On the existence of two GABA pools associated with newly synthesized GABA and with newly taken up GABA in nerve terminals

Isobolographic and behavioral characterizations of interactions between vigabatrin and gabapentin in two experimental models of epilepsy

The aim of this study was to characterize the pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and adverse-effect profiles of vigabatrin and gabapentin. Isobolographic analysis was used in two mouse experimental models of epilepsy: the maximal electroshock seizure threshold test and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. In the maximal electroshock seizure threshold test, electroconvulsions were produced by a current with various intensities whilst in the pentylenetetrazole test a CD(97) dose (100 mg/kg) was used. Potential adverse-effect profiles of interactions of vigabatrin with gabapentin at three fixed-ratios of 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1 from both seizure tests were evaluated in the chimney (motor performance) and grip-strength (skeletal muscular strength) tests. Vigabatrin and gabapentin total brain concentrations were determined with high performance liquid chromatography. Vigabatrin and gabapentin administered singly increased the electroconvulsive threshold (TID(20) - 226.2 and 70.0 mg/kg, respectively). With isobolography, the combination of vigabatrin with gabapentin at the fixed-ratio of 1:3 exerted supra-additive (synergistic) interactions whilst at 1:1 and 3:1 additivity occurred. Similarly, vigabatrin and gabapentin administered singly suppressed the pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures (ED(50) values - 622.5 and 201.1 mg/kg, respectively). Isobolography revealed that vigabatrin with gabapentin in combination at the fixed-ratio of 1:1 produced supra-additive (synergistic) interaction whilst at 1:3 and 3:1 additivity occurred. In combination neither motor coordination nor skeletal muscular strength was affected. Total vigabatrin and gabapentin brain concentrations revealed that neither drug affected the pharmacokinetics of the other. Vigabatrin and gabapentin have a favorable pharmacodynamic interaction in animal seizure models in the absence of acute adverse effects or concurrent pharmacokinetic changes.

Isobolographic characterization of interactions between vigabatrin and tiagabine in two experimental models of epilepsy

To characterize the type of interactions between vigabatrin (VGB) and tiagabine (TGB) -- two newer antiepileptic drugs influencing GABA-ergic neurotransmitter system, the isobolographic analysis was used in two experimental models of epilepsy: the maximal electroshock seizure threshold (MEST) test and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in mice. Results indicated that VGB and TGB administered separately (i.p.) increased the electroconvulsive threshold in mice, which allowed the calculation of their TID(20) values (threshold increasing doses by 20% over the threshold of control animals) in the MEST test. The TID(20) for VGB was 226.2 mg/kg and that for TGB was 4.4 mg/kg. With isobolography, the combinations of VGB with TGB (at fixed-ratios of 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1) exerted additive interactions in the MEST test in mice. Similarly, VGB and TGB injected separately (i.p.) suppressed the PTZ-induced seizures, and their ED(50) values (median effective doses, protecting 50% of the animals tested against clonic convulsions) for VGB and TGB were 622.5 mg/kg and 0.8 mg/kg, respectively. Isobolographic analysis of interactions revealed that the combinations of VGB with TGB at the fixed-ratios of 1:3 and 1:1 produced supra-additive (synergistic) interactions against PTZ-induced seizures. Only the combination of VGB with TGB at the fixed-ratio of 3:1 was additive in the PTZ test. The evaluation of acute adverse-effect potential for all fixed-ratio combinations of VGB with TGB (administered at their TID(20) and ED(50) values from the MEST and PTZ tests) revealed that none of the examined combinations affected motor coordination in the chimney test and altered neuromuscular tone in the grip-strength test in mice. In contrast, VGB in combinations with TGB produced the antinociceptive effects with respect to suppression of acute thermal pain in animals subjected to the hot-plate test. Based on this preclinical study, one can ascertain that the combination of VGB with TGB would provide an adequate seizure control in epileptic patients.

Pharmacological and behavioral characteristics of interactions between vigabatrin and conventional antiepileptic drugs in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice: an isobolographic analysis

To characterize the anticonvulsant effects and types of interactions exerted by mixtures of vigabatrin (VGB) and conventional antiepileptic drugs (valproate (VPA), ethosuximide (ESM), phenobarbital (PB), and clonazepam (CZP)) in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in mice, the isobolographic analysis for three fixed-ratio combinations of 1 : 3, 1 : 1, and 3 : 1 was used. The adverse-effect profile of the combinations tested, at the doses corresponding to their median effective doses (ED(50)) at the fixed-ratio of 1 : 1 against PTZ-induced seizures, was determined by the chimney (motor performance), step-through passive avoidance (long-term memory), pain threshold (pain sensitivity), and Y-maze (general explorative locomotor activity) tests in mice. Additionally, the observed isobolographic interactions were verified in terms of a pharmacokinetic interaction existence. VGB combined with PB or ESM exerted supra-additive (synergistic) interactions against the clonic phase of PTZ-induced seizures, which was associated with the increment of PB or ESM concentrations in the brains of examined animals. The remaining combinations tested (ie VGB+VPA and VGB+CZP) occurred additive in the PTZ test, which was associated with no significant changes in the brain concentrations of VPA and CZP. None of the examined combinations exerted motor impairment in the chimney test in mice. In the standard variant of passive avoidance task (current of 0.6 mA; 2 s of stimulus duration), the combinations of VGB+CZP and VGB+VPA significantly affected long-term memory in mice. Moreover, VGB in a dose-dependent manner lengthened the latency to the first pain reaction in the pain threshold test in mice. The modified variant of step-through passive avoidance task (current of 0.6 mA; stimulus duration based on the latency from the pain threshold test) revealed no significant changes in the long-term memory of animals for the combinations of VGB+VPA and VGB+CZP; so the observed effects in the standard variant of passive avoidance task were a result of the antinociceptive effects produced by VGB. In the Y-maze test, VGB also, in a dose-dependent manner, increased the general explorative locomotor activity of the animals tested. Similarly, the total number of arm entries in the Y-maze was significantly increased for the combinations of VGB+CZP and VGB+ESM, but not for VGB+PB and VGB+VPA. The application of VGB in combination with PB, ESM, CZP, and VPA suppressed the clonic phase of PTZ-induced seizures, having no harmful or deleterious effects on behavioral functioning of the animals tested, which might be advantageous in further clinical practice.

Imaging addiction with PET: is insight in sight?

Neurochemical imaging studies can identify molecular targets of abused drugs and link them to the underlying pathology associated with behaviors such as drug dependence, addiction and withdrawal. positron emission tomography (PET) is opening new avenues for the investigation of the neurochemical disturbances underlying drug abuse and addiction and the in vivo mechanisms by which medications might ameliorate these conditions. PET can identify vulnerable human populations, treatment strategies and monitor treatment efficacy. Thus, with this tool and the knowledge it provides, the potential for developing novel drugs and treatment strategies for drug addiction is now close at hand.

Reversal of the activity-dependent suppression of GABA-mediated inhibition in hippocampal slices from gamma-vinyl GABA (vigabatrin)-pretreated rats

The antiepileptic drug, gamma-vinyl GABA (GVG, vigabatrin), is an irreversible inhibitor of GABA-transaminase, the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of GABA. In hippocampal slices prepared from rats pretreated with either an anticonvulsant dose of GVG (1500 mg/kg) or saline, electrophysiological recordings were performed in order to examine the effects of GVG pretreatment on GABAergic neurotransmission. Although GVG had no effect on the effectiveness of GABA-mediated inhibition when elicited by a single stimulus, it reversed the activity-dependent depression of inhibition which is typically observed when inhibitory pathways are activated repetitively by a train of stimuli delivered at low frequency. Similarly, GVG pretreatment prevented the progressive decline in the amplitude of monosynaptic inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) during low-frequency stimulation of inhibitory interneurons. Thus, in slices from GVG pretreated rats, the amplitudes of both the fast and slow components of the last of a series of IPSPs evoked by a 5 Hz, 4 s train were maintained at 91.5 +/- 6.6% and 87.7 +/- 6.5%, respectively, compared to 61.1 +/- 3.9% and 57.1 +/- 5.0% in control slices. Finally, in slices from GVG pretreated rats, we observed a reduction in the ability of the GABA(B) receptor agonist, baclofen, to decrease the amplitude of monosynaptic inhibitory postsynaptic currents. These results suggest that GVG may produce its frequency-dependent actions by reducing the function of release regulating presynaptic GABA(B) autoreceptors. The frequency-dependent reinforcement of inhibition by GVG may importantly contribute to the anticonvulsant effectiveness of this compound.

Endogenous GABA release is reduced in the striatum of cocaine-sensitized rats

The magnitude of behavioral sensitization to cocaine is correlated with decreased striatal GABA(A) receptor function. We examined whether GABA release from striatal slices is also altered in cocaine-treated rats. Behavioral sensitization was measured in rats receiving either saline or cocaine (15 mg kg(-1)) daily for 14 days. Cocaine-treated rats showed a significant increase in locomotion and stereotypy over days. Potassium-stimulated endogenous GABA release was measured from superfused striatal slices of these rats. GABA release was significantly decreased in cocaine-treated rats. However, striatal slices preloaded with [(3)H]GABA exhibited a slight but significant increase in release after cocaine sensitization. Similar treatment with a nonsensitizing dose of cocaine (7.5 mg kg(-1)) did not change endogenous GABA release. Saline- and cocaine-treated rats showed no differences in striatal glutamic acid decarboxylase activity at either a saturating or K(m) concentration of glutamate. Therefore, the decrease in endogenous GABA release is not due to a decrease in GABA synthesis, but may reflect changes in GABA storage pools. These data are consistent with an overall decrease in GABA transmission, both pre- and postsynaptically, in the striatum of sensitized rats, which could contribute to enhanced striatal output and behavioral sensitization.

The effects of D-23129, a new experimental anticonvulsant drug, on neurotransmitter amino acids in the rat hippocampus in vitro

D-23129 [N-(2-amino-4-(4-fluorobenzylamino)phenyl)carbamic acid ethyl ester] and D-20443 (dihydrochloride of D-23129) are promising anticonvulsant compounds with a broad spectrum activity in animal models of epilepsy. Their effects on de novo synthesis of excitatory (glutamate and aspartate) and inhibitory (GABA) amino acids were studied in rat hippocampal slices. Like phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, losigamone, U54494A, and flupirtine, D-23129 and D-20443 were effective in preventing the effects of a chemoconvulsant, 4-aminopyridine, on de novo synthesis of the three amino acids. However, unlike the other compounds, D-23129 and D-20443 also preferentially increased the concentrations of newly synthesized GABA. Their effect on the neosynthesis of GABA was unique, dose dependent, and not tetrodotoxin sensitive. A total of 15 compounds (including standard, new and candidate anticonvulsants) either had no effect on new GABA or decreased it. Therefore, D-23129 and D-20443 exhibited two different effects on de novo synthesis of neurotransmitter amino acids, both of which could potentially be anticonvulsant in nature.

The effects of anticonvulsant compounds on 4-aminopyridine-induced de novo synthesis of neurotransmitter amino acids in rat hippocampus in vitro

4-Aminopyridine, a voltage-dependent potassium channel blocker, causes tonic-clonic and electrographic seizures in vivo and evokes epileptiform activity and release of glutamate, aspartate and GABA in vitro. This study examined the effects of 4-aminopyridine (4AP) on de novo synthesis of neuroactive amino acids and a subsequent response to various anticonvulsant compounds (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, valproate, ethosuximide, diazepam, lamotrigine, felbamate, losigamone, U54494A, CPP, MK801 and CNQX) using a hippocampal slice preparation. 4-Aminopyridine had a minimal effect on total tissue concentrations of glutamate, aspartate, and GABA, but caused a significant increase in their de novo synthesis. Phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, losigamone and U54494A were the only compounds which were effective in blocking the 4AP-induced increase in all newly synthesized amino acids. It appears that these compounds inhibit 4AP effects in this paradigm by blocking depolarization, probably at use-dependent voltage-sensitive sodium channels. Therefore, this paradigm may be useful in selectively identifying anticonvulsants which act by blocking depolarization.

Influence of short-lasting bilateral clamping of carotid arteries (BCCA) on GABA turnover in rat brain structures

We have previously shown that short-lasting reduction of cerebral blood flow by bilateral clamping of carotid arteries (BCCA) results in long-lasting increase in regional GABA concentration and decrease in seizure susceptibility in rats. In the present experiments, the effect of BCCA on GABA turnover and the enzymes involved in GABA synthesis and degradation were studied in rats. Regional GABA turnover was measured by means of GABA accumulation induced by the GABA-transaminase (GABA-T) inhibitor aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA). Fourteen days after BCCA, GABA turnover was significantly increased in hippocampus, substantia nigra and cortex, but not different from sham-operated controls in several other brain regions, including striatum, hypothalamus and cerebellum. The activity of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) measured ex vivo did not show any changes in investigated structures, while the activity of GABA-T was slightly increased in hippocampus. The increased GABA turnover in some brain regions may explain our previous findings of increased GABA content in these brain regions and decreased sensitivity of BCCA treated animals to the GABAA-receptor antagonist bicuculline.

Time-related loss of glutamine from hippocampal slices and concomitant changes in neurotransmitter amino acids

A dramatic, time-dependent loss of L-glutamine was observed in mouse and rat hippocampal slices equilibrated in normal artificial CSF under static (no-flow) and superfused (constant-flow) conditions. Concomitant with the decline in L-glutamine, there was a significant, but less pronounced, decrease in levels of the neurotransmitter amino acids, gamma-aminobutyric acid, L-aspartate, and L-glutamate. The disappearance of L-glutamine was a result of diffusion from the tissue to the artificial CSF rather than chemical or biochemical transformation. The loss of amino acids from the hippocampal slices was prevented to different degrees by the addition of 0.5 mM exogenous L-glutamine to the artificial CSF. The levels of newly synthesized amino acids were also determined, because they may be more indicative of the neuronal activity than the total tissue levels of amino acids. The effects of perturbations in glutamine (length of the equilibration time and addition of exogenous glutamine) on newly synthesized glutamate were more pronounced under 4-aminopyridine-stimulated than control (unstimulated) conditions. Therefore, a loss of L-glutamine from the hippocampal slices may have neurophysiological effects and warrants further investigation.

The effect of sodium valproate on extracellular GABA and other amino acids in the rat ventral hippocampus: an in vivo microdialysis study

We report the effects of i.p. administration of sodium valproate (VPA) on extracellular concentrations of various amino acids in the rat ventral hippocampus studied using in vivo microdialysis, followed by HPLC with fluorometric detection. At the doses used (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), VPA had no effect on extracellular aspartate, glutamine and taurine, whilst inducing a small, but not statistically significant increase in glutamate at 200 and 400 mg/kg. In contrast, VPA administration produced a biphasic effect on extracellular GABA levels which was dependent on the dose used. At 100 mg/kg, VPA reduced GABA concentrations by 50% when compared to basal. 200 mg/kg VPA had virtually no effect, whilst 400 mg/kg VPA raised extracellular GABA levels to 200% of basal. The results are discussed in relation to the known pharmacological and anticonvulsant actions of VPA.

Release of GABA and taurine from brain slices

In brain slices the mechanisms of release of GABA have been extensively studied, but those of taurine markedly less. The knowledge acquired from studies on GABA is, nevertheless, still fragmentary, not to speak of that obtained from the few studies on taurine, and firm conclusions are difficult, even impossible, to draw. This is mainly due to methodological matters, such as the diversity and pitfalls of the techniques applied. Brain slices are relatively easy to prepare and they represent a preparation that may most closely reflect relations prevailing in vivo, since the tissue structure and cellular integrity are largely preserved. In our opinion the most recommendable method at present is to superfuse freely floating agitated slices in continuously oxygenated medium. Taurine is metabolically rather inert in the brain, whereas the metabolism of GABA must be taken into account in all release studies. The use of inhibitors of GABA catabolism is discouraged, however, since a block in GABA metabolism may distort relations between different releasable pools of GABA in tissue. It is not known for sure how well, and homogeneously, incubation of slices with radioactive taurine labels the releasable pools but at least in the case of GABA there may prevail differences in the behavior of labeled and endogenous GABA. It is suggested therefore that the results obtained with radioactive GABA or taurine should be frequently checked and confirmed by analyzing the release of respective endogenous compounds. The spontaneous efflux of both GABA and taurine from brain slices is very slow. The magnitude of stimulation of GABA release by homoexchange is greater than that of taurine under the same experimental conditions. However, the release of both amino acids is generally enhanced by a great number of structural analogs, the most potent being those which are simultaneously the most potent inhibitors of uptake. This may result in part from inhibition of reuptake of amino acid molecules released from slices but the findings may also signify that the efflux of GABA and taurine is at least partially mediated by the membrane carriers operating in an outward direction. It is thus advisable not to interpret that stimulation of release in the presence of uptake inhibitors solely results from the block of reuptake of exocytotically released molecules, since changes in the carrier-mediated transport are also likely to occur upon stimulation. The electrical and K+ stimulation evoke the release of both GABA and taurine. The evoked release of GABA is several-fold greater than that of taurine in slices from the adult brain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

3-alkyl GABA and 3-alkylglutamic acid analogues: two new classes of anticonvulsant agents

Recently we showed that 3-alkyl-4-aminobutanoic acids are in vitro activators of brain L-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) that show anticonvulsant activity. Since activation of GAD leads to increased concentrations of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in vitro, these compounds could represent a new class of anticonvulsant agents. Here it is shown that 3-alkylglutamic acid analogues also activate GAD and that all of the compounds in both series are active anticonvulsant agents against low intensity electroshock in mice. The most active compound, 3-isobutyl GABA, was tested further against maximal electroshock in mice and was shown to be very potent after both intravenous and oral administration without causing ataxia. It is not known if brain GABA levels are elevated in vivo by administration of these compounds or if the mechanism of anticonvulsant activity is related to their ability to activate GAD.

Valproate effects on pre-optic GABA release and pituitary LH secretion in the rat

The in vivo effects of the anticonvulsant drug sodium valproate (VPA) on pre-optic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release and pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion were studied by perfusing the pre-optic area of unanaesthetized, freely moving ovarectomized rats through push-pull cannulae at a flow-rate of 20 >μl/min with a fraction period of 15 min. Local treatment with 40, 100, 400 and 1600 μg VPA/ml differently affected pre-optic GABA release and pituitary LH secretion concerning mean level, mean pulse amplitude and mean pulse frequency. GABA levels in perfusate were suppressed by local treatment with 40 and 100 μg VPA/ml CSF, respectively, whereas no significant change could be observed at the highest concentration used (1600 μg VPA/ml CSF). Pituitary LH secretion was reduced by pre-optic perfusion with 100 μg VPA/ml CSF with regard to mean plasma level and pulse amplitude but no significant change in pulse frequency could be observed. By raising VPA concentration the effects became more pronounced, and at 1600 μ g VPA/ml CSF there was a marked reduction of LH secretion regarding mean plasma level, amplitude and frequency. In conclusion, the present data put forward our view that the mechanism of action of VPA generates an enhancement of GABAergic transmission different from that involving elevated extracellular GABA.

Release of gamma-amino[3H]butyric acid from cultured amacrine-like neurons mediated by different excitatory amino acid receptors

The release of preaccumulated gamma-amino[3H]butyric acid ([3H]GABA) from putative GABAergic amacrine cells was studied in neuronal monolayer cultures made from embryonic chick retina. Release was specifically stimulated by excitatory amino acid agonists. N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA; EC50, 19.1 +/- 5.0 microM), kainic acid (EC50, 15.6 +/- 2.3 microM), and the presumptive endogenous ligand glutamate (EC50, 3.6 +/- 0.5 microM) showed the same efficacy. Quisqualic acid, although the most potent agonist (EC50, 0.56 +/- 0.12 microM), was only half as efficacious. The time course of [3H]GABA release and autoradiographic visualization of responsive GABA-accumulating cells suggest that approximately 50% of the [3H]GABA-accumulating cells possess no or very low responsiveness to quisqualic acid. Depolarization (56 mM KCl)-induced release was fivefold lower than the maximal effect elicited by excitatory amino acids. Release of [3H]GABA and of endogenous GABA was entirely independent of extracellular Ca2+ but was completely abolished after replacement of Na+ by choline or Li+. The effects of NMDA and low concentrations of glutamate (up to 10 microM) were blocked by 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid, by MK 801, and (in a voltage-dependent manner) by Mg2+. The reduction of NMDA responses by kynurenic acid was reversed by D-serine, and quisqualic acid competitively inhibited kainic acid-evoked release. Our results show that the cultured [3H]GABA-accumulating neurons, which probably represent the in vitro counterparts of GABAergic amacrine cells, express at least two types of excitatory amino acid receptors (of the NMDA and non-NMDA type), both of which can mediate a Ca2(+)-independent but Na2(+)-dependent release of GABA.

Effect of gabaculine on metabolism and release of gamma-aminobutyric acid in synaptosomes

Synaptosomes isolated from mouse brain were incubated with [14C]glutamate and [3H]gamma-amino-butyric acid ([3H]GABA), and then [14C]GABA (newly synthesized GABA) and [3H]GABA (newly captured GABA) in the synaptosomes were analysed. (1) the [3H]GABA was rapidly degraded in the synaptosomes, (2) when the synaptosomes were treated with gabaculine (a potent inhibitor of GABA aminotransferase), the degradation of [3H]GABA was strongly inhibited, (3) the gabaculine treatment brought about a significant increase in Ca2(+)-independent release of [3H]GABA with no effect on Ca2(+)-dependent release, (4) no effects of gabaculine on degradation and release of [14C]GABA were observed. The results indicate that there are at least two pools of GABA in synaptosomes and support the possibilities that GABA taken up into a pool which is under the influence of GABA aminotransferase is released Ca2(+)-independently and that GABA synthesized in another pool which is not under the influence of GABA aminotransferase is released Ca2(+)-dependently.

Use of stable isotopes and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the study of different pools of neurotransmitter amino acids in brain slices

A method was developed for simultaneous determination of endogenous and newly synthesized neurotransmitter amino acids (4-aminobutyric acid, glutamate and aspartate) and glutamine in brain in vitro. Brain slices were incubated in artificial cerebrospinal fluid in the presence of 13C-labeled precursors (glucose, pyruvate or acetate). After the incubation, the slices were homogenized in cold 80% ethanol and the supernatants were evaporated to dryness. The resultant residues were derivatized with N-methyl-N-(tert.-butyldimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide and analyzed by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the electron-impact mode. N(O)-tert.-Butyldimethylsilyl derivatives of the naturally occurring amino acids, their 13C-enriched counterparts and deuterated internal standards were detected as their [M-57]+ fragments using selected-ion monitoring. The method was shown applicable to studying compartmentation of neurotransmitter amino acids.

Valproate enhances GABA turnover in the substantia nigra

The effects of the antiepileptic drug, valproate (VPA), on regional turnover of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the rat brain were studied by determining the rate of GABA accumulation following complete inhibition of GABA degradation by aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA). VPA was administered at a dose of 200 mg/kg 5, 15 and 30 min prior to injection of AOAA, 100 mg/kg. In most of the 12 regions examined, VPA did not alter the AOAA-induced GABA accumulation. However, significant increases in GABA accumulation were found in corpus striatum and, more marked, in substantia nigra. Since the substantia nigra has been identified as a substrate for the anticonvulsant action of GABAergic drugs, the data may indicate that the effect of VPA on GABA synthesis rate in this region may be involved in its mechanism of anticonvulsant action.

Glutamate release from guinea-pig synaptosomes: stimulation by reuptake-induced depolarization

Glutamate (10-100 microM) reversibly depolarizes guinea-pig cerebral cortical synaptosomes. This does not appear to be because of a conventional autoreceptor. Neither kainate at 1 mM, 100 microM N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), 100 microM L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutanoate (APB), nor 100 microM quisqualate affects the Ca2+-dependent release of glutamate from suboptimally depolarized synaptosomes. However, kainate, quisqualate, and the quisqualate agonists beta-N-oxalylamino-L-alanine and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole propionate cause a slow Ca2+-independent release of glutamate from polarized synaptosomes. However, unlike kainate, quisqualate does not inhibit the acidic amino acid carrier. APB, NMDA, and the NMDA receptor-mediated neurotoxin beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine do not influence Ca2+-independent release at 100 microM. The depolarization of the plasma membrane by glutamate can be mimicked by D-aspartate, can be blocked by the transport inhibitor dihydrokainate, and is accompanied by the net uptake of acidic amino acids. L-Glutamate or D-aspartate at 100 microM increases the cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration. D-aspartate at 100 microM causes a Ca2+-dependent release of endogenous glutamate, superimposed on the Ca2+-independent heteroexchange with glutamate through the acidic amino acid carrier. The results suggest that the glutamatergic subpopulation of synaptosomes can be depolarized by exogenous glutamate.

Excitatory amino acid-evoked release of [3H]GABA from hippocampal neurons in primary culture

We investigated the release of gamma-[2,3-3H(N)]aminobutyric acid ([3H]GABA) from hippocampal neurons in primary cell culture. [3H]GABA release was stimulated by the excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter glutamate as well as by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and kainate. Cell depolarization induced by raising [K+]o or by veratridine also stimulated [3H]GABA release. NMDA-induced release was completely blocked by 3-((+/-)-2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP+), Mg2+ and Zn2+ whereas the release induced by glutamate and kainate was much less susceptible to inhibition by these substances. Furthermore, removal of external Ca2+ inhibited NMDA-induced release, but not that induced by glutamate, kainate, veratridine or 50 mM K+. Removal of external Na+ reduced [3H]GABA release evoked by all stimuli, but to different extents. All of the excitatory amino acids tested increased [Ca2+]i within hippocampal neurons as assessed by fura-2 based microspectrofluorimetry. This increase in [Ca2+]i was completely dependent on the presence of external Ca2+. These results suggest that Ca2+-dependent and -independent forms of GABA release from hippocampal interneurons may occur. [3H]GABA release evoked by glutamate, kainate, veratridine or 50 mM K+, appeared to be mediated by the reversal of electrogenic, Na+-coupled GABA uptake. Release was inhibited by nipecotic acid, an inhibitor of the Na+-coupled GABA uptake system. However, release induced by NMDA may also include a Ca2+-dependent component.

Effects of pharmacological manipulations on basal and newly synthesized levels of GABA, glutamate, aspartate and glutamine in mouse brain cortex

Concentrations of basal and newly synthesized inhibitory (gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA) and excitatory (glutamate and aspartate) neurotransmitter amino acids and glutamine were determined in mouse brain cortex. Isotopic enrichment following an intravenous infusion of a stable-labeled precursor, [13C6]D-glucose, was used to estimate the newly synthesized amino acid content. Effects of various pharmacological agents (valproate, aminooxyacetic acid, 3-mercaptopropionic acid, N-methyl-D-aspartate, and 2-amino-7-phosphonohepatanoic acid) were evaluated. The effects of 3-mercaptopropionic acid (an inhibitor of glutamate decarboxylase, a GABA-synthesizing enzyme) were restricted to the GABAergic system. On the other hand, N-methyl-D-aspartate (an agonist of a glutamate receptor subtype) was selective for the glutamate-glutamine system, and its effects were prevented by its selective antagonist, 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid. In some cases, divergent effects were observed on basal and new amino acids. This suggested that basal and new amino acids may represent different compartments. The anticonvulsant drug valproate caused an increase in basal but a decrease in newly synthesized GABA. Aminooxyacetic acid caused a dramatic increase in basal GABA without affecting the newly synthesized GABA. This approach may be useful in studying compartmentation and fluxes of neurotransmitters.

Enhancement of endogenous GABA release from rat synaptosomal preparations is mediated by alpha 2-adrenoceptors pharmacologically different from alpha 2-autoreceptors

The effects of various adrenergic agents on the release of endogenous gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and of [3H]GABA were studied in superfused synaptosomal preparations from rat hippocampus. Noradrenaline (NA) enhanced in a concentration-dependent way the release of endogenous GABA but did not affect the release of the radioactive amino acid. The effect of NA was mimicked by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine, but not by the alpha 1-agonist, phenylephrine. Accordingly, NA was antagonized by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine, but not by the alpha 1-antagonist, prazosin. Both (+)-mianserin and (-)-mianserin, used as alpha 2-adrenoceptor blockers, counteracted the NA-evoked release of endogenous GABA. The results suggest that GABA released from hippocampus crude synaptosomes is modulated by alpha 2-adrenoceptors pharmacologically different from the alpha 2-autoreceptors that modulate NA release and previously found to be blocked by (+)-mianserin but not by the (-) enantiomer (Raiteri et al., 1983).

Effects of valproate, vigabatrin and aminooxyacetic acid on release of endogenous and exogenous GABA from cultured neurons

Valproate (VPA) and vigabatrin (gamma-vinyl GABA, GVG) are two novel antiepileptic drugs with a presumed GABAergic mechanism of action. However, for VPA, this aspect has been extensively debated. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether treatment of cultured neurons with clinically relevant concentrations of VPA and GVG might enhance release of endogenous GABA. In order to address the question of the fate of released GABA, studies involving exogenous, radiolabeled GABA were also undertaken. Exposure of neurons to GVG in a concentration range of 10-300 microM led to a significant increase in the cellular GABA content, whereas concentrations of VPA of 30-300 microM had no such effect. Treatment of the neurons with concentrations of GVG as low as 25 microM resulted in a pronounced increase in evoked release of endogenous GABA, compared to controls. Only high concentrations of VPA (300 microM) caused an increase in the synaptic GABA release, which reached statistical significance. Preincubating the neurons with exogenously labeled GABA in the presence of GVG or aminooxyacetic acid, both of which block GABA metabolism, caused a decrease in the specific radioactivity in the cellular GABA pool. This, together with the observation that the specific radioactivity of the releasable GABA pool always exceeded that of the cellular pool, indicates that exogenously supplied GABA preferentially labels the transmitter pool of GABA.

GABA transaminase inhibitors enhance the release of endogenous GABA but decrease the release of beta-alanine evoked by electrical stimulation of slices of the rat medulla oblongata

Slices of the rat medulla oblongata were superfused and electrically stimulated. The amount of endogenous GABA, beta-alanine and glutamate release from the slices was determined by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorometric detection. Inhibitors of GABA-transaminase (GABA-T), aminooxyacetic acid (10(-5) M), gamma-acetylenic GABA (10(-4) and 10(-3) M) and gabaculine (10(-5) M), enhanced the stimulus-evoked release of GABA and reduced that of beta-alanine, while no change was observed in the release of glutamate. These changes in amino acid release from the slices were accompanied by an increase in the content of GABA and a decrease in that of beta-alanine. The stimulus-evoked release of these amino acids was abolished by Ca2+-deprivation, in either the presence or absence of GABA-T inhibitors. These results suggest a modulatory role of GABA-T for synaptically releasable GABA and involvement of this enzyme in the synthesis of releasable beta-alanine.

HPLC analysis of putative amino acid neurotransmitters released from primary cerebellar cultures

An HPLC method is described that measures amino acids (putative neurotransmitters and/or neuromodulators) released from primary, dissociated cerebellar cells maintained in monolayer culture. Precolumn derivatization with phenylisothiocyanate, followed by reverse phase chromatography with UV detection was used to quantitate the phenylcarbamyl amino acid derivatives in a chemically defined medium. Quantitation was linear, reproducible and sensitive to one picomole. This method is useful for the measurement of putative neurotransmitters GABA, glutamate, aspartate, taurine and adenosine, and can easily be modified to analyze other amino acids in physiological samples.

Further evidence for abnormal GABAergic circuits in amygdala-kindled rats

In amygdala-kindled rats, synaptosomal levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its synthesizing enzyme glutamate decarboxylase as well as [3H]GABA binding to synaptic membranes were determined in several brain regions which, except for the amygdala, were pooled from both hemispheres to obtain enough tissue for the subcellular fractionations. Compared to controls, GABA synthesis was reduced in the ipsilateral (stimulated) amygdala and in corpus striatum and substantia nigra. GABA receptor binding was decreased in amygdala and substantia nigra but significantly increased in the striatum. The data suggest that abnormal GABAergic transmission in discrete brain areas may be involved in the generation and propagation of amygdala-kindled seizures.

Inhibition of GABA release from slices prepared from several brain regions of rats at various times following a convulsion

1 A method is described for the measurement of the K+-evoked release of endogenous gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from slices of rat cortex, hippocampus and striatum. 2 In tissue prepared 30 min following an electroconvulsive shock, K+-evoked GABA release (above basal release) was inhibited by 45% in cortex, 50% in hippocampus and 75% in striatum. A similar inhibition of release was observed with slices prepared from rats in which a convulsion had been induced by flurothyl. There was no change in spontaneous (basal) release following either procedure. 3 An inhibition of K+-evoked endogenous GABA release was also seen in tissue prepared 4 min postictally but not 2 h after the seizure. 4 No difference was observed in the release of [3H]-GABA from preloaded cortical slices prepared from rats given a single electroconvulsive shock. 5 It is proposed that a convulsion results in an inhibition of GABA release and that this inhibition may in turn inhibit GABA synthesis as described in the preceding paper. 6 It is also proposed that changes in the endogenous releasable pool of GABA may not be detected by preloading slices with [3H]-GABA.

Multiple voltage-sensitive calcium channels are probably involved in endogenous GABA release from striatal neurones differentiated in primary culture

Calcium-dependent release of neurotransmitters is thought to be due to Ca2+ entry into nerve terminals, but the identities of the various voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels (VSCC) involved in this process remain obscure. To elucidate the types of VSCCs involved in the release process, we studied the effects of various organic Ca2+ channel antagonists and agonists on the release of endogenous gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from mouse striatal neurones differentiated in primary culture. Diltiazem, verapamil and methoxyverapamil (D 600) inhibited K+-evoked (30 mM) GABA release at very high concentrations (greater than 1 microM). The dihydropyridine (DHP) nifedipine, at low concentrations (0.01-1.00 microM), was able to inhibit part of the K+-evoked GABA release (25.6 +/- 7.3% inhibition at 1 microM). This is in agreement with the high affinity of nifedipine for DHP binding sites. The DHPs, BAY K 8644 (EC50 = 41 +/- 15 nM) and CGP 28.392, which possess agonist properties at VSCCs, increased the 15 mM K+-evoked GABA release. The release evoked by the combination of K+ (15 mM) and BAY K 8644 (up to 10 microM) remained smaller than the release elicited by 30 mM K+. The effect of BAY K 8644 (1 microM) was inhibited by nifedipine (IC50 0.55 +/- 0.05 microM). When Na+ ions were replaced by choline, basal and K+-evoked GABA release was significantly increased. Even in the absence of external Na+, nifedipine (1 microM) was not able to totally block the K+ effect. Moreover amiloride, a drug known to inhibit Na+/Ca2+ exchange, and tetrodotoxin (TTX), did not modify the 30 mM K+ response.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

4-Aminobutyrate can be released exocytotically from guinea-pig cerebral cortical synaptosomes

Guinea-pig synaptosomes possess two functional pools of 4-aminobutyrate (GABA). One is rapidly labelled by added [14C]GABA, is steadily released in a Ca2+-independent manner when the Na+ electrochemical potential across the plasma membrane is collapsed, and is depleted by the GABA analogue 2,4-diaminobutyrate (DABA), all of which is consistent with a cytosolic location. A second, noncytosolic compartment only slowly equilibrates with exogenous [14C]GABA, is not depleted by DABA, but can release 350 pmol of endogenous GABA/mg of protein (8% of the total intrasynaptosomal GABA) within 15 s of depolarization in the presence of Ca2+. Ca2+-independent release occurs by thermodynamic reversal of the plasma membrane uptake pathway following artifactually prolonged depolarization, whereas Ca2+-dependent release is consistent with physiological exocytosis from vesicular stores.

Compartmentation and release of exogenous GABA in sheep brain synaptosomes

Exogenous tritiated gamma-aminobutiric acid ([3H]GABA) is retained in two compartments in sheep cortex synaptosomes, corresponding to cytoplasmic and vesicular spaces, assuming that freeze-thawing the synaptosomes loaded with [3H]GABA releases the cytoplasmic [3H]GABA (81 +/- 3.9%), and that subsequent solubilization of the synaptosomes with 1% sodium cholate releases the vesicular [3H]GABA (19 +/- 3.9%). Depolarization of synaptosomes with 40 mM K+ in a Na+-medium, in the absence of Ca2+, releases 20.3 +/- 2.7% of the [3H]GABA retained in the synaptosomes. The [3H]GABA released under these conditions comes predominantly from the cytoplasm. The presence of 1 mM Ca2+ during depolarization releases an additional 13% (a total of about 33.5 +/- 9.9%) of the releasable [3H]GABA, and the [3H]GABA release which is Ca2+-dependent also comes mostly from the cytoplasmic compartment. When choline replaces external Na+, the [3H]GABA release is absolutely Ca2+-dependent, and the [3H]GABA released also comes mostly from the cytoplasmic pool. Therefore, it appears that [3H]GABA taken up by synaptosomes is accumulated mostly in the cytoplasmic compartment from which it is released upon depolarization. The technique described permits distinguishing the effect of different factors on the two pools of accumulated [3H]GABA.

Superoxide radical-mediated alteration of synaptosome membrane structure and high-affinity gamma-[14C]aminobutyric acid uptake

Mouse cortical synaptosomal structure and function are altered when exposed to hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase (HPX/XOD)-generated active oxygen/free radical species. The structure of both the synaptic vesicle and plasma membrane systems are altered by HPX/XOD treatment. The alteration of synaptic vesicle structure is exhibited by a significant increase in the cumulative length of nonsynaptic vesicle membrane per nerve terminal. With respect to the nerve terminal plasma membrane, the length of the perimeter of the synaptosome is increased as the membrane pulls away from portions of the terminal in blebs. The functional lesion generated by HPX/XOD treatment results in a reduction in selective high-affinity gamma-[14C]aminobutyric acid (GABA) uptake. Kinetic analysis of the reduction in high-affinity uptake reveals that the Vmax is significantly altered whereas the Km is not. Preincubation with specific active oxygen/free radical scavengers indicates that the super-oxide radical is directly involved. This radical, most probably in the protonated perhydroxyl form, initiates lipid peroxidative damage of the synaptosomal membrane systems. Low-affinity [14C]GABA transport is unaltered by the HPX/XOD treatment. The apparent ineffectiveness of free radical exposure on low-affinity [14C]GABA transport coupled with its effectiveness in reducing high-affinity transport supports the idea that two separate and different amino acid uptake systems exist in CNS tissue, with the high-affinity being more sensitive (lipid-dependent) and/or more energy-dependent (Na+,K+-ATPase) than the low-affinity system.

Stimulus-evoked efflux of GABA from preloaded slices of the rabbit oviduct

The effect of electrical and chemical stimulation on the efflux of [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from preloaded slices of the rabbit oviduct was examined. Electrical field stimulation significantly increased the outflow of [3H]GABA. This effect could not be prevented by tetrodotoxin or by the removal of Ca2+ from the medium. High K+ concentrations, veratrine and ethylenediamine also evoked a remarkable elevation in the efflux. The release induced by veratrine was completely abolished in a Ca2+-free medium or in the presence of tetrodotoxin, while the release evoked by high K+ or ethylenediamine was resistant to both conditions. These findings indicate that GABA can be released from the oviduct under the effect of depolarizing stimuli, raising the possibility of a physiological interaction between oviductual GABA and its receptors. The characteristics of oviductal GABA efflux differ from those of neuronal and glial GABA release.

In vivo effects of aminooxyacetic acid and valproic acid on nerve terminal (synaptosomal) GABA levels in discrete brain areas of the rat. Correlation to pharmacological activities

A newly developed synaptosomal model was used to evaluate the in vivo effects of the GABA-elevating drugs aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA, 30 mg/kg i.p.) and valproic acid (VPA, 200 mg/kg i.p.) on GABA levels in nerve endings of 11 brain regions in rats as a function of time after administration. The data obtained were compared with the magnitude and time course of the effects of both drugs in rats on body temperature, pain response and against seizures induced by electroshock, pentylenetetrazol and 3-mercaptopropionic acid. Following AOAA, maximum increases in synaptosomal GABA levels of brain regions were observed 6 hr after administration. At this time, GABA was significantly elevated up to 300% over control values in synaptosomal fractions from all 11 regions. However, the hypothermic and antinociceptive effects of the drug as well as its anticonvulsant action against electroshock and pentylenetetrazol induced seizures were maximal 1 hr after injection and had vanished after 6 hr, i.e. at the time of maximum GABA increases in synaptosomes. The only pharmacological effect of AOAA which paralleled the time course of the synaptosomal GABA elevation was the attenuation of seizures induced by 3-mercaptopropionic acid. Following VPA, the effect on synaptosomal GABA levels was much more rapid in onset and significant increases were already determined 5 to 30 min after administration. Significant increases of up to 80% over control values were found in synaptosomal fractions from olfactory bulb, frontal cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, tectum, substantia nigra and cerebellum. In contrast to AOAA, the time course of the synaptosomal GABA increases, at least in some regions, was similar to the time course of VPA's antinociceptice effects and its anticonvulsant effects in the three seizure models studied. The data may suggest that AOAA and VPA increase different pools of GABA within nerve terminals, only one of which is involved in GABA-mediated neurotransmission.

Substance P provoked gamma-aminobutyric acid release from the myenteric plexus of the guinea-pig small intestine

The release of [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from the isolated small intestine of the guinea-pig pre-loaded with [3H]GABA was measured in the presence of substance P and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). Substance P (10(-10)-10(-7) M) produced a dose-dependent increase in the fractional rate of [3H]GABA release. VIP, even at 10(-7) M, did not affect the spontaneous [3H]GABA release nor the release of [3H]GABA evoked by electrical transmural stimulation (0.5 ms, 15 V, 10 Hz for 30 s). The release of endogenous GABA from the isolated small intestine was measured in the presence of substance P (10(-9) M). After 60 min superfusion, the spontaneous release of GABA was 4.61 +/- 0.14 pmol min-1 g-1 wet wt. (n = 20). Substance P (10(-9) M) produced an approximate 2-fold spontaneous release of endogeneous GABA (8.74 +/- 0.21 pmol min-1 g-1 wet wt. (n = 10)). Perfusion with Ca-free medium containing 1 mM-EGTA and tetrodotoxin (3 X 10(-7) M) inhibited the release of endogenous GABA evoked by substance P (10(-9) M). (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9) substance P (10(-6) M) antagonized the release of endogenous GABA evoked by substance P (10(-9) M). These results indicate that substance P induces a neuronal release of GABA through its receptor located in the guinea-pig small intestine. Substance P (10(-11)-10(-7) M) produced a dose-dependent increase in the fractional rate of [3H]acetylcholine (ACh) release from the isolated small intestine pre-loaded with [3H]choline. The release of [3H]ACh evoked by substance P (10(-9) M) was inhibited by perfusion with Ca-free medium containing 1 mM-EGTA, tetrodotoxin (3 X 10(-7) M) and (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9)substance P (10(-6) M). Bicuculline (10(-6) M) inhibited the release of [3H]ACh evoked by substance P (10(-9) M) by 68.1 +/- 4.6% (n = 5), thereby suggesting that the substance P-evoked ACh release is partly mediated through the endogenous GABA released by substance P. These results provide evidence for the neurotransmitter role of GABA and a possible excitatory role of substance P on the GABAergic neurones in the myenteric plexus of the guinea-pig small intestine.

Influence of aminooxyacetic acid on the potassium-evoked release of [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid from slices of rat cerebral cortex

The release of [3H]GABA from superfused slices of rat cerebral cortex was investigated in the presence and absence of the GABA-transaminase inhibitor aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA). In the latter case, an ion-exchange column chromatographic technique was used to separate [3H]GABA from tritiated metabolites released with it into the superfusate. In the absence of AOAA, omission of Ca2+ from the superfusion medium reduced the release of [3H]GABA evoked by a 30 mM K+ pulse by 81.6%, whereas in comparable experiments carried out in the presence of AOAA omission of Ca2+ reduced the K+-evoked release by only 23.5%. Similar results were obtained when a 50 mM K+ pulse was used, whereupon omission of Ca2+ reduced [3H]GABA release by 78.7% in the absence of AOAA as compared with a reduction of only 47.9% when AOAA was present. It is concluded that the presence of AOAA decreases the Ca2+-dependence of K+-evoked [3H]GABA release in this system.