Cellular localization of cyclic nucleotide changes in rat superior cervical ganglion

Ganglionic GFAP + glial Gq-GPCR signaling enhances heart functions in vivo

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) accelerates heart rate, increases cardiac contractility, and constricts resistance vessels. The activity of SNS efferent nerves is generated by a complex neural network containing neurons and glia. Gq G protein-coupled receptor (Gq-GPCR) signaling in glial fibrillary acidic protein-expressing (GFAP⁺) glia in the central nervous system supports neuronal function and regulates neuronal activity. It is unclear how Gq-GPCR signaling in GFAP⁺ glia affects the activity of sympathetic neurons or contributes to SNS-regulated cardiovascular functions. In this study, we investigated whether Gq-GPCR activation in GFAP⁺ glia modulates the regulatory effect of the SNS on the heart; transgenic mice expressing Gq-coupled DREADD (designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs) (hM3Dq) selectively in GFAP⁺ glia were used to address this question in vivo. We found that acute Gq-GPCR activation in peripheral GFAP⁺ glia significantly accelerated heart rate and increased left ventricle contraction. Pharmacological experiments suggest that the glial-induced cardiac changes were due to Gq-GPCR activation in satellite glial cells within the sympathetic ganglion; this activation led to increased norepinephrine (NE) release and beta-1 adrenergic receptor activation within the heart. Chronic glial Gq-GPCR activation led to hypotension in female Gfap-hM3Dq mice. This study provides direct evidence that Gq-GPCR activation in peripheral GFAP⁺ glia regulates cardiovascular functions in vivo.

Satellite glial cells in sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia: in search of function

Glial cells are established as essential for many functions of the central nervous system, and this seems to hold also for glial cells in the peripheral nervous system. The main type of glial cells in most types of peripheral ganglia - sensory, sympathetic, and parasympathetic - is satellite glial cells (SGCs). These cells usually form envelopes around single neurons, which create a distinct functional unit consisting of a neuron and its attending SGCs. This review presents the knowledge on the morphology of SGCs in sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia, and the (limited) available information on their physiology and pharmacology. It appears that SGCs carry receptors for ATP and can thus respond to the release of this neurotransmitter by the neurons. There is evidence that SGCs have an uptake mechanism for GABA, and possibly other neurotransmitters, which enables them to control the neuronal microenvironment. Damage to post- or preganglionic nerve fibers influences both the ganglionic neurons and the SGCs. One major consequence of postganglionic nerve section is the detachment of preganglionic nerve terminals, resulting in decline of synaptic transmission. It appears that, at least in sympathetic ganglia, SGCs participate in the detachment process, and possibly in the subsequent recovery of the synaptic connections. Unlike sensory neurons, neurons in autonomic ganglia receive synaptic inputs, and SGCs are in very close contact with synaptic boutons. This places the SGCs in a position to influence synaptic transmission and information processing in autonomic ganglia, but this topic requires much further work.

Neuronal vulnerability in mouse models of Huntington's disease: membrane channel protein changes

Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by a polyglutamine expansion that results in atrophy of the striatum and frontal cortex during disease progression. HD-susceptible striatal neurons are affected chronologically with initial degeneration of the striatopallidal neurons then the striatonigral projections, whereas large aspiny striatal interneurons (LAN) survive. Two classes of critical membrane proteins were evaluated in transgenic mouse models to determine their association with HD susceptibility, which leads to dysfunction and death in selected striatal neuron populations. We examined potassium (K+) channel protein subunits that form membrane ionophores conducting inwardly and outwardly rectifying K+ currents. K+ channel protein staining was diminished substantially in the HD striatal projection neurons but was not expressed in the HD-resistant LAN. Because loss of K+ channel subunits depolarizes neurons, other voltage-gated ionophores will be affected. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and their phosphorylation by cyclic AMP were studied as a mechanism contributing to excitotoxic vulnerability in striatal projection neurons that would lose voltage regulation after diminished K+ channels. NR1 subunits showed significant elevation in the HD transgenic projection systems but were expressed at very low levels in LAN. NR1 subunit phosphorylation by cyclic AMP also was enhanced in striatal projection neurons but not in LAN. Cyclic AMP-driven phosphorylation of NMDA receptors increases the channel open time and elevates neuronal glutamate responsiveness, which may lead to excitotoxicity. Together our data suggest that changes in these proteins and their modification may predispose striatal projection neurons to dysfunction and then degeneratation in HD and provide a mechanism for LAN resistance in the disease.

Striatal neurochemical changes in transgenic models of Huntington's disease

Transgenic mouse models of Huntington's disease (HD) were examined following the onset of overt behavioral symptoms. The HD transgenic mice demonstrated profound striatal losses in D1, D2, and D3 dopamine (DA) receptor proteins in comparison with their nonsymptomatic, age-matched littermate controls. In parallel, a robust increase in the striatal D5 DA receptor subtype occurred in the transgenic compared with the wild-type control mice. This receptor elevation was accompanied by heightened cyclic AMP levels, which may be induced by the adenylyl cyclase-linked D5 receptor. This is a unique result; normal striatal D5 protein levels are modest and not thought to contribute substantially to cyclic AMP-mediated DA signaling mechanisms. Simple compensatory up-regulation of D5 DA receptors in response to D1 receptor subtype loss does not explain our findings, because genetic inactivation of the D1 DA receptor does not alter levels of D5 DA receptor expression. Immunofluorescent detection of tyrosine hydroxylase showed that nigrostriatal DA containing terminals were reduced, further supporting that disturbances in DA signaling occurred in HD transgenic models. The substance P-containing striatal efferent pathway was more resistant to the HD mutation than met-enkephalin-producing striatal projection neurons in the transgenics, based on neuropeptide immunofluorescent staining. Analogous findings in multiple transgenic models suggest that these changes are due to the presence of the transgene and are not dependent on its composition, promotor elements, or mouse strain background. These findings suggest modifications in the striatal DA system and that its downstream signaling through cyclic AMP mechanisms is disrupted severely in HD following onset of motor symptoms.

A model for pleiotropic muscarinic potentiation of fast synaptic transmission

The predominant form of muscarinic excitation in the forebrain and in sympathetic ganglia arises from m1 receptors coupled to the G(q/11) signal transduction pathway. Functional components of this system have been most completely mapped in frog sympathetic B neurons. Presynaptic stimulation of the B neuron produces a dual-component muscarinic excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) mediated by suppression of voltage-dependent M-type K(+) channels and activation of a voltage-insensitive cation current. Evidence from mammalian systems suggests that the cation current is mediated by cyclic GMP-gated channels. This paper describes the use of a computational model to analyze the consequences of pleiotropic muscarinic signaling for synaptic integration. The results show that the resting potential of B neurons is a logarithmic function of the leak conductance over a broad range of experimentally observable conditions. Small increases (<4 nS) in the muscarinically regulated cation conductance produce potent excitatory effects. Damage introduced by intracellular recording can mask the excitatory effect of the muscarinic leak current. Synaptic activation of the leak conductance combines synergistically with suppression of the M-conductance (40 --> 20 nS) to strengthen fast nicotinic transmission. Overall, this effect can more than double synaptic strength, as measured by the ability of a fast nicotinic EPSP to trigger an action potential. Pleiotropic muscarinic excitation can also double the temporal window of summation between subthreshold nicotinic EPSPs and thereby promote firing. Activation of a chloride leak or suppression of a K(+) leak can substitute for the cation conductance in producing excitatory muscarinic actions. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for synaptic integration in sympathetic ganglia and other circuits.

Nerve-induced release of nitric oxide exerts dual effects on nicotinic transmission within the coeliac ganglion in the rabbit

The involvement of nitric oxide in the modulation of nicotinic activation was investigated in vitro in isolated rabbit coeliac ganglion. The electrical activity of the ganglionic neurons was recorded using intracellular recording techniques. When a train of pulses of supramaximum intensity was applied to the splanchnic nerves, gradual depression of fast nicotinic activation occurred: the pulses do not systematically elicit action potentials, but very often elicit excitatory postsynaptic potentials only. This phenomenon appeared between 15 and 20 Hz and increased with the frequency of stimulation. It was not related to any change in the membrane potential of the ganglionic neurons. For a given frequency, the depression appeared progressively and it was particularly strong at the end of the train. The use of pharmacological agents that interfere with the nitric oxide pathway, such as L-arginine (precursor of nitric oxide), D-arginine (non-precursor of nitric oxide) N(omega_-nitro-L-arginine and N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase), and 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (nitric oxide scavenger), demonstrated that nitric oxide modulated this depression phenomenon by exerting a dual effect on the nicotinic activation, i.e. facilitation or inhibition. Agents interfering with the guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate pathway, such as oxadiazolo[4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (selective inhibitor of the nitric oxide-activated soluble guanylate cyclase) and zaprinast (selective inhibitor of the phosphodiesterases involved in the guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate pathway) demonstrated that only the facilitatory effect of nitric oxide on the nicotinic activation was mediated through the guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate pathway. The mechanism sustaining the inhibitory effect remains to be determined. By modulating the nicotinic activation, nitric oxide plays a role in the integrative properties of the prevertebral ganglia. This opens new perspectives with regard to the control of visceral functions by the prevertebral level of regulation.

Agonist-induced morphologic decrease in cellular D1A dopamine receptor staining

The distribution of D1A dopamine (DA) receptor proteins was assessed by using subtype specific antireceptor antisera after acute DA exposure. The immunofluorescent staining of D1A DA receptor protein expression was examined in (1) stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, (2) primary striatal cell cultures, and (3) rat striatal brain slices. After agonist exposure as brief as 2 min and as long as 60 min, profound loss of immunofluorescent D1A receptor protein staining occurred in each paradigm. Additionally in the tissue slice, immunofluorescent neuropil staining for the receptor protein also was attenuated. The DA-induced alteration in receptor protein staining was blocked by the antagonist (+)-butaclamol and by the selective D1-family antagonist SCH 23390. Receptor staining patterns reverted back to the control immunofluorescent distribution within 15 min after removing the agonist from the bath. Immunofluorescence for the second-messenger cyclic AMP increased at all DA exposure times in the three experimental paradigms, was blocked by D1-family antagonists, and decreased to basal staining after brief recovery periods. This demonstrated the functional integrity of the D1A receptor in target cells. Pretreatment with the mitogenic plant lectin concanavalin A blocked the immunofluorescent decrease in receptor staining but not the elevation of the second messenger, indicating a morphologic distinction in these two events, parallel to other biochemical reports. The data suggested that a morphologic basis of acute homologous D1A DA receptor desensitization may be transposition of membrane-surface receptors to a transiently unavailable, intracellular compartment. This finding is supported by specific fluorescence incorporation of FM1-43, used as a marker of endocytosis, in CHO cells treated with DA.

Histochemical detection of age- and injury-related changes in signal transduction in the superior cervical ganglion

The superior cervical ganglion (SCG) is thought to be a good model for correlation studies of morphology, function and metabolism of neurons. The SCG has a relatively simple organization, it can be easily manipulated in situ, and it maintains synaptic transmission and a high metabolic rate during in vitro incubations. The histology and structure of SCG neurons have been characterized in detail, and physiologic stimuli, injury and aging have all been found to induce changes in the SCG morphology. During the last decade, research in the field of signal transduction has greatly expanded. Several signal transduction pathways have been identified that participate in the regulation of neurotransmitter synthesis, gene expression, neuronal excitability and growth factor responses of sympathetic neurons. We have been interested in using the SCG to study some of the second and third messengers involved in converting external stimuli received by sympathetic neurons into cellular short- and long-term events. Using immunohistochemistry, we have investigated protein kinase C-subtypes and the immediate early gene product Fos in the SCG, and characterized some of the changes induced by injury and aging in these messenger molecules. We will review the results and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using histological methods in the study of signal transduction in sympathetic neurons.

Developmental and activity-dependent changes in K+ currents in satellite glial cells in mouse superior cervical ganglion

Voltage-gated K+ currents were recorded from freshly dissociated satellite glial cells wrapping around ganglion cells in mouse superior cervical ganglion (SCG) by whole-cell recordings of patch clamp techniques. Both inward and outward K+ currents during membrane hyperpolarization and depolarization were observed in these glial cells. The current-voltage relation of these K+ currents became almost linear in cells obtained more than 4 weeks after birth. The magnitude of the density of inward K+ currents, which were elicited during membrane hyperpolarization and were eliminated by external barium, progressively increased during the first month after birth. This developmental increase in the magnitude of inward K+ current density was not affected by decentralization of SCG done by transection of cervical sympathetic trunk (CST) 5 days after birth. In adult mice, the magnitude of the inward K+ current density decreased after chronic conduction blockade of CST by local application of tetrodotoxin. On the other hand, the magnitude of the inward K+ current density increased after daily intraperitoneal injection of reserpine and this increase was abolished by pre-treatment of decentralization of SCG. These results suggested that preganglionic innervation was not prerequisite for developmental increase in the inward K+ currents and preganglionic neuronal activity upregulates the inward K+ currents in adult mice. Neuronal regulation of glial K+ channel expression would assist in K+ clearance from periganglionic space to maintain neuronal activity.

Schwann cell ATP-mediated calcium increases in vitro and in situ are dependent on contact with neurons

Schwann cells freshly isolated from the sciatic nerves of neonatal rats respond to exogenously applied ATP with a rapid increase in cytosolic calcium. This increase in [Ca2+]i is mediated by a P2Y-purinergic pathway (Lyons et al.: J. Neurochem. 63:552-560, 1994) and was measured using the calcium indicator dye, fura-2/AM, and a video-enhanced calcium imaging system. The ability to respond to ATP with increases in intracellular calcium is lost over a period of several days in culture; this loss can be prevented or reversed by application of cAMP analogs in a defined medium. We now demonstrate that the direct contact of Schwann cells with neurons also induces and stabilizes this ATP responsiveness. The induction of ATP responsiveness was observed among all Schwann cells contacting neurites, including those forming myelin, and regardless of whether the source of neurons was dorsal root ganglion neurons or superior cervical ganglion neurons. Approximately 85% of Schwann cells responded to ATP over the time studied (72 d in coculture). Addition of axolemma to Schwann cell cultures did not induce ATP responsiveness. We also examined the ATP responsiveness of Schwann cells in situ (excised nerves) using laser-scanning confocal microscopy and the calcium indicator dye, fluo-3/AM. Schwann cells in intact sciatic nerve segments isolated from neonatal and 16-day-old rats exhibited ATP-mediated [Ca2+]i increases. We conclude that neuronal contact is necessary for the expression of the ATP-mediated calcium responses in Schwann cells and that these responses are independent of myelin formation or maintenance.

Sympathetic preganglionic neurons contain nitric oxide synthase and project to the superior cervical ganglion: combined application of retrograde neuronal tracer and NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry

Nitric Oxide (NO), which was initially identified as an endothelium-derived relaxing factor, has recently been demonstrated to be a neuronal messenger in central and peripheral nervous systems. In the present study, we examined the possibility of NO producing neurons in teh intermediolateral (IML) cell collum of the thoracic spinal cord (Th) project to the superior cervical ganglion (SCG). First, we observed the NADPH-diaphorase-positive/nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-immunoreactive neurons of the IML and the dorsal part of the central canal at the level of Th1-Th3, and numerous fiber-stainings in the superior cervical ganglion. Second, after injecting WGA-HRP (wheat germ agglutinin-horse radish peroxidase complex), a retrograde neuronal tracer, into the SCG, and developing WGA-immunohistochemistry and the NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry in the same sections, we detected double-labeled neurons in the IML. These findings provide evidence that sympathetic preganglionic NO producing neurons directly innervate to the SCG.

The effect of nitric oxide on the efficacy of synaptic transmission through the chick ciliary ganglion

1. The effect of nitric oxide on the efficacy of synaptic transmission in the chick ciliary ganglion of post-hatched birds has been determined by use of the size of the postganglionic compound action potential resulting from chemical transmission through the ganglion as a measure of synaptic efficacy. 2. Sodium nitroprusside (100 microM) increased the synaptic efficacy by an average 26%. This is likely to be due to its ability to release nitric oxide, as potassium ferricyanide (100 microM) did not cause a potentiation. Sodium azide (100 microM), shown in sympathetic ganglia to stimulate production of cyclic GMP, did not modulate synaptic efficacy significantly. 3. 8-Br-cyclic-GMP (100 microM) increased synaptic efficacy by an average 61%. The addition of 8-Br-cyclic-AMP (100 microM) had less effect, increasing transmission by on average 46%. 4. The nitric oxide synthase blocker, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 microM) was added prior to the tetanic stimulation of the preganglionic nerves at 30 Hz for 20 s, a procedure known to produce both post-tetanic potentiation and long-term potentiation of synaptic transmission through the ganglion. L-NAME reduced the long-term potentiation by an average of 47% but did not significantly change the post-tetanic potentiation. 5. Following the brief application of 8-Br-cyclic AMP, 8-Br-cyclic GMP and sodium nitroprusside there was an enhancement of the efficacy of synaptic transmission that persisted after the withdrawal of the drugs. The maximum increase in synaptic efficacy following the brief addition of 8-Br-cyclic GMP was 116%, sodium nitroprusside was 110% and 8-Br-cyclic AMP was 126%.6. These results suggest that nitric oxide modulates synaptic transmission through the ganglion by acting on an endogenous guanylate cyclase that produces cyclic GMP.

Beta-adrenergic-agonist stimulated taurine release from astroglial cells is modulated by extracellular [K+] and osmolarity

Astroglial cells are known to release taurine in response to stimulation by a variety of stimuli including beta-adrenergic receptor agonists such as isoproterenol (IPR). The effects of changing osmolarity and extracellular [K+] on IPR-stimulated taurine release were studied with LRM55 cells, a continuous astroglial cell line. IPR-stimulated taurine release decreased almost 8% for each 1% increase in osmolarity, indicating that IPR-stimulated release is highly regulated by the osmolarity of the medium. IPR-stimulated taurine release was greatly enhanced when external [K+] was increased isosmotically by substituting KCl for NaCl but was strongly suppressed when external [K+] was increased hyperosmotically by adding KCl to the medium. Both IPR-stimulated and K(+)-stimulated taurine release depended on external [Cl-]; IPR-stimulated release declined approximately in parallel to K(+)-stimulated release as [Cl-] in the medium was reduced. The high sensitivity of IPR-stimulated release to factors that change cell volume (osmolarity, external [K+], external [Cl-]) is consistent with the idea that IPR, elevated [K+], and reduced osmolarity all elicit taurine release via a single tension-controlled mechanism.

Distribution of NADPH-diaphorase activity in rat paravertebral, prevertebral and pelvic sympathetic ganglia

Paravertebral (superior cervical and stellate), prevertebral (coeliac-superior mesenteric, inferior mesenteric) and pelvic (hypogastric) sympathetic ganglia of the rat were investigated by enzyme histochemistry to ascertain the distribution of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-diaphorase) activity. In the paravertebral ganglia the majority of the sympathetic neuronal perikarya contained lightly and homogeneously distributed formazan reaction product but there was a range of staining intensities amongst the neuron population. In contrast, in the prevertebral ganglia, intense NADPH-diaphorase staining was present in certain neurons. Firstly, a population of neurons of the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex were surrounded by densely NADPH-diaphorase-positive 'baskets' of fibres and other stained fibres were seen in interstitial nerve bundles and in nerve trunks connected to the ganglion complex. Secondly, in both the inferior mesenteric ganglion and hypogastric ganglion there were many very intensely NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons. Stained dendritic and axonal processes emerged from these cell bodies. In both ganglia this population of neurons was smaller in size than the lightly stained ganglionic neurons and commonly had only one long (presumably axonal) process. The similarity of these highly NADPH-diaphorase-positive neurons with previously described postganglionic parasympathetic neurons in the hypogastric ganglion is discussed.

Evidence that nitric oxide mediates the cyclic GMP response to synaptic activity in the rat superior cervical ganglion

Preganglionic nerve stimulation in the rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) caused an increase in guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. This increase was inhibited by oxyhaemoglobin, and blocked stereoselectively by an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, NG-nitro-L-arginine. Thus, nitric oxide or a similar substance appears to mediate the neuronal cyclic GMP response to synaptic activity in the rat SCG.

Potentiation of nicotinic transmission in the rat superior cervical sympathetic ganglion: effects of cyclic GMP and nitric oxide generators

The efficacy of nicotinic transmission in the rat superior cervical ganglion in vitro (24-26 degrees C) was estimated by extracellular recording of the postganglionic compound action potential response to stimulation of the preganglionic nerve at a slow rate (one shock every 60 s). Atropine (2 microM) was included to block muscarinic transmission, and hexamethonium (200-250 microM) was used to produce a submaximal response sensitive to potentiation and inhibition of nicotinic transmission. Upon exposure to 1-100 microM 8-bromo-guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP), nicotinic transmission was potentiated by 6 +/- 1% (n = 4) to 89 +/- 5% (n = 5) in a dose-dependent manner. 8-Bromo-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP, 10-100 microM) also potentiated nicotinic transmission (3.8 +/- 0.3% (n = 3) to 43 +/- 4% (n = 3)). However, 8-Br-cGMP was at least 2-fold more effective than 8-Br-cAMP. Sodium nitroprusside (0.1 microM to 1 mM) and sodium azide (0.1-100 microM) were used to stimulate the formation of endogenous cGMP52. Nicotinic transmission was potentiated by these substances also. The response was increased by 3.4 +/- 0.7% (n = 4) to 32 +/- 2% (n = 5) upon exposure to 0.1-100 microM sodium nitroprusside, and by 5.5 +/- 0.9% (n = 3) to 18 +/- 4% (n = 4) upon exposure to 0.1-100 microM sodium azide. Ferricyanide ion (10-100 microM) appeared to be ineffective, as would be expected if the effect of nitroprusside was due to the nitric oxide rather than the cyanide or ferric moieties.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Synthesis and release of neuroactive substances by glial cells

Glia contain, synthesize, or release more than 20 neuroactive compounds including neuropeptides, amino acid transmitters, eicosanoids, steroids, and growth factors. The stimuli that elicit release differ among compounds but include neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, receptor agonists, and elevated external [K+]. The mechanisms of release are poorly understood in most cases. Many of the neuroactive compounds are localized in discrete subpopulations of glia. Thus, glia are equipped to send as well as receive chemical messages and appear to be present as classes of cells with differing abilities to communicate chemically. It is possible that glia are as diverse as neurons in their functional characteristics.

Catecholaminergic traits of chick sympathetic neurons may be differentially regulated by a cGMP-dependent pathway

The purine metabolites inosine and adenosine selectively increase the catecholamine, but not the acetylcholine production in cultured chick superior cervical ganglion neurons via an as yet unknown intracellular pathway. In order to elucidate some of the molecular events involved in this differential regulation of neurotransmitter production by purines, the SCG neurons were cultured in the presence of cyclic nucleotide analogs and activators of adenylate and guanylate cyclase. Neither 8-bromo-cyclic AMP (8-Br-cAMP), 8-bromo-cyclic GMP (8-Br-cGMP), or forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, could mimic the effect of inosine, i.e. differentially increase catecholamine production. Sodium nitroprusside, an activator of guanylate cyclase, however, has a strong potentiating action on the effect of inosine. The noradrenergic properties of chick sympathetic neurons may thus be differentially modulated by a cGMP-dependent pathway.

Neurotransmitter plasticity in the sympathetic nervous system: influence of external factors and possible physiological implications

Neuronal function can be modulated by a variety of neuronal, environmental and hormonal stimuli. One form of neuronal modulation is the change in the biosynthesis of specific neurotransmitters. This is of particular interest since neurotransmitters are the agents responsible for neuronal communication. The analysis of the long-term modulation of neurotransmitter expression in response to external factors could be a suitable model to study the possible biochemical mechanisms involved in learning and memory. Furthermore, understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of norepinephrine synthesis in the sympathetic nervous system may be relevant for understanding stress and diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Second messenger enzymes in glial cells: a cytochemical point of view

Knowledge about second messenger metabolizing enzymes in neuroglia is still rather fragmentary. Therefore, the aim of the present investigation was to localize adenylate cyclase, guanylate cyclase, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and protein kinase A in glial cells of the rat hippocampus and cerebellum. Enzyme histochemical and immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the enzymes at the light and electron microscopic level. Astroglial cells were found to contain all 4 enzymes. Especially the microvascular glial cell processes were reactive. Oligodendroglial cells were only stained for adenylate cyclase acticity. Intracellularly, microtubules and intracellular membranes were frequently stained. The results point to the regulation of glial cell metabolism and of transport processes by cyclic nucleotides.

Atrial natriuretic factor constitutes an intrinsic functional unit within superior cervical ganglia of the rat

The molecular forms of atrial natriuretic factor were studied in the sympathetic ganglia of the rat. The peptide atrial natriuretic factor was also tested for its ability to induce intracellular changes in ganglionic elements. Chromatographic evaluation of extracted ganglionic atrial natriuretic factor revealed the presence of proatrial natriuretic factor together with lower molecular weight peptides. Atrial natriuretic factor induced a maximal six-fold increase of cGMP accumulation within ganglia in vitro, most probably in principal ganglionic cells. Its effect on cGMP was not mediated by acetylcholine or any other neurotransmitter because it persisted after muscarinic receptor blockade and in a calcium-free medium and was not affected by ganglia decentralization. Thus, atrial natriuretic factor appears to be produced by a structural neural component of ganglia (in preganglionic cholinergic neurons or small intensely fluorescent cells?) and has receptors at sites different from its source. It is suggested that atrial natriuretic factor may be locally involved in the process of neurotransmission and may be yet another peptide neurotransmitter and/or neuromodulator.

Are glial cells targets of the central noradrenergic system? A review of the evidence

It has been suggested by a number of investigators that glial cells as well as neurons are targets of the central noradrenergic system. This important hypothesis, however, has not been presented previously in a systematic and unified manner. The present review was therefore undertaken to accomplish this. The evidence supporting noradrenergic action on glia consists primarily of findings that beta-adrenoceptors, norepinephrine (NE)-stimulated cyclic AMP (cAMP) responses and glycogen are localized preferentially in glial cells and that beta-receptor density and glycogen hydrolysis are under the control of neuronally released NE. While there is some disagreement as to the extent to which beta-receptors are preferentially localized in glia, there is a consensus that most glycogen in the forebrain is localized in this cellular compartment. The presumed function of the noradrenergic action on glia appears to be the release of glucose for production of energy, the synthesis of neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor, and the release of substances which may affect local neurotransmission including taurine, cAMP and its metabolites. These glial responses may be intimately related to the electrophysiological actions of NE on neurons.

Electron microscopical localization of guanylate cyclase activity in the neocortex of the guinea pig

The localization of the guanylate cyclase (GC) activity has been established in the neocortex of adult guinea pigs by means of electron microscopical histochemistry [the DMSO-method of Fujimoto et al. (1981)]. Reaction product was deposited within a population of large- and medium-sized cortical neurons as well as in the cytoplasm of a part of the dendrites of variable size and in the cytoplasm and the nuclear membrane of a number of protoplasmic astrocytes. In the perikarya of the positive neurons, the reaction precipitate was mainly located within the cisterns of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and on the nuclear membrane. In the dendrites, the reaction product was usually distributed in close contact with microtubules, microfilaments, and beneath the postsynaptic membranes of a number of axodendritic synaptic contacts. The axons and all presynaptic boutons were negative. Thus, the localization of the GC could be determined as exclusively postsynaptic. The results obtained support the view for the probable participation of cyclic GMP in the cholinergic, glutaminergic or GABAergic, or peptidergic transmitter mechanisms in the central nervous system.

Cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase and phosphorylation of the endogenous substrate proteins in the rabbit superior cervical ganglion

When the homogenate of rabbit superior cervical ganglia (SCG) was incubated in the presence of [gamma-32P]ATP and Mg2+, two specific proteins were strongly labeled. Their apparent molecular weights were 90,000 and 54,000, respectively. The phosphorylation of the latter was significantly stimulated by 10-50 nM cyclic GMP but to a lesser extent by cyclic AMP, whereas that of the former was not stimulated significantly by either of the cyclic nucleotides. The purified protein kinase inhibitor from rabbit skeletal muscle did not inhibit the phosphorylation. These results indicated that the observed phosphorylation of 54K protein was dependent on cyclic GMP but not on cyclic AMP. When intact SCG was incubated in the presence of 32Pi, phosphorylation of 90K protein was stimulated by cyclic GMP, dibutyryl cyclic GMP, and 8-bromo-cyclic GMP (10 microM), whereas phosphorylation of 54K protein was not significantly stimulated by any of these substances. The present demonstration of endogenous cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase activity and its endogenous substrate proteins raises a possibility that the physiological actions of cyclic GMP in SCG are mediated by the phosphorylation of these proteins.

Comparison of dopamine binding sites in the rat superior cervical ganglion and caudate nucleus

A comparison of morphological and biochemical characteristics of the D1-type dopamine receptor has been assessed in two experimental tissues, the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and caudate nucleus of the rat. Correlation of the distribution of this dopaminergic binding site using in vitro autoradiographic localization of [3H]SCH 23390, a selective D1-binding antagonist, demonstrated no specific association of this receptor subtype with cyclic AMP immunoreactive structures in the superior cervical ganglion. In contrast, the caudate nucleus demonstrated specific D1-binding sites associated with cyclic AMP immunoreactive elements. Biochemical analyses of the D1-dopamine binding sites showed only 20% of the amount of radioligand bound in SCG homogenates as compared to the quantity bound in homogenates of the caudate nucleus. The non-cyclase linked dopaminergic receptor, assessed using D2-type radioligand binding, was much less prevalent than the binding of the D1-subtype in either experimental tissue. Only a small amount of [3H]sulpiride binding, indicative of the D2-receptor subtype, could be measured in the SCG as compared to the caudate nucleus. This work has demonstrated differences in the amount, and the cellular association of dopamine binding sites in peripheral versus central nervous system areas with dopamine sensitive adenylate cyclase mechanisms.

Neurochemical differences in the superior cervical ganglion of the spontaneously hypertensive rat stroke-prone variant

The localization and distribution of catecholamines, selected neuropeptides, and the cyclic nucleotide second messengers has been determined in the superior cervical ganglion of the stroke-prone variant of the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and its normotensive Wistar-kyoto (WKY) control. Significant alteration in the frequency of occurrence of dopaminergic small intensely fluorescent cell clusters was seen in the stroke-prone variant of the SHR. The immunofluorescent localization of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) were also changed in the stroke-prone variant, as was the immunofluorescent staining quantity of the neuropeptides somatostatin and substance P. The morphological pattern of staining for the various compounds in the normotensive control (WKY) was equivalent to the Sprague-Dawley rat strain. The implications of the altered neurochemistry in the superior cervical ganglion on the high blood pressure, and the predisposition for stroke in this strain are discussed.

A new approach to immunocytochemistry of 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate: preparation, specificity, and initial application of a new antiserum against formaldehyde-fixed 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate

The development of a new 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) antiserum was initiated starting from the following considerations: (a) adequate fixation of cGMP is a prerequisite for a reliable demonstration of soluble cGMP, and (b) fixation might influence the specificity of the immunocytochemical demonstration of cGMP. Therefore, cGMP-protein conjugate was prepared in a way which equals tissue fixation. cGMP was coupled to bovine thyroglobulin using formaldehyde. Antibodies against this conjugate were raised in rabbits. The specificity of the antisera was evaluated in a gelatin model system. No immunoreactivity was observed with nucleotides other than cGMP or with rabbit preimmune sera. Immunoinhibition experiments showed that only the cGMP-formaldehyde-thyroglobulin conjugate and, to a lesser extent free cGMP, absorbed onto the antiserum. In rat brain an extensive localization of cGMP-immunostaining was found. Examples are hippocampus CAI and CAII, and cortical layers II and V. No cGMP-immunostaining was found in the cerebellum. In vitro incubated superior cervical ganglia showed cGMP-immunostaining in the large postganglionic neuronal cell bodies; this cGMP-immunostaining increased upon incubation of the ganglia in iso-osmolar 100 mM K+. In conclusion, we prepared a new-type highly specific antiserum against cGMP, suitable to demonstrate cGMP-immunoreactivity in tissue material.

Single cell quantitative immunocytochemistry of cyclic GMP in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat

In the superior cervical ganglion of the rat, using a newly developed antiserum against formaldehyde-fixed 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), cGMP immunoreactivity was observed in the large postganglionic neuronal cell bodies; no cGMP-immunofluorescence was found in nuclei or in satellite cells, glia or fibroblasts. In vitro incubation of ganglia in media with high K+ (up to 100 mM) or carbachol (10(-8)-10(-5) M) showed an increase only in cGMP-immunofluorescence in the large postganglionic cell bodies. The intensity of the immunofluorescence was taken as a measure for cGMP-immunoreactivity and was quantitated using a Leitz MPV-II system. Dose-response curves were constructed for the increase in cGMP-immunofluorescence intensity for K+ and carbachol. The carbachol stimulated cGMP-immunofluorescence intensity was antagonized competitively by atropine, whereas the high K+ stimulated cGMP-immunofluorescence intensity was not. Hexamethonium (10(-6) M) was without effect on the carbachol stimulated cGMP-immunofluorescence intensity. The morphological and pharmacological data indicate that we developed a very specific procedure for quantitative immunocytochemistry of cGMP in tissue sections. This technique makes it possible to use cGMP-immunofluorescence intensity as a postsynaptic parameter in individual cell bodies in heterogeneous tissue.

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are localized on striatal cyclic GMP-containing neurons

The localization of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors has been determined using in vitro binding of radiolabeled quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB), a specific reversible muscarinic receptor antagonist. All cyclic GMP-immunoreactive neurons in the rat striatum show clustering of [3H]QNB silver grains overlying their somata following autoradiographic analysis. The autoradiography of total binding of silver grains over the cyclic GMP-containing neurons was approximately 800 times as dense as the surrounding neuropil localization of radioligand binding sites. Incubation of striatal tissue slices in the presence of micromolar atropine, to determine non-specific binding of [3H]QNB, decreased the autoradiographic silver grain density of the neuropil about 2.5 times, and lessened the number of receptor sites detectable on cyclic GMP-positive neurons at least 5-fold. Biochemical examination of [3H]QNB binding on tissue sections demonstrated that the ligand binding is saturable and dependent on section thickness for the muscarine receptor subtype of acetylcholine.

Activation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the superior cervical ganglion by nicotinic and muscarinic agonists

Both dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP), a nicotinic agonist, and bethanechol, a muscarinic agonist, increase 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) synthesis in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat. DMPP causes approximately a fivefold increase in DOPA accumulation in intact ganglia whereas bethanechol causes about a two-fold increase in DOPA accumulation. These effects are additive with each other and with the increase in DOPA accumulation produced by 8-bromo cyclic AMP. The action of DMPP is dependent on extracellular Ca2+ while the actions of bethanechol and 8-bromo cyclic AMP are not dependent on extracellular Ca2+. Cholinergic agonists and cyclic nucleotides produce a stable activation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the ganglion. The activation of TH by nicotinic and muscarinic agonists can be detected after 5 min of incubation of the ganglia with these agents. The nicotinic response disappears after 30 min of incubation, whereas the muscarinic response persists for at least 30 min. The Ca2+ dependence of the TH activation produced by these agents is similar to the Ca2+ dependence of their effects on DOPA accumulation in intact ganglia. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that nicotinic agonists, muscarinic agonists, and cyclic AMP analogues increase TH activity by three distinct mechanisms. The activation of TH presumably underlies the increase in DOPA synthesis produced by these agents.

Co-localization of cyclic GMP in superior cervical ganglion with peptide neurotransmitters

The immunofluorescent localization of cyclic 3',5'-guanosine monophosphate (cyclic GMP) in rat superior cervical ganglion has been compared to postganglionic neurons having immunoreactivity to neuropeptides. Cyclic GMP-positive somata are equally distributed among cell bodies fluorescent for substance P, somatostatin, and methionine-enkephalin. 40% of the total number of cells stained for each peptide demonstrate co-incident cyclic GMP localization, suggesting a large majority of the neurons employ non-cyclic GMP mechanisms.

cAMP in guinea-pig superior cervical ganglia during preganglionic nerve stimulation

Preganglionic nerve stimulation or elevated [K+]o increase cAMP levels in isolated guinea-pig superior cervical ganglia, a ganglion lacking adrenergic inhibitory synaptic potentials. The cAMP response to K+ and nerve stimulation is not prevented by atropine or phentolamine. The regulation of cAMP content does not involve cholinergic or adrenergic mechanism. Of polypeptides tested, only VIP (5 X 10(-6) M) increases cAMP content to the extent observed with preganglionic nerve stimulation.

Distribution of components of the guanosine 3',5'-phosphate system in rat caudate-putamen

The cellular distribution of guanylate cyclase (EC 4.6.1.2), guanosine 3',5'-phosphate (cyclic GMP), cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase (EC 2.7.1.38), and cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase (EC 3.1.4.17) have been examined in the rostral rat caudate-putamen complex. Immunofluorescent staining for guanylate cyclase, cyclic GMP, and cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase in fresh frozen caudate-putamen tissues is analogous to the immunoperoxidase localization in perfusion-fixed striatal slices. Homologous immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm and processes of ovoid and rounded neurons, 15-20 microns in diameter can be seen for these three components of the cyclic GMP system. Immunoreactive neurons are uniformly distributed throughout the caudate-putamen complex of all experimental tissue examined. Occasional large neurons, greater than 25 microns in diameter, in the ventral region of the striatum show immunoreactivity. Enzyme histochemical determination of the activities of guanylate cyclase and cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase show the medium-sized neuronal population (15-20 microns) contain hydrolytic activity for these proteins. Large- to medium-sized capillaries demonstrate guanylate cyclase synthetic activity, but the endothelial cells do not exhibit immunohistochemical staining. This suggests that physiological activity of an enzyme cannot be completely discerned through application of immunohistochemical procedures. Additionally, enzymatically detected guanylate cyclase histochemical activity was not uniformly distributed throughout the striatal neuropil. Enzyme histochemical detection of cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase demonstrates homologous cellular staining to guanylate cyclase enzymatic reactivity. The activity of the phosphodiesterase hydrolytic enzyme could be detected evenly distributed throughout the neuropil within cells 15-20 microns in diameter, analogous in cytoarchitecture to immunohistochemically visualized guanylate cyclase, cyclic GMP, and protein kinase elements. Ultrastructural examination of rat caudate-putamen demonstrates that the immunoreactivity for the components of the cyclic GMP system is predominantly distributed within the medium-spiny neuron subtype of this structure. Occasional aspiny neurons demonstrate peroxidase immunoreactivity for the cyclase, cyclic GMP, and the protein kinase, as does the luminal surface of capillary endothelial cells. The subcellular distribution of the antigenic determinants for these three elements and the hydrolytic activity of the phosphodiesterase enzyme show proximity to one another and are confined to the postsynaptic region of asymmetrical, but not symmetrical, terminal boutons. The asymmetrical terminal population of the caudate-putamen is derived from striatal afferents from the neocortex, intralaminar thalamus, and substantia nigra, and to a lesser extent the intrinsic striatal circuitry.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate and beta-effects in rat isolated superior cervical ganglia

Isoprenaline (0.01-1 microM) increased the amount of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) in rat isolated superior cervical ganglia by up to 10 times after 10 min application. Cyclic AMP levels returned to control values after 20 min washing. Salbutamol, in concentrations (1-100 microM) that depolarized the ganglion and facilitated submaximal transmission, did not significantly raise ganglionic cyclic AMP levels. The action of isoprenaline was antagonized by butoxamine (apparent KI approximately equal to 0.14 microM) and weakly by practolol (apparent KI approximately equal to 9.1 microM). The effect of 0.1 microM isoprenaline was also inhibited 94% by 100 microM of the adenylate cyclase inhibitor, 9-(tetrahydro-2-furyl)adenine (SQ 22,536). Exogenous dibutyryl cyclic AMP did not replicate the effects of isoprenaline on ganglionic d.c. potentials or submaximal transmission. The phosphodiesterase inhibitors theophylline, isobutylmethylxanthine or 4-(3,4-dibutoxybenzyl)-2-imidazolidinone (Ro 20-1724) did not potentiate these electrical responses to isoprenaline. The adenylate cyclase inhibitor, SQ 22,536, did not inhibit the electrical responses to isoprenaline. It is concluded that available evidence does not support the view that the ganglion depolarization or facilitation of submaximal transmission in rat isolated ganglia produced by isoprenaline are likely to be mediated by cyclic AMP.

Cyclic nucleotide distribution within rat striatonigral neurons

Adenosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate and guanosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate have differential immunohistochemical distributions within retrogradely-labeled striatonigral neurons of the rat. Adenosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate is localized within more than half of the striatonigral projection neurons. It is also within the cytoplasm of other neurons and oligodendroglia. Guanosine cyclic 3'-5'-monophosphate is localized within 80% of the identified striatonigral neurons. These large percentages of cyclic nucleotide immunoreactivity within the striatonigral neurons suggest some of these efferent cells must contain both cyclic nucleotides. The immunofluorescent staining for guanosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate is almost identical to that reported for efferent neurotransmitter-containing neurons of the caudate nucleus. However, the large proportion of striatonigral neurons demonstrating guanosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate immunoreactivity precludes the association of the cyclic nucleotide with a selective neurotransmitter agent. Adenosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate-reactive elements are very different in staining appearance from guanosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate and neurotransmitter-identified somata. The number of striatonigral cells exhibiting reaction for this cyclic nucleotide does not eliminate the possibility that adenosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate might be preferentially co-localized with a specific neurotransmitter, such as gamma-aminobutyrate, as has been previously suggested through biochemical experimentation.