Cultured chick sympathetic neurons: ATP-induced noradrenaline release and its blockade by nicotinic receptor antagonists

Presynaptic P2X1-3 and α3-containing nicotinic receptors assemble into functionally interacting ion channels in the rat hippocampus

Previous studies documented a cross-talk between purinergic P2X (P2XR) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) in heterologous expression systems and peripheral preparations. We now investigated if this occurred in native brain preparations and probed its physiological function. We found that P2XR and nAChR were enriched in hippocampal terminals, where both P2X1-3R and α3, but not α4, nAChR subunits were located in the active zone and in dopamine-β-hydroxylase-positive hippocampal terminals. Notably, P2XR ligands displaced nAChR binding and nAChR ligands displaced P2XR binding to hippocampal synaptosomes. In addition, a negative P2XR/nAChR cross-talk was observed in the control of the evoked release of noradrenaline from rat hippocampal synaptosomes, characterized by a less-than-additive facilitatory effect upon co-activation of both receptors. This activity-dependent cross-inhibition was confirmed in Xenopus oocytes transfected with P2X1-3Rs and α3β2 (but not α4β2) nAChR. Besides, P2X2 co-immunoprecipitated α3β2 (but not α4β2) nAChR, both in HEK cells and rat hippocampal membranes indicating that this functional interaction is supported by a physical association between P2XR and nAChR. Moreover, eliminating extracellular ATP with apyrase in hippocampal slices promoted the inhibitory effect of the nAChR antagonist tubocurarine on noradrenaline release induced by high- but not low-frequency stimulation. Overall, these results provide integrated biochemical, pharmacological and functional evidence showing that P2X1-3R and α3β2 nAChR are physically and functionally interconnected at the presynaptic level to control excessive noradrenergic terminal activation upon intense synaptic firing in the hippocampus.

Purinergic signalling during development and ageing

Extracellular purines and pyrimidines play major roles during embryogenesis, organogenesis, postnatal development and ageing in vertebrates, including humans. Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into three primary germ layers of the embryo but may also be involved in plasticity and repair of the adult brain. These cells express the molecular components necessary for purinergic signalling, and their developmental fates can be manipulated via this signalling pathway. Functional P1, P2Y and P2X receptor subtypes and ectonucleotidases are involved in the development of different organ systems, including heart, blood vessels, skeletal muscle, urinary bladder, central and peripheral neurons, retina, inner ear, gut, lung and vas deferens. The importance of purinergic signalling in the ageing process is suggested by changes in expression of A1 and A2 receptors in old rat brains and reduction of P2X receptor expression in ageing mouse brain. By contrast, in the periphery, increases in expression of P2X3 and P2X4 receptors are seen in bladder and pancreas.

Purinergic signalling and development of the autonomic nervous system

Most early studies of the role of nucleotides in development have evidenced their crucial importance as carriers of energy in all organisms. However, an increasing number of studies are now available to suggest that purines and pyrimidines, acting as extracellular ligands specifically on receptors of the plasma membrane, may play a pivotal role throughout pre- and postnatal development in a wide variety of organisms including amphibians, birds, and mammals. Purinergic receptor expression and functions have been studied in the development of many organs, including the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Nucleotide receptors can induce a multiplicity of cellular signalling pathways via crosstalk with bioactive molecules acting on growth factors and neurotransmitter receptors which are fundamental for the development of a mature and functional ANS. Purines and pyrimidines may influence all the stages of neuronal development, including neural cell proliferation, migration, differentiation and phenotype determination of differentiated cells. Indeed, the normal development of the ANS is disturbed by dysfunction of purinergic signalling in animal models. To establish the primitive and fundamental nature of purinergic neurotransmission in the ontogeny of the ANS, in this review the roles of purines and pyrimidines as signalling molecules during embryological and postnatal development are considered.

Purinergic signaling in embryonic and stem cell development

Nucleotides are of crucial importance as carriers of energy in all organisms. However, the concept that in addition to their intracellular roles, nucleotides act as extracellular ligands specifically on receptors of the plasma membrane took longer to be accepted. Purinergic signaling exerted by purines and pyrimidines, principally ATP and adenosine, occurs throughout embryologic development in a wide variety of organisms, including amphibians, birds, and mammals. Cellular signaling, mediated by ATP, is present in development at very early stages, e.g., gastrulation of Xenopus and germ layer definition of chick embryo cells. Purinergic receptor expression and functions have been studied in the development of many organs, including the heart, eye, skeletal muscle and the nervous system. In vitro studies with stem cells revealed that purinergic receptors are involved in the processes of proliferation, differentiation, and phenotype determination of differentiated cells. Thus, nucleotides are able to induce various intracellular signaling pathways via crosstalk with other bioactive molecules acting on growth factor and neurotransmitter receptors. Since normal development is disturbed by dysfunction of purinergic signaling in animal models, further studies are needed to elucidate the functions of purinoceptor subtypes in developmental processes.

Effects of calcium channel blockers on antidepressant action of Alprazolam and Imipramine

Alprazolam is effective as an anxiolytic and in the adjunct treatment of depression. In this study, the effects of calcium channel antagonists on the antidepressant action of alprazolam and imipramine were investigated. A forced swimming maze was used to study behavioral despair in albino mice. Mice were divided into nine groups (n = 7 per group). One group received a single dose of 1% Tween 80; two groups each received a single dose of the antidepressant alone (alprazolam or imipramine); two groups each received a single dose of the calcium channel blocker (nifedipine or verapamil); four groups each received a single dose of the calcium channel blocker followed by a single dose of the antidepressant (with same doses used for either in the previous four groups). Drug administration was performed concurrently on the nine groups. Our data confirmed the antidepressant action of alprazolam and imipramine. Both nifedipine and verapamil produced a significant antidepressant effect (delay the onset of immobility) when administered separately. Verapamil augmented the antidepressant effects of alprazolam and imipramine (additive antidepressant effect). This may be due to the possibility that verapamil might have antidepressant-like effect through different mechanism. Nifedipine and imipramine combined led to a delay in the onset of immobility greater than their single use but less than the sum of their independent administration. This may be due to the fact that nifedipine on its own might act as an antidepressant but blocks one imipramine mechanism that depends on L-type calcium channel activation. Combining nifedipine with alprazolam produced additional antidepressant effects, which indicates that they exert antidepressant effects through different mechanisms.

The diadenosine polyphosphate receptors: P2D purinoceptors

Diadenosine polyphosphates-Ap4A, Ap5A and Ap6A-are co-stored in neurosecretory vesicles together with ATP and aminergic compounds. They are released from neural cells and synaptic terminals in a Ca(2+)-dependent process. Ligand binding and displacement experiments carried out with [3H]Ap4A on isolated chromaffin cells and synaptosomal preparations result in curvilinear Scatchard plots with Kd values close to 0.1 nM for the high-affinity binding sites. Displacement curves with two steps are obtained for homologous and heterologous nucleotide ligands; the lowest-affinity step exhibits Ki values in the micromolar range for ApnA compounds. The high-affinity binding sites were named P2D purinoceptors on the basis of their binding characteristics. Single-cell studies in neurochromaffin cells indicate the presence of P2X purinoceptors in noradrenergic cells that do not respond to Ap4A and in which noradrenaline secretion can be induced by influx of extracellular Ca2+. P2Y receptors that respond to ATP analogues and ApnAs are present in endothelial cells from adrenal medulla. Those cells that express P2U purinoceptors are unresponsive to ApnAs. Ectodiadenosine polyphosphate hydrolases with Km values of 0.3 to 2 microM are present in both neural and endothelial cells from adrenal medulla. In midbrain synaptic terminals diadenosine polyphosphates induce Ca2+ entry from the extracellular medium. The fact that the synaptic response is not cross-desensitized by ATP and its non-hydrolysable analogues, the non-blocking effect of suramin, and the differential effect of Ca2+ channel blockers, together suggest that there are different receptors for nucleotides and dinucleotides in rat brain synaptosomes, which we have called P4 purinoceptors on the basis of functional studies.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of exocytotic noradrenaline release via presynaptic receptors

The release of noradrenaline from nerve terminals is modulated by a variety of presynaptic receptors. These receptors belong to one of the following three receptor superfamilies: transmitter-gated ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), and membrane receptors with intracellular enzymatic activities. For representatives of each of these three superfamilies, receptor activation has been reported to cause either an enhancement or a reduction of noradrenaline release. As these receptor classes display greatly diverging structures and functions, a multitude of different molecular mechanisms are involved in the regulation of noradrenaline release via presynaptic receptors. This review gives a short overview of the presynaptic receptors on noradrenergic nerve terminals and summarizes the events involved in vesicle exocytosis in order to finally delineate the most important signaling cascades that mediate the modulation via presynaptic receptors. In addition, the interactions between the various presynaptic receptors are described and the underlying molecular mechanisms are elucidated. Together, these presynaptic signaling mechanisms form a sophisticated network that precisely adapts the amount of noradrenaline being released to a given situation.

P2X(2), P2X(2-2) and P2X(5) receptor subunit expression and function in rat thoracolumbar sympathetic neurons

The present study investigated the pharmacological properties of excitatory P2X receptors and P2X(2) and P2X(5) receptor subunit expression in rat-cultured thoracolumbar sympathetic neurons. In patch-clamp recordings, ATP (3-1000 microM; applied for 1 s) induced inward currents in a concentration-dependent manner. Pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonate (PPADS; 30 microM) counteracted the ATP response. In contrast to ATP, alpha,beta-meATP (30 microM; for 1 s) was virtually ineffective. Prolonged application of ATP (100 microM; 10 s) induced receptor desensitization in a significant proportion of sympathetic neurons in a manner typical for P2X(2-2) splice variant-mediated responses. Using single-cell RT-PCR, P2X(2), P2X(2-2) and P2X(5) mRNA expression was detectable in individual tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons; coexpression of both P2X(2) isoforms was not observed. Laser scanning microscopy revealed both P2X(2) and P2X(5) immunoreactivity in virtually every TH-positive neuron. P2X(2) immunoreactivity was largely distributed over the cell body, whereas P2X(5) immunoreactivity was most distinctly located close to the nucleus. In summary, the present study demonstrates the expression of P2X(2), P2X(2-2) and P2X(5) receptor subunits in rat thoracolumbar neurons. The functional data in conjunction with a preferential membranous localization of P2X(2)/P2X(2-2) compared with P2X(5) suggest that the excitatory P2X responses are mediated by P2X(2) and P2X(2-2) receptors. Apparently there exist two types of P2X(2) receptor-bearing sympathetic neurons: one major population expressing the unspliced isoform and another minor population expressing the P2X(2-2) splice variant.

Facilitation by P(2) receptor activation of acetylcholine release from rat motor nerve terminals: interaction with presynaptic nicotinic receptors

ATP is released from motor nerve endings together with acetylcholine. Released adenine nucleotides can be extracellularly metabolized into adenosine, which is a presynaptic neuromodulator at neuromuscular junctions, but it is not known if P(2) receptor activation also modulates acetylcholine release from mature motor nerve endings. We now tested the effect of a stable ATP analogue, beta,gamma-imido ATP on the nerve-evoked release of acetylcholine from adult rat hemidiaphragm preparations. beta,gamma-Imido ATP (10-100 microM) facilitated in a concentration-dependent manner evoked acetylcholine release, and 30 microM beta,gamma-imido ATP caused a 125% facilitation of evoked acetylcholine release. This facilitatory effect of beta,gamma-imido ATP (30 microM) was abolished by the P(2) receptor antagonists, suramin (100 microM) and pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS, 10 microM), but not by the A(1) or A(2A) adenosine receptor antagonists, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (50 nM) and ZM 241385 (50 nM), respectively. The facilitation of acetylcholine release by beta, gamma-imido ATP (30 microM) was also prevented by the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, D-tubocurarine (1 microM) and the facilitatory effect (40%) of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (1 microM) was abolished by PPADS (10 microM). These results demonstrate a presynaptic facilitatory effect of P(2) receptor activation at the rat phrenic nerve endings, which is tightly coupled with the presynaptic nicotinic autofacilitatory system.

P2 receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems modulating sympathetic vasomotor tone

Arterial pressure depends on the level of activity of sympathetic vasoconstrictor outflow to blood vessels. This activity is generated in the central nervous system, and involves inputs from a variety of brain regions projecting to sympathetic preganglionic neurones. Of especial interest are a group of neurones in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), as they have been demonstrated to have a fundamental role in reflex regulation of the cardiovascular system, and in generation of tonic drive to sympathetic outflow. Sympathetic outflow to blood vessels is additionally modulated at sympathetic ganglia, and at the peripheral terminals of sympathetic nerves. This review considers the role of P2 purine receptors in this neural pathway. Ionotropic P2X receptors are expressed in the RVLM, in sympathetic ganglia, and at the sympathetic neuromuscular junction, and mediate fast excitatory neurotransmission, indicating a general role for ATP as a regulator of sympathetic vasomotor tone. P2Y receptors couple to G proteins and mediate slower signalling to ATP; they have been reported to inhibit prejunctionally neurotransmission at the peripheral terminals of sympathetic nerves, but little is known about their possible role in the central nervous system and in sympathetic ganglia.

Noradrenaline release from cultured mouse postganglionic sympathetic neurons: autoreceptor-mediated modulation

The possible existence of alpha2-autoreceptors, P2-autoreceptors, and adenosine A1- or A2A-receptors was studied in cultured thoracolumbar postganglionic sympathetic neurons from mice. The cells were preincubated with [3H]noradrenaline and then superfused. The selective alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist UK 14,304 reduced the electrically evoked overflow of tritium. When the cultures were stimulated by trains of increasing pulse number, ranging from a single pulse to 72 pulses at 3 Hz, the concentration-inhibition curve of UK 14,304 was shifted progressively to the right and the maximal inhibition obtainable became progressively smaller. Six alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists shifted the concentration-inhibition curve of UK 14,304 in a parallel manner to the right. Neither ATP (3-300 microM), adenosine (0.01-100 microM), the selective A1-receptor agonist cyclopentyladenosine (1-1,000 nM), nor the selective A2A-receptor agonist CGS-21680 (1-10,000 nM) changed the basal or the electrically evoked overflow of tritium. It is concluded that the cultured neurons possess presynaptic, release-inhibiting alpha2-autoreceptors. As in intact tissues, the effectiveness of presynaptic alpha2-adrenergic inhibition depends on the "strength" of the releasing stimulus. The pK(D) values of the six antagonists against UK 14,304 indicate that the autoreceptors belong to the pharmacological alpha2D and hence the genetic alpha(2A/D) subtype of alpha2-adrenoceptor. Neither P2-autoreceptors nor receptors for adenosine, the degradation product of ATP, were detected.

Effect of extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate on principal neurons of the rat ventral tegmental area

Intracellular recordings were made in a midbrain slice preparation of the rat brain containing the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Dopaminergic principal cells were identified by their electrophysiological properties and their hyperpolarizing responses to dopamine. Superfusion with dopamine (100 microM) caused hyperpolarization and a decrease of the apparent input resistance. By contrast, two structural analogues of ATP, 2-methylthio ATP (2-MeSATP; 10 microM) and alpha,beta-methylene ATP (alpha, beta-meATP; 30 microM) had no effect, when added to the superfusion medium. Pressure applied dopamine also hyperpolarized the membrane, while both 2-MeSATP and alpha,beta-meATP were ineffective. Hence, dopaminergic principal neurons of the VTA do not possess somatic P2 purinoceptors present on peripheral and central noradrenergic neurons.

Differential characterization of binding sites for adenine and uridine nucleotides in membranes from rat lung as possible tools for studying P2 receptors in lung

Nucleotide receptors (P2 receptors) are involved in stimulating Cl- secretion in airway epithelia. These receptors may play a key role in development of new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. However, the diversity of nucleotide binding sites in lung tissue has not yet been clarified. Here we studied the characteristics of various nucleotide binding sites in rat lung membranes by equilibrium binding analysis of several P2 receptor specific ligands. Displacement studies revealed a recognition site for adenosine 5'-O-(1-thiotriphosphate) ([35S]ATPalphaS; Kd 243 nM). From this site the ligand is readily displaced by adenosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (ADPbetaS), a typical agonist for P2Y1 receptors and also by alpha,beta-methylene adenosine 5'-triphosphate (alpha,beta-MeATP), a typical agonist for P2X receptors. [3H]alpha,beta-MeATP labelled specific binding sites (Kd 56 nM) in rat lung membranes. Analysis of binding of [3H]UTP to lung membranes revealed a high-affinity binding site (Kd 44 nM). Membrane-bound [3H]UTP was not displaced even by high concentrations of ATP, indicating no common binding site for UTP and ATP. Furthermore, specific binding of P-1,P-4-di(adenosine 5')tetraphosphate ([3H]Ap4A; Kd 91 nM) was found in lung membranes. Thus, we demonstrate at least four distinct types of nucleotide binding sites in lung membranes: Two have characteristics comparable to P2X and P2Y1 receptors, while two further sites still have to be identified, one binding Ap4A and the other binding UTP very specifically.

Role of ATP in fast excitatory synaptic potentials in locus coeruleus neurones of the rat

1. Intracellular recordings were made in a pontine slice preparation of the rat brain containing the nucleus locus coeruleus (LC). The pressure application of alpha,beta-methylene ATP (alpha,beta-meATP) caused reproducible depolarizations which were depressed by suramin (30 microM) and abolished by suramin (100 microM). Pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS; 10, 30 microM) also concentration-dependently inhibited the alpha,beta-meATP-induced depolarization, although with a much slower time-course than suramin. Almost complete inhibition developed with 30 microM PPADS. Reactive blue 2 (30 microM) did not alter the effect of alpha,beta-meATP, while reactive blue 2 (100 microM) slightly depressed it. 2. Pressure-applied (S)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) also depolarized LC neurones. Kynurenic acid (500 microM) depressed and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX; 50 microM) abolished the response to AMPA. Suramin (100 microM) potentiated the AMPA effect. 3. Pressure-applied noradrenaline hyperpolarized LC neurones. Suramin (100 microM) did not alter the effect of noradrenaline. 4. Focal electrical stimulation evoked biphasic synaptic potentials consisting of a fast depolarization (p.s.p.) followed by a slow hyperpolarization (i.p.s.p.). A mixture of D(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP-5; 50 microM), CNQX (50 microM) and picrotoxin (100 microM) depressed both the p.s.p. and the i.p.s.p. Under these conditions suramin (100 microM) markedly inhibited the p.s.p., but did not alter the i.p.s.p. In the combined presence of AP-5 (50 microM), CNQX (50 microM), picrotoxin (100 microM), strychnine (0.1 microM), tropisetron (0.5 microM) and hexamethonium (100 microM), a high concentration of suramin (300 microM) almost abolished the p.s.p. without changing the i.p.s.p. 5. In the presence of kynurenic acid (500 microM) and picrotoxin (100 microM), PPADS (30 microM) depressed the p.s.p. Moreover, the application of suramin (100 microM) to the PPADS (30 microM)-containing medium failed to cause any further inhibition. Neither PPADS (30 microM) nor suramin (100 microM) altered the i.p.s.p. 6. It was concluded that the cell somata of LC neurones are endowed with excitatory P2-purinoceptors. ATP may be released either as the sole transmitter from purinergic neurones terminating at the LC or as a co-transmitter of noradrenaline from recurrent axon collaterals or dendrites of the LC neurones themselves.

Receptors controlling transmitter release from sympathetic neurons in vitro

Primary cultures of postganglionic sympathetic neurons were established more than 30 years ago. More recently, these cultures have been used to characterize various neurotransmitter receptors that govern sympathetic transmitter release. These receptors may be categorized into at least three groups: (1) receptors which evoke transmitter release: (2) receptors which facilitate; (3) receptors which inhibit, depolarization-evoked release. Group (1) comprises nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, P2X purinoceptors and pyrimidinoceptors. Group (2) currently harbours beta-adrenoceptors, P2 purinoceptors, receptors for PACAP and VIP, as well as prostanoid EP1 receptors. In group (3), muscarinic cholinoceptors, alpha 2- and beta-adrenoceptors, P2 purinoceptors, and receptors for the neuropeptides NPY, somatostatin (SRIF1) and LHRH, as well as opioid (delta and kappa) receptors can be found. Receptors which regulate transmitter release from neurons in cell culture may be located either at the somatodendritic region or at the sites of exocytosis, i.e. the presynaptic specializations of axons. Most of the receptors that evoke release are located at the soma. There ionotropic receptors cause depolarizations to generate action potentials which then trigger Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis at axon terminals. The signalling mechanisms of metabotropic receptors which evoke release still remain to be identified. Receptors which facilitate depolarization-evoked release appear to be located preferentially at presynaptic sites and presumably act via an increase in cyclic AMP. Receptors which inhibit stimulation evoked release are also presynaptic origin and most commonly rely on a G protein-mediated blockade of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Results obtained with primary cell cultures of postganglionic sympathetic neurons have now supplemented previous data about neurotransmitter receptors involved in the regulation of ganglionic as well as sympatho-effector transmission. In the future, this technique may prove useful to identify yet unrecognized receptors which control the output of the sympathetic nervous system and to elucidate underlying signalling mechanisms.

P2-purinoceptors on postganglionic sympathetic neurones

1. Postganglionic sympathetic neurones possess both excitatory and inhibitory P2-purinoceptors. 2. The mechanisms of action of excitatory P2-purinoceptors have recently been studied on cultured sympathetic neurones of the rat. The receptors mediate fast increases in intracellular Ca2+ levels and a release of noradrenaline. They are likely to belong to the neuronal types of P2X-purinoceptors and to be located on the sympathetic nerve cell bodies or their dendrites. 3. Inhibitory P2-purinoceptors have been shown to operate at sympathetic axon terminals in isolated tissues. Adenine nucleotides decreased the stimulation-evoked release of noradrenaline by activation of these receptors. The receptors are likely to belong to the group of G-protein-coupled P2Y-purinoceptors. They mediate a negative feedback in which co-transmitter ATP inhibits subsequent sympathetic transmitter release.

Pharmacological characterization of P2 purinoceptor types in rat locus coeruleus neurons

The frequency of spontaneous action potentials of locus coeruleus neurons was recorded extracellularly in pontine slices of the rat brain. The adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) analogues alpha,beta-methylene ATP (alpha,beta-meATP) and 2-methylthio ATP increased the firing rate with a similar potency, while uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) was inactive. Diadenosine 5'-pentaphosphate (Ap5A), diadenosine 5'-tetraphosphate (Ap4A) and diadenosine 5'-triphosphate (Ap3A) all facilitated the firing. When equimolar concentrations were compared, Ap5A had the largest effect followed by Ap4A and Ap3A. Suramin markedly inhibited responses to alpha,beta-meATP and 2-methylthio ATP; the effect of Ap4A was only slightly depressed by suramin. Pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2,4-disulfonic acid (PPADS) strongly antagonized alpha, beta-meATP, but failed to alter the effects of 2-methylthio ATP and Ap4A. Reactive blue 2 weakly antagonized alpha,beta-meATP and did not interfere with 2-methylthio ATP and Ap4A. Moreover, suramin depressed responses to (S)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA), but not to substance P. PPADS failed to affect the AMPA- and NMDA-induced increases in firing. Hence, locus coeruleus neurons may possess receptors for adenosine nucleotides (P2X and P2Y purinoceptors) and dinucleotides (P2D purinoceptors); receptors for uridine nucleotides (P2U purinoceptors or pyrimidinoceptors) are probably absent.