Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes as targets for neuroprotective drugs

Inhibitory effects of group II mGluR-related drugs on memory performance in mice

The cAMP/protein kinase A signaling pathway is negatively modulated by group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), and the cross-talk that occurs between these receptors may modulate learning and memory. To examine the relationship among cAMP/PKA-signaling pathway activity, group II mGluRs, and learning and memory, mice were trained to perform a step-through-type passive avoidance task, and 10 min before each avoidance trial the following drugs were injected intracisternally (i.cist.): vehicle (0.05% dimethylsulfoxide); a specific group II mGluR agonist, DCG-IV (1-50 ng/mouse); a specific group II mGluR antagonist, LY341495 (10-300 ng); a selective inhibitor of cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase, rolipram (100-1000 ng); an activator of adenylyl cyclase, forskolin (25-250 ng); a specific inhibitor of PKA, H-89 (150 or 300 ng) or; an activator of protein kinase C, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA 200 ng). DCG-IV (25 and 50 ng) or LY341495 (150 and 300 ng) reduced the latency in the avoidance task. The reduction of latency by DCG-IV was not observed in mice coinjected with DCG-IV (50 ng) together with rolipram (500 ng) or forskolin (25 ng). Conversely, coinjection of LY341495 with 100 or 1000 ng rolipram, or with 25 or 250 ng forskolin tended to potentiate the LY341495-induced shortening of latency. In addition, the reduction of latency by DCG-IV (50 ng) was not observed in mice coinjected with DCG-IV and PMA together. However, the reduction of latency by LY341495 (300 ng) was potentiated when the drug was coadministered with PMA. These results suggest that changes in the cAMP/PKA-signaling pathway, mediated by group II mGluRs, influence memory in the passive avoidance task, and that both the excessive activation and deactivation of this pathway may induce the impairment of learning and memory.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor signalling in perirhinal cortical neurons

Long-term depression (LTD) induction relies upon receptor cross-talk between group I and group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in perirhinal cortex. The molecular mechanism of this mGluR interplay is not clear. Here, we show that the mGluR subtypes postulated to be involved in this mechanism are developmentally regulated and mGluR2 has a preferential role over mGluR3 in the synergistic interaction with mGluR5. We have identified a >70% reduction in basal cAMP levels following mGluR2 stimulation, which could lead to increased mGluR5 function via reduced PKA mediated phosphorylation and decreased desensitisation of mGluR5. To further investigate the roles of mGluRs in downstream intracellular signalling, we have examined the effects of mGluRs on the phosphorylation state of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Both group I and group II agonists increased the phosphorylation of CREB, which indicates a cAMP- and PKA-independent signalling mechanism. These results suggest a convergence of signalling mechanisms from surface mGluRs to CREB-mediated transcription.

Regulation of mGlu4 metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling by type-2 G-protein coupled receptor kinase (GRK2)

We examined the role of G-protein coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK2) in the homologous desensitization of mGlu4 metabotropic glutamate receptors transiently expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. Receptor activation with the agonist l-2-amino-4-phosphonobutanoate (l-AP4) stimulated at least two distinct signaling pathways: inhibition of cAMP formation and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway [assessed by Western blot analysis of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and 2]. Activation of both pathways was attenuated by pertussis toxin. Overexpression of GRK2 (but not GRK4) largely attenuated the stimulation of the MAPK pathway by l-AP4, whereas it slightly potentiated the inhibition of FSK-stimulated cAMP formation. Transfection with a kinase-dead mutant of GRK2 (GRK2-K220R) or with the C-terminal fragment of GRK2 also reduced the mGlu4-mediated stimulation of MAPK, suggesting that GRK2 binds to the Gbetagamma subunits to inhibit signal propagation toward the MAPK pathway. This was confirmed by the evidence that GRK2 coimmunoprecipitated with Gbetagamma subunits in an agonist-dependent manner. Finally, neither GRK2 nor its kinase-dead mutant had any effect on agonist-induced mGlu4 receptor internalization in HEK293 cells transiently transfected with GFP-tagged receptors. Agonist-dependent internalization was instead abolished by a negative-dominant mutant of dynamin, which also reduced the stimulation of MAPK pathway by l-AP4. We speculate that GRK2 acts as a "switch molecule" by inhibiting the mGlu4 receptor-mediated stimulation of MAPK and therefore directing the signal propagation toward the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase.

The mGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptor is expressed in zones of active neurogenesis of the embryonic and postnatal brain

Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors have been implicated in the regulation of developmental plasticity. Here, we examined the expression of mGlu1a-b, -2, -3, -4a-b, and -5a receptor subtypes from embryonic day 12 (E12) to the early and late postnatal life. While all transcripts (with the exception of mGlu4 mRNA) were detected prenatally, only the mGlu5 receptor protein was found in detectable amounts in the embryonic brain. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the mGlu5 receptor was mainly expressed by cells surrounding the ventricles at E15, whereas it was more diffusely expressed at E18. In the postnatal life, besides its classical expression sites, the mGlu5 receptor was found in zones of active neurogenesis such as the external granular layer (EGL) of the cerebellar cortex and the subventricular zone. In these regions, the presence of actively proliferating progenitor cells was detected by BrdU staining. No other subtype (among those we have examined) was found to be expressed in regions enriched of BrdU(+) cells. These data suggest a role for mGlu5 receptors in the early brain development and in basic cellular processes such as proliferation and/or differentiation.

Role of metabotropic glutamate receptors in oligodendrocyte excitotoxicity and oxidative stress

Developing oligodendrocytes (OLs) are highly vulnerable to excitotoxicity and oxidative stress, both of which are important in the pathogenesis of many brain disorders. OL excitotoxicity is mediated by ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) of the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid/kainate type on these cells. Here we report that metabotropic GluRs (mGluRs) are highly expressed in OL precursors but are down-regulated in mature OLs. Activation of group 1 mGluRs attenuates OL excitotoxicity by controlling downstream oxidative stress after iGluR overactivation and also prevents nonexcitotoxic forms of oxidative stress by inhibiting reactive oxygen species accumulation and intracellular glutathione loss. The modulating effect of group 1 mGluRs on hypoxic-ischemic OL injury is not due to iGluR endocytosis that occurs in neurons in response to mGluR activation but requires activation of PKC alpha after G protein coupling to phospholipase C. Our results reveal a previously undescribed role for mGluRs in limiting OL injury and suggest that targeting group 1 mGluRs may be a useful therapeutic strategy for treating disorders that involve excitotoxic injury and/or oxidative stress to OLs.

Endogenous activation of mGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptors contributes to the development of nigro-striatal damage induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in mice

We combined the use of knock-out mice and subtype-selective antagonists [2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP) and (E)-2-methyl-6-(2-phenylethenyl)-pyridine (SIB1893)] to examine whether endogenous activation of mGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptors contributes to the pathophysiology of nigro-striatal damage in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) model of parkinsonism. High doses of MPTP (four injections of 20 mg/kg, i.p., every 2 hr) induced a high mortality rate and a nearly total degeneration of the nigro-striatal pathway in wild-type mice. mGlu5 knock-out mice were less sensitive to MPTP toxicity, as shown by a higher survival and a milder nigro-striatal damage. Protection against MPTP (80 mg/kg) toxicity was also observed after MPEP injections (four injections of 5 mg/kg, i.p., 30 min before each MPTP injection). MPEP treatment did not further increase neuroprotection against 80 mg/kg of MPTP in mGlu5 knock-out mice, indicating that the drug acted by inhibiting mGlu5 receptors. In wild-type mice, MPEP was also neuroprotective when challenged against lower doses of MPTP (either 30 mg/kg, single injection, or four of 10 mg/kg injections). The action of MPEP was mimicked by SIB1893 but not by the mGlu1 receptor antagonist 7-hydroxyiminocyclopropan[b]chromen-1a-carboxylic acid ethyl ester. MPEP did not change the kinetics of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion formation in the striatum of mice injected with MPTP. We conclude that mGlu5 receptors act as amplifiers of MPTP toxicity and that mGlu5 receptor antagonists may limit the extent of nigro-striatal damage in experimental models of parkinsonism.

Aberrant expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 in the vulnerable neurons of Alzheimer's disease

Selective neuronal dysfunction and degeneration are defining features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). While the exact mechanism(s) contributing to this selective neuronal vulnerability remains to be elucidated, we hypothesized that the differential expression of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) may play a key role in this process since the various mGluR groups differentially regulate neuronal cell death and survival. In the present study, we focused on the metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2), a subtype of group II mGluRs. The mGluR2 is expressed at low levels in pyramidal neurons in age-matched control cases, whereas we found a strikingly increased mGluR2 expression in AD, in a pattern that mirrored both the regional and cellular subtype of neuronal vulnerability to degeneration and neurofibrillary alterations. Immunoblot analysis confirmed the significant increase in the level of mGluR2 in AD compared with age-matched controls. Agonists for group II mGluRs activate extracellular receptor kinase (ERK), a kinase that is chronically activated in vulnerable neurons of AD. ERK is able to phosphorylate tau protein, so the up-regulation of mGluR2 in vulnerable neurons may represent the upstream mediator of abnormal tau phosphorylation in AD. Immunocytochemical examination revealed considerable overlap between mGluR2 and neurofibrillary alterations. Thus, it is likely that mGluR2 represents a novel therapeutic target for AD.

In vivo modulation of extracellular hippocampal glutamate and GABA levels and limbic seizures by group I and II metabotropic glutamate receptor ligands

The effects of several metabotropic receptor (mGluR) ligands on baseline hippocampal glutamate and GABA overflow in conscious rats and the modulation of limbic seizure activity by these ligands were investigated. Intrahippocampal mGluR group I agonist perfusion via a microdialysis probe [1 mm (R,S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine] induced seizures and concomitant augmentations in amino acid dialysate levels. The mGlu1a receptor antagonist LY367385 (1 mm) decreased baseline glutamate but not GABA concentrations, suggesting that mGlu1a receptors, which regulate hippocampal glutamate levels, are tonically activated by endogenous glutamate. This decrease in glutamate may contribute to the reported LY367385-mediated anticonvulsant effect. The mGlu5 receptor antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine (50 mg/kg) also clearly abolished pilocarpine-induced seizures. Agonist-mediated actions at mGlu2/3 receptors by LY379268 (100 microm, 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally) decreased basal hippocampal GABA but not glutamate levels. This may partly explain the increased excitation following systemic LY379268 administration and the lack of complete anticonvulsant protection within our epilepsy model with the mGlu2/3 receptor agonist. Group II selective mGluR receptor blockade with LY341495 (1-10 microm) did not alter the rats' behaviour or hippocampal amino acid levels. These data provide a neurochemical basis for the full anticonvulsant effects of mGlu1a and mGlu5 antagonists and the partial effects observed with mGlu2/3 agonists in vivo.

Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors mediate the inhibition of phosphatidylserine synthesis in rat cerebellar slices: a possible role in physiology and pathology

In cerebellar slices, the lowering of oxygen availability, obtained by bubbling N(2) in the medium, reduced the incorporation of radioactive serine into phosphatidylserine (PtdSer). CPCCOEt, an antagonist of metabotropic glutamate receptors type 1 (mGluR1) counteracted the effect, whereas antagonists of NMDA or AMPA receptors were ineffective. In oxygenated slices, agonists of Group I mGluRs, which include mGluR1, inhibited PtdSer synthesis. This effect was also counteracted by CPCCOEt. These findings indicate that glutamate inhibits PtdSer synthesis by acting on mGluR1. This could be important in relation to the known release of glutamate in hypoxia-ischaemia conditions. In cerebellar Purkinje cells, mGluR1 are involved in the generation of mGluR-EPSP evoked by parallel fibre stimulation. The administration of l-serine to cerebellar slices reduced in a dose-dependent manner the mGluR-EPSP evoked by parallel fibre stimulation. The effect was mostly due to the increased synthesis of PtdSer. Thus inhibition of PtdSer synthesis, mediated by mGluR1, may participate in the generation of mGluR-EPSP.

Biochemical changes and inflammatory response as markers for brain ischaemia: molecular markers of diagnostic utility and prognosis in human clinical practice

The study of molecular markers associated with stroke has proved to be of considerable utility. We review the main biochemical changes of neurotoxicity and of inflammation and their usefulness as markers associated with early signs of ischaemia in the neuroimage, with early neurological deterioration, with the volume of the infarct, with haemorrhagic transformation, with the efficacy of thrombolytic treatment and with malignant ischaemic syndrome. Raised plasma concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) are a powerful predictor of early neurological deterioration and the more important molecular marker associated with final volume of infarct. Levels of matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) have a significant relationship with the efficacy of thrombolytic treatment and with the incidence and seriousness of haemorrhagic complications.

A role for noradrenergic transmission in the actions of phencyclidine and the antipsychotic and antistress effects of mGlu2/3 receptor agonists

Evidence suggests that glutamatergic neuronal transmission is involved in psychiatric and neurological disorders and that drugs that target glutamate systems may serve as novel therapeutics in humans. For example, agonists for group II mGlu receptors (mGlu2 and mGlu3) have been shown to be anxiolytic in certain animal models and have shown promise in early human trials. mGlu2/3 receptor agonists also block the neurochemical and behavioral actions of psychotogens, such as phencyclidine and amphetamine in rodents, suggesting that they may be useful to treat psychosis in humans. Recently, we have used in vivo microdialysis and behavioral methods to further explore the potential antipsychotic and antistress actions of mGlu2/3 receptor agonists in rats. In subjects undergoing brain microdialysis of the nucleus accumbens shell, we have shown that LY379268 (3 mg/kg s.c.) (a systemically active mGlu2/3 receptor agonist) blocks PCP-induced locomotor activations for approximately 3 hours. In these animals, PCP-induced dopamine release was reduced, but only in a transient fashion (15-75 min). PCP-induced norepinephrine release was also reduced, but unlike dopamine, in a manner that was temporally correlated with the reduction of PCP-induced behaviors. In separate experiments in rats not undergoing microdialysis, the alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonist, clonidine, was shown to block PCP behaviors, and the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor reboxetine was shown to exacerbate PCP-induced ambulations. In the latter study, LY379268 pretreatment effectively reversed the PCP behaviors in both control and reboxetine-treated animals. These data support a role for noradrenergic neurotransmission in the actions of drugs such as phencyclidine and suggest that stress pathways associated with these drugs can be normalized by mGlu2/3 receptor activation.

Astrocyte apoptosis: implications for neuroprotection

Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell types in the brain, provide metabolic and trophic support to neurons and modulate synaptic activity. Accordingly, impairment in these astrocyte functions can critically influence neuronal survival. Recent studies show that astrocyte apoptosis may contribute to pathogenesis of many acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders, such as cerebral ischemia, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. We found that incubation of cultured rat astrocytes in a Ca(2+)-containing medium after exposure to a Ca(2+)-free medium causes an increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration followed by apoptosis, and that NF-kappa B, reactive oxygen species, and enzymes such as calpain, xanthine oxidase, calcineurin and caspase-3 are involved in reperfusion-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that heat shock protein, mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase and cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase are target molecules for anti-apoptotic drugs. This review summarizes (1) astrocytic functions in neuroprotection, (2) current evidence of astrocyte apoptosis in both in vitro and in vivo studies including its molecular pathways such as Ca(2+) overload, oxidative stress, NF-kappa B activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and protease activation, and (3) several drugs preventing astrocyte apoptosis. As a whole, this article provides new insights into the potential role of astrocytes as targets for neuroprotection. In addition, the advance in the knowledge of molecular mechanisms of astrocyte apoptosis may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders.

Protective effect of LY379268, a selective group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist, on dizocilpine-induced neuropathological changes in rat retrosplenial cortex

In the present study, we examined the effects of LY379268, the group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist, on the neuropathological changes in the rat retrosplenial cortex induced by noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist dizocilpine ((+)-MK-801). Administration of LY379268 (1, 3, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced dizocilpine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced neuropathological changes in the retrosplenial cortex, in a dose-dependent manner. Co-administration of LY379268 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) with group II mGluR antagonist LY341495 (5 mg/kg, i.p.) blocked the effects of LY379268. Furthermore, LY379268 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced the expression of heat shock protein HSP-70, a marker of reversible neuronal injury, in the rat retrosplenial cortex after administration of dizocilpine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.). Moreover, pretreatment with LY379268 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly suppressed the increase in extracellular acetylcholine (ACh) levels in the retrosplenial cortex induced by administration of dizocilpine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.). These results suggest that LY379268 has a protective effect on the neurotoxicity in the rat retrosplenial cortex after administration of NMDA receptor antagonists such as dizocilpine.

Retinal ischemia: mechanisms of damage and potential therapeutic strategies

Retinal ischemia is a common cause of visual impairment and blindness. At the cellular level, ischemic retinal injury consists of a self-reinforcing destructive cascade involving neuronal depolarisation, calcium influx and oxidative stress initiated by energy failure and increased glutamatergic stimulation. There is a cell-specific sensitivity to ischemic injury which may reflect variability in the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors on a given cell. A number of animal models and analytical techniques have been used to study retinal ischemia, and an increasing number of treatments have been shown to interrupt the "ischemic cascade" and attenuate the detrimental effects of retinal ischemia. Thus far, however, success in the laboratory has not been translated to the clinic. Difficulties with the route of administration, dosage, and adverse effects may render certain experimental treatments clinically unusable. Furthermore, neuroprotection-based treatment strategies for stroke have so far been disappointing. However, compared to the brain, the retina exhibits a remarkable natural resistance to ischemic injury, which may reflect its peculiar metabolism and unique environment. Given the increasing understanding of the events involved in ischemic neuronal injury it is hoped that clinically effective treatments for retinal ischemia will soon be available.

A potentially critical role of phospholipases in central nervous system ischemic, traumatic, and neurodegenerative disorders

Phospholipases are a diverse group of enzymes whose activation may be responsible for the development of injury following insult to the brain. Amongst the numerous isoforms of phospholipase proteins expressed in mammals are 19 different phospholipase A2's (PLA2s), classified functionally as either secretory, calcium dependent, or calcium independent, 11 isozymes belonging to three structural groups of PLC, and 3 PLD gene products. Many of these phospholipases have been identified in selected brain regions. Under normal conditions, these enzymes regulate the turnover of free fatty acids (FFAs) in membrane phospholipids affecting membrane stability, fluidity, and transport processes. The measurement of free fatty acids thus provides a convenient method to follow phospholipase activity and their regulation. Phospholipase activity is also responsible for the generation of an extensive list of intracellular messengers including arachidonic acid metabolites. Phospholipases are regulated by many factors including selective phosphorylation, intracellular calcium and pH. However, under abnormal conditions, excessive phospholipase activation, along with a decreased ability to resynthesize membrane phospholipids, can lead to the generation of free radicals, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis/necrosis. This review evaluates the critical contribution of the various phospholipases to brain injury following ischemia and trauma and in neurodegenerative diseases.

The Neurotoxicity Induced by Ethanol Withdrawal in Mature Organotypic Hippocampal Slices Might Involve Cross-Talk Between Metabotropic Glutamate Type 5 Receptors and N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptors

BACKGROUND

We recently reported that the sodium salt of acamprosate (Na-acamprosate) demonstrates the characteristics of an antagonist at metabotropic glutamate type 5 receptors (mGluR5s) rather than at N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Because mGluR5s are able to enhance the function of NMDARs, this interplay may be involved in the dysregulation of glutamatergic transmission during ethanol withdrawal. The following studies use organotypic hippocampal slice cultures at a mature age to investigate the potential for this interplay in the neurotoxicity associated with withdrawal from long-term ethanol exposure.

METHODS

At 25 days in vitro, organotypic hippocampal slice cultures prepared from male and female 8-day-old rats were exposed to an initial concentration of 100 mM ethanol for 10 days before undergoing a 24-hr period of withdrawal. The effects of Na-acamprosate; 2-methyl-6-(2-phenylethenyl)pyridine (SIB-1893), a noncompetitive antagonist at mGluR5s; 7-(hydroxyimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen-1a-carboxylate ethyl ester, a noncompetitive antagonist at mGluR1s; dizocilpine (MK-801), a noncompetitive NMDAR antagonist; and staurosporine on the neurotoxicity induced by ethanol withdrawal were assessed by determining differences in propidium iodide uptake. Polypeptide levels of mGluR5s and the NR1 and NR2B subunits of NMDARs were also determined via Western blot analyses after 10 days of ethanol exposure.

RESULTS

Significant neurotoxicity was always evident in the CA1 hippocampal region after a 24-hr withdrawal period. This spontaneous neurotoxicity resulted from intrinsic changes induced by the long-term presence of ethanol. Na-acamprosate (200-1000 microM), SIB-1893 (200-500 microM), MK-801 (20 microM), and staurosporine (200 nM) were all neuroprotective. The polypeptide levels of mGluR5s and NR1 and NR2B subunits of NMDARs were all increased after ethanol exposure; however, the increase in mGluR5s did not achieve statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

From this model of long-term ethanol exposure and withdrawal, the functional interplay between mGluR5s and NMDARs might represent a novel target for the prevention of neurotoxicity associated with ethanol withdrawal.

The distinct role of mGlu1 receptors in post-ischemic neuronal death

Metabotropic glutamate receptors of the mGlu(1) and mGlu(5) subtypes exhibit a high degree of sequence homology and are both coupled to phospholipase C and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization. However, functional differences have been detected for these receptor subtypes when they are coexpressed in the same neuronal populations. Experimental evidence indicates that mGlu(1) and mGlu(5) receptors play a differential role in models of cerebral ischemia and that only mGlu(1) receptors are implicated in the pathways leading to post-ischemic neuronal injury. The localization of mGlu(1) receptors in GABA-containing interneurons rather than in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells that are vulnerable to ischemia has prompted studies that have provided a new viewpoint on the neuroprotective mechanism of mGlu(1) receptor antagonists. The hypothesis predicts that these pharmacological agents attenuate post-ischemic injury by enhancing GABA-mediated neurotransmission.

Glutamatergic systems in Alzheimer's disease

Glutamate is the major transmitter of the brain and is involved in all aspects of cognitive function since it is the transmitter of cortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurones. Furthermore, glutamate and glutamate receptors are involved in long-term potentiation, a process believed to underlie learning and memory. Histological studies indicate loss of pyramidal neurones and their synapses in Alzheimer's disease (AD), this together with biochemical evidence suggests presynaptic (and postsynaptic) glutamatergic hypoactivity. This represents a 'double blow' as the activity of glutamatergic neurones is heavily influenced by the cholinergic system, which is also dysfunctional in AD. The clinical relevance of these changes is emphasised because glutamatergic and cholinergic dysfunction are strong correlates of cognitive decline in AD. The mechanism by which glutamatergic (and cholinergic) cells die is likely to be a combination of necrosis and apoptosis caused by a range of factors which include tangle formation and the effects of too much and too little glutamatergic neurotransmission.

Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors regulate the vulnerability to hypoxic brain damage

We examined the expression of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors in species of fish that differ for their vulnerability to anoxic brain damage. Although expression of mGlu1a and mGlu5 receptors was similar in the brain of all species examined, expression of mGlu2/3 receptors was substantially higher in the brain of anoxia-tolerant species (i.e., the carp Carassius carassius and the goldfish Carassius auratus) than in the brain of species that are highly vulnerable to anoxic damage, such as the trouts Salmo trutta and Oncorhynchus mykiss. This difference was confirmed by measuring the mGlu2/3 receptor-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation in slices prepared from the telencephalon of C. auratus and S. trutta. We exposed the goldfish C. auratus to water deprived of oxygen for 4 hr for the induction of hypoxic brain damage. Although the goldfish survived this treatment, the occurrence of apoptotic cell death could be demonstrated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated UTP nick end labeling staining and by the assessment of caspase-3 activity in different brain region. The extent of cell death was highest in the medulla oblongata, followed by the optic tectum, cerebellum, and hypothalamus. No cell death was found in the telencephalon. This regional pattern of hypoxic damage was inversely related to the expression of mGlu2/3 receptors, which was lowest in the medulla oblongata and highest in the telencephalon. Treatment of the goldfish with the brain permeant mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist LY341495 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) amplified anoxic damage throughout the brain and enabled the induction of cell death by anoxia in the telencephalon. In contrast, treatment of the goldfish with the mGlu2/3 receptor agonist LY379268 (0.5 or 1 mg/kg, i.p.) was highly protective against anoxic brain damage. Finally, exposure to the antagonist LY341495 (0.5 microm) greatly amplified the release of glutamate induced by hypoxia in slices prepared from the medulla oblongata and the telencephalon of the goldfish. We conclude that expression of mGlu2/3 receptors provides a major defensive mechanism against brain damage in anoxia-tolerant species.

Protective role of group-II metabotropic glutamate receptors against nigro-striatal degeneration induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in mice

To examine how mGlu2/3 metabotropic glutamate receptors affect nigro-striatal degeneration, we used the agonist, LY379268, and the antagonist, LY341495, in mice challenged with the nigro-striatal toxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). In control mice, high doses of MPTP (20 mg/kg, i.p., injected four times with 2 h of interval) induced a nearly total degeneration of the nigro-striatal pathway, as shown by measurements of striatal dopamine (DA) levels and by immunohistochemical analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase, high affinity dopamine transporter, and glial fibrillary acidic protein in the corpus striatum and substantia nigra. Lower cumulative doses of MPTP (30 mg/kg, i.p., injected only once) produced a partial lesion of the nigro-striatal pathway (about 50% reduction of striatal DA content). Systemic injection of LY379268 (1 mg/kg, i.p., 30 min prior to each injection of MPTP) partially reduced the extent of nigro-striatal degeneration induced by high doses of MPTP. Similar results were obtained by continuously delivering LY379268 (1 mg/kg/d for 7 d) by means of a subcutaneous osmotic minipump. The protective effect of LY379268 was antagonized by LY341495 (also delivered by the osmotic minipump). In mice challenged with the lower cumulative dose of MPTP, injection of LY379268 did not produce a significant neuroprotective effect. In contrast, the lesion was amplified by the antagonist, LY341495. Neither LY379268 nor LY341495 influenced the central bioavailability and the local half-life of MPTP, as shown by measurements of the toxin and its active metabolite, MPP(+), in the striatum. We conclude that mGlu2/3 receptors play a protective role against MPTP toxicity, and that the efficacy of the agonist, LY379268, critically depends on the extent of the nigro-striatal lesion.

MPEP, a selective metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 antagonist, attenuates conditioned taste aversion in rats

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) have been implicated in several types of cognitive and associative learning. Although recent evidence indicates an influence of mGluRs in conditioned taste aversion (CTA), the subtype-specific involvement of mGluRs in this learning paradigm remained to be determined. The aim of this study was to examine the role of Group I mGluR subtypes in CTA using a selective mGluR5 antagonist (2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine, MPEP) and a selective mGluR1 antagonist (1-aminoindan-1,5-dicarboxylic acid, AIDA). Male, water-deprived, Sprague-Dawley rats were injected i.p. with 6 or 12 mg/kg MPEP or saline. Twenty-five minutes later, all rats received 15-min access to a 0.1% saccharin solution (Sac) immediately followed by an injection of 0.15M LiCl at 1.33% body weight. The animals were tested with 15-min access to Sac on each of four test days. MPEP-treated animals consumed more Sac on the test trials than saline-treated rats. In another experiment, controlled access to Sac was used by infusing the solution on the conditioning trial. Consistent with the above results, MPEP attenuated the degree of CTA. Similar experiments using the mGluR1 antagonist AIDA, have found no effect on CTA learning. These results suggest that the two subtypes of Group I mGluRs are differentially involved in taste aversion learning.

Endogenous activation of group-II metabotropic glutamate receptors inhibits the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis

Systemic injection of the mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist, LY341495 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), increased plasma corticosterone in mice to an extent similar to that induced by the despair test. Treatment with the mGlu2/3 receptor agonist, LY379268 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), or the non-competitive mGlu5 receptor antagonist, MPEP (5 mg/kg, i.p.), failed to induce significant changes in corticosterone levels. Searching for a site of action of LY341495, we examined the expression of mGlu receptor subtypes in the various anatomical regions of the mouse hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Only mGlu5 and -7 receptor mRNAs were detected in the adrenal gland by RT-PCR, whereas mGlu -1, -3, -4, -5, -7 and -8 receptor mRNAs were detected in the anterior pituitary. All transcripts (with the exception of mGlu5 and mGlu6 receptor mRNAs) were detected in the hypothalamus. However, Western blot analysis showed the presence of mGlu2/3 receptor proteins only in the hypothalamus and not in the anterior pituitary. This was consistent with functional data showing that LY341495 (0.1 and 1 microM) failed to affect ACTH secretion from isolated mouse anterior pituitaries. Moving from these observations, we examined whether LY341495 could activate the HPA axis by inhibiting mGlu2/3 receptors at hypothalamic level. We measured the release of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) in isolated mouse hypothalami incubated in the presence of subtype-selective mGlu receptor agonists or antagonists. Among all the drugs we have tested, only LY341495 was able to increase CRH secretion. With high concentrations of LY341495 (1 microM) this increase was similar to that induced by 50 mM K(+). The action of LY341495 was prevented by the combined application of the mGlu2/3 receptor agonist, LY379268. We conclude that group-II mGlu receptors tonically regulate the HPA axis by controlling CRH secretion at hypothalamic level.

Effects of LY379268, a selective group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist on EEG activity, cortical perfusion, tissue damage, and cortical glutamate, glucose, and lactate levels in brain-injured rats

Activating presynaptic group II metabotropic glutamate (mGlu II) receptors reduces synaptic glutamate release. Attenuating glutamatergic transmission without blocking ionotropic glutamate receptors, thus avoiding unfavorable psychomimetic side effects, makes mGlu II receptor agonists a promising target in treating brain-injured patients. Neuroprotective effects of LY379268 were investigated in rats following controlled cortical impact injury (CCI). At 30 min after CCI, rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of LY379268 (10 mg/kg/body weight) or NaCl. Changes in EEG activity and pericontusional cortical perfusion were determined before trauma, at 4, 24, and 48 h, and 7 days after CCI. Brain edema and contusion volume were determined at 24 h and 7 days after CCI, respectively. Before brain removal pericontusional cortical glutamate, glucose, and lactate were measured via microdialysis. During the early period following CCI, EEG activity and cortical perfusion were significantly reduced in rats receiving LY379268. At 7 days, cortical perfusion was significantly increased in rats treated with LY379268, while EEG activity was depressed as in control rats. While brain edema remained unchanged at 24 h, cortical contusion was significantly decreased by 56% at 7 days after CCI. Cortical glutamate, glucose, and lactate were not influenced. Significant reductions in EEG activity and contusion volume by LY379268 do not appear mediated by attenuated excitotoxicity and energetic impairment. Overall, an additional decrease in cortical perfusion seems to interfere with the anti-edematous potential of LY379268 during the early period following CCI, while an increase in perfusion in LY379268-treated rats at 7 days might contribute to tissue protection.

Protection of cortical neurons against oxygen-glucose deprivation and N-methyl-D-aspartate by DIDS and SITS

The Cl(-) channel blockers, 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) or 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (SITS) dose-dependently protected against oxygen-glucose deprivation in cultured rat cortical neurons. DIDS or SITS attenuated oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced increases in extracellular glutamate concentrations and intracellular Ca(2+). DIDS or SITS provided moderate protection against N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) toxicity and decreased NMDA receptor-mediated increases in intracellular Ca(2+). Whole-cell NMDA receptor currents were attenuated 39+/-2% and 21+/-3% by 1 mM DIDS and SITS, respectively. Other Cl(-) channel blockers as equipotent as DIDS and SITS did not decrease oxygen-glucose deprivation- or NMDA-mediated neuronal Ca(2+) influx or toxicity. Neurotoxicity by exogenous glutamate was not prevented by SITS and was exacerbated by DIDS. Reductions in oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced increases in intracellular Ca(2+) levels underlie neuroprotection by DIDS and SITS. This was a reflection of lower extracellular [glutamate], direct inhibition of Ca(2+) influx through postsynaptic NMDA receptors, and possibly through other protective properties associated with DIDS and SITS.

Pharmacological blockade of mGlu2/3 metabotropic glutamate receptors reduces cell proliferation in cultured human glioma cells

Glial cell proliferation in culture is under the control of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors. We have examined whether this control extends to human glioma cells. Primary cultures were prepared from surgically removed human glioblastomas. RT-PCR combined with western blot analysis showed that most of the cultures (eight out of 11) expressed group-II mGlu receptors. In two selected cultures (MZC-12 and FCN-9), the mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist, LY341495, slowed cell proliferation when applied to the growth medium from the second day after plating. This effect was reversible because linear cell growth was restored after washing out the drug. LY341495 reduced glioma cell proliferation at concentrations lower than 100 nm, which are considered as selective for mGlu2/3 receptors. In addition, its action was mimicked by the putative mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist (2S)-alpha-ethylglutamate. The anti-proliferative effect of LY341495 was confirmed by measuring [methyl-3H]-thymidine incorporation in cultures arrested in G0 phase of the cell cycle and then stimulated to proliferate by the addition of 10% fetal calf serum or 100 ng/mL of epidermal growth factor (EGF). In cultures treated with EGF, LY341495 was also able to reduce the stimulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, as well as the induction of cyclin D1. Both effects, as well as decreased [methyl-3H]-thymidine incorporation, were partially reduced by co-addition of the potent mGlu2/3 receptor agonist, LY379268. We conclude that activation of group-II mGlu receptors supports the growth of human glioma cells in culture and that antagonists of these receptors should be tested for their ability to reduce tumour growth in vivo.

Post-ischemic administration [correction of administeration] but not pre-ischemic administration [correction of administeration] of NG-nitro-L-arginine prevents spatial memory impairments and apoptosis by an inhibition of a delayed increase in NOx- in the hippocampus following repeated cerebral ischemia

In the present study, we investigated the effects of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, on repeated cerebral ischemia-induced impairment of spatial memory of the 8-arm radial maze in rats. Repeated ischemia (10 min ischemia x 2 times with 1 h interval) impaired the spatial memory in the 8-arm radial maze test and produced apoptosis in the hippocampus 7 days after final occlusion, and gradually increased the NO(x)(-) levels approximately 30-180 min after the second reperfusion. Post-ischemic administration of L-NAME at a dose of 50 mg/kg, i.p. 30 min following the second occlusion, significantly attenuated the repeated ischemia-induced impairment of spatial memory in the 8-arm radial maze test and suppressed apoptosis in the hippocampus, and also significantly suppressed a delayed increase in the NO(x)(-) levels induced by repeated ischemia. However, pre-ischemic administration of L-NAME at a dose of 50 mg/kg, i.p. 30 min before the first occlusion, caused about 90% mortality (the mortality rate of vehicle-treated group was 10%). These results suggest that the delayed generation of NO(x)(-) may cause spatial memory impairment and induction of apoptosis in the hippocampus in rats subjected to repeated ischemia.

Seizures induced by homocysteic acid in immature rats are prevented by group III metabotropic glutamate receptoragonist (R,S)-4-phosphonophenylglycine

The potential anticonvulsant effect of group III metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist (R,S)-4-phosphonophenylglycine ((R,S)-PPG) against seizures induced in immature 12-day-old rats by bilateral intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of DL-homocysteic acid (DL-HCA, 600 nmol/side) was examined in the present study. Rat pups were sacrificed during generalized clonic-tonic seizures, approximately 45 to 50 min after infusion. Comparable time intervals were used for sacrificing the pups which had received (R,S)-PPG. Low doses of (R,S)-PPG (10 nmol, icv) provided a pronounced anticonvulsant effect which was abolished by pretreatment with a selective group III mGluR antagonist (R,S)-alpha-methylserine-O-phosphate. Generalized clonic-tonic seizures were completely suppressed and cortical energy metabolite changes which normally accompany these seizures were either normalized (glucose and glycogen decreases) or markedly ameliorated (an accumulation of lactate). Despite the absence of obvious motor phenomena, EEG recordings revealed sporadic ictal activity, mostly in the dorsal hippocampus. Spreading of this activity into the frontal cortex was rather exceptional. The latency of ictal EEG in pretreated rats was significantly prolonged. Our data suggest that the predominant effect of (R,S)-PPG might concern seizure spread. The administration of (R,S)-PPG alone did not cause any overt behavioral side effects; it did not change the EEG pattern and did not influence cortical metabolite levels, with the exception of increased concentrations of glucose. The present findings suggest that group III mGlu receptor agonists may be of therapeutic significance for treating childhood epilepsies.

Epsilon PKC is required for the induction of tolerance by ischemic and NMDA-mediated preconditioning in the organotypic hippocampal slice

Glutamate receptors and calcium have been implicated as triggering factors in the induction of tolerance by ischemic preconditioning (IPC) in the brain. However, little is known about the signal transduction pathway that ensues after the IPC induction pathway. The main goals of the present study were to determine whether NMDA induces preconditioning via a calcium pathway and promotes translocation of the protein kinase C epsilon (epsilonPKC) isozyme and whether this PKC isozyme is key in the IPC signal transduction pathway. We corroborate here that IPC and a sublethal dose of NMDA were neuroprotective, whereas blockade of NMDA receptors during IPC diminished IPC-induced neuroprotection. Calcium chelation blocked the protection afforded by both NMDA and ischemic preconditioning significantly, suggesting a significant role of calcium. Pharmacological preconditioning with the nonselective PKC isozyme activator phorbol myristate acetate could not emulate IPC, but blockade of PKC activation with chelerythrine during IPC blocked its neuroprotection. These results suggested that there might be a dual involvement of PKC isozymes during IPC. This was corroborated when neuroprotection was blocked when we inhibited epsilonPKC during IPC and NMDA preconditioning, and IPC neuroprotection was emulated with the activator of epsilonPKC. The possible correlation between NMDA, Ca2+, and epsilonPKC was found when we emulated IPC with the diacylglycerol analog oleoylacetyl glycerol, suggesting an indirect pathway by which Ca2+ could activate the calcium-insensitive epsilonPKC isozyme. These results demonstrated that the epsilonPKC isozyme played a key role in both IPC- and NMDA-induced tolerance.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies of novel 2-diarylethyl substituted (2-carboxycycloprop-1-yl)glycines as high-affinity group II metabotropic glutamate receptor ligands

The major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, (S)-glutamic acid , activates both ionotropic and metabotropic excitatory amino acid receptors. Its importance in connection to neurological and psychiatric disorders has directed great attention to the development of compounds that modulate the effects of this endogenous ligand. Whereas L-carboxycyclopropylglycine (L-CCG-1) is a potent agonist at, primarily, group II metabotropic glutamate receptors, alkylation of at the alpha-carbon notoriously result in group II mGluR antagonists, of which the most potent compound described so far, LY341495, displays IC(50) values of 23 and 10 nM at the group II receptor subtypes mGlu2 and mGlu3, respectively. In this study we synthesized a series of structural analogues of in which the xanthyl moiety is replaced by two substituted-phenyl groups. The pharmacological characterization shows that these novel compounds have very high affinity for group II mGluRs when tested as their racemates. The most potent analogues demonstrate K(i) values in the range of 5-12 nM, being thus comparable to LY341495.

DCG-IV but not other group-II metabotropic receptor agonists induces microglial BDNF mRNA expression in the rat striatum. Correlation with neuronal injury

We have previously described a neuroprotective action of (2S,2'R,3'R)-2-(2'3'-dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine (DCG-IV), an agonist for group-II metabotropic receptors, on dopaminergic nerve terminals against the degeneration induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). This effect was accompanied by an up-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in the rat striatum. We have now analyzed the phenotypic nature of the BDNF mRNA-expressing cells in response to intrastriatal injection of DCG-IV. Dual in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed that microglial cells but not astrocytes were responsible for this induction. Subsequent analysis demonstrated that this effect was accompanied by striking loss of striatal glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) mRNA and massive appearance of internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, a hallmark of apoptosis. A dose-response study demonstrated that doses of DCG-IV as low as 5 nmol was very toxic in terms GAD mRNA and apoptosis. 0.5 nmol of DCG-IV did not induce toxicity at all in terms of GAD mRNA and apoptosis. Activation of group-II metabotropic receptors in striatum with N-Acetyl-Asp-Glu (NAAG; a mGlu3 agonist) and (2R,4R)-4-aminopyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (a mGlu2 and mGlu3 agonist) did not induce neither loss of GAD mRNA nor appearance of apoptosis (doses up to 20 nmol). In additional experiments, NAAG, in contrast to DCG-IV, failed to protect the striatal dopaminergic system against the degeneration induced by MPP+ as studied by microdialysis. Finally, we studied the mechanism by which DCG-IV is highly toxic. For that, selective antagonists of either metabotropic--(R,S)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine and LY 341495--or ionotropic (N-methyl-D-aspartate, NMDA)--DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (AP-5) glutamate receptors --were co-administered with DCG-IV. Only AP-5 highly protected the striatum against the degeneration induced by DCG-IV. Since DCG-IV also activates the NMDA receptor at concentrations higher than 3 microM, it is conceivable that a intrastriatal concentration equal or higher than 3 microM after a single striatal injection of 5-20 nmol of DCG-IV. Our findings suggest that much caution must be exerted when testing the numerous neuroprotective effects ascribed to group-II metabotropic receptor activation, in particular when using DCG-IV. We conclude that the neuroprotectant capability of a given compound on a specific system does not exclude the possibility of inducing toxicity on a different one.

Increase in glutamate-induced neurotoxicity by activated astrocytes involves stimulation of protein kinase C

Activation of astrocytes is a common feature of neurological disorders, but the importance of this phenomenon for neuronal outcome is not fully understood. Treatment of mixed hippocampal cultures of neurones and astrocytes from day 2-4 in vitro (DIV 2-4) with 1 micro m cytosine arabinofuranoside (AraC) caused an activation of astrocytes as detected by a stellate morphology and a 10-fold increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) level compared with vehicle-treated cultures. After DIV 12, we determined 43% and 97% damaged neurones 18 h after the exposure to glutamate (1 mm, 1 h) in cultures treated with vehicle and AraC, respectively. Dose-response curves were different with a higher sensitivity to glutamate in cultures treated with AraC (EC50 = 0.01 mm) than with vehicle (EC50 = 0.12 mm). The susceptibility of neurones to 1 mm glutamate did not correlate with the percentage of astrocytes and was insensitive to an inhibition of glutamate uptake. In cultures treated with vehicle and AraC, glutamate-induced neurotoxicity was mediated through stimulation of the NR1-NR2B subtype of NMDA receptors, because it was blocked by the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 and the NR1-NR2B selective receptor antagonist ifenprodil. Protein levels of the NR2A and NR2B subunits of NMDA receptor were similar in cultures treated with vehicle or AraC. AraC-induced changes in glutamate-induced neurotoxicity were mimicked by activation of protein kinase C (PKC), whereas neuronal susceptibility to glutamate was reduced in cultures depleted of PKC and treated with AraC suggesting that the increase in glutamate toxicity by activated astrocytes involves activation of PKC.

Metabotropic glutamate 1 (mGlu1) receptor antagonists enhance GABAergic neurotransmission: a mechanism for the attenuation of post-ischemic injury and epileptiform activity?

Selective antagonists of mGlu1 metabotropic glutamate receptors attenuate neuronal death in models of cerebral ischemia. Because GABAergic mechanisms have recently been proposed to contribute to these neuroprotective effects, we examined the effects of selective mGlu1 antagonists characterized in our laboratory on GABAergic transmission in three different models of neuropathology. In rat organotypic hippocampal slices exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation, the mGlu1 antagonists AIDA, CBPG and 3-MATIDA reduced CA1 pyramidal cell loss when added to the medium during the insult and the subsequent recovery period. This effect was mimicked by the GABA(A) and GABA(B) agonists muscimol and baclofen and partially prevented by the antagonists bicuculline and CGP 55845. In gerbils subjected to global ischemia, protection of CA1 pyramidal cells by transdialytic perfusion of AIDA and CBPG was associated with a significant increase in the basal and ischemic output of GABA and minor changes in the output of glutamate. In a mouse cortical wedge model, both muscimol and 3-MATIDA reduced the frequency of spontaneous bursts induced by 4-aminopyridine and this reduction was prevented by co-perfusion with bicuculline. Taken together, our results suggest that the release of GABA, and the subsequent activation of GABA receptors, may contribute to the attenuation of post-ischemic neuronal damage and epileptiform activity induced by mGlu1 receptor antagonists.