Phencyclidine-induced dysregulation of dopamine response to amphetamine in prefrontal cortex and striatum

Phencyclidine (PCP) administration in rodents has been used to model aspects of schizophrenia. One aspect of such treatment has been the enhancement of amphetamine-induced increase of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex and striatum. To further characterize this mechanism rats were treated for 2 weeks with continuous PCP (15 mg/kg per day via Alzet minipump). Rats were implanted with a microdialysis probe into the prefrontal cortex (PFC) or striatum. Amphetamine was administered locally via the dialysis probe during one collection period and changes in extracellular dopamine were monitored. The effect of local administration of the dopamine uptake blocker nomifensine was also measured. Amphetamine (10 microM) and nomifensine (10 microM) increased the level of dopamine in both the PFC and striatum. PCP administration did not alter the response to amphetamine or nomifensine in the PFC, but reduced this response about 2-fold in striatum. To examine effects of continuous PCP administration on dopamine autoreceptor function, release of [3H]dopamine in response to electrical stimulation and in the presence of a dopamine agonist or antagonist was tested in striatal and prefrontal cortical tissue. Autoreceptor responses were similar in control and PCP-treated tissues. We conclude that the brain region-specific enhancement of dopamine release by peripheral amphetamine administration in rats after PCP is not likely mediated by alterations in the dopamine autoreceptors or changes in the dopamine transporter. The selective local responses of amphetamine indicates heterogeneous regional effects of continuous PCP on NMDA receptor function; effects that influence both regional excitatory responses and the overall dynamics of tonic excitatory/inhibitory inputs to the PFC and striatum.

Continuous phencyclidine treatment induces schizophrenia-like hyperreactivity of striatal dopamine release

Functional dopaminergic hyperactivity is a key feature of schizophrenia. Recent in vivo imaging studies have demonstrated greater striatal dopamine release in response to amphetamine challenge in schizophrenia subjects than in normal controls. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are known to play a prominent role in regulation of striatal dopamine release. In humans, NMDA antagonists induce a psychotic state that closely resembles schizophrenia. The present study investigates the degree to which chronic continuous administration of the NMDA antagonist phencyclidine (PCP) induces schizophrenia-like hyperreactivity of striatal dopamine release to amphetamine in rodents. Rats were treated with 10 or 15 mg/kg/d PCP for two weeks by osmotic minipump, and striatal dopamine release to amphetamine challenge (1 mg/kg) was monitored by microdialysis. PCP-treated rats showed significant enhancement in amphetamine-induced dopamine release, along with significantly enhanced locomotor activity. These findings support the concept that NMDA receptor dysfunction may contribute to dopaminergic dysfunction in schizophrenia.

Differences in nicotine-induced dopamine release and nicotine pharmacokinetics between Lewis and Fischer 344 rats

Studies have shown a greater preference for the self-administration of drugs such as nicotine and cocaine in the Lewis rat strain than in the Fischer 344 strain. We examined some factors that could contribute to such a difference. The baseline level of extracellular dopamine in nucleus accumbens shell was about 3-times higher in Fischer rats than in Lewis rats (3.18 +/- 0.26 vs. 1.09 +/- 0.14 pg/ sample). Nicotine (50-100 microg/kg)-induced release of dopamine, expressed in absolute terms, was similar in the two strains. Dopamine release expressed in relative terms (as percent of baseline), however, was significantly greater in Lewis rats than in Fischer rats at 30 min after the first nicotine injection. We suggest that the relative increase is of more influence than the absolute level for determining preference; a lower physiological extracellular dopamine level thus represent a risk factor for increased preference. Amphetamine-induced dopamine release expressed in relative terms was not greater in the Lewis strain. In the initial time period of the microdialysis experiments, a sharper peak in nicotine-induced accumbal dopamine release in Lewis and a less but more sustained release in Fischer rats was observed. This release pattern paralleled the faster clearance of nicotine from blood of Lewis compared to Fischer rats. In tissue slices the electrically induced dopamine release was highest in the nucleus accumbens and lowest in the ventral tegmentum. A significant effect of nicotine was lowering the electrically induced release of dopamine in frontal cortex slices from Fischer brain and increasing this dopamine release in the ventral tegmentum of Lewis brain slices indicating that the ventral tegmentum, an area controlling dopamine release in the accumbens, is more responsive to nicotine in the Lewis rat. Nicotine levels tended to be more sustained in Fischer rats in different brain regions, although the difference in nicotine levels between the strains was not significant at any time period. Several factors contribute to nicotine preference, including the endogenous dopamine level, and the sensitivity of ventral tegmentum neurons to nicotine-induced dopamine release. Strain differences in pharmacokinetics of nicotine may also play a role.

Serotonin-mediated striatal dopamine release involves the dopamine uptake site and the serotonin receptor

Modulation of striatal dopamine (DA) release by serotonin (5HT) and its antagonists was studied utilizing in vitro perfusion techniques. In isolated striatal tissue, 5HT (10 microM) increased the fractional basal release of labeled DA. The 5HT(2/1c) antagonist ketanserin (5 microM) also stimulated the basal release. These two effects were mediated by different mechanisms as cocaine (10 microM) greatly inhibited the 5HT-mediated response, but slightly increased the ketanserin-mediated response. 6-Nitroquipazine maleate (10 microM, 5HT uptake inhibitor) partially inhibited both responses. Inhibition by GBR 12909 (DA uptake inhibitor) at 1 microM of the 5HT-mediated DA release was similar to that of cocaine, but at 10 microM it increased release before addition of 5HT, and maintained elevated DA release while present in the incubation medium. At 1 microM GBR 12909, ketanserin-mediated DA release was stimulated and a much greater release was seen at 10 microM, but the prolonged release was not observed as after 5HT-mediated release. Among other antagonists methiothepin (5HT(1,2,6) antagonist) also enhanced DA release, whereas oxymetazoline (5HT(1A,1B,1D) agonist) had no effect. RS2359-190 (5HT(4) antagonist) had a small effect (slight stimulation) on 5HT-mediated DA release, and no effect on ketanserin-mediated DA release. CGS 12066A (5HT(1B) agonist) inhibited 5HT-mediated DA release. The glutamate antagonist MK-801 and the GABA(A) antagonist bicuculline had no affect on either response. These results indicate that 5HT-mediated DA release occurs via reversal of the DA transporter and that inhibitory presynaptic 5HT heteroreceptors and both inhibitory and stimulatory somato-dendritic 5HT receptors regulate release. In addition to the reversal of the transporter, an inhibitory 5HT(2) component was identified.

Inhibition of striatal dopamine release by glycine and glycyldodecylamide

Phencyclidine (PCP) and other N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists induce schizophrenia-like symptoms in humans. In rodents, PCP induces a syndrome of stereotypies and hyperactivity that is accompanied by stimulation of striatal dopamine release. Glycine and other NMDA agonists reverse PCP-induced behaviors in rodents and ameliorate PCP psychosis-like symptoms of schizophrenia in clinical trials. Glycine levels in vivo are regulated by the actions of glycine (GLYT1) transporters. The present study investigates effects of glycine and the prototypic glycine transport inhibitor glycyldodecylamide (GDA) on striatal dopamine release in vitro using a mouse striatal assay. Glycine and GDA significantly inhibit NMDA-induced striatal dopamine release, consistent with their ability to enhance local striatal inhibitory neurotransmission in vitro and to reverse PCP-induced hyperactivity in vivo.

The effect of cotinine on nicotine- and cocaine-induced dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens

Cotinine is the major metabolite of nicotine. Nicotine is rapidly metabolized and has a short half-life, but cotinine is metabolized and eliminated at a much lower rate. Because of the resulting increase with time in the cotinine to nicotine ratio in the body, including in the brain, it is of interest to examine the effect of cotinine on nicotine-induced changes. In studies on conscious, freely-moving rats, intravenous administration of either nicotine or cocaine induced the release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, as assayed by microdialysis. Prior intravenous administration of a high dose of cotinine (500 microg/kg) inhibited this nicotine- or cocaine-induced dopamine release. The action of cotinine does not seem to occur through its effect on the metabolism of nicotine or on its binding at the receptor site, because cotinine, unlike nicotine, does not affect the binding of the nicotinic ligand cytisine. The findings suggest that cotinine affects a putative component of the reward mechanism, and as such could have therapeutic value.

A.E. Bennett Research Award. Reversal of phencyclidine-induced effects by glycine and glycine transport inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Phencycline (PCP, "angel dust") and other noncompetitive antagonists of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamatergic neurotransmission induce psychotic effects in humans that closely resemble positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Behavioral effects of PCP in rodents are reversed by glycine (GLY) and other NMDA augmenting agents. In rodents, behavioral effects of PCP are mediated, in part, by secondary dysregulation of subcortical dopaminergic neurotransmission. This study evaluates effects of GLY and GLY transport antagonists on behavioral and neurochemical consequences of PCP administration in rodents.

METHODS

Two separate experiments were performed. In the first, effects of GLY on PCP-induced stimulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission in nucleus accumbens were evaluated using in vivo microdialysis in awake animals. In the second, effects of a series of GLY transport antagonists were evaluated for potency in inhibiting PCP-induced hyperactivity.

RESULTS

In microdialysis studies, GLY significantly inhibited PCP-induced stimulation of subcortical DA release in a dose-dependent fashion. In behavioral studies, the potency of a series of GLY transport antagonists for inhibiting PCP-induced hyperactivity in vivo correlated significantly with their potency in antagonizing GLY transport in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest, first, that GLY reverses not only the behavioral, but also the neurochemical, effects of PCP in rodents. Second, the findings suggest that GLY transport antagonists may induce similar effects to GLY, and may therefore represent an appropriate site for targeted drug development.

Receptor systems participating in nicotine-specific effects

It is generally accepted that self-administration of drugs is prompted primarily by a reward system driven by an increase in extracellular dopamine in the nucleus accumbens. Recent findings that dopamine increase in the accumbens can be caused by many other factors, among them stress, suggest a more complex mechanism, and possibly differences in the reward system for different compounds. In the present paper we compare the effects of receptor-specific antagonists on the increase of dopamine induced by nicotine with that induced by cocaine in the nucleus accumbens in conscious rats. The compounds alone or together were injected intravenously, and dopamine level changes were measured via microdialysis. When administered together the effect of nicotine and cocaine on the level of dopamine in the accumbens was additive. Apparently there is some interaction between the two compounds, since nicotine had no effect after combined nicotine and cocaine administration. Perhaps the available dopamine pool was exhausted by the prior administration. The nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine, the muscarinic antagonist atropine, and the NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist MK-801 each blocked nicotine-induced dopamine release in the accumbens, indicating the participation of more than a single receptor system in the nicotine-induced effect. These three antagonists did not inhibit cocaine-induced dopamine increase in the accumbens, indicating the lack of a role of these receptors in the cocaine effect under our experimental conditions. SCH-23390, a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, blocked both nicotine- and cocaine-induced effects, indicating the possible role of this receptor in these reward effects. The results indicate that there are differences in some of the receptors mediating the central effects of the two compounds examined, nicotine and cocaine, although each influences dopamine levels, and that the two compounds interact.

Gender differences in kappa-opioid modulation of cocaine-induced behavior and NMDA-evoked dopamine release

It has been reported that kappa-opioids produce greater analgesia in women than in men. Sex differences are also apparent in drug-induced behaviors. Repeated administration of cocaine (25 mg/kg) produced a greater locomotor and sensitization response in C57BL/6By female mice. It was examined whether the increased sensitization in females to repeated cocaine administration was related to differences in kappa-opioid responses. The effects of the kappa agonist U62066 (spiradoline mesylate) on cocaine-induced locomotor stimulation in vivo and NMDA-mediated dopamine release in vitro were measured. In male, but not female mice, U62066 (1 mg/kg) given 30 min before cocaine potentiated the locomotor stimulation of an acute cocaine administration. U-62066 did not affect the development of locomotor sensitization with repeated cocaine administration (25 mg/kg s.c., once daily for 3 days), and a further enhanced response was not seen on days 2 and 3. It was then examined whether dopamine release, measured in vitro, plays a role in sex dependent differences in kappa-opioid- or NMDA-modulated dopaminergic function. In tissue perfusion studies, the in vitro NMDA (25 microM)-evoked release of labelled dopamine from striatum was lower in females (fractional release = 5.4 +/- 0.4 and 4.0 +/- 0.4 in male and female mouse striatum). U62066 (1 microM) and ibogaine (1 microM), an indole alkaloid claimed to be useful in the treatment of drug addiction that acts in part at the kappa-opioid receptor, both reduced the NMDA (25 microM)-evoked release of dopamine. Inhibition of the release was significantly greater in tissue from male mice. Prior in vivo cocaine administration did not alter the NMDA-evoked dopamine release. Our studies indicate that kappa-opioid and NMDA receptor activity show differences between female and male mice that may account for differences in cocaine-induced behaviors, but do not exclude the role of other hetereoceptors modulating dopamine release.

Co-release of endogenous ATP and [3H]noradrenaline from rat hypothalamic slices: origin and modulation by alpha2-adrenoceptors

The release of endogenous ATP, measured by the luciferin-luciferase assay, and of [3H]noradrenaline from the in vitro superfused rat hypothalamic slices were studied. ATP and [3H]noradrenaline were released simultaneously during resting conditions and in response to low and high frequency field electrical stimulation; the release of both substances were frequency dependent between 2 Hz and 16 Hz. The stimulation-induced release of ATP and [3H]noradrenaline was diminished by more than 80% under Ca2+-free conditions. Tetrodotoxin inhibited the majority of the evoked release of both ATP and [3H]noradrenaline, however, it was less effective in reducing the release of [3H]noradrenaline, than that of ATP. Bilateral stereotaxic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (4 microg/side) to the ventral part of the ventral noradrenergic bundle, originating from the A1 cell group in the brainstem, resulted in a 55% reduction of endogenous noradrenaline content of the hypothalamic slices, and the tritium uptake and the stimulation-evoked release of [3H]noradrenaline was also markedly reduced. While the basal release of ATP was not affected, the evoked release was diminished by 72% by this treatment. Perfusion of the slices with noradrenaline (100 microM) initiated rapid and continuous tritium release; on the other hand, it did not release any ATP. In contrast, 6 min perfusion of (-)nicotine and 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl-piperazinium iodide evoked parallel release of ATP and [3H]noradrenaline which was inhibited by the nicotinic receptor antagonist mecamylamine; 6-hydroxydopamine lesion of the ventral part of the ventral noradrenergic bundle did not affect the nicotine-evoked ATP and [3H]noradrenaline release. While CH 38083, a non subtype-selective alpha2-antagonist and BRL44408, the subtype-selective alpha2AD antagonist augmented the evoked release of [3H]noradrenaline, ARC239, a selective alpha2BC antagonist was without effect. In contrast, neither of the alpha2-antagonists significantly affected the evoked-release of ATP. In summary, we report here that endogenous ATP and [3H]noradrenaline are co-released stimulation-dependently from superfused rat hypothalamic slices. A significant part of the release of both compounds is derived from the nerve terminals, originating from the A1 catecholaminergic cell group of brainstem nuclei. Unlike that from the peripheral sympathetic transmission, noradrenaline and alpha1-adrenoceptor agonists were unable to promote the release of ATP. Conversely, parallel ATP and noradrenaline release could be induced by nicotine receptor activation, but this release does not originate from the same nerve endings. The evoked-release of [3H]noradrenaline is inhibited by endogenous noradrenaline via alpha2AD subtype of adrenoreceptors, while the release of ATP is not subject to this autoinhibitory modulation. In conclusion, our results support the view that ATP is involved in the neurotransmission in the hypothalamus, but the sources of the released ATP and noradrenaline seem to be not identical under different stimulatory and modulatory conditions.

Reversal of phencyclidine-induced hyperactivity by glycine and the glycine uptake inhibitor glycyldodecylamide

Phencyclidine (PCP) induces a psychotic state that closely resembles schizophrenia. In preclinical studies, PCP has been shown to induce its unique behavioral effects by blocking excitatory neurotransmission mediated at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, suggesting that agents which potentiate NMDA receptor-mediated neurotransmission might have clinically beneficial effects. The present study demonstrates that the NMDA co-agonist glycine inhibits rodent hyperactivity induced by PCP, but not amphetamine. Glycyldodecylamide, a compound that blocks neuronal glycine uptake and which may therefore increase intrasynaptic glycine levels, inhibits PCP-induced hyperactivity more potently than glycine. These results complement recent clinical studies with glycine and suggest that glycine-uptake inhibitors, as well as glycine, may be beneficial in the treatment of PCP-induced psychosis and schizophrenia.

Dopamine, as well as norepinephrine, is a link between noradrenergic nerve terminals and splenocytes

The effect of supramaximal electric field stimulation on 3H released from rat spleen strips was studied after loading with either [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) or [3H]norepinephrine ([3H]NE). In some experiments, [3H]DA and [3H]NE stored in the tissue or released in response to electrical stimulation were separated from their tritiated metabolites using HPLC followed by radiochemical detection. The stimulation-evoked release of 3H after loading with either derivative was subject to negative feedback modulation through alpha2-adrenergic, D2-dopamine and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, and could be prevented by either calcium removal or tetrodotoxin blocking of Na+ influx, indicating its neuronal and vesicular origin. After the separation of radioactive metabolites by HPLC, both the tissue loaded with [3H]DA and the fractions collected during electrical stimulation contained a considerable amount of [3H]NE, providing evidence that the neurons it originated from were adrenergic in function. [3H]DA was also released during electrical stimulation. Since the spleen does not receive dopaminergic innervation, it was concluded that the noradrenergic axon terminals in the spleen were able to take up DA, convert it in part into NE, and release it as both DA and NE in response to neural activity. The ratio of [3H]DA and [3H]NE in the spleen loaded with [3H]DA was found to be dependent on both temperature and time of loading, and could be modulated by various drugs such as desmethylimipramine, a NE uptake blocker, and disulfiram or fusaric acid, dopamine beta-hydroxylase inhibitors. The phenomenon may reveal a new mechanism by which immunocytes in the spleen can be regulated by the neuroendocrine system.

Characterization of nicotinic receptors involved in the release of noradrenaline from the hippocampus

The pharmacological features of putative nicotinic acetylcholine receptor sites involved in the release of [3H]noradrenaline were assessed in rat hippocampus. The effect of nicotinic agonists to induce [3H]noradrenaline release was examined in superfused slices. The nicotinic agonists (-)-epibatidine, (+)-anatoxin-a, dimethylphenylpiperazinium, (-)-nicotine and (-)-lobeline released [3H]noradrenaline. The dose-response curves to nicotinic agonists were bell shaped, and indicated that their functional efficacies and potency vary across agonists. Maximal efficacy was seen with dimethyl-phenylpiperazinium and lobeline (Emax values two to three times higher than other agonists). The rank order of potency for the agonists to release [3H]noradrenaline was (-)-epibatidine > (+)- anatoxin-a > dimethylphenylpiperazinium > cytisine > nicotine > (-)-lobeline. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists (n-bungarotoxin > mecamylamine > (+)-tubocurarine > hexamethonium > alpha-bungarotoxin = dihydro-beta-erythroidine) and tetrodotoxin antagonized the effect of dimethylphenylpiperazinium to release [3H]noradrenaline. The results, based on these pharmacological profiles, suggest the possible involvement of alpha 3 and beta 2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits in the control of [3H]noradrenaline release from hippocampal slices. The absence of effect of alpha-bungarotoxin and alpha-conotoxin-IMI excludes the possible involvement of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing the alpha 7 subunit. The release of [3H]noradrenaline by dimethylphenylpiperazinium was Ca2+ dependent. Nifedipine failed to prevent the dimethylphenylpiperazinium-induced release of [3H]noradrenaline, but Cd2+, omega-conotoxin and Ca(2+)-free conditions significantly reduced the dimethylphenylpiperazinium-induced release, suggesting that N-type voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels are involved in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor response. These voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels are activated by the local depolarization produced by sodium influx through the nicotinic channels activated by dimethylphenylpiperazinium. Thus, the observed tetrodotoxin sensitivity of dimethylphenylpiperazinium-induced release of [3H]noradrenaline can be explained either by local depolarization and subsequent generation of action potentials at the preterminal area or that these nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are located on interneurons rather than directly on noradrenergic terminals.

Ibogaine and cocaine abuse: pharmacological interactions at dopamine and serotonin receptors

Ibogaine is an indole alkaloid that has been of interest in recent years due to its putative efficacy in the treatment of drug dependence. For the most part, animal data have shown attenuation of some of the effects of stimulant drugs, for example, motor stimulation and self-administration. The mechanism of this inhibition of drug-induced behavior seems to suggest the action of the dopamine, serotonin, NMDA, kappa, and/or sigma receptor sites, as indicated by the affinity of ibogaine to receptor selective ligands in binding competition studies. However, affinity for receptors does not in itself indicate their involvement. In vitro perfusion studies have proven a useful model to study the effect of ibogaine on neurotransmitter systems and the functional effects of such interactions. This review summarizes these data and the support of multiple effects of ibogaine, and the potential importance of its action on serotonergic modulation of dopamine release.

Dual effect of DMPP on the resting release of noradrenaline from rat hippocampal slices

The effect of the nicotinic receptor agonist dimethylphenylpiperazinium iodide (DMPP) on the resting release of [3H]noradrenaline from superfused hippocampal slices was studied in rat. Continuous administration of DMPP at a concentration range of 1-100 microM increased the [3H]noradrenaline release in a dose-dependent manner. The response to DMPP was characterized by an immediate steep increase (peak response) followed by a sudden decline to a lower level that was constant with time (tall response) and still was significantly higher than the spontaneous release. Further analysis revealed that the release of noradrenaline in response to DMPP consists of two components. While nicotinic receptor antagonists (mecamylamine 10 microM, pancuronium 10 microM, pipecuronium 10 microM), the nonselective Ca-antagonist Cd2+ (125 microM) and tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 microM) completely abolished the peak response (phase I), they had no effect on the tall response (phase II). Ca(2+)-free medium containing 1 mM EGTA also blocked phase I but in contrast with other drugs enhanced phase II. The release during phase I is subject to presynaptic feedback modulation, since the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist xylazine (3 microM) inhibited the DMPP-evoked stimulation of [3H]noradrenaline release, that inhibition was antagonized by a selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, (+/-)-[7,8-(methylenedioxy)-14-alpha-hydroxyalloberbane hydrochloride [(+/-)-CH-38083] (2 microM). (+/-)-CH-38083 (2 microM) alone significantly enhanced the DMPP-evoked increase of [3H]noradrenaline release. Phase II was not effected by alpha 2-adrenergic drugs. Whereas the noradrenaline uptake blockers despramine (DMI, 1-10 microM), nisoxetine (1-10 microM), and nomifensine (10 microM) inhibited both phases, nomifensine at a concentration of 1 microM selectively blocked only phase II. Our data indicate that DMPP has a dual effect on the hippocampal noradrenaline release: phase I is a transient, nicotinic receptor-mediated exocytotic release, and phase II is a maintained, carrier-mediated process.

Metabolism of (-)-deprenyl and PF-(-)-deprenyl in brain after central and peripheral administration

We examined the cerebral metabolism of L-deprenyl and its fluoro-derivative pF-deprenyl, assaying the parent compounds, their metabolites desmethyl deprenyl, L-amphetamine, and L-methamphetamine, and the fluoro analogs of these metabolites. We compared the levels of the metabolites after subcutaneous injection with those after intracerebral administration (via microdialysis) of the parent compounds. The assay of the parent compounds and their metabolites was by GC-MS measurement of the components of brain microdialysate samples. After their subcutaneous administration, deprenyl and F-deprenyl rapidly entered the brain and then their concentration decreased, with an approximate half-life of 4.5 h. After the intracerebral administration the diffusion from the site of administration was minor. A small fraction (a few percent) of the intracerebrally administered deprenyl was metabolized in situ in the brain possibly by a nonenzymatic process. Metabolism of pF-deprenyl was somewhat more rapid. The higher cerebral levels of metabolites after the subcutaneous administration indicate their exogenous origin-metabolism of parent compounds in the periphery and penetration of the brain by the metabolites.

Inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase potentiates the dimethylphenylpiperazinium-evoked carrier-mediated release of noradrenaline from rat hippocampal slices

The effect of 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), an inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) on the dimethylphenylpiperazinium(DMPP)-evoked release of [3H]noradrenaline ([3H]NA) from rat hippocampal slices was studied. The effect of DMPP (20 microM) to increase the basal release of [3H]NA was significantly potentiated by 7-NI (40 microM). In our previous study we showed that the response to DMPP has two components, a nicotinic receptor-mediated, [Ca2+]-dependent exocytosis followed by a [Ca2+]-independent, uptake blocker-sensitive carrier-mediated release. To clarify which part of the response was affected by the inhibition of nNOS, we investigated the effect of 7-NI on the nicotine-evoked NA release (nicotine has only receptor-mediated effect) and on the DMPP-evoked NA release in Ca(2+)-free medium where the receptor-mediated component is abolished. Nicotine (100 microM) significantly increased the basal release of [3H]NA but this release was not affected, whereas in Ca(2+)-free medium the response to DMPP (20 microM) was still potentiated by 7-NI (40 microM). In the presence of the NA uptake blocker desipramine (10 microM) DMPP (20 microM) was unable to provoke NA release independently from the presence or absence of 7-NI (40 microM). Our data show that 7-NI influences the carrier-mediated component of DMPP-evoked [3H]NA release, which indicates that nitric oxide produced by nNOS may play a role in the regulation of the NA uptake carrier.

Effect of ibogaine on cocaine-induced efflux of [3H] dopamine and [3H] serotonin from mouse striatum

Ibogaine, an indole alkaloid with proposed antiaddictive properties, has structural similarity to serotonin and has been shown to have affinity to the kappa-opioid binding site. In addition to the dopamine system, the serotonin system is a major target for cocaine action and the opioid system can affect the serotonin system. Therefore, the present study examined the effect of ibogaine on cocaine-induced, electrically evoked efflux of [3H]dopamine and [3H]serotonin from striatal tissue incubated in vitro, and their modulation by the kappa-opioid system. Cocaine (10(-6) M) added in vitro increased tthe fractional efflux of both [3H]dopamine (FRS2/FRS1 = 2.42 +/- 0.36) and [3H]serotonin (FRS2/FRS1 = 1.31 +/- 0.06). Mice treated in vivo with ibogaine (40 mg/kg or 2 times 40 mg/kg, IP) and killed 2 or 18 h later still showed the cocaine-induced increase in [3H]dopamine, but [3H]serotonin efflux was not increased. The 5-HTIB agonist CGS-12066A (10(-6) M, added in vitro) increased [3H]dopamine release, but did not alter cocaine-induced efflux of [3H]dopamine. CGS-12066A did not affect [3H]serotonin release, but the cocaine-induced increase in [3H]serotonin was inhibited. CGS-12066A (1 mg/kg, SC) potentiated cocaine (25 mg/kg, SC)-induced locomotor activity. Ibogaine pretreatment reduced both the cocaine and the CGS-12066A cocaine-induced increase in locomotor activity. The kappa-opioid agonist U-62066 (10(-6) M, added in vitro) reduced both [3H] dopamine and [3H]serotonin release. This inhibitory effect was blocked by in vivo administration ibogaine. U-62066 did not alter cocaine-induced [3H]dopamine efflux, but reduced cocaine-induced [3H]serotonin efflux. In striatal tissue from ibogaine-pretreated mice, U-62066 restored the cocaine-induced increase in [3H]serotonin release. U-62066 (1 mg/kg, SC) potentiated cocaine-induced behavior and maintained an increased locomotor activity after ibogaine treatment. The results suggest that ibogaine may block the cocainemediated effects on serotonergic transmission, that subsequently modulate dopamine release. The kappa-opioid modulation of serotonergic transmission is also involved.

Differential mechanisms involved in the effect of nicotinic agonists DMPP and lobeline to release [3H]5-HT from rat hippocampal slices

In the present study we investigated the effect of different nicotinic agonists (dimethylphenyl-piperazinium-iodide (DMPP), (-)nicotine, cytisine, (-)-lobeline, and (-)epibatidine) and antagonists (mecamylamine and dihydro-beta-erythroidine) on the release of [3H]5-HT from hippocampal slices. The nicotinic agonists DMPP and lobeline and electrical field stimulation, released [3H]5-HT from the hippocampus; other nicotinic agonists, such as (-)-nicotine, cytisine, and (-)-epibatidine had no effect. Unlike lobeline-induced release of [3H]5-HT, the effect of DMPP (10 and 40 microM) was antagonized by mecamylamine (20 and 10 microM). The effect of DMPP was [Ca2+]o-independent. In experiments carried out at 7 degrees C, i.e. the membrane carrier proteins are inhibited and the release by lobeline was abolished while the DMPP-induced release of 5-HT was rather potentiated. It is proposed that the effect of DMPP and lobeline, to enhance the release of [3H]5-HT from the hippocampus, was mediated by two different mechanisms. While DMPP-induced 5-HT release can be linked to a non-classical nAChR activation ([Ca2+]o-independence), the effect of lobeline was likely mediated by uptake carriers.

The effect of ibogaine on Sigma- and NMDA-receptor-mediated release of [3H]dopamine

The indole alkaloid ibogaine has been suggested to have potential for inhibiting dependency on stimulant drugs. Radioligand binding studies have suggested possible multisite actions of ibogaine: affinity at the kappa-opioid, NMDA, and sigma receptors, with effects on dopamine (DA) release. To further investigate the multiplicity of sites of action of ibogaine and the presynaptic regulation of the DA release, the effect of ibogaine on NMDA- and sigma-receptor-mediated efflux of [3H]DA was measured in striatal tissue from C57BL/6By mice. Striatal tissue was incubated in vitro with [3H]DA and the effect on DA release was measured. Both NMDA (25 microM) alone increased the efflux of DA. (+/)-Pentazocine (100 nM) did not inhibit the NMDA-evoked release. MK-801 (5 microM) completely inhibited the NMDA-evoked release and inhibited the (+/-)-pentazocine-evoked release by 49%. Ibogaine (10 microM) itself increased the efflux of DA; at 1 microM it was without effect. Ibogaine (1 microM) inhibited the NMDA-evoked release of DA by 31% and inhibited the (+/-)-pentazocine-evoked release by 48%. In addition, the level of basal release of DA obtained after the NMDA- or (+/)-pentazocine-evoked-release remained higher in the tissue exposed to ibogaine throughout. The results suggest that sigma receptors can regulate the release of DA, along with an action at the NMDA receptor. We previously reported action of ibogaine at the kappa-opioid site. The elevated basal release of DA in the presence of ibogaine after NMDA- or (+/-)-pentazocine-evoked release may reflect the ibogaine-induced removal of the tonically active kappa-opioid system that acts presynaptically to reduce dopamine release. The kappa-opioid system also appears to be inhibitory on both the NMDA and sigma receptors.

The effect of ibogaine on kappa-opioid- and 5-HT3-induced changes in stimulation-evoked dopamine release in vitro from striatum of C57BL/6By mice

Ibogaine is an indole alkaloid that has been suggested to have potential efficacy for interrupting dependency on stimulant drugs. The kappa-opioid and serotonin 5-HT3 systems may be involved in the action of ibogaine, related to their modulation of dopaminergic transmission. The kappa-opioid agonist U 62066 attenuated the in vitro stimulation-evoked efflux of tritium label from striatal tissue prelabeled with [3H]dopamine. In mice pretreated with ibogaine.HCI (40 mg/kg IP given 2 h prior or 2 x 40 mg/kg and animals killed 18 h later), the inhibitory effect of U 62066 on stimulation-evoked release of tritium was eliminated. The 5-HT3 agonist phenylbiguanide had a biphasic effect on stimulation-evoked release of tritium; at 10(-6) M phenylbiguanide, stimulation-evoked release was attenuated. At 10(-5) M the basal outflow of tritium was increased. Ibogaine pretreatment had no effect on basal or stimulation-evoked release in the presence of 10(-6) M phenylbiguanide, but increased the stimulation-evoked outflow of tritium in the presence of 10(-5) M phenylbiguanide. Cocaine (10(-6) M), a dopamine uptake blocker, increased the electrically-evoked release of dopamine; ibogaine pretreatment did not affect the enhanced electrically-induced release of [3H]dopamine by in vitro cocaine. The effects of ibogaine on the kappa-opioid and 5-HT3 receptors, located presynaptically on striatal dopamine terminals, modulating dopamine release may partly underlie its putative antiaddictive properties.

Effect of ibogaine on serotonergic and dopaminergic interactions in striatum from mice and rats

The effect of ibogaine (Endabuse, NIH 10567) on serotonin uptake and release, and on serotonergic modulation of dopamine release, was measured in striatal tissue from rats and mice. Two hours after treatment in vivo with ibogaine (40 mg/kg i.p.) the uptake of labeled [3H]serotonin and [3H]dopamine uptake in striatal tissue was similar in the ibogaine-treated animal to that in the control. The 5HT1B agonist CGS-12066A (10(-5) M) had no effect on stimulation-evoked tritium release from mouse or rat striatal tissue preloaded with [3H]serotonin; however, it elevated tritium efflux from striatal tissue preloaded with [3H]dopamine. This increase was not seen in mice treated with ibogaine 2 or 18 hours previously, or in rats treated 2 hours before. Dopamine autoreceptor responses were not affected by ibogaine pretreatment in either mouse or rat striatal tissue; sulpiride increased stimulation-evoked release of tritium from tissue preloaded with [3H]dopamine. The long-lasting effect of ibogaine on serotonergic functioning, in particular, its blocking of the 5HT1B agonist-mediated increase in dopamine efflux, may have significance in the mediation of its anti-addictive properties.

Evidence that ibogaine releases dopamine from the cytoplasmic pool in isolated mouse striatum

We measured the effect of ibogaine on the tritium efflux from isolated mouse striatum preloaded with [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA). Ibogaine increased the basal tritium outflow in a concentration-dependent manner, but it was without effect on electrical stimulation-induced tritium overflow. Separation of the released radioactivity after ibogaine administration showed that this drug increased the release of [3H]DA and [3H]-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid ([3H]DOPAC), but the efflux of O-methylated-deaminated metabolites was not changed. The dopamine (DA)-releasing effect of ibogaine was reduced by the DA uptake inhibitors cocaine and nomifensine. The tritium efflux evoked by ibogaine was not altered by omission of Ca2+ from the perfusion buffer or by inhibition of the voltage-sensitive Na+ channels with tetrodotoxin. Ibogaine maintained its effect on release from superfused striatum prepared from reserpine-pretreated mice. The ibogaine-induced tritium release measured from mouse striatum that was preloaded with [3H]DA was not affected by the D-2 DA receptor ligands (-)-quinpirole and (+/-)-sulpiride, indicating that the ibogaine-induced release is not subject to presynaptic autoreceptor regulation. Ibogaine failed to affect [3H]DA uptake and retention in mouse striatum. These data indicate that at the nerve terminal level ibogaine releases DA, and the primary source for the release is probably the cytoplasmic pool. The DA-releasing effect of ibogaine may have importance in mediation of its hallucinogenic action, as seen in a frequent practice in African cults.

Ibogaine reduces preference for cocaine consumption in C57BL/6By mice

After a period of forced exposure to 300 mg/l cocaine HCl in drinking water for a period of one week, followed by forced exposure to 200 mg/l cocaine for an additional week, male C57BL/6By mice developed a preference for cocaine when given a choice of drinking either water or a solution containing cocaine (200 mg/l). The mean daily intake of cocaine during the choice period was 26 +/- 1 mg/kg or, when expressed as the ratio of cocaine over total fluid intake, represented a cocaine preference of 71 +/- 2%. Administration of ibogaine HCl (40 mg/kg, two injections 6 h apart) two weeks after the beginning of the choice period reduced the cocaine preference for at least five days; the mean daily intake of cocaine was reduced by 38% (to 16 +/- 1 mg/kg per day; p < 0.05) and cocaine preference was reduced to 41 +/- 2% (cocaine fluid consumption/total fluid intake). An acute challenge injection of cocaine (25 mg/kg SC) produced a significant increase in cocaine-induced locomotor activity and stereotypy in mice previously exposed to cocaine in their drinking water (cocaine choice group). Five days after ibogaine administration, locomotor and stereotypy activity were significantly lower after a challenge injection of cocaine (25 mg/kg SC). Brain levels of cocaine 35 min after the challenge injection of cocaine were approximately 25% higher in ibogaine-treated mice (7.2 +/- 0.5 and 9.3 +/- 0.8 micrograms/g wet wt for water vs. mice treated with water plus ibogaine and 9.3 +/- 0.2 and 11.8 +/- 0.7 micrograms/g wet wt for cocaine drinking vs. cocaine drinking plus ibogaine treatment).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on extracellular amino acid levels in vivo in rat brain regions

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) was found to have beneficial effects in senile patients. In recent years many of its effects on the nervous system have been examined, but its mechanism(s) of action remains to be elucidated. We previously reported that it causes release of dopamine in the striatum. In the present paper we report that ALCAR, when administered at intracerebral sites via microdialysis, stimulates the release of amino acids in a concentration-dependent and regionally heterogeneous manner. The effect was strong in the striatum and cerebellum, less so in the frontal cortex, and weak in the thalamus. Seven amino acids were measured: the increase in the level of aspartate, glutamate, and taurine was substantial, and the increase in the level of glycine, serine, threonine, alanine, and glutamine in the microdialysate was minor. The stimulatory effect of ALCAR on the release of amino acids in the striatum was inhibited by the muscarinic antagonist atropine, but was not inhibited by the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine. The effect of ALCAR on the levels of most of the amino acids tested was independent of the presence of Ca2+ in the perfusate. These results indicate that ALCAR, when administered intracerebrally at fairly high concentrations, can affect the level and the release not only of such neurotransmitters as acetylcholine and dopamine, but also of amino acids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regulatory Interactions Among Axon Terminals Affecting the Release of Different Transmitters from Rat Striatal Slices Under Hypoxic and Hypoglycemic Conditions

An in vitro model of ischemia was utilized to study the effects of both oxygen and glucose depletion on transmitter release from rat striatal slices. The spontaneous and stimulation-evoked releases of tritiated dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, and acetylcholine were measured. Hypoxia increased the evoked release of glutamate and dopamine without effect on the resting release. In contrast, hypoglycemia itself increased the resting release of dopamine. Hypoxia in combination with hypoglycemia provoked a massive release of glutamate, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid. The effect on acetylcholine release was less pronounced. Ca2+ withdrawal partly reduced the effect of hypoxia combined with hypoglycemia on dopamine release and application of tetrodotoxin (1 microM) abolished it. MK-801 (3 microM), an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, attenuated the effect of hypoxia and hypoglycemia on [3H]dopamine release. omega-Conotoxin (0.1 microM) had a similar effect on stimulation-evoked release under a hypoxic condition. The D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride (100 microM) failed to enhance the release of [3H]acetylcholine in hypoxia combined with hypoglycemia. It was suggested that in response to hypoxia combined with hypoglycemia there is a massive release of glutamate due to the increased firing rate which in turn releases dopamine from the axon terminals through stimulation of presynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Dopaminergic inhibitory control on ACh release seems not to be operative under conditions of hypoxia combined with hypoglycemia.

Effect of nicotine on extracellular levels of neurotransmitters assessed by microdialysis in various brain regions: role of glutamic acid

We studied the effect of local administration of nicotine on the release of monoamines in striatum, substantia nigra, cerebellum, hippocampus, cortex (frontal, cingulate), and pontine nucleus and on the release of glutamic acid in striatum of rats in vivo, using microdialysis for nicotine administration and for measuring extracellular amine and glutamic acid levels. Following nicotine administration the extracellular concentration of dopamine increased in all regions except cerebellum; serotonin increased in cingulate and frontal cortex; and norepinephrine increased in substantia nigra, cingulate cortex, and pontine nucleus. Cotinine, the major nicotine metabolite, had no effect at similar concentrations. The cholinergic antagonists mecamylamine and atropine, the dopaminergic antagonists haloperidol and sulpiride, and the excitatory amino acid antagonist kynurenic acid all inhibited the nicotine-induced increase of extracellular dopamine in the striatum. The fact that kynurenic acid almost completely prevented the effects of nicotine, and nicotine at this concentration produced a 6-fold increase of glutamic acid release, suggests that the effect of nicotine is mainly mediated via glutamic acid release.

Acetyl-L-carnitine releases dopamine in rat corpus striatum: an in vivo microdialysis study

The effect of acetyl-L-carnitine, a compound reported to be beneficial for senile patients, on the release of dopamine (DA) from the striatum was studied by using in vivo brain dialysis in anesthetized rats coupled with HPLC-electrochemical detection. Striatal infusion of acetyl-L-carnitine increased the efflux of DA with no apparent changes in efflux of DA metabolites, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylacetic acid (HVA). The DA-releasing effect of acetyl-L-carnitine was concentration- and Ca(2+)-dependent, and was abolished by omega-conotoxin fraction GVIA and tetrodotoxin, inhibitors of the voltage-dependent Ca2+ and Na+ channels, respectively. Nomifensine, an inhibitor of DA reuptake did not alter the DA-releasing property of acetyl-L-carnitine. DA released from the striatum by acetyl-L-carnitine was decreased by reserpine pretreatment whereas the d-amphetamine-evoked DA outflow was not affected. In contrast to acetyl-L-carnitine, d-amphetamine reduced the extracellular concentrations of DOPAC and HVA. We conclude from the present data that acetyl-L-carnitine evokes DA release from the vesicular pools of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons by a Ca(2+)-dependent, exocytotic process.

Dopamine Efflux from Striatum After Chronic Nicotine: Evidence for Autoreceptor Desensitization

We examined the effect of chronic nicotine treatment on dopaminergic activity by measuring the effects of D1 and D2 dopamine (DA) receptor agonists and antagonists on tritium release from mouse striatum preloaded with [3H]DA. The radioactivity released during superfusion was separated on alumina columns and the distribution and efflux of [3H]DA and its main 3H-labeled metabolites were quantified. After preloading by incubation with [3H]DA, the electrical stimulation-evoked tritium overflow was higher in striatum prepared from nicotine-treated mice, whereas in vitro addition of nicotine caused a similar increase in tritium release from striatum of untreated and chronic nicotine-treated mice. The overflow of [3H]DA and its 3H-metabolites exhibited similar distribution patterns in [3H]DA-preloaded striatum dissected from untreated and chronic nicotine-pretreated mice, indicating that repeated injections with nicotine did not alter the metabolism of [3H]DA taken up by the tissue. (-)-Quinpirole, a selective agonist for D2 DA receptors, and apomorphine, a nonselective D1/D2 agonist, inhibited the electrical stimulation-induced tritium efflux from striatum of untreated mice, whereas (+/-)-sulpiride, a D2 DA receptor antagonist, enhanced the evoked release of tritium. These changes in tritium efflux effected by (-)-quinpirole and (+/-)-sulpiride reflected changes in [3H]DA release and not in DA metabolism, as shown by separation of the released radioactivity on alumina columns. The D1 receptor agonist (+/-)-SKF-38393 did not affect the tritium overflow, whereas the D1 receptor antagonist (+)-SCH-23390 exerted a stimulatory action but only at a high concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

N-type calcium channels are involved in the dopamine releasing effect of nicotine

Mouse striatum was incubated with [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) and superfused with and the tritium efflux induced by nicotine, electrical stimulation, or simultaneous nicotine and electrical stimulation was measured, to characterize the role of different Ca2+ channels in the transmitter release. Nicotine stimulation and electrical stimulation exerted additive effects on tritium efflux. Separation of the released radioactivity on alumina columns indicated that nicotine or electrical stimulation increases the release of [3H]DA and that the outflow of 3H-labeled metabolites was similar with the two different stimulation procedures. Removal of Ca2+ from the superfusate resulted in a marked reduction in the tritium release evoked by nicotine, whereas the electrical stimulation-evoked tritium release was completely dependent on external Ca2+. The L- and N-type calcium channel blockers omega-conotoxin GVIA and Cd2+ inhibited the tritium release from the striatum evoked by either nicotine or electrical stimulation, whereas the L-type and T-type channel blockers diltiazem and Ni2+ did not alter release of [3H]DA. We conclude that N-type voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels participate in striatal dopamine release, and we speculate that nicotinic receptor-operated ion channels permeable to cations such as Ca2+ and N-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels may simultaneously open up, and they additively increase free intracellular Ca2+ concentration.

Different effects of hypothermia on amino acid incorporation and on amino acid uptake in the brain in vivo

The temperature dependence of the incorporation of amino acids into cerebral proteins and that of the transport of amino acids through the blood-brain barrier were studied. We measured the protein synthesis rate in vivo over a wide temperature range (14 degrees C-38 degrees C) in male Sprague-Dawley rats using a flooding dose of labeled valine. There was a linear dependence of the protein synthesis rate on temperature. The temperature quotient expressed as per cent decrease per 1 degree C was somewhat lower at the lower temperatures, a decrease from 7.8% in the 37.7-32.5 degrees C range to 6.7% in the 25.5-14 degrees C range. The transport of the three amino acids phenylalanine, lysine, and alanine, representing three transport systems, through the blood-brain barrier showed no temperature dependence in vivo. The results show that in hypothermia cerebral metabolic rates are lowered to a great extent, while some aspects of metabolic transport are not affected.

Ibogaine reduces amphetamine-induced locomotor stimulation in C57BL/6By mice, but stimulates locomotor activity in rats

The effect of ibogaine hydrochloride on locomotor stimulation induced by d-amphetamine sulfate was tested in male C57BL/6By mice and in female Sprague-Dawley rats. In mice, locomotor stimulation induced by d-amphetamine at 1 or 5 mg/kg s.c. was reduced by prior administration of one or two injections of ibogaine (40 mg/kg), given 2 or 18 hours earlier. This reduction in locomotor activity persisted for two days. Locomotor stimulation induced by a higher dose (10 mg/kg) of d-amphetamine was not reduced by such prior administration of ibogaine. A lower dose of ibogaine (20 mg/kg) did not reduce the subsequent locomotor activity induced by d-amphetamine. Ibogaine decreased striatal dopamine levels, while d-amphetamine increased them. Ibogaine treatment (2 x 40 mg/kg, 18 hours apart) induced a decrease by 30% in the level of striatal dopamine and its metabolites measured in tissue extracts 3 hours after the second ibogaine injection. One hour after d-amphetamine (5 mg/kg) administration, the level of striatal dopamine increased by 26%. Although the level of striatal dopamine was initially lower in the ibogaine-pretreated mice, d-amphetamine (5 mg/kg) administration induced an increase in striatal dopamine and its metabolites. The effect of ibogaine seems to be species specific, since in rats pretreated with ibogaine 18 hours before d-amphetamine, locomotor stimulation induced by d-amphetamine was further increased. In addition, the in vitro electrical-evoked release of [3H]dopamine from striatal tissue was either unchanged or inhibited in the presence of d-amphetamine, and after ibogaine pretreatment in vivo, the release of tritium in the presence of d-amphetamine was inhibited or stimulated in mice and rats, respectively.

Ibogaine antagonizes cocaine-induced locomotor stimulation in mice

Ibogaine (40 mg/kg i.p.), when given 2 hours before an acute injection of cocaine (25 mg/kg s.c.) to C57BL/6 mice, reduced the cocaine-induced locomotor stimulation. Such stimulation was also reduced in the ibogaine-treated mice when a second injection of cocaine was given 24 hr later. Thus, the reduction in locomotor activity was not just the short-term depression of locomotor activity seen after ibogaine administration. When mice were given a daily injection of cocaine for 3 days and ibogaine was given after the cocaine injection on day 3, and again on day 4, cocaine-induced locomotor activity was reduced three hours later on day 4. On days 5 and 9 of the cocaine administration, with no further ibogaine treatment ambulatory counts were still lower in the ibogaine-pretreated mice. Locomotor stimulation induced by amphetamine (10 mg/kg) was not affected by ibogaine. An acute injection of ibogaine resulted in a transient increase in turnover of dopamine, as indicated by the increase in the ratio of metabolites of the dopamine to dopamine, followed by a decrease in the metabolites in striatum and frontal cortex 24 hr later. In vivo treatment with ibogaine did not affect the binding of [3H]WIN 35,248 to the cocaine binding site in striatal tissue measured in vitro. In addition, ibogaine added in vitro had a weak affinity to the WIN 35,248 binding site (IC50 for cocaine = 120 nM and for ibogaine = 1,500 nM). The results suggest that ibogaine may have induced a selective change in the dopaminergic system that results in a decrease in responsiveness to cocaine that persisted for at least 1 week.

Effect of nicotine on dopaminergic-cholinergic interaction in the striatum

We have investigated the effect of nicotinic receptor stimulation on acetylcholine (ACh) release measured by radioassay in rat striatal slices. Since the release of ACh in the striatum is tonically inhibited by endogenous dopamine and nicotine enhances the release of dopamine, we studied the release of ACh when the dopaminergic input was impaired. We used chemical denervation (6-hydroxydopamine pretreatment) or D2-receptor-blockade by sulpiride to remove the dopaminergic control of the cholinergic neurons. In our experiments nicotine failed to increase ACh release from striatal slices taken from rats whose dopaminergic-cholinergic interaction was not impaired but it enhanced the release of ACh from slices dissected from 6-hydroxydopamine pretreated rats or in the presence of sulpiride. Our results provide neurochemical evidence for the existence of nicotinic receptors on striatal cholinergic interneurons. Since the spontaneous release of ACh enhanced by nicotine was inhibited by tetrodotoxin it seems very likely that (-)-nicotine acts on the somatodendritic part of cholinergic interneurons.

Effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on the dopaminergic system in aging brain

We studied the effect of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) on dopamine release and the effect of long-term acetyl-L-carnitine treatment on age-related changes in striatal dopamine receptors and brain amino acid levels. In striatal tissue that had been incubated with [3H]dopamine, acetyl-L-carnitine increased the release of [3H]dopamine evoked by electrical stimulation. In striatal tissue from aged mice administered acetyl-L-carnitine for 3 months, the release of [3H]dopamine evoked by electrical stimulation was higher than that of its aged control; the release after a second stimulation was similar in the two groups. There was a significant decline in the number of D1 striatal dopamine receptors with age. The Bmax was 51% lower in 1.5-year-old mice than in 4-month-old animals. Administration of acetyl-L-carnitine for 3 months diminished the reduction in the binding of [3H]SCH-23390. [3H]Spiperone binding to D2 receptors was not decreased with age and was not affected by acetyl-L-carnitine treatment. Age-related decreases in levels of several amino acids were observed in several brain regions. Acetyl-L-carnitine lessened the reduction in the level of taurine only in the striatum. The findings confirm the multiple effects of acetyl-L-carnitine in brain, and suggest that its administration can have a positive effect on age-related changes in the dopaminergic system.

Characterization of somatodendritic neuronal nicotinic receptors located on the myenteric plexus

The effects of nicotine and dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP) on resting and stimulation-evoked release of [3H]-acetylcholine ([3H]ACh) from cholinergic interneurons and neuro-effector neurons of the ileal longitudinal muscle and the responses of the smooth muscle to nicotinic agonists were studied. (-)-Nicotine was 15 times more effective than (+)-nicotine in releasing ACh. Since tetrodotoxin (1 microM) completely antagonized the effect of nicotinic agonists, the site of action of the nicotinic agonists studied was on the somatodendritic nicotinic receptors. The electrical field stimulation-evoked release was not affected by nicotinic agonists and antagonists, indicating that the axon terminals of cholinergic interneurons are not equipped with nicotinic receptors. This preparation proved to be useful to study the effect of nicotinic agonists on somatodendritic receptors, to determine the affinity constants of nicotinic antagonists, and to characterize these receptors. The rank order of antagonists was d-tubocurarine = mecamylamine greater than pipecuronium greater than pancuronium greater than vecuronium greater than hexamethonium; the apparent affinity constants (KD) were 1.15, 1.55, 3.06, 3.98, 13.59 and 32.88 microM, respectively. alpha-Bungarotoxin had no antagonistic activity at all. This finding indicates that nicotine and the endogenous ligand ACh act via a postsynaptic, somatodendritic nicotinic receptor that is pharmacologically similar to those located on the axon terminals of sympathetic neurons or in ganglions, but is dissimilar to those located at the postsynaptic site of the neuromuscular junction.

Chronic nicotine-induced changes in dopaminergic system: effect on behavioral response to dopamine agonist

The effect of chronic nicotine on dopamine-agonist-mediated locomotor activity response was measured in BALB/cBy and C57BL/6 mice. Mice were injected twice daily for 10 days with 1.2 mg/kg SC (-)-nicotine di-(+)tartrate. Subsequent locomotor activity response to apomorphine (1 mg/kg SC) was measured. Apomorphine induced hypomotility in both strains of mice, with the BALB/cBy mice showing a greater hypomotility compared to the C57BL/6 mice. The response to apomorphine was attenuated in both strains of mice that were treated previously with repeated injections of nicotine. The results suggest that chronic nicotine may induce changes in the dopaminergic system, which is reflected in altered behavioral response to a dopamine agonist.

Carrier-mediated efflux of [3H]dopamine and [3H]1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine: effect of ascorbic acid

The carrier-mediated efflux of [3H]1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP+) and [3H]dopamine was examined in mouse striatal synaptosomal P2 fractions. Although the two compounds are transported by the same carrier, the translocation of the carrier-ligand complex is more rapid with MPP+ than with dopamine. With dopamine-stimulated efflux of preloaded [3H]dopamine, externally present dopamine at a concentration of 1.3 microM reduced the intrasynaptosomal concentration of [3H]dopamine by 50% (the ECR value) with 8 min of incubation. The ECR value of dopamine in promoting the efflux of [3H]MPP+, however, was only 0.15 microM. Similarly, ascorbic acid was weaker in enhancing the efflux of [3H]dopamine (ECR greater than 2000 microM) than that of [3H]MPP+ (ECR = 567 microM). This effect of ascorbic acid on the efflux of [3H]MPP+ was attenuated by mazindol, a blocker of dopamine uptake. It is proposed that ascorbic acid has a neuromodulatory role involving changes at the level of carrier-membrane translocation and/or orientation.

The effects of electroconvulsive shock on dopamine-1 and dopamine-2 receptor ligand binding activity in MPTP-treated mice

To explore the possible therapeutic use of electric convulsive treatment in Parkinson's disease (PD), the authors examined the biochemical effects of electroconvulsive shock (ECS) on dopaminergic systems in a rodent model of PD, induced with the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). MPTP increased dopamine turnover, as indicated by an increase in the ratio of the dopamine metabolites dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid to dopamine. [3H]Spiperone binding to the D2 site increased after lesioning of striatal dopamine terminals. With ECS alone, no changes were found in monoamine levels, brain monoamine oxidase activity, or the D2-labeled sites measured 24 hours after the last treatment. [3H]SCH-23390 binding to the D1 site increased after ECS. In MPTP-treated mice, ECS also increased [3H]SCH-23390 binding to the D1 site, whereas [3H]spiperone binding to the D2 site was unchanged compared to control or to only ECS-treated animals, and decreased compared to the MPTP-treated group that did not receive ECS. ECS appears to selectively modify both the D1 and D2 sites when given after MPTP, increasing the binding of a D1 radioligand and decreasing the binding of a D2 radioligand.

Ca2+o-independent veratridine-evoked acetylcholine release from striatal slices is not inhibited by vesamicol (AH5183): mobilization of distinct transmitter pools

The effect of 2-(4-phenylpiperidino)cyclohexanol (AH5183 or vesamicol), a compound known to block the uptake of acetylcholine (ACh) into cholinergic synaptic vesicles, on the release of endogenous and [14C]ACh from slices of rat striatum was investigated. ACh release was evoked either by electrical stimulation or by veratridine. The effect of electrical stimulation was entirely dependent on external Ca2+. By contrast, veratridine (40 microM) also enhanced ACh release in the absence of Ca2+. Indeed, with veratridine two components were clearly distinguished: one dependent on external Ca2+ and the other not. Vesamicol inhibited [14C]ACh release evoked by both veratridine and electrical stimulation in the presence of external Ca2+, provided it was added to the tissue prior to loading with [14C]choline. With the same treatment vesamicol only slightly affected the release of endogenous ACh. Under the same conditions the Ca2(+)-independent [14C]ACh release evoked by veratridine was not prevented by vesamicol. The differential responsiveness to vesamicol suggests that ACh pools involved in Ca2+o-dependent ACh release are different from those mobilized during Ca2+o-independent ACh release.