Reciprocal interactions between alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist and neuropeptide Y binding sites in the nucleus tractus solitarius of the rat. A biochemic and autoradiographic analysis

On the g-protein-coupled receptor heteromers and their allosteric receptor-receptor interactions in the central nervous system: focus on their role in pain modulation

The modulatory role of allosteric receptor-receptor interactions in the pain pathways of the Central Nervous System and the peripheral nociceptors has become of increasing interest. As integrators of nociceptive and antinociceptive wiring and volume transmission signals, with a major role for the opioid receptor heteromers, they likely have an important role in the pain circuits and may be involved in acupuncture. The delta opioid receptor (DOR) exerts an antagonistic allosteric influence on the mu opioid receptor (MOR) function in a MOR-DOR heteromer. This heteromer contributes to morphine-induced tolerance and dependence, since it becomes abundant and develops a reduced G-protein-coupling with reduced signaling mainly operating via β-arrestin2 upon chronic morphine treatment. A DOR antagonist causes a return of the Gi/o binding and coupling to the heteromer and the biological actions of morphine. The gender- and ovarian steroid-dependent recruitment of spinal cord MOR/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) heterodimers enhances antinociceptive functions and if impaired could contribute to chronic pain states in women. MOR1D heterodimerizes with gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) in the spinal cord, mediating morphine induced itch. Other mechanism for the antinociceptive actions of acupuncture along meridians may be that it enhances the cross-desensitization of the TRPA1 (chemical nociceptor)-TRPV1 (capsaicin receptor) heteromeric channel complexes within the nociceptor terminals located along these meridians. Selective ionotropic cannabinoids may also produce cross-desensitization of the TRPA1-TRPV1 heteromeric nociceptor channels by being negative allosteric modulators of these channels leading to antinociception and antihyperalgesia.

Effect of acute and continuous morphine treatment on transcription factor expression in subregions of the rat caudate putamen. Marked modulation by D4 receptor activation

Acute administration of the dopamine D(4) receptor (D(4)R) agonist PD168,077 induces a down-regulation of the μ opioid receptor (MOR) in the striosomal compartment of the rat caudate putamen (CPu), suggesting a striosomal D(4)R/MOR receptor interaction in line with their high co-distribution in this brain subregion. The present work was designed to explore if a D(4)R/MOR receptor interaction also occurs in the modulation of the expression pattern of several transcription factors in striatal subregions that play a central role in drug addiction. Thus, c-Fos, FosB/ΔFosB and P-CREB immunoreactive profiles were quantified in the rat CPu after either acute or continuous (6-day) administration of morphine and/or PD168,077. Acute and continuous administration of morphine induced different patterns of expression of these transcription factors, effects that were time-course and region dependent and fully blocked by PD168,077 co-administration. Moreover, this effect of the D(4)R agonist was counteracted by the D(4)R antagonist L745,870. Interestingly, at some time-points, combined treatment with morphine and PD168,077 substantially increased c-Fos, FosB/ΔFosB and P-CREB expression. The results of this study give indications for a general antagonistic D(4)R/MOR receptor interaction at the level of transcription factors. The change in the transcription factor expression by D(4)R/MOR interactions in turn suggests a modulation of neuronal activity in the CPu that could be of relevance for drug addiction.

The changing world of G protein-coupled receptors: from monomers to dimers and receptor mosaics with allosteric receptor-receptor interactions

Based on indications of direct physical interactions between neuropeptide and monoamine receptors in the early 1980s, the term receptor-receptor interactions was introduced and later on the term receptor heteromerization in the early 1990s. Allosteric mechanisms allow an integrative activity to emerge either intramolecularly in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) monomers or intermolecularly via receptor-receptor interactions in GPCR homodimers, heterodimers, and receptor mosaics. Stable heteromers of Class A receptors may be formed that involve strong high energy arginine-phosphate electrostatic interactions. These receptor-receptor interactions markedly increase the repertoire of GPCR recognition, signaling and trafficking in which the minimal signaling unit in the GPCR homomers appears to be one receptor and one G protein. GPCR homomers and GPCR assemblies are not isolated but also directly interact with other proteins to form horizontal molecular networks at the plasma membrane.

Receptor–receptor interactions in central cardiovascular regulation. Focus on neuropeptide/α2-adrenoreceptor interactions in the nucleus tractus solitarius

The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) is a key nucleus in central cardiovascular control. In this mechanism it is well known the role of the alpha(2)-adrenoreceptors for the modulation of the autonomic pathways. Moreover a number of neuropeptides described in the NTS, including Neuropeptide Y (NPY), Galanin (GAL) and Angiotensin II (Ang II), have different roles in regulating the cardiovascular function within this nucleus. We show in this review several data which help to understand how these neuropeptides (NPY, GAL and Ang II) could modulate the cardiovascular responses mediated through alpha(2)-adrenoreceptors in the NTS. Also we show for the first time the interactions between neuropeptides in the brain, specifically the interactions between NPY, GAL, and Ang II, and its functional relevance for central cardiovascular regulation. These data strength the role of neuropeptides on central autonomic control and provide some evidences to understand the neurochemical mechanisms involved in the cardiovascular responses from the NTS.

Loss of stimulatory effect of guanosine triphosphate on [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding correlates with Alzheimer's disease neurofibrillary pathology in entorhinal cortex and CA1 hippocampal subfield

Heterotrimeric guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding proteins (G-proteins) couple many different cell surface receptor types to intracellular effector mechanisms. Uncoupling between receptors and G-proteins and between G-proteins and adenylyl cyclase (AC) and phospholipase C (PLC) has been described for Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. However, there is little information on whether altered G-protein signaling in AD is just an end-stage phenomenon or is important for the progression of disease pathology. Here we used [(35)S]GTPgammaS autoradiography to study G-protein distribution in sections of entorhinal cortex and hippocampus from 23 cases staged for neurofibrillary changes and amyloid deposits according to Braak and Braak (Acta Neuropathol. [1991] 82:239-259). We also studied the effects of GTP, which has been found to increase [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding in an Mg(2+)-dependent manner. Results show that the ability of GTP (3 microM) to stimulate [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding declined significantly with staging for neurofibrillary changes in the entorhinal cortex (P < 0.05, ANOVA) and CA1 subfield of the hippocampus (P < 0.05, ANOVA). No significant changes were seen for [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding in the absence of GTP. Our results suggest a decrease in G-protein GTP hydrolysis, which correlates with the progression of AD neurofibrillary changes, in the regions most affected by this pathology. These alterations appear to occur prior to stages corresponding to clinical disease and could lead to an impaired regulation of several signaling systems in AD brain.

Interactions between neuropeptide Y and gamma-aminobutyric acid in stimulation of feeding: a morphological and pharmacological analysis

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) produced in neurons in the arcuate nucleus and brain stem and released in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and surrounding areas is involved in stimulation of feeding in rats. We recently reported that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is coexpressed in a subpopulation of NPY neurons in the arcuate nucleus. To determine whether GABA is colocalized in NPY terminals in the PVN, the site of NPY action, light and electron microscopic double staining for NPY and GABA using pre- and postembedding immunolabeling was performed on rat brain sections. GABA was detected in NPY-immunopositive axons and axon terminals within both the parvocellular and magnocellular divisions of the PVN. These morphological findings suggested a NPY-GABA interaction in the hypothalamic control of feeding. Therefore, the effects of muscimol (MUS), a GABA(A) receptor agonist, on NPY-induced food intake were examined in sated rats. When injected intracerebroventricularly, both NPY and MUS elicited dose-dependent feeding responses that were blocked by the administration of 1229U91 (a putative Y1 receptor antagonist) or bicuculline (a GABA(A) receptor antagonist), respectively. Coadministration of NPY and MUS intracerebroventricularly amplified the feeding response over that evoked by NPY or MUS alone. Similarly, microinjection of either NPY or MUS into the PVN stimulated food intake in a dose-related fashion, and coinjection elicited a significantly higher response than that evoked by either individual treatment. These results suggest that GABA and NPY may coact through distinct receptors and second messenger systems in the PVN to augment food intake.

Autoreceptor-induced inhibition of neuropeptide Y release from PC-12 cells is mediated by Y2 receptors

Pheochromocytoma (PC)-12 cells express Y1, Y2, and Y3 neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptors when differentiated with nerve growth factor (NGF). The present work evaluated NGF-differentiated PC-12 cells as a model system to study modulation of NPY release by NPY autoreceptors. We demonstrated that both K+ and nicotine stimulated concomitant release of NPY and dopamine from differentiated PC-12 cells. We also showed in this study that NPY release from PC-12 cells was attenuated in a concentration-dependent manner by peptide YY (PYY)-(13-36), a selective agonist for the Y2 type of NPY receptors. This result demonstrated that NPY release could be modulated by NPY autoreceptors of the Y2 subtype. The inhibitory action of PYY-(13-36) may be mediated at least in part by inhibition of N-type Ca2+ channels, because PYY-(13-36) could not produce further inhibitory effects in the presence of a maximum effective concentration of omega-conotoxin, an N-type Ca2+-channel blocker. The inhibition by PYY-(13-36) could be blocked by pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin, suggesting that an inhibitory GTP-binding protein was involved. Furthermore, the function of NPY autoreceptors could be modulated by other receptors such as beta-adrenergic and ATP receptors. The evoked release of NPY was also attenuated by ATP and adenosine, which have been shown to be colocalized and coreleased with NPY from sympathetic nerve terminals. These results suggest that PC-12 cells differentiated with NGF may be an ideal model to study regulatory mechanisms of NPY release and that autoreceptor-mediated regulation of NPY release appears to act through the Y2 subtype of the NPY receptor.

Autoradiographic characterisation of [35S]GTP gamma S binding sites in rat brain

The binding of [35S]GTP gamma S was characterised with autoradiography in rat brain. The binding was saturable, but the rate of dissociation was very slow. Analysis of binding isotherms revealed one class of binding sites with a Kd of 0.8 microM. The specific binding was 98%. Different guanine nucleotides were all able to compete with [35S]GTP gamma S binding. However, no displacement was seen by the ATP-analogue App[NH]p, indicating that [35S]GTP gamma S does not bind to ATP-sites. Autoradiograms showed a highly homogenous distribution of [35S]GTP gamma S binding, in grey as well as in white matter. However, the pattern changed dramatically in the presence of GTP, which, unlike the non-hydrolysable GTP-analogues Gpp[NH]p and GTP gamma S, did not displace [35S]GTP gamma S binding throughout the brain. In white matter areas the binding was potently displaced, while in many grey matter areas, e.g., the striatum, the binding was seen to increase. This GTP-induced increase in [35S]GTP gamma S binding was strongly Mg(2+)-dependent, with an optimum at 10 mM. This, together with the finding that the regional effects of GTP correspond well to previously reported distribution of low Km GTPase, suggest that the levels of binding of [35S]GTP gamma S in the presence of GTP may reflect functional G-protein activity.

Localization of neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor-like immunoreactivity in catecholaminergic neurons of the rat medulla oblongata

Neuropeptide Y receptors in the medulla oblongata participate in central cardiovascular control. The neuropeptide Y1 receptor subtype gene and amino acid sequence have been identified by molecular cloning studies. In this study, a C-terminal peptide representing amino acids 355-382 of the neuropeptide Y1 receptor was synthesized and cross-linked to thyroglobulin to produce an antibody against a partial sequence of the neuropeptide Y1 receptor, used to localize neuropeptide Y1 receptor-like immunoreactivity in the catecholaminergic neurons of the medulla oblongata. The double colour immunofluorescence technique with a polyclonal antibody against the neuropeptide Y1 receptor and a monoclonal antibody against tyrosine hydroxylase revealed that in the rat medulla oblongata, a weak (the C3 cell group) to moderately intense (the A1, A2, C1 and C2 cell groups), diffuse cytoplasmic neuropeptide Y1 receptor-like immunoreactivity was distributed primarily in the noradrenergic and adrenergic cell bodies and occasionally seen in the noradrenergic and adrenergic cell processes. Almost all tyrosine hydroxylase-like immunoreactive cell bodies in the A1, A2, C1, C2 and C3 cell groups showed neuropeptide Y1 receptor-like immunoreactivity. The neuropeptide Y1 receptor-like immunoreactivity in the A2 cell group was somewhat stronger. The present findings show localization of specific neuropeptide Y1 receptor-like immunoreactivity in the vast majority of the noradrenergic and adrenergic cell bodies of the A1, A2, C1, C2 and C3 cell groups, which are putative cardiovascular regions. The results support the view that neuropeptide Y1 receptors in the medulla oblongata are involved in central cardiovascular control and may coexist with another important receptor, the alpha 2A-adrenoceptor, also involved in central, cardiovascular regulation, since the alpha 2A-adrenoceptor-like immunoreactivity has been shown to exist in almost all noradrenergic and adrenergic cell bodies in the brainstem. In conclusion, centrally administered neuropeptide Y may act in part via neuropeptide Y1 receptors located on the soma and dendrites of noradrenergic and adrenergic neurons, where it may interact with alpha 2-adrenoceptors at least in the noradrenergic A2 neurons. This noradrenaline system may be involved in at least part of the vasodepressor actions of neuropeptide Y, noradrenaline and adrenaline in the nucleus tractus solitarii in view of the present findings.

Neurochemical modulation of cardiovascular control in the nucleus tractus solitarius

The central control of cardiovascular function has been keenly studied for a number of decades. Of particular interest are the homeostatic control mechanisms, such as the baroreceptor heart-rate reflex, the chemoreceptor reflex, the Bezold-Jarisch reflex and the Breuer-Hering reflex. These neurally-mediated reflexes share a common termination point for their respective centrally-projecting sensory afferents, namely the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). Thus, the NTS clearly plays a critical role in the integration of peripherally initiated sensory information regarding the status of blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory function. Many endogenous neurochemicals, from simple amino acids through biogenic amines to complex peptides have the ability to modulate blood pressure and heart rate at the level of the NTS. This review will attempt to collate the current knowledge regarding the roles of neuromodulators in the NTS, the receptor types involved in mediating observed responses and the degree of importance of such neurochemicals in the tonic regulation of the cardiovascular system. The neural pathway that controls the baroreceptor heart-rate reflex will be the main focus of attention, including discussion of the identity of the neurotransmitter(s) thought to act at baroafferent terminals within the NTS. In addition, this review will provide a timely update on the use of recently developed molecular biological techniques that have been employed in the study of the NTS, complementing more classical research.

Neuropeptide Y potentiation of potassium-induced noradrenaline release in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of the rat in vivo

NPY is co-localised with catecholamines in the brain and periphery. Noradrenaline and NPY are present in high concentrations in the PVN of the hypothalamus, an area implicated in autonomic regulation. This microdialysis study examined whether NPY can modulate rat PVN noradrenaline release in vivo, as has been shown in vitro. Basal and K(+)-stimulated noradrenaline release was measured after i.c.v. administration of 2 nmol NPY or vehicle. No effect of NPY was observed on basal release, however a significant doubling of K(+)-induced release was observed, both 60 and 150 min following i.c.v. NPY. This raises the possibility that NPY may potentiate rather than inhibit brain noradrenaline release in vivo.

Central nervous system pharmacology of neuropeptide Y

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36-amino acid peptide belonging to the pancreatic polypeptide family that has marked and diverse biological activity across species. NPY originally was isolated from mammalian brain tissue somewhat more than 10 years ago and, since that time, has been the subject of numerous scientific publications. NPY and its proposed three receptors (Y1, Y2 and Y3) are relatively abundant in and uniquely distributed throughout the brain and spinal cord. This review will highlight the results from a number of research-oriented studies that have examined how NPY is involved in CNS function and behavior, and how these studies may relate to the possible development of medicines, either NPY-like agonists or antagonists, directed towards the treatment of disorders such as anxiety, pain, hypertension, schizophrenia, memory dysfunction, abnormal eating behavior and depression.

Neuropeptide Y receptor subtypes

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an amidated 36-amino acid peptide with a wide distribution in the central and peripheral nervous system. It can evoke numerous physiological responses by activating specific receptors. Studies using NPY analogs in various model systems and cell types demonstrate different orders of ligand potency and receptor binding affinity. These studies suggest the existence of multiple subtypes of NPY receptors. NPY has been described to bind to at least three different receptors, Y1, Y2 and Y3. NPY has also been shown to interact with sigma receptor in vivo and in vitro. There are indications that more subtypes might exist. Ligand binding studies reveal that Y1, Y2 and Y3 receptors are all G-protein coupled. It is not yet confirmed whether the sigma receptor that interacts with NPY is G-protein coupled. Some studies show that NPY receptors may interact with other classical receptors, including alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors and cholinergic receptors. In the case of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors, the receptor-receptor interaction is possibly via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein. NPY receptors are coupled to various signal transduction mechanisms including inhibition of adenylate cyclase, and stimulation or inhibition of increases in intracellular Ca2+. Specific links between individual NPY receptor subtype and a particular signal transduction pathway are not established.

Antagonistic regulation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors by neuropeptide Y receptor subtypes in the nucleus tractus solitarii

The modulation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors by neuropeptide Y Y1 and neuropeptide Y Y2 receptor subtypes has been studied in the nucleus tractus solitarii of the male rat. The autoradiographical experiments showed that neuropeptide Y-(1-36), neuropeptide Y-(13-36), a selective neuropeptide Y Y2 receptor agonist, and [Leu31,Pro34]neuropeptide Y, a selective neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor agonist, in the nanomolar range increased the Kd value of the [3H]p-aminoclonidine binding sites in the above rank order of potency without changing the Bmax values. In contrast, in the competition experiments, the neuropeptide Y Y1 and the neuropeptide Y Y2 receptor agonists decreased and increased, respectively, with the same potency the IC50 value of l-adrenaline and especially of clonidine for the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist binding sites associated with an increase and a decrease of the B0 value, respectively. Cardiovascular experiments showed that microinjections of clonidine into the nucleus tractus solitarii induced dose-dependent vasodepressor and bradycardiac responses. Threshold doses for vasodepressor effects of neuropeptide Y-(1-36) and of the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor agonist and for vasopressor effects of the neuropeptide Y Y2 receptor agonist significantly counteracted the vasodepressor action elicited by an ED50 dose of clonidine in the nucleus tractus solitarii, the bradycardiac action of clonidine also being counteracted by the neuropeptide Y Y2 but not the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor agonist. The present results give indications for the existence of an antagonistic modulation of high affinity alpha 2-adrenoceptors by the neuropeptide Y Y1 and neuropeptide Y Y2 receptor subtype in the nucleus tractus solitarii which may contribute to a reduction of alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated cardiovascular depression.

Selective modulation of the NPY receptors of the Y2 subtype by alpha 2 receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarii of the rat. A cardiovascular and quantitative receptor autoradiographical analysis

The modulation of neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptors by alpha 2 receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarii (Sol) of the rat was evaluated using quantitative receptor autoradiography and measurements of mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate. The receptor autoradiographical experiments showed that clonidine (10 nM), a selective alpha 2 receptor agonist, induced a 59% increase in the B0 value and a 47% decrease in the IC50 value of NPY(1-36) when competing for [125I]peptide YY ([125I]PYY)-binding sites in the presence of [Leu31, Pro34]NPY (100 nM), a selective NPY Y1 receptor agonist, to block the binding to NPY Y1 receptors. In contrast, when NPY(13-36) (300 nM), a selective NPY Y2 receptor agonist, was used to block the binding to NPY Y2 receptors, clonidine (1-30 nM) did not affect the B0 value and the IC50 value of NPY(1-36) when competing for [125I]PYY-binding sites, suggesting that the stimulation of alpha 2 receptors can selectively increase the affinity of NYP(1-36) for the NPY Y2 receptor. Microinjections of threshold doses of adrenaline or clonidine into the Sol not only counteracted the vasopressor action of a close to ED50 dose of coinjected NPY(13-36), but also changed the vasopressor and tachycardic response produced by NPY(13-36) into a vasodepressor and bradycardic response. However, threshold doses of adrenaline or of clonidine microinjected into the Sol did not modify the vasodepressor responses to a close to ED50 dose of NPY(1-36) or of [Leu31, Pro34]NPY.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of neuropeptide Y on short-term memory

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a ubiquitous neuropeptide which may modulate several behavioral and physiological phenomena. Among other behavioral effects, NPY has been shown to enhance memory processes in mice. The current study employed a delayed conditional discrimination procedure to evaluate the effects of intracerebroventricular injections of NPY on short-term working memory. This conditional discrimination procedure assesses appropriate responding, based on a previously presented stimulus, after various delays have been imposed between the stimulus and the opportunity for a response. Delay values ranged from 0.01 s to 30 s. NPY decreased accuracy across delay values in a dose-dependent manner. The two highest doses of NPY (3.0 and 10.0 micrograms) significantly decreased accuracy. Doses lower than those used in the current study have shown facilitation of memory processes under avoidance procedures in mice. Intraperitoneal naloxone (3.0 mg/kg), an opioid antagonist, completely blocked NPY's memory degrading effects. Procedural differences may account for NPY-induced degradation of short-term working memory under delayed conditional discrimination and previous reports of NPY's enhancement of retention under shock avoidance procedures.

Neuropeptide Y and energy balance: one way ahead for the treatment of obesity?

Obesity is a vast and ever-expanding problem in affluent societies, which we have so far failed to confront. Over 20% of Western European and North American adults are overweight to a degree which may potentially shorten their life expectancy. Obesity has well-known associations with non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM), hypertension, dyslipidaemia and coronary heart disease, as well as less obvious links with diseases such as osteoarthrosis and various malignancies; it also causes considerable problems through reduced mobility and decreased quality of life. The overall financial burden of obesity is impossible to calculate precisely, but may account for 6-8% of total health-care expenditure in North America [1] (similar estimates probably apply to Western Europe). Obesity is difficult to treat and many patients remain obstinately overweight despite our best efforts. The available options range from behavioural therapy to gastrointestinal surgery and include numerous drugs designed to suppress appetite or increase energy expenditure. As in many other areas of medicine, the length and diversity of this list are reliable signs that effective treatment is still beyond our reach. This article argues that new anti-obesity drugs may emerge from recent advances in understanding the control of energy balance in rodents. The discussion is structured around neuropeptide Y (NPY), a major brain peptide which at present appears to be important in regulating energy balance and seems a promising candidate for therapeutic exploitation.

Coinjections of NPY(1-36) or [Leu31,Pro34]NPY with adrenaline in the nucleus tractus solitarius of the rat counteract the vasodepressor responses to adrenaline

The cardiovascular effects of adrenaline microinjected alone or together with neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptor agonists into the nucleus tractus solitarius (Sol) of the anaesthetized rat have been investigated in order to evaluate NPY/adrenergic receptor interactions. In the dose range 0.05-20 nmol, adrenaline microinjected unilaterally into the Sol produced significant dose-related reductions in mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate. The vasodepressor action of a close to ED50 dose of adrenaline (0.5 nmol) was significantly counteracted by a threshold dose of NPY (1-36) (1 pmol) and of the NPY Y1 receptor agonist [Leu31,Pro34]NPY (2.5 pmol) microinjected into the Sol, but not by a threshold dose of NPY(13-36)(50 fmol), a selective Y2 receptor agonist. The present study provides evidence for an antagonistic NPY Y1/adrenergic receptor interaction in the Sol of the rat, involved in cardiovascular regulation.

Intracerebroventricular neuropeptide Y increases gastric acid secretion by decreasing tonic adrenergic inhibition of acid in dogs

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has been shown to increase basal gastric acid secretion in dogs. We examined the hypothesis that NPY might increase gastric acid secretion by interaction with central catecholaminergic control of acid secretion in dogs. Studies were performed in awake canines with gastric fistulas and cerebroventricular guides which allowed injection into the lateral cerebral ventricle. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of yohimbine (5 micrograms/kg) increased acid secretion compared to control (yohimbine: 9.1 +/- 3.3 mmol/h; control: 1.8 +/- 1.0 mmol/2 h P < 0.05), whereas prazosin and propranolol (both 5 micrograms/kg i.c.v.) had no effect, suggesting that there is tonic central alpha 2-adrenergic inhibition of acid secretion. NPY13-36 significantly increased acid secretion compared to control (NPY13-36 1000 pmol/kg i.c.v.: 5.6 +/- 1.9 mmol/2 h; control: 1.3 +/- 0.8 mmol/2 h, P < 0.05), whereas [Leu31,Pro34]-NPY had no effect, suggesting that the central effect of NPY is mediated at a Y2, probably pre-synaptic receptor. Finally, i.c.v. desmethylimipramine (DMI) inhibited the acid response to i.c.v. NPY when injected before but not after NPY (i.c.v. DMI then i.c.v. NPY: control, 15.2 +/- 6.6 mmol/2 h; DMI, 3.5 +/- 1.2 mmol/2 h, P < 0.05; i.c.v. NPY followed by i.c.v. DMI: control, 8.9 +/- 4.0 mmol/2 h; DMI, 9.9 +/- 2.9 mmol/2 h, P > 0.05). This suggests that NPY acts by decreasing noradrenaline release. These findings are compatible with the hypothesis that i.c.v. NPY increases acid secretion by decreasing tonic central adrenergic inhibition of acid by decreasing release of noradrenaline at a pre-synaptic level.

Age-related changes of noradrenergic-NPY interaction in rat brain: norepinephrine, NPY levels and alpha-adrenoceptors

Noradrenergic-neuropeptide Y interaction, which is implicated in different physiological functions, was studied in senescent rats. Norepinephrine (NE) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels were measured in brainstem and hypothalamus, and alpha-adrenergic binding was investigated in brainstem in young (4 months) and old (34 months) Wistar rats. NE concentration was the same in senescent rats, whereas NPY concentration was decreased both in brainstem and hypothalamus compared to levels in young rats. [3H]prazosin binding to alpha 1-adrenoceptors was not modified, but [3H]rauwolscine binding to alpha 2-adrenoceptors was altered with age. In fact, the density of alpha 2-adrenoceptors (Bmax) was lower, while the binding affinity (Kd) was increased in old compared to young rats. These results suggest that the decrease of NPY levels could be one of the possible reasons for changes in [3H]rauwolscine binding to alpha 2-adrenoceptors in old rats. The G-protein-adenylate cyclase system, which is impaired in senescent rats, could be involved in the disorganization of noradrenergic-NPY interaction.

Receptor-receptor interactions as an integrative mechanism in nerve cells

Several lines of evidence indicate that interactions among transmission lines can take place at the level of the cell membrane via interactions among macromolecules, integral or associated to the cell membrane, involved in signal recognition and transduction. The present view will focus on this last subject, i.e., on the interactions between receptors for chemical signals at the level of the neuronal membrane (receptor-receptor interaction). By receptor-receptor interaction we mean that a neurotransmitter or modulator, by binding to its receptor, modifies the characteristics of the receptor for another transmitter or modulator. Four types of interactions among transmission lines may be considered, but mainly intramembrane receptor-receptor interactions have been dealt with in this article, exemplified by the heteroregulation of D2 receptors via neuropeptide receptors and A2 receptors. The role of receptor-receptor interactions in the integration of signals is discussed, especially in terms of filtration of incoming signals, of integration of coincident signals, and of neuronal plasticity.

Intramembrane receptor-receptor interactions: integration of signal transduction pathways in the nervous system

During recent years a large number of observations have been made indicating that neuropeptides and other transmitters in various brain areas can regulate the affinity of monoamine receptors via the activation of their own receptors. These "receptor--receptor interactions" can either take place at the plasma membrane level or use intracytoplasmatic loops. This review is mainly focused on the evidence for hetero-regulation of dopamine (DA) D2 receptors in the basal ganglia. The existence of such receptor--receptor interactions increases the plasticity of transmission and opens up the possibility of developing new drugs which indirectly modulate receptor recognition and decoding processes. This would avoid the use of direct receptor agonists or antagonists which induce major side effects such as tolerance and abstinence. Disturbances in the receptor--receptor interactions, including DA D2 receptors, may be involved in the development of neurological and mental diseases such as schizophrenia.

Visceroendocrine responses elicited by neuropeptide Y in the nucleus tractus solitarius

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has been shown to be localized in a number of CNS regions, including the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). In this meeting report, a brief overview is presented of recent studies from our laboratory examining the role of NPY in NTS-mediated mechanisms of cardiorespiratory and visceroendocrine regulation. Microinjections of NPY, NPY analogs, or C-terminal NPY fragments were made into the subpostremal NTS of anesthetized spontaneously breathing rats. NPY elicited pronounced dose-related depressor responses, bradycardia, and reductions in respiratory minute volume. The overall cardiorespiratory response pattern elicited by NPY was mimicked by NPY, a fragment of NPY exhibiting selective agonist properties at presynaptic Y2 receptors, whereas the Y1 receptor-selective analog, [Leu31,Pro34]NPY, and the C-terminal inactive fragment, NPY, were found to be ineffective. In an effort to further characterize intrinsic NTS mechanisms mediating the NPY-evoked response pattern, NPY microinjections were similarly made in a group of rats with bilateral glossopharyngeovagotomy (G-vagotomy) and in a group of rats decerebrated at the supracollicular level. The results showed that whereas decerebration did not appreciably affect the NTS-mediated cardiorespiratory responses elicited by NPY, G-vagotomy enhanced the NPY-evoked hypotension while at the same time abolishing the NPY-evoked bradycardia and reductions in tidal volume. Taken together, these observations with G-vagotomized animals, along with the results from microinjection studies using selective ligands for NPY receptors, suggest that NPY may modulate primary visceral afferent information via activation of Y2 receptors distributed at presynaptic sites in the subpostremal NTS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cerebrospinal fluid norepinephrine, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol and neuropeptide Y levels in Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy and dementia of the Alzheimer type

Neuropeptide Y, one of the most abundant polypeptides within the nervous system, is co-stored with catecholamines, especially norepinephrine (NE), thus suggesting its possible involvement in pathologies characterized by a noradrenergic impairment. In Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as in multiple system atrophy (MSA), a central noradrenergic deficit has been demonstrated, and in the dementia of Alzheimer type (DAT) an impaired noradrenergic transmission has been postulated. In this study we determined CSF NE and MHPG levels in 29 PD, 15 MSA, 22 DAT patients and in 36 controls, while CSF NPY-immunoreactivity (NPY-ir) levels were measured in 10 PD, 7 MSA, 10 DAT patients and 20 controls. PD, MSA, and DAT patients showed a significant reduction in CSF NPY-ir and NE levels compared with controls, while CSF MHPG levels resulted in a reduction in only the MSA group. Furthermore, an inverse correlation between either NE or MHPG levels and the duration of the orthostatic hypotension was found in MSA patients while for DAT patients the MHPG levels were directly correlated to the severity of cognitive impairment, and inversely to the duration of illness.

Neuropeptide Y interaction with the adrenergic transmission line: a study of its effect on alpha-2 adrenergic receptors

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), first isolated in 1982, is widely distributed among the neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems, often in close association with catecholamines. Because of its wide distribution and concentrations in selected areas of the brain, NPY is considered a putative neurotransmitter with several possible physiological effects including modulation of blood pressure, food intake and pituitary hormone release at a central level. Peripherally, the peptide seems to be involved, via direct and indirect mechanisms, in noradrenaline (NA)-mediated vasoconstriction. The ability of NPY to interact with the catecholamine transmission line may underly a possible modulatory influence of NPY on catecholamine receptor characteristics. We recently observed interaction between alpha-2 adrenergic receptors and those for NPY at the presynaptic level. Additional data from our studies in spontaneously hypertensive rats suggest that impairment of these interactions may contribute to the hypertension in this strain.

Activation of 5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptors increases the affinity of galanin receptors in di- and telencephalic areas of the rat

Since galanin in vitro selectively increases the KD value of 5-HT1A receptors without altering the binding of 5-HT1B or 5-HT2 receptors, we have studied whether 5-HT1A receptor activation in turn may affect galanin binding in the ventral di- and telencephalon and the substantia nigra of the rat. As analyzed by autoradiography, the binding of 125I-galanin was increased by about 55% in the presence of 3-30 nM of 8-OH-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin (DPAT) in the paraventricular thalamic nucleus, the nucleus reuniens and rhomboideus, the zona incerta, the medial and the lateral hypothalamus, and the medial and the lateral amygdaloid area, but not in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra, which lacks 5-HT1A binding sites. DPAT (10 nM) reduced the IC50 values of galanin at 125I-galanin binding sites by approximately 55% within all the analyzed di- and telencephalic regions. The overall increase in BO values was 50 +/- 11%. Using the filter wipe technique in cryostat sections at Bregma -2.8 mm covering all the brain regions at this level, DPAT (10 nM) decreased the IC50 values of galanin from 21.6 +/- 1.1 nM (control) to 15.5 +/- 0.9 nM, and increased the BO values by 19.4 +/- 4.1%. In membrane preparations from the ventral di- and telencephalon, DPAT decreased the IC50 values of galanin binding sites by 20 +/- 3% at 100 nM of DPAT. This effect could be completely blocked by the specific 5-HT1A receptor antagonist 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4-[4-(2-phthalimido)butyl]piperazine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[The nucleus tractus solitarius: neuroanatomic, neurochemical and functional aspects]

The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) has long been considered as the first central relay for gustatory and visceral afferent informations only. However, data obtained during the past ten years, with neuroanatomical, biochemical and electrophysiological techniques, clearly demonstrate that the NTS is a structure with a high degree of complexity, which plays, at the medullary level, a key role in several integrative processes. The NTS, located in the dorsomedial medulla, is a structure of small size containing a limited number of neurons scattered in a more or less dense fibrillar plexus. The distribution and the organization of both the cells and the fibrillar network are not homogeneous within the nucleus and the NTS has been divided cytoarchitectonically into various subnuclei, which are partly correlated with the areas of projection of peripheral afferent endings. At the ultrastructural level, the NTS shows several complex synaptic arrangements in form of glomeruli. These arrangements provide morphological substrates for complex mechanisms of intercellular communication within the NTS. The NTS is not only the site of vagal and glossopharyngeal afferent projections, it receives also endings from facial and trigeminal nerves as well as from some renal afferents. Gustatory and somatic afferents from the oropharyngeal region project with a crude somatotopy within the rostral part of the NTS and visceral afferents from cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory and renal systems terminate viscero-topically within its caudal part. Moreover the NTS is extensively connected with several central structures. It projects directly to multiple brain regions by means of short connections to bulbo-ponto-mesencephalic structures (parabrachial nucleus, motor nuclei of several cranial nerves, ventro-lateral reticular formation, raphe nuclei...) and long connections to the spinal cord and diencephalic and telencephalic structures, in particular the hypothalamus and some limbic structures. The NTS is also the recipient of several central afferent inputs. It is worth to note that most of the structures that receive a direct projection from the NTS project back to the nucleus. Direct projections from the cerebral cortex to the NTS have also been identified. These extensive connections indicate that the NTS is a key structure for autonomic and neuroendocrine functions as well as for integration of somatic and autonomic responses in certain behaviors. The NTS contains a great diversity of neuroactive substances. Indeed, most of the substances identified within the central nervous system have also been detected in the NTS and may act, at this level, as classical transmitters and/or neuromodulators.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Y2 receptors for neuropeptide Y in the nucleus of the solitary tract mediate depressor responses

In anesthetized, spontaneously breathing rats, microinjections of selective agonists of neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptor subtypes were made into the medial region of the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) at the level of the area postrema. This region of the rat NTS exhibits very high densities of NPY binding sites. Microinjections of the long C-terminal NPY fragment, NPY(13-36), a selective agonist at Y2 receptors, into the caudal NTS elicited pronounced, dose-related reductions in blood pressure and respiratory minute volume. Moreover, the specific pattern of cardiorespiratory responses elicited by NPY(13-36) was remarkably similar, over approximately the same dosage range, with the cardiorespiratory response pattern elicited by intact NPY. In contrast to the potent NTS-mediated responses evoked by NPY(13-36), similar microinjections conducted with either NPY(26-36), an inactive C-terminal NPY fragment, or [Leu31,Pro34]NPY, a NPY analog with specific agonist properties at Y1 receptors, into the same caudal NTS sites did not appreciably affect cardiorespiratory parameters even at 10-20-fold higher dosages. The present results with selective agonists for NPY receptor subtypes suggest that the depressor responses and reductions in minute volume elicited by microinjections of intact NPY and NPY(13-36) were mediated by Y2 receptors in the caudal NTS, likely distributed at presynaptic sites in the medial region of the subpostremal NTS.

Effects of neuropeptide Y on forskolin, alpha 2- and beta-adrenoceptor-regulated cAMP levels in the rat brain slice

Neuropeptide Y (10(-6) M) significantly attenuated forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels in slices of the medulla oblongata from WKY rats. No effect of NPY was observed on basal levels of cAMP in this region. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin (2 micrograms and 5 micrograms) IC prevented the reduction of forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels elicited by NPY in the medulla oblongata, suggesting that NPY is acting through an inhibitory guanine nucleotide binding protein to reduce cAMP accumulation. Moxonidine, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, was observed to reduce forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels in medullary slices. This inhibitory response was attenuated in the presence of NPY (10(-6) M). The beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline also elevated cAMP levels in the medulla oblongata; however, NPY did not alter this response. It is therefore proposed that the previously reported hemodynamic actions of NPY in the medulla oblongata, an area of cardiovascular significance, may be mediated via a reduction in cAMP levels. Moreover, an interaction between NPY and alpha 2-adrenoceptors, but not beta-adrenoceptors, on cAMP production in the medulla slice preparation was evident.

Neurotensin decreases the affinity of dopamine D2 agonist binding by a G protein-independent mechanism

To examine whether GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) mediate the ability of neurotensin to lower the affinity of dopamine D2 agonist binding, the modulation by neurotensin in vitro of N-[3H]propylnorapomorphine [( 3H]-NPA) binding was investigated following pretreatment with pertussis toxin and N-ethylmaleimide in rat neostriatal membranes. Preincubation with N-ethylmaleimide (100 microM) markedly inhibited pertussis toxin-induced back-ADP ribosylation of three proteins with apparent molecular masses of 41, 40, and 39 kDa, respectively. This inhibition was prevented by adding dithiothreitol (250 microM) during the preincubation. N-Ethylmaleimide increased the KD (180 +/- 30%) and decreased the Bmax (-31 +/- 9%) of [3H]NPA binding sites but did not affect the binding properties of the selective D2 antagonist [3H]raclopride. N-Ethylmaleimide pretreatment did not affect the neurotensin (3 nM)-induced increase in the KD of [3H]NPA binding sites. Pertussin toxin treatment in vivo and in vitro was similarly ineffective. In conclusion, the present study indicates that neurotensin modulation of D2 agonist binding in neostriatal membranes is not mediated by G proteins.

Pertussis toxin treatment counteracts intramembrane interactions between neuropeptide Y receptors and alpha 2-adrenoceptors

The effect of intracerebroventricular injections of pertussis toxin were investigated on the neuropeptide Y-induced modulation of alpha 2-adrenoceptor binding in membranes from the dorsomedial medulla oblongata of the rat. Concentration-response experiments showed that neuropeptide Y reduced the binding affinity of the alpha 2-agonist, p-[3H]aminoclonidine, with a maximal effect of 30% at 3-30 nM. Pertussis toxin treatment (10 micrograms, 24 h) counteracted this modulation, without reducing the binding of neuropeptide Y to its own receptor. The results indicate that pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins are essential for the mediation of the intramembrane interaction between neuropeptide Y receptors and alpha 2-adrenoceptors.

Reduced inhibitory effects of clonidine and neuropeptide Y on 3H-noradrenaline release from synaptosomes of the medulla oblongata of the spontaneously hypertensive rat

The release of 3H-noradrenaline (3H-NA) evoked by high-K+ (15 mM) was studied in synaptosomes isolated from the medulla oblongata of the normotensive Wistar-Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive male rat (14 weeks old) using a superfusion apparatus. Based on concentration-response curves clonidine was shown to have a reduced ability to inhibit 3H-NA release in synaptosomes isolated from the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) versus the normotensive rat. Furthermore, only a high concentration of NPY (100 nM) had the ability to enhance the inhibitory effects of clonidine on 3H-NA release in synaptosomes isolated from the medulla oblongata of the SH male rat, while 1 nM of NPY was effective in synaptosomes isolated from the medulla oblongata of the normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rat. These results may indicate a reduced presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptor and NPY receptor function to inhibit 3H-NA release from NA and/or adrenaline (A) nerve terminals in the medulla oblongata of the adult 14 weeks old SHR.

Pertussis toxin treatment counteracts the cardiovascular effects of neuropeptide Y and clonidine in the awake unrestrained rat

The role of G-proteins in the mediation of the cardiovascular effects of neuropeptide Y and the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine was investigated by injections of pertussis toxin (10 micrograms/30 microliters, i.v.t., 24 h) in the awake unrestrained male rat. Treatment with pertussis toxin was found to inhibit the hypotensive and bradycardic actions of neuropeptide Y (1250 pmol) and the hypotensive actions of clonidine (1875 pmol). Control experiments showed that treatment with pertussis toxin caused an approximately 50% reduction in the back-ADP-ribosylation of GTP-binding proteins. These results suggest that G-proteins mediate the central cardiovascular actions of neuropeptide Y and clonidine.

Neuropeptide Y increases the inhibitory effects of clonidine on potassium evoked 3H-noradrenaline but not 3H-5-hydroxytryptamine release from synaptosomes of the hypothalamus and the frontoparietal cortex of the male Sprague-Dawley rat

The release of 3H-noradrenaline (3H-NA) and of 3H-5-hydroxytryptamine (3H-5-HT) evoked by high-K+ (15 mM) was studied in synaptosomes isolated from the hypothalamus and the frontoparietal cortex of the male Sprague-Dawley rat using a superfusion apparatus. Based on concentration-response curves obtained by analyzing the full-time course of the inhibitory effects of clonidine on 3H-NA and on 3H-5-HT release neuropeptide Y (NPY) (1 nM) was shown to significantly increase the ability of clonidine to inhibit 3H-NA release in synaptosomes isolated from the hypothalamus and from the frontoparietal cortex. NPY (1 nM) alone had no effect on K+-evoked 3H-NA release from these regions. In contrast, NPY (1 nM) did not modulate the inhibitory effects of clonidine on 3H-5-HT release in the above mentioned regions. These results indicate that NPY can increase the sensitivity of the alpha 2-autoreceptors belonging to hypothalamic NA and/or to adrenaline nerve terminals and to cortical NA nerve terminals, while the alpha 2-heteroreceptors inhibiting 3H-HT release in the same brain regions appear not to be regulated by high affinity NPY receptors. Thus, alpha 2-autoreceptors and alpha 2-heteroreceptors appear to be differentially controlled by high affinity NPY receptors at least with regard to regulation of 3H-NA and 3H-5-HT release, respectively.