Subtype determination of presynaptic alpha 2-autoreceptors in the rabbit pulmonary artery and human saphenous vein

Presynaptic Adrenoceptors

Presynaptic α2-adrenoceptors are localized on axon terminals of many noradrenergic and non-noradrenergic neurons in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Their activation by exogenous agonists leads to inhibition of the exocytotic release of noradrenaline and other transmitters from the neurons. Most often, the α2A-receptor subtype is involved in this inhibition. The chain of molecular events between receptor occupation and inhibition of the exocytotic release of transmitters has been determined. Physiologically released endogenous noradrenaline elicits retrograde autoinhibition of its own release. Some clonidine-like α2-receptor agonists have been used to treat hypertension. Dexmedetomidine is used for prolonged sedation in the intensive care; It also has a strong analgesic effect. The α2-receptor antagonist mirtazapine increases the noradrenaline concentration in the synaptic cleft by interrupting physiological autoinhibion of release. It belongs to the most effective antidepressive drugs. β2-Adrenoceptors are also localized on axon terminals in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Their activation leads to enhanced transmitter release, however, they are not activated by endogenous adrenaline.

Serotonin and beyond-a tribute to Manfred Göthert (1939-2019)

Manfred Göthert, who had served Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch Pharmacol as Managing Editor from 1998 to 2005, deceased in June 2019. His scientific oeuvre encompasses more than 20 types of presynaptic receptors, mostly on serotoninergic and noradrenergic neurones. He was the first to identify presynaptic receptors for somatostatin and ACTH and described many presynaptic receptors, known from animal preparations, also in human tissue. In particular, he elucidated the pharmacology of presynaptic 5-HT receptors. A second field of interest included ligand-gated and voltage-dependent channels. The negative allosteric effect of anesthetics at peripheral nACh receptors is relevant for the peripheral clinical effects of these drugs and modified the Meyer-Overton hypothesis. The negative allosteric effect of ethanol at NMDA receptors in human brain tissue occurred at concentrations found in the range of clinical ethanol intoxication. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of gabapentinoids on P/Q Ca2+ channels and the subsequent decrease in AMPA-induced noradrenaline release may contribute to their clinical effect. Another ligand-gated ion channel, the 5-HT3 receptor, attracted the interest of Manfred Göthert from the whole animal via isolated preparations down to the cellular level. He contributed to that molecular study in which 5-HT3 receptor subtypes were disclosed. Finally, he found altered pharmacological properties of 5-HT receptor variants like the Arg219Leu 5-HT1A receptor (which was also shown to be associated with major depression) and the Phe124Cys 5-HT1B receptor (which may be related to sumatriptan-induced vasospasm). Manfred Göthert was a brilliant scientist and his papers have a major impact on today's pharmacology.

Human presynaptic receptors

Presynaptic receptors are sites at which transmitters, locally formed mediators or hormones inhibit or facilitate the release of a given transmitter from its axon terminals. The interest in the identification of presynaptic receptors has faded in recent years and it may therefore be justified to give an overview of their occurrence in the autonomic and central nervous system; this review will focus on presynaptic receptors in human tissues. Autoreceptors are presynaptic receptors at which a given transmitter restrains its further release, though in some instances may also increase its release. Inhibitory autoreceptors represent a typical example of a negative feedback; they are tonically activated by the respective endogenous transmitter and/or are constitutively active. Autoreceptors also play a role under pathophysiological conditions, e.g. by limiting the massive noradrenaline release occurring during congestive heart failure. They can be used for therapeutic purposes; e.g., the α₂-adrenoceptor antagonist mirtazapine is used as an antidepressant and the inverse histamine H₃ receptor agonist pitolisant has been marketed as a new drug for the treatment of narcolepsy in 2016. Heteroreceptors are presynaptic receptors at which transmitters from adjacent neurons, locally formed mediators (e.g. endocannabinoids) or hormones (e.g. adrenaline) can inhibit or facilitate transmitter release; they may be subject to an endogenous tone. The constipating effect of the sympathetic nervous system or of the antihypertensive drug clonidine is related to the activation of inhibitory α₂-adrenoceptors on postganglionic parasympathetic neurons. Part of the stimulating effect of adrenaline on the sympathetic nervous system during stress is related to its facilitatory effect on noradrenaline release via β₂-adrenoceptors.

Investigation of neurotransmission in vas deferens from alpha(2A/D)-adrenoceptor knockout mice

1. We have investigated pre- and post-junctional responsiveness in vas deferens from wild-type and alpha(2A/D)-adrenoceptor knockout mice. The response to a single stimulus was not significantly different between wild-type and knock-out mice. The isometric contraction to 10 Hz stimulation for 4 s was significantly larger in vas deferens from knockout as compared with wild-type. 2. The maximum potentiation of 10 Hz stimulation-evoked contractions by yohimbine was to 206.2+/-38.0% of control in wild-type but to 135.8+/-13.6% of control in knockout. The alpha(2A/D)-adrenoceptor selective antagonist BRL 44408 significantly increased the 10 Hz stimulation-evoked contraction in wild-type but not knockout, and the reverse was true for the alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor selective antagonist spiroxatrine. The alpha(2B)-adrenoceptor antagonist imiloxan had no effect on the evoked contraction except at high concentrations, and only in wild-type. Following cocaine (3 microM) and BRL 44408 (1 microM), 10 Hz responses were similar in shape and maximum between wild-type and knock-out. 3. The alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist xylazine virtually abolished the early component of the contraction to 10 Hz stimulation in the presence of nifedipine (10 microM) in vas deferens from knockout mice in a way consistent with a change of receptor subtype but without clear evidence for a reduced receptor number. However, the late component of the contraction to 10 Hz stimulation was significantly potentiated by xylazine in tissues from knock-out mice. 4. It is concluded that, although non-alpha(2A/D)-adrenoceptors replace alpha(2D)-adrenoceptors in this knockout, the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist and antagonist data are contradictory. The antagonist data suggest a major loss of prejunctional alpha(2)-adrenoceptors, but this is not necessarily supported by the agonist data.

alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist properties of OPC-28326, a novel selective peripheral vasodilator

1. Antagonistic properties of OPC-28326 ([4-(N-methyl-2-phenylethylamino)-1-(3,5-dimethyl-4-propionyl-aminobenzoyl)] piperidine hydrochloride monohydrate), a selective peripheral vasodilator, were investigated by analysing the data from functional studies in various tissues from the rat and binding studies of the drug to alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtypes. 2. Using a human recombinant receptor and rat kidney cortex, we found that OPC-28326 displays affinities to alpha(2A)-, alpha(2B)- and alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors with K(i) values of 2040, 285, and 55 nM, respectively. The K(i) values of yohimbine for alpha(2A)-, alpha(2B)-, and alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors were 3.0, 2.0 and 11.0 nM, respectively. 3. B-HT 920, an alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist, produced a pressor response via peripheral postsynaptic alpha(2)-adrenoceptor stimulation (thought to be an alpha(2B)-subtype) in a reserpine-pretreated pithed rat preparation. OPC-28326 (3 - 30 mg kg(-1), i.v.) and yohimbine (0.3 - 3 mg kg(-1), i.v.) caused dose-dependent rightward shift in the pressor dose-response curve induced by B-HT 920. The apparent pA(2) values were 1.55 (0.87 - 2.75, 95% confidence interval) and 0.11 (0.06 - 0.21) mg kg(-1), respectively. The potency of OPC-28326 was about 14 times less than that of yohimbine. 4. Clonidine inhibited the tension developed by electrical stimulation, of the rat vas deferens, by its peripheral presynaptic alpha(2A/D)-adrenoceptor action. OPC-28326 (1 - 100 microM) and yohimbine (10 - 1000 nM) caused a rightward shift in the concentration-response curve of clonidine. The pA(2) values were 5.73 (5.54 - 5.91) and 7.92 (7.84 - 8.01), respectively, providing evidence for a potency of OPC-28326 of about 155 times less than that of yohimbine. 5. Mydriasis was induced by brimonidine via stimulation of central alpha(2A/D)-adrenoceptors in anaesthetized rats. Intravenous OPC-28326 had no effect on this action, even at a very high dose of 10 mg kg(-1) i.v., while yohimbine (0.1 - 0.3 mg kg(-1) i.v.) inhibited mydriasis in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that OPC-28326 was at least 100 times less potent than yohimbine in regard to the anti-mydriatic effect. 6. These data suggest that OPC-28326 preferentially exerts peripheral and postsynaptic antagonistic actions on the alpha(2B)- and alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor subtypes.

Alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes

Different studies have led to our present knowledge of the membrane receptors responsible for mediating the responses to the endogenous catecholamines. These receptors were initially differentiated into alpha - and beta-adrenoceptors. Alpha-adrenoceptors mediate most excitatory functions, and were in turn differentiated in the 1970s into alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors. The alpha(1)-adrenoceptor type usually mediates responses in the effector organ. The alpha(2)-adrenoceptor type is located presynaptically and regulates the release of the neurotransmitter but it is also present in postsynaptical locations. Both alpha-adrenoceptors are important for the control of vascular tone, but we now know that neither alpha(1)- nor alpha(2)-adrenoceptors constitute homogeneous groups. Each alpha-adrenoceptor type can be subdivided into different subtypes and in this review we have turned our attention to these. The alpha(1)- and the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtypes were previously defined pharmacologically by functional and binding studies, and later they were also isolated and identified using cloning methods. In fact, the study of alpha-adrenoceptors was revolutionized by the techniques of molecular biology which permitted us to establish the present classification. The present classification of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors stands as follows: alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor subtype (cloned alpha(1c) and redesignated alpha(1a/c)), alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor subtype (cloned alpha(1b)) and alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor subtype (cloned alpha(1d) and redesignated alpha(1a/d)). It has not been easy to establish the distribution of these alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtypes in the various organs and tissues, or to define the functional response mediated by each one in the different species studied. Nevertheless it seems that the alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor subtype is more implicated in the maintenance of vascular basal tone and of arterial blood pressure in conscious animals, and the alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor subtype participates more in responses to exogenous agonists. It has also been observed that the expression of the alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor subtype can be modified in pathological situations and particular attention has been paid to the regulation of expression of this receptor. The present classification of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors stands as follows: alpha(2A/D)-adrenoceptor subtype (today it is accepted that the alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor subtype and the alpha(2D)-adrenoceptor subtype are the same receptor but they were identified in different species: the alpha(2A) in human and the alpha(2D) in rat); alpha(2B)-adrenoceptor subtype (cloned alpha(2b)) and alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor subtype (cloned alpha(2c)). Today we know that the alpha(2A/D)- and alpha(2B)-adrenoceptor subtypes in particular control arterial contraction, and that the alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor subtype is responsible above all for venous vasoconstriction. We also know that the alpha(2 A/D)-adrenoceptor subtype fundamentally mediates the central effects of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonists. Despite the validity of the above-mentioned classification of the alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors, it seems clear that the contractions of a large number of tissues including smooth muscle are mediated by more than one alpha-adrenoceptor subtype. Moreover, few ligands recognise only one alpha-adrenoceptor subtype and the lack of specifity in the different drugs for each one limits their administration in vivo and their therapeutic use.

Prejunctional actions of methylenedioxymethamphetamine in vas deferens from wild-type and alpha(2A/D)-adrenoceptor knockout mice

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy') has major agonist actions at prejunctional alpha(2A/D)-adrenoceptors in the rat. We wished to establish whether MDMA has potency at more than one subtype of alpha(2)-adrenoceptor, in line with affinity in ligand-binding studies. We have investigated the effects of MDMA in vas deferens from wild-type and from knockout mice lacking the alpha(2A/D)-adrenoceptor. The potency of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist xylazine at inhibiting stimulation-evoked contractions to a single stimulus in the presence of cocaine was significantly reduced in knockout (pD(2) of 8.27+/-0.07, -log M, n=4) as compared with wild-type mice (8.69+/-0.08, n=4, P<0.05), whereas potency of MDMA was unchanged (5.39+/-0.06, n=4 versus 5.38+/-0.06, n=6). Similar differences between xylazine and MDMA were seen for responses to stimulation at 10 Hz for 4 s. In studies of mouse atria pre-incubated with (3)H-noradrenaline, the stimulation-evoked release of tritium was inhibited to a similar extent by MDMA (10 microM) in tissues from wild-type and knockout mice. The prejunctional alpha(2A/D)-adrenoceptor is reported to be replaced by the alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor in this knockout mouse, so that we have evidence that suggests that MDMA has similar potencies at both subtypes in functional studies.

Two functionally distinct alpha2-adrenergic receptors regulate sympathetic neurotransmission

The sympathetic nervous system regulates cardiovascular function by activating adrenergic receptors in the heart, blood vessels and kidney. Alpha2-adrenergic receptors are known to have a critical role in regulating neurotransmitter release from sympathetic nerves and from adrenergic neurons in the central nervous system; however, the individual roles of the three highly homologous alpha2-adrenergic-receptor subtypes (alpha2A, alpha2B, alpha2C) in this process are not known. We have now studied neurotransmitter release in mice in which the genes encoding the three alpha2-adrenergic-receptor subtypes were disrupted. Here we show that both the alpha2A- and alpha2C-subtypes are required for normal presynaptic control of transmitter release from sympathetic nerves in the heart and from central noradrenergic neurons. Alpha2A-adrenergic receptors inhibit transmitter release at high stimulation frequencies, whereas the alpha2C-subtype modulates neurotransmission at lower levels of nerve activity. Both low- and high-frequency regulation seem to be physiologically important, as mice lacking both alpha2A- and alpha2C-receptor subtypes have elevated plasma noradrenaline concentrations and develop cardiac hypertrophy with decreased left ventricular contractility by four months of age.

Alpha2A- but not alpha2B/C-adrenoceptors modulate noradrenaline release in rat locus coeruleus: voltammetric data

In this study, we used subtype-selective antagonists to determine the subtype of alpha2-adrenoceptor controlling noradrenaline release in rat locus coeruleus. Noradrenaline release was measured in locus coeruleus slices using fast cyclic voltammetry at carbon fibre microelectrodes. On long stimulation trains (40 pulses, 20 Hz), the alpha2A-adrenoceptor selective antagonist BRL 44408 (2-[2H-(1-methyl-1,3-dihydroisoindole) methyl]-4,5-dihydroimidazole) at 100 nM and 1 microM significantly increased stimulated noradrenaline release, whereas the alpha2B/C-selective antagonist ARC 239 (2-[2[4-(o-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl] ethyl]-4,4dimethyl-1,3-(2H,4H)-isoquinolinedione) at 50 and 500 nM had no effect. On short stimuli (20 pulses, 200 Hz), the non-specific alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist dexmedetomidine (10 nM) significantly decreased noradrenaline release, an effect reversed by BRL 44408 (1 microM) but not by ARC 239 (500 nM). These data demonstrate that autoreceptor control of noradrenaline release in the locus coeruleus is mediated by alpha2A but not alpha2B/C-adrenoceptors.

Subtypes of functional alpha1- and alpha2-adrenoceptors

In this review, subtypes of functional alpha1- and alpha2-adrenoceptors are discussed. These are cell membrane receptors, belonging to the seven transmembrane spanning G-protein-linked family of receptors, which respond to the physiological agonists noradrenaline and adrenaline. Alpha1-adrenoceptors can be divided into alpha1A-, alpha1B- and alpha1D-adrenoceptors, all of which mediate contractile responses involving Gq/11 and inositol phosphate turnover. A 4th alpha1-adrenoceptor, the alpha1L-, has been postulated to mediate contractions in some tissues, but its relationship to cloned receptors remains to be established. Alpha2-adrenoceptors can be divided into alpha2A-, alpha2B- and alpha2C-adrenoceptors, all of which mediate contractile responses. Prejunctional inhibitory alpha2-adrenoceptors are predominantly of the alpha2A-adrenoceptor subtype (the alpha2D-adrenoceptor is a species orthologue), although alpha2C-adrenoceptors may also occur prejunctionally. Although alpha2-adrenoceptors are linked to inhibition of adenylate cyclase, this may not be the primary signal in causing smooth muscle contraction; likewise, prejunctional inhibitory actions probably involve restriction of Ca2+ entry or opening of K+ channels. Receptor knock-out mice are beginning to refine our knowledge of the functions of alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes.

Rilmenidine reveals differences in the pharmacological characteristics of prejunctional alpha2-adrenoceptors in the guinea-pig, rat and pig

1. The alpha2A and alpha2D-adrenoceptor subtypes are thought to be species homologs most easily differentiated on the basis of the potency of antagonists. In the present study we have compared the effect of rilmenidine with two other selective alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists, UK-14304 (5-bromo-6- [2-imidazolin-2-ylamino]-quinoxaline) and clonidine, against electrically-evoked contractions in five isolated preparations from the rat, guinea-pig and pig, and, where possible, determined the receptor subtype involved. 2. UK-14034, clonidine and rilmenidine produced concentration-dependent inhibition of the electrically-evoked contractions of the rat isolated vas deferens and tail artery and the guinea-pig ileum. These inhibitory effects were reversed by the selective alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, RX-811058 (1 microM), except in the rat tail artery preparations where the remaining neurogenic response was inhibited; evidence for the involvement of 'innervated' alpha2-adrenoceptors. Both clonidine and UK-14304 produced concentration-dependent inhibition of responses in the porcine isolated tail artery and urinary bladder but clonidine was markedly less efficacious in these preparations. In contrast, rilmenidine failed to inhibit the neurogenic contractions in either preparation. 3. Although rilmenidine failed to elicit a detectable response in either the porcine isolated tail artery or urinary bladder, it (10 microM and 30 microM, respectively) competitively antagonised the inhibitory effects of UK-14304 with an estimated dissociation constant of (pK(B)) 5.82 and 5.93, respectively. 4. Prazosin (1 microM) failed to alter the effect of UK-14304 against neurogenic contractions in the porcine isolated urinary bladder, while rauwolscine (pK(B) 8.87) was 10 fold more potent than phentolamine (pK(B) 7.56). On the other hand, phentolamine (pK(B) 8.42) was only marginally more potent than rauwolscine (pK 8.05) against clonidine-induced inhibition of electrically-evoked contractions of the guinea-pig isolated ileum. This pharmacological evidence with antagonists supports the presence of alpha2D-adrenoceptors in the rat and guinea-pig and the alpha2A-adrenoceptors in the pig. 5. We have demonstrated that rilmenidine, unlike clonidine and UK-14304, is devoid of any agonist activity at prejunctional alpha2A-adrenoceptors in the pig, but is an efficacious agonist at alpha2D-adrenoceptors in the rat and guinea-pig.

Mechanical properties of human saphenous veins from normotensive and hypertensive patients

BACKGROUND

Different reactivities of saphenous vein grafts in hypertensive and normotensive patients could lead to differences in the postoperative patency of the grafts.

METHODS

In saphenous vein rings isolated from remnants of aorta-coronary grafts obtained from hypertensive and normotensive patients we studied the length-tension relationship; response to high levels of potassium, norepinephrine, and epinephrine; and relaxation in response to calcium deprivation.

RESULTS

The rings from hypertensive patients were stiffer and developed more force (grams force/grams weight) than the rings from normotensive subjects to 80 mmol/L potassium (59+/-16 versus 25+/-5, p < 0.05) and to 1 micromol/L norepinephrine (61+/-8 versus 36+/-7, p < 0.05), but not to 10 micromol/L epinephrine (57+/-11 and 54+/-11; not significant). The rings from hypertensive patients relaxed more slowly than those of the normotensive subjects in a calcium-free medium (time to half-relaxation of 976+/-180 versus 548+/-81 seconds; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The saphenous vein from hypertensive patients is less distensible, slower to relax, and more reactive to at least two agonists. These differences could influence the graft's patency and the clinical outcome.

Characteristics of adrenoceptors in the human radial artery: clinical implications

OBJECTIVES

The radial artery has been suggested to be spastic. Endogenous and exogenous catecholamines and the use of beta-blockers may be related to radial artery spasm, but the characteristics of adrenoceptors in this artery are unknown. This study was designed to characterize the alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor in the human radial artery.

METHODS

Ring segments of the radial artery (n = 59) taken from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were studied in organ chambers. Alpha-adrenoceptor agonists (norepinephrine, methoxamine, and UK14304) and antagonists (phentolamine hydrochloride [INN: phentolamine], prazosin, and yohimbine) were used to characterize the alpha-adrenoceptor. Beta-adrenoceptor function was studied in U46619-precontracted rings in response to isoproterenol (INN: isoprenaline).

RESULTS

Norepinephrine induced 6.9 +/- 0.6 gm (80.6% +/- 6.8% of the contraction by 100 mmol/L KCl), and this was almost fully inhibited by phentolamine hydrochloride (10 micromol/L, p < 0.0001). The contraction force induced by methoxamine (2.9 +/- 0.8 gm) was abolished by 0.5 micromol/L prazosin (p = 0.017). The contraction force induced by UK14304 (1.7 +/- 0.4 gm) was abolished by 1 micromol/L yohimbine. In contrast to the porcine coronary artery used as the control (fully relaxed to isoproterenol), radial artery rings did not have significant relaxation (1.1% +/- 0.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

The human radial artery is an alpha-adrenoceptor-dominant artery with little beta-adrenoceptor function. The use of beta-blockers will not likely evoke the spasm of the radial artery. Furthermore, the radial artery has a dominant alpha1-adrenoceptor function, but the postjunctional alpha2-adrenoceptor is also functional. Circulating catecholamines will mainly contract the human radial artery by activation of the alpha1-adrenoceptors and to a lesser extent also by alpha2-adrenoceptors.

Adrenoceptor- and cholinoceptor-mediated mechanisms in the regulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine release from isolated tracheae of newborn rabbits

1. Isolated tracheae of newborn rabbits were incubated in vitro and the outflow of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was determined by h.p.l.c. with electrochemical detection. Evidence has previously been provided that this 5-HT outflow derives from neuroendocrine epithelial (NEE) cells of the airway mucosa. 2. Phenylephrine (1, 10 and 30 microM) enhanced the outflow of 5-HT by 80, 290 and 205%, respectively. 5-HT outflow evoked by 10 microM phenylephrine was not affected by the presence of the neurotoxin tetrodotoxin (1 microM). 3. Rauwolscine, ARC 239 (an alpha(2B)-adrenoceptor preferring antagonist), yohimbine and prazosin antagonized the effect of 10 microM phenylephrine in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 150, 295, 300 and 1,700 nM, respectively. Comparison of the ratios (between all antagonists) of the present IC50 values with the corresponding ratios of Ki values obtained in binding studies for the alpha(2A)-, alpha(2B)-, alpha(2C)- and alpha(2D)-adrenoceptor subtypes strongly suggests the involvement of an alpha(2B)-receptor. 4. 5-HT outflow evoked by 10 microM phenylephrine was inhibited by 65% in the presence of 1 microM forskolin and abolished in the presence of 10 microM forskolin. 5. 5-HT outflow evoked by 10 microM phenylephrine was inhibited by about 45 and 70% in the presence of 0.1 and 1 microM isoprenaline, respectively. The inhibitory effect of 1 microM isoprenaline was only marginally antagonized by 1 microM, but blocked by 10 microM propranolol. 6. 5-HT outflow was not affected by the muscarine receptor agonist oxotremorine (10 microM), but was enhanced by 175% by 100 microM nicotine. The effect of nicotine was blocked by 100 microM hexamethonium and prevented by 1 microM tetrodotoxin or 1 microM yohimbine. 7. In conclusion, 5-HT release from NEE cells of the rabbit trachea is stimulated via alpha-adrenoceptors most likely of the alpha(2B)-subtype localized directly at the NEE cells. Activation of beta-adrenoceptors as well as direct activation of adenylyl cyclase by forskolin exert inhibitory effects on 5-HT release. Activation of nicotinic, but not of muscarinic receptors, also evokes the release of 5-HT. However, the effect of nicotine appears to be mediated indirectly via the release of noradrenaline.

Presynaptic alpha 2-autoreceptors in mouse heart atria: evidence for the alpha 2D subtype

Presynaptic alpha 2-autoreceptors in mouse atria were characterized in terms of the alpha 2A, alpha 2B, alpha 2C and alpha 2D subtypes. Segments of the atria were preincubated with 3H-noradrenaline and then superfused and stimulated electrically. The affinity of up to 16 antagonists for the autoreceptors was assessed as (1) pEC30% values. i.e. concentrations that increased previously autoinhibited release of 3H-noradrenaline (120 pulses, 3 Hz) by 30%, and (2) pKd values against the release-inhibiting effect of 5-bromo-6-(2-imidazolin-2-ylamino)-quinoxaline (UK 14,304) under conditions of no or little autoinhibition (2 trains of 20 pulses, 50 Hz, train interval 120 s). The pKd values correlated well with the pEC30% values (r = 0.98; P < 0.001; slope of regression line 0.93), indicating that UK 14,304 and released noradrenaline modulated the release of noradrenaline through pharmacologically identical receptors. Comparison with antagonist affinities for (1) prototypic native alpha 2 radioligand binding sites, (2) radioligand binding sites in COS cells transfected with alpha 2 subtype genes, and (3) previously classified presynaptic alpha 2-autoreceptors-all taken from the literature-indicated that the mouse atrial autoreceptors corresponded to the alpha 2D subtype. For example, the pKd values at mouse atrial auto-receptors correlated closely with pKd values at native alpha 2D binding sites in the bovine pineal gland (r = 0.96; P < 0.001); with pKd values at alpha 2D binding sites in COS cells transfected with the rat alpha 2D gene (r = 0.85; P < 0.01); and with pKd values at guinea-pig cerebral and atrial and mouse cerebral alpha 2D-autoreceptors (r = 0.96-0.98; P < 0.001). The antagonist pKd values at mouse atrial autoreceptors correlated less with pKd values at alpha 2A, alpha 2B and alpha 2C sites. It is concluded that the presynaptic alpha 2-autoreceptors in mouse atria are alpha 2D. This identification supports the hypothesis that at least the majority of alpha 2-autoreceptors belong to the alpha 2A/D pair of orthologous alpha 2-adrenoceptors.