Effects of stimulus intensity on the inhibition by omega-conotoxin GVIA and neomycin of K(+_-evoked [3H]norepinephrine release from hippocampal brain slices and synaptosomal calcium influx

Suggestion of creatine as a new neurotransmitter by approaches ranging from chemical analysis and biochemistry to electrophysiology

The discovery of a new neurotransmitter, especially one in the central nervous system, is both important and difficult. We have been searching for new neurotransmitters for 12 y. We detected creatine (Cr) in synaptic vesicles (SVs) at a level lower than glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid but higher than acetylcholine and 5-hydroxytryptamine. SV Cr was reduced in mice lacking either arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (a Cr synthetase) or SLC6A8, a Cr transporter with mutations among the most common causes of intellectual disability in men. Calcium-dependent release of Cr was detected after stimulation in brain slices. Cr release was reduced in Slc6a8 and Agat mutants. Cr inhibited neocortical pyramidal neurons. SLC6A8 was necessary for Cr uptake into synaptosomes. Cr was found by us to be taken up into SVs in an ATP-dependent manner. Our biochemical, chemical, genetic, and electrophysiological results are consistent with the possibility of Cr as a neurotransmitter, though not yet reaching the level of proof for the now classic transmitters. Our novel approach to discover neurotransmitters is to begin with analysis of contents in SVs before defining their function and physiology.

Inhibitory effects of intravenous anaesthetic agents on K+-evoked norepinephrine and dopamine release from rat striatal slices: possible involvement of P/Q-type voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels

The role of the voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel (VSCC) as a target for anaesthetic action remains controversial. In this study we characterized the VSCC subtypes involved in K+-evoked norepinephrine and dopamine release from rat striatal slices and used this model system to examine the effects of a range of i.v. anaesthetics on release. Nifedipine (L-channel-selective), omega-conotoxin GVI(A) (N-channel-selective), omega-agatoxin IV(A) (P-channel-selective), omega-conotoxin MVIIc (P/Q-channel-selective) and Cd2+ (non-selective), along with alphaxalone, propofol and ketamine, were used in various combinations. Omega-Agatoxin IV(A), omega-conotoxin MVIIc and Cd2+ fully (100%) inhibited norepinephrine and dopamine release. Clinically achievable concentrations of alphaxalone inhibited norepinephrine and dopamine release, with concentrations producing 25 and 50% inhibition (IC25 and IC50) of the maximum of 2.1 and 7.8 microM respectively for norepinephrine and 2.9 and 7.2 microM for dopamine. The effects of propofol were observed at the top of the clinical range and those of ketamine exceeded this range. In addition, IC50 values for alphaxalone in the presence and absence of nifedipine and omega-conotoxin GVI(A) did not differ from the control. Our data suggest that clinically achievable concentrations of alphaxalone and propofol inhibit norepinephrine and dopamine release, which is mediated predominantly through P/Q-type VSCCs, suggesting a role for these channels in anaesthetic action.

Barbiturates inhibit K(+)-evoked noradrenaline and dopamine release from rat striatal slices--involvement of voltage sensitive Ca(2+) channels

The cellular target site(s) for anaesthetic action remain unclear. In rat striatal slices we have previously demonstrated that K(+)-evoked noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) release is mediated predominantly via P/Q-type voltage sensitive Ca(2+) channels (VSCC). Using this model of Ca(2+) dependent transmitter release we have evaluated the effects of anaesthetic and non-anaesthetic barbiturates. Rat brain striatal slices were incubated in the absence and presence of barbiturate for 10 min at 37 degrees C. The slices were then incubated for 6 min with 40 mM KCl. All anaesthetic barbiturates produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of K(+)-evoked NA and DA release. Non-anaesthetic barbiturate, barbituric acid was ineffective. The pIC(50) for NA and DA release (thiopental: 4.90+/-0.13 and 5.00+/-0.10, pentobarbital: 4.39+/-0.07 and 4.43+/-0.14, phenobarbital: 3.85+/-0.08 and 3.59+/-0.10, respectively) correlated with lipid solubility (NA: r(2)=0.999, DA: r(2)=0.987). We therefore suggest that barbiturates inhibit catecholamine release via an interaction with P/Q VSCC further implicating this channel in anaesthetic action.

The role of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in anoxic injury of spinal cord white matter

Dorsal column axons of the rat spinal cord are partially protected from anoxic injury following blockade of voltage-sensitive Na+ channels and the Na+/--Ca2+ exchanger. To examine the potential contribution of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels to anoxic injury of spinal cord axons, we studied axonal conduction in rat dorsal columns in vitro following a 60-min period of anoxia. Glass microelectrodes were used to record field potentials from the dorsal columns following distal local surface stimulation. Perfusion solutions containing blockers of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels were introduced 60 min prior to onset of anoxia and continued until 10 min after reoxygenation. Pharmacological blocking agents which are relatively selective for L- (verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine) and N- (omega-conotoxin GVIA) type calcium channels were significantly protective against anoxia-induced loss of conduction, as was non-specific block using divalent cations. Other Ca2+ channel blockers (neomycin and omega-conotoxin MVIIC) that affect multiple Ca2+ channel types were also neuroprotective. Ni2+, which preferentially blocks R-type Ca2+ channels more than T-type channels, was also protective in a dose-dependent manner. These data suggest that the influx of Ca2+, through L-, N- and possibly R-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, participates in the pathophysiology of the Ca2+-mediated injury of spinal cord axons that is triggered by anoxia.

Effects of Ca2+ channel antagonists on striatal dopamine and DOPA release, studied by in vivo microdialysis

1. To elucidate the mechanisms regulating the release of striatal dopamine and its precursor, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), we determined the effects of various Ca2+ channel antagonists, an N-type Ca2+ channel antagonist, omega-conotoxin GVIA, a P-type Ca2+ channel antagonist, omega-agatoxin IVA, and a Q-type Ca2+ channel antagonist, omega-conotoxin MVIIC, on the basal and Ca2+- and K+-evoked release of striatal dopamine and DOPA, by use of in vivo microdialysis. 2. Omega-conotoxin GVIA strongly inhibited striatal basal dopamine release (IC50 = 0.48 nM), whereas this toxin only weakly modulated basal striatal DOPA release (IC50 = 9.55 nM). Neither omega-agatoxin IVA nor omega-conotoxin MVIIC affected the basal striatal release of dopamine and DOPA. 3. Omega-conotoxin GVIA strongly inhibited Ca2+-evoked striatal dopamine release (IC50 = 0.40 nM), whereas Ca2+-evoked striatal DOPA release only was weakly modulated (IC50 = 10.51 nM). Neither omega-agatoxin IVA nor omega-conotoxin MVIIC affected the Ca2+-evoked release of striatal dopamine and DOPA. 4. Both omega-agatoxin IVA and omega-conotoxin MVIIC inhibited the K+-evoked release of striatal dopamine (IC50 of omega-agatoxin IVA = 2.65 nM; IC50 of omega-conotoxin MVIIC = 12.54 nM) and DOPA (IC50 of omega-agatoxin IVA = 0.15 nM; IC50 of omega-conotoxin MVIIC = 3.05 nM), whereas omega-conotoxin GVIA had no effect on the K+-evoked release of striatal dopamine and DOPA. 5. An increase in the extracellular Ca2+ and K+ concentrations (Ca2+- and K+-evoked stimulation) did not affect tyrosine hydroxylase activity in vivo. 6. These findings suggest that striatal DOPA release is neurotransmitter-like and that, unlike the mechanisms of striatal dopaminergic transmission, this striatal DOPA transmission is at least partly regulated by voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels.

Voltage-dependent interaction between the muscarinic ACh receptor and proteins of the exocytic machinery

1. Release of neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft is the last step in the chain of molecular events following the arrival of an action potential at the nerve terminal. The neurotransmitter exerts negative feedback on its own release. This inhibition would be most effective if exerted on the first step in this chain of events, i.e. a step that is mediated by membrane depolarization. Indeed, in numerous studies feedback inhibition was found to be voltage dependent. 2. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the mechanism underlying feedback inhibition of transmitter release resides in interaction between the presynaptic autoreceptors and the exocytic apparatus, specifically the soluble NSF-attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex. 3. Using rat synaptosomes we show that the muscarinic ACh autoreceptor (mAChR) is an integral component of the exocytic machinery. It interacts with syntaxin, synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25), vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP) and synaptotagmin as shown using both cross-linking and immunoprecipitation. 4. The interaction between mAChRs and both syntaxin and SNAP-25 is modulated by depolarization levels; binding is maximal at resting potential and disassembly occurs at higher depolarization. 5. This voltage-dependent interaction of mAChRs with the secretory core complex appears suitable for controlling the rapid, synchronous neurotransmitter release at nerve terminals.

Involvement of N- and P/Q- but not L- or T-type voltage-gated calcium channels in ischaemia-induced striatal dopamine release in vitro

Calcium influx and transmitter efflux are central events in the neuropathological cascade that occurs during and following cerebral ischaemia. This study explored the role of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) in ischaemia-induced striatal dopamine (DA) release in vitro. Slices (350 microm thickness) of rat neostriatum were superfused (400 ml/h) with an artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) at 34 degrees C and subjected to episodes of 'ischaemia' by reduction of the glucose concentration from 4 to 2 mM and gassing with 95% N2/5% CO2. DA release was monitored with fast cyclic voltammetry at implanted carbon fibre microelectrodes. The time to onset, time to peak, rate and magnitude of DA release were measured. Non-selective blockade of VGCCs with a high concentration of Ni2+ (2.5 mM), markedly delayed (P < 0.01) and slowed (P < 0.05) DA release but preferential blockade of T-type VGCCs with a lower concentration (200 microM) had no effect. DA release was also unaffected by selective antagonism of L-type VGCCs with nimodipine and nicardipine (10 microM each). Selective blockade of N-type VGCCs with omega-conotoxin GVIA (100 nM) delayed DA release (P < 0.05) but did not affect its rate or magnitude. Blockade of P- and possibly Q-type VGCCs with omega-agatoxin IVA (up to 200 nM) both delayed (P < 0.05) and slowed (P < 0.05) DA release. Preferential blockade of P- type VGCCs with neomycin (500 microM) also delayed (P < 0.05) and slowed (P < 0.05) DA release. These findings suggest that N-, P- and possibly Q- but not L- or T-type VGCCs mediate ischaemia-induced DA release. Although it is not possible to say, on the basis of these results, that the effects are directly upon the dopamine terminals, these calcium channels nevertheless constitute promising targets for therapeutic intervention.

Different effects of reducing agents on omega-conotoxin GVIA inhibition of [3H]-acetylcholine release from rat cortical slices and guinea-pig myenteric plexus

1. The effect of reducing reagents on omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTX) inhibition of the release of [3H]-acetylcholine ([3H]-ACh) induced by tityustoxin, K+ 50 mM and electrical stimulation was investigated in rat brain cortical slices. 2. In cortical slices the inhibition of tityustoxin or electrically-stimulated [3H]-ACh release by omega-CgTX was dramatically increased by reducing reagents ascorbate or beta-mercaptoethanol. Dehydroascorbic acid did not substitute for ascorbate. 3. Depolarization induced by K+ 50 mM caused [3H]-ACh release from cortical slices which was not inhibited by omega-CgTX, even in the presence of ascorbate. 4. In the guinea-pig myenteric plexus, omega-CgTX inhibition of the tityustoxin induced release of [3H]-ACh was independent of ascorbate. 5. It is suggested that N-type-like calcium channels in guinea-pigs myenteric plexus may have pharmacological/biochemical diversity from similar channels of rat cerebral cortex.

The antibiotic neomycin abolishes directional selectivity in rabbit retinal ganglion cells

1. Extracellular recordings from ON/OFF directionally selective ganglion cells in superfused rabbit retinas were made to study the effect of the aminoglycoside antibiotic, neomycin, on the responses of these cells to a moving light stimulus. 2. Neomycin, at 480-800 microM, reversibly abolished the directional selectivity in these ganglion cells by bringing out a response to movement in one ("null") direction that was similar in magnitude to the response to movement in the reverse ("preferred") direction. 3. Gentamicin, streptomycin, and tobramycin were also able to abolish directional selectivity in these ganglion cells but only at concentrations greater than 1000 microM. 4. It is proposed that neomycin abolishes directional selectivity in rabbit retinal ganglion cells by blocking omega-conotoxin MVIIC-sensitive Ca2+ channels in the retina.

Effects of prenatal ethanol exposure on voltage-dependent calcium entry into neonatal whole brain-dissociated neurons

The effect of prenatal ethanol exposure on voltage-dependent calcium entry into neonatal-dissociated neurons was studied. Dissociated whole brain cells were isolated from neonates of prenatally ethanol-treated (ET), pair-fed (PF) control, and ad libitum (AL) control groups and loaded with fura-2. Prenatal ethanol exposure resulted in a significant reduction of calcium entry into K(+)-depolarized cells, compared with AL and PF control treatments. Initially, in dissociated cells from AL control animals, it was found that nifedipine (1 microM), omega-agatoxin (100 nM), and omega-conotoxin (500 nM), to a much lesser extent, significantly inhibited the 45 mM KCl-stimulated calcium entry. To determine the inhibitory action of prenatal ethanol exposure on N-, P-, and L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels, treatment of neonatal-dissociated neurons with different combinations of omega-conotoxin, omega-agatoxin, and nifedipine, respectively, was compared in the prenatal ethanol and control treatment groups. The inhibition of K(+)-stimulated increase in calcium entry by prenatal ethanol exposure was significantly less in the presence or absence of single antagonist conditions (ET < AL and PF). There was no apparent interaction of ethanol exposure and antagonist condition. However, the reduced calcium entry after prenatal ethanol exposure was superseded by the stronger inhibition in dual and triple antagonist conditions. The magnitude of the calcium response inhibition by the antagonist combinations was similar among the ET, PF, and AL groups. Thus, these results suggest that prenatal ethanol exposure decreases voltage-dependent calcium entry into neonatal-dissociated neurons in a manner that does not seem to involve the selective inhibition of any individual N-, P-, or L-type calcium channel.

Behavioural and anticonvulsant effects of Ca2+ channel toxins in DBA/2 mice

This study investigated the behavioural and anticonvulsant effects of voltage-sensitive calcium channel blockers in DBA/2 mice. Omega-Conotoxin MVIIC (0.1, 0.3 micrograms ICV/mouse) and omega-agatoxin IVA (0.1, 0.3, 1 micrograms ICV), which act predominantly at P- and/or Q-type calcium channels, prevented clonic and tonic sound-induced seizures in this animal model of reflex epilepsy (ED50 values with 95% confidence limits for protection against clonic sound-induced seizures were 0.09 (0.04-0.36) micrograms ICV and 0.09 (0.05-0.15) micrograms ICV respectively and against tonic seizures 0.07 (0.03-0.16) micrograms ICV and 0.08 (0.04-0.13) micrograms ICV, respectively). The N-type calcium channel antagonists omega-conotoxin GVIA and omega-conotoxin MVIIA were also tested in this model. Omega-Conotoxin GVIA was anticonvulsant in DBA/2 mice, but only at high doses (3 micrograms ICV prevented tonic seizures in 60% of the animals; 10 micrograms ICV prevented clonic seizures in 60% and tonic seizures in 90% of the animals), whereas omega-conotoxin MVIIA did not inhibit sound-induced seizures in doses up to 10 micrograms ICV. Both omega-conotoxin GVIA and omega-conotoxin MVIIA induced an intense shaking syndrome in doses as low as 0.1 microgram ICV, whereas omega-conotoxin MVIIC and omega-agatoxin IVA did not produce shaking at any of the doses examined. Finally, omega-conotoxin GI (0.01-1 microgram ICV) and alpha-conotoxin SI (0.3-30 micrograms ICV), which both act at acetylcholine nicotinic receptors, were not anticonvulsant and did not induce shaking in DBA/2 mice. These results confirm that blockers of N- and P-/Q-type calcium channels produce different behavioural responses in animals. The anticonvulsant effects of omega-conotoxin MVIIC and omega-agatoxin IVA in DBA/2 mice are consistent with reports that P- and/or Q-type calcium channel blockers inhibit the release of excitatory amino acids and are worthy of further exploration.

omega-Agatoxin IVA identifies a single calcium channel subtype which contributes to the potassium-induced release of acetylcholine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate from rat brain slices

The voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs) involved in K(+)-induced transmitter release have been studied. A maximally effective concentration of the N-type VDCC inhibitor, omega-conotoxin GVIA (GVIA) blocked the release of 5-HT (30%), DA (30%) and ACh (60%) but not that of GABA or glutamate. The O, P and Q-type VDCC inhibitor, omega-agatoxin IVA (Aga IVA, 1 microM), blocked 100% of GABA and glutamate, 70% of DA and about 50% of 5-HT and ACh release. The slopes of the inhibiton curves indicate that it acts on the same, single type of VDCC in all cases. omega-Conotoxin MVIIC (MVIIC) completely inhibited the release of all the transmitters. It is concluded that a single GVIA-insensitive type of VDCC is involved in the K(+)-induced release of all the transmitters and, in addition, N-type VDCCs, with a higher affinity for GVIA than MVIIC, are required for the release of 5-HT, DA and ACh. The non-N-type VDCC is not the O-type as it is not blocked by low (< 10 nM) concentrations of MVIIC. Further resolution of this VDCC into P or Q-type requires more selective antagonists.

Blockade of N- and Q-type Ca2+ channels inhibit K(+)-evoked [3H]acetylcholine release in rat hippocampal slices

In the present study, we examined the contribution of specific Ca2+ channels to K(+)-evoked hippocampal acetylcholine (ACh) release using [3H]choline loaded hippocampal slices. [3H]ACh release was Ca(2+)-dependent, blocked by the nonspecific Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil, but not by blockade of L-type Ca2+ channels. The N-type Ca2+ channel blocker omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTx GVIA; 250 nM) inhibited [3H]ACh release by 44% and the P/Q-type Ca2+ channel blocker omega-agatoxin IVA (omega-Aga IVA; 400 nM) inhibited [3H]ACh release by 27%, with the combination resulting in a nearly additive 79% inhibition. Four hundred or one thousand nM omega-Aga IVA was necessary to inhibit [3H]ACh release. omega-Conotoxin MVIIC (omega-CTx-MVIIC) was used after first blocking N-type Ca2+ channels with omega-CgTx GVIA (1 microM). Under these conditions, 500 nM omega-CTx-MVIIC led to a nearly maximal inhibition of the omega-CgTx GVIA-insensitive [3H]ACh release. Based on earlier reports about the relative sensitivity of cloned and native Ca2+ channels to these toxins, this study indicates that N- and Q-type Ca2+ channels primarily mediate K(+)-evoked hippocampal [3H]ACh release.

Involvement of P-type calcium channels in high potassium-elicited release of neurotransmitters from rat brain slices

Several types of voltage-dependent calcium channels appear to occur in neurons, although coupling of the particular subtype of calcium channels to the release of neurotransmitter has not been clearly understood. We have examined the effects of subtype-specific inhibitors of the calcium channels on depolarization-induced release of endogenous neurotransmitters from brain slices. High potassium-induced release of glutamate and aspartate from hippocampal and striatal slices was almost completely inhibited by a P-type channel blocker, omega-agatoxin IVA. omega-Agatoxin IVA also completely inhibited the release of serotonin from the hippocampal slices with almost the same potency as in the case of glutamate, whereas the potency in blocking the release of serotonin and dopamine from striatal slices was lower than that from the hippocampal slices. Another calcium channel blocker, omega-agatoxin TK, that was recently found to block P-type channels with very similar selectivity and potency to omega-agatoxin IVA, also inhibited the release of amino acid transmitters and monoamines, though its potency was lower than that of omega-agatoxin IVA. An N-type channel blocker, omega-conotoxin GVIA, partially inhibited the neurotransmitter release, but an L-type channel blocker, nifedipine was ineffective. We propose that the activation of P-type calcium channels makes a major contribution to depolarization-elicited neurotransmitter release in the CNS and that multiple P-type channels sensitive to omega-agatoxin IVA and omega-agatoxin TK modulate the neurotransmitter release.

Electric field-directed growth and branching of cultured frog nerves: effects of aminoglycosides and polycations

The direction and rate of earliest nerve growth are critical determinants of neuronal architecture. One extrinsic cue that influences these parameters is a small direct current electric field, although the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We have studied the orientation, rate of growth, and branching behavior of embryonic Xenopus spinal neurites exposed to aminoglycoside antibiotics, to raised external cations, to applied direct current electric fields, and to combinations of these treatments. Field-induced cathodal turning and cathodal branching of neurites were blocked by the aminoglycosides, by raised extracellular calcium ([Ca2+]0) and by raised extracellular magnesium ([Mg2+]0). Neomycin together with high external Ca2+, by contrast, induced a reversal in the polarity of turning and branching, with neurites reorienting and branching more frequently anodally. Aminoglycosides decreased neurite growth rates, and for neomycin this was partially reversed by high external Ca2+. Raised [Ca2+]0 alone but not raised [Mg2+]0 altered growth rates in a field-strength dependent manner. Modulation of membrane surface charge may underlie altered galvanotropic orientation and branching. Such an effect is insufficient to explain the changes in growth rates, which may result from additional perturbations to Ca2+ influx and inositol phospholipid metabolism.

Modulation of dopamine and noradrenaline release and of intracellular Ca2+ concentration by presynaptic glutamate receptors in hippocampus

1. We studied the release of [3H]-dopamine and [3H]-noradrenaline (NA) from hippocampal synaptosomes induced by glutamate receptors and the associated Ca2+ influx through Ca2+ channels. The release of tritiated neurotransmitters was studied by use of superfusion system and the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was determined by a fluorimetric assay with Indo-1 as a probe for Ca2+. 2. Presynaptic glutamate receptor activation induced Ca(2+)-dependent release of [3H]-dopamine and [3H]-NA from rat hippocampal synaptosomes. Thus, L-glutamate induced the release of both neurotransmitters in a dose-dependent manner (EC50 = 5.62 microM), and the effect of 100 microM L-glutamate was inhibited by 83.8% in the presence of 10 microM 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dioxine (CNQX), but was not affected by 1 microM (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]-cyclohepten-5,10-imine (MK-801). 3. Other glutamate receptor agonists also stimulated the Ca(2+)-dependent release of [3H]-dopamine and [3H]-NA as follows: N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), at 200 microM, released 3.65 +/- 0.23% of the total 3H catecholamines, and this effect was inhibited by 81.2% in the presence of 1 microM MK-801; quisqualate (50 microM), S-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolopropionic acid (AMPA) (100 microM) or kainate (100 microM) released 1.57 +/- 0.26%, 1.93 +/- 0.17% and 2.09 +/- 0.22%, of the total 3H catecholamines, respectively. 4. The ionotropic glutamate receptor agonist, AMPA, induced an increase in the [Ca2+]i which was inhibited by 58.6% in the presence of 10 microM CNQX. In contrast, the increase in [Ca2+]i due to stimulation by glutamate was not sensitive to CNQX or MK-801.5. Nitrendipine, at I JAM, did not inhibit the neurotransmitter release induced by AMPA, but, both 0.5 micro M -conotoxin GVIA (w-CgTx) and 100 nM w-Aga IVA reduced catecholamine release to 49.03 +/- 3.79% and 46.06 +/- 10.51% of the control, respectively. In the presence of both toxins the release was reduced to 12.58 +/- 4.64% of the control.6. The results indicate that activation of presynaptic glutamate receptors of the NMDA and non-NMDA type induces the release of [3H]-dopamine and [H]-NA from rat hippocampal synaptosomes and that the release induced by AMPA involves the activation of N- and P-type Ca2" channels which allow the influx of Ca2" that triggers the 3H catecholamines release.

Involvement of P-type Ca2+ channels in the K(+)- and d-fenfluramine-induced [3H]5-HT release from rat hippocampal synaptosomes

The Ca2(+)-dependent [3H]5-HT release induced by depolarization or by 0.5 microM d-fenfluramine in rat hippocampal synaptosomes, was significantly reduced (35-42%) by three different P-type Ca2+ channels blockers (omega-Agatoxin-IVA, 100 nM, funnel-web spider toxin, FTX, 0.05 microliters/ml, and its synthetic analogue, sFTX, 1 mM), indicating the major role of these channels in the Ca2+ influx preceding neurotransmitter release.

Pharmacological identification of a novel Ca2+ channel in chicken brain synaptosomes

Ca2+ influx was measured in rat and chicken brain synaptosomes in the presence of a number of pharmacological tools which have recently been used to define voltage-sensitive Ca(2+)-channel (VSCC) types. In chicken brain synaptosomes. VSCCs which, because of their sensitivity to inhibition by omega-conotoxin (omega-CgTx), are thought to be exclusively N-type, the P-type VSCC polyamine inhibitor FTX (from Agelenopsis aperta venom; 1 microliters/ml), its synthetic analogue, sFTX (1-5 mM) and the polypeptides AgaIVA (IC50 0.29 microM) and omega-CgTx MVIIC (IC50 0.0022 microM) inhibited 70-100% of the measurable K+ stimulated Ca2+ influx. The prototypical N-channel VSCC inhibitor omega-CgTx GVIA (IC50 0.014 microM), Cd2+ (50 microM) and diluted venom from Hololena curta (1:2,500) also caused complete or almost complete, inhibition of Ca2+ influx. In comparable studies using rat brain synaptosomes, sFTX (1-10 mM) caused a dose-dependent reduction of Ca2+ influx, while FTX (1 microliters/ml) and AgaIVA (IC50 0.02 microM) completely inhibited Ca2+ influx. Similar to the findings in chicken synaptosomes, Cd2+ (50 microM) and H. curta (1:2,500 dilution) both inhibited K+ stimulated influx by > 80% whereas omega-CgTx (1 microM) only caused a maximum 25% inhibition. Both sFTX and its congener spermine, inhibited [125I]omega-CgTx binding to rat and chicken synaptosomal membranes. These results strongly implicate P-type channels as the major VSCC in rat brain. The results also clearly demonstrate a heretofore unrecognized, novel, FTX/AgaIVA/omega-CgTx GVIA/omega-CgTx MVIIC-sensitive VSCC in chicken brain.

Omega-conotoxin GVIA inhibits the methylphenidate-induced but not methamphetamine-induced behavior

We investigated the effects of antagonists for omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CTX)-sensitive N-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels (N-channels) on methylphenidate- and methamphetamine-induced behavior. I.c.v. injection of omega-CTX or neomycin, both N-channel antagonists, caused a dose-dependent inhibition of methylphenidate-induced hypermotility in mice but failed to inhibit methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity. Further, omega-CTX inhibited the circling behavior induced by methylphenidate in rats that had kainic acid-induced unilateral striatal lesions. These results suggest that calcium influx through omega-CTX-sensitive N-channels plays an important role in methylphenidate-induced behavior.