Intracameral administration of neurotensin induces miosis in the rabbit

Molecular Analysis of Neurolysin Expression in the Rat and Bovine Ciliary Body

PURPOSE

This paper deals with the capability of the ciliary epithelium to express neurolysin, involved in the inactivation of numerous neuropeptides.

METHODS

Total RNAs from ciliary body (CB) were processed for RT-PCR, and the amplification products were sequenced. The whole-protein extracts of CBs were analyzed using the Western blot. The CBs were processed for neurolysin immunolocalization.

RESULTS

The RT-PCR detected the presence of neurolysin mRNA in the ciliary body. The Western blot assays demonstrated immunochemical cross-reactivity with neurolysin. The immunoreactivity to neurolysin was observed in ciliary epithelium.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that the ciliary epithelium expresses neurolysin.

Differential gene expression in the human ciliary epithelium

The generation of expression and subtractive libraries from the ocular ciliary body and cultured ciliary epithelial cells has been instrumental in the cloning, identification and characterization of many genes which, overall reflect a representative profile of transcripts expressed in ciliary nonpigmented, ciliary pigmented and ciliary muscle cells. The cell-specific expression of some of these genes (i.e. a neurotrophic factor, a gene associated with juvenile open glaucoma, and a visual component) reveal a degree of cell differentiation with a diversity of functions and properties higher than previously thought. The protection from light-induced oxidative reactions, free radicals and detoxification, may be partially attributed to the high level of expression in the ciliary epithelium of antioxidative enzymes (i.e., glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidases, selenoprotein-P). The expression of genes encoding plasma proteins (i.e., complement component C4, alpha2-macroglobulin, apolipoprotein D) is in contrast with the view that plasma proteins in aqueous humor are synthesized outside the eye (i.e., liver). The identification of neuropeptide-processing enzymes (i.e., prohormone convertases, carboxypeptidase E, peptidyl-glycine-alpha-amidating monoxigenase), neuropeptides (i.e., secretogranin II, neurotensin) and regulatory peptides (i.e., atrial natriuretic peptide and angiotensinogen) with hypertensive and hypotensive activities provide the molecular basis to support the view that the ciliary epithelium is a neuroepithelium with neuroendocrine functions. We propose a working model to demonstrate that aqueous humor and intraocular pressure are under neuroendocrine control through regulatory peptides synthesized and released by the ciliary epithelium and targeting the peptide producing cells at the inflow system by an autocrine mechanism and/or cells at the outflow system (i.e., trabecular meshwork cells) by a paracrine mechanism. Finally, we hypothesize that these mechanisms could be entrained in the light-dark cycle following the circadian rhythm of aqueous humor and intraocular pressure.

The distribution of neuropeptides in the ocular tissues of several mammals: a comparative study

1. The distribution of several neuropeptides (vasoactive intestinal peptide, substance P, somatostatin and neurotensin) was assessed in ocular tissues from the cow, sheep, rabbit and rat. 2. Vasoactive intestinal peptide was most abundant in the choroid and sclera in all species except the rat. Substance P was most abundant in the retina of cow and rat and in the iris/ciliary body of sheep and rabbit. Somatostatin and neurotensin were most abundant in the retina of all species examined. 3. Regulatory peptides thus display distinct regional distributions within the ocular tissues of a single species of mammal and, in addition, exhibit interspecific variation.

Neurotensin-induced miosis: the role of dopaminergic pathways

In this study we investigated the role that dopaminergic pathways play in the miotic effect exerted by neurotensin after intracameral administration. Neurotensin was injected into the anterior chamber (AC) at a dose of 30 micrograms to 4 groups of albino rabbits which had previously undergone the following treatment: a) desmethylimipramine IM and, after 30 min, 6-hydroxydopamine IV 7 days prior to the neurotensin administration; b) haloperidol IM for 15 days; c) haloperidol AC 10 minutes before the neurotensin administration. Our data confirm previous observations regarding the miotic activity of neurotensin and suggest that the dopaminergic system plays an important role in the miotic effect of neurotensin.

Inhibition of neurotensin-induced miosis by blockade of ocular dopamine pathways

In previous work we have determined that intracameral (IC) administration of neurotensin (NT) produces strong miosis in rabbits. However, the pharmacological mechanism of this response remains undetermined. Blockade of alpha and beta-adrenoceptor subtypes with phenoxybenzamine and propranolol, blockade of M1 muscarinic receptors with atropine or blockade of mu opioid receptors with naloxone did not affect NT-induced miosis. Of interest however was the observation that destruction of ocular dopamine (DA) nerve endings with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) + desmethylimipramine (DMI), or blockade of D-2 DA receptors with haloperidol significantly inhibited the miotic response to IC NT. These findings indicate that an intact iridic DA pathway is required for the expression of NT-induced miosis.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of neurotensin and tyrosine hydroxylase in iris nerves of the rabbit eye

In previous studies we have provided evidence that intracameral administration of neurotensin (NT), an endogenous tridecapeptide, produces strong miosis in the rabbit. The presence of NT immunoreactivity was investigated in rabbit iris whole mounts by light microscopic immunohistochemistry, and its distribution in the iris compared to that, of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). A few scattered NT-positive cell bodies were localized in the dilator muscle. Both, the NT cell bodies and processes appeared parallel to the muscle cells. Extensive branching of NT-containing cell processes was observed in connection with the sphincter muscle. These NT-positive fibers formed a dense, randomly oriented network throughout the sphincter muscle cells. The distribution of TH immunoreactivity was similar to that of NT-positive cell processes, except that no TH-positive cell bodies were detected in any of the iris structures examined. Moderate branching of TH-positive fibers was observed in the dilator and sphincter iris muscles. These findings provide neuroanatomical support for an important role of NT in pupillary physiology. Its similar topographical distribution with TH suggests that NT and dopamine may be co-localized, as it has already been described in brain.

Inhibition by MIF-I of alpha-MSH induced increase of intraocular pressure and miosis in rabbits

The effects of intracameral (i.c.) administration of MIF-I on the ocular response to alpha-MSH were tested in rabbits. In confirmation of previous studies, i.c. alpha-MSH significantly increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and reduced pupillary diameter (PD). Concomitant administration of alpha-MSH and MIF-I antagonized both the IOP increase and miosis induced by alpha-MSH. Aqueous humor (AH) dynamics studies revealed that alpha-MSH increases IOP, possibly, by decreasing AH outflow. The decreased AH outflow induced by alpha-MSH was antagonized by concurrent administration of MIF-I and alpha-MSH. MIF-I did not affect IOP or PD when administered alone. These results add more support for a role of alpha-MSH in ocular function, and suggest that the ocular response to alpha-MSH may be subject to inhibitory control by MIF-I.

Pupillary response to atrial natriuretic factor in rabbits

This study was designed to evaluate the pupillary and intraocular pressure (IOP) response to exogenously administered atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in rabbits. Dose-response studies were conducted by administering intracameral (i.c.) ANF (0.1-5 micrograms). The effect of route of administration was evaluated by administering ANF (5 micrograms/kg) intravenous (i.v.) subcutaneous (s.c.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.). In a final study, normal rabbit serum or ANF antiserum were administered i.c. In all studies, pupillary diameter (PD) and IOP were evaluated. Intracameral administration of ANF (0.1-5 micrograms) produced a significant (P less than 0.01) dose-dependent unilateral miosis without affecting IOP. Peripheral (i.v., s.c., i.p.) administration ANF did not affect PD or IOP. Finally, ANF antiserum did not affect PD significantly. These data suggest that ocular, but not circulating ANF may contribute to regulate pupillary function. The mechanism of the miotic response to ANF probably involves interactions with other autonomic neurotransmitters because immunoneutralization of endogenous ocular ANF was without measurable effect.

Antagonism of neurotensin induced miosis by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in rabbits

In previous studies we have shown that thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) antagonizes many of the neural effects of neurotensin (NT). This study, evaluated the ability of TRH and two TRH analogs: 3 methyl-His-TRH and Phe2-TRH to affect NT-induced miosis in rabbits. In confirmation of previous findings, NT (30 micrograms) produced a significant miosis. The high (60 micrograms), but not the low (30 micrograms) dose of TRH significantly antagonized NT (30 micrograms)-induced miosis. Of interest was the observation that 3 methyl-His-TRH and Phe2-TRH were more effective than native TRH in blocking NT-induced miosis. The inhibitory effect of 3 methyl-His-TRH on the miotic response to NT exhibited long duration (approximately 60 min) when compared to native TRH and Phe2-TRH. TRH or the TRH congeners had no appreciable effects on pupillary diameter when administered alone. These findings indicate that TRH antagonizes the miotic response to NT, and suggest a hitherto undescribed peptide-peptide interaction involved in regulation of iris motility.

Extra-pituitary action of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone on intraocular pressure

Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) given intraventricularly caused a delayed, significant decrease of intraocular pressure (IOP) in adult female rabbits for a prolonged period, but only elevated plasma gonadotropins for a few hrs. Intravenous injections of LHRH caused a similar elevation of plasma gonadotropins without any effect on IOP. It indicates that LHRH initiates a mechanism in the central nervous system to decrease IOP, which is unrelated to the conventional LHRH-gonadotropin axis.

Intracameral administration of alpha-MSH increases intraocular pressure in rabbits

A growing body of evidence suggests that neural peptides may induce important modulations on vegative and motor functions of the eye. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of intracameral (I.C.) administration of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and several other ocular peptides on intraocular pressure (IOP) in rabbits. alpha-MSH (5 micrograms) produced a significant and prolonged unilateral increase of IOP. This effect of I.C. alpha-MSH was dose-dependent (ED50 = 2.5 micrograms). Structure-activity studies revealed that equimolar doses of beta-MSH and gamma-MSH, unlike alpha-MSH, were totally ineffective. In addition, the structurally unrelated peptides beta-endorphin, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) did not affect IOP, when tested in a dose equimolar to 5 micrograms of alpha-MSH. These results confirm and extend previous observations, suggesting that alpha-MSH may be an important factor involved in regulation of IOP.

Pupillary effects of neurotensin: structure-activity relationships

We have previously reported that intracameral (I.C.) administration of neurotensin (NT) potently induces a time- and dose-dependent miosis in rabbits. This study was designed to determine structure-function relationships for NT-induced miosis. NT and twelve different fragments and analogs of NT, and the structurally-unrelated peptides beta-endorphin (beta-end), somatostatin (SRIF) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) were tested in a dose equimolar to 30 micrograms of NT for their effects on pupillary diameter (PD) in rabbits. In confirmation of previous findings, NT produced significant miosis. Followed in order of duration of effect were D-Trp11-NT, D-Tyr11-NT, the N-terminal fragment NT1-12, [Gln4] - NT and NMe-NT. The N-terminal fragment NT1-8, D-Arg8-NT, and D-Phe11-NT were weakly active. In addition, the initial N-terminal fragment NT1-6 and the C-terminal fragments NT8-13 and NT9-13 did not affect PD. D-Pro10-NT, beta-end, SRIF, and TRH were totally ineffective. The results of this investigation contribute to support a role for NT on regulation of pupillary function, and suggest that the midportion of NT appears to be critical for the expression of NT-induced miosis.

Behavioral and biochemical assessment of time-related changes in globus pallidus and striatal dopamine induced by intranigrally administered neurotensin

Microinjection of neurotensin (NT; 2 and 5 micrograms) into the substantia nigra zona compacta caused an increase in dopamine (DA) and DA metabolites in the rodent globus pallidus and striatum which persisted for at least 20 hours after peptide administration. Similar NT treatments given unilaterally into the nigra caused circling away from the injected side in amphetamine-pretreated rats, but were without effect when microinjected into saline-pretreated animals. Circling also occurred when the animals were given amphetamine 20 hours after intranigral NT administration. Contralateral rotation was observed with unilateral intranigral injections of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB; 400 micrograms) or with lower intranigral GHB doses (250 micrograms) in amphetamine-pretreated animals. The effects of GHB and NT differed in the manner in which the animals rotated as well as in the profile of DA and DA metabolite changes induced by these drugs. These studies indicated that: dopaminergic functions of the globus pallidus are influenced, like the striatum, by manipulations of the substantia nigra: NT and GHB likely act via different mechanisms to effect nigral dopamine-containing cells; and NT was capable of inducing changes in dopamine neurons which had long term consequences.