Transient increase in ligand binding to quisqualate and kainate sites in cerebral cortex of immature rats

The postnatal changes in the specific binding of [3H]kainate and [3H]AMPA (RS-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxasolopropionic acid, an agonist of quisqualate receptors) were studied in cerebral cortex of rats, aged 2-360 days. The binding of the two ligands was assayed in whole-tissue homogenates. Similar developmental time courses were found for kainate and AMPA binding, characterized by high perinatal levels, a further increase during the first few days after birth, an early maximum value around the age of one week, and a gradual decrease to adult values which were attained at an age of 3-4 weeks. As revealed by Scatchard analysis, the transient elevation of ligand binding was derived from an increased density of binding sites, which, in the case of AMPA, was accompanied also by an increase in binding affinity. The results indicate that, in the immature cerebral cortex, kainate and quisqualate receptors may play a role other than in synaptic transmission.

Muscarinic and quisqualate receptor-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis in primary cultures of striatal and hippocampal neurons. Evidence for differential mechanisms of activation

Several neurotransmitters activate polyphosphoinositide (PPI) hydrolysis in CNS neurons as the first step of a transmembrane signalling cascade that may lead to neuronal circuit modulation. Muscarinic and quisqualate receptor-triggered PPI hydrolysis was investigated in neuronal primary cultures. A clear increase in inositol phosphates (Ins-Ps) was detected as early as 15 s after the agonist addition; at this time, the increases of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (measured by HPLC) were relatively larger with respect to the other Ins-Ps. Ins-P accumulation was maintained in part in a Ca2+-free medium, excluding that Ca2+ entry is the fundamental step of the receptor-induced PPI hydrolysis. Acute cell pretreatment with phorbol dibutyrate, an activator of protein kinase C, was able to inhibit 50% of the response to carbachol, and almost completely the quisqualate effect, suggesting a negative feedback modulation by the enzyme. Finally, pertussis toxin failed to inhibit muscarinic responses, whereas it blocked greater than 70% of the quisqualate stimulation. The two receptors therefore appear coupled to phosphodiesterase by two different G proteins. The comparison of the results obtained by stimulating the two receptor systems suggests that the generation of the same intracellular signal at two distinct receptor types may occur by different coupling mechanisms, and be differently regulated even in the same neuronal preparations.

Inhibition of postsynaptic PKC or CaMKII blocks induction but not expression of LTP

Long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission is a widely studied cellular example of synaptic plasticity. However, the identity, localization, and interplay among the biochemical signals underlying LTP remain unclear. Intracellular microelectrodes have been used to record synaptic potentials and deliver protein kinase inhibitors to postsynaptic CA1 pyramidal cells. Induction of LTP is blocked by intracellular delivery of H-7, a general protein kinase inhibitor, or PKC(19-31), a selective protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, or CaMKII(273-302), a selective inhibitor of the multifunctional Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII). After its establishment, LTP appears unresponsive to postsynaptic H-7, although it remains sensitive to externally applied H-7. Thus both postsynaptic PKC and CaMKII are required for the induction of LTP and a presynaptic protein kinase appears to be necessary for the expression of LTP.

Two distinct quisqualate receptor systems are present on striatal neurons

At concentrations at which it did not alter spontaneous release, quisqualate (QUIS) induced a dose-dependent (EC50, 0.5 microM) potentiation of KCl- or veratrine-evoked release of [3H]GABA from striatal neurons in primary culture. QUIS potentiation of KCl-evoked [3H]GABA release was mimicked by the selective agonist alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA), glutamate and kainate, and was blocked by kynurenic acid and gamma-D-glutamylglycine. QUIS also induced a dose-dependent (EC50, 0.2 microM) augmentation of [3H]inositol monophosphate production in striatal neurons. This action of QUIS was mimicked by glutamate, but not by AMPA nor by kainate. Furthermore, none of the antagonists tested (kynurenic acid, gamma-D-glutamylglycine, glutamic acid diethyl ester, and 4-aminophosphonobutanoic acid) could block QUIS-induced elevations in [3H]inositol monophosphate production. The results of the present study suggest that two QUIS receptor systems, distinguished on the basis of their pharmacological properties, may subserve specific roles in the regulation of striatal neuron function by excitatory amino acids.

Solubilisation and characterisation of a putative quisqualate-type glutamate receptor from chick brain

The brains of 1-day-old chicks were shown to be a rich source of binding sites with the pharmacological characteristics expected of a quisqualate-type glutamate receptor. alpha-[3H]Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazolepropionate ([3H]AMPA) bound with KD and Bmax values, measured at 0 degree C in the presence of the chaotrope potassium thiocyanate, of 55 nM and 2.6 pmol/mg protein. The regional localisations of [3H]AMPA and [3H]kainate binding sites were manifestly different. The membrane-bound [3H]AMPA binding sites were efficiently solubilised by N-octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1%) in the presence of 0.2 M thiocyanate. In the detergent extract the affinity was 69 nM and there was an apparent increase in the number of sites (Bmax, 4.6 pmol/mg protein). The rank order of potency for competitive ligands in displacing [3H]AMPA binding was quisqualate approximately AMPA greater than 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione greater than L-glutamate greater than kainate and was identical for the membrane-bound and solubilised sites. Dissociation was biphasic with rate constants of 0.117 min-1 and 0.015 min-1. The association rate constants for [3H]AMPA at the solubilised sites were 1.45 x 10(6) M-1 min-1 and 6.55 x 10(6) M-1 min-1. The kinetically derived KD values were 80.7 nM and 2.3 nM. The detection of higher affinity binding sites by kinetic analysis but not by equilibrium binding may be explained by the greater sensitivity of dissociation data to small populations of high-affinity sites.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Synaptic localization of striatal NMDA, quisqualate and kainate receptors

Striatal binding of labeled glutamate to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, D,L-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazoleproprionic acid (AMPA) to quisqualate receptors and kainate to kainate receptors was examined in rats which had received unilateral decortications or unilateral striatal quinolinic acid lesions. One week after decortication, there were no significant changes in NMDA, quisqualate or kainate receptors in the striatum ipsilateral to the lesion, when compared to the striatum contralateral to the lesion. In contrast, binding to NMDA receptors was reduced by 92%, to quisqualate receptors by 80% and to kainate receptors by 81% in striatum 3 months after quinolinic acid lesions. The reduction in NMDA receptor binding was significantly greater than the loss of quisqualate or kainate receptors. These results suggest that NMDA, quisqualate and kainate receptor recognition sites are located postsynaptically in the striatum. These results also have implications for the quinolinic acid model of Huntington's disease.

Changes in excitatory amino acid receptor binding in the intact and decorticated rat neostriatum following insulin-induced hypoglycemia

An involvement of excitatory amino acid (EAA) transmitter-receptor interactions in the development of hypoglycemia-induced neuronal damage has been suggested. We report here on the binding to EAA receptors in the rat caudate nucleus and cerebral cortex, during and following severe insulin-induced hypoglycemia with an isoelectric EEG of 10 or 30 min duration. The binding of alpha-[3H]amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid [( 3H]AMPA) to quisqualate receptors, [3H]kainic acid (KA) to kainate receptors, and [3H]glutamate to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive sites was determined by quantitative autoradiography. During EEG isoelectricity, AMPA binding was reduced by approximately 40%, which could represent quisqualate receptor desensitization. One hour following glucose-induced recovery, AMPA binding was no longer different from control level. As the recovery period was prolonged to 1 or 4 weeks, AMPA binding decreased. The decrease was more pronounced in the dorsolateral than in the ventromedial part of the striatum. This correlates with the distribution of neuronal damage, and probably reflects loss of receptor binding sites due to cell death. During the period of EEG silence there was a tendency toward an increase in NMDA displaceable glutamate binding. Following 4 weeks of recovery, binding to NMDA receptors was significantly decreased. Glutamate binding to NMDA-sensitive sites was remarkably resistant to neuronal necrosis and was not significantly different from control values in the dorsolateral caudate 1 week following the hypoglycemic coma. No changes in KA binding were found until 1 week posthypoglycemia, when a significant reduction in binding was noted in the lateral striatum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Neuroactive sulphur amino acids evoke a calcium-dependent transmitter release from cultured neurones that is sensitive to excitatory amino acid receptor antagonists

A dose-dependent, saturable, and calcium-dependent release of gamma-[3H]aminobutyrate [( 3H]GABA) from cortical neurones and D-[3H]aspartate from cerebellar granule cells following stimulation by a range of L-enantiomers of neuroactive acidic sulphur amino acids has been demonstrated. Moreover, the sulphur amino acid-evoked release of the transmitter amino acids was found to be sensitive to the presence of both selective N-methyl-D-aspartate and quisqualate/kainate receptor antagonists. Following the recent demonstration of an endogenous location for several of the acidic sulphur amino acids and their excitotoxic involvement in several neuropathological states and coupled with the knowledge that many important CNS connections are still undefined as far as their excitatory transmitter or transmitters are concerned, the present findings are of immediate importance in the continued search for endogenous excitatory amino acid agonists in addition to glutamate and aspartate.

Two distinct quisqualate receptors regulate Ca2+ homeostasis in hippocampal neurons in vitro

Addition of quisqualate to mouse hippocampal neurons in vitro elicited two types of changes in [Ca2+]i as assessed by fura-2-based microfluorimetry. The first was a transient spike or group of oscillations and the second was a long lasting "plateau" response. The long-lasting response was abolished on removal of either Ca2+ or Na+ from the external medium or by blocking voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels. Furthermore, the novel glutamate antagonist 6-nitro-7-cyano-quinoxaline-2,3-dione was a competitive inhibitor of this response. In contrast, none of these manipulations abolished the transient [Ca2+]i spike. Transient [Ca2+]i spikes or oscillations could also be produced by the alpha 1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine. Production of such an alpha 1-response reduced the size of a subsequently elicited quisqualate response. However production of transient [Ca2+]i spikes with caffeine did not alter the size of the quisqualate-induced spike. We conclude that hippocampal neurons possess two different types of quisqualate receptors. The first mediates quisqualate-induced depolarization and the second mediates Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular stores.

Quisqualate neurotoxicity: a delayed, CNQX-sensitive process triggered by a CNQX-insensitive mechanism in young rat hippocampal slices

Exposure of slices of young rat hippocampus for 30 min to the glutamate receptor agonist, quisqualate (QA, 30 microM), led, after a 90 min recovery period, to severe 'dark cell degeneration' of pyramidal neurones, most extensively those in CA3. When present during the exposure, 6-cyano-2,3-dihydroxy-7-nitroquinoxaline (CNQX, 10 microM), an antagonist with preferential action on non-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, did not prevent this toxic effect of QA. However, it was effective when included either during the recovery period as well or, indeed, only during recovery. Comparable results were obtained with kynurenate (3 mM), but not with D,L-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (100 microM) or with tetrodotoxin (0.5 microM). Grease-gap recordings showed that CNQX markedly inhibited QA-induced depolarization. It is concluded that QA toxicity is not triggered by QA-induced depolarization but instead involves CNQX-resistant QA receptors, possibly those linked to phospholipid metabolism. The induction mechanism does not itself cause irreversible injury but subsequently, a delayed form of damage takes place which is mediated by activation of CNQX/kynurenate-sensitive receptors.

Quisqualate receptor-mediated rhythmic bursting of rat hypothalamic neurons in dissociated cell culture

Dissociated hypothalamic neurons from embryonic rat brain exhibit a level of spontaneous synaptic activity after 21 days in culture. When GABA-mediated responses are blocked by picrotoxin or bicuculline (20 microM), the neurons burst rhythmically. Rhythmic burst activity is generated in most cells by postsynaptic excitatory currents (EPSCs) through non-specific cationic channels rather than by intrinsic pacemaker currents. We present evidence that EPSCs are mediated by an excitatory amino acid and a quisqualate receptor type.

Quantitative autoradiographic localization of NMDA, quisqualate and PCP receptors in the frog tectum

An organizing role for the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor/channel has been suggested in the development of the retinotectal projection in Rana pipiens. The regional distributions of NMDA, phencyclidine (PCP) and quisqualic acid (QA) receptors were quantified using in vitro autoradiography in the tectum of normal and surgically produced 3-eyed juvenile frogs. NMDA and QA receptor binding was highest in the pretectum. Of the tectal layers, the superficial retinotectal synaptic zone, layer 9, had the highest amount of NMDA and QA receptor binding. Moderate binding was observed in layer 5, with little binding in the cellular layer 6. No specific [3H]N-(1-[2-thienyl]cyclohexyl) piperidine ([3H]TCP) binding was observed in any of the tectal regions.

Complex interaction between quisqualate and kainate receptors as revealed by measurement of GABA release from striatal neurons in primary culture

The effects of non-NMDA receptor agonists were tested on endogenous GABA and [3H]GABA release from highly purified striatal neurons differentiated in primary culture. Kainate (KA), glutamate (Glu) and quisqualate (QA) stimulated [3H]GABA release with EC50S = 85 +/- 20 (n = 6), 6.21 +/- 1.42 (n = 3) and 0.135 +/- 0.035 (n = 3) microM, respectively. KA was the most potent (in term of efficacy) agonist (maximal response at 10 mM: 935 +/- 51% (n = 6) increase over basal release) followed by Glu (at 100 microM: 404 +/- 34% (n = 5) increase) and QA (at 10 microM: 91 +/- 6% (n = 6) increase). Phencyclidine (PCP), which was without effect on QA- and KA-evoked GABA release, inhibited the Glu response by about 50%. QA totally inhibited KA (50 microM)-evoked GABA release with an IC50 = 0.39 +/- 0.11 (n = 4) in a competitive manner (Ki = 0.39 +/- 0.07 microM (n = 3]. Competitive inhibition of the KA response was also observed with the other agonists of the quisqualate receptor, Glu and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), suggesting that Glu, QA and AMPA act as partial agonists at the KA receptor. gamma-D-Glutamylaminomethylsulfonic acid (GAMS) also inhibited (IC50 = 2.1 mM) the KA response competitively. However the inhibition by GAMS and QA was not additive. The response to QA was rapidly inactivated (no response after 3 min stimulation) in contrast to the KA-evoked GABA release which remained maximal for at least 3 min. When neurons were first exposed to concanavalin A (con A), a lectin known to inhibit Glu receptor desensitisation on insect muscles, the QA response remained maximal for at least 6 min. Con A greatly enhanced the maximal responses to QA and AMPA and decreased their apparent affinities. The KA-evoked GABA release (but not the veratridine and NMDA effects) was also augmented (no change in the EC50 value) by con A. It is proposed that QA, AMPA and KA act at the same receptor-channel complex (termed G2 receptor) which is desensitised more rapidly when stimulated by QA or AMPA than when stimulated by KA.

N-methyl-D-aspartate/glycine and quisqualate/kainate receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes: antagonist pharmacology

Quantitative pharmacological studies were done to determine the properties of excitatory amino acid receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes injected with rat brain mRNA. Smooth currents with properties indicative of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and quisqualate/kainate receptors were observed in mRNA-injected oocytes. Schild analysis of currents evoked by NMDA indicated that the EAA receptor antagonist D-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (D-APV) exerted a competitive block of the oocyte NMDA receptor, because the Schild regression was linear with a slope not significantly different from unity (1.03 +/- 0.025) up to 100 microM D-APV. The pA2 estimated for D-APV antagonism of NMDA currents (5.87 +/- 0.043) was nearly identical to that for D-APV as an L-aspartate antagonist (pA2 = 5.86 +/- 0.073, slope = 0.97 +/- 0.036), suggesting that these two agonists are selective for NMDA receptors in oocytes up to concentrations well above 1 mM. 6-Nitro-7-cyano-quinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) reduced the maximum NMDA response significantly (70% reduction by 15 microM CNQX) but had no effect on the NMDA EC50. CNQX exerted a mixed competitive-noncompetitive block of the glycine site on NMDA receptors; 15 microM CNQX increased the glycine EC50 by 5-fold and reduced the maximum glycine response by 35%. In addition, CNQX exerted a potent and competitive antagonism of currents evoked by kainate. The Schild regression was linear up to 30 microM CNQX with a slope of 1.02 +/- 0.014 and a pA2 of 6.53 +/- 0.029. The block of kainate or NMDA currents by 2 microM CNQX was not voltage dependent. D-APV exerted a weak antagonism of kainate-evoked currents, with a pA2 of 3.39 +/- 0.044, but the slope of the Schild regression was slightly less than 1 (0.90 +/- 0.03). These data demonstrate a clear pharmacological distinction between receptors that mediate the kainate- and NMDA-induced currents and quantify the potency of CNQX and D-APV acting at NMDA/glycine and quisqualate/kainate receptors. The implications of these data for the identification of EAA receptors in oocytes and the classification of neuronal EAA receptors are discussed.

Dynamic changes of excitatory amino acid receptors in the rat hippocampus following transient cerebral ischemia

The changes in excitatory amino acid receptor ligand binding induced by transient cerebral ischemia were studied in the rat hippocampal subfields. Ten minutes of ischemia was induced by common carotid artery occlusion combined with hypotension, and the animals were allowed variable periods of recovery ranging from 1 day to 4 weeks. The binding of 3H-AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) to quisqualate receptors, 3H-kainic acid (KA) to kainate receptors, and 3H-glutamate to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors as determined by quantitative autoradiography. One week following ischemia the CA1 region of the hippocampus displayed a severe (90%) dendrosomatic lesion with preservation of presynaptic terminals. This was associated with a 60% decrease in AMPA binding and a 25% decrease in glutamate binding to NMDA receptors. At 4 weeks postischemia, both AMPA and NMDA sites were greatly reduced. Although the dentate gyrus granule cells are resistant to an ischemic insult of this magnitude, this region showed marked changes in receptor binding. One week following ischemia, the AMPA and NMDA binding decreased by approximately 40 and 20%, respectively. Following 2 weeks of recovery, the NMDA binding was not significantly different from control level, while the AMPA binding remained depressed up to 4 weeks postischemia. The high density of KA binding sites in the inner molecular layer of the dentate gyrus was unaffected by the ischemic insult, despite an extensive degeneration of cells in the hilus of dentate gyrus which projects glutamatergic afferents to this area.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Concanavalin A selectively reduces desensitization of mammalian neuronal quisqualate receptors

A fast perfusion system was used to apply excitatory amino acids to embryonic hippocampal neurons grown in dissociated culture and voltage clamped in the whole-cell recording configuration. Responses to quisqualic acid and DL-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazoleproprionic acid (AMPA; a potent quisqualate-like agonist) showed rapid desensitization: at 100 microM the peak inward current declined to a plateau response on average 0.2 times the peak response (mean time constant, 30 ms). Responses to L-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid also showed desensitization: at 100 microM, when recorded in Mg-free solution with 0.3 microM glycine, the peak inward current declined to a plateau value 0.5 times the peak, but with a time constant of desensitization (average, 248 ms) one order of magnitude slower than desensitization of responses to quisqualate. Responses to kainate and domoate (agonists at kainic acid receptors) did not show appreciable desensitization. Responses to L-glutamate and 5-Br-willardine (a potent non-NMDA receptor agonist), recorded in glycine-free solution with 1 mM Mg to suppress N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor activity, showed similar rapid desensitization to AMPA and quisqualate, but occurred with less depression of the peak current. The lectin concanavalin A (Con A) reduced desensitization at quisqualate receptors, with no effect on responses to kainate or N-methyl-D-aspartic acid. The effect of Con A developed slowly (average time constant at 2.5 microM, 250 s) but at steady state Con A increased the plateau current evoked by 100 microM quisqualate to 13 times control. Succinyl-Con A produced only a small reduction of desensitization to quisqualate, approximately 10% of that produced by native Con A. Con A did not change the decay time constant of fast excitatory synaptic currents evoked by stimulation of presynaptic neurons, although the peak synaptic current decreased after treatment with lectin. Con A was also without effect on the block of responses to kainate produced by coapplication of quisqualate.

Prenatal ethanol exposure reduces the effects of excitatory amino acids in the rat hippocampus

Chronic alcohol ingestion during pregnancy can lead to the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), a disorder marked by learning disabilities. A rat model of FAS was used by introducing pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats to a liquid diet containing 35% ethanol-derived calories (E), while a second group was pair-fed an isocaloric liquid diet without ethanol (P). A third group of pregnant dams received ad libitum lab chow (C). At parturition, pups from the E and P groups were cross-fostered by C mothers and all groups received lab chow. During adulthood, male offspring were sacrificed and hippocampal and prefrontal cortical slices were prelabeled with [3H] inositol. Phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis was determined by measuring the accumulation of [3H]inositol phosphates in the presence of LiCl in response to activation of various excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors. In hippocampal slices, ibotenate- and quisqualate-induced PI hydrolysis was reduced in E compared to P and C animals. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) on carbachol-induced PI hydrolysis, evident in P and C animals, was completely abolished in the hippocampus of E animals. In contrast, in the prefrontal cerebral cortex, this inhibitory effect of NMDA prevailed even in the E animals. The evidence suggest that prenatal ethanol exposure alters the activity of EAA receptors in the hippocampal generation of 2nd messengers.

Separation of quisqualate- and kainate-selective glutamate receptors in cultured neurons from the rat superior colliculus

The aim of the present study was to identify and characterize the receptors and ionic channels mediating the compound response of tectal neurons to exogenous L-glutamate (Glu). Particular attention was paid to the question of whether separate receptors and channels exist for quisqualate (QA) and kainate (KA) and, if so, whether binding to one of these receptors would modify the response elicited through the other. Neurons were dissociated from the superficial gray layer of the superior colliculus from E21 or P1 rats. Between days 14 and 21 in vitro, responsiveness of tectal neurons to Glu and related substances was tested by recording the whole-cell currents induced by rapid superfusion with drug-containing salt solutions. Our experiments showed that tectal neurons express at least 3 distinct types of receptors for acidic amino acids. KA-activated currents (I(KA)) differ from QA-activated currents (I(QA)) in their dose-response characteristics, desensitization patterns, selective blockade with kynurenic acid and suppression by elevated [Ca2+]o, I(KA), but not I(QA), is significantly reduced by low levels of [Cl-]o, and the [Cl-]o-dependent shift of the reversal potential for I(KA) suggests that KA promotes a conductance decrease for Cl-. Such an effect has been ascribed to APB-receptors, but L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate (APB) itself failed to induce current responses in tectal neurons. KA was without effect when administered together, and in equimolar concentrations, with QA. The block of I(KA) was, however, surmounted by applying KA at considerably higher concentrations. It is concluded that QA acts as a low-affinity competitive antagonist at the KA site and as a high-affinity agonist at its own receptor. The response to the endogenous ligand Glu reflects properties of all receptors. QA and KA receptors account for 20-30% (QA) and 49-82% (KA) of the compound current elicited with 100 microM Glu. These results indicate that binding of Glu does not, in contrast to QA, produce any significant suppression of the KA-receptor-mediated current component.

Contributions of quisqualate and NMDA receptors to the induction and expression of LTP

The contributions of two subclasses of excitatory amino acid transmitter receptors to the induction and expression of long-term potentiation (LTP) were analyzed in hippocampal slices. The quisqualate/kainate receptor antagonist DNQX (6,7-dinitro-quinoxaline-2,3-dione) blocked 85% of the evoked field potential, leaving a small response that was sensitive to D-AP5 (D-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoate), an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocker. This residual D-AP5-sensitive response was of comparable size in control and previously potentiated inputs. High-frequency stimulation in the presence of DNQX did not result in the development of robust LTP. Washout of the drug, however, revealed the potentiation effect. Thus NMDA-mediated responses can induce, but are not greatly affected by, LTP; non-NMDA receptors, conversely, mediate responses that are not needed to elicit LTP but that are required for its expression.

Structural requirements for activation of excitatory amino acid receptors in the rat spinal cord in vitro

The conformational requirements for activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and quisqualate (QUIS) excitatory amino acid receptors on rat spinal neurones in vitro have been examined using a number of conformationally restricted compounds related to L-glutamate (L-GLU). The excitants were assigned to a receptor type on the basis of their susceptibility to blockade by D (-)-2-amino-5-phosphonvalerate (DAPV) and kynurenate (KYNA). When iontophoretically applied to unidentified neurones in the dorsal horn of spinal cord slices maintained in vitro, three of the isomers of 1-amino-1,3-cyclopentane dicarboxylate (ACPD) evoked excitations which were DAPV-sensitive and therefore were probably elicited via NMDA receptors. The fourth isomer (D-trans-(1R,3S)-ACPD) resembled quinolinate (QUIN) in its actions, and differed from both NMDA and QUIS. Several pyridine derivatives in addition to QUIN were tested, and both the 2,5- and 2,6-pyridine dicarboxylates evoked excitations which, like those produced by QUIS and L-GLU, were largely unaffected by both DAPV and KYNA and thus appeared due to activation of the QUIS receptor. 2,4-Pyridine dicarboxylate acted as a weak and unselective antagonist of amino acid-induced excitations. The results support an earlier conclusion that compounds reacting with the NMDA receptor do so in an extended configuration whereas the QUIS receptor has a more folded template. The possibility that QUIN reacts with a receptor different from those activated by other amino acids is considered.

Thiocyanate stabilizes AMPA binding to the quisqualate receptor

Calcium and chloride ions stimulated [3H]glutamate binding to quisqualate-sensitive [3H]glutamate binding sites 4-fold, as measured by quantitative autoradiography, whereas 100 mM potassium thiocyanate had no additional effect. In contrast, calcium and chloride had little effect on the binding of [3H](RS)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid ([3H]AMPA), but 100 mM thiocyanate stimulated binding 4-fold. AMPA displaced little [3H]glutamate binding from quisqualate-sensitive binding sites in the molecular layer of the cerebellum in the absence of thiocyanate. However, in the presence of thiocyanate AMPA became a more effective displacer, but still displaced only 44% of the quisqualate-sensitive [3H]glutamate binding. The distribution of [3H]glutamate binding to quisqualate-sensitive sites was similar to but not identical with that of [3H]AMPA binding. However, the distribution of AMPA-displaceable [3H]glutamate binding correlated highly (r = 0.97, P less than 0.0005) with that of [3H]AMPA binding. The results suggest that AMPA binds to a subclass of quisqualate-sensitive [3H]glutamate binding sites that are highly influenced by ionic environment and that quisqualate-sensitive binding sites exist in several states.

The kainate/quisqualate receptor antagonist, CNQX, blocks the fast component of spontaneous epileptiform activity in organotypic cultures of rat hippocampus

Intracellular recordings were made from CA1 pyramidal neurones of hippocampus maintained in organotypic culture. Both spontaneous interictal and ictal epileptiform activity was observed. CNQX, an antagonist at kainate/quisqualate but not at N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive excitatory amino acid receptors depressed but did not abolish spontaneous epileptiform activity. Addition of the specific NMDA receptor antagonist D-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (D-APV) abolished the remaining activity. Similar effects were observed on electrically evoked excitatory post synaptic potentials (EPSPs). This suggests a role for endogenous excitatory amino acids acting at both kainate/quisqualate and NMDA sensitive excitatory amino acid receptors in the generation and maintainance of epileptiform activity within these organotypic cultures.

L-glutamate increases internal free calcium levels in synaptoneurosomes from immature rat brain via quisqualate receptors

Internal free calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) have been monitored in synaptoneurosomes from 8-d-old rat whole brain previously loaded with the calcium-sensitive fluorescent probe Fura 2. Under basal conditions, [Ca2+]i was around 200 nM, this concentration increasing only slowly during storage of the synaptoneurosomes at room temperature (40% increase 2 hr after loading). Opening of sodium channels with veratridine- (10 microM) or KCl- (30 mM) induced depolarization caused rapid increases in synaptoneurosomal [Ca2+]i. [Ca2+]i was also markedly increased by addition of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 (10-100 nM). The effect of veratridine, but not of KCl was prevented by previous addition of TTX (1 microM). KCl-induced [Ca2+]i increase was dependent on external Ca2+ and was partially blocked by the dihydropyridine derivative PN 200-110 (IC50 0.15 microM, maximal inhibition 55% at 3 microM). L-Glutamate elicited a concentration-dependent fast increase in synaptoneurosomal [Ca2+]i in the 8-d-old (but not in the adult) rat brain (EC50 = 2 microM). The effect of glutamate was stereospecific, the EC50 of the D-isomer being 47 times higher than that of L-isomer. The magnitude of the L-glutamate response differed in several brain regions, being highest in the cerebral cortex and lowest in the cerebellum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Excitatory amino acid receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes: agonist pharmacology

The properties of excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors transplanted into Xenopus oocytes were investigated by voltage clamp 48 hr to 5 days after oocytes had been injected with mRNA isolated from rat brain. The application of EAA agonists to mRNA-injected cells, but not to uninjected or water-injected cells, produced several different inward currents, two of which are characteristic of neuronal EAA receptors. Currents with properties expected from activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors were evoked by L-glutamate (EC50 = 2.3 microM), D-aspartate (10 microM), L-aspartate (13 microM), NMDA (31 microM), and ibotenate (35 microM). Inward currents activated by these agonists were blocked by Mg2+ in a voltage-dependent manner and antagonized by 10-50 microM D-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (D-APV). The D-APV block was not voltage dependent. A second type of inward current was produced by kainate, domoate, (RS)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA), and L-glutamate. This smooth inward current was insensitive to Mg2+ and D-APV. L-Glutamate and domoate were equipotent for activating this current (EC50 = 14 microM) whereas kainate was less potent (98 microM). The kainate potency was somewhat voltage dependent, inasmuch as the EC50 was 33% lower when measured at +38 mV than when measured at -60 mV in the same cells. Quisqualate (50 microM) and AMPA (50 microM) drastically reduced the kainate current, suggesting these agonists also interact with this receptor. Some mRNA preparations encoded only receptors for the kainate response, which argues for distinct NMDA and non-NMDA receptors. A third type of inward current was produced by quisqualate. This current, consisting of oscillating and smooth components, was carried by chloride and not evoked by AMPA, suggesting it is not likely caused by activation of the conventional neuronal quisqualate receptor. The utility of the oocyte preparation for quantitative pharmacological studies of EAA receptors is discussed.

Glutamate receptors and phosphoinositide metabolism: stimulation via quisqualate receptors is inhibited by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation

Excitatory amino acid receptors in the neonatal rat hippocampus have opposing actions on phosphoinositide (PI) metabolism. Quisqualic acid (QA), but not the QA receptor agonist AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid), potently stimulates inositol phosphate (IP) formation. Activation of NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors inhibits the QA-induced stimulation by 70% by a mechanism which is dependent on extracellular calcium.

NMDA receptor losses in putamen from patients with Huntington's disease

N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), phencyclidine (PCP), and quisqualate receptor binding were compared to benzodiazepine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and muscarinic cholinergic receptor binding in the putamen and cerebral cortex of individuals with Huntington's disease (HD). NMDA receptor binding was reduced by 93 percent in putamen from HD brains compared to binding in normal brains. Quisqualate and PCP receptor binding were reduced by 67 percent, and the binding to other receptors was reduced by 55 percent or less. Binding to these receptors in the cerebral cortex was unchanged in HD brains. The results support the hypothesis that NMDA receptor-mediated neurotoxicity plays a role in the pathophysiology of Huntington's disease.

Excitatory amino acid receptors in piriform cortex do not show receptor desensitization

We have investigated the proposed role of transmitter receptor desensitization as an explanation for the excitotoxicity rank order of several excitatory amino acid agonists as compared to kainic acid, using a brain slice of rat piriform cortex. Responses to glutamate, aspartate, quisqualate, n-methyl aspartate and kainate showed no evidence of receptor desensitization when studied with very long and large ionophoretic pulses, repeated ionophoretic pulses or by bath perfusion. At least in rat piriform cortex, the suggestion that kainate receptors do not desensitize while those to glutamate and quisqualate do, does not apply to nor explain the more potent kainate excitotoxicity.

Quinoxalinediones: potent competitive non-NMDA glutamate receptor antagonists

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-subtype of glutamate receptors has been well described as a result of the early appearance of NMDA antagonists, but no potent antagonist for the "non-NMDA" glutamate receptors has been available. Quinoxalinediones have now been found to be potent and competitive antagonists at non-NMDA glutamate receptors. These compounds will be useful in the determination of the structure-activity relations of quisqualate and kainate receptors and the role of such receptors in synaptic transmission in the mammalian brain.

Chaotropic ions affect the conformation of quisqualate receptors in rat cortical membranes

Binding of [3H](R,S)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid ([3H]AMPA) to quisqualate receptors in the presence of SCN- ions produced curvilinear Scatchard plots. Kinetic investigations of [3H]AMPA binding showed that the curvilinearity cannot be explained by assuming binding to two separate binding sites or by considering it due to cooperative interaction. A more likely explanation is that the quisqualate receptors exist in two states, one with high and one with low affinity for [3H]AMPA. Chaotropic ions change the relaxation constant between the two states.

Mode of induction of long-term depression at parallel fibre--Purkinje cell synapses in rabbit cerebellar cortex

In a superficial folium of the dorsal paraflocculus of high decerebrate rabbits, extracellular unitary spikes were recorded from a Purkinje cell, while two parallel fibre beams impinging onto that Purkinje cell were separately stimulated in the molecular layer. Climbing fibre afferents were stimulated at the contralateral inferior olive. Quisqualate was ionophoretically applied to the dendrite of the Purkinje cell intersecting one of the stimulated parallel fibre beams (test beam). Long-term depression (longer than 45 min) occurred in Purkinje cell responsiveness to the test beam, but not to the other beam (control beam), when quisqualate was applied for 4 min in conjunction with 2 Hz stimulation of climbing fibres. This effect was completely abolished by simultaneous application of a glutamate blocker, kynurenate, during conjunctive quisqualate-climbing fibre stimulation. Application of quisqualate alone caused a small degree of depression in parallel fibre-Purkinje cell transmission. This effect was abolished when spontaneous activity of climbing fibres was blocked by injection of tetrodotoxin or lidocaine to the contralateral inferior olive, and therefore was due to conjunction of quisqualate with spontaneous climbing fibre inputs that normally occurred at 0.5-1.2 Hz. These findings suggest that the occurrence of long-term depression is strictly dependent on conjunction of climbing fibre activity with quisqualate receptor activation.

Effects of guanine nucleotides on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-ligand interactions

Guanine nucleotides have been examined as to their effects on subclass-specific excitatory amino acid receptor-ligand interactions. Guanine nucleotides selectively inhibit L-[3H]glutamate binding to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) recognition site while showing a lesser effect on [3H]kainate, [3H]alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate and sodium-dependent L-[3H]glutamate binding. Of the series of guanine nucleotides tested in the inhibition of NMDA-specific L-[3H]glutamate binding, GTP, GDP, 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate and 5'-guanylylmethylenediphosphate were significantly more potent than GMP, cyclic GMP and guanosine. Scatchard analysis indicates that the GTP inhibition (IC50 = 28 microM) of this NMDA-specific L-[3H]glutamate binding results from a decrease in the affinity of L-glutamate for the NMDA receptor whereas no alteration in the number of binding sites is observed. A kinetic analysis indicates that this decrease in affinity may be attributed to a decrease in association rate whereas no change in dissociation rate is observed. GTP (25 microM) lowers the affinities of both NMDA agonists (NMDA, L-glutamate, L-aspartate, and L-homocysteate) and antagonists (D-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate, D-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoate, and D-2-aminoadipate). Pretreatment of the synaptic plasma membranes with either pertussis or cholera toxin had no significant effect on the GTP inhibition of NMDA-specific L-[3H] glutamate binding. The data suggest that guanine nucleotides can negatively modulate the NMDA receptor; however, the mechanism of this modulation is unclear.

Effects of thiol-reagents on [3H]alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid binding to rat telencephalic membranes

The binding of [3H]alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid ([3H]AMPA), a ligand for the quisqualate subtype of excitatory amino acid receptors, was measured after chemical modifications of rat brain synaptic membranes. Treatment with oxidizing or thiol-alkylating agents did not modify [3H]AMPA binding, whereas treatment with several sulfhydryl reagents produced marked increases in binding. The involvement of free sulfhydryl groups in the regulation of the properties of [3H]AMPA binding sites was suggested by the specificity of p-chloromercuribenzoic acid (PCMB), its sulfonate analog p-chloromercuriphenyl-sulfonic acid (PCMBS), and HgCl2, plus the reversal of their effects after reduction with dithiothreitol. Pretreatment of synaptic membranes with the oxidizing agent 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) or the alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide did not significantly affect [3H]AMPA binding but markedly reduced the enhancing effect of PCMBS. On the other hand, the increase in [3H]AMPA binding produced by PCMBS was not prevented by treatment with agonists such as quisqualate or L-glutamate and was produced equally well in resealed postsynaptic membranes with both lipophilic or nonlipophilic SH-reagents. Using filtration assays, two types of binding sites could be detected with high and low affinity for [3H]AMPA. Treatment with SH-reagents produced an increase in the Bmax for the high affinity component and a decrease in the Bmax for the low affinity component, accompanied by an increase in its affinity for the ligand. Using centrifugation assays, the same two types of sites could be detected under control conditions but treatment with SH-reagents produced an increase in affinity of the large component that prevented the analytical differentiation of the two sites. Treatment with SH-reagents also increased the binding of [3H] glutamate to the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors but did not modify the binding of [3H]kainate to the kainate receptors or the strychnine-insensitive [3H]glycine binding. These results suggest that free sulfhydryl groups allosterically modulate the affinity of the quisqualate subtype of excitatory amino acid receptors and also indicate that different types of glutamate receptors might be differentially affected by chemical modification.

Noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists affect multiple ionic currents

Recent reports have indicated that the dissociative anesthetic ketamine and the related drugs phencyclidine and MK-801 noncompetitively antagonize excitation mediated by the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor; they have little effect at kainate or quisqualate receptors. However, this action does not readily explain all the behavioral or metabolic effects of these drugs. In view of previous reports that phencyclidine interacts with potassium channels in a variety of excitable cells, the author investigated the ability of phencyclidine, ketamine and MK-801 to block voltage-gated potassium currents in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Under voltage clamp all three drugs reduced both early, transient potassium currents and steady-state potassium currents when neurons were stepped between -80 and -10 mV. In current clamp, phencyclidine and MK-801 diminished the action potential peak, its maximum rate of rise and its maximum rate of fall, suggesting that they antagonize sodium as well as potassium currents. Both phencyclidine and MK-801 produced a slowly developing blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate currents which was present at a holding potential of -50 mV. The selective potassium channel blocker 4-aminopyridine had no effect on N-methyl-D-aspartate responses. These findings indicate that this group of drugs can interact with voltage-gated channels, in addition to N-methyl-D-aspartate gated channels. However, the high concentrations required to block voltage-gated channels suggests that these effects are not behaviorally relevant.

Structure and synthesis of a potent glutamate receptor antagonist in wasp venom

A low molecular weight toxin isolated from the venom of the digger wasp Philanthus triangulum, first noted by T. Piek, is a potent antagonist of transmission at quisqualate-sensitive glutamate synapses of locust leg muscle. This philanthotoxin 433 (PTX-433) has been purified, chemically characterized, and subsequently synthesized along with two closely related analogues. It has a butyryl/tyrosyl/spermine sequence and a molecular weight of 435. Its two analogues, PTX-343 and PTX-334 (the numerals denoting the number of methylenes between the amino groups of the spermine moiety), are also active on the glutamate synapse of the locust leg muscle; PTX-334 was more potent and PTX-343 was less potent than the natural toxin. Such chemicals are useful for studying, labeling, and purifying glutamate receptors and may become models for an additional class of therapeutic drugs and possibly insecticides.

Role of quisqualic acid receptors in the hypermotility response produced by the injection of AMPA into the nucleus accumbens

alpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5- methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) is an excitatory amino acid which on the basis of electrophysiological and binding studies appears to act as a quisqualic acid receptor agonist. AMPA and other excitatory amino acids, such as quisqualic acid, kainic acid, and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid, as well as picrotoxin, an inhibitor of endogenous GABA, produce a marked stimulation of locomotor activity after bilateral injection into the nucleus accumbens. The intraacumbens injection of gamma-D-glutamylaminomethylsulphonate (GAMS) was found to inhibit the hypermotility responses produced by AMPA and quisqualic acid at doses that were unable to inhibit the hypermotility responses produced by kainic acid, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid, and picrotoxin. These results suggest that GAMS is able to selectively inhibit quisqualic acid receptors in the nucleus accumbens. The intraacumbens injection of D-alpha-aminoadipic acid at a dose that significantly inhibited N-methyl-D-aspartic acid-stimulated locomotor activity did not produce a significant inhibition of AMPA-stimulated locomotor activity, suggesting that AMPA is not acting at N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors. Thus, these results suggest that the activation of quisqualic acid receptors in the nucleus accumbens produces a hypermotility response.

Excitatory amino acid agonist-antagonist interactions at 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid-sensitive quisqualate receptors coupled to phosphoinositide hydrolysis in slices of rat hippocampus

Studies were carried out to define the relative affinities and intrinsic activities of excitatory amino acid agonists that activate receptor sites coupled to phosphoinositide hydrolysis in brain. Slices of rat hippocampus were prelabeled with myo-[3H]inositol, and agonist stimulation was indexed by measuring the accumulation of [3H]inositol monophosphate [( 3H]IP) in the presence of Li+. It was observed that ibotenic (IBO) and quisqualic (QUIS) acids both elicit highly significant, concentration-dependent stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Whereas maximal stimulation by IBO (10(-3) M) was four- to fivefold over basal values, the maximal effect of QUIS (10(-4) M) was less (about twofold). Based on the relative concentrations required for 50% maximal stimulation, QUIS was 20 times more potent than IBO. Stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis by either IBO or QUIS was additive to the effects of nonexcitatory amino acid agonists (carbachol and norepinephrine) in this tissue. However, the stimulatory effects of IBO plus QUIS were not additive. At greater than or equal to 10(-4) M, QUIS significantly inhibited phosphoinositide hydrolysis by a maximal stimulatory concentration of IBO (10(-3) M) to a level observed with QUIS alone. Other excitatory amino acid agonists, including kainate, N-methyl-D-aspartate, and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), had no stimulatory effects at concentrations as high as 10(-3) M. The D,L or L forms of 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (AP4), but not D-AP4, significantly enhanced [3H]IP levels to approximately 135% of basal values.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

New quinoxalinediones show potent antagonism of quisqualate responses in cultured mouse cortical neurons

Two new quinoxalines, DNQX (6,7-dinitro-quinoxaline-2,3-dion = FG 9041) and CNQX (6-nitro-7-cyano-quinoxaline-2,3-dion = FG 9065), were tested as antagonists of excitatory amino acid responses in cultured neurons and brain slices. DNQX and CNQX showed potent competitive antagonism of quisqualate and kainate induced [3H]GABA release from cultured mouse cortical neurons with weaker effects on NMDA responses (Schild values for DNQX were 6.2, 5.9 and 5.4, respectively). Also in a model of excitatory amino acid induced 22Na efflux from striatal slices DNQX blocked responses to quisqualate and kainate more effectively than responses to NMDA.

Endogenous ligands for the quisqualate receptor: presence in rat brain cortex synaptic vesicles

The presence in highly purified rat brain cortex synaptic vesicles of endogenous ligands for rat brain quisqualate receptors was investigated. The vesicles were extracted, and their contents fractionated by high voltage electrophoresis. Endogenous ligands were detected by a radioreceptor assay in which such ligands competed with 50 nM L-[3H]glutamate for binding to quisqualate receptors present in rat brain postsynaptic densities (PSDs). Binding of L-[3H]glutamate to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, also present in PSDs, was blocked by 100 microM NMDA. We found that the endogenous ligands present in brain cortex synaptic vesicles for quisqualate receptors, were glutamate and aspartate, in a molar ratio of about two to one. The quisqualate receptor had an affinity 130-fold higher for glutamate (Kd 0.3 microM) than for aspartate, and the latter amino acid also showed a marked negative cooperative for binding (Hill number 0.29, against 0.67 for glutamate). These findings suggest that glutamate is the natural transmitter that activates quisqualate receptors at some central excitatory synapses, and also that aspartate may be a classical transmitter, the receptor for which still remains to be shown.

Quisqualate and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in induction of hippocampal long-term facilitation using conditioning solution

Brief electrical high-frequency stimulation (tetanus) via the synapses induces long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampal neurons. In order to elucidate how LTP is produced, we attempted to induce long-term facilitation (LTF) by perfusing a conditioning solution (CS) instead of the tetanus. A 5 min perfusion of hippocampal slices with a CS containing glutamate, K+ at high concentration and no Mg2+ resulted in the generation of LTF in CAl and dentate neurons. CS lacking one of these 3 factors failed to produce LTF. When the glutamate of the CS was substituted by both quisqualate and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), LTF was initiated. This indicates that both quisqualate and NMDA receptors play an important role in the induction of LTP.

Excitatory amino acid receptor potency and subclass specificity of sulfur-containing amino acids

The sulfur-containing amino acids, L- and D-cysteate, L-cysteine, L- and D-cysteine sulfinate, L- and D-cysteine-S-sulfate, L-cystine, L- and D-homocysteate, L- and D-homocysteine sulfinate, L-homocysteine, L-serine-O-sulfate, and taurine were tested in two excitatory amino acid receptor functional assays and in receptor binding assays designed to label specifically the AA1/N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), AA2/quisqualate, and AA3/kainate receptor recognition sites, as well as a CaCl2-dependent L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutanoate site, and a putative glutamate uptake site. Agonist efficacies were determined by chick retinal excitotoxicity and stimulated sodium efflux from rat brain slices. D-Homocysteine sulfinate, L-homocysteate, and L-serine-O-sulfate had affinities most selective for the NMDA binding site, whereas the binding affinities of D-cysteate, D-cysteine sulfinate, D-homocysteate, and L-homocysteine sulfinate were less selective. However, the correlation of agonist activity sensitive to blockade by D-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoate or D-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoate in the functional assays with affinity in the NMDA binding assay (r = 0.87, p less than 0.005 and r = 0.98, p less than 0.005 for excitotoxicity and sodium efflux, respectively) allows characterization of these sulfur-containing amino acids as acting at NMDA subclass receptors. L-Homocysteate, which has been found in the brain, and L-serine-O-sulfate are selective agonists and could serve as endogenous neurotransmitters at the NMDA receptor.

Characterization of quisqualate recognition sites in rat brain tissue using DL-[3H]alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) and a filtration assay

The binding of [3H]AMPA (DL-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid), a ligand for the putative quisqualate excitatory amino acid receptor subtype, was evaluated using centrifugation and filtration receptor binding techniques in rat brain crude synaptosomal membrane preparations. Maximal specific binding of [3H]AMPA occurred in Triton X-100 treated membranes in the presence of the chaotropic agent potassium thiocyanate (KSCN). The effects of KSCN on binding were reversible and optimal at 100 mM. Supernatant obtained from detergent-treated membranes inhibited specific [3H]AMPA and [3H]kainic acid binding, suggesting the presence of an inhibitory agent which was tentatively identified as glutamate. Using centrifugation, saturation analysis revealed two distinct binding sites in both the absence and presence of KSCN. The chaotrope was most effective in increasing binding at the low affinity binding site, enhancing the affinity (Kd) without a concommitant change in the total number of binding sites. Using filtration, a single binding site was detected in Triton-treated membranes. Like the data obtained by centrifugation, KSCN enhanced the affinity of the receptor (Kd value = 10 nM) without altering the number of binding sites (Bmax = 1.2 pmol/mg protein). The rank order of potency of various glutamate analogs in the [3H]AMPA binding assay was quisqualate greater than AMPA greater than L-glutamate greater than kainate greater than D-glutamate, consistent with the labeling of a quisqualate-type excitatory amino acid receptor subtype. L-glutamic acid diethylester, and 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (AP7) were inactive. The present technique provides a rapid, reliable assay for the evaluation of quisqualate-type excitatory amino acid agonists and/or antagonists that may be used to discover more potent and selective agents.

Characterization of quisqualate-type L-glutamate receptors in the retina

In the vertebrate retina excitatory transmission seems to be mediated mainly by excitatory amino acids; glutamate and/or aspartate are the most viable candidates to subserve this function. Postsynaptic receptors for N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), kainate (KA), quisqualate (QA) and 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid have been electrophysiologically identified. In this work we have tried to identify and characterize QA receptors through the binding of the most specific analogue available for this receptor: [3H]alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid ([3H]AMPA). AMPA binding to retinal membranes was sodium- and temperature-independent, with optimum pH at 6-7. Ligand-receptor interaction was reversible and saturable. Pharmacologically, glutamate analogues were more active displacers than NMDA analogues: AMPA greater than (RS)-3-hydroxy-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-isoxazolo-(5,4-C)-pyridine-7-car boxylic acid = L-Glu = QA; with IC50 in the low microM range. Glutamic acid diethylester was uneffective while KA and cis-2,3-piperidine dicarboxylate were potent inhibitors of binding. Binding was stereospecific, L-isomers being more effective displacers than D-forms. Subcellular distribution showed binding concentrated in the inner plexiform layer (IPL), but also present in the outer plexiform layer (OPL). Kinetics of [3H]AMPA binding showed a high affinity kB = 1-2 microM in membranes from complete retina, IPL and OPL, with binding sites concentrated in P2 (Bmax = 16.2 pmol/mg protein). Our results provide biochemical evidence for the presence and distribution of physiologically relevant QA receptors in the chick retina which is in agreement with previous physiological findings.

Excitatory amino acid receptors of rod- and cone-driven horizontal cells in the rabbit retina

Intracellular recordings were obtained from horizontal cells in the superfused retina-eyecup preparation of the rabbit. Rod- and cone-dominated horizontal cells were studied using bath-applied excitatory amino acid analogues. Cone-dominated horizontal cell somas were depolarized by kainate (KA) or quisqualate (QQ) and their light responses were reduced or abolished. They were not affected by N-methyl-DL-aspartate (NMDLA) at concentrations up to 2 mM or by 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate (APB), a selective agonist for the ON bipolar cell. When synaptic transmission was blocked with cobalt, horizontal cell somas were hyperpolarized. Under these conditions, KA and QQ caused large depolarizations suggesting that these agents have a direct action on horizontal cell somas. Excitatory amino acid antagonists such as cis-2,3-piperidine dicarboxylic acid (PDA) and kynurenic acid (Kyn) hyperpolarized horizontal cell somas to the level of the light-driven membrane potential. These antagonists blocked both the light-driven responses and the depolarizing action of KA. The specific NMDA antagonist 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoate (AP-7) had no effect on the membrane potential or light-driven responses of horizontal cell somas. In contrast to a previous report, we found no evidence that low concentrations of NMDLA could hyperpolarize horizontal cells or act as a KA antagonist in the rabbit retina. Rod-dominated axon terminals were identified by waveform, threshold, and the presence of a large rod after-potential evoked by high light intensity. These cells were depolarized by KA and their light responses were attenuated. NMDLA and APB had no effect on these cells. The general antagonists, PDA and Kyn, hyperpolarized axon terminals and blocked their light-evoked responses. The specific NMDA antagonist, AP-7, had no effect on these cells. These results suggest that the synaptic receptors that mediate light input to both rod- and cone-dominated horizontal cells are kainate or quisqualate receptors. This implies that the rod and cone transmitters of the rabbit retina are similar, with the characteristics of an excitatory amino acid, such as glutamate.

Quisqualate receptors are specifically involved in cerebellar synaptic plasticity

Long-term modification of transmission efficacy at synapses is the cellular basis of memory and learning. A special type of synaptic plasticity in the cerebellum was postulated theoretically, and has since been verified. Each cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) receives two distinct excitatory inputs, one from parallel fibres (PFs) and the other from a climbing fibre (CF). When these two types of inputs are conjunctively activated, PF-PC transmission undergoes long-term depression (LTD). Accumulated evidence suggests that LTD plays a role in the motor learning processes of the cerebellum. At the molecular level, LTD appears to be caused by desensitization of receptor molecules in PC dendrites towards the PF neurotransmitter, presumably L-glutamate (Glu). Glu receptors are heterogeneous and can be divided into several subtypes. In this study, we compared the potency of several Glu agonists in inducing LTD and found a highly selective dependency of LTD on the quisqualate(QA)-selective subtype of Glu receptors.

Excitatory amino acid receptors and ischemic brain damage in the rat

The excitatory amino acid glutamate has been suggested to be an important mediator of the selective CA1 hippocampal damage which follows transient cerebral ischemia. In order to evaluate the possible involvement of altered glutamate receptor regulation in the expression of the delayed neuronal necrosis following ischemia, we have determined the density of glutamate receptor subtypes in the rat hippocampus following transient ischemia. We report a transient reversible decrease in [3H]AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) binding sites (presumably representing quisqualate receptors) followed by a long term loss of binding at 2 days postischemia which precedes neuronal loss. In contrast, no change was noted in the N-methyl-D-aspartate or kainic acid binding sites over this time period.

Functional and biochemical characteristics of a putative quisqualate-type receptor in rat striatum: effect of brain lesions

Excitatory amino acids such as L-glutamate (Glu) and quisqualate (QUIS) markedly potentiated K+-evoked release of exogenous [3H]dopamine (DA) from rat striatal slices. Intrastriatal kainic acid injections resulted in a total disappearance of the stimulatory effects of Glu on evoked-release of [3H]DA as well as in a parallel reduction in the maximal number (Bmax) of a D-aspartate-insensitive L-[3H]Glu binding site in striatal particulate fractions. Following cortical ablation, the potentiating effect of Glu on [3H]DA release in decorticated striatal slices lasted longer, compared to normal slices, and occurred during the 2nd min following K+-depolarization. However, the extent (%) of Glu stimulation on [3H]DA release remained the same in decorticated and normal striatal slices. Cortical ablation produced also a significant decrease in the Bmax and in the KD' of the D-aspartate-insensitive binding site towards L-[3H]Glu. These results support the proposal that the D-aspartate-insensitive Glu binding site is somehow related to an amino acid receptor-mediated modulation of dopaminergic transmission in the rat corpus striatum.

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors coexist with kainate and quisqualate receptors on single isolated catfish horizontal cells

Horizontal cells enzymatically isolated from catfish retina were exposed to the putative neurotransmitters aspartate (Asp) or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). Under voltage clamp conditions, inward currents were recorded when the holding potential was more negative than zero and outward currents were recorded when the membrane potential was more positive than zero. The current voltage curve was highly non-linear in the range of membrane potential between -30 and -100 mV. This non-linearity was largely removed in zero magnesium solution. 2-Amino-phosphonovaleric acid selectively blocked Asp and NMDA responses. These response characteristics are consistent with the presence of NMDA receptors in these cells.