentration. However, the contrasting effects of differentiation on receptor number and phosphoinositide response to 5-hydroxytryptamine compared to Ca2+ release and conductance change indicate that a complex relationship exists between the component parts of the receptor-activated cascade.

On the histamine-induced depolarization of the isolated superior cervical ganglion of the rat.

1. Using a grease-gap technique, we studied the action of histamine on the d.c. potential recorded between the internal carotid nerve and the main body of the isolated superior cervical ganglion of the rat. 2. A small, slow depolarization was evoked by 10-300 microM histamine. This response was not reduced by lowering the calcium concentration in the superfusing medium (from 2.5 to 0.1 mM), or by superfusing tetrodotoxin, N-methylatropine, or propranolol (all at 1 microM). 3. Mepyramine (10 nM) antagonized this depolarization, but cimetidine (10 microM), metiamide (30 microM), burimamide (10 microM) and impromidine (1 microM) did not. Two other agonists also evoked a mepyramine-sensitive slow depolarization. The rank order of potencies was histamine greater than N alpha-methyl-histamine greater than 2-methyl-histamine. 4. At concentrations greater than 1 mM, histamine also evoked a larger, faster depolarization. This response was undiminished by reducing the calcium concentration of the medium to 0.1 mM or by adding 1 microM tetrodotoxin. The rank order of potency for the agonists was N alpha-methyl-histamine greater than histamine approximately 2-methyl-histamine. The histamine-induced fast response was not antagonized by any of the above-mentioned antagonists. It was slightly reduced by (+)-tubocurarine (100 microM) and N-methylbicuculline (100 microM) but such effects were not consistent with the blockade of nicotinic or GABAA receptor-mediated responses. 5. It was concluded that histamine depolarized the isolated superior cervical ganglion of the rat by activating H1 receptors. Relatively high concentrations of histamine also evoked a fast depolarization of this preparation, but this did not appear to be mediated by H1, H2 or H3 receptors.

A 5-HT1-like receptor mediates a pertussis toxin-sensitive inhibition of rat ventromedial hypothalamic neurones in vitro.

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-carboxamidotryptamine and 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin inhibited rat ventromedial hypothalamic neurones in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. The agonist-induced inhibition was reduced by spiperone (1 microM) and by pertussis toxin , but not by MDL 72222 (10 microM) or ketanserin (1 microM). The inhibition appeared to be mediated via 5-HT1A-receptors and a pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway.

Pharmacological differences between two muscarinic responses of the rat superior cervical ganglion in vitro.

1 Pharmacological differences have been observed between the muscarinic agonist-induced depolarizing and hyperpolarizing responses of the rat isolated superior cervical ganglion. 2 Pirenzepine (0.3 microM) selectively reduced the depolarizing response and unmasked the hyperpolarizing response. No such selectivity was observed with a concentration of N-methylatropine which was equipotent with pirenzepine in antagonizing the depolarizing response. 3 The neuromuscular blocking agents gallamine (10 microM) and pancuronium (3 microM) exhibited the oppositive selectivity to pirenzepine, both dramatically reduced the hyperpolarization but only slightly antagonized the depolarization. 4 The potencies of a range of agonists in evoking the depolarizing and hyperpolarizing responses, the latter in the presence of 0.3 microM pirenzepine, have been determined. Methylfurmethide failed to hyperpolarize the ganglion at concentrations which evoked maximal depolarizations. 5 The muscarinic hyperpolarization did not appear to be mediated by the secondary release of catecholamines. 6 It was concluded that the two muscarinic responses on the rat superior cervical ganglion, the slow depolarization and faster hyperpolarization, are mediated by different muscarinic receptor subtypes.

Multiple 5-HT receptors in the guinea-pig superior cervical ganglion.

1. We have studied the pharmacology of the depolarization by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) of the guinea-pig isolated superior cervical ganglion (SCG) using the grease-gap technique. We studied the effects of selective and non-selective antagonists on the responses to 5-HT and other 5-HT receptor agonists. 2. We have extended the pharmacology of the 5-HT3 receptor in this preparation by studying the effects of granisetron, BRL 46470 and mianserin on the concentration-response curve (CRC) to 2-methyl-5-HT. As with other 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, these compounds exhibited a lower affinity for guinea-pig 5-HT3 receptors than for rat 5-HT3 receptors. 3. We have confirmed that low concentrations of 5-HT (< or = 1 microM) mediate ketanserin-sensitive responses and higher concentrations of 5-HT also recruit 5-HT3 receptors. The responses to low concentrations of 5-HT were antagonized by low concentrations of ketanserin, spiperone, mianserin, DOI and LSD indicating probably mediation by 5-HT2A receptors. At high concentrations, the hallucinogen, DOI, but not LSD, evoked a ketanserin-sensitive depolarization. 4. Although mianserin could bind to the 5-HT2A receptors in this preparation, we could not demonstrate a down-regulation of depolarizations evoked by these receptors after a 10 day oral treatment with mianserin (10 mg kg-1, daily). 5. 5-Carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) evoked a prolonged depolarization. Although high concentrations of 5-CT (> or = microM) appeared to activate 5-HT2A receptors, lower concentrations of 5-CT evoked a response with a distinct pharmacology. After studying the action of 20 selective and non-selective 5-HT receptor ligands we believe that this response may be mediated by a novel receptor; but its pharmacology is closest to that of receptors in the 5-HT2 receptor family. Like 5-CT, 5-HT (3-300 microM) could evoke an LSD-sensitive response in the presence of the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, ketanserin and the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, tropisetron (all 1 microM). 6. We conclude that 5-HT activates three pharmacologically distinct receptors to depolarize the guinea-pig SCG. Low concentrations of 5-HT appear to activate 5-HT2A receptors. Higher concentrations of 5-HT also activate 5-HT3 receptors and a possible novel 5-HT receptor. The novel receptor could be a species homologue of a 5-HT2 receptor or an, as yet, unclassified 5-HT receptor.

Evidence that the 5-HT3 receptors of the rat, mouse and guinea-pig superior cervical ganglion may be different.

1. Using grease-gap recordings from the isolated superior cervical ganglion of mouse, rat and guinea-pig, we have compared the depolarization evoked by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) with that evoked by the selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist 2-methyl-5-HT (2-Me-5-HT). 2. The maximum depolarization induced by 2-Me-5-HT was smaller than that induced by 5-HT in all three species, and particularly in the guinea-pig. 3. The 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin (1 microM) caused a clear rightward shift of the dose-response curve to 5-HT on the guinea-pig ganglion, but not on the mouse or rat ganglion. Spiperone (0.03 microM) had a quantitatively similar action to ketanserin (0.1 microM) on the 5-HT dose-response curve of the guinea-pig ganglion. Ketanserin had no significant effect on the dose-response curve to 2-Me-5-HT on any of these ganglia. 4. Using 2-Me-5-HT as the agonist, we determined the pA2 values for two 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. The potency of ICS 205-930 varied by approximately 100 fold between the species and that of (+)-tubocurarine varied by over 1000 fold. The differences in the pA2 values of these compounds varied independently among the species. 5. We conclude that 5-HT3 receptors are present on the superior cervical ganglion from the rat, mouse and guinea-pig, but these receptors may be pharmacologically distinct from each other. In addition, the depolarization of the guinea-pig superior cervical ganglion by low concentrations of 5-HT is largely mediated by ketanserin-sensitive receptors.

Action of adenosine receptor antagonists on hypoxia-induced effects in the rat hippocampus in vitro.

1. We have studied three hypoxia-induced phenomena in the CA1 stratum pyramidale of the rat hippocampal slice: (a) the increase in extracellular potassium ion concentration ([K+]e) measured with ion-sensitive microelectrodes, (b) the intracellularly-recorded pyramidal cell hyperpolarization and (c) the extracellularly-recorded depression of the synaptically-evoked field potential recorded in stratum pyramidale. 2. The extracellular potassium ion concentration ([K+]e) rose from 3 mM to 4.1-4.4 mM at a time when the pyramidal cells hyperpolarized by about 6 mV and neurotransmission was virtually abolished. 3. Presumed glial cells depolarized in response to hypoxia. The shape and time course of this response was remarkably similar to the rise in [K+]e so induced. This is consistent with findings that glial cell membrane potential is dependent on transmembrane K+ gradient. 4. We investigated the effects of theophylline (100 microM) and 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX, 0.1 microM) on these effects. We have found that these compounds attenuated by about half the hypoxia-induced increase in [K+]e; however, they did not reduce the hypoxia-induced hyperpolarization. We have confirmed that they dramatically reduced the suppression of excitatory transmission caused by the hypoxia. We conclude that adenosine A1 receptors may be involved in the alteration of K+ homeostasis in the hippocampal slice during hypoxia.

L-689,660, a novel cholinomimetic with functional selectivity for M1 and M3 muscarinic receptors.

1. L-689,660, 1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, 3-(6-chloropyrazinyl)maleate, a novel cholinomimetic, demonstrated high affinity binding (pKD (apparent) 7.42) at rat cerebral cortex muscarinic receptors. L-689,660 had a low ratio (34) of pKD (apparent) values for the displacement of binding of the antagonist ([3H]-N-methylscopolamine ([3H]-NMS) compared with the displacement of the agonist [3H]-oxotremorine-M ([3H]-Oxo-M), in rat cerebral cortex. Low NMS/Oxo-M ratios have been shown previously to be a characteristic of compounds that are low efficacy partial agonists with respect to stimulation of phosphatidyl inositol turnover in the cerebral cortex. 2. L-689,660 showed no muscarinic receptor subtype selectivity in radioligand binding assays but showed functional selectivity in pharmacological assays. At M1 muscarinic receptors in the rat superior cervical ganglion, L-689,660 was a potent (pEC50 7.3 +/- 0.2) full agonist in comparison with (+/-)-muscarine. At M3 receptors in the guinea-pig ileum myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle or in trachea, L-689,660 was again a potent agonist (pEC50 7.5 +/- 0.2 and 7.7 +/- 0.3 respectively) but had a lower maximum response than carbachol. In contrast L-689,660 was an antagonist at M2 receptors in guinea-pig atria (pA2 7.2 (95% confidence limits 7, 7.4)) and at muscarinic autoreceptors in rat hippocampal slices. 3. The putative M1-selective muscarinic agonist, AF102B (cis-2-methylspiro-(1,3-oxathiolane 5,3')-quinuclidine hydrochloride) was found to have a profile similar to L-689,660 but had up to 100 times less affinity in binding and functional assays.RS-86 (2-ethyl-8-methyl-2,8-diazospiro[4,5]decan 1,3-dionehydrochloride) also had lower affinity than L-689,660, and had no binding selectivity for muscarinic receptor subtypes. RS-86 had a higher NMS/Oxo-M ratio than L-689,660 and was a full agonist at MI,M2 and M3 receptors in the functional pharmacological assays.4. The functional selectivity of L-689,660 in muscarinic pharmacological assays is consistent with the effects of a low efficacy partial agonist in tissues with different effective receptor reserves.

A novel series of non-quaternary oxadiazoles acting as full agonists at muscarinic receptors.

1 A novel series of non-quaternary oxadiazole-based muscarinic agonists demonstrated high affinity for muscarinic receptors. 2. These agonists possessed high efficacy in the nanomolar range at muscarinic receptors in the superior cervical ganglion, atrium and ileum but did not show selectivity across the tissue preparations. 3. Two amino oxadiazoles, one from a quinuclidine series (L-660,863) and one from a 1-azanorbornane series (L-670,207) possessed a high ratio of potency for displacing the binding of [3H]-N-methyl-scopolamine ([3H]-NMS) to potency for displacing the agonist [3H]-oxotremorine-M cortex. 4. The two azanorbornane derivatives L-670,548 and L-670,207 stimulated the turnover of phosphatidylinositol in the cortex with a potency higher than that obtained with any other known muscarinic agonist (ED50 0.26 and 0.18 microM respectively). 5. The maximum response obtained with L-670,207 was greater than that observed for carbachol but was comparable to that of the natural ligand acetylcholine. 6. These oxadiazole muscarinic agonists are among the most potent and efficacious non-quaternary muscarinic agonists ever described.

Differential effects of electroconvulsive shock on the glutamate receptor mRNAs for NR2A, NR2B and mGluR5b.

We have studied the effects of single and repeated electroconvulsive shock (ECS) treatment on the mRNA levels of several glutamate receptors in the dentate gyrus and CA1 regions of the rat brain. In the dentate gyrus, such treatment elevated the mRNAs for the NMDA subunits NR2A and NR2B, but it reduced the mRNA for the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGlu5b. With the exception of NR2A, this effect was specific to the dentate gyrus. The changes in NR2B mRNA lasted the longest, but all changes had returned to control values after 48 h. The possible significance of such changes to the antidepressant effect of ECT is discussed.

5-HT2A receptor-mediated outward current in C6 glioma cells is mimicked by intracellular IP3 release.

The C6 glioma cell line possesses 5-HT2A receptors that have been shown to increase intracellular calcium levels. We have studied the electrophysiological response of these cells to 5-HT using the whole-cell recording method. Under voltage-clamp, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) produced an outward current in these cells which was inhibited by extracellularly applied ketanserin and spiperone and by EGTA (10 mM) in the recording electrode. The 5-HT induced response could be mimicked by intracellular photolytic release of inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate (IP3) from caged molecules. The reversal potentials for the IP3- and 5-HT-induced responses were closely matched. The data indicates that the outward current is likely to be mediated by 5-HT2A receptors stimulating IP3 production which increases intracellular calcium leading to the opening of calcium-activated potassium channels.

5-HT2B receptor mRNA in guinea pig superior cervical ganglion.

Primers for 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptor mRNAs were used in reverse transcriptase-linked polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) to determine the presence of these transcripts in the guinea pig superior cervical ganglion. This was done to help identify an as yet unknown 5-HT2-like receptor which, in addition to 5-HT2A receptors, mediates a slow depolarization of this preparation. PCR products corresponding to 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B, but not 5-HT2C, receptor mRNA could readily be detected. Subsequent sequence analysis of these products confirmed that the 5-HT2A band corresponded to part of the guinea pig 5-HT2A receptor and the 5-HT2B band probably represents a portion of the guinea pig 5-HT2B receptor. The latter sequence shares greater homology with an equivalent region of the human than the rat 5-HT2B receptor.

BDNF enhances neuronal growth and synaptic activity in hippocampal cell cultures.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (20 ng/ml) significantly enhanced the growth of the somata of GABA-immunoreactive neurones in primary cultures of hippocampal neurones from postnatal rats after only 24h. Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments showed an increase in spontaneous synaptic activity between neurones with time in culture. After 10 days in culture, 90% of neurones sampled in control cultures showed spontaneous synaptic activity, whereas in cultures treated with BDNF, 100% of neurones had synaptic inputs after only 6 days. This difference in spontaneous activity was not due to the lack of synaptic inputs as KCl-induced synaptic activity was equally effective in BDNF and control cultures. These experiments demonstrate the rapid rate at which BDNF can promote neuronal growth and also show that BDNF can promote long term synaptic activity.

Cortical spreading depression induces an LTP-like effect in rat neocortex in vitro.

We have developed an in vitro model of spreading depression (SD) in rat neocortex. KCl application induced a propagating wave of SD associated with a change of optical lucency and an extracellular negative wave. Both of these were abolished by aminophosphonovaleric acid (100 microM), indicating SD's mediation by NMDA receptors. SD abolished synaptically-mediated field potentials in layer II and this depression was followed by a previously undescribed, sustained LTP-like enhancement of transmission.

The rat gracile nucleus in vitro: I. Evidence for a GABA-mediated depolarisation of the dorsal column afferents.

The preparation and maintenance of a novel slice of the rat gracile nucleus is described. The slice includes both gracile nuclei as well as an intact afferent input from the dorsal columns. Extracellular recording revealed that a compound tract action potential (CAP) could be recorded from the gracile nucleus following stimulation of the ipsilateral dorsal column. The CAP was followed by slower field potentials which are thought to be dependent on synaptic activity. Four consequences of stimulating the dorsal columns were observed: (1) a subsequent CAP was conducted more rapidly along the afferents whether it travelled in an orthodromic or antidromic direction; (2) the amplitude of a subsequent orthodromic CAP was reduced; (3) the amplitude of a subsequent submaximal antidromic CAP was increased; and (4) a slow positive potential could be recorded from the dorsal columns. All 4 phenomena had comparable time-courses and were similarly sensitive to agents which reduce synaptic transmission. Pharmacological evidence indicated that all 4 phenomena were mediated by GABA. It is suggested that a GABA-mediated depolarization of the gracile afferents can be evoked in this slice.

The rat gracile nucleus in vitro: II. Field potentials and their conditioned depression.

The field potentials which follow the compound tract action potential recorded from the rat gracile nucleus in vitro were studied. The field potentials were evoked by stimulating the ipsilateral dorsal column. Depth profile experiments revealed that the negative (N) wave recorded near the dorsal surface of the nucleus inverted to a positive (P) wave deeper in the nucleus. The negative wave consisted of an initial spiky component (NA) which peaked at a latency of 2-5 ms and temporally corresponded with the firing of post-synaptic units. This wave was usually fused with a long slow wave which peaked at 8-10 ms and often lasted for over a second. This slow wave was composed of a relatively brief bicuculline-sensitive wave (NB) superimposed on a longer bicuculline-resistant wave (NC). All of these components could be distinguished in the P wave recorded deeper in the nucleus. The amplitude of the field potential was depressed following an identical preceding stimulus delivered to the dorsal columns. This conditioned depression of the field potential had a similar time-course to the field potential itself and, likewise, had both a bicuculline-sensitive and a bicuculline-resistant component. The depression of field potentials outlasted the depolarization of the gracile afferents indicating that post-synaptic mechanisms may be involved in this long-lasting phenomenon.

The rat gracile nucleus in vitro: III. Unitary spike potentials and their conditioned inhibition.

Unitary spike potentials were recorded from the gracile nucleus in vitro following stimulation of the ipsilateral dorsal column. All of the unitary spike potentials were thought to be post-synaptic in origin because of their latencies and their type of response pattern to increasing the stimulus strength from threshold. Two main classes of response pattern were observed which were analogous to those of the relay cell and interneurone recorded in vivo. A further type of response pattern was observed but its anatomical substrate was not deduced. When examining the unitary spike potentials evoked by the second of a pair of identical stimuli an increase in the latency and/or decrease in the number of spikes was observed. This inhibitory period consisted of an initial intense phase followed by a less intense and long-lasting phase. At conditioning intervals of less than 40 msec this inhibition was sensitive to bicuculline. Only 13% of the units encountered in this study were spontaneously active. The activity of these units was depressed following stimulation of the dorsal column. The same inhibitory phenomena observed to act on the field potentials in this slice also act on unitary spike potentials.