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Muscarinic receptor M3 mediates cell proliferation induced by acetylcholine and contributes to apoptosis in gastric cancer. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:2105-17. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4011-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
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Bader S, Klein J, Diener M. Choline acetyltransferase and organic cation transporters are responsible for synthesis and propionate-induced release of acetylcholine in colon epithelium. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 733:23-33. [PMID: 24698650 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Acetylcholine is not only a neurotransmitter, but is found in a variety of non-neuronal cells. For example, the enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), catalyzing acetylcholine synthesis, is expressed by the colonic epithelium of different species. These cells release acetylcholine across the basolateral membrane after luminal exposure to propionate, a short-chain fatty acid. The functional consequence is the induction of chloride secretion, measurable as increase in short-circuit current (Isc) in Ussing chamber experiments. It is unclear how acetylcholine is produced and released by colonic epithelium. Therefore, the aim of the present study was the identification (on mRNA and protein level) and functional characterization (in Ussing chamber experiments combined with HPLC detection of acetylcholine) of transporters/enzymes in the cholinergic system of rat colonic epithelium. Immunohistochemical staining as well as RT-PCR revealed the expression of high-affinity choline transporter, ChAT, carnitine acetyltransferase (CarAT), vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), and organic cation transporters (OCT 1, 2, 3) in colonic epithelium. In contrast to blockade of ChAT with bromoacetylcholine, inhibition of CarAT with mildronate did not inhibit the propionate-induced increase in Isc, suggesting a predominant synthesis of epithelial acetylcholine by ChAT. Although being expressed, blockade of VAChT with vesamicol was ineffective, whereas inhibition of OCTs with omeprazole and corticosterone inhibited propionate-induced Isc and the release of acetylcholine into the basolateral compartment. In summary, OCTs seem to be involved in regulated acetylcholine release by colonic epithelium, which is assumed to be involved in chemosensing of luminal short-chain fatty acids by the intestinal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Bader
- Institute for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Jochen Klein
- Institute of Pharmacology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Diener
- Institute for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, 35392, Germany.
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Bschleipfer T, Weidner W, Kummer W, Lips KS. Does bladder outlet obstruction alter the non-neuronal cholinergic system of the human urothelium? Life Sci 2012; 91:1082-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2011] [Revised: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Bellier JP, Kimura H. Peripheral type of choline acetyltransferase: biological and evolutionary implications for novel mechanisms in cholinergic system. J Chem Neuroanat 2011; 42:225-35. [PMID: 21382474 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2011.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2010] [Revised: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The peripheral type of choline acetyltransferase (pChAT) is an isoform of the well-studied common type of choline acetyltransferase (cChAT), the synthesizing enzyme of acetylcholine. Since pChAT arises by exons skipping, its amino acid sequence is similar to that of cChAT, except the lack of a continuous peptide sequence encoded by all the four exons from 6 to 9. While cChAT expression has been observed in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, pChAT is preferentially expressed in the peripheral nervous system. pChAT appears to be a reliable marker for the visualization of peripheral cholinergic neurons and their processes, whereas other conventional markers including cChAT have not been used successfully for it. In mammals like rodents, pChAT immunoreactivity has been observed in most, if not all, physiologically identified peripheral cholinergic structures such as all parasympathetic postganglionic neurons and most neurons of the enteric nervous system. In addition, pChAT has been found in many peripheral neurons that are derived from the neural crest. These include sensory neurons of the trigeminal ganglion and the dorsal root ganglion, and sympathetic postganglionic neurons. Recent studies moreover indicate that pChAT, as well as cChAT, appears ubiquitously expressed among various species not only of vertebrate mammals but also of invertebrate mollusks. This finding implies that the alternative splicing mechanism to generate pChAT and cChAT has been preserved during evolution, probably for some functional benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-P Bellier
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan.
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Hecker A, Mikulski Z, Lips KS, Pfeil U, Zakrzewicz A, Wilker S, Hartmann P, Padberg W, Wessler I, Kummer W, Grau V. Pivotal Advance: Up-regulation of acetylcholine synthesis and paracrine cholinergic signaling in intravascular transplant leukocytes during rejection of rat renal allografts. J Leukoc Biol 2009; 86:13-22. [PMID: 19201987 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1107722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During acute rejection, large numbers of leukocytes accumulate in the blood vessels of experimental renal allografts. About 70% of them are activated, cytotoxic monocytes that appear to be involved in allograft destruction. ACh exerts anti-inflammatory effects upon monocytes/macrophages and has been proposed to be a key player in neuroimmunological interactions. Its short half-life, however, makes it unlikely that neuronal ACh affects blood leukocytes. Renal transplantation was performed in the allogeneic DA to LEW and in the isogeneic LEW to LEW rat strain combination. Intravascular leukocytes were harvested after 4 days, and the expression of CHT1, cChAT, pChAT, and nAChR subunits was investigated by RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry. Monocytes were identified by double-labeling with ED1-antibody, directed to a CD68-like antigen. ACh content was measured by HPLC. [Ca(2+)](i) was monitored by Fura-2. Intravascular graft leukocytes express CHT1 and cChAT mRNA and protein and pChAT protein. Their expression is strongly up-regulated in vivo during acute allograft rejection. Immunohistochemistry revealed CHT1, cChAT, and pChAT protein in ED1-positive monocytes. The ACh content of allograft intravascular leukocytes was sixfold higher than that of isografts. Intravascular leukocytes express nAChR subunits, and an ATP-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was augmented in vitro by a nAChR inhibitor in allograft but not isograft leukocytes. Intravascular graft leukocytes, among them monocytes, up-regulate non-neuronal ACh synthesis and develop auto-/paracrine cholinergic attenuation of ATP signaling during acute allograft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hecker
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Saito A, Sato T, Okano H, Toyoda KI, Bamba H, Kimura S, Bellier JP, Matsuo A, Kimura H, Hisa Y, Tooyama I. Axotomy alters alternative splicing of choline acetyltransferase in the rat dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve. J Comp Neurol 2009; 513:237-48. [PMID: 19137611 DOI: 10.1002/cne.21959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Choline acetyltransferase of the peripheral type (pChAT) is a splice variant that lacks exons 6-9 of the common-type ChAT (cChAT); the role of pChAT remains unknown. We investigated the expression of pChAT and cChAT after axotomy to try to elucidate its function. In the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMNV), nucleus ambiguus (NA), and hypoglossal nucleus (HN) of control rats, we observed neural expression of cChAT but no pChAT-positive neurons. Following nerve transection, we clearly detected pChAT-labeled neurons in the DMNV and weakly labeled neurons in the NA, but pChAT was not seen in the HN. In the DMNV, the mean number of cChAT-positive neurons decreased rapidly to 40.5% of control at 3 days post transection, and to 5.0% of control after 7 days. The number of cChAT-positive neurons then gradually increased and reached a plateau of about 25% of control value at 28 days post transection. pChAT-positive neurons did not appear until 7 days after transection. On the same day, pChAT mRNA was detected in the DMNV neurons by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) by using laser capture microdissection. The number of pChAT-positive neurons gradually decreased, and only 10% of the cholinergic neurons retained pChAT expression 56 days post transection. Double-immunofluorescence analysis showed that some of the DMNV neurons expressed both cChAT and pChAT upon recovery from axotomy. These results suggest that the expression of pChAT is associated with the regenerative or degenerative processes of motoneurons especially for general visceral efferents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Saito
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Setatukinowa-cho, Otsu 520-2192, Japan
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In situ hybridization study of the distribution of choline acetyltransferase mRNA and its splice variants in the mouse brain and spinal cord. Neuroscience 2009; 159:344-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.12.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2008] [Revised: 12/29/2008] [Accepted: 12/30/2008] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh), a classical transmitter of parasympathetic nerve fibres in the airways, is also synthesized by a large number of non-neuronal cells, including airway surface epithelial cells. Strongest expression of cholinergic traits is observed in neuroendocrine and brush cells but other epithelial cell types--ciliated, basal and secretory--are cholinergic as well. There is cell type-specific expression of the molecular pathways of ACh release, including both the vesicular storage and exocytotic release known from neurons, and transmembrane release from the cytosol via organic cation transporters. The subcellular distribution of the ACh release machineries suggests luminal release from ciliated and secretory cells, and basolateral release from neuroendocrine cells. The scenario as known so far strongly suggests a local auto-/paracrine role of epithelial ACh in regulating various aspects on the innate mucosal defence mechanisms, including mucociliary clearance, regulation of macrophage function and modulation of sensory nerve fibre activity. The proliferative effects of ACh gain importance in recently identified ACh receptor disorders conferring susceptibility to lung cancer. The cell type-specific molecular diversity of the epithelial ACh synthesis and release machinery implies that it is differently regulated than neuronal ACh release and can be specifically targeted by appropriate drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Kummer
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Excellence Cluster Cardiopulmonary System, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35385, Giessen, Germany.
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Schlauder SM, Steffensen TS, Morgan M, Letson DG, Pledger WJ, Ma L, Bui MM. Assessment of muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression in primitive neuroectodermal tumor/ewing family of tumor and desmoplastic small round cell tumor: an immunohistochemical and Western blot study of tissue microarray and cell lines. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2008; 27:83-97. [PMID: 18568996 DOI: 10.1080/15513810802077529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET)/Ewing family of tumors (EFT) and desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) portend a grave prognosis. Ongoing research in similar neurocrest-derived neoplasms has implicated both the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) in the pathogenesis of these neoplasms. Acetylcholine has been reported to impart a modulatory effect on chemotaxis and proliferation, an effect ameliorated by anticholinergic drugs. The aim of our study is to characterize the pattern of expression of mAChR and nAChR in PNET/EFT and DSRCT, in hopes of discovering a potential target for therapeutic improvements. We examined 34 cases of PNET/EFT and 2 DSRCT retrospectively by immunohistochemical studies. We found that AChRs are overexpressed in a significant number of PNET/EFT and DSRCT. The Western blot analysis of 3 human Ewing sarcoma cell lines confirms the presence of AChRs. Future studies are planned to confirm these results as well as to investigate their potential therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Schlauder
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Pathology of University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Bellier JP, Kimura H. Acetylcholine synthesis by choline acetyltransferase of a peripheral type as demonstrated in adult rat dorsal root ganglion. J Neurochem 2007; 101:1607-18. [PMID: 17542812 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.04458.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
pChAT is a splice variant of a peripheral type encoded alternatively by the gene for choline acetyltransferase of the common type (cChAT), the enzyme responsible for acetylcholine synthesis. Immunohistochemistry using pChAT antiserum has successfully visualized many known peripheral cholinergic cells, whereas most cChAT antibodies failed to do so. As, however, accumulating evidence indicates that pChAT expression also occurs in various non-cholinergic neurons, we examined possible acetylcholine production by pChAT in rat dorsal root ganglion as a model. The present study indicated that the ganglion neurons possessed pChAT, but never cChAT, mRNA and protein. Our detailed analysis further showed that, despite low enzyme activities of both choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholinesterase, the level of acetylcholine in the ganglion was as high as to that in various brain regions receiving cholinergic innervation. By using immunoprecipitation methods, we here provide evidence that pChAT definitely has enzyme activity enough to supply physiological concentrations of acetylcholine in the ganglion. We propose that pChAT contributes both to acetylcholine neurotransmission in physiologically identified cholinergic cells and to functions yet unknown in non-cholinergic neurons. Thus pChAT provides a new window on the role of neuronal acetylcholine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Bellier
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
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Song P, Sekhon HS, Lu A, Arredondo J, Sauer D, Gravett C, Mark GP, Grando SA, Spindel ER. M3 muscarinic receptor antagonists inhibit small cell lung carcinoma growth and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation induced by acetylcholine secretion. Cancer Res 2007; 67:3936-44. [PMID: 17440109 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-2484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The importance of acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter in the nervous system is well established, but little is yet known about its recently described role as an autocrine and paracrine hormone in a wide variety of nonneuronal cells. Consistent with the expression of acetylcholine in normal lung, small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) synthesize and secrete acetylcholine, which acts as an autocrine growth factor through both nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to determine if interruption of autocrine muscarinic cholinergic signaling has potential to inhibit SCLC growth. Muscarinic receptor (mAChR) agonists caused concentration-dependent increases in intracellular calcium and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Akt phosphorylation in SCLC cell lines. The inhibitory potency of mAChR subtype-selective antagonists and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) on acetylcholine-increased intracellular calcium and MAPK and Akt phosphorylation was consistent with mediation by M3 mAChR (M3R). Consistent with autocrine acetylcholine secretion stimulating MAPK and Akt phosphorylation, M3R antagonists and M3R siRNAs alone also caused a decrease in basal levels of MAPK and Akt phosphorylation in SCLC cell lines. Treatment of SCLC cells with M3R antagonists inhibited cell growth both in vitro and in vivo and also decreased MAPK phosphorylation in tumors in nude mice in vivo. Immunohistochemical staining of SCLC and additional cancer types showed frequent coexpression of acetylcholine and M3R. These findings suggest that M3R antagonists may be useful adjuvants for treatment of SCLC and, potentially, other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingfang Song
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon 97006, USA
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Lips KS, Lührmann A, Tschernig T, Stoeger T, Alessandrini F, Grau V, Haberberger RV, Koepsell H, Pabst R, Kummer W. Down-regulation of the non-neuronal acetylcholine synthesis and release machinery in acute allergic airway inflammation of rat and mouse. Life Sci 2007; 80:2263-9. [PMID: 17328924 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2007.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2006] [Revised: 12/21/2006] [Accepted: 01/17/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh), derived both from nerve fibres and from non-neuronal sources such as epithelial cells, is a major regulator of airway function. There is evidence that dysfunction of the neuronal cholinergic system is involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. Here, we asked whether the pulmonary non-neuronal ACh-synthesis and release machinery is altered in a rat and a mouse model of allergic airway disease. Animals were sensitized against ovalbumin, challenged by allergen inhalation, and sacrificed 24 or 48 h later. Targets of investigation were the high-affinity choline transporter-1 (CHT1), that mediates cellular uptake of choline, the ACh-synthesizing enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the vesicular ACh transporter (VAChT), and the polyspecific organic cation transporters (OCT1-3), which are able to translocate choline and ACh across the plasma membrane. With cell-type specific distribution patterns, immunohistochemistry identified these proteins in airway epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages. Real-time RT-PCR revealed significant decreases in ChAT-, CHT1-, VAChT-, OCT-mRNA in the lung of sensitized and allergen challenged animals. These data were supported by immunohistochemistry, demonstrating reduced labeling intensity of airway epithelial cells. ChAT-, CHT1-, VAChT-, and OCT1-mRNA were also significantly reduced in cells recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage from sensitized and challenged rats. In conclusion, the pulmonary non-neuronal cholinergic system is down-regulated in acute allergic airway inflammation. In view of the role of ACh in maintenance of cell-cell-contacts, stimulation of fluid-secretion and of ciliary beat frequency, this down-regulation may contribute to epithelial shedding and ciliated cell dysfunction that occur in this pathological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin S Lips
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Giessen Lung Center, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
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Lips KS, Wunsch J, Zarghooni S, Bschleipfer T, Schukowski K, Weidner W, Wessler I, Schwantes U, Koepsell H, Kummer W. Acetylcholine and molecular components of its synthesis and release machinery in the urothelium. Eur Urol 2006; 51:1042-53. [PMID: 17084519 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2006.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2006] [Accepted: 10/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous studies provided indirect evidence for urothelial synthesis and release of acetylcholine (ACh). We aimed to determine directly the ACh content in the urothelium and to characterize the molecular components of its synthesis and release machinery. METHODS The study was performed on mouse bladder and abraded urothelium, and human mucosal bladder biopsies. ACh content was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry served to investigate expression of ACh-synthesizing enzymes-choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and carnitine acetyltransferase (CarAT)-vesicular ACh transporter (VAChT), and polyspecific organic cation transporters (OCTs; isoforms 1-3). Transfected cells served to investigate whether the anticholinergic drug trospium chloride interferes with ACh-transporting OCTs. RESULTS ACh is present in the urothelium in a nanomolar range per gram of wet weight. RT-PCR data support the presence of CarAT but not ChAT. VAChT, used by neurons to shuffle ACh into synaptic vesicles, is detected in subepithelial cholinergic nerve fibres, but not by RT-PCR or immunohistochemistry in the urothelium. OCT1 and OCT3 are expressed by the urothelium. The quarternary ammonium base trospium chloride inhibits cation transport by OCTs with a potency rank order of OCT2 (IC(50)=0.67+/-0.42micromol/l)>OCT1 (IC(50)=6.2+/-2.1micromol/l)>OCT3 (IC(50)=871+/-177micromol/l). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates a urothelial non-neuronal cholinergic system that differs widely from that of neurons with respect to molecular components of the ACh synthesis and release machinery. Consequently, these two systems might be differentially targeted by pharmacologic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin S Lips
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
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Steffl M, Schweiger M, Wessler I, Kunz L, Mayerhofer A, Amselgruber WM. Non-neuronal acetylcholine and choline acetyltransferase in oviductal epithelial cells of cyclic and pregnant pigs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 211:685-90. [PMID: 17024297 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-006-0132-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Certain female reproductive tissues are known to express the non-neuronal cholinergic system. Using different experimental approaches, we tested the hypothesis that acetylcholine (ACh) in the porcine oviduct may also be derived from non-neuronal structures. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect acetylcholine synthesizing enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in different segments of the oviduct of cyclic and pregnant sows. Immunohistochemical experiments revealed strong immunoexpression of ChAT in the entire oviductal epithelium at metoestrus. Thereby, a particular pronounced staining was found in the supranuclear region of almost all epithelial cells. Immunostaining of ChAT decreased markedly during dioestrus and prooestrus stages, respectively. At prooestrus, ChAT immunoreactivity was confined to ciliated cells. Furthermore, we found elevated level of staining intensity of ChAT in the pregnant oviduct at day 13. Using the same ChAT antibody for Western blot analyses, we detected immunoreactive bands of MW 69,000 and 46,000 mainly in ampulla, while MW 58,000 and 30,000 forms were present mainly in infundibulum and isthmus. Furthermore ACh was detected by HPLC and fluorimetric methods in oviductal epithelium. In conclusion, we show expression of ChAT in oviductal epithelial cells at different stages of the oestrus cycle and pregnancy, indicating that these cells can synthesize ACh in a cycle-dependent manner. These results suggest as yet unexplored roles of epithelial ACh in the oviduct.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Steffl
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstrasse 35, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
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Kummer W, Wiegand S, Akinci S, Wessler I, Schinkel AH, Wess J, Koepsell H, Haberberger RV, Lips KS. Role of acetylcholine and polyspecific cation transporters in serotonin-induced bronchoconstriction in the mouse. Respir Res 2006; 7:65. [PMID: 16608531 PMCID: PMC1468398 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-7-65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2005] [Accepted: 04/12/2006] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been proposed that serotonin (5-HT)-mediated constriction of the murine trachea is largely dependent on acetylcholine (ACh) released from the epithelium. We recently demonstrated that ACh can be released from non-neuronal cells by corticosteroid-sensitive polyspecific organic cation transporters (OCTs), which are also expressed by airway epithelial cells. Hence, the hypothesis emerged that 5-HT evokes bronchoconstriction by inducing release of ACh from epithelial cells via OCTs. METHODS We tested this hypothesis by analysing bronchoconstriction in precision-cut murine lung slices using OCT and muscarinic ACh receptor knockout mouse strains. Epithelial ACh content was measured by HPLC, and the tissue distribution of OCT isoforms was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Epithelial ACh content was significantly higher in OCT1/2 double-knockout mice (42 +/- 10 % of the content of the epithelium-denuded trachea, n = 9) than in wild-type mice (16.8 +/- 3.6 %, n = 11). In wild-type mice, 5-HT (1 microM) caused a bronchoconstriction that slightly exceeded that evoked by muscarine (1 microM) in intact bronchi but amounted to only 66% of the response to muscarine after epithelium removal. 5-HT-induced bronchoconstriction was undiminished in M2/M3 muscarinic ACh receptor double-knockout mice which were entirely unresponsive to muscarine. Corticosterone (1 microM) significantly reduced 5-HT-induced bronchoconstriction in wild-type and OCT1/2 double-knockout mice, but not in OCT3 knockout mice. This effect persisted after removal of the bronchial epithelium. Immunohistochemistry localized OCT3 to the bronchial smooth muscle. CONCLUSION The doubling of airway epithelial ACh content in OCT1/2-/- mice is consistent with the concept that OCT1 and/or 2 mediate ACh release from the respiratory epithelium. This effect, however, does not contribute to 5-HT-induced constriction of murine intrapulmonary bronchi. Instead, this activity involves 1) a non-cholinergic epithelium-dependent component, and 2) direct stimulation of bronchial smooth muscle cells, a response which is partly sensitive to acutely administered corticosterone acting on OCT3. These data provide new insights into the mechanisms involved in 5-HT-induced bronchoconstriction, including novel information about non-genomic, acute effects of corticosteroids on bronchoconstriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Kummer
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, 35385 Giessen, Germany
| | - Silke Wiegand
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, 35385 Giessen, Germany
| | - Sibel Akinci
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, 35385 Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Alfred H Schinkel
- Division of Experimental Therapy, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Wess
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Hermann Koepsell
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rainer V Haberberger
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, 35385 Giessen, Germany
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Flinders University, 50001 Adelaide, Australia
| | - Katrin S Lips
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, 35385 Giessen, Germany
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McCann JC, Hudes M, Ames BN. An overview of evidence for a causal relationship between dietary availability of choline during development and cognitive function in offspring. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2006; 30:696-712. [PMID: 16504295 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2005.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2005] [Revised: 11/01/2005] [Accepted: 12/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This review is part of a series intended for non-specialists that will provide an overview of evidence for causal relationships between micronutrient deficiencies and brain function. Here, we review 34 studies in rodents linking the availability of choline during gestation and perinatal development to neurological function or performance of offspring in cognitive and behavioral tests. Experimental designs, major results, and statistical criteria are summarized in Tables 1-4. Based on our reading of the literature, the evidence suggests that choline supplementation during development results in improved performance of offspring in cognitive or behavioral tests, and in changes in a variety of neurological functional indicators: (1) enhanced performance was observed, particularly on more difficult tasks; (2) increases (choline supplementation) or decreases (choline deficiency) were observed in electrophysiological responsiveness and size of neurons in offspring; and (3) supplementation resulted in some protection against adverse effects of several neurotoxic agents (including alcohol) in offspring. Discussion topics include methodological issues, such as the importance of independent replication, causal criteria, and uncertainties in interpreting test results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce C McCann
- Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, CA 94609-1673, USA.
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Morley BJ. Nicotinic cholinergic intercellular communication: implications for the developing auditory system. Hear Res 2005; 206:74-88. [PMID: 16081000 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2005.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2004] [Accepted: 02/24/2005] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, research on the temporal and spatial distribution of cholinergic-related molecules in the lower auditory brainstem, with an emphasis on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), is reviewed. The possible functions of acetylcholine (ACh) in driving selective auditory neurons before the onset of hearing, inducing glutamate receptor gene expression, synaptogenesis, differentiation, and cell survival are discussed. Experiments conducted in other neuronal and non-neuronal systems are drawn on extensively to discuss putative functions of ACh and nAChRs. Data from other systems may provide insight into the functions of ACh and nAChRs in auditory processing. The mismatch of presynaptic and postsynaptic markers and novel endogenous agonists of nAChRs are discussed in the context of non-classical interneuronal communication. The molecular mechanism that may underlie the many functions of ACh and its agonists is the regulation of intracellular calcium through nAChRs. The possible reorganization that may take place in the auditory system by the exposure to nicotine during critical developmental periods is also briefly considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J Morley
- Boys Town National Research Hospital, Neurochemistry Laboratory, 555 North 30th Street, Omaha, NE 68131, USA.
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Carvalho FA, Graça LM, Martins-Silva J, Saldanha C. Biochemical characterization of human umbilical vein endothelial cell membrane bound acetylcholinesterase. FEBS J 2005; 272:5584-94. [PMID: 16262697 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2005.04953.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme whose best-known function is to hydrolyze the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholinesterase is expressed in several noncholinergic tissues. Accordingly, we report for the first time the identification of acetylcholinesterase in human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells. Here we further performed an electrophoretic and biochemical characterization of this enzyme, using protein extracts obtained by solubilization of human endothelial cell membranes with Triton X-100. These extracts were analyzed under polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of Triton X-100 and under nondenaturing conditions, followed by specific staining for cholinesterase or acetylcholinesterase activity. The gels revealed one enzymatically active acetylcholinesterase band in the extracts that disappeared when staining was performed in the presence of eserine (an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor). Performing western blotting with the C-terminal anti-acetylcholinesterase IgG, we identified a single protein band of approximately 70 kDa, the molecular mass characteristic of the human monomeric form of acetylcholinesterase. The western blotting with the N-terminal anti-acetylcholinesterase IgG antibody revealed a double band around 66-70 kDa. Using the Ellman's method to measure the cholinesterase activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, regarding its substrate specificity, we confirmed the existence of an acetylcholinesterase enzyme. Our studies revealed a predominance of acetylcholinesterase over other cholinesterases in human endothelial cells. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the existence of a membrane-bound acetylcholinesterase in human endothelial cells. In future studies, we will investigate the role of this protein in the endothelial vascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena A Carvalho
- Instituto de Biopatologia Química, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa/Unidade de Biopatologia Vascular, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Dvorakova MC, Kummer W. Immunohistochemical evidence for species-specific coexistence of catecholamines, serotonin, acetylcholine and nitric oxide in glomus cells of rat and guinea pig aortic bodies. Ann Anat 2005; 187:323-31. [PMID: 16163845 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2005.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aortic bodies are small paraganglia distributed along the vagus nerve and its branches in the vicinity of the aortic arch which, like the carotid bodies, act as arterial chemoreceptors. In the rat carotid body, corelease of ATP and acetylcholine (ACh) from glomus cells is considered to be the main mechanism mediating fast hypoxic chemotransmission while dopamine, serotonin, and nitric oxide (NO) exert modulating effects. The present study was aimed at determination of the endogenous sources of serotonin, ACh and NO within rat and guinea pig aortic bodies by immunohistochemical double- and triple-labeling approaches, utilizing antibodies to serotonin, the NO and ACh synthesizing enzymes neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), respectively, as well as to the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). Additional marker antibodies were directed against the rate-limiting enzyme of catecholamine synthesis, i.e. tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and the vesicular protein, synaptophysin (SYN). In both species, all aortic body glomus cells were immunoreactive to serotonin and cholinergic markers. In the rat, all glomus cells were additionally catecholaminergic, as indicated by TH-immunoreactivity, whereas this applied only to a subgroup of guinea pig glomus cells. On the other hand, all guinea pig glomus cells were nNOS-immunoreactive, whereas only nerve fibers but not glomus cells exhibited nNOS-immunoreactivity in the rat. These data support the concept that the chemoexcitatory transmitters ACh and serotonin are involved in hypoxic excitation of aortic chemoreceptor terminals in both species. The production of the inhibitory modulators, dopamine and NO, however, appears to be species-specifically regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Chottova Dvorakova
- Department of Physiology, Medical Faculty in Plzen, Charles University, Lidická 1, 305 66 Pizen, Czech Republic.
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Matsuo A, Bellier JP, Hisano T, Aimi Y, Yasuhara O, Tooyama I, Saito N, Kimura H. Rat choline acetyltransferase of the peripheral type differs from that of the common type in intracellular translocation. Neurochem Int 2005; 46:423-33. [PMID: 15737440 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2004.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2004] [Revised: 11/15/2004] [Accepted: 11/15/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the synthesizing enzyme for acetylcholine, has been implicated to involve multiple isoforms of ChAT mRNA in several animals. Since these isoforms are mostly non-coding splice variants, only a homologous ChAT protein of about 68 kDa has been shown to be produced in vivo. Recent evidence indicates the existence of a protein coding splice variant of ChAT mRNA, which lacks exons 6-9 of the rat ChAT gene. The encoded protein was designated ChAT of a peripheral type (pChAT), because of its preferential expression in the peripheral nervous system as confirmed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. However, functional significance of pChAT is unknown. To obtain a clue to this question, we examined a possible difference in intracellular trafficking between pChAT and the well-known ChAT of the common type (cChAT) using green fluorescent protein (GFP) in living human embryonic kidney cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that pChAT-GFP was detectable in the cytoplasm but not in the nucleus, whereas cChAT-GFP was found in both cytoplasm and nucleus. Following treatment with leptomycin B, a nuclear export pathway inhibitor, pChAT-GFP became detectable in both cytoplasm and nucleus, indicating that pChAT can be translocated to the nucleus. In contrast, the leptomycin B treatment did not seem to affect the content of intranuclear cChAT-GFP. After incubation with protein kinase C inhibitors, enhanced accumulation of pChAT-GFP but not cChAT-GFP occurred in the nucleus. These results clearly indicate that pChAT varies from cChAT in intracellular transportation, probably reflecting the difference in physiological roles between pChAT and cChAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akinori Matsuo
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
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Asan E, Drenckhahn D. News and views in Histochemistry and Cell Biology. Histochem Cell Biol 2004; 122:593-621. [PMID: 15614519 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-004-0735-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Advances in histochemical methodology and ingenious applications of novel and improved methods continue to confirm the standing of morphological means and approaches in research efforts, and contribute significantly to increasing our knowledge about structures and functions in all areas of the life sciences from cell biology to pathology. Reports published during recent months documenting this progress are summarized in the present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Asan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Wuerzburg, Koellikerstrasse 6, 97070 Wuerzburg, Germany.
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