Levels of glutamate decarboxylase, choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholinesterase in identified motorneurons of the locust

Glutamate decarboxylase of the parasitic arthropods Ctenocephalides felis and Rhipicephalus microplus: gene identification, cloning, expression, assay development, identification of inhibitors by high throughput screening and comparison with the orthologs from Drosophila melanogaster and mouse

Glutamate decarboxylase (l-glutamate 1-carboxylyase, E.C. 4.1.1.15, GAD) is the rate-limiting enzyme for the production of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in vertebrates and invertebrates. We report the identification, isolation and characterization of cDNAs encoding GAD from the parasitic arthropods Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea) and Rhipicephalus microplus (cattle tick). Expression of the parasite GAD genes and the corresponding Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) GAD1 as well as the mouse GAD(65) and GAD(67) genes in Escherichia coli as maltose binding protein fusions resulted in functional enzymes in quantities compatible with the needs of high throughput inhibitor screening (HTS). A novel continuous coupled spectrophotometric assay for GAD activity based on the detection cascade GABA transaminase/succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase was developed, adapted to HTS, and a corresponding screen was performed with cat flea, cattle tick and fruit fly GAD. Counter-screening of the selected 38 hit substances on mouse GAD(65) and GAD(67) resulted in the identification of non-specific compounds as well as inhibitors with preferences for arthropod GAD, insect GAD, tick GAD and the two mouse GAD forms. Half of the identified hits most likely belong to known classes of GAD inhibitors, but several substances have not been described previously as GAD inhibitors and may represent lead optimization entry points for the design of arthropod-specific parasiticidal compounds.

Molecular cloning, partial genomic structure and functional characterization of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase genes from the parasitic insects Lucilia cuprina and Ctenocephalides felis

The enzyme succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH; EC1.2.1.24) is a component of the gamma-aminobutyric acid degradation pathway in mammals and is essential for development and function of the nervous system. Here we report the identification, cDNA cloning and functional expression of SSADH from the parasitic insects Lucilia cuprina and Ctenocephalides felis. The recombinant proteins possess potent NAD+-dependent SSADH activity, while their catalytic efficiency for other aldehyde substrates is lower. A genomic copy of the L. cuprina SSADH gene contains two introns, while a genomic gene version of C. felis is devoid of introns. In contrast to the single copy SSADH genes in Drosophila melanogaster and mammals, in L. cuprina and C. felis, multiple SSADH gene copies are present in the genome.

Synaptic structure, distribution, and circuitry in the central nervous system of the locust and related insects

The Orthopteran central nervous system has proved a fertile substrate for combined morphological and physiological studies of identified neurons. Electron microscopy reveals two major types of synaptic contacts between nerve fibres: chemical synapses (which predominate) and electrotonic (gap) junctions. The chemical synapses are characterized by a structural asymmetry between the pre- and postsynaptic electron dense paramembranous structures. The postsynaptic paramembranous density defines the extent of a synaptic contact that varies according to synaptic type and location in single identified neurons. Synaptic bars are the most prominent presynaptic element at both monadic and dyadic (divergent) synapses. These are associated with small electron lucent synaptic vesicles in neurons that are cholinergic or glutamatergic (round vesicles) or GABAergic (pleomorphic vesicles). Dense core vesicles of different sizes are indicative of the presence of peptide or amine transmitters. Synapses are mostly found on small-diameter neuropilar branches and the number of synaptic contacts constituting a single physiological synapse ranges from a few tens to several thousand depending on the neurones involved. Some principles of synaptic circuitry can be deduced from the analysis of highly ordered brain neuropiles. With the light microscope, synaptic location can be inferred from the distribution of the presynaptic protein synapsin I. In the ventral nerve cord, identified neurons that are components of circuits subserving known behaviours, have been studied using electrophysiology in combination with light and electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry of neuroactive compounds. This has allowed the synaptic distribution of the major classes of neurone in the ventral nerve cord to be analysed within a functional context.

GABA and glutamate-like immunoreactivity at synapses on depressor motorneurones of the leg of the crayfish, Procambarus clarkii

To investigate their synaptic relationships, depressor motorneurones of the crayfish leg were impaled with microelectrodes, intracellularly injected with horseradish peroxidase, and prepared for electron microscopy. Post-embedding immunogold labelling with antibodies against gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or glutamate was carried out either alone or together on the same section and allowed the identification of three classes of input synapses: 51% were immunoreactive for glutamate and contained round agranular vesicles, 31% were immunoreactive for GABA and contained pleomorphic agranular vesicles, and the remainder were immunoreactive for neither and also predominantly contained pleomorphic agranular vesicles. Output synapses were abundant in some of the motorneurones but were not seen in others, suggesting that members of the motor pool differ in their connectivity.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of a GABA transporter from the CNS of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni

A cDNA encoding a GABA transporter in the caterpillar Trichoplusia ni has been cloned and expressed in baculovirus-infected insect cells. The cDNA contains an ORF encoding a 608-residue protein, designated TrnGAT. Hydropathy analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence suggests 12 transmembrane domains, a structure similar to that of all other cloned Na+/Cl(-)-dependent GABA transporters. The deduced amino acid sequence shows high identity with a GABA transporter (MasGAT) expressed in the embryo of Manduca sexta. Expression of TrnGAT mRNA was detected only in the brain. Sf21 cells infected with recombinant baculovirus exhibited a 20- to 30-fold increase in [3H]GABA uptake compared to control-infected cells. Several blockers of GABA uptake were used to determine the pharmacological profile of TrnGAT. Although most similar to mammalian neuronal GABA transporter GAT-1 in its kinetic properties, stoichiometry of ionic dependence and pharmacological properties, TrnGAT may be distinguished from mammalian GAT-1 by the inability of cyclic GABA analogues, such as nipecotic acid and its derivatives, to inhibit GABA uptake by the insect protein. The unique pharmacology of TrnGAT suggests that the GABA transport system in the lepidopteran CNS could be a useful target in the future development of rapidly-acting neuroactive agents used to control agriculturally-important insects.

Distribution of GABA-like immunoreactive neurons in insects suggests lineage homology

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in vertebrates and invertebrates (Sattelle [1990] Adv. Insect Physiol. 22:1-113). The GABA phenotype is lineally determined in postembryonic neurons in the tobacco hawkmoth, Manduca sexta (Witten and Truman, [1991] J. Neurosci. 11:1980-1989) and is restricted to six identifiable postembryonic lineages in the moth's thoracic hemiganglia. We used a comparative approach to determine whether this distinct clustering of GABAergic neurons is conserved in Insecta. In the nine orders of insects surveyed (Thysanura, Odonata, Orthoptera, Isoptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Hymenoptera), GABA-like immunoreactive neurons within a thoracic hemiganglion were clustered into six distinct groups that occupied positions similar to the six postembryonic lineages in Manduca. On the basis of cell body position and axon trajectories, we suggest that these are indeed homologous lineage groups and that the lineal origins of the GABAergic cells have been very conservative through insect evolution. The distinctive clustering of GABA-positive cells is shared with crustaceans (Mulloney and Hall [1990] J. Comp. Neurol. 291:383-394; Homberg et al. [1993] Cell Tissue Res. 271:279-288) but is not found in the centipede Lithobius forficulatus. There is a two- to threefold increase in numbers of thoracic neurons between the flightless Thysanura and the most advanced orders of insects. Using the GABA clusters as indicators of specific lineages, we find that only selected lineages have significantly contributed to this increase in neuronal numbers.

Colocalization of NADPH-diaphorase and GABA-immunoreactivity in the olfactory and visual system of the locust

Nitric oxide synthesizing neurons of the locust CNS have been identified by NADPH-diaphorase staining. However, the conventional transmitters of these neurons are unknown. Here we use double labelling for NADPH-diaphorase and GABA-immunofluorescence on sections of the brain to investigate a potential coexpression of both markers. The antennal lobe is innervated by a cluster of about 45-50 NADPH-diaphorase positive local interneurons which express GABA-immunofluorescence. The mushroom bodies are a higher order olfactory center which receive an extrinsic innervation from GABA-immunoreactive and NADPH-diaphorase positive fiber systems. Each optic lobe contains about 4500 GABA-immunoreactive cell bodies. In the visual system, identifiable GABA-immunoreactive neurons arborize in the external plexiform layer of the lamina, in several strata of the medulla, and in the lobula complex. A survey of all NADPH-diaphorase positive cell groups detected a colocalization of GABA-immunoreactivity in a small subpopulation of somata along the anterior rim of the medulla. These cytochemical findings suggest that nitric oxide may be a characteristic cotransmitter of GABAergic circuits of the antennal lobe, while in mushroom bodies and the visual system the majority of nitric oxide and GABA releasing neurons are distinct populations.

Distribution of acetylcholinesterase activity in the deutocerebrum of the sphinx moth Manduca sexta

We have used a cytochemical technique to investigate the distribution of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the deutocerebrum of the brain of the sphinx moth Manduca sexta. To distinguish between extra- and intracellular pools of the enzyme, some brains were treated prior to histochemical staining with echothiophate, an irreversible AChE inhibitor which penetrates cell membranes very slowly and, therefore, inhibits only extracellular AChE. In the antennal nerve, fascicles of presumably mechanosensory fibers show echothiophate-insensitive AChE activity. They bypass the antennal lobe and project to the antennal mechanosensory and motor center of the deutocerebrum. In the antennal lobe, fibers in the coarse neuropil, cell bodies in the lateral cell group, and all glomeruli exhibit AChE activity. In most ordinary glomeruli, echothiophate-sensitive AChE activity is concentrated in the outer cap regions, corresponding to the terminal arborizations of olfactory afferents. A previously unrecognized glomerulus in the ventro-median antennal lobe shows uniform and more intense AChE-specific staining that the other glomeruli. No AChE activity appeared to be associated with male-specific pheromone-sensitive afferents in the macroglomerular complex. About 67 interneurons with somata in the lateral cell group of the antennal lobe show echothiophate-insensitive AChE activity. These neurons seem to be members of two types of antennal-lobe projection neurons with fibers passing through the outer-antennocerebral tract to the protocerebrum. AChE-stained arborizations of these neurons appear to invade all glomeruli, including three distinguishable subunits of the male-specific macroglomerular complex. In echothiophate-treated animals, the projections of one of these types of fiber form large terminals in the lateral horn of protocerebrum, which partly protrude into the adjacent glial cell layer. The results suggest that extracellularly accessible AChE is associated with ordinary olfactory receptor terminals but apparently not with pheromone-sensitive afferents. Intracellular AChE appears to be present in antennal mechanosensory fibers and in two types of olfactory projection neurons of the antennal lobe. The study provides further evidence for cholinergic neurotransmission of most antennal afferents. The AChE-containing interneurons might be cholinergic as well or use the enzyme for functions unrelated to hydrolysis of acetylcholine.

Induction of phenotypic changes in SCLC cell lines in vitro by hexamethylene bisacetamide, sodium butyrate, and cyclic AMP

BACKGROUND

Hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA), sodium butyrate (NaBt), and cyclic AMP (cAMP) have been shown to induce differentiation, which may regulate tumour growth differently from conventional cytotoxic drugs. It was the intention in the present study to determine whether alterations could be induced in the phenotype of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines with HMBA, NaBt and cAMP, and whether these alterations would correlate with reduced growth in vivo, implying a phenotypic shift from malignancy towards differentiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cell lines were NCI-H69, H187 and H128. The activity of dopa decarboxylase (DDC), the BB isozyme of creatine kinase (CK-BB), the synthesis of bombesin-like peptide (BLI), and the presence of neurone specific enolase (NSE) and chromogranin were used as markers of the small cell phenotype. Clonogenicity in suspension in agar, and growth as xenografts in nude mice, were used as malignancy-associated properties. Cell proliferation in vitro was determined by cell counting and growth curve analysis.

RESULTS

HMBA, NaBt and cAMP were found to be reversibly cytostatic in liquid culture and pre-exposure reduced the cloning efficiency in agar by 60%-80%. Growth as xenografts was inhibited (three- to five-fold increase in the tumour doubling time), most significantly by NaBt. Effects of phenotypic markers were more complex. The most significant were a two-fold reduction in DDC with NaBt and HMBA, a 50% increase in CK-BB with cAMP, and a 70%-100% increase in secreted BLI with HMBA and cAMP, in NCI-H69 cells. No significant effects were seen on NSE and chromogranin. There was little sign of an interaction with adriamycin and vincristine, although a slight increase was observed in the ID50 of VP-16 following treatment with cAMP.

CONCLUSIONS

NaBt, HMBA and cAMP were cytostatic and inhibited tumour growth, but there was no coordinated response in marker expression that would confirm phenotypic alteration indicative of differentiation. The problem of defining differentiation in SCLC further complicated the analysis. The possibility remains of combining these agents with conventional cytotoxics as there appears to be little antagonistic effect, and other studies have suggested synergism may be possible with correct scheduling.

GABA and glutamate-like immunoreactivity in processes presynaptic to afferents from hair plates on the proximal joints of the locust leg

Hair plate afferents from coxal group 1 on the meso- and prothoracic legs of the locust were backfilled with cobalt salts or HRP for light and electron microscopy. The distribution of the terminal branches of the afferents is described from wholemount preparations and from 150 microns thick slices through the ganglion. Identified branches from the slices were sectioned for electron microscopy and examined for the presence of input and output synapses. Both were found in close proximity on small-diameter varicose branches in all parts of the arborization. Immunocytochemistry using antibodies against GABA and glutamate was used to try to identify putative transmitters in processes presynaptic to the afferents. Ninety-three percent of processes presynaptic to the hair plate afferents were clearly immunoreactive for GABA and only 7% appeared unlabelled. Most neuronal processes in the vicinity of afferent terminals were also immunoreactive for GABA, but a small number of glutamate-immunoreactive processes were found in intimate contact with afferents and one of these was demonstrated to be presynaptic. Processes postsynaptic to the afferents were of small diameter (mean = 0.28 micron) and were not found to be immunoreactive for GABA.

A rapid purification of L-glutamic acid decarboxylase from the brain of the locust Schistocerca gregaria

L-Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD; EC 4.1.1.15) was purified to apparent homogeneity from the brain of the locust Schistocerca gregaria using a combination of chromatofocusing (Mono P) and gel filtration (Superose 12) media. The homogeneity of the enzyme preparation was established by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) with silver staining. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme was estimated from native gradient gel electrophoresis and gel filtration chromatography to be 97,000 +/- 4,000 and 93,000 +/- 5,000, respectively. When analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate-PAGE, the enzyme was found to be composed of two distinct subunits of Mr 51,000 +/- 1,000 and 44,000 +/- 1,500. Tryptic peptide maps of iodinated preparations of these two subunits showed considerable homology, suggesting that the native enzyme is a dimer of closely related subunits. The purified enzyme had a pH optimum of 7.0-7.4 in 100 mM potassium phosphate buffer and an apparent Km for glutamate of 5.0 mM. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by the carbonyl-trapping reagent aminooxyacetic acid with an I50 value of 0.2 microM.

Immunocytochemical evidence for the presence of histamine and GABA in photoreceptors of the barnacle (Balanus nubilus)

Biochemical evidence indicates that GABA and histamine may both be synthesized by barnacle photoreceptors (Koike & Tsuda, 1980; Timpe & Stuart, 1984; Callaway & Stuart, 1989b). We used antisera against GABA- and histamine-protein conjugates to determine whether the photoreceptors contain either or both of these antigens. Both antisera labeled all of the photoreceptors in each of the three ocelli. Histamine-like immunoreactivity was found throughout each photoreceptor cell but was most intense at their presynaptic terminals. Histamine-like immunoreactivity was blocked by preincubation of the antibody either with histamine or with a histamine-protein conjugate. GABA-like immunoreactivity was found in all parts of the photoreceptors including the cell body, axon, rhabdomeric dendrites, and presynaptic terminals. GABA-protein conjugates blocked the GABA-like labeling of the photoreceptors, while protein conjugates with histamine, L-glutamate, L-glutamine, beta-alanine, and taurine did not. Histamine-like immunoreactivity in the supraesophageal ganglion was confined to the photoreceptor terminals and a second, loose plexus of endings in the main neuropil. GABA-like immunoreactivity, in contrast, was found in approximately twenty-five pairs of neurons of this ganglion. In the cirral nerves, which are expected to contain inhibitory motoneurons, unidentified axons also labeled with the GABA antiserum.

The tritocerebral commissure 'dwarf' (TCD): a major GABA-immunoreactive descending interneuron in the locust

The minor branch of the tritocerebral commissure of the locust, Locusta migratoria, contains only two axons which are from interneurons in the brain descending to the ventral cord ganglia. The smaller of these two neurons, the tritocerebral commissure dwarf (TCD), is immunoreactive to GABA, suggesting that it may be an inhibitory interneuron. We have exploited the accessibility of its axon in the commissure, first, to fill it with cobalt to define its morphology, and second, to record its input characteristics. It has a cell body and arborization of fine branches in the deutocerebrum of the brain, its axon passes contralateral through the tritocerebral commissure and it forms bilateral arborizations in the suboesophageal and three thoracic ganglia. It receives mechanosensory input from many regions of the ipsilateral body and head, and it is sensitive to illumination levels, generally showing greater spontaneous activity in the dark. It is one of the largest GABA-immunoreactive descending interneurons in the locust, suggesting it plays a prominent role in behaviour. Since it is easily accessible for physiological recording, its roles in circuits for particular components of behaviour should be amenable to investigation.

The development of GABA-like immunoreactivity in the thoracic ganglia of the locust Schistocerca gregaria

The development of GABA-like immunoreactivity was investigated in embryonic and juvenile locusts using an antibody raised against GABA-protein conjugates. GABA-like immunoreactivity was first detectable in the neuropile of embryonic ganglia at 55% development, and in neuronal somata at 62% development. The total number of immunoreactive somata increased between 62% and 85% embryonic development, and followed an anterio-posterior pattern of expression. At 85% development, the number of immunoreactive somata reached adult levels and no change in number was then seen. In embryonic stages and first and second juvenile instars two dorsal and four ventral groups of somata were labeled in all three thoracic ganglia, whilst in later juvenile instars one of the dorsal groups was visible as a separate entity only in the metathoracic ganglion. These early patterns were modified by alterations in the positions of some of the groups during late embryogenesis and during juvenile development to produce the adult pattern. The results show that the development of GABA expression is similar to that of other neurotransmitters. The characteristics of the development of immunoreactivity indicate that some of these immunoreactive clusters may be derived from clonally related neurones. Finally, we demonstrate the presence of immunoreactive somata and processes in embryos, which correspond to those of identified local and intersegmental interneurones studied in the adult.

Antibodies against GABA and glutamate label neurons with morphologically distinct synaptic vesicles in the locust central nervous system

Antibodies raised against GABA and glutamate were used to stain sections through locust thoracic ganglia for light and electron microscopy. Using a peroxidase-antiperoxidase method for light microscopy, the GABA antibody was shown to label inhibitory motor neurons thought to use GABA as their neurotransmitter, and the glutamate antibody to label excitatory motor neurons thought to use glutamate. An immunogold method was used to reveal labelled neuropilar processes in the electron microscope. Each antibody specifically labels a particular population of processes. With the GABA antibody, labelling is equally clear whether the processes concerned contain synaptic vesicles or not and is strongly contrasted against very low background levels. With the glutamate antibody, most processes show some affinity for the antibody, probably reflecting the presence of metabolic glutamate, however one population can be clearly distinguished by the presence of a much greater density of gold particles over synaptic vesicles. In the locust it appears, therefore, that the antibody can distinguish clearly between the metabolic and neurotransmitter pools of glutamate. It has been proposed that synaptic vesicles in GABAergic neurons have a different shape to those in glutamatergic neurons. This was supported by the electron microscope immunocytochemistry. Those showing GABA-like immunoreactivity contain predominantly pleomorphic agranular vesicles approximately 21 x 30 nm in diameter. Those showing glutamate-like immunoreactivity contain round agranular vesicles of about 38 nm in diameter. The GABA antibody appears to label all processes containing pleomorphic agranular vesicles. By contrast, some processes containing round agranular vesicles are not labelled by the glutamate antibody, even though the vesicles they contain are statistically identical in size to those in labelled profiles. With neither antibody was the labelling of glial cells greater than the background level.

Immunohistochemical localization of serotonin and choline acetyltransferase in sensory neurones of the locust

Sensory neuronal cell bodies in the leg of locust, Schistocerca gregaria, were visualized with antibodies to locust choline acetyltransferase and with antibodies to serotonin by the avidin-biotin peroxidase technique. Two groups of sensory cells react with the antibody to choline acetyltransferase: One group is associated with external mechanoreceptors (i.e., hair-plate hairs and campaniform sensilla) and the other with internal proprioceptors (i.e., chordotonal organs and multiterminal receptors). Sensory cells which react with the antibody to serotonin are associated only with internal proprioceptors being found in both chordotonal organs and multiterminal receptors. In the metathoracic femoral chordotonal organ indirect evidence suggests that some sensory cells are reactive to both antibodies. Some multiterminal receptors react with anti-choline-acetyltransferase, while others react with antiserotonin. These results support the conclusion that most insect sensory neurones are cholinergic but some are serotoninergic.

Purification of choline acetyltransferase from the locust Schistocerca gregaria and production of serum antibodies to this enzyme

Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT; EC 2.3.1.6) was purified from the heads of Schistocerca gregaria to a final specific activity of 1.61 mumol acetylcholine (ACh) formed min-1 mg-1 protein. The molecular mass of the enzyme as determined by gel filtration is 66,800 daltons. The final enzyme preparation showed one major band at 65,000 daltons on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, which corresponds with the native molecular mass of the enzyme, a band at 56,000 daltons, and two bands at 40,500 and 38,000 daltons. Antibodies raised against ChAT in rabbit react only with the active band on native gel after Western blotting. They strongly react with the 65,000-dalton polypeptide band on Western blots of SDS gel separation of pure preparation of enzyme and with both the 65,000- and 56,000-dalton bands after SDS gel separation of crude extract.

Immunohistochemical localization of choline acetyltransferase in the central nervous system of the locust

Immunohistochemistry of the locust central nervous system with antibody to choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) purified from the same species shows: first, there are relatively few immunoreactive cell bodies in the CNS; and second, sensory neuropiles, such as the ventral association centre and the ventral VAC (vVAC), the anterior ring tract, the tritocerebrum and the antennal lobe, are immunoreactive. That ChAT is contained in sensory neurones is suggested by immunoreactivity found in peripheral neurone cell bodies. These results indicate that acetylcholine serves primarily as a sensory transmitter in the locust.

Distribution of GABA-like immunoreactivity in the brain of the honeybee

The distribution of GABA-like immunoreactivity in the brain of the honeybee was investigated with antisera generated against GABA protein conjugates. The binding of the antisera in paraffin serial sections was studied with the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. GABA-like immunoreactive fibers appeared in all main neuropile areas. The staining of the optic lobes showed pronounced stratification. The receptor cells of compound eyes, ocelli, and antennae were not labelled. Several prominent fiber tracts showed GABA-like immunoreactivity, whereas other tracts were devoid of staining. There are no major immunoreactive commissures linking the two brain hemispheres with the exception of small commissures that bridge short distances between the beta-lobes and the antennal lobes. Several fibers in the cervical connective were also labelled; some of those may descend from the suboesophageal ganglion to the thoracic ganglia. The dense reactivity seen in the optic and antennal neuropiles implies that GABA is more important in mediating local rather than more distant neural interactions.

Peptidergic innervation of insect skeletal muscle: immunochemical observations

Proctolin (Arg-Tyr-Leu-Pro-Thr) is a pentapeptide present in the hindgut or proctodeum of the cockroach Periplaneta americana where it may be a transmitter. Its widespread distribution among peripherally projecting neurons in the CNS (Bishop and O'Shea, '82) suggested that proctolin's motor function is not restricted to the hindgut, but has a variety of peripheral targets. This idea was further supported when proctolin was localized to an identified skeletal motoneuron, the slow coxal depressor, where it acts as a cotransmitter (O'Shea and Bishop, '82; Adams and O'Shea, '83). Our objective was to investigate the proctolinergic innervation of a variety of skeletal muscles of the cockroach Periplaneta americana. We used immunohistochemical and radioimmunochemical methods to map the distribution of proctolin immunoreactivity. This survey revealed that a subpopulation of skeletal muscles are innervated by proctolinergic motoneurons. The anatomical features of the peptidergic innervation and the levels of proctolinlike immunoreactivity of one muscle group, the coxal depressor system, are here described in detail. The source of the proctolin innervation to the metathoracic coxal depressor group is identified as the slow coxal depressor motoneuron. The results of a survey of fast and slow skeletal muscles revealed that proctolin is associated with slow motor function. The functional implications of the association of a peptide with motoneurons are discussed in relationship to the organization of the insect motor pool.

Some insect sensory neurones contain 5-hydroxytryptamine

Immunocytochemistry of the locust central nervous system shows that most segmental nerves, in particular those of the legs, contain afferent fibres that react with antibody to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Adsorption controls indicate that the antigen is 5-HT or a closely related compound. This is supported by the finding of significant amounts of 5-HT in leg nerves using reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrochemical detection. On the other hand 5-HT was not detectable in locust antennal and cercal nerves with either immunocytochemistry or with HPLC. These results strongly support that some populations of sensory neurones in the locust contain 5-HT.

Model peptidergic systems at the insect neuromuscular junction

The emergence of neuropeptides as a prominent neurotransmitter class raises fundamental new questions about modes of chemical signaling in the nervous system. These relate to the large number of peptides, their co-localization in neurons and to novel actions at innervated targets. Synaptic preparations in insects offer excellent experimental models for studies of multiple transmitters and their joint actions at uniquely identified nerve-muscle junctions. Peptidergic systems in insects are reviewed with particular reference to two identified neuromuscular preparations which demonstrate cotransmitter actions of peptides and "classical" neurotransmitter substances.

Is gamma-aminobutyric acid the neurotransmitter of barnacle photoreceptors?

The hypothesis that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the neurotransmitter of barnacle photoreceptors was tested by studying the effect of GABA on the membrane of the cell directly postsynaptic to the photoreceptor, by testing the ability of GABA antagonists to block transmission at this synapse, and by estimating the free GABA content of the photoreceptor. The results of these experiments suggest that GABA is not the photoreceptor's neurotransmitter.

Biosynthesis of N-acetyldopamine and N-acetyloctopamine by Schistocerca gregaria nervous tissue

N-Acetyltyramine, N-acetyldopamine and N-acetyloctopamine were the major products when either L-[3H]tyrosine or [3H]tyramine were incubated with thoracic ganglia of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. No label was incorporated into L-DOPA under these conditions, although 2-3% of the radioactivity could be recovered in dopamine and octopamine. Addition of the aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor, 3-hydroxybenzylhydrazine (NSD 1015), prevented the formation of N-acetylcompounds from L-[3H]tyrosine, without resulting in an accumulation of label in L-DOPA. In contrast, incubation of samples of haemolymph with L-[3H]tyrosine resulted in the recovery of 7% of label in L-DOPA, which was increased to 17% in the presence of NSD 1015. These results provide evidence that the initial step in the synthesis of dopamine and octopamine by S. gregaria nervous tissue is the conversion of L-tyrosine to tyramine, which is subsequently metabolised to N-acetyltyramine, N-acetyldopamine or N-acetyloctopamine.

Cellular synthesis and axonal transport of gamma-aminobutyric acid in a photoreceptor cell of the barnacle

1. [3H]glutamate or [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was injected into the photoreceptor cell of the lateral ocellus of Balanus eburneus, in order to study the transmitter substance of the cell. 2. The photoreceptor cell synthesized [3H]GABA from injected [3H]glutamate. 3. The newly formed [3H]GABA moved inside the photoreceptor axon towards the axon terminal with a velocity of about 0.9 mm/hr. Injected [3H]GABA moved at 0.9 mm/hr and also at 0.4 mm/hr. 4. Axonally transported [3H]GABA reached the axon terminal within several hours following the injection. It did not accumulate at the terminal, but gradually disappeared. 5. Light-microscope and electron-microscope autoradiography following the injection of [3H]GABA revealed that [3H]-reacted silver grains were present in a certain type of axon terminal. The terminal thus identified as that of a photoreceptor cell contains many clear, polymorphic synaptic vesicles about 300-500 A in diameter, some dense-cored vesicles 700-1300 A in diameter, and glycogen granules. The terminal forms many synapses, and each synapse has a synaptic dense body. The terminal always faces two post-synaptic elements at the synapse, forming a triad with a gap distance of about 160-200 A. 6. A GABA analogue, [3H]di-aminobutyric acid, was selectively taken up into the terminals previously identified as those of photoreceptors. 7. These results support the notion that the transmitter substance of the photoreceptor cell of the barnacle is GABA.

Changes in hormone activity of single neurosecretory cell bodies during a physiological secretion cycle

Single neurosecretory cell bodies were dissected from the ventral ganglionic mass of Rhodnius prolixus, lysed in distilled water, and bioassayed for diuretic hormone (DH) activity on isolated malpighian tubules. DH was found in a least 10 somata within the ganglion; electron micrographs of isolated cells show a large population of elementary neurosecretory granules. Quantitative measures of hormone activity were made by bioassaying somata from unfed 5th instar larvae, and at the following times after feeding; 1 h, 4 h (near the end of DH-mediated diuresis), 1 day, 5 days, 10 days, 17 days and 21 days (just after the moult to adult). DH activity in cell bodies drops significantly within 1 h after feeding, and remains low long after hormone secretion ceases. Restocking of the soma with active hormone occurs during the period 10-21 days after feeding.