beta-Adrenergic receptor involvement in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced supersensitivity in rat cerebral cortex

The development of beta-adrenergic receptors in the visual cortex of the rat

The development of beta-adrenergic receptors in the rat visual cortex was examined and the density of beta-receptors and associated subtypes (beta 1 and beta 2) was compared between visual and non-visual or whole cortical tissues using radioreceptor assays employing [125I]iodohydroxybenzylpindolol and [125I]iodocyanopindolol as ligands. Saturation assays revealed not only similar affinities of beta-receptors for [125I]iodohydroxybenzylpindolol in visual cortical samples at 10, 24 and 160 days after birth but also practically identical saturation curves for visual and non-visual cortical samples at 160 days of age. Displacement of [125I]iodohydroxybenzylpindolol with propranolol in visual cortical membranes at various postnatal ages showed a gradual increase in receptor density from day 4 to day 24 with no change thereafter. No significant differences were observed in the overall density of beta-receptors or in the distribution and density of beta 1 and beta 2-receptors between visual and non-visual or whole cortical samples; however, there was a definite decline in the density of beta-receptors in these samples between 40 and 160 days of age. The results indicate that the developmental pattern of beta-receptor density and the distribution of beta 1 and beta 2-receptors are similar between visual and whole cortical tissues. In addition, the results emphasize the importance of maintaining the dissociation constant at a fixed value when comparing receptor densities between experiments, and also show the utility of employing the high-affinity ligand, [125I]iodocyanopindolol, with a combination of serotoninergic, dopaminergic and alpha-adrenergic antagonists to examine beta-adrenergic receptors in a specific region of the brain. Study of beta-receptors in the visual cortex may be beneficial in elucidating the role of norepinephrine in this region.

Regulation of dopamine- and adenosine-dependent adenylate cyclase systems of chicken embryo retina cells in culture

We have obtained evidence that receptor-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity [ATP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.1] is regulated physiologically in both embryonic and mature neurons. In a series of experiments using cultured retina cells from chicken embryos, we found that dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity spontaneously desensitized as cultures differentiated. The cellular response to dopamine reached a maximum after 5 days in culture and then decreased to 40% during the next 5 days. This spontaneous desensitization appeared to be caused by functional dopaminergic transmission because it could be blocked by the dopamine antagonist haloperidol. The ability of added dopamine at 100 microM to cause near-complete desensitization is consistent with this conclusion. Pharmacologically induced desensitization required 31 hr for maximal effect and was half-maximal at 1-10 microM dopamine. Analogous desensitization of the adenosine-dependent adenylate cyclase system also was noted. When dopamine was removed from the medium of chronically treated cultures, cells resensitized to subsequent stimulation at a very slow rate. Resensitization likely depended on replacement of dopamine receptors because chronic dopamine treatment caused the disappearance of binding sites for the ligand [3H]spiroperidol. In a second series of experiments, using hatched animals, we found that similar regulation of dopamine receptor binding sites and activity could be elicited by manipulation of environmental light, a treatment thought to influence dopaminergic transmission. Retinas from animals in constant light had less specific [3H]spiroperidol binding (35 fmol/mg of protein) than did retinas from animals in constant darkness (66 fmol/mg of protein) and made less cAMP in response to added dopamine. Our results indicate that regulation of the dopamine receptor system begins early in development and continues to function in mature synapses.

Rapid recovery of nicotinic receptor-mediated sodium-22 influx following withdrawal from acute or chronic cholinergic stimulation

1. Acetylcholine receptor-mediated uptake of 22Na was studied in PC12 cells and 11-day chick muscle cells maintained in culture and exposed to carbamylcholine. 2. Carbamylcholine caused an initial 22-fold increase in the rate of 22Na uptake but this fell to less than twice background after 4-10 min of continuous exposure. The decline reflects receptor desensitization. 3. The effects of acute (10-min) and chronic (10-day) exposure were compared in order to determine whether there was a down-regulation of acetylcholine receptors on chronic exposure to carbamylcholine. No down-regulation was observed on either PC12 or muscle cells. 4. The lack of down-regulation in these nicotinic systems contrasts with results on muscarinic systems and may reflect different roles for these receptor types.

Cardiac beta-receptor variation in rat strains selectively bred for differences in susceptibility to stress

The radioligand 3H-DHA was used to estimate the density and affinity of cardiac beta-receptors in rat strains selectively bred for differences in response to stress. Maudsley Reactive rats selected for heightened reactivity to stress had a greater density of beta-adrenergic binding in cardiac membranes than rats of two genetically distinct Maudsley Non-Reactive strains selected for decreased reactivity to stress, and compared with one of these Non-Reactive strains the MNR/Har, increased affinity for 3H-DHA. Together with previous findings the present results demonstrate a negative correlation between estimates of basal sympathetic activity on the on hand, and post-synaptic beta-receptors in heart on the other, that are consistent with the notion that these receptor alterations have occurred as a result of long-term differences in pre-synaptic release of transmitter. The Maudsley strains may, therefore, provide a useful model for the study of beta-adrenergic receptors as a physiological locus for regulation of end-target responsiveness to sympathetic stimulation.

The effects of neonatal pedunclectomy on [3H]noradrenaline uptake and the development of beta-adrenergic receptors in the rat cerebellum

A newly developed method for cutting the cerebellar peduncles in neonatal rats has allowed the study of the development of cerebellar beta-adrenergic receptors in the absence of noradrenergic afferents. Cutting the cerebellar peduncles of neonatal animals did not affect the pattern of development of the beta-adrenergic receptors, nor their final numbers. Pedunclectomy induced a decline in the ability of slices of cerebellar cortex to accumulate [3H]noradrenaline although high-affinity noradrenaline uptake, was never completely abolished. It is suggested that the remaining high-affinity noradrenaline uptake cannot be attributed to noradrenergic fibres from the locus coeruleus.

The influence of chemical sympathectomy on oxygen uptake during development of rat brain cortical tissue

In this study the influence of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), in vitro and in vivo, on the oxygen consumption in the rat brain cortical slices was examined. The treatment with 6-OHDA increased the oxygen uptake of brain cortical tissue of young rats. The maximum increase was observed 7 and 14 days after treatment with 6-OHDA. On the contrary, 6-OHDA added in vitro produced very marked depression of oxygen uptake in slices of brain cortical tissue of the tested animals. The addition of isoprenaline in vitro stimulated the respiratory activity in the cerebral tissue of control young rats in all the periods of examination. Thus, 18 days after the birth, the isoprenaline-stimulation of oxygen uptake in brain tissue was 44.3% as compared to the control values. The same degree of stimulation was noted in the cerebral tissue of older animals (25, 32 and 45 days after birth). However, addition of isoprenaline did not influence the respiration of cerebral tissue stimulated by 6-OHDA.

Alterations in neurotransmitter receptor binding in discrete areas of the copper-deficient rat brain

Neonatal copper deficiency produced alterations in central neurotransmitter receptors that were selective with respect both to brain region and to neurotransmitter receptor type. Both high- and low-affinity dopamine receptor densities in the corpus striatum were significantly lowered, 55% and 29%, respectively, when expressed on a wet weight basis. There was a significant decrease in the level of muscarinic receptors in the striatum whether expressed on the basis of wet weight (50%) or protein (27%). A smaller reduction in muscarinic receptor density was observed in the cortex, whereas there was no effect of copper deficiency in the cerebellum. The treatment did not change beta-adrenergic receptor binding in either the cortex or cerebellum. The affinities of the receptors for the ligands was not affected by the low-copper diet. It was previously reported that copper deficiency produces regionally specific decreases in the concentrations of dopamine and norepinephrine. The greatest reduction occurred in the concentration of dopamine in the corpus striatum. The results from both studies suggest that copper deficiency in post-weanling rats may induce a selective morphological lesion.

(-)-[3H]Dihydroalprenolol binding in subcellular fractions of rat cortex following noradrenergic denervation

Two weeks after noradrenergic denervation, beta-adrenergic receptor binding increased in 2 of 3 crude fractions of rat cortical homogenates, while the relative distribution of binding was unchanged on continuous sucrose density gradients of the crude synaptosomal fraction. When rat glioma cells were fractionated by the same methods, a band of membranes with beta-adrenergic receptor binding sedimented at the same sucrose density as synaptosomes. Thus membrane receptors remained associated with synaptosomes even in the absence of noradrenergic nerve terminals suggesting that a portion of these receptors are either glial or associated with non-noradrenergic nerve terminals.

Acute and chronic intrarenal alpha- and beta- adrenergic receptor stimulation of renin release in the conscious dog

The effect of continuous intrarenal infusion of norepinephrine, isoproterenol, and methoxamine on renin release was studied in the uninephrectomized conscious dog. Chronic intrarenal infusion of norepinephrine produced a biphasic curve of plasma renin activity (PRA) and a sustained 25 mm Hg increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP). The initial increase in PRA peaked at 3 hours, after which PRA returned to control levels. Alpha- or beta-adrenergic antagonists did not attenuate the initial rise in PRA. The PRA increased again after 48 hours of chronic intrarenal norepinephrine infusion and remained elevated thereafter. The second rise in PRA was increased by 30% with alpha-adrenergic blockade. Chronic intrarenal isoproterenol administration produced a similar increase in PRA, which peaked at 3-5 hours and then returned to control levels. In contrast to norepinephrine, chronic isoproterenol administration did not result in a second increase in PRA. At the end of the chronic isoproterenol infusion period, beta-adrenergic receptor refractoriness was demonstrated, as PRA did not increase significantly in response to a fourfold increase in the dose of isoproterenol. An increase in PRA was produced by acute intrarenal infusion of methoxamine. This increase in PRA was blocked by phentolamine, suggesting a vascular alpha-adrenergic receptor-mediated release of renin.

Dopamine receptor changes following destruction of the nigrostriatal pathway: lack of a relationship to rotational behavior

Phenomena consistent with postsynaptic supersensitivity developed in the rat neostriatum following the destruction of dopaminergic afferent neurons. A gradual increase in the density of binding sites for [3H]spiperone occurred over a 2-3 week period. This increase was apparent only after the almost complete loss of dopamine-containing nerve terminals as measured by the depletion of endogenous dopamine. The properties of the receptor labeled by [3H]spiperone were not altered by denervation. Elimination of dopamine-containing nerve endings in the neostriatum was accompanied by the gradual development of an increase in dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity in homogenates of the caudate ipsilateral to the lesion as compared to the contralateral side. The administration of apomorphine led to pronounced circling behavior. This effect occurred rapidly and was maximal within 3 days following destruction of dopaminergic neurons. The increase in the density of dopamine receptors and in a receptor-mediated function may partially account for the development of enhanced electrophysiological responses to dopamine agonists in the neostriatum. However, the results do not explain the drug-induced rotational behavior which develops after destruction of the dopamine-containing nigrostriatal pathway. This behavioral phenomenon clearly preceded the appearance of receptor alterations in the corpus striatum.

GABA receptors are increased in brains of alcoholics

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor binding was increased in postmortem brain samples of chronic alcoholic patients compared to control patients. Numbers of binding sites were augmented in alcoholic brain, with no change in affinity. Muscarinic cholinergic and benzodiazepine receptors did not differ between controls and alcoholic brains, while a modest reduction in beta-adrenergic receptors may have been related to postmortem receptor changes. The results suggest that GABAergic mechanisms might play a role in chronic alcoholism.

Reversal of noradrenaline denervation-induced increase of beta-adrenoreceptor binding in rat neocortex by noradrenaline infusion

The effect of intraventricular infusion of (-)-noradrenaline (NA) on beta-receptor binding in vitro to homogenates from 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OH-DA)-denervated and from normal rat cerebral cortex was studied. NA was infused with osmotic minipumps connected to cannulas placed in the right lateral ventricle, delivering 1 or 5 microgram (-)-NA/h continuously for 9 days. One day later the rats were sacrificed and cortical tissue taken for beta-receptor (using [3H]dihydroalprenolol ([3H]DHA) as radioligand) and NA assay. The NA level in the cerebral cortex of 6-OH-DA treated rats was decreased to 70-80% of that of controls. No substantial change in the NA level was observed after infusion of 1 microgram (-)-NA/h, whereas infusion of 5 microgram/h led to a 40-60% increase compared to that of control rats infused with vehicle alone. Infusion of vehicle alone into control rats did not cause any change in [3H]DHA binding, whereas in denervated rats there was a 30-50% increase in [3H]DHA binding compared to that of controls. This increase was completely counteracted by infusion of 1 or 5 microgram (-)-NA/h. Infusion of 1 microgram (-)-NA/h to control rats did not cause any change, while infusion of 5 microgram (-)NA/h led to a significant decrease (-24%) in [3]DHA binding. The present results further support the view that the availability of NA at the receptors controls the number of beta-adrenergic receptors, thereby probably regulating the NA sensitivity of cells with beta-receptors.

Effect of morphine on catecholamine - stimulated cyclic AMP production in cortex slices from rats and mice

Morphine (10 micro M) blocked noradrenaline-stimulated cyclic AMP production in slices of cerebral cortex from normal rats but not in slices from rats pretreated with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). In contrast, morphine failed to prevent noradrenaline-stimulated cyclic AMP production in mouse cortex slices. Levorphanol weakly antagonized the rise in cyclic AMP produced by noradrenaline in both normal and 6-OHDA-treated mouse cortex. Morphine had no effect on the adrenaline-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in mouse cortex but it entirely prevented the rise in cyclic AMP produced by isoprenaline. This effect was no observed in brain slices from 6-OHDA-treated mice. It is concluded that in slices of rat cortex, morphine stimulates postulated presynaptic, 6-OHDA-sensitive, opiate receptors associated with noradrenergic nerve terminals. These opiate receptors alter postsynaptic alpha - and beta - adrenoceptor activity. In the mouse, morphine appears to stimulate presynaptic opiate receptors that modify exclusively beta - adrenoceptor-mediated cyclic AMP production.

Facilitation of shock-induced fighting following intraventricular 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine and 6-hydroxydopa

Using a 15-s intershock interval, an increase in shock-induced fighting was observed following intraventricular 96 microgram 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) and 90 microgram 6-hydroxydopa (6-OHdopa). The incidence of predatory mouse killing was enhanced by 5,7-DHT, but was not affected by 6-OHdopa. Pain sensitivity was increased by 6-OHdopa, but both neurotoxins produced hyperreactivity to footshock. Specific serotonin depletion was produced by 5,7-DHT and norepinephrine depletion by 6-OHdopa. The increase in shock-induced fighting could not be predicted on the basis of monoamine depletion alone, since a long intershock interval was necessary to observe this increase.

The beta-adrenergic receptor and its mode of coupling to adenylate cyclase

The article first includes a discussion on the classification of catecholamine receptors followed by a discussion on the binding studies of beta-receptors and their affinity labeling. Next a brief discussion on the solubilization and the current attempts to purify the receptor is presented. A large section is then devoted to the mode of coupling between beta-receptors and cyclase where much space is devoted to the role of GTP and of the membrane matrix. The review ends with a discussion on beta-receptor desensitization, supersensitivity, and the "spare receptor" concept.

beta-Receptor numbers and thermodynamics in denervation supersensitivity

1. Denervation supersensitivity to adrenergic agonists occurs after degeneration of the sympathetic nervous system in the disease called multiple system atrophy (MSA) or the Shy Drager Syndrome.2. Supersensitivity to the chronotropic effect of i.v. isoprenaline on the heart was demonstrated in eight subjects with sympathetic nervous system degeneration and MSA.3. There was an increased number of beta-receptors present in MSA as measured by [H(3)]dihydroalprenolol ([H(3)]DHA) binding to beta-receptors on lymphocytes isolated from venous blood taken from the MSA subjects compared with [H(3)]DHA binding to lymphocytes from seven normal subjects. There was no difference in the affinity of lymphocyte beta-receptors for [H(3)]DHA in MSA.4. [H(3)]DHA binding to lymphocytes from MSA subjects was decreased at lower temperatures but was unaffected by lower temperatures in lymphocytes from normal subjects.5. Equilibrium constants for [H(3)]DHA binding to normal and MSA lymphocytes were similar, indicating that the affinity of the beta-receptors was similar in both groups. The equilibrium constants were little affected by cooling from 37 to 4 degrees C suggesting that the heat of reaction (enthalpy) for [H(3)]DHA binding was low. The Gibbs free energy change on binding was negative and similar in quantity for both normal and MSA lymphocytes. There was a similar, large, increase in entropy on binding of [H(3)]DHA to both normal and MSA lymphocytes, showing that the binding reaction was entropy driven.6. If lymphocyte beta-receptors reflect the status of cardiac beta-receptors, increased numbers of cardiac beta-receptors may contribute to the denervation supersensitivity to isoprenaline in MSA with sympathetic degeneration.

Adrenergic responsiveness after abrupt propranolol withdrawal in normal subjects and in patients with angina pectoris

Adrenergic responsiveness after abrupt propranolol withdrawas during exogenous and esdogenous catecholamine stimulation was assessed in 10 normal subjects and 10 patients with angina pectoris. Propranolol, 160 mg/day, was administered for 2 weeks and then stopped. During an epinephrine infusion, period (p < 0.005). There were no differences from control 96 hours after the drug had been stopped in both groups or at 144 hours in the angina patients who were studied for a longer time. At 48 hours of heart rate and the pressure-rate product were significantly less than control level in the angina patient, but not in the normal subjects. Similar results were observed during exercise in both groups. The epinephrine-induced increase in free fatty acids was blocked by propranolol (p < 0.005), was still attenuated at 48 hours of withdrawals (p < 0.05), but returned to control levels thereafter in both groups. Resting serum triiodothyromine levels decreased with propranolol ( < 0.005) and remaind low throughout the withdrawal period. Measurements of dopamine beta-hydroxylase, plasma platelet factor 4, and platelet aggregation at rest and after exercise did not change significantly during or after propranolol administration. Plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine values were not changed from control during the withdrawal period at rest or after exerise. We conclude that there is no evidence of hypersensitivity to beta-adrenergically mediated responses after abrupt propranolol withdrawal.

Enhanced behavioural, electrocortical and hyperthermic effects of serotonin-like agents after impairment of serotonin transmission in fowl brain

In adult fowls and in young chicks (Gallus domesticus) the effects were studied on body temperature, behaviour and electrocortical activity of 5-HT and other direct or indirect serotonin agonists given into the III cerebral ventricle in conditions of prolonged impairment of serotoninergic transmission. In chicks pretreated with 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine the subsequent intraventricular injection of 5-HT produced more intense and longer-lasting hyperthermic response and behavioural and electrocortical sleep. On the other hand fenfluramine given intraventricularly in fowls pretreated with 5,6-DHT did not produce significant body temperature and behavioural changes. After 14 and 21 day treatment with methysergide the subsequent administration of 5-HT, fenfluramine and quipazine produced in fowls an hyperthermic response and behavioural sleep more marked and longer-lasting than in control animals. The present experiments show that in conditions of chronic impairment of 5-HT function there is an enhanced behavioural and body temperature response to 5-HT and drugs acting by releasing endogenous 5-HT or 5-HT agonists.

Neurotransmitter receptor localizations: brain lesion induced alterations in benzodiazepine, GABA, beta-adrenergic and histamine H1-receptor binding

Selective neuronal lesions have been utilized in efforts to localize binding sites in rat brain for beta-adrenergic, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), histamine H1 and benzodiazepine receptors. The various receptors respond differentially to lesions both in extent of change and in time course. After kainate lesions in the corpus striatum, benzodiazepine receptors are depleted up to 45% at 45--78 days but are unaffected after 7 days. By contrast striatal GABA receptors are increased at 7 days but depleted at later times. Thus both striatal benzodiazepine and GABA receptors appear to be associated at least in part with intrinsic neurons. In the cerebellum both benzodiazepine and GABA receptors are reduced in kainate treated rats and in Nervous mice, mutants which lack Purkinje cells. The most pronounced dissimilarity between benzodiazepine and GABA receptors occurs in Weaver mice, which selectively lack granule cells and display a 60% reduction in GABA receptors but a 40% augmentation in benzodiazepine receptors. A major portion of cerebellar GABA receptors, therefore, appear to be localized to granule cells. Striatal beta-adrenergic receptors are reduced following intrastriatal kainate injections but are unaffected by cerebral cortex ablation, suggesting an association with intrinsic neurons but not with axon terminals of the corticostriate pathway. While intraventricular injections of 6-hydroxydopamine enhance [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding to beta-adrenergic receptors in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, such binding is not augmented in the corpus striatum, brain stem, midbrain or thalamus-hypothalamus by this treatment. Moreover, medial forebrain bundle lesions, which destroy ascending adrenergic neurons, fail to alter cerebral cortical or striatal beta-adrenergic receptors. Thus denervation-elicited increases in beta-adrenergic receptors vary with brain region and the type of denervating lesion. Histamine H1-receptors are the most resistant of all to neuronal lesions. In the corpus striatum [3H]mepyramine binding is unaffected by cerebral cortex ablation, nigral injections of 6-hydroxydopamine or brain stem hemisection. In the hippocampus, medial forebrain bundle lesions, intrahippocampal kainate injection, and fimbria and fornix transection largely fail to alter [3H]mepyramine binding. Accordingly, a major portion of these receptors may be associated with nonneuronal elements such as glia or blood vessels.

Hyper- and hyposensitivity of central serotonin receptors:[3H]serotonin binding and functional studies in the rat

The effect of repeated treatment with D-fenfluramine, a serotonin releaser, or methergoline, a serotonin antagonist, on [3H]5-HT binding was studied in various rat brain areas. In animals with the same pretreatments, the anorectic activity of m-chlorophenylpiperazine, a serotonin agonist, was investigated. A 14-day treatment with D-fenfluramine caused a significant decrease in the number of [3H]5-HT binding sites (Bmax) in the diencephalon. A reduction of binding sites was found in the cortex too when D-fenfluramine was administered for 28 days. Methergoline caused no changes of [3H)5-HT binding in any brain area examined when given for 14 days but 28-day treatment led to a significant increase in the striatum, hippocampus and cortex. D-Fenfluramine and methergoline caused, respectively, a decrease and increase in the effect of m-chlorophenylpiperazine on food intake. The data show that central 5-HT receptor numbers and sensitivity may change after repeated treatments with drugs acting on brain serotonin.

Repeated seizures induce long-term increase in hippocampal benzodiazepine receptors

Repeated seizures, whether induced by kindling or electroshock, caused a long-lasting (at least 24 hr) increase of [3H]diazepam binding in hippocampal membranes of Sprague-Dawley rats. Scatchard analyses demonstrated that increased numbers of binding sites accounted for the increase. Neither repeated hypoxia nor repeated administration of electrical current without inducing seizures caused an increase of [3H]diazepam binding. Regardless of the method used for seizure induction, the response was graded in that large numbers of seizures were required to induce significant increases, whereas fewer seizures induced only slight increases. We suggest that the receptor increases imply a heightened response to benzodiazepines and more powerful hippocampal recurrent inhibition.

Beta receptor occupancy. Assessment in the intact animal

Organ uptake of 125I-hydroxybenzylpindolol, a potent beta adrenergic antagonist, was determined after intravenous administration. Pretreatment with the beta agonist, epinephrine, inhibited an almost identical fraction of 125I-hydroxybenzylpindolol binding as did the antagonist, propranolol. Specific beta receptor binding accounted for 50% of total uptake in the lung and demonstrated the following characteristics. The dose-response curve for propranolol inhibition of 125I-hydroxybenzylpindolol binding duplicated that reported for its physiologic action. Simultaneous serum propranolol levels as determined by a sensitive radioimmunoassay allowed an apparent dissociation rate constant approximately 7 nM to be obtained that correlated closely with the results reported from membrane binding studies. Alpha blockade had no effect and inhibition of 125I-hydroxybenzylpindolol binding by propranolol demonstrated stereospecificity. After chemical sympathectomy with reserpine or 6-OH dopamine, there was a 100% increase in receptor specific binding. Finally, a scintillation camera was employed to visually and quantitatively detect 125I-hydroxybenzylpindolol displacement from the lung during intravenous propranolol administration in the living animal. Reversal of binding was rapid and an in vivo inhibition curve was generated. Such a method provides the potential for longitudinally assessing beta receptor occupancy and apparent affinity directly in man.

Modulation of rat brain alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor populations by lesion of the dorsal noradrenergic bundle

Bilateral lesion of the ascending noradrenergic fibers in the dorsal bundle of adult Wistar rats with 4 micrograms 6-hydroxydopamine caused extensive depletion of norepinephrine in all forebrain areas, but led to a 54% increase in norepinephrine levels in the cerebellum. beta-Adrenergic receptor binding of [3H]dihydroalprenolol was significantly increased in all forebrain areas depleted of norepinephrine except hypothalamus. The increase in [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding was due to 62% and 34% increases in the number of beta-receptor sites in the frontal cerebral cortex and hippocampus respectively. Binding of [3H]WB-4101 to alpha 1-adrenergic receptors after dorsal bundle lesion was augmented generally to a lesser extent than beta-receptor binding, with significantly increased numbers of sites only in the frontal cortex (74%), thalamus (20%) and septum. Both alpha 1- and beta-receptor binding sites were reduced in number by 25-28% in the cerebellum of dorsal bundle-lesioned rats, whereas intraventricular administration of 6-hydroxydopamine to adult rats, which depletes norepinephrine in the cerebellum by 96%, increased cerebellar alpha 1- and beta-receptor binding by 33-40%. Binding of [3H]clonidine to forebrain alpha 2-adrenergic receptors was significantly elevated in the frontal cortex, but reduced in the amygdala and septum, after dorsal bundle lesion.

Early septal lesion: effect on the development of the cholinergic system in rat hippocampus

The development of the cholinergic system in the rat hippocampal formation was studied following lesion of the septal region at an age 2--4 days postnatal (i.e. the lesion was performed prior to the establishment of the septohippocampal connections). The steep increase in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) level, that under normal conditions takes place during the second and the third week postnatal, was not observed in early lesioned animals, and AChE level at maturity was about 30% of control. AChE level of adult-lesioned animals was about 15% of control, suggesting an age-dependent plasticity in response to the lesion. Early deafferentation did not seem to alter the pattern of development of muscarinic binding sites as measured by specific binding of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB). Total [3H]QNB bound per hippocampus of adult, early-lesioned animals was about 70% of control, but this reduction could be accounted for by the atrophy observed in the hippocampal formation following early lesion. Binding of [3H]QNB per protein in early lesioned animals did not differ from normal. Thus the development and the level of muscarinic binding sites in the hippocampal formation do not seem to depend upon normal establishment of presynaptic contacts.

beta-Adrenergic regulation of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in the central nervous system

Incubation of rat cerebral cortical slices with the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol causes an increase in alpha 2-adrenergic receptor binding in addition to a decrease in beta-adrenergic receptor binding. The effects are rapid and reversible, show a parallel time course, and are blocked by sotalol, a beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist. The beta-mediated regulation of alpha 2-receptor sensitivity at brain norepinephrine synapses may be a mechanism for the homeostatic control of central noradrenergic activity.

Receptor and membrane function in the alcohol tolerant/dependent animal

Neurochemical changes which are associated with the development or expression of tolerance to or physical dependence on ethanol may be expected to display a time course of appearance and disappearance which correlates positively with the time course for tolerance or dependence. Previous studies of striatal dopaminergic receptor function indicated that ethanol-withdrawn mice displayed decreased physiological and biochemical responses to dopamine (DA) agonists, which could be best explained by postulating an inefficient coupling between DA receptors and various receptor-mediated processes, possibly as a result of ethanol-induced changes in neuronal membrane properties. The membrane-bound enzyme, (Na+-K+)ATPase, obtained from ethanol-withdrawn animals, displays an altered transition temperature and resistance to the effects of ethanol on enzyme activity. These changes also suggest compensatory alterations in neuronal membrane properties. All of these alterations show a time course of disappearance which corresponds to that for the disappearance of tolerance to the hypothermic and sedative effects of ethanol. Ethanol-withdrawn mice also display increased numbers of hippocampal muscarinic cholinergic receptors; however, the time course for the increase in receptor number appears to correlate with that of withdrawal symptomatology. Thus, compensatory changes in neuronal membrane properties in response to ethanol may be expressed via diverse functional changes.

GABA facilitation by noradrenaline shows supersensitivity in cerebellum after 6-hydroxydopamine

Alterations of cerebellar Purkinje cell responses to microiontophoretically applied noradrenaline (NA) were studied in rats after the destruction of NA-containing afferents and terminals by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). An enhanced efficacy of NA action after 6-OHDA treatment was indicated by a significant reduction in the mean iontophoretic current required for a threshold depressant response to NA. A potentiation of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated inhibition by administration of NA, similar to that previously observed in control animals, was also reliably elicited in 6-OHDA pretreated rats. In addition, Purkinje cells appeared to demonstrate an increase in sensitivity to such facilitating actions of NA, defined here as "modulatory supersensitivity". In contrast to the prolonged synergistic interactions between NA and GABA observed in control animals, however, the enhancement of the amino acid response in 6-OHDA treated animals did not persist beyond the period of NA ejection and converted instead to a period of rebound insensitivity to GABA action. These results provide electrophysiological evidence for the emergence of supersensitivity to NA action in cerebellum after the loss of noradrenergic input from locus coeruleus.

Cocaine and D-amphetamine induce changes in central beta-adrenoceptor sensitivity: effects of acute and chronic drug treatment

The effects of acute and chronic treatment with psychomotor stimulants on specific binding of [3H]dihydroalprenolol to beta-adrenoceptors in rat brain were examined. At a dose of 10 mg/kg both acute and chronic treatment with cocaine and chronic treatment with D-amphetamine (10 mg/kg) caused increased binding of [3H]dihydroalprenolol. The molecular mechanism for this enhanced binding appears to be augmentation of the density of beta-adrenoceptors in rat brain. At a lower dose (5 mg/kg), however, chronic administration of D-amphetamine caused a decrease in the density of beta-adrenoceptors in rat brain. Chronic treatment with either D-amphetamine (10 mg/kg) or cocaine induced a marked increase in the magnitude of cyclic AMP accumulation in rat brain slices elicited by norepinephrine. Acute as well as chronic administration of D-amphetamine in vivo inhibited the temperature-dependent uptake of [3H]norepinephrine in rat brain synaptosomal homogenates, but no such inhibition was observed after chronic or acute treatment with cocaine. The results suggest that psychomotor stimulants induce beta-adrenoceptor supersensitivity which may be involved in the phenomenon of reverse tolerance and possibly psychosis in humans. The development of beta-adrenoceptor supersensitivity does not appear to be mediated through alterations in norepinephrine transport at the presynaptic sites.

Decreased cardiac beta-adrenergic receptors in deoxycorticosterone-salt and renal hypertensive rats

The development of experimental deoxycorticosterone-salt (DOCA-salt) and renal artery clip hypertension in rats is associated with alterations in the sensitivity of the myocardium to adrenergic stimulation. We studied beta-adrenergic receptors and isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase in myocardial membranes from hypertensive rats to determine whether this altered sensitivity is associated with any change in beta-adrenergic receptors. The specific binding of the beta-adrenergic antagonist, 125I-iodohydroxybenzylpindolol, was used to measure numbers and affinities of receptors in myocardial membrane preparations. Cardiac membranes from both DOCA-salt and renal hypertensive rats showed significantly fewer beta-receptors than did membranes from control, normotensive rats. Receptor affinity remained unchanged. This decrease was from 110 +/- 19 to 49 +/- 5 fmol/mg protein for DOCA-salt hypertension and from 110 +/- 18 to 75 +/- 16 fmol/mg protein for renal artery clip hypertension. Isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity also was lower in membranes from hypertensive rats, whereas basal and fluoride-stimulated activities were unchanged.

The role of alpha-adrenoceptors in the regulation of pentylenetetrazol convulsions in mice

Typical ocular colobomas and associated orbital cysts are relatively common malformations that result from a defect in the fusion of the fetal optic fissure. Three cases studied with computed tomography (CT) are reported, and the spectrum of ocular colobomas, their associated findings, and CT differential diagnosis are reviewed. This experience indicates that the location and extent of colobomas can be determined with high-resolution CT.

beta1- and beta2-Adrenergic receptors in rat cerebral cortex are independently regulated

Repeated administration of the tricyclic antidepressant desmethylimipramine to adult rats for 10 days caused a 40% decrease in the density of beta1-adrenergic receptors in the cerebral cortex but had no effect on the density of beta2-adrenergic receptors. Conversely, destruction of noradrenergic neurons by administration of 6-hydroxydopamine to neonatal rats caused a 64% increase in the density of beta1-adrenergic receptors in adult cerebral cortex with no change in the density of beta2-adrenergic receptors. These results suggest that the beta-adrenergic receptors in rat cortex involved in neuronal function are primarily of the beta1 subtype.

Preservation of binocularity after monocular deprivation in the striate cortex of kittens treated with 6-hydroxydopamine

The results of single unit recordings from Area 17 of monocularly deprived kittens were compared with similar ones from littermates who had been monocularly lid-sutured for the same period of time, but who had in addition been given intraventricular injections of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) to deplete brain catecholamines. This visual cortices of all catecholamine-depleted kittens showed high proportions of binocular neurons, in contrast to the control group, a majority of whose visual cortical neurons were driven exclusively by the non-deprived eye. Preservation of binocularity in 6-OHDA-treated kittens was dose-related. Even after a 1 to 2-week period of lidsuture which reduced binocularity to 20% in controls, normal proportions of binocular neurons (greater than 75%) were preserved if the cumulative dose had been 10 mg 6-OHDA or more. The density of single neurons sampled from electrode tracks through the cortex of drug-treated kittens was high and did not differ significantly from controls. Neurons were isolated every 100 micron on the average. There was some indication that the drug's effect in preventing an ocular dominance shift disappears by six weeks following cessation of 6-OHDA treatment. This reversal of the physiological effects in cortex is preceded by recovery from the behavioral manifestations of 6-OHDA treatments. Binocularity was only slightly increased in a kitten who received large doses of 6-OHDA after a period of monocular deprivation. This observation, together with control recordings from normal kittens and adults treated with 6-OHDA, indicates that the direct effects of 6-OHDA on cortical neurons' response properties play a minor role in comparison to its effects in reducing the sensitivity of the cortex to monocular deprivation. The overwhelming majority of cortical neurons in 6-OHDA-treated kittens remained normal in receptive field properties after a period of monocular deprivation. These data support the hypothesis that catecholamines are required for the maintenance of visual cortical plasticity during the critical period.