Receptor-mediated inositol phospholipid hydrolysis in astrocytes

Plasticity of Neuron-Glial Transmission: Equipping Glia for Long-Term Integration of Network Activity

The capacity of synaptic networks to express activity-dependent changes in strength and connectivity is essential for learning and memory processes. In recent years, glial cells (most notably astrocytes) have been recognized as active participants in the modulation of synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity, implicating these electrically nonexcitable cells in information processing in the brain. While the concept of bidirectional communication between neurons and glia and the mechanisms by which gliotransmission can modulate neuronal function are well established, less attention has been focussed on the computational potential of neuron-glial transmission itself. In particular, whether neuron-glial transmission is itself subject to activity-dependent plasticity and what the computational properties of such plasticity might be has not been explored in detail. In this review, we summarize current examples of plasticity in neuron-glial transmission, in many brain regions and neurotransmitter pathways. We argue that induction of glial plasticity typically requires repetitive neuronal firing over long time periods (minutes-hours) rather than the short-lived, stereotyped trigger typical of canonical long-term potentiation. We speculate that this equips glia with a mechanism for monitoring average firing rates in the synaptic network, which is suited to the longer term roles proposed for astrocytes in neurophysiology.

Noradrenergic stimulation of BDNF synthesis in astrocytes: Mediation via α1- and β1/β2-adrenergic receptors

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) synthesis in astrocytes induced by noradrenaline (NA) is a receptor-mediated process utilizing two parallel adrenergic pathways: beta1/beta2-adrenergic/cAMP and the novel alpha1-adrenergic/PKC pathway. BDNF is produced by astrocytes, in addition to neurons, and the noradrenergic system plays a role in controlling BDNF synthesis. Since astrocytes express various subtypes of alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors that have the potential to be activated by synaptically released NA, we focused our present study on the mediatory role of adrenergic receptors in the noradrenergic up-regulation of BDNF synthesis in cultured neonatal rat cortical astrocytes. NA (1 microM) elevates BDNF levels by four-fold after 6 h of incubation. Its stimulation was partly inhibited by either the beta1-adrenergic antagonist atenolol, the beta2-adrenergic antagonist ICI 118,551, or by the alpha1-adrenergic antagonist prazosin, while the alpha2-adrenergic antagonist yohimbine showed no effect. BDNF levels in astrocytes were increased by the specific beta1-adrenergic agonist dobutamine and the beta2-adrenergic agonist salbutamol, as well as by adenylate cyclase activation (by forskolin) and PKA activation (by dBcAMP). However, none of the tested agonists or mediators of the intracellular beta-adrenergic pathways were able to reach the level of NA's stimulatory effect. BDNF cellular levels were also elevated by the alpha1-adrenergic agonist methoxamine, but not by the alpha2-adrenergic agonist clonidine. The increase in intracellular Ca2+ by ionophore A23187 showed no effect, whereas PKC activation by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA) potently stimulated BDNF levels in the cells. The methoxamine-stimulated BDNF synthesis was inhibited by desensitizing pretreatment with TPA, indicating that the alpha1-stimulation was mediated via PKC activation. In conclusion, the synthesis of astrocytic BDNF stimulated by noradrenergic neuronal activity is an adaptable process using multiple types (alpha1 and beta1/beta2) of adrenergic receptor activation.

Regulation of alpha(1)-adrenoceptor-linked phosphoinositide metabolism in cultured glia: involvement of protein phosphatases and kinases

Noradrenaline-stimulated phosphoinositide breakdown in cultured glia was found to be mediated by alpha(1A)-adrenoceptors. The alpha(1A)-selective agonist A61603 was as effective as noradrenaline in eliciting 3H-inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation but was approximately 50-fold more potent. In addition, the use of selective antagonists revealed a clear rank order of potency in the ability of these drugs to reverse the effect of noradrenaline on phosphoinositide breakdown: RS17053 (alpha(1A)-selective) >>AH11110A (alpha(1B)-selective)>BMY7378 (alpha(1D)-selective). Pre-treatment of cultured glia with the protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid resulted in a concentration- and time-dependent reduction in noradrenaline-evoked 3H-IP accumulation. This effect was mimicked by, but was not additive with, a phorbol ester, was reversed by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors and was not evident in cells which had been PKC depleted. The ability of cell extracts to dephosphorylate radiolabelled glycogen phosphorylase revealed the presence of the phosphatases PP1 and PP2A in almost equal abundance. Okadaic acid pre-treatment of intact cultures elicited a marked reduction in total phosphatase activity, particularly that mediated by PP2A. We also determined the effect of okadaic acid pre-treatment on PKC and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activities in these cells. PKC and PKA activities in cell extracts were assessed by determining the incorporation of 32P into histone and kemptide, respectively. Okadaic acid elicited increases in both Ca(2+)-dependent and Ca(2+)-independent PKC activity; in addition, increases in both initial and total PKA activities were also recorded. The effect of okadaic acid on noradrenaline-stimulated 3H-IP accumulation were not, however, mimicked by either forskolin or 8-bromo-cyclic AMP, suggesting that this event is not regulated by PKA. Our data point to roles for both PKC and PP2A in the regulation of alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor-linked phosphoinositide metabolism in cultured cortical glia.

Alpha 1-adrenergic modulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor-induced calcium oscillations and glutamate release in astrocytes

Astrocytic responses to activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors group I (mGluRs I) and alpha(1)-adrenoreceptors in cultured cells have been assessed using spectral analyzes and calcium imaging. Concentration-dependent changes were observed after stimulation with the mGluR I agonist (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG). These responses changed from a regular low frequency signal with sharp peaks at 1 microm to a pronounced stage of irregularity at 10 microm. After stimulation with 100 microm the signal was again homogenous in shape and regularity but occurred at a higher frequency. In contrast, the spectral properties after stimulation with the alpha(1)-adrenoreceptor agonist phenylephrine, exhibited considerable variation for all investigated concentrations. DHPG-induced increases in [Ca(2+)](i) were also associated with astroglial glutamate release, whereas no release was observed after noradrenergic stimulation. Both DHPG-mediated calcium signaling and glutamate release were inhibited by preincubation with 10 or 100 microm phenylephrine. Collectively, the present investigation provides new information about the spatial-temporal characteristics of astroglial intracellular calcium responses and demonstrates distinct differences between noradrenergic and glutamatergic receptors regarding intracellular calcium signaling and coupling to glutamate release. The noradrenergic modulation of DHPG-induced responses indicates that intracellular astroglial processes can be regulated in a bi-directional feedback loop between closely connected astrocytes and neurons in the central nervous system.

Activation of beta-adrenoceptors opens calcium-activated potassium channels in astroglial cells

In the present study, effects of the alpha(2)- and beta-adrenoceptor agonists clonidine and isoproterenol on astrocytes in astroglial/neuronal cocultures from rat cerebral cortex were evaluated. The calcium- and potassium-sensitive dyes fura-2 and potassium-binding benzofuran isophtalate (PBFI) were used to study alterations in intracellular concentrations of calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) and potassium ([K(+)](i)), respectively, while the perforated patch clamp technique was used to analyze transmembrane currents. Exposure to isoproterenol or clonidine elicited an immediate increase in [Ca(2+)](i) that was totally abolished in calcium-free extracellular media. Isoproterenol also decreased [K(+)](i), but clonidine did not. The reduction in [K(+)](i) was inhibited in Ca(2+)-free media. As evaluated with the perforated patch technique, isoproterenol (10(-6)-10(-4) M) induced a slowly developing and long lasting outward current that also was totally abolished in calcium-free buffer. This current was blocked by external tetraethylammonium (TEA, 10 mM) and charybdotoxin (ChTX, 10 nM), but was not affected by apamin (50 nM). The current-to-voltage (I-V) relationships for the isoproterenol-induced currents showed a markedly negative reversal potential, -96 mV+/-7, (mean+/-S.D., n=5). These results suggest that the stimulation of astroglial beta-adrenoceptors by isoproterenol opens calcium-activated potassium channels (K((Ca))). Preincubation with forskolin significantly increased the isoproterenol-induced currents compared with controls, indicating that the opening of astroglial K((Ca)) channels after beta-adrenergic stimulation not only depends on [Ca(2+)](i) but also synergistically involves the cAMP transduction system to which beta-adrenoceptors are known to be positively coupled.

Intercellular Ca(2+) waves induce temporally and spatially distinct intracellular Ca(2+) oscillations in glia

Mechanically induced intercellular Ca(2+) waves propagated for approximately 300 microm in primary glial cultures. Following the wave propagation, 34% of the cells displayed Ca(2+) oscillations in a zone 60-120 microm from the stimulated cell. The initiation, frequency, and duration of these Ca(2+) oscillations were dependent on the cells' distance from the wave origin but were not dependent on the cell type nor on the magnitude of the Ca(2+) wave. When an individual cell propagated two sequential intercellular Ca(2+) waves originating from different sites, the characteristics of the Ca(2+) oscillations initiated by each wave were determined by the distance of the cell from the origin of each wave. Each Ca(2+) oscillation commonly occurred as an intracellular Ca(2+) wave that was initiated from a specific site within the cell. The position of the initiation site and the direction of the intracellular Ca(2+) wave were independent of the orientation of the initial intercellular Ca(2+) wave. Because initiation and frequency of Ca(2+) oscillations are dependent on the intracellular inositol trisphosphate concentration ([IP(3)](i)), we propose that the zone of cells displaying Ca(2+) oscillations is determined by an intercellular gradient of [IP(3)](i), established by the diffusion of IP(3) through gap junctions during the propagation of the intercellular Ca(2+) wave. Exposure to acetylcholine, a muscarinic agonist that initiates IP(3) production, shifted the zone of oscillating cells about 45 microm farther away from the origin of the mechanically induced wave. These findings indicate that a glial syncytium can resolve information provided by a local Ca(2+) wave into a distinct spatial and temporal pattern of Ca(2+) oscillations.

Adrenergic modulation of astroglial phospholipase D activity and cell proliferation

As phospholipase D (PLD) activation has been associated with mitogenic signalling in several cell types, we tested an association between adrenergic activation of PLD and cellular proliferation in primary cultures of rat cortical astrocytes. In 2-week old cultures, PLD activation by noradrenaline (EC50: 0.49 microM) was inhibited by prazosin, a specific antagonist at alpha1-adrenergic receptors (IC50: 0.23 microM). Adrenergic PLD activation was not affected by genistein, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinases, or by Ro 31-8220, an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), but was dose-dependently depressed in the presence of brefeldin A (1-100 microg/ml), an inhibitor of ARF activation. In experiments measuring cell proliferation, noradrenaline potently (EC50: 20 nM) reduced [3H]thymidine incorporation to 20-30% of basal values. This action was mimicked by the beta-specific agonist isoprenaline and was inhibited by the beta-antagonist propranolol in a concentration-dependent manner. The alpha1-adrenergic agonists, phenylephrine and methoxamine, also reduced DNA synthesis. The adrenergic inhibition of astroglial DNA synthesis was not reduced, but further potentiated in the presence of brefeldin A, ethanol, and 1- and 2-butanol; 1-butanol, a substrate of PLD, was equally effective as 2-butanol, a non-substrate. We conclude that adrenergic PLD activation in astrocytes is not involved in mitogenic signalling. The involvement of ARF in the activation of PLD via alpha1-adrenoceptors indicates a role in protein trafficking.

Glial calcium: homeostasis and signaling function

Glial cells respond to various electrical, mechanical, and chemical stimuli, including neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and hormones, with an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). The increases exhibit a variety of temporal and spatial patterns. These [Ca2+]i responses result from the coordinated activity of a number of molecular cascades responsible for Ca2+ movement into or out of the cytoplasm either by way of the extracellular space or intracellular stores. Transplasmalemmal Ca2+ movements may be controlled by several types of voltage- and ligand-gated Ca(2+)-permeable channels as well as Ca2+ pumps and a Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. In addition, glial cells express various metabotropic receptors coupled to intracellular Ca2+ stores through the intracellular messenger inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate. The interplay of different molecular cascades enables the development of agonist-specific patterns of Ca2+ responses. Such agonist specificity may provide a means for intracellular and intercellular information coding. Calcium signals can traverse gap junctions between glial cells without decrement. These waves can serve as a substrate for integration of glial activity. By controlling gap junction conductance, Ca2+ waves may define the limits of functional glial networks. Neuronal activity can trigger [Ca2+]i signals in apposed glial cells, and moreover, there is some evidence that glial [Ca2+]i waves can affect neurons. Glial Ca2+ signaling can be regarded as a form of glial excitability.

Effects of maturation on the phospholipid and phospholipid fatty acid compositions in primary rat cortical astrocyte cell cultures

Phospholipid and phospholipid fatty acid compositional changes were studied in rat cortical astrocytes during dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dBcAMP, 0.25 mM) treatment starting after 14 days in culture (DIC). After 15 DIC, ethanolamine- and choline glycerophospholipid levels were increased 1.2- and 1.3-fold, respectively in treated compared to control cells. However, after 21 and 28 DIC, these levels were not significantly different between groups. Both groups had an increase in phosphatidylserine levels with increasing time in culture. Similarly, ethanolamine plasmalogen levels were transiently elevated after 21 DIC, but returned to previous levels after 28 DIC. The phospholipid fatty acid compositions for the acid stable and labile ethanolamine- and choline glycerophospholipids indicated that in dBcAMP treated cells, 20:4 n-6 and 22:6 n-3 proportions were elevated with increasing time in culture relative to control cells. As 20:4 n-6 proportions increased, there was a concomitant decrease in 20:3 n-9 proportions, suggesting an up regulation of n-6 series elongation and desaturation. In contrast, in control cells, the 20:4 n-6 proportions decreased with a corresponding increase in the 20:3 n-9 proportions. Thus, in treated cells, the cellular phospholipid fatty acid composition was dramatically different than control cells, suggesting that dBcAMP treatment may act to increase fatty acid elongation and desaturation.

Functional characterisation of alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes mediating noradrenaline-induced inositol phosphate formation in rat thalamus slices

In cross-chopped slices from rat thalamus and in the presence of 10 mM LiCl, noradrenaline stimulated the accumulation of [3H]inositol phosphates with [3H]inositol monophosphates ([3H]IP1) being the major product detected (86 +/- 2% of total [3H]inositol phosphates). Noradrenaline-induced [3H]IP1 accumulation was concentration-dependent and yielded and EC50 of 4.6 +/- 0.2 microM, maximum effect of 272 +/- 3% of basal formation and Hill coefficient (nH) of 1.6 +/- 0.1. The effect of 100 microM noradrenaline was inhibited by the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists prazosin, (+)-niguldipine, 5-methylurapidil and WB-4101 (2-(2,6-dimethoxyphenoxyethyl) aminomethyl-1,4-benzodioxane). The inhibition curve for prazosin best fit to a single-site model whereas curves for (+)-niguldipine, 5-methylurapidil and WB-4101 best fit to a two-site model. The putative alpha 1D-adrenoceptor-selective antagonist BMY 7378 (8-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-8- azaspiro[4.5]decane-7,9-dione) showed low potency and efficacy to inhibit the response to noradrenaline. Pre-treatment of the slices with chloroethylclonidine (100 microM; 30 min) decreased by 64 +/- 4% the maximum response. Noradrenaline-induced [3H]IP1 accumulation was significantly reduced by Ca2+ removal (by 64 +/- 2%) and by the Ca(2+)-channel blockers Ni2+, Co2+ and nimodipine (inhibition of 56 +/- 6%, 54 +/- 5% and 41 +/- 5%, respectively). Taken together these results indicate that noradrenaline-induced inositol phosphate formation in thalamus slices is mainly mediated by the activation of both alpha 1B and alpha 1A subtypes of alpha 1-adrenoceptors.

Adrenergic activation of phospholipase D in primary rat astrocytes

Phospholipase D (PLD) activity was investigated in astrocytes prepared from newborn rat cerebral cortex using the transphosphatidylation assay. Basal PLD activity was measurable and was found to be enhanced by ATP, carbachol and noradrenaline. The activation by noradrenaline (EC50, 0.68 microM) was mimicked by methoxamine (EC50, 65 microM), an alpha 1-specific adrenergic agonist, and was inhibited by prazosine, an alpha 1-specific adrenergic antagonist. Clonidin, an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, slightly lowered PLD activity whereas beta-adrenergic drugs were without effect. Experiments with mitogens indicate that PLD activation in astrocytes may be involved in the control of astrocytic cell proliferation.

Ethanol enhances the in situ phosphorylation of MARCKS and protein kinase C activity in primary cultures of astrocytes

Protein kinase C (PKC) plays an important regulatory role in astrocyte function. Chronic exposure to ethanol for 4 days resulted in an increase in Ca2+-dependent PKC activity in the supernatant fraction of astrocyte homogenates. Only Ca2+-independent PKC activity could be observed in the membrane fraction and this activity was unaffected by ethanol exposure. Chronic ethanol exposure also increased the in situ phosphorylation of MARCKS in permeabilized astrocytes both in the absence or presence of the PKC activator, phorbol 12 -myristate 13 -acetate (PMA). These results suggest an increase in the expression of one or more astrocytic PKC isoforms after chronic ethanol exposure.

Physiology of transformed glial cells

Much of our present knowledge of glial cell function stems from studies of glioma cell lines, both rodent (C6, C6 polyploid, and TR33B) and human (1321N1, 138MG, D384, R-111, T67, Tp-276MG, Tp-301MG, Tp-483MG, Tp-387MG, U-118MG, U-251MG, U-373MG, U-787MG, U-1242MG, and UC-11MG). New methods such as patch clamp and Ca2+ imaging have lead to rapid progress the last few years in our knowledge about glial cells, where an unexpected presence and diversity of receptors and ion channels have emerged. Basic mechanisms related to membrane potential and K+ transport and the presence of voltage gated ion channels (Na+, inwardly rectifying K+, Ca(2+)-activated K+, Ca2+, and Cl- channels) have been identified. Receptor function and intracellular signaling for glutamate, acetylcholine, histamine, serotonin, cathecolamines, and a large number of neuropeptides (bradykinin, cholecystokinin, endothelin, opioids, and tachykinins) have been characterized. Such studies are facilitated in cell lines which offer a more homogenous material than primary cultures. Although the expression of ion channels and receptors vary considerably between different cell lines and comparative studies are rare, a few differences (compared to astrocytes in primary culture) have been identified which may turn out to be characteristic for glioma cells. Future identification of specific markers for receptors on glial and glioma cells related to cell type and growth properties may have great potential in clinical diagnosis and therapy.

Differential modulation of carbachol and trans-ACPD-stimulated phosphoinositide turnover following traumatic brain injury

In the fluid percussion model of traumatic brain injury (TBI), we examined muscarinic and metabotropic glutamate receptor-stimulated polyphosphoinositide (PPI) turnover in rat hippocampus. Moderate injury was obtained by displacement and deformation of the brain within the closed cranial cavity using a fluid percussion device. Carbachol and (+/-)-1-Aminocyclopentane-trans-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (trans-ACPD)-stimulated PPI hydrolysis was assayed in hippocampus from injured and sham-injured controls at both 1 hour and 15 days following injury. At 1 hour after TBI, the response to carbachol was enhanced in injured rats by up to 200% but the response to trans-ACPD was diminished by as much as 28%. By contrast, at 15 days after TBI, the response to carbachol was enhanced by 25% and the response to trans-ACPD was enhanced by 73%. The ionotropic glutamate agonists N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), and alpha-amino-3 hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA), did not increase PPI hydrolysis in either sham or injured rats and injury did not alter basal hydrolysis. Thus, hippocampal muscarinic and metabotropic receptors linked to phospholipase C are differentially altered by TBI.

Intercellular signaling in neuronal-glial networks

Glial cells have recently been found to exhibit electrophysiological and metabolic responses to many neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. These findings have focused attention on the possibility that active signaling between neurons and glia could represent an important form of intercellular communication within the brain. Since glial and neuronal networks are both physically and metabolically interlinked, such intercellular signaling may represent a mechanism for inducing collective changes in the cellular physiology of neuronal and glial cell populations. Within the nervous tissue of both vertebrate and invertebrate organisms, glial cells are known to secrete extracellular signal molecules, modulate carbohydrate metabolism, and control the volume and ionic composition of extracellular space. In this paper, the roles that cytoplasmic [Ca2+] transients may play in regulating these glial cell functions are reviewed. Mechanisms by which intracellular Ca oscillations and intercellular Ca waves may be generated in neurotransmitter-stimulated glial cells are also discussed. In addition, it is proposed that rhythmic glial cell contractions and shape changes, which have been observed for many decades, are linked to Ca-induced secretion of ions, water, and neuroactive compounds. These activities represent mechanisms by which Ca-induced changes in glial cell physiology could potentially alter the excitability of neuronal networks.

Muscarinic receptor profiles of mouse brain astrocytes in culture vary with their tissue of origin but differ from those of neurons

The two main cell populations in brain tissues are neurons and astrocytes. Cultures of both bear muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs). Available data indicate that astrocyte mACRs are heterogeneous, but the particular subtypes on these cells are not known, nor is there any information as to whether there is a regional variation in the mAChR profile of astrocytes. This paper describes the mAChR profiles of cultured astrocytes derived from the cerebral hemispheres, mesencephalon and medulla-pons, and is a continuation of our study on cultures of neurons from these same tissues. Pharmacological studies showed that astrocytes accumulated small amounts of mAChRs with distinct pharmacological profiles which, for a given area, differed from those of neurons in culture. Northern blot analyses showed transcripts for m1 and m3 mAChRs only. Their concentrations differed from one cell population to another. Astrocyte cultures from the mesencephalon contained m1 mRNA amounts close to those in the tissue. Thus, at least part of the mAChR profile in vitro might be a true reflection of the cell's properties in vivo. Functional studies showed that mAChRs mediate the stimulation of phosphoinositide turnover in all three astrocyte cultures, that the amplitude of this response varies greatly with the origin of the cell, and that two pharmacological subclasses, M1 and M1-2-, are involved in these responses, but to different extents. Thus the CNS contains discrete astrocyte populations which in culture differ in their mAChR profiles at the molecular, the pharmacological and the functional levels.

Accumulation of inositol phosphates in low-passage human meningioma cells following treatment with epidermal growth factor

In order to elucidate some of the signal transduction processes in human meningioma cells, the authors studied the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and bromocriptine on inositol phospholipid hydrolysis, using low-passage human meningioma cells in culture. Epidermal growth factor is a well-studied mitogenic factor for meningioma cells, whereas bromocriptine is known to have an inhibitory effect on meningioma cell proliferation. The addition of EGF to meningioma cells caused stimulation of inositol phosphate accumulation in a dose-dependent manner at 60 minutes posttreatment, with the maximum effect (120% to 167% of control) achieved at a concentration of 10 ng/ml. Extraction of separate inositol phosphates accumulation in a dose-dependent manner at 60 minutes posttreatment, with the maximum effect (120% to 167% of control) achieved at a concentration of 10 ng/ml. Extraction of separate inositol phosphates revealed that inositol monophosphate (IP1) and inositol bisphosphate (IP2), but not inositol trisphosphate (IP3), accounted for the increase at 60 minutes. Kinetic analysis of EGF-stimulated inositol phospholipid hydrolysis showed that a sharp and transient increase in IP3 from 5 to 12 minutes post-EGF and a transient but more gradual increase in IP2 from 2 to 12 minutes post-EGF were followed by a gradual and steady increase in IP1, which was significantly greater than control after 5 minutes. On the other hand, long-term studies showed a down-regulation of inositol phosphate accumulation (a 64% decrease vs. control) after 7 days of treatment with EGF (10 ng/ml). Bromocriptine (5 microM) exhibited no significant effect on inositol phosphate accumulation at 60 minutes in four of five meningiomas studied. However, of two meningiomas studied with bromocriptine in combination with EGF, both showed a significant additive increase in inositol phosphate accumulation compared to those treated with EGF alone. The results suggest a close involvement of inositol phospholipid turnover in human meningioma cells in response to mitogenic stimulation by EGF.

Phosphatidic acid promotes phosphoinositide metabolism and DNA synthesis in cultured cortical astrocytes

The addition of exogenous phosphatidic acid (PA) to cultured cortical astrocytes prelabelled with [3H]inositol resulted in the accumulation of intracellular [3H]inositol phosphates (IP) in a concentration-dependent (EC50 = 20 microM) manner. Analysis of the individual IPs formed following a PA challenge revealed a rapid but transient generation of [3H]inositol trisphosphate (IP3) indicating the involvement of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) breakdown in this response a fact which was confirmed when the recovery of radiolabel in membrane phosphoinositides was assessed. PA's ability to stimulate IP3 accumulation was found to be dependent upon its acyl-chain length. Dioleoyl-PA (C18:1) was equally as effective as PA from egg yolk lecithin in this respect whilst dipalmitoyl-PA (C16:0) was less so and dimyristoyl-PA (C14:0) and dilauroyl-PA (C12:0) were without effect. In subconfluent, serum-deprived cultures, PA was found to increase DNA synthesis following a 48 h exposure period. This effect was observed over the same concentration range used to measure phosphoinositide breakdown and was found to be mediated by the activation of protein kinase C. As with its effect on phosphoinositide metabolism, PA's ability to promote DNA synthesis was correlated with its acyl-chain length. These data show that PA is capable of stimulating both phosphoinositide metabolism and DNA synthesis in cultured astrocytes possibly via the activation of specific membrane receptors. However, the precise relationship between these events remains to be elucidated.

Excitotoxicity and neurological disorders: involvement of membrane phospholipids

Excitatory amino acids and their receptors play an important role in membrane phospholipid metabolism. Persistent stimulation of excitatory amino acid receptors by glutamate may be involved in neurodegenerative diseases and brain and spinal cord trauma. The molecular mechanism of neurodegeneration induced by excitatory amino acids is, however, not known. Excitotoxin-induced calcium entry causes the stimulation of phospholipases and lipases. These enzymes act on neural membrane phospholipids and their stimulation results in accumulation of free fatty acids, diacylglycerols, eicosanoids, and lipid peroxides in neurodegenerative diseases and brain and spinal cord trauma. Other enzymes, such as protein kinase C and calcium-dependent proteases, may also contribute to the neuronal injury. Excitotoxin-induced alterations in membrane phospholipid metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases and neural trauma can be studied in animal and cell culture models. These models can be used to study the molecular mechanisms of the neurodegenerative processes and to screen the efficacy of therapeutic drugs.

Excitatory amino acid-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis in Müller glia

The presence of excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors coupled to phosphoinositide metabolism in primary cultures of Müller (glial) cells from the chick retina was established. The order of potency of analogues for stimulating [3H]inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation was quisqualate (QA) > L-glutamate (L-Glu) = kainate (KA) > N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) > L-aspartate (L-Asp) with EC50 in the range of 1-100 microM. 1-Aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylate (trans-ACPD), alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA), 2-amino-3-phosphonopropionate (AP3), and 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate (AP4) showed no effect either on basal concentration or on stimulated accumulation of [3H]IPs. The effect of EAA was potently inhibited by the ionotropic NMDA receptor antagonists 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoate (AP5), 3-[(RS)-2-carboxy-piperazin-4-yl)]-propyl-1-phosphonate (CPP), and (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-10- imine (MK-801); L-Glu antagonists at non-NMDA receptors, the quinoxalines NBQX and DNQX, inhibited weakly the response to L-Glu, KA, and NMDA, and more potently that to QA. The translocation of protein kinase C was also stimulated by EAA with the same pharmacological profile, and was partially inhibited by kynurenate (KYN). L-Glu and KA induced 45Ca2+ influx, which was decreased by KYN and CNQX. EAA-induced [3H]IPs accumulation was decreased by verapamil but not by nifedipine, and slightly diminished by dantrolene. Results demonstrate that EAA-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis in Müller cells shows pharmacological differences with that in astrocytes and neuronal cells and could be triggered by a different mechanism.

Role of phosphoinositide hydrolysis in astrocyte volume regulation

Astrocytes exposed to hypoosmotic stress swell and subsequently reduce their size to almost their original volume, a phenomenon called regulatory volume decrease (RVD). We found that during hypoosmotic swelling there was a twofold increase in phosphatidylinositol (PI) hydrolysis. This increase was inhibited by the phospholipase C inhibitor, U-73122 (10 microM). Inhibition of PI hydrolysis resulted in blockage of RVD. We also examined whether agents that stimulate PI hydrolysis would enhance RVD. These agents significantly accelerated RVD. The rank order of potency was endothelin (20 nM) > or = norepinephrine (100 microM) > endothelin-3 (7 nM) > thrombin (1 U/ml) > or = ATP (500 microM) > bradykinin (20 microM) > or = carbachol (500 microM), as indicated by RVD rate constants. The extent of PI hydrolysis induced by these agents at the beginning of RVD exhibited a logarithmic relationship with the magnitude of RVD enhancement. Also, there was a linear relationship between the rate of PI hydrolysis and RVD rate constants. Our results suggest that stimulated PI hydrolysis is involved in the regulation of cell volume in astrocytes.

Glial calcium

This review summarizes current knowledge relating intracellular calcium and glial function. During steady state, glia maintain a low cytosolic calcium level by pumping calcium into intracellular stores and by extruding calcium across the plasma membrane. Glial Ca2+ increases in response to a variety of physiological stimuli. Some stimuli open membrane calcium channels, others release calcium from intracellular stores, and some do both. The temporal and spatial complexity of glial cytosolic calcium changes suggest that these responses may form the basis of an intracellular or intercellular signaling system. Cytosolic calcium rises effect changes in glial structure and function through protein kinases, phospholipases, and direct interaction with lipid and protein constituents. Ultimately, calcium signaling influence glial gene expression, development, metabolism, and regulation of the extracellular milieu. Disturbances in glial calcium homeostasis may have a role in certain pathological conditions. The discovery of complex calcium-based glial signaling systems, capable of sensing and influencing neural activity, suggest a more integrated neuro-glial model of information processing in the central nervous system.

Regulation of astroglial responsiveness to neuroligands in primary culture

Previous studies from this laboratory indicate that type-1 astroglia in primary culture are pharmacologically heterogeneous. Two competing hypotheses were proposed to explain the development of glial heterogeneity. First, that the heterogeneity may reflect stable subclasses of astroglia that express a set of receptor-signalling systems. Second, that astroglia can undergo qualitative changes in their expression of receptor-signalling systems with time in vitro. To distinguish between these two hypotheses, experiments were designed to examine neuroligand-evoked calcium responses within clones of type-1 astroglia. If stable and distinct subsets of astroglia were present, a clone derived from a single cell would exhibit uniform responses to a given set of neuroligands. Alternatively, if the pharmacological properties of astroglia underwent qualitative changes, astroglial clones should contain pharmacologically distinct cells. A video-based imaging system and the Ca2+ indicator dye Fura-2 were used to monitor receptor-mediated increases in Cai2+ upon receptor activation. Interestingly, only a fraction of the cells within a given clone responded to carbachol or histamine with an increase in Cai2+, whereas treatment with a P2Y purinergic receptor agonist generally increased Cai2+ in 100% of the cells within the clone. To examine the stability of the receptor signalling over time, individual astroglia within a number of clones were tested on different days for their ability to respond to neuroligands. The results of these experiments indicated that individual astroglial cells tended to lose their responsiveness to certain ligands such as carbachol and histamine as they developed responsiveness to others such as norepinephrine. Our data indicate that during development neurotransmitter receptors on astroglial cells are regulated by both internal and external mechanisms. Glial proliferation produces a variety of pharmacologically distinct astroglial cells. Exposure to neurotransmitters can qualitatively turn off some, but not all, astroglial receptor systems.

Stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis by trans-(+/-)-ACPD is greatly enhanced when astrocytes are cultured in a serum-free defined medium

Recent studies have demonstrated that astrocytes have much greater abilities to produce and respond to signalling molecules in the CNS than had been previously estimated. We now report a dramatic enhancement in the ability of a glutamate metabotropic receptor agonist, 1-aminocyclopentane-trans-(+/-)-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (trans-(+/-)-ACPD, to stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis in astrocytes cultured in a serum-free defined medium compared with astrocytes cultured in conventional serum-containing medium (43.2 +/- 3.6 vs. 3.2 +/- 0.48-fold of basal, respectively). This enhancement was selective to trans-(+/-)-ACPD as little or no difference in the response to carbachol or norepinephrine was seen between the two culture conditions. These results indicate a great potential for the phosphoinositide pathway in astrocyte glutamatergic signal transduction.

Interleukin-6 production by astrocytes: induction by the neurotransmitter norepinephrine

Astrocytes contribute to the immunocompetence of the central nervous system (CNS) via their expression of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens and the production of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Of these cytokines, IL-6 is of particular interest because one of its many immune and inflammatory actions is the promotion of immunoglobulin synthesis, and it is thought that IL-6 expression within the brain exacerbates autoimmune diseases of the CNS, which are marked by local immunoglobulin production. Several stimuli induce astrocyte IL-6 expression, including such inducible endogenous factors as IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha. We have investigated the possibility that a constitutively present endogenous factor, the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE), can induce astrocyte IL-6 production. We report that NE induces both IL-6 mRNA and protein in primary neonatal rat astrocytes, with optimal induction at 10 microM. IL-6 protein induction by NE is comparable to that seen with IL-1 beta or TNF-alpha, and NE synergizes with these cytokines for a ten-fold enhanced effect. In contrast to astrocytes, microglia are relatively unresponsive to NE, IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha for IL-6 production. Experiments with the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol, and alpha and beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists (propranolol, phentolamine, atenolol, and yohimbine) indicate that beta 2 and alpha 1-adrenergic receptors are involved in NE induction of astrocyte IL-6 expression.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Muscarinic receptors--characterization, coupling and function

At least five muscarinic receptor genes have been cloned and expressed. Muscarinic receptors act via activation of G proteins: m1, m3 and m5 muscarinic receptors couple to stimulate phospholipase C, while m2 and m4 muscarinic receptors inhibit adenylyl cyclase. This review describes the localization, pharmacology and function of the five muscarinic receptor subtypes. The actions of muscarinic receptors on the heart, smooth muscle, glands and on neurons (both presynaptic and postsynaptic) in the autonomic nervous system and the central nervous system are analyzed in terms of subtypes, biochemical mechanisms and effects on ion channels, including K+ channels and Ca2+ channels.

Purinergic P2Y receptors on astrocytes are directly coupled to phospholipase A2

ATP stimulates arachidonic acid mobilization and eicosanoid production in cultured astrocytes via P2Y-purinergic receptors. To assist in determining the mechanism of phospholipase A2 activation and the role of calcium in eicosanoid production, cultures were pretreated with pertussis toxin (PTx). ATP-evoked eicosanoid release was inhibited by PTx in a concentration-dependent fashion. Inositol phospholipid hydrolysis was partially attenuated by PTx, but the concentrations required were approximately 50 times greater than those for inhibition of eicosanoid production, suggesting that phospholipase C activation is not necessary for eicosanoid synthesis. Stimulation of eicosanoid release by other P2Y-purinergic receptor agonists was also inhibited by PTx; however, PTx had no effect on eicosanoid release evoked by ionomycin or thapsigargin, nor did it affect ATP-stimulated calcium influx or mobilization from intracellular stores. Increases in intracellular free calcium concentration alone were insufficient to stimulate eicosanoid production, but maximal production was dependent upon the concentration of extracellular calcium. These results suggest that the P2Y-purinergic receptor is coupled to phospholipase A2 via a guanine nucleotide-binding protein, and that extracellular calcium may also be involved in the synthesis of eicosanoids by astrocytes.

Changes in protein kinase C isozymes in the rat hippocampal formation following hippocampal lesion

The cellular and regional distribution of the four protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in the rat hippocampal formation and the response of PKC to lesions were determined by employing immunohistochemical and immunochemical techniques with antibodies specific to PKC(alpha), -(beta I), -(beta II), and -(gamma). PKC(alpha) intensely stained the periphery of the pyramidal cell in the stratum pyramidale. The granule cells, glial cells, and mossy fibers were anti-PKC(alpha) negative. The cytoplasm, axons, and dendrites of basket cells and interneurons in the hilus were labeled with anti-PKC(alpha). Anti-PKC(beta I) immunoreactivity was localized on the periphery of pyramidal cells and interneurons of the hilus, as well as the oriens, radiatum, and molecular layers of the CA regions. Anti-PKC(beta II) immunoreactivity was mainly cytoplasmic, extending into the dendrites in the hippocampal pyramidal cells and the dentate granule cells, and also in some glial cells. In the stratum radiatum of the CA1, anti-PKC(gamma) immunoreactivity localized to the pyramidal cell cytoplasm, extending into the dendrites. Following fimbria-fornix (FF) lesions, the anti-PKC(alpha) and -(beta I) staining of the pyramidal cell periphery was markedly reduced. The anti-PKC(gamma) staining of the pyramidal and granular cells of the dentate gyrus was reduced whereas the interneuron staining in the hilus was increased. In the FF-lesioned hippocampus, anti-PKC(alpha) and anti-PKC(beta II) labeled reactive glial cells, whereas anti-PKC(beta I) and -(gamma) did not. Quantitative Western blot analysis revealed a dramatic increase in the particulate/total PKC for all isozyme forms, although the total levels of PKC, except PKC(gamma), did not change following FF lesions. The PKC(gamma) concentration doubled after FF lesions. Perforant path lesions resulted in a marked alteration in the neuronal staining in dentate gyrus with anti-PKC(alpha) and -(beta I) and in increased numbers of anti-PKC(alpha)- and anti-PKC(beta II)-positive glial cells. Anti-PKC(gamma) staining did not change noticeably. The total PKC concentration did not change for isozymes alpha, beta I, and gamma, but PKC (beta II) concentration increased by 48% following perforant path lesions as detected by Western blot analysis. The particulate/total PKC decreased for all four isozymes although the reduction in PKC(beta I) concentration was not statistically significant. This change in PKC compartmentalization is in marked contrast to an increased level of particulate PKC following FF lesions. Thus, the effects of deafferentation and deafferentation for each PKC isoform were different.

Stimulation of phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis by brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3 in rat cerebral cortical neurons developing in culture

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) breakdown represents a powerful system participating in the transduction mechanism of some neurotransmitters and growth factors and producing two second messengers, diacylglycerol and inositol trisphosphate. The transformation of PC12 neuroblastoma cells into neuron-like cells induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) is preceded by a rapid stimulation of PI breakdown; however, it was not known whether PI breakdown mediates actions of other members of the neurotrophin family. The present study analyzed the effects of NGF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) on PI breakdown in primary cultures of embryonic rat brain cells. Cultures were grown for 7 days; PI was then labeled by incubating cultures with myo-[3H]inositol, which then were exposed acutely to growth factors. BDNF and NT-3, but not NGF, elevated the levels of labeled inositol phosphates within 10-15 min after addition to the cultures in a dose-dependent manner. ED50 values for BDNF and NT-3 were 12.4 and 64.5 ng/ml, respectively. Comparable effects were found in cultures of cortical, striatal, and septal cells. The actions of BDNF and NT-3 probably reflect actions on neurons, because no effects were seen in cultures of nonneuronal cells. In contrast, basic fibroblast growth factor induced a marked stimulation of PI breakdown in cultures of nonneuronal cells. K252b, which selectively blocks neurotrophin actions by inhibiting trk-type receptor proteins, prevented the PI breakdown mediated by BDNF and NT-3. The findings suggest that rapid and specific induction of PI breakdown is involved in the signal transduction of BDNF and NT-3, and they provide evidence that cortical neurons are functionally responsive to BDNF and NT-3 during development.

Regulation of bradykinin-induced phosphoinositide turnover in cultured cerebellar astrocytes: possible role of protein kinase C

Phosphoinositide hydrolysis was studied in primary cultures of rat cerebellar astrocytes prelabeled with [3H]myo-inositol. Among the agonists examined, the rank order of efficacies in causing phosphoinositide hydrolysis was bradykinin > endothelin-1 > ATP > norepinephrine. The bradykinin response was robust (24-fold increase) with EC50 value of 30 nM and saturating concentration of 1 microM. Preincubation of cells with pertussis toxin did not affect the activation of phosphoinositide turnover by bradykinin. Although short-term (within 90 min) treatment of cells with phorbol dibutyrate attenuated bradykinin-induced phosphoinositide breakdown, the inhibitory effect was lost after 3-6 h of phorbol dibutyrate treatment. Extended (24 h) preincubation resulted in a potentiation of bradykinin response. Homologous desensitization of bradykinin response was observed in cells prestimulated with bradykinin for up to 6 h. However, similar to the effect of phorbol dibutyrate, 24-h pretreatment with bradykinin selectively sensitized the response to bradykinin. Up-regulation of the bradykinin response was also observed in cells prestimulated with endothelin-1 or norepinephrine for 24 h, although these treatments resulted in only homologous desensitization to their own response. Our results suggest that cultured cerebellar astrocytes express bradykinin receptors coupled to phospholipase C and in these cells protein kinase C plays a more prominent role in the negative-feedback regulation of bradykinin-evoked phosphoinositide response.

The evidence for astrocytes as a target for central noradrenergic activity: expression of adrenergic receptors

Our recognition and understanding of adrenergic receptor expression by astrocytes and their cultured counterparts, astroglia, has occurred primarily over the past 2 decades. The advances in our knowledge have come about largely through the advent of new techniques with which to study neurotransmitter receptors, coupled with improvements in our ability to isolate, purify, and identify this central nervous system (CNS) cell type. The development of pharmacological tools such as second messenger assays, iodinated ligands, autoradiography, and intracellular electrophysiological recordings, paralleled that of cultured clonal cells lines of glial origin, purified astroglial primary cultures, isolations of astrocytes from adult tissues, and immunocytochemical staining for the astrocyte-specific glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). As these techniques were combined and applied to the study of astrocyte pharmacology, our understanding of adrenergic receptor expression by these cells deepened. This review is an account of how these events have shaped our understanding of astrocytic adrenergic receptor expression.

Potentiation by Ca2+ ionophores and inhibition by extracellular KCl of endothelin-induced phosphoinositide turnover in C6 glioma cells

Interactions between endothelin-1 (ET)-induced phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis and agents that increase Ca2+ influx (i.e. A23187 and ionomycin) or induce depolarization (i.e. KCl) were investigated using C6 glioma. A23187 dose-dependently potentiated ET (30 nM)- and ATP (100 microM)-induced [3H]inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation. This potentiation was associated with an increase in the maximal stimulation elicited by both ET and ATP but their EC50 values were unchanged. This effect of A23187 occurred at concentrations that did not affect basal PI turnover; i.e. 10 nM-3 microM. Ionomycin within the range of 1 nM-1 microM also significantly enhanced ET-induced PI breakdown and this effect was associated with an increase of [Ca2+]i. KCl in a concentration-dependent manner (14.7-54.7 mM) markedly inhibited PI breakdown elicited by ET and ATP, but had much less inhibition on basal activity and no effect on A23187- and ionomycin-induced responses. In parallel, KCl added before or after ET, sharply attenuated the increase of ET-induced [Ca2+]i but did not affect basal level or ionomycin-induced [Ca2+]i response. Neither the potentiation by A23187 nor the inhibition by KCl of ET-induced PI turnover was observed in cultured cerebellar astrocytes. Our results suggest that the cell type-specific regulation by Ca2+ ionophores and KCl on ET-induced PI metabolism is closely related to perturbation of [Ca2+]i.

Induction of nitric oxide synthase in glial cells

Primary astrocyte cultures, C6 glioma cells, and N18 neuroblastoma cells were assayed for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity with a bioassay of cyclic GMP production in RFL-6 fibroblasts. Treatment of astrocyte cultures for 16-18 h with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced NOS-like activity that was L-arginine and NADPH dependent, Ca2+ independent, and potentiated by superoxide dismutase. Induction was evident after 4 h, was dependent on the dose of LPS, and required protein synthesis. Treatment of astrocyte cultures with leucine methyl ester reduced microglial cell contamination from 7 to 1%, with a loss of 44% of NOS-like activity. C6 cells treated with LPS also showed Ca(2+)-independent and L-arginine-dependent NOS-like activity. N18 cells demonstrated constitutive Ca(2+)-dependent NOS-like activity that was not enhanced by LPS induction. These data indicate that NOS-like activity can be induced in microglia, astrocytes, and a related glioma cell line as it can in numerous other cell types, but not in neuron-like N18 cells.

Interleukin-1-beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha increase peripheral-type benzodiazepine binding sites in cultured polygonal astrocytes

Peripheral-type benzodiazepine binding sites (PTBBS) are markedly increased in the injured CNS. Astrocytes appear to be the primary cell type which express increased PTBBS. Because certain cytokines within the injured CNS are potent mitogens for astrocytes, we examined the effects of two such cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), on PTBBS in cultured astrocytes using [3H]Ro 5-4864 as the specific ligand. Purified cultures of either polygonal or process-bearing astrocytes were prepared from neonatal rat cerebral hemispheres. At a concentration of 1.8 nM, specific binding of the radioactive ligand to polygonal astrocytes reached equilibrium within 60 min and was half-maximal by 5-10 min. By contrast, specific binding to process-bearing astrocytes barely exceeded background levels. IL-1 and TNF increased PTBBS within polygonal astrocytes in both dose- and time-dependent manners. At 10-50 ng/ml, IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha elevated [3H]Ro 5-4864 binding in polygonal astrocyte cultures 65 and 87%, respectively, above the level in control cultures. However, no changes in PTBBS were seen within polygonal astrocytes after IL-2 treatment. Scatchard analysis of saturation binding experiments suggested that the increase in PTBBS promoted by TNF was due to an increased number of binding sites present in polygonal astrocytes and not due to an increase in receptor affinity. Binding data suggested that PTBBS within cultures of process-bearing astrocytes were virtually absent irrespective of the treatment. These in vitro data suggest that certain cytokines found in the injured brain may be involved in up-regulating PTBBS within a particular subtype of astrocyte.

Epidermal growth factor induces glucose transport in primary cell cultures derived from human astrocytic glioma biopsies

The gene for the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor is amplified in a variety of neoplastic tissues, including malignant gliomas. To reveal whether increased sensitivity to EGF has significance for the supply of metabolic substrate to tumor cells, the rate of glucose transport was determined in cells exposed to EGF for up to six hours. In the epidermoid carcinoma line A431, and in primary cultures from 7/12 human glioma biopsies, EGF (10 ng/ml) induced an increase (two-fold) in glucose transport. This effect was transient and independent of protein synthesis.

Stimulation of the P2Y purinergic receptor on type 1 astroglia results in inositol phosphate formation and calcium mobilization

Cultured astroglia express purinergic receptors that initiate phosphoinositide metabolism and calcium mobilization. Experiments were conducted to characterize the purinergic receptor subtype on type 1 astroglia responsible for stimulation these second-messenger systems. Inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation and calcium mobilization were measured after stimulation with ATP or purinergic receptor subtype-selective ATP analogues. ATP (10(-5) M) increased IP accumulation severalfold. Dose-effect assays monitoring astroglial IP accumulation revealed the order of potency that defines the P2Y receptor: 2-methylthioadenosine 5'-triphosphate greater than ATP greater than alpha beta-methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate greater than beta gamma-methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate. The influence of ATP on intracellular calcium levels in individual type 1 astroglia was examined using the calcium indicator dye, fura-2. Dose-effect experiments indicated that ATP was equally potent for generating inositol phosphates and increasing cellular calcium. The most prevalent response (87% of total responses) to ATP consisted of a rapid increase in calcium to a peak level that was approximately five times greater than the prestimulation level. This peak was followed by a decline to a plateau level that was significantly above baseline. This plateau phase of the calcium increase was maintained for at least 5 min in the presence of ATP and was dependent on external calcium. Many (23%) astroglia exhibited spontaneous calcium oscillations whose frequency and magnitude increased after the addition of 10(-5) M ATP. Immunocytochemical staining indicated that the responses occurred in glial fibrillary acidic protein positive cells. We conclude that type 1 astroglia express the P2Y purinergic receptor which regulates IP production and calcium mobilization.

Spontaneous changes in intracellular calcium concentration in type I astrocytes from rat cerebral cortex in primary culture

Measurement of fura-2 fluorescence in type I astrocytes from rat cerebral cortex showed that the intracellular calcium ion concentration undergoes very large spontaneous changes. These spike-like changes ranged from resting levels of calcium of 50-250 nM to as high as 1-2 microM. The spikes were found to be irregular in frequency and amplitude and were frequently synchronous in confluent cultures. The synchronous events appeared as propagating waves that spread over many cells. The spontaneous spikes persisted when the extracellular calcium concentration was reduced to below micromolar levels suggesting that the source for the increases in [Ca2+]i was intracellular. Treatment of the astrocytes with tetrodotoxin did not abolish the spontaneous changes, nor did blockade of voltage-dependent calcium channels with nimodipine and D-600. Ryanodine, a blocker of the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-induced calcium release channel, was also without effect. These changes in [Ca2+]i were different in character from both agonist-induced oscillations and depolarization-induced increases in intracellular calcium concentration. Depolarization using 25-100 mM [K+]o resulted in a prompt rise in intracellular calcium concentration, which returned to near resting levels, and this response was sensitive to removal of extracellular calcium and voltage-gated calcium channel antagonists. L-glutamate (0.5-100 microM) caused large increases in [Ca2+]i that were associated with discrete periodic oscillations in some cells. The cellular trigger for the spontaneous spikes is currently not understood. We conclude that spontaneous changes in [Ca2+]i in astrocytes are distinct from agonist-induced and membrane potential depolarization-induced changes.

A role for glial cells in activity-dependent central nervous plasticity? Review and hypothesis

Activity-dependent plasticity relies on changes in neuronal transmission that are controlled by coincidence or noncoincidence of presynaptic and postsynaptic activity. These changes may rely on modulation of neural transmission or on structural changes in neuronal circuitry. The present overview summarizes experimental data that support the involvement of glial cells in central nervous activity-dependent plasticity. A role for glial cells in plastic changes of synaptic transmission may be based on modulation of transmitter uptake or on regulation of the extracellular ion composition. Both mechanisms can be initiated via neuronal-glial information transfer by potassium ions, transmitters, or other diffusible factor originating from active neurons. In addition, the importance of changes in neuronal circuitry in many model systems of activity-dependent plasticity is summarized. Structural changes in neuronal connectivity can be influenced or mediated by glial cells via release of growth or growth permissive factors on neuronal activation, and by active displacement and subsequent elimination of axonal boutons. A unifying hypothesis that integrates these possibilities into a model of activity-dependent plasticity is proposed. In this model glial cells interact with neurons to establish plastic changes; while glial cells have a global effect on plasticity, neuronal mechanisms underlie the induction and local specificity of the plastic change. The proposed hypothesis not only explains conventional findings on activity-dependent plastic changes, but offers an intriguing possibility to explain several paradoxical findings from studies on CNS plasticity that are not yet fully understood. Although the accumulated data seem to support the proposed role for glial cells in plasticity, it has to be emphasized that several steps in the proposed cascades of events require further detailed investigation, and several "missing links" have to be addressed by experimental work. Because of the increasing evidence for glial heterogeneity (for review see Wilkin et al., 1990) it seems to be of great importance to relate findings on glial populations to the developmental stage and topographical origin of the studied cells. The present overview is intended to serve as a guideline for future studies and to expand the view of "neuro" physiologists interested in activity-dependent plasticity. Key questions that have to be addressed relate to the mechanisms of release of growth and growth-permissive factors from glial cells and neuronal-glial information transfer. It is said that every complex problem has a simple, logical, wrong solution. Future studies will reveal the contribution of the proposed simple and logical solution to the understanding of central nervous plasticity.

Arachidonic acid cycloxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways are differently activated by platelet activating factor and the calcium-ionophore A23187 in a primary culture of astroglial cells

The aim of our study has been to investigate the metabolism of endogenous arachidonic acid or that of radiolabeled arachidonate in astroglial cells, stimulated with platelet activating factor (PAF) and with the calcium-ionphore A23187. Primary cultures of astroglial cells were obtained from brain cortex of one-day-old rats and were characterized by immunofluorescent staining vs glial fibrillary acidic protein. In labeled cells, diacylglycerol was formed after stimulation with platelet activating factor, whereas mainly the release of labeled arachidonic acid from phospholipids was observed after stimulation with calcium-ionophore. Both PAF and the calcium-ionophore A23187 actively stimulated the formation of the cycloxygenase products PGD2, TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, measured by radio- or enzyme-immunoassay. Differences were observed, instead, in the formation of the lipoxygenase metabolites, the hydroxyeicosateraenoic acids, which were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with on line radiodetection for the labeled products, and Leukotriene C4, measured by radioimmunoassay. The formation of hydroxyacids by stimulated cells was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In labeled cells, both agonists induced the formation of 12- and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, whereas stimulation of unlabeled cells with calcium ionophore resulted in formation of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and Leukotriene C4. Our results suggest that in astroglial cells, PAF, a compound which is produced in several tissues including brain, mobilizes a selected arachidonic acid pool, possibly associated with diacylglycerol production, from phospholipids, thus activating the conversion of the released fatty acid via the cyclo and the 12-lipoxygenase pathways.

Comparison of calcium ionophore and receptor-activated inositol phosphate formation in primary glial cell cultures

The possible role of Ca2+ influx in alpha 1-adrenoceptor-stimulated [3H]inositol phosphate [( 3H]InsP) formation was examined in primary cultures of glial cells from 1-day-old rat brain. The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 caused a concentration- and time-dependent increase in [3H]InsP formation similar in magnitude to that caused by norepinephrine (NE). Responses to A23187 and NE were both completely dependent on extracellular Ca2+, with a similar concentration dependence. However, cadmium was more potent in blocking the response to A23187 than to NE. Lanthanum (1 mM) blocked the response to NE, although cobalt (5 mM) did not. The [3H]InsP response to A23187 was not additive with the response to NE or to the muscarinic agonist carbachol, although responses to NE and carbachol were addictive Both A23187 and ionomycin inhibited the additive stimulation caused by a combination of NE and carbachol, and this inhibition was potentiated by cadmium. Ionomycin stimulated [3H]InsP formation at concentrations lower than those inhibiting receptor-mediated responses, and this stimulation was not additive with responses to NE or carbachol. High-performance liquid chromatography separation showed similar patterns of [3H]InsPs formed in response to both Ca2+ ionophore and receptor agonists. These results raise the possibility that receptor-activated Ca2+ influx may be involved in stimulation of [3H]InsP formation in these cells.

Arachidonic acid metabolism in cultured astrocytes: presence of 12-lipoxygenase activity in the intact cells

In our previous study, it was revealed that the exogenous arachidonic acid is mainly metabolized by the lipoxygenase pathway in the cell-free homogenate of cultured astrocytes. This is apparently in contrast with other studies reporting production and release of the cyclooxygenase products (prostaglandins and thromboxanes) by cultured astrocytes. To help specify the reason for this discrepancy, the metabolism of endogenous arachidonic acid in the intact monolayer of cultured astrocytes was examined. When the astrocytes were stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187, a peak coeluted with authentic 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) on reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was observed. Formation of this peak was not affected by indomethacin, a speciic inhibitor for cyclooxygenase, but completely inhibited by BW755C, an inhibitor for both cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenases. Furthermore, the ultraviolet spectrum of the substance giving this peak agreed well with that of authentic 12-HETE. The amount of 12-HETE formed and released by the astrocytes was estimated to be 293.1 ng/mg protein/1 h. Taken together, these results suggest that the endogenous arachidonic acid is mainly metabolized by 12-lipoxygenase in the intact monolayer of astrocytes.

Alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor regulation of cyclic AMP accumulation in cultured rat astrocytes. A comparison of primary protoplasmic and mixed fibrous/protoplasmic astroglial cultures

The effect of noradrenaline and isoprenaline on cyclic AMP accumulation has been investigated in primary rat astrocytes which contain either (a) protoplasmic astrocytes alone or (b) both fibrous and protoplasmic astrocytes. Isoprenaline and noradrenaline stimulated cyclic AMP formation in both astrocyte culture preparations. Combinations of noradrenaline (1 microM) and isoprenaline (1 microM) produced a cyclic AMP response which was 58% and 26% of that produced by isoprenaline alone in protoplasmic and mixed fibrous/protoplasmic cultures, respectively. In both preparations this inhibitory effect of noradrenaline was antagonized by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine (1 microM). A striking feature of the concentration-response curve for isoprenaline (EC50 = 0.8 microM) in mixed fibrous/protoplasmic cultures was that the cyclic AMP response decreased sharply at concentrations above 1 microM. This phenomenon was not seen in cultures containing protoplasmic astroglia alone. The fall in the isoprenaline concentration-response curve was not observed in the presence of the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist phentolamine (1 microM), the dihydropyridine calcium antagonist isradipine (10 microM), the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (0.1 mM) or in nominally calcium-free medium. The effect of phentolamine was mimicked by the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (1 microM) but not by the alpha 2-antagonist yohimbine (1 microM). In conclusion, the data from this study suggest that two different populations of astrocytes in in vitro culture are able to raise intracellular cyclic AMP levels via beta-adrenoceptor activation and that there are differences in the extent of alpha-adrenoceptor (both alpha 1- and alpha 2-) mediated inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation between the two primary astroglial cell preparations.