Codistribution of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha3 and beta4 mRNAs during rat brain development

Inhibitory synaptic transmission in area postrema neurons of the rat showing robust presynaptic facilitation mediated by nicotinic ACh receptors

Inhibitory synaptic transmission and its modulation in neurons of the area postrema (AP), one of autonomic nuclei in the medulla, were studied using whole-cell patch-electrodes applied to slices from rats on postnatal days 10-24. When glycine (100 microM) or GABA (10 microM) was applied to AP neurons from a "Y tube", large outward currents that showed reversal potential of - 67 mV (approximate Cl- equilibrium potential estimated) were induced. At a holding potential of - 10 mV, application of high K+ to the AP neurons evoked massive inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in the neurons. Most of the evoked synaptic currents were blocked by bicuculline, while the remaining currents were sensitive to strychnine, indicating that the major inhibitory transmission in the area postrema was GABAergic. When nicotine (5-100 microM) was applied to AP neurons, robust IPSCs having GABAergic identity were evoked. Even in the presence of tetrodotoxin, nicotine could induce GABAergic IPSCs, most of which, however, disappeared in the presence of 5 mM Mg2+. Presynaptic facilitation was also induced by other nicotinic agonists, including cytisine, 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl-piperazinium iodide, ACh and choline. The nicotine-induced presynaptic facilitation was inhibited by mecamylamine and slightly inhibited by dihydro-beta-erythroidine or alpha-Bungarotoxin. These results indicate that nicotinic receptors are expressed at GABAergic presynaptic terminals in the area postrema and induce Ca2+ influx to trigger vesicular release. The major nicotinic receptors involved are thought to be heteromeric subtypes such as alpha3beta4 receptors, which may regulate inhibitory transmission potently responding to endogenous or exogenous nicotinic agents appeared in this area.

Developmental regulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors within midbrain dopamine neurons

We have combined anatomical and functional methodologies to provide a comprehensive analysis of the properties of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on developing dopamine (DA) neurons of Sprague-Dawley rats. Double-labeling in situ hybridization was used to examine the expression of nAChR subunit mRNAs within developing midbrain DA neurons. As brain maturation progressed there was a change in the pattern of subunit mRNA expression within DA neurons, such that alpha3 and alpha4 subunits declined and alpha6 mRNA increased. Although there were strong similarities in subunit mRNA expression in substantia nigra (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA), there was higher expression of alpha4 mRNA in SNc than VTA at gestational day (G) 15, and of alpha5, alpha6 and beta3 mRNAs during postnatal development. Using a superfusion neurotransmitter release paradigm to functionally characterize nicotine-stimulated release of [(3)H]DA from striatal slices, the properties of the nAChRs on DA terminals were also found to change with age. Functional nAChRs were detected on striatal terminals at G18. There was a decrease in maximal release in the first postnatal week, followed by an increase in nicotine efficacy and potency during the second and third postnatal weeks. In the transition from adolescence (postnatal days (P) 30 and 40) to adulthood, there was a complex pattern of functional maturation of nAChRs in ventral, but not dorsal, striatum. In males, but not females, there were significant changes in both nicotine potency and efficacy during this developmental period. These findings suggest that nAChRs may play critical functional roles throughout DA neuronal maturation.

Postnatal expression of alpha2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit mRNA in developing cortex and hippocampus

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are pentameric ligand-gated cation channels composed of alpha and beta subunits. nAChR subunit expression is highly regulated during development. Previous studies have revealed increased expression of alpha3, alpha5, alpha7, and beta4 subunit mRNAs and alpha7 binding sites during hippocampal and cortical development. Here, we examined the expression of alpha2 subunit mRNA in rat cortex and hippocampus using highly sensitive radioactive in situ hybridization. alpha2 Subunit mRNA expression was first detected at P3 in cortex and hippocampus. During postnatal development the distribution of alpha2 subunit mRNA expression was spatially similar to the one found in adult, exhibiting highly restricted expression in scattered cells mostly in cortical layer V and retrosplenial cortex, and in scattered cells in CA1/CA3 stratum oriens and CA3 stratum radiatum. However, the expression intensity and number of alpha2 positive cells strongly increased to reach peak levels in both cortex and hippocampus at P7 and decreased thereafter to moderate to low to levels. Double in situ hybridization revealed that most, but not all, alpha2 mRNA expression was located in non-pyramidal GAD-positive cortical and hippocampal interneurons. Thus, similar to other nAChR subunits, alpha2 mRNA expression is transiently upregulated during postnatal development and nAChRs containing alpha2 subunits could regulate GABAergic activity during a critical period of network formation.

Perinatal nicotine exposure eliminates peak in nicotinic acetylcholine receptor response in adolescent rats

Maternal smoking is a risk factor associated with nicotine abuse, so the effect of perinatal nicotine exposure was studied on the responsiveness to nicotine across adolescence in the rat. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with s.c. Alzet osmotic minipumps delivering nicotine (L-nicotine hydrogen tartrate, 2 mg/kg/day free base) or vehicle (0.9% saline) on gestational day 7. There was no effect of nicotine on dam weight gain, food consumption, or water consumption or on the number of live pups or weights at the time of birth. Pups were cross-fostered to obtain the following prenatal/postnatal exposure groups: control/control, nicotine/nicotine, nicotine/control, and control/nicotine. On postnatal days 28, 35, 49, and 63, nicotine-stimulated (86)Rb(+) efflux was measured in synaptosomes prepared from the frontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum (STR), and thalamus (THL), using a previously developed method. Significant effects of treatment and concentration were detected in all four brain regions, and significant effects of age were observed in the STR and THL. Significant interactions of age and treatment were observed in each of the four brain regions. Nicotine-stimulated (86)Rb(+) efflux peaked during adolescence in control rats. However, perinatal exposure to nicotine eliminated this peak during adolescence. These results are consistent with recent behavioral and receptor binding results from other laboratories and are the first direct evidence at the cellular level that the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor response varies during adolescence and is affected by perinatal nicotine exposure.

Ca2+ flux and signaling implications by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in rat medial habenula

The fraction of inward current carried by Ca(2+) (FCa(2+)) through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on acutely isolated rat medial habenula (MHb) neurons was calculated from experiments that simultaneously monitored agonist-induced membrane currents and intracellular [Ca(2+)], measured with patch-clamp and indo-1 fluorescence, respectively. In physiological concentrations of extracellular Ca(2+) (2 mM) at -50 mV, the percentage of current carried by Ca(2+) was determined to be roughly 3-4%, which is in close agreement with measurements from other heteromeric nicotinic receptors expressed in peripheral tissue. Among factors that may have affected this measurement, such as Ca(2+) influx through voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels, the concentration of intracellular Ca(2+) buffer, and Ca(2+) sequestration and release from intracellular stores, only Ca(2+) uptake by mitochondria was shown to confound the analysis. Furthermore, we find that because of the high density of nAChRs on MHb cells, low concentrations of ACh (10 microM) and its hydrolysis product, choline (1 mM), can significantly elevate intracellular Ca(2+). Moreover, during persistent activation of nAChRs, the level of intracellular Ca(2+) is proportional to its extracellular concentration in the physiological range. Together, these findings support the suggestion that nAChRs may be capable of sensing low concentrations of diffusely released neurotransmitter and, in addition, transfer information about ongoing local synaptic activity by changes in extracellular Ca(2+).

Chronic neonatal nicotine upregulates heteromeric nicotinic acetylcholine receptor binding without change in subunit mRNA expression

Smoking during pregnancy chronically exposes the fetus to nicotine resulting in long-term behavioral and cognitive deficits. Nicotine binds to neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), pentameric ligand-gated ion channels widely expressed in the nervous system. Chronic nicotine upregulates high-affinity nAChRs in animals and smokers. Here we determined if chronic nicotine treatment during a developmental period corresponding to the human third trimester regulates nAChR expression. Rat pups were intubated orally three times per day with or without nicotine (6 mg/kg/day) from postnatal day 1 to 8. Subunit mRNA expression was assessed by in situ hybridization. Expression of heteromeric and homomeric nAChR receptor was evaluated by autoradiography using (125)I-epibatidine and (125)I-alphabungarotoxin, respectively. nAChR expression was analyzed in cortex, hippocampus, thalamus and medial habenula from autoradiograms using computer assisted image analysis. Nicotine induced significant upregulation of heteromeric but not homomeric nAChRs in hippocampus, cortex and thalamus without changes in subunit mRNA expression. No effect of chronic nicotine on receptor expression was detected in the medial habenula, suggesting that nicotine's effect was mainly on alpha4beta2-type heteromeric nAChRs. The nicotine-induced upregulation was reversed after nicotine withdrawal. Receptor blockade by DHbetaE, an antagonist for heteromeric alpha4/beta2 nAChRs, did not prevent upregulation but increased expression to a similar degree as nicotine. Combination of both drugs had a cumulative effect. Thus, although transient, intermittent nicotine exposure as seen in smoking mothers is sufficient to upregulate heteromeric nAChRs during a critical period of brain development and could contribute to the behavioral deficits found in children whose mother smoked.

Shared long-range regulatory elements coordinate expression of a gene cluster encoding nicotinic receptor heteromeric subtypes

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) beta4/alpha3/alpha5 gene cluster encodes several heteromeric transmitter receptor subtypes that are essential for cholinergic synaptic transmission in adrenal gland, autonomic ganglia, pineal gland, and several nuclei in the central nervous system. However, the transcriptional mechanisms coordinating expression of these subunit genes in different cell populations are unknown. Here, we used transgenic methods to investigate long-range transcriptional control of the cluster. A 132-kb P1-derived artificial chromosome (PAC) encoding the rat cluster recapitulated the neurally- and endocrine-restricted expression patterns of the endogenous beta4/alpha3/alpha5 genes. Mutation of ETS factor binding sites in an enhancer, beta43', embedded in the beta4 3'-untranslated exon resulted in greatly diminished beta4, alpha3, and alpha5 expression in adrenal gland and to a lesser extent in the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) but not in other tissues. Phylogenetic sequence analyses revealed several conserved noncoding regions (CNRs) upstream of beta4 and alpha5. Deletion of one of them (CNR4) located 20 kb upstream of beta4 resulted in a dramatic decrease in beta4 and alpha3 expression in the pineal gland and SCG. CNR4 was sufficient to direct LacZ transgene expression to SCG neurons, which express the endogenous beta4alpha3alpha5 subunits, and pineal cells, which express the endogenous beta4alpha3 combination. Finally, CNR4 was able to direct transgene expression to major sites of expression of the endogenous cluster in the brain. Together, our findings support a model in which cell type-specific shared long-range regulatory elements are required for coordinate expression of clustered nAChR genes.

Differential brain transcriptome of beta4 nAChR subunit-deficient mice: is it the effect of the null mutation or the background strain?

Studies using mice with beta4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit deficiency (beta4-/- mice) helped reveal the roles of this subunit in bradycardiac response to vagal stimulation, nicotine-induced seizure activity and anxiety. To identify genes that might be related to beta4-containing nAChRs activity, we compared the mRNA expression profiles of brains from beta4-/- and wild-type mice using Affymetrix U74Av2 microarray. Seventy-seven genes significantly differentiated between these two experimental groups. Of them, the two most downregulated were spastic paraplegia 21 (human) homolog (Spg21) and 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (Pts) genes. Since the targeted mutagenesis of the beta4 nAChR subunit was done by using two mouse strains, 129SvEv and C57BL/6J, it is possible that the genes closely linked to the mutated beta4 gene represent the 129SvEv allele and not the control C57BL/6J-driven allele. We examined this possibility by using public database and quantitative RT-PCR. The expression levels of Spg21 and Pts genes that, like the beta4 gene, are localized on mouse chromosome 9, as well as the expression levels of other genes located on this chromosome, were dependent on the mouse background strain. The 67 differentially expressed genes that are not located on chromosome 9 were further analyzed for overrepresented functional annotations and transcription regulatory elements compared with the entire microarray. Genes encoding for proteins involved in tyrosine phosphatase activity, calcium ion binding, cell growth and/or maintenance, and chromosome organization were overrepresented. Our data enhance the understanding of the molecular interactions involved in the beta4 nAChR subunit function. They also emphasize the need for careful interpretation of expression microarray studies done on genetically manipulated animals.

Nicotine modulation of stress-related peptide neurons

Nicotine has been shown to activate stress-related brain nuclei, including the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) and the central nucleus of the amygdala (CEA), through complex mechanisms involving direct and indirect pathways. To determine the neurochemical identities of rat brain neurons which are activated by a low dose (0.175 mg/kg) of nicotine given 30 minutes before sacrifice, we have used single- and double-label in situ hybridization. Neuronal activation was quantified by localization of (35)S-labeled probe for the immediate early gene, c-fos. Corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF), enkephalin (ENK), and dynorphin (DYN) mRNAs were colocalized using a colorimetric, digoxigenin-labeled probe. Film autoradiographic studies showed that nicotine significantly increased c-fos mRNA expression in both PVN and CEA. Pretreatment with the centrally acting nicotinic antagonist, mecamylamine (1 mg/kg), blocked nicotine's effects, whereas pretreatment with the peripherally acting antagonist, hexamethonium (5 mg/kg), did not, indicating that c-fos induction was mediated by a central nicotinic receptor. Double labeling studies showed that nicotine induced c-fos expression within CRF cells in the PVN, as well as in a small population of ENK cells, but not in PVN DYN cells. In contrast, there was no significant nicotine-induced increase in c-fos expression in CEA CRF or DYN cells, whereas nicotine treatment did increase c-fos expression within CEA ENK cells.

GPR39 receptor expression in the mouse brain

GPR39, an orphan G protein-coupled receptor, has been recently identified as the receptor for the bioactive peptide obestatin. Obestatin is secreted from the stomach and acts as an anti-appetite hormone. This activity is induced whether obestatin is administered intraperitoneally or intracerebroventricularly. GPR39 is known to be expressed in the central nervous system but its precise localization is unknown. In view of the growing importance of this system, we decided to study the sites of GPR39 mRNA expression by in-situ hybridization. We find the highest levels of GPR39 mRNA in the amygdala, the hippocampus, and the auditory cortex and low levels in several other brain regions. Surprisingly, we find no expression of GPR39 in the hypothalamus, expected to be the site of the anorexigenic action of obestatin.

A study of the rat neuropeptide B/neuropeptide W system using in situ techniques

In the rat, the neuropeptide B/neuropeptide W (NPB/NPW) system is composed of two ligands, neuropeptide B (NPB) and neuropeptide W (NPW), and one receptor, GPR7. Although preliminary analyses show roles in feeding, hormone secretion, and analgesia, the lack of a detailed anatomical map impairs our understanding of the NPB/NPW system. We demonstrate in this report the expression patterns of GPR7, NPB, and NPW precursor messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in the rat brain by using in situ hybridization and in situ binding experiments. The amygdala expresses the highest levels of GPR7 mRNA and binding signals. Other nuclei with high levels of expression and binding are the suprachiasmatic and the ventral tuberomamillary nuclei. Moderate levels are seen in the dorsal endopiriform, dorsal tenia tecta, bed nucleus, and the red nucleus. Low levels are in the olfactory bulb, parastrial nucleus, hypothalamus, laterodorsal tegmentum, superior colliculus, locus coeruleus, and the nucleus of the solitary tract. Although the NPB precursor is mostly expressed at low levels in the brain, moderate expression is seen in anterior olfactory nucleus, piriform cortex, median preoptic nucleus, basolateral amygdala, hippocampus, medial tuberal nucleus, substantia nigra, dorsal raphe nucleus, Edinger-Westphal nucleus, and the locus coeruleus. To our surprise, the expression of NPW precursor was not detected. Our study greatly expands the preliminary in situ data previously reported. With this map of the NPB/NPW system in the rat brain, a better understanding of the functional implications of the system in various behavioral paradigms is now possible.

Roles of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor beta subunits in function of human alpha4-containing nicotinic receptors

Naturally expressed nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) containing alpha4 subunits (alpha4*-nAChR) in combination with beta2 subunits (alpha4beta2-nAChR) are among the most abundant, high-affinity nicotine binding sites in the mammalian brain. beta4 subunits are also richly expressed and colocalize with alpha4 subunits in several brain regions implicated in behavioural responses to nicotine and nicotine dependence. Thus, alpha4beta4-nAChR also may exist and play important functional roles. In this study, properties were determined of human alpha4beta2- and alpha4beta4-nAChR heterologously expressed de novo in human SH-EP1 epithelial cells. Whole-cell currents mediated via human alpha4beta4-nAChR have approximately 4-fold higher amplitude than those mediated via human alpha4beta2-nAChR and exhibit much slower acute desensitization and functional rundown. Nicotinic agonists induce peak whole-cell current responses typically with higher functional potency at alpha4beta4-nAChR than at alpha4beta2-nAChR. Cytisine and lobeline serve as full agonists at alpha4beta4-nAChR but are only partial agonists at alpha4beta2-nAChR. However, nicotinic antagonists, except hexamethonium, have comparable affinities for functional alpha4beta2- and alpha4beta4-nAChR. Whole-cell current responses show stronger inward rectification for alpha4beta2-nAChR than for alpha4beta4-nAChR at a positive holding potential. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that human nAChR beta2 or beta4 subunits can combine with alpha4 subunits to generate two forms of alpha4*-nAChR with distinctive physiological and pharmacological features. Diversity in alpha4*-nAChR is of potential relevance to nervous system function, disease, and nicotine dependence.

Effects of paraformaldehyde fixation on nicotinic acetylcholine receptor binding in adult and developing rat brain sections

In vitro receptor autoradiography requires unfixed tissue sections, but incubation and washing procedures often result in substantial tissue damage in sections from developing brain, hindering quantitative and qualitative analysis. Formaldehyde fixation greatly preserves morphology. However, fixation can interfere with pharmacological properties of receptors, increase in non-specific background labeling, or even destroy ligand binding sites. Two mild fixation protocols, 0.2% paraformaldehyde (pFA) and pFA vapor fixation, were compared for their ability to improve tissue morphology in postnatal day 7 (P7) brain slices and maintain binding of [125I]-epibatidine and [125I]-alpha-bungarotoxin to heteromeric and homomeric nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, respectively. Fixation greatly improved the ability of P7 brain slices to withstand incubation and washing procedures during binding, resulting in minimal or no loss of tissue after prior 0.2% pFA or vapor fixation, respectively. In adults, distribution pattern of [125I]-epibatidine was identical in fixed and unfixed slices, with no difference in total and non-specific labeling. Distribution of [125I]-alphaBTX labeling was similarly unaffected by 0.2% pFA fixation, but vapor fixation increased total and non-specific binding signal. Thus, mild fixations greatly improve tissue quality during receptor binding procedures and can preserve pharmacological properties of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. However, different receptors or ligands might exhibit differential sensitivity to fixation protocols.

Characterization of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors That Modulate Nicotine-Evoked [3H]Norepinephrine Release from Mouse Hippocampal Synaptosomes

Nicotine's modulation of hippocampal noradrenergic neurotransmission may contribute to its mnemonic properties, but the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes that modulate terminal release of norepinephrine are unknown. In the present study, we used a number of subtype-selective alpha-conotoxins in combination with nicotinic receptor subunit-deficient mice to characterize nAChRs that modulate [3H]nore-pinephrine release from synaptosomes. The results indicate that at least two populations of nAChRs contribute to this release: a novel alpha6(alpha4)beta2beta3beta4 subtype and an alpha6(alpha4)beta2beta3 subtype. These are distinct from subtypes that modulate synaptosomal norepinephrine release in the rat hippocampus in which an alpha6/beta2 and/or alpha6/beta4 ligand binding interface is not present. Whereas alpha-conotoxin MII fully inhibits nicotine-evoked [3H]norepinephrine release in mouse, it is ineffective in blocking [3H]norepinephrine release in rat. Block of [3H]norepinephrine release by alpha-conotoxin BuIA, a toxin that kinetically distinguishes between beta2- and beta4-containing nAChRs, was partially reversible in mouse but irreversible in rat. This indicates that in contrast to rat, mouse nAChRs are made of both beta4 and non-beta4-containing populations. Results from beta2 and beta4 null mutant mice confirmed this conclusion, indicating the presence of the beta2 subunit in all nAChRs and the presence of the beta4 subunit in a subpopulation of nAChRs. In addition, both alpha4 and beta3 subunits are essential for the formation of functional nAChRs on mouse noradrenergic terminals. Cytisine, a ligand formerly believed to be beta4-selective, was a highly effective agonist for alpha6beta2-containing nAChRs. The sum of these results suggests a possible novel nAChR subtype that modulates nor-adrenergic neurotransmission within the mouse hippocampus.

Prenatal nicotine exposure alters the nicotinic receptor subtypes that modulate excitation of parasympathetic cardiac neurons in the nucleus ambiguus from primarily alpha3beta2 and/or alpha6betaX to alpha3beta4

Nicotinic receptors play an essential role in central cardiorespiratory function, however, the types of nicotinic receptors responsible for activating cardiac vagal neurons in the nucleus ambiguus that control heart rate are unknown. This study tests whether alpha-conotoxin MII and alpha-conotoxin AuIB sensitive nicotinic receptors are involved in augmentation of glutamatergic neurotransmission and changes in holding current in cardiac vagal neurons, and whether exposure to nicotine in the prenatal period alters these responses. The nicotinic agonist cytisine significantly increased the holding current and amplitude of glutamatergic mEPSCs. In unexposed animals alpha-conotoxin MII (100nM) significantly reduced the increase in mEPSC amplitude and change in holding current evoked by cytisine. However, in animals prenatally exposed to nicotine, alpha-conotoxin MII blunted but did not block the increase in mEPSC amplitude but blocked the increase in holding current evoked by cytisine. In unexposed animals, alpha-conotoxin AuIB (10microM) blocked the cytisine evoked increase in mEPSC amplitude and inhibited but did not abolish the increase in holding current. In contrast, in animals exposed to nicotine, alpha-conotoxin AuIB blunted the increase in mEPSC amplitude, and completely abolished the cytisine evoked increase in holding current. These data demonstrate that the prenatal nicotine exposure alters the nicotinic receptors involved in excitation of cardiac vagal neurons.

Gestational nicotine-induced changes in adolescent neuronal activity

Smoking during pregnancy is associated with numerous physiological and neurobehavioral deficits in infants, which persist into adolescence. To better understand the underlying mechanisms, we have treated pregnant rats with nicotine and have evaluated expression of the immediate early gene c-fos, as a measure of neuronal activity, in the brains of adolescent male offspring. Pregnant dams were infused with nicotine (3 mg/kg/day) or saline from gestational day (G) 4 until G18. After birth on G22, litters were cross fostered and weaned at postnatal day (P) 21. Brain sections from adolescent offspring, aged P38-40, were analyzed by in situ hybridization for regional c-fos mRNA expression in response to acute injection of saline or nicotine (0.03, 0.1, 0.3 mg/kg). Acute nicotine challenge increased c-fos expression within nucleus accumbens shell, lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, dorsal lateral geniculate, and superior colliculus, whereas c-fos expression was decreased in prelimbic cortex. There was no effect of gestational nicotine treatment on acute nicotine-induced alterations in c-fos mRNA levels. However, basal c-fos mRNA expression within infralimbic cortex and nucleus accumbens core was increased by gestational nicotine treatment. These data indicate that gestational nicotine does not produce global changes in nicotine-induced c-fos expression in adolescent brain. However, gestational drug exposure changes basal neuronal activity within mesocorticolimbic structures that are critical for motivated behavior. Such changes may underlie some of the behavioral deficits in attention, cognition, and impulse control that have been reported in the offspring of smoking mothers.

Chronic nicotine induces growth retardation in neonatal rat pups

In the United State, 20% of pregnant women smoke. One of the most consistent adverse outcomes is reduced birth weight in the off-spring. Animal studies using chronic nicotine, the major psychoactive tobacco ingredient, have shown conflicting results, questioning the role of nicotine in growth retardation. To evaluate the direct effects of nicotine during a period equivalent to the human third trimester, we developed an oral gastric intubation model using neonatal rat pups. Nicotine (6 mg/kg/day) was dissolve in milk-formula and delivered during three feedings daily from postnatal day (P)1 to P7. Nicotine immediately and significantly [P<0.05] decreased weight gain per day (WGD) by 13.5% (+/-) 1 day after onset of treatment in both genders and throughout the treatment period. This resulted in significantly lower body weight at P4 and P5 in male and female pups, respectively. After nicotine withdrawal, WGD returned to control level within 1 day, whereas total body weight recovered by P18. There were no long-term consequences on body weight or growth pattern in either gender. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist dihydro-beta-erythroidine (DHbetaE) reversed nicotine's effects on WGD suggesting an involvement of heteromeric alpha4beta2, whereas methyllycaconitine (MLA) an antagonist for the homomeric alpha7-type receptor was ineffective. The immediate decrease of growth in neonatal pups suggests that nicotine's effect on birth weight results from direct anorexic rather then indirect effects due to placental dysfunction or increased fetal hypoxia. The postnatal oral gastric intubation model seems to accurately reflect the direct effects of nicotine in neonates.

Nicotinic cholinergic intercellular communication: implications for the developing auditory system

In this paper, research on the temporal and spatial distribution of cholinergic-related molecules in the lower auditory brainstem, with an emphasis on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), is reviewed. The possible functions of acetylcholine (ACh) in driving selective auditory neurons before the onset of hearing, inducing glutamate receptor gene expression, synaptogenesis, differentiation, and cell survival are discussed. Experiments conducted in other neuronal and non-neuronal systems are drawn on extensively to discuss putative functions of ACh and nAChRs. Data from other systems may provide insight into the functions of ACh and nAChRs in auditory processing. The mismatch of presynaptic and postsynaptic markers and novel endogenous agonists of nAChRs are discussed in the context of non-classical interneuronal communication. The molecular mechanism that may underlie the many functions of ACh and its agonists is the regulation of intracellular calcium through nAChRs. The possible reorganization that may take place in the auditory system by the exposure to nicotine during critical developmental periods is also briefly considered.

Nicotinic cholinergic receptors in the rat cerebellum: multiple heteromeric subtypes

Nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) in the cerebellum have been implicated in the pathology of autism spectrum disorders (Lee et al., 2002; Martin-Ruiz et al., 2004). The subtypes of nAChRs in the cerebellum are not known in any detail, except that, in addition to the homomeric alpha7 subtype, there appears to be one or more heteromeric subtypes consisting of combinations of alpha and beta subunits. To begin to better understand the potential roles of these heteromeric nAChRs in cerebellar circuitry and their potential as targets for nicotinic drugs, we investigated their subunit composition. Using subunit-selective antibodies in sequential immunoprecipitation assays, we detected six structurally distinct heteromeric nAChR populations in the rat cerebellum. Among these were several subtypes that have not been encountered previously, including alpha3alpha4beta2 and alpha3alpha4beta4 nAChRs. This diversity suggests that nAChRs play multiple roles in cerebellar physiology.

Expression of alpha5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit mRNA during hippocampal and cortical development

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated pentameric cation channels of alpha and beta subunits. The alpha5 subunit, when added to heteromeric complexes, alters pharmacological and physiological properties of nAChRs, which may be important during development. Here we have evaluated the pre- and postnatal expression of alpha5 subunit mRNA in rat cortex and hippocampus using highly sensitive in situ hybridization. In the cortex, alpha5 mRNA was detected in the subplate, claustrum, and endopiriform nucleus at embryonic day 18 (E18), areas with sustained expression into adulthood. Transient cortical expression was detected in numerous cells, scattered mainly in layers V and II/III, during the first 2 postnatal weeks. In the hippocampus, alpha5 transcripts first appeared in the CA1 region at E18. During postnatal development, increased hybridization signal was detected in CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons and granule cells of the dentate gyrus, which strongly contrasted with the low levels in the adult. Interneurons in CA1/CA3 stratum radiatum and moleculare, and in the hilus region of the dentate gyrus, strongly expressed alpha5 mRNA in postnatal and adult animals. With double in situ hybridization, co-expression of alpha5 and alpha7 mRNAs was detected in a subpopulation of hippocampal interneurons. In contrast, in the subiculum, numerous cells exhibited strong hybridization signal for alpha5 and alpha7 mRNAs, but co-expression was rarely detected. In conclusion, similar to other nAChR subunits, there is transient expression of alpha5 mRNA during cortical and hippocampal development. This expression pattern places nicotinic receptors containing the alpha5 subunit in a position to regulate glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission during the postnatal period.

Neurochemical alterations produced by daily nicotine exposure in periadolescent vs. adult male rats

Chronic treatment with nicotine differentially alters behavior in adolescent rats compared to adult rats. It is not known, however, whether the effects of nicotine on the neurochemical pathways with which it interacts differ in adolescents vs. adults. In the current study, the effects of a 7-day treatment with nicotine on nicotinic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic neurochemistry were examined in the caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens in periadolescent vs. adult male rats. Nicotine treatment increased dopamine transporter densities and decreased serotonin transporter densities in periadolescent rats. There was no change in nicotinic acetylcholine receptor densities or dopamine D1 or D2 receptor densities in nicotine-pretreated periadolescent rats. In adult rats pretreated with nicotine, there was an increase in nicotinic acetylcholine densities, but no change in dopamine transporter, dopamine D1 or D2 receptor, or serotonin transporter densities. Overall, these findings show that periadolescent rats have neurochemical adaptations to nicotine different from adult rats. These alterations may explain, at least in part, the differential behavioral effects of chronic nicotine in adult and adolescent male rats.

Nicotinic receptor modulation of neurotransmitter release in the cerebellum

Nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) are formed by pentameric combinations of alpha and beta subunits, differentially expressed throughout the central nervous system (CNS), where they have been shown to play a role in the modulation of neurotransmitter release. nAChRs are also important during neuronal differentiation, regulating gene expression and contributing to neuronal pathfinding. The cerebellum, which is involved in the maintenance of balance and orientation as well as refinement of motor action, in motor memory and in some aspects of cognition, undergoes a significant process of development and maturation of its neuronal networks during the first three postnatal weeks in the rat. Autoradiographic as well as in situ hybridization and immunocytochemical studies have shown that several nicotinic receptor binding sites and subunits are expressed in the rat cerebellum from embryonic stage through to adulthood, with the highest expression levels seen during the development of the cerebellar cortex. A diffuse cholinergic afferent projection to all lobules of the cerebellar cortex has been described, with the uvulanodulus, flocculus and lobules I and II of the anterior vermis regions receiving a particularly dense projection. Low levels of nAChR subunit transcripts and immunoreactivity, particularly during adulthood, and the scattered distribution of immunoreactivity between neurons in the cerebellar cortex, can explain the difficulty in assessing electrophysiologically the presence of functional nAChRs in the cerebellar cortex and some contradictory results reported in the early-published papers. In recent years, several groups have shown that also in the cerebellum different nAChR subtypes modulate release of glutamate and GABA at different synapses. The possible role of these mechanisms in synaptic consolidation during development, as well as on plasticity phenomena and network activity at mature synapses, are discussed.

Developmental changes in the expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha-subunits in the rat heart

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are ligand-gated ion channels that consist of various subunits. During ontogeny, muscular and neuronal nAChR undergo changes in the distribution and subunit composition in skeletal muscle and brain, respectively. Here, we have investigated the occurrence of the ligand-binding alpha-subunits of neuronal nAChR by means of reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry in the rat heart during prenatal and postnatal development and after capsaicin-induced sensory denervation. mRNAs coding for the alpha4, alpha5, alpha7 and alpha10 subunits were detected throughout all developmental stages. Messenger coding for the alpha2 subunit was first detectable at developmental stage E20; alpha3 subunit mRNA was expressed throughout all prenatal developmental stages, whereas it was restricted postnatally to the atria. mRNA for alpha6 was observed at E14-P8 but was absent thereafter. At no developmental stage could an unequivocal signal for alpha9 nAChR subunit mRNA be obtained. The expression pattern was unchanged by capsaicin treatment. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated alpha7 subunits on cardiac neurons, fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes and alpha2/4 subunits on cardiomyocytes with a postnatal redistribution to intercalated discs, as shown by cryo-immunoelectron microscopy. Our results indicate an additional non-neuronal expression of nAChR subunits in the rat heart that, as in skeletal muscle, precedes functional innervation and then undergoes changes in its distribution on the surface of cells.

Alpha-conotoxin BuIA, a novel peptide from Conus bullatus, distinguishes among neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are pentameric ligand-gated ion channels. Alpha subunits, together with beta 2 and/or beta 4 subunits, form ligand-binding sites at alpha/beta subunit interfaces. Predatory marine snails of the genus Conus are a rich source of nAChR-targeted peptides. Using conserved features of the alpha-conotoxin signal sequence and 3'-untranslated sequence region, we have cloned a novel gene from the fish-eating snail, Conus bullatus; the gene codes for a previously unreported alpha-conotoxin with unusual 4/4 spacing of amino acids in the two disulfide loops. Chemical synthesis of the predicted mature toxin was performed. The resulting peptide, alpha-conotoxin BuIA, was tested on cloned nAChRs expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The peptide potently blocks numerous rat nAChR subtypes, with highest potency for alpha 3- and chimeric alpha 6-containing nAChRs; BuIA blocks alpha 6/alpha 3 beta 2 nAChRs with a 40,000-fold lower IC(50) than alpha 4 beta 2 nAChRs. The kinetics of toxin unblock are dependent on the beta subunit. nAChRs with a beta 4 subunit have very slow off-times, compared with the corresponding beta 2 subunit-containing nAChR. In each instance, rat alpha x beta 4 may be distinguished from rat alpha x beta 2 by the large difference in time to recover from toxin block. Similar results are obtained when comparing mouse alpha 3 beta 2 to mouse alpha 3 beta 4, and human alpha 3 beta2 to human alpha 3 beta 4, indicating that the beta subunit dependence extends across species. Thus, alpha-conotoxin BuIA also represents a novel probe for distinguishing between beta 2- and beta 4-containing nAChRs.

Adolescent development of forebrain stimulant responsiveness: insights from animal studies

Although initiation of drug abuse occurs primarily during adolescence, little is known about the central effects of nicotine and other abused drugs during this developmental period. Here evidence, derived from studies in rodents, is presented that suggests that tobacco use initiation during early adolescence results from a higher reward value of nicotine. The developmental profiles of the rewarding effects of other abused drugs, such as cocaine, differ from that of nicotine. Using in situ hybridization to quantify mRNA levels of the immediate early gene, cfos, the neuronal activating effects of nicotine in limbic and sensory cortices at different developmental stages are evaluated. Significant age changes in basal levels of cfos mRNA expression in cortical regions are observed, with a peak of responding of limbic cortices during early adolescence. A changing pattern of nicotine-induced neuronal activation is seen across the developmental spectrum, with unique differences in both limbic and sensory cortex responding during adolescence. An attentional set-shifting task was also used to evaluate whether the observed differences during adolescence reflect early functional immaturity of prefrontal cortices that regulate motivated behavior and psychostimulant responding. The finding of significantly better responding during adolescence suggests apparent functional maturity of prefrontal circuits and greater cognitive flexibility at younger ages. These findings in rodent models suggest that adolescence is a period of altered sensitivity to environmental stimuli, including abused drugs. Further efforts are required to overcome technical challenges in order to evaluate drug effects systematically in this age group.

Effect of novel alpha-conotoxins on nicotine-stimulated [3H]dopamine release from rat striatal synaptosomes

Nicotine's action on the midbrain dopaminergic neurons is mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) that are present on the cell bodies and the terminals of these neurons. Previously, it was suggested that one of the nAChR subtypes located on striatal dopaminergic terminals may be an alpha3beta2 subtype, based on partial inhibition of nicotine-stimulated [(3)H]dopamine release by alpha-conotoxin MII, a potent inhibitor of heterologously expressed alpha3beta2 nAChRs. More recent studies indicated that alpha-conotoxin MII also potently blocks alpha6-containing nAChRs. In the present study, we have examined the nAChR subtype(s) modulating [(3)H]dopamine release from striatal terminals by using novel alpha-conotoxins that have 37- to 78-fold higher selectivity for alpha6-versus alpha3-containing nAChRs. All of the peptides partially (20-35%) inhibit nicotine-stimulated [(3)H]dopamine release with IC(50) values consistent with those obtained with heterologously expressed rat alpha6-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. These results, together with previous studies by others, further support the idea that alpha6-containing nicotinic receptors modulate nicotine-stimulated dopamine release from rat striatal synaptosomes.

Mice lacking neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor β4-subunit and mice lacking both α5- and β4-subunits are highly resistant to nicotine-induced seizures

Nicotine, the main addictive component of tobacco, evokes a wide range of dose-dependent behaviors in rodents, and when administrated in high doses, it can induce clonic-tonic seizures. Nicotine acts through the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Mutations in the human α4- and the β2-nAChR subunit genes cause autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy. Using transgenic mice with mutations in nAChR subunits, it was demonstrated previously that the α4-, α5-, and α7-subunits are involved in nicotine-induced seizures. To examine the possibility that the β4-subunit is also involved in this phenotype, we tested mice with homozygous β4-subunit deficiency. The β4 null mice were remarkably resistant to nicotine-induced seizures compared with wild-type and α5 null mice. We also generated mice with double deficiency of both α5- and β4-nAChR subunits and demonstrated that they were more resistant to nicotine’s convulsant effect than either the α5 or the β4 single mutant mice. In addition, the single α5 mutants and the double α5β4-deficient mice exhibited a significantly shorter latency time to seizure than that of the wild-type mice. Our results thus show that β4-containing nAChRs have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of nicotine-induced seizures. Furthermore, by comparing multiple mutant mice with single and double subunit deficiency, we suggest that nicotinic receptors containing either α5- or β4-subunits are involved in nicotine-induced seizures and that receptors containing both subunits are likely to contribute to this phenomena as well. However, the α5-subunit, but not the β4-subunit, regulates the rate of response to high doses of nicotine.

Nicotine inhibits ethanol-induced toxicity in cultured cerebral cortical cells

The high incidence of smoking among alcoholics may be partially due to nicotine's ability to counteract some of the adverse effects of ethanol on motor coordination and/or cognitive functions. Neuroprotective effects of nicotine on ethanol-induced toxicity in cerebellar granular cells have been observed. In this study, we sought to determine whether similar protection is observed in neocortical cells and if so, what specific nicotinic receptor subtypes may be mediating the actions of nicotine. Primary cultures of neocortical cells were prepared from 20-day embryos obtained from time-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats. Cells were cultured for 10 days and were then exposed for 3 days to various concentrations of ethanol with and without pretreatment with nicotine and nicotinic antagonists. Cellular toxicity was evaluated by measuring the lactate dehydrogenase level. Administration of ethanol (10-100 mM) resulted in a dose-dependent toxicity. Pretreatment with nicotine 5-20 microM resulted in a dose-dependent protection against ethanol-induced toxicity. The effects of nicotine were blocked by pretreatment with nicotinic antagonists such as mecamylamine (1-20 microM), dihydro-beta-erythroidine (DHBE) 50 nM-1.0 microM and methyllycaconitine (MLA) 5 nM-1 microM in a dose-dependent manner. Compared to previous studies, higher ethanol concentrations were required to induce toxicity in neocortical vs cerebellar granule cells. Moreover, the effects of nicotine in the neocortical cells were blocked by lower concentrations of MLA, but higher concentrations of DHBE compared to cerebellar cells. Collectively, the results suggest differential sensitivity of various neuronal populations to the toxic effect of ethanol. Furthermore, protective effects of nicotine against alcohol in various regions appear to be mediated by different nicotinic receptor subtypes. The neuroprotective effect of nicotine against ethanol-induced toxicity may be a contributing factor to the high incidence of smoking among alcoholics.

Selective vulnerability of cerebellar granule neuroblasts and their progeny to drugs with abuse liability

Cerebellar development is shaped by the interplay of genetic and numerous environmental factors. Recent evidence suggests that cerebellar maturation is acutely sensitive to substances with abuse liability including alcohol, opioids, and nicotine. Assuming substance abuse disrupts cerebellar maturation, a central question is: what are the basic mechanisms underlying potential drug-induced developmental defects? Evidence reviewed herein suggests that the maturation of granule neurons and their progeny are intrinsically affected by several classes of substances with abuse liability. Although drug abuse is also likely to target directly other cerebellar neuron and glial types, such as Purkinje cells and Bergmann glia, findings in isolated granule neurons suggest that they are often the principle target for drug actions. Developmental events that are selectively disrupted by drug abuse in granule neurons and/or their neuroblast precursors include proliferation, migration, differentiation (including neurite elaboration and synapse formation), and programmed cell death. Moreover, different classes of drugs act through distinct molecular mechanisms thereby disrupting unique aspects of development. For example, drug-induced perturbations in: (i) neurotransmitter biogenesis; (ii) ligand and ion-gated receptor function and their coupling to intracellular effectors; (iii) neurotrophic factor biogenesis and signaling; and (iv) intercellular adhesion are all likely to have significant effects in shaping developmental outcome. In addition to identifying therapeutic strategies for drug abuse intervention, understanding the mechanisms by which drugs affect cellular maturation is likely to provide a better understanding of the neurochemical events that normally shape central nervous system development.

Co-expression of alpha7 and beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit mRNAs within rat brain cholinergic neurons

Nicotine enhances cognitive and attentional processes through stimulation of the basal forebrain cholinergic system. Although muscarinic cholinergic autoreceptors have been well characterized, pharmacological characterization of nicotinic autoreceptors has proven more difficult. The present study used double-labeling in situ hybridization to determine expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit mRNAs within basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in order to gain information about possible nAChR autoreceptor properties. Cholinergic cells of the mesopontine tegmentum and striatal interneurons were also examined, as were septohippocampal GABAergic neurons that interact with cholinergic neurons to regulate hippocampal activity. alpha7 and beta2 nAChR mRNAs were found to be co-expressed in almost all cholinergic cells and in the majority of GABAergic neurons examined. alpha4 nAChR mRNA expression was restricted to cholinergic cells of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis, and to non-cholinergic cells of the medial septum and mesopontine tegmentum. These data suggest possible regional differences in the pharmacological properties of nicotinic autoreceptors on cholinergic cells. Whereas most cholinergic cells express rapidly desensitizing alpha7 homomers or alpha7beta2 heteromers, cortical projection neurons may also express a pharmacologically distinct alpha4beta2 nAChR subtype. There may also be differential nAChR regulation of cholinergic and non-cholinergic cells within the mesopontine tegmentum that are implicated in acquisition of nicotine self-administration.

Immunocytochemical localization of the alpha3, alpha4, alpha5, alpha7, beta2, beta3 and beta4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits in the locus coeruleus of the rat

The presence of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) within the locus coeruleus (LC) has been examined using a wide range of techniques. However, the expression pattern of individual nicotinic receptor subunits has not been described. Using immunocytochemistry, we demonstrate the distribution of the alpha3, alpha4, alpha5, alpha7, beta2, beta3 and beta4 nAChR subunits within the LC. Most nAChR subunits were expressed on neuronal perikarya within the LC nucleus. The alpha3, alpha4, alpha7 and beta3 immunoreactive neurons were evenly distributed in the dorsal and ventral LC whereas the alpha5, beta2 and beta4 nAChR subunits were preferentially confined to the upper dorsal section. In addition to neuronal perikarya, alpha4, alpha5 and beta2 immunoreactive fibers were observed. With the exception of the alpha3 subunit, punctate labeling was observed within and immediately surrounding the LC. These data are consistent with the presence of multiple nAChRs within the LC and extend these findings to show the distribution pattern of each nAChR subunit throughout the LC nucleus.

Chronic nicotine administration does not increase nicotinic receptors labeled by [125I]epibatidine in adrenal gland, superior cervical ganglia, pineal or retina

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) were measured in CNS and peripheral tissues following continuous exposure to saline or nicotine hydrogen tartrate (3.3 or 10 mg/kg/day) for 14 days via osmotic pumps. Initially, binding of [3H](-)nicotine, [3H]cytisine and [3H]epibatidine to nAChRs was compared to determine the suitability of each for these kinds of studies. The predominant nAChR labeled by agonists in the cerebral cortex is an alpha 4 beta 2 subtype, whereas the predominant nicotinic receptors in the adrenal gland, superior cervical ganglia and pineal gland contain an alpha 3 subunit, and they do not bind either [3H](-)nicotine or [3H]cytisine with high affinity. In retina some nAChRs bind all three ligands with high affinity, and others appear to bind only [3H]epibatidine. Thus, only [3H]epibatidine had high enough affinity to be useful for measuring the nAChRs in all of the tissues. The receptors from nicotine-treated rats were then measured using [125I]epibatidine, which has binding characteristics very similar to [3H]epibatidine. Treatment with the two doses of nicotine hydrogen tartrate increased binding sites in the cerebral cortex by 40% and 70%, respectively. In contrast, no significant changes in the density of receptor binding sites were found in the adrenal gland, superior cervical ganglia, pineal gland or retina. These data indicate that chronic administration of nicotine even at high doses does not increase all nicotinic receptor subtypes, and that receptors containing alpha 3 subunits may be particularly resistant to this nicotine-induced change.

Protective effects of nicotine on ethanol-induced toxicity in cultured cerebellar granule cells

Alcoholism is associated with a higher incidence of smoking. In addition to the stimulatory effects of both ethanol and nicotine on the mesolimbic reward pathway, nicotine's ability to counteract some of the adverse effects of ethanol (e.g. ataxia) may be a powerful incentive for alcohol consumers to increase their tobacco (nicotine) intake. The cerebellum is believed to play an important role in ethanol-induced ataxia. In this study, we sought to test the hypothesis that nicotine would protect against toxic effects of ethanol in primary cultures of cerebellar granule cells. Moreover, it was postulated that the effects of nicotine would be mediated through nicotinic receptors. Primary cultures of cerebellar granule cells were prepared from 20-day embryos obtained from timed-pregnant Sprague Dawley rats. Cells were cultured for 10 days and were then exposed for 3 days to various concentrations of ethanol with and without pretreatment with nicotine and nicotinic antagonists. Cellular toxicity was evaluated by measuring the lactate dehydrogenase level. Administration of ethanol (10-100 mM) resulted in a dose-dependent toxicity. Pretreatment with nicotine 1-20 micro M resulted in a dose-dependent protection against ethanol-induced toxicity. The effects of nicotine were blocked by pretreatment with nicotinic antagonists such as mecamylamine 1-20 micro M, dihydro-beta-erythroidine 1.0 nM-1.0 micro M and methyllycaconitine 5 nM-5 micro M in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, ethanol-induced cytotoxicity in primary cultures of cerebellar granule cells is blocked by pretreatment with nicotine. The effects of nicotine, in turn, may be blocked by nicotinic antagonists, implicating both high and low affinity nicotinic receptors in mediating the actions of nicotine. The exact mechanism of ethanol-induced toxicity and/or neuroprotection through activation of nicotinic receptors in this paradigm remains to be elucidated. The neuroprotective effect of nicotine against ethanol-induced toxicity in cerebellar neurons may be a contributing factor to the high incidence of smoking among alcoholics.

Neuronal and astrocyte expression of nicotinic receptor subunit ?4 in the adult mouse brain

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) expression and function are customized in different brain regions through assembling receptors from closely related but genetically distinct subunits. Immunohistochemical analysis of one of these subunits, nAChRbeta4, in the mouse brain suggests an extensive and potentially diverse role for this subunit in both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. Prominent immunostaining included: 1) the medial habenula, efferents composing the fasciculus retroflexus, and the interpeduncular nucleus; 2) nuclei and ascending tracts of the auditory system inclusive of the medial geniculate; 3) the sensory cortex barrel field and cell bodies of the ventral thalamic nucleus; 4) olfactory-associated structures and the piriform cortex; and 5) sensory and motor trigeminal nuclei. In the hippocampus, nAChRbeta4 staining was limited to dendrites and soma of a subset of glutamic acid dehydrogenase-positive neurons. In C57BL/6 mice, but to a lesser extent in C3H/J, CBA/J, or CF1 mice, a subpopulation of astrocytes in the hippocampal CA1 region prominently expressed nAChRbeta4 (and nAChRalpha4). Collectively, these results suggest that the unique functional and pharmacological properties exerted by nAChRbeta4 on nAChR function could modify and specialize the development of strain-specific sensory and hippocampal-related characteristics of nicotine sensitivity including the development of tolerance.

Development of the alpha7 nicotinic cholinergic receptor in rat hippocampal formation

The alpha7 nicotinic receptor has been implicated in the regulation of a variety of developmental processes. The goal of the present study was to assess whether the alpha7 receptor might participate in the regulation of hippocampal ontogeny by describing the spatiotemporal development of alpha7 mRNA and alpha-bungarotoxin binding in rat hippocampal formation. Message for the alpha7 receptor was initially observed in the hippocampal neuroepithelium at embryonic day 13 and in the anlage of the hippocampal formation on embryonic day 14. Binding of alpha-bungarotoxin was initially seen on embryonic day 15 in the dorsal portion of the anlage of stratum oriens and stratum radiatum-lacunosum moleculare, but was never observed in the neuroepithelium. Dramatic elevations in both alpha7 mRNA and alpha-bungarotoxin binding were observed in most regions of the hippocampal formation neonatally. The levels of both alpha7 message and protein gradually decreased during the first three postnatal weeks to adult levels in most regions. The lack of alpha-bungarotoxin binding in the neuroepithelium suggests that the alpha7 receptor does not influence neurogenesis. The early appearance and complex, prolonged pattern of development of the alpha7 receptor suggest that it may influence processes as diverse as cell migration, dendritic elaboration and apoptosis during hippocampal maturation.

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on NT2 precursor cells and hNT (NT2-N) neurons

This is the first report, to our knowledge, of prominent, natural expression of nAChR alpha4, alpha6 and alpha9 subunits in a human, neuronally-committed cell line. We performed studies with specific reference to the expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) to further characterize a human, postmitotic, transplantable, with a neuronal phenotype, cell line called hNT (also called NT2-N). hNT cells acquire a distinctive neuronal phenotype upon differentiation from their NT2 precursors. Immunocytochemical studies showed that NT2 cells were strongly immunopositive for alpha4 or alpha7 subunits, moderately immunopositive for alpha3/alpha5 subunits, and weakly immunopositive for beta2 or beta4 subunits, whereas hNT neurons showed positive, strong-to-moderate immunostaining for all of these nAChR subunits. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) mRNA analyses indicated that levels of alpha7 subunit messages were similar in both NT2 and hNT cells, whereas alpha2, alpha10, and beta3 subunit transcripts were not detected. Levels of alpha3, alpha5, and beta4 subunit messages were lower in hNT neurons than in NT2 precursors. However, alpha4 and beta2 subunit messages were present in NT2 precursors but were greatly induced in hNT neurons. Levels of alpha6 and alpha9 subunit messages, not detectable in NT2 precursors, rose to high levels in hNT neurons. hNT cell nAChR subunit message levels were comparable to (alpha4, alpha5, beta4) or higher than (alpha6, alpha9, beta2) levels in adult human brain. NT2 and hNT cells may provide an excellent model for studies of neurogenesis, roles played by nAChR in differentiation and neurodegeneration, and effects of neuronal differentiation on nAChR expression.

Nicotinic receptor gene cluster on rat chromosome 8 in nociceptive and blood pressure hyperresponsiveness

Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) exhibit enhanced pressor, heart rate, and nociceptive responses to spinal nicotinic agonists. This accompanies a paradoxical decrease in spinal nicotinic receptor number in SHR compared with normotensive rats. The congenic strain, SHR-Lx, with an introgressed chromosome 8 segment from the normotensive Brown-Norway-Lx strain (BN-Lx) exhibits reduced blood pressure. This segment contains a gene cluster for three nicotinic receptor subunits expressed in the nervous system. We examined the implication of this gene cluster in the enhanced responsiveness of the SHR. Pressor and nociceptive responses to spinal cytisine, a nicotinic agonist, were diminished in SHR-Lx. Moreover, with repeated administration, these responses desensitized faster in SHR-Lx and progenitor BN-Lx than in progenitor SHR/Ola. This implicates the gene cluster in both cardiovascular and nociceptive responses to spinal nicotinic agonists. Since diminished responsiveness to agonist stimulation is greater than the basal blood pressure differences between the strains and the introgressed rat chromosome maps to a quantitative trait locus in human hypertension, polymorphisms in the three nicotinic receptor genes become candidates for altered central control of blood pressure.

Neurochemical properties of the prolactin releasing peptide (PrRP) receptor expressing neurons: evidence for a role of PrRP as a regulator of stress and nociception

In addition to its stimulatory effect on prolactin release, the neuropeptide prolactin releasing peptide (PrRP) has been shown to be a mediator of the stress response. To analyze the neurochemical properties of the cells responsive to PrRP and involved in stress modulation, we examined PrRP receptor co-expression with two neuropeptides involved in stress, corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and enkephalin (ENK). We find that although PrRP receptor is highly expressed in the parvocellular division of the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN), the majority of the cells expressing PrRP receptor are neither CRH- nor ENK-positive. The only region where the PrRP receptor co-expresses extensively with CRH is the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST). There is also a small number of cells positive for CRH and PrRP receptor in the central nucleus of amygdala (CEA), while the remaining PrRP receptor-positive cells co-express ENK. Furthermore we find that the PrRP receptor-expressing neurons in the brainstem parabrachial nucleus (PB) largely express ENK rather than CRH. From these results we propose a model in which PrRP modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis through trans-synaptic modulation of hypothalamic CRH release rather than through direct activation of PVN neurons. We also suggest that PrRP may modulate nociception by virtue of its receptor's co-expression with ENK in PB. Our results provide a theoretical framework by which future studies examining the role of PrRP in brain could be elucidated.

Nicotine and nicotinic receptors; relevance to Parkinson's disease

The development of nicotinic agonists for therapy in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease is an area currently receiving considerable attention. The rationale for such work stems from findings that reveal a loss of nicotinic receptors in Parkinson's disease brains. These results, coupled with reports that nicotine treatment relieves some of the symptoms of this disorder, provides support for the contention that nicotine and/or nicotinic agonists may be beneficial for acute symptomatic treatment. Moreover, the observation that there is a decreased incidence of Parkinson's disease with tobacco use, possibly due to the nicotine in tobacco products, may imply that such drugs are useful for long-term neuroprotection. However, there are multiple nicotinic receptor populations in the brain with different functional properties. Identification of the subtypes involved in nigrostriatal dopaminergic activity is therefore critical for the rational use of selective therapeutic agents for symptomatic treatment and/or neuroprotection. Accumulating evidence, both in rodents and nonhuman primates now indicate that alpha6* nicotinic receptors are present on nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, and furthermore, that receptors containing this subunit may be most vulnerable to nigrostriatal damage, at least in nonhuman primates. These data suggest that nicotinic receptor ligands directed to alpha6* nicotinic receptors might be particularly relevant for Parkinson's disease therapeutics.

Rat ventral midbrain dopamine neurons express the orphanin FQ/nociceptin receptor ORL-1

Orphanin FQ/nociceptin, (OFQ/N) the endogenous ligand for the ORL-1 receptor, has been shown previously to modulate extracellular dopamine concentration in the nucleus accumbens following both intracerebroventricular and intra-ventral tegmental area administration. However, it is unclear whether or not this is a result of a direct action of OFQ/N on ORL-1 receptors located on dopamine neurons. We sought evidence for expression of the ORL-1 receptor in dopamine cells located in the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra of the rat brain using double-label in situ hybridization. Within the ventral tegmental area, 91% of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells were also positive for ORL-1 hybridization. Similarly, in the substantia nigra 90% of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells in the zona compacta expressed ORL-1 message and 84% of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells in the zona reticulata colocalized ORL-1 message. These data provide the anatomical basis for a direct modulatory effect of OFQ/N on mid-brain dopamine neurons.

Expression of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit mRNAs within midbrain dopamine neurons

Many behavioral effects of nicotine result from activation of nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopaminergic systems. Nicotine regulates dopamine release not only by stimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on dopamine cell bodies within the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area (SN/VTA), but also on presynaptic nAChRs located on striatal terminals. The nAChR subtype(s) present on both cell bodies and terminals is still a matter of controversy. The purpose of this study was to use double-labeling in situ hybridization to identify nAChR subunit mRNAs expressed within dopamine neurons of the SN/VTA, by using a digoxigenin-labeled riboprobe for tyrosine hydroxylase as the dopamine cell marker and (35)S-labeled riboprobes for nAChR subunits. The results reveal a heterogeneous population of nAChR subunit mRNAs within midbrain dopamine neurons. Within the SN, almost all dopamine neurons express alpha2, alpha4, alpha5, alpha6, beta2, and beta3 nAChR mRNAs, with more than half also expressing alpha3 and alpha7 mRNAs. In contrast, less than 10% express beta4 mRNA. Within the VTA, a similar pattern of nAChR subunit mRNA expression is observed except that most subunits are expressed in a slightly lower percentage of dopamine neurons than in the SN. Within the SN, alpha4, beta2, alpha7, and beta4 mRNAs are also expressed in a significant number of nondopaminergic neurons, whereas within the VTA this only occurs for beta4. The heterogeneity in the expression of nAChR subunits within the SN/VTA may indicate the formation of a variety of different nAChR subtypes on cell bodies and terminals of the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic pathways.

The urotensin II receptor is expressed in the cholinergic mesopontine tegmentum of the rat

Urotensin II (UII) is a peptide known to be a potent vasoconstrictor. The urotensin II receptor (UII-R) is expressed not only in peripheral tissues but also in the brain of rodents. As a basis for studies of UII central nervous system actions, UII-R localization in the rat brain was analyzed by in situ hybridization and by in situ binding. UII-R mRNA was found in the mesopontine tegmental area colocalizing with choline acetyltransferase. Binding sites were detected throughout the brain with the highest levels found in the pedunculopontine tegmental area, the lateral dorsal tegmental area, and the lateral septal, medial habenular, and interpeduncular nuclei. The majority of these brain nuclei are sites of axonal termination originating from the mesopontine areas, suggesting that UII-R is a presynaptic receptor. This distribution of UII-R in the cholinergic mesopontine area indicates that the UII system may be involved in sensory-motor integration and perhaps in central nervous system blood flow.

Evidence for nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activation in rat cerebellar slices

Neuronal nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) activation is known to enhance glutamate and GABA release in different brain areas. Moreover, nAChRs play an important role in neuronal differentiation. By using the patch-clamp technique, we have investigated the presence of nAChRs in cerebellar granule cells in slices from P5-P14 rats. Application of ACh (1 mM) could elicit a variety of effects. Some cells did not respond at all. In other cells, a somatic current was activated. In a proportion of cells, postsynaptic currents (PSCs), with or without somatic current, were elicited. Somatic nAChRs are likely to be of the alpha(4)beta(2) subtype, but the presence of other subunit combinations (alpha(7)- or beta(4)-containing receptors) cannot be ruled out. The ACh-induced PSCs were glutamatergic in nature. Thus, in a reasonable proportion of cells, nicotinic receptors are present presynaptically. They are likely to be alpha(7) receptors whose activation elicits Glu release via a TTX-sensitive mechanism. Our experiments are the first electrophysiological evidence showing, in a native cerebellar preparation, the presence of nicotinic receptors at the mossy fibre-granule cell synapse at early developmental stages.

Differential alterations in nicotinic receptor alpha6 and beta3 subunit messenger RNAs in monkey substantia nigra after nigrostriatal degeneration

Our previous studies showed that alpha4, alpha6, alpha7, beta2, beta3 and beta4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor messenger RNAs are present in monkey substantia nigra, with a particularly intense and localized labelling of the alpha6 and beta3 subunit messenger RNAs to this brain region. Because loss of nigrostriatal neurons is a central feature of Parkinson's disease and evidence suggests that nicotinic agonists potentiate antiparkinsonian effects of L-dopa, experiments were done to determine whether nicotinic receptor subunit messenger RNAs and binding sites were altered in the basal ganglia after nigrostriatal degeneration. Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) were rendered parkinsonian by systemic injection of the selective dopaminergic neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3, 6-tetrahydropyridine. Behavioral studies showed that this treatment decreased baseline motor activity to 36+/-11% of control. One month after 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine administration, caudate and putamen dopamine levels were reduced to 51+/-15% and 43+/-6% of control, respectively, while the number of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons in the substantia nigra was 75+/-6% of control. Despite the reduction in nigral cell number after nigrostriatal degeneration, there were no changes in alpha4, alpha7, beta2 and beta4 messenger RNA levels in the substantia nigra. In contrast, alpha6 mRNA levels were significantly increased (143+/-10%) and the beta3 transcript decreased (62+/-6%) in the substantia nigra after 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. Declines were also observed in [125I]epibatidine binding in both the caudate-putamen and substantia nigra, with no change in alpha7 receptor binding. These results may suggest a dissociation in the regulation of receptor messenger RNA and binding sites, and/or that there are differential alterations in the different receptor subtypes measured using [125I]epibatidine. The changes in the two nicotinic receptor subunit messenger RNAs, alpha6 and beta3, which exhibit a selective localization to the substantia nigra, may indicate that nicotinic receptors containing these subunits are altered after nigrostriatal degeneration.

Agatoxin-IVA-sensitive calcium channels mediate the presynaptic and postsynaptic nicotinic activation of cardiac vagal neurons

Whole cell currents and miniature glutamatergic synaptic events (minis) were recorded in vitro from cardiac vagal neurons in the nucleus ambiguus using the patch-clamp technique. We examined whether voltage-dependent calcium channels were involved in the nicotinic excitation of cardiac vagal neurons. Nicotine evoked an inward current, increase in mini amplitude, and increase in mini frequency in cardiac vagal neurons. These responses were inhibited by the nonselective voltage-dependent calcium channel blocker Cd (100 microM). The P-type voltage-dependent calcium channel blocker agatoxin IVA (100 nM) abolished the nicotine-evoked responses. Nimodipine (2 microM), an antagonist of L-type calcium channels, inhibited the increase in mini amplitude and frequency but did not block the ligand gated inward current. The N- and Q-type voltage-dependent calcium channel antagonists conotoxin GVIA (1 microM) and conotoxin MVIIC (5 microM) had no effect. We conclude that the presynaptic and postsynaptic facilitation of glutamatergic neurotransmission to cardiac vagal neurons by nicotine involves activation of agatoxin-IVA-sensitive and possibly L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels. The postsynaptic inward current elicited by nicotine is dependent on activation of agatoxin-IVA-sensitive voltage-dependent calcium channels.

The developing cholinergic system as target for environmental toxicants, nicotine and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): implications for neurotoxicological processes in mice

During neonatal life, offspring can be affected by toxic agents either by transfer via mother's milk or by direct exposure. In many mammalian species the perinatal period is characterized by a rapid development of the brain - "the brain growth spurt" (BGS). This period in the development of the mammalian brain is associated with numerous biochemical changes that transform the feto-neonatal brain into that of the mature adult. In rodents, the cholinergic transmitter system undergoes a rapid development during the neonatal period, a time when spontaneous motor behaviour also reaches peak activity. We have observed that low-dose exposure to environmental toxicants such as nicotine, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDE, flame retardants) during the "BGS" can lead to irreversible changes in adult brain function in the mouse. The induction of persistent effects on behaviour and cholinergic nicotinic receptors in the adult animal appears to be limited to a short period during neonatal development. Furthermore, the neurotoxic effects were shown to develop over time, indicating a time-response/time-dependent effect. This indicates that environmental toxicants, such as nicotine, PCBs and probably PBDEs, might be involved in the slow, implacable induction of neurodegenerative disorders and/or interfere with normal aging processes.

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit mRNA expression and channel function in medial habenula neurons

Relationships between nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) channel function and nAChR subunit mRNA expression were explored in acutely isolated rat medial habenula (MHb) neurons using a combination of whole-cell recording and single cell RT-PCR techniques. Following amplification using subunit-specific primers, subunits could be categorized in one of three ways: (i) present in 95-100% cells: alpha3, alpha4, alpha5, beta2 and beta4; (ii) never present: alpha2; and (iii) sometimes present ( approximately 40% cells): alpha6, alpha7 and beta3. These data imply that alpha2 subunits do not participate in nAChRs on MHb cells, that alpha6, alpha7 and beta3 subunits are not necessary for functional channels but may contribute in some cells, and that nAChRs may require combinations of all or subsets of alpha3, alpha4, alpha5, beta2 and beta4 subunits. Little difference in the patterns of subunit expression between nicotine-sensitive and insensitive cells were revealed based on this qualitative analysis, implying that gene transcription per se may be an insufficient determinant of nAChR channel function. Normalization of nAChR subunit levels to the amount of actin mRNA, however, revealed that cells with functional channels were associated with high levels (>0.78 relative to actin; 11/12 cells) of all of the category (i) subunits: alpha3, alpha4, alpha5, beta2 and beta4. Conversely, one or more of these subunits was always low (<0.40 relative to actin) in all cells with no detectable response to nicotine. Thus the formation of functional nAChR channels on MHb cells may require critical levels of several subunit mRNAs.

Regulation of transcription in the neuronal nicotinic receptor subunit gene cluster by a neuron-selective enhancer and ETS domain factors

Expression of neurotransmitter receptors encoded by the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAchR) subunit gene cluster depends on coexpression of the beta4, alpha3, and alpha5 subunits in certain kinds of neurons. One way in which coexpression might be achieved is through the regulation of promoters in the cluster by neuron-selective enhancers. The beta43' enhancer is located between the beta4 and alpha3 promoters and it directs cell type-specific expression in cell lines. It is not known, however, whether beta43' is active in neurons. Therefore, we assayed beta43' in dissociated rat sympathetic ganglia cultures, which contain nAchR-positive neurons as well as nAchR-negative non-neuronal cells. Reporters controlled by the alpha3 promoter and beta43' were expressed in a neuron-selective manner; greater than 90% and up to 100% of luciferase expression was detected in neurons. Neuron selectivity was maintained when beta43' was placed next to ubiquitously active viral promoters. In contrast, replacing beta43' with the SV40 enhancer eliminated neuron selectivity. The enhancer is composed of at least two separate but functionally interdependent elements, each of which interacts with a different type of ETS domain factor. These findings support a model in which beta43' controls neuronal expression of one or more genes in the cluster through interactions with a combination of ETS factors.

Localization of nicotinic receptor subunit mRNAs in monkey brain by in situ hybridization

Nicotinic receptors are implicated in memory, learning, locomotor activity, and addiction. Identification of the specific receptor subtypes that mediate these behaviors is essential for understanding their role in central nervous system (CNS) function. Although expression of nicotinic receptor transcript has been studied in rodent brain, their localization in the monkey CNS, which may be a better model for the human brain, is not yet known. We therefore investigated the distribution of alpha4, alpha6, alpha7, beta2, beta3, and beta4 receptors subunit mRNAs in the monkey brain by using in situ hybridization. alpha4 and alpha7 mRNAs were very widely expressed, with a substantial degree of overlap in their distribution, except for the reticular nucleus of the thalamus in which alpha7 mRNA was much more prominently expressed. beta2 and beta4 mRNA were also widely distributed, although beta4 was more prominently localized in thalamic nuclei than beta2. The distribution of alpha6 and beta3 mRNA was very distinct from that of the other transcripts, being restricted to catecholaminergic nuclei, the cerebellum, and a few other areas. Although there were similarities in distribution of the nicotinic receptor subunit mRNAs in monkey and rodent brain, there were prominent differences in areas such as the caudate, putamen, locus coeruleus, medial habenula, and cerebellum. In fact, the distribution of alpha4 and alpha7 mRNAs in the monkey caudate and putamen was more similar to that reported in the human than rodent brain. These findings have implications for the development of drug therapies for neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, in which nicotinic receptors are decreased.

Cholinergic receptors: dual roles in transduction and plasticity

The regional distributions and possible functions of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the developing and adult auditory rat brain are reviewed. The predominant nAChR in the auditory brainstem is the alpha7 homomeric receptor. alpha7 mRNA and protein are expressed in selected regions of the cochlear nucleus (CN), inferior colliculus (IC), medial superior olive, lateral superior olive, ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus and superior paraolivary nucleus. Peak expression of mRNA and protein occurs by the second postnatal week in most auditory brainstem areas. In contrast, the alpha3 and beta4 nicotinic subunits are expressed in the embryo and early in postnatal development in the CN and IC, but not other brainstem nuclei. Of particular interest is the octopus cell region of the posteroventral cochlear nucleus (PVCN). alpha3 and beta4 are down-regulated in the octopus cell region about postnatal day 10, which is the age that alpha7 is at peak expression. NAChRs play important roles in transduction and in regulating intracellular calcium. The ability of the alpha7 receptor to synchronize synaptic activity and stabilize synapses makes it a prime candidate as a mechanism underlying homeostatic plasticity in the auditory system.