Electrophysiological evidence for presynaptic inhibition of acetylcholine release by 5-hydroxytryptamine in the enteric nervous system

Structure activity relationship of synaptic and junctional neurotransmission

Chemical neurotransmission may include transmission to local or remote sites. Locally, contact between 'bare' portions of the bulbous nerve terminal termed a varicosity and the effector cell may be in the form of either synapse or non-synaptic contact. Traditionally, all local transmissions between nerves and effector cells are considered synaptic in nature. This is particularly true for communication between neurons. However, communication between nerves and other effectors such as smooth muscles has been described as nonsynaptic or junctional in nature. Nonsynaptic neurotransmission is now also increasingly recognized in the CNS. This review focuses on the relationship between structure and function that orchestrate synaptic and junctional neurotransmissions. A synapse is a specialized focal contact between the presynaptic active zone capable of ultrafast release of soluble transmitters and the postsynaptic density that cluster ionotropic receptors. The presynaptic and the postsynaptic areas are separated by the 'closed' synaptic cavity. The physiological hallmark of the synapse is ultrafast postsynaptic potentials lasting milliseconds. In contrast, junctions are juxtapositions of nerve terminals and the effector cells without clear synaptic specializations and the junctional space is 'open' to the extracellular space. Based on the nature of the transmitters, postjunctional receptors and their separation from the release sites, the junctions can be divided into 'close' and 'wide' junctions. Functionally, the 'close' and the 'wide' junctions can be distinguished by postjunctional potentials lasting ~1s and tens of seconds, respectively. Both synaptic and junctional communications are common between neurons; however, junctional transmission is the rule at many neuro-non-neural effectors.

Amines and choline acetyltransferase in rat intestine

A biochemical study of the endogenous levels of serotonin (5-HT), noradrenaline (NA) and the activity of choline acetyltransferase (CAT) was carried out in the intestinal tract of the rat. High levels of 5-HT and NA were detected in the caecum and the colon. These anatomical regions also presented the highest activity of CAT. Similar activities of CAT were detected, after dissection, in the mucosa and the muscular layers containing the enteric plexuses. During the day-night cycle, 5-HT and NA amounts showed significant variations as a function of time. Treatment with pargyline (75 mg kg(?1)), a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, resulted in an increase in 5-HT content with parallel modifications in CAT activity. In spite of an important decrease in 5-HT endogenous level in the caecum of rats pretreated with parachlorophenylalanine (300 mg kg(?1)), no significant change in CAT activity was detected whatever was the duration of the treatment. ?-Methylparatyrosine (100 mg kg(?1)), known to block the synthesis of NA, did not affect the CAT activity in the caecum.

Neuropathophysiology of functional gastrointestinal disorders

The investigative evidence and emerging concepts in neurogastroenterology implicate dysfunctions at the levels of the enteric and central nervous systems as underlying causes of the prominent symptoms of many of the functional gastrointestinal disorders. Neurogastroenterological research aims for improved understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the digestive subsystems from which the arrays of functional symptoms emerge. The key subsystems for defecation-related symptoms and visceral hyper-sensitivity are the intestinal secretory glands, the musculature and the nervous system that controls and integrates their activity. Abdominal pain and discomfort arising from these systems adds the dimension of sensory neurophysiology. This review details current concepts for the underlying pathophysiology in terms of the physiology of intestinal secretion, motility, nervous control, sensing function, immuno-neural communication and the brain-gut axis.

Enteric neuroimmunophysiology and pathophysiology

Minute-to-minute behavior of the bowel, whether it is normal or disordered, is determined by integrative functions of the enteric nervous system (ENS). Information input processed by the ENS is derived from local sensory receptors, the central nervous system, and immune/inflammatory cells including mast cells. Enteric mast cells use the power of the immune system for detection of antigenic threats and for long-term memory of the identity of the specific antigens. Specific antibodies attach to the mast cells and enable the mast cell to detect sensitizing antigens when they reappear in the gut lumen. Should the sensitizing antigen reappear, mast cells detect it and signal its presence to the ENS. The ENS interprets the mast cell signal as a threat and calls up from its program library secretory and propulsive motor behavior that is organized to eliminate the threat rapidly and effectively. Operation of the alarm program protects the individual, but at the expense of symptoms that include cramping abdominal pain, fecal urgency, and diarrhea. Enteric mast cells use immunologic memory functions to detect foreign antigens as they appear and reappear throughout the life of the individual. Mast cells use paracrine signaling for the transfer of chemical information to the neural networks of the ENS. Integrative circuits in the ENS receive and interpret the chemical signals from the mast cells. Signals from the mast cells are interpreted by the ENS as a labeled code for the presence of a threat in the intestinal lumen.

Presynaptic modulation of cholinergic and non-cholinergic fast synaptic transmission in the myenteric plexus of guinea pig ileum

Abstract These studies investigated receptors modulating release of mediators of fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in guinea pig ileum myenteric plexus using electrophysiological methods. Fast EPSPs inhibited by >95% by hexamethonium (100 micromol L(-1)) were cholinergic; mixed fEPSPs were inhibited <95% by hexamethonium. Non-cholinergic fEPSPs were studied in the presence of hexamethonium. The alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonist UK 14304 inhibited cholinergic (maximum inhibition = 76%, EC(50) = 18 nmol L(-1)), mixed (81%, 21 nmol L(-1)) and non-cholinergic (76%, 44 nmol L(-1)) fEPSPs equally. The 5-HT(1) receptor agonist 5-carboxamidotryptamine inhibited cholinergic, mixed and non-cholinergic fEPSPs equally. Renzapride, increased non-cholinergic (33%) less than mixed (97%, 13 micromol L(-1)) fEPSPs. Renzapride inhibited the purely cholinergic fEPSPs (-29%) but potentiated the cholinergic component of mixed fEPSPs (39%). Prucalopride potentiated all fEPSPs equally (30-33%). 5-HT (0.1 micromol L(-1)) induced potentiation of cholinergic (75%), mixed (97%) and non-cholinergic (84%) fEPSPs was not statistically different. The potentiating effects of renzapride and 5-HT on fEPSPs were inhibited by the 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist, SB 204070 (10 nmol L(-1)). Renzapride (0.3 micromol L(-1)) blocked 5-HT-induced increases in cholinergic fEPSPs. alpha2-Adrenergic and 5-HT(1) receptors mediate inhibition of transmitter release from cholinergic and mixed terminals. 5-HT and prucalopride, acting at 5-HT(4) receptors, facilitate all fEPSPs; renzapride facilitates the cholinergic and non-cholinergic components of mixed fEPSPs but not purely cholinergic fEPSPs. Cholinergic synapses may express few 5-HT(4) receptors or a renzapride-insensitive 5-HT(4) receptor isoform.

Actions of galanin on neurotransmission in the submucous plexus of guinea pig small intestine

Electrophysiologic recording methods were used to study the actions of galanin on synaptic transmission in the submucous plexus of guinea pig ileum. Exposure to galanin resulted in concentration-dependent suppression of slow noradrenergic inhibitory postsynaptic potentials and fast nicotinic excitatory postsynaptic potentials in the majority of neurons. Failure of galanin to suppress nicotinic depolarizing responses to micropressure pulses of acetylcholine and failure to suppress hyperpolarizing responses to micropressure pulses of norepinephrine suggested that galanin acted at presynaptic inhibitory receptors to suppress release of acetylcholine and norepinephrine. Galanin suppressed slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials in eight of eight neurons with AH (after-hyperpolarization) type electrical behavior and in none of 26 neurons with S (synaptic) type electrical behavior. Suppression of excitatory neurotransmission in AH neurons was always associated with membrane hyperpolarization. Excitatory responses caused by experimentally applied substance P were also inhibited by galanin. Galanin-(1-16) and galanin-like peptide mimicked the inhibitory actions of galanin on neurotransmission. The selective galanin GAL2 receptor agonist [D-Trp(2)]galanin was inactive. The chimeric peptides, galanin-(1-13)-spantide I, galantide, galanin-(1-13)-neuropeptide Y(25-36) amide, galanin-(1-13)-bradykinin-(2-9)amide and galanin-(1-13)-Pro-Pro-Ala-Leu-Ala-Leu-Ala amide all produced varying degrees of suppression of the synaptic potentials. The evidence suggests that the galanin GAL1 receptor, but not the galanin GAL2 receptor, mediated the presynaptic and postsynaptic inhibitory actions of galanin.

Neuronal location of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor-like immunoreactivity in the rat colon

The presence of 5-hydroxytryptamine(3) receptors on enteric neurons is known from pharmacological data that date back more than 40 years. However, an adequate account of which neurons bear these receptors has not been made because suitable antisera have not been available. We have found that the majority of antisera that have been raised against sequences from the 5-hydroxytryptamine(3) receptor also recognize pre-prosomatostatin. We report that this source of false labeling can be eliminated by pre-incubating the antisera with a peptide designed for this purpose. We have used the pre-absorbed antiserum to localize 5-hydroxytryptamine(3) receptors in the rat colon. Immunoreactive nerve cell bodies occurred in the myenteric and submucosal ganglia. The majority had smooth cell bodies and long, smooth processes, that is, Dogiel type II morphology. The initial segments of the long processes of the Dogiel type II neurons were strongly immunoreactive. About 12% of immunoreactive myenteric nerve cells were of the same or smaller size, and had multiple short filamentous processes. Some of the immunoreactive Dogiel type II neurons were also immunoreactive for calretinin in both plexuses, and the majority were immunoreactive for calbindin in submucosal ganglia. Specific immunoreactivity occurred in non-varicose, but not in varicose, fibers in the myenteric and submucosal ganglia, and in fiber bundles that traversed the longitudinal and circular muscle layers. Immunoreactive varicose fibers were observed only in the mucosa. It is concluded that 5-hydroxytryptamine(3) receptors occur on intrinsic sensory neurons in the rat colon, and on extrinsic sensory nerve fibers that innervate the colon.

Inhibitory effects of NPY on ganglionic transmission in myenteric neurones of the guinea-pig descending colon

Intracellular recordings were made from myenteric neurones of the guinea-pig descending colon. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and related pancreatic polypeptides were applied by superfusion and the effects upon the amplitude of fast excitatory synaptic potentials (ESPs) and the ratio of paired fast ESPs evoked by stimulation of internodal fibre tracts were noted. NPY produced a concentration-dependent inhibition in fast ESP amplitude in the majority of neurones (17/21) with a calculated IC50 value of 7 nM; in some neurones this inhibition was mediated via the local release of noradrenaline. Peptide YY (PYY) (eight out of 11 neurones; IC50 = 1 nM), NPY(3-36) (three out of three neurones) and [Leu31, Pro34]NPY (four out of five neurones) also decreased the amplitude of fast ESPs. The effects of two or more pancreatic polypeptides or analogues on fast synaptic transmission were compared directly in six neurones; the apparent relative potency of agonists suggested the involvement of Y2-receptors and at least one other Y-receptor type. In the absence of any direct postsynaptic effects of pancreatic polypeptides on the active or passive properties of myenteric neurones, or on their sensitivity to ionophoretically applied acetylcholine, inhibition of fast ganglionic transmission was presumed to be presynaptic in origin. It is concluded that, in addition to their previously described depressant actions on neuro-effector transmission to colonic smooth muscle, pancreatic polypeptides can exert powerful inhibitory effects on myenteric neurones of the descending colon.

Myenteric neurons of the rat descending colon: electrophysiological and correlated morphological properties

Conventional intracellular electrophysiological recordings were made from 502 myenteric neurons of the rat descending colon. Myenteric neurons could be classified into three groups on the basis of distinct electrophysiological properties. The first group of neurons (51% of all neurons) fired tetrodotoxin-sensitive action potentials in response to direct somal depolarization and the majority (98%) of this group generated fast cholinergic excitatory synaptic potentials in response to focal stimulation and were therefore designated S/Type 1 neurons. The second group (40%) of neurons fired tetrodotoxin-insensitive action potentials which were followed by long-lasting membrane afterhyperpolarizations, hence were termed AH neurons. These neurons did not receive fast cholinergic synaptic inputs but ionophoretic application of acetylcholine induced rapid nicotinic cholinoceptor-mediated depolarizations. The final group of neurons (9%), named Type 3 neurons, received fast cholinergic synaptic inputs but could never be made to fire action potentials. Rundown in amplitude of successive fast excitatory synaptic potentials evoked by a short train of presynaptic nerve stimuli was observed in only a small proportion of neurons (8/37; 22%) with the majority of neurons (29/37; 78%) showing no such decrease in amplitude, even at frequencies of stimulation as high as 10 Hz. Superfusion of 5-hydroxytryptamine could induce both an inhibition and a facilitation of cholinergic fast synaptic transmission. Evidence was adduced that these presynaptic inhibitory and facilitatory actions appeared to be mediated via 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A and 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptors, respectively. Muscarinic slow excitatory synaptic potentials were not detected (9/9 neurons tested) and non-cholinergic slow excitatory synaptic potentials following repetitive focal presynaptic nerve stimulation were observed in only 39/502 (8%) of all neurons. In those neurons in which a demonstrable change in membrane input resistance was detectable, slow excitatory potentials were accompanied by an increased input resistance. In addition, in a small subset (4%) of S/Type 1 neurons, slow membrane hyperpolarizations accompanied by an increased membrane input resistance were observed following tetanic presynaptic nerve stimulation. Superfusion of 5-hydroxytryptamine induced both membrane depolarizations and hyperpolarizations. Membrane depolarizations were observed in 40% of all neuronal types (34% of S/Type 1 neurons, 58% of AH neurons and 11% of Type 3 neurons) and were accompanied by an increased membrane input resistance and occasionally, in S/Type 1 and AH neurons, by anodal break excitation or spontaneous action potential firing. Membrane hyperpolarizations were observed in S/Type 1 neurons (5%) only and were accompanied, unexpectedly, by an increased membrane input resistance. In those neurons that responded both to application of 5-hydroxytryptamine and tetanic presynaptic nerve stimulation, 5-hydroxytryptamine always mimicked the slow synaptic response indicating that 5-hydroxytryptamine may function as a slow synaptic mediator in some myenteric neurons. Myenteric neurons identified by intracellular injection of the neuronal marker Neurobiotin TM were found to conform to the morphological classification schemes proposed for myenteric neurons of the guinea-pig and porcine intestine, that is, Dogiel Types I and II and Stach Type IV neurons were present. Simultaneous electrophysiological recording and intracellular staining techniques revealed that a correlation existed between the electrophysiological and morphological properties of myenteric neurons of the rat colon, with electrophysiological classified S/Type 1 neurons having Dogiel Type I morphologies (95/108 neurons; 88%) and electrophysiological classified AH neurons having Dogiel Type II morphologies (87/94 neurons; 93%)...

Identification of cells that express 5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptors in the nervous systems of the bowel and pancreas

Although serotonin (5-HT)1A receptors are known to be present on neural elements in both the bowel and the pancreas, the precise location of these receptors has not previously been determined. Earlier investigations have suggested that 5-HT1A receptors are synthesized in enteric, but not pancreatic ganglia, and that they mediate pre-and postjunctional inhibition. Wholemount in situ hybridization was used to identify cells that contain mRNA encoding 5-HT1A receptors, and immunocytochemistry was employed to locate receptor protein. mRNA encoding 5-HT1A receptors was found in the majority of neurons in both submucosal and myenteric plexuses. 5-HT1A immunoreactivity, however, was abundant only on the surfaces of a limited subset of nerve cell bodies and processes. 5-HT-immunoreactive axons were found in close proximity to sites of 5-HT1A immunoreactivity. Myenteric, but not submucosal calbindin-immunoreactive neurons (with Dogiel type II morphology) were surrounded by rings of 5-HT1A immunoreactivity. The cytoplasm of the cell bodies and dendrites of a small subset of Dogiel type I neurons was also intensely 5-HT1A immunoreactive. Most of the Dogiel type I 5-HT1A-immunoreactive myenteric neurons, and some of the type II neurons that were ringed by 5-HT1A immunoreactivity became doubly labeled following injections of the retrograde tracer, FluoroGold (FG), into the submucosal plexus. 5-HT1A-immunoreactive neurons in distant submucosal ganglia also became labeled by retrograde transport of FG. None of the 5-HT1A-immunoreactive cells were labeled by the intraluminal administration of the beta-subunit of cholera toxin, a marker for vasoactive intestinal peptide-containing secretomotor neurons. These observations suggest that some of the myenteric 5-HT1A-immunoreactive neurons project to submucosal ganglia and that the submucosal 5-HT1A-immunoreactive cells are interneurons. In addition to neurons, a subset of 5-HT-containing enterochromaffin cells expressed 5-HT1A immunoreactivity, which was co-localized with 5-HT in secretory granules. In the pancreas, 5-HT1A immunoreactivity was observed in ganglia, acinar nerves, and glucagonimmunoreactive islet cells. Serotonergic enteropancreatic axons have been found to terminate in close proximity to each of these structures, which may thus be the targets of this innervation. The abundance of 5-HT1A receptor immunoreactivity on nerves of the gut and pancreas suggests that drugs designed to interact with these receptors may have unanticipated visceral actions.

Serotonin modulates retinotectal and corticotectal convergence in the superior colliculus

A dense serotonin (5-HT)-containing projection to the superficial layers of the superior colliculus (SC) has been demonstrated in diverse mammalian species, but how 5-HT may affect visual signals within these laminae is largely unknown. This study undertook to investigate the distribution of 2 types of 5-HT receptors in the SC and to ascertain their physiological effects on transmission of visual signals to the SC from the retinotectal and corticotectual pathways. Autoradiography of tissue sections exposed to [3H]-8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-dipropylaminotetraline) or to [125I]cyanopindolol plus isoproterenol showed that 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors, respectively, were present in the superficial SC layers. In unilaterally enucleated animals, binding of ligand to 5-HT1B receptors was greatly reduced on the deafferented (contralateral) side, which is consistent with the possibility that these receptors are located on preterminal axons. Binding to 5-HT1A receptors was unaltered by enucleation. In recordings of superficial layer neurons from SC slices, application of 5-HT during blockade of 5-HT1A receptors with spiperone reduced the amplitude of EPSPs evoked by stimulation of the optic tract. The 5-HT concentration for a 50% reduction in EPSP amplitude was 6 microM. Under these conditions, there were no significant alterations in either membrane potential or input resistance concurrent with 5-HT mediated reduction in EPSPs. During extracellular in vivo recordings, 5-HT, applied by iontophoresis or micropressure or by endogenous release produced by electrical stimulation of the dorsal raphé nucleus, strongly suppressed visual activity in SC neurons. The effectiveness of 5-HT application was significantly stronger on responses evoked by electrical stimulation of the optic chiasm (an average response decrement of 92.2%) than on these evoked in the same neurons by stimulation of visual cortex (an average response reduction of 32.3%). These results support the following conclusions. The 5-HT1B receptors are located preferentially on optic axon terminals and exert presynaptic inhibition of retinotectal inputs. Secondly, 5-HT1A receptors probably have a postsynaptic localization and may affect activity of SC neurons irrespective of the source of input. The combined effect of 5-HT at both subtypes would bias SC visual activity toward information received from the corticotectal pathway.

Electrophysiological studies of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors on enteric neurons

Enteric nerves express multiple receptors for 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Three excitatory and 1 inhibitory receptor for 5-HT can be identified using electrophysiological methods. The excitatory receptors are the 5-HT1P, 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 subtypes. The 5-HT1P mediates slow depolarizations (> 10 s duration) of many enteric nerves and 5-HT1P receptors mediate some slow excitatory synaptic potentials. The 5-HT3 receptor is a ligand-gated cation channel that mediates fast depolarizations (< 2 s). The 5-HT4 receptor mediates presynaptic facilitation of fast excitatory neurotransmission. The inhibitory receptor is the 5-HT1A receptor. 5-HT1A receptors mediate hyperpolarizations in AH neurons and presynaptic inhibition of fast and slow excitatory neurotransmission.

Projections of 5-hydroxytryptamine-immunoreactive neurons in guinea-pig distal colon

The presence of 5-hydroxytryptamine in enteric neurons of the guinea-pig distal colon was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and the projections of the neurons were determined. 5-Hydroxytryptamine-containing nerve cells were observed in the myenteric plexus but no reactive nerve cells were found in submucous ganglia. Varicose reactive nerve fibres were numerous in the ganglia of both the myenteric and submucous plexuses, but were infrequent in the longitudinal muscle, circular muscle, muscularis mucosae and mucosa. Reactivity also occurred in enterochromaffin cells. Lesion studies showed that the axons of myenteric neurons projected anally to provide innervation to the circular muscle and submucosa and to other more anally located myenteric ganglia. The results suggest that a major population of 5-hydroxytryptamine neurons in the colon is descending interneurons, most of which extend for 10 to 15 mm in the myenteric plexus and innervate both 5-hydroxytryptamine and non-5-hydroxytryptamine neurons.

Detection of the 5-HT1A receptor and 5-HT1A receptor mRNA in the rat bowel and pancreas: comparison with 5-HT1P receptors

We tested the hypothesis that the rat bowel and pancreas contain 5-HT1A receptors. 3H-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (3H-8-OH-DPAT) was used as a radioligand. Binding of 3H-8-OH-DPAT to membranes derived from the myenteric plexus and the pancreas was investigated by rapid filtration. Alternatively, radioautography was employed to locate 3H-8-OH-DPAT binding sites in frozen sections of unfixed bowel or pancreas. An excess of 5-HT (10 microM) was used to define nonspecific binding. Saturable, high affinity binding of 3H-8-OH-DPAT to enteric (Kd = 2.8 +/- 1.1 nM; Bmax = 83.8 +/- 4.3 fmol/mg protein) and pancreatic (Kd = 6.6 +/- 1.3 nM; Bmax = 44 +/- 2.2 fmol/mg protein) membranes was found. The binding of 3H-8-OH-DPAT to enteric and pancreatic membranes was inhibited by 8-OH-DPAT, NAN-190, and spiperone. In contrast, the binding of 3H-8-OH-DPAT to enteric and pancreatic membranes was not inhibited by 5-carboxyamidotryptamine, or by a variety of compounds known to bind to other subtypes of 5-HT receptor. Digoxigenin-labeled oligonucleotides were found to detect mRNA encoding the 5-HT1A receptor in a subset of neurons in myenteric and submucosal ganglia. In contrast, 5-HT1A mRNA was not found in the pancreas. Radioautography revealed that the highest density of 3H-8-OH-DPAT binding sites was found in the stomach. These sites were especially numerous in the lamina propria adjacent to gastric glands, and in myenteric ganglia. Pancreatic 5-HT1A receptors were located on nerves, lymphoid tissue (especially the capsule of nodes), and on cells scattered in the pancreatic parenchyma. The concentration of 3H-8-OH-DPAT binding sites in the rat bowel and pancreas was less than that of 3H-5-HT binding sites; however, the distribution of 3H-8-OH-DPAT binding sites was similar to that of sites that bind 3H-5-HT. It is concluded that the rat gut and its extension in the pancreas contains 5-HT1A receptors. Many, if not all, of the nerve cells and processes that express 5-HT1A receptors express 5-HT1P receptors as well. The function of these receptors in the physiology of the entero-pancreatic innervation remains to be determined.

Opioid, 5-HT1A and alpha 2 receptors localized to subsets of guinea-pig myenteric neurons

The expression of mu opioid, alpha 2 and 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (5-HT1A) receptors on guinea-pig myenteric neurons was determined using receptor selective agonists during intracellular recordings in vitro. Agonists known to hyperpolarize myenteric neurons by increasing potassium conductance were tested: noradrenaline and UK 14304 (alpha 2 agonists); 5-HT, 8-hydroxydipropylaminotetralin, 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-HT1A agonists); normorphine, [Met5]-enkephalin and D-Ala2-Phe4, Gly-ol5 enkephalin (mu agonists). The alpha 2 agonists hyperpolarized 46/67 AH cells; mu agonists hyperpolarized 11/66 AH cells and 5-HT1A agonists inhibited 28/57 AH cells. Hyperpolarizations to both alpha 2 and mu agonists were observed in 11/59 AH cells; hyperpolarizations to both alpha 2 and 5-HT1A agonists were observed in 23/49 AH cells. Hyperpolarizations mediated at alpha 2 receptors were observed in 11/54 S neurons and mu agonists hyperpolarized 17/45 S cells. alpha 2 and mu receptors were localized together on 10/43 S cells tested with receptor selective agonists. 5-HT1A-mediated hyperpolarizations were not observed in 36 S cells. Presynaptic inhibition of fast excitatory post-synaptic potentials (fast e.p.s.p.s., S neurons) was observed in all cells tested with alpha 2 agonists (n = 32); in 14/23 cells tested with 5-HT1A agonists and in 8/22 cells tested with mu agonists. Both alpha 2 and 5-HT1A agonists inhibited fast e.p.s.p.s in 15/23 cells, while alpha 2 and mu agonists both inhibited the fast e.p.s.p. in 8/21 cells. Inhibition of fast e.p.s.p.s by mu and 5-HT1A agonists occurred together in 2/19 cells. Slow non-cholinergic e.p.s.p.s were inhibited by alpha 2 agonists in 19/19 cells and by 5-HT1A agonists in 19/21 cells. alpha 2- and 5-HT1A-mediated inhibition of slow e.p.s.p.s occurred together in 12/14 cells. These data allow AH neurons to be divided into two groups: those expressing alpha 2 and 5-HT1A receptors and those expressing alpha 2 and mu receptors. alpha 2 and mu receptors coexist on S neurons which do not express 5-HT1A receptors. Terminals that release acetylcholine express either alpha 2 and mu or alpha 2 and 5-HT1A receptors, consistent with the idea that they are provided by AH cells. Terminals that release mediators of the slow e.p.s.p. express primarily alpha 2 and 5-HT1A receptors.

Serotonin: its role and receptors in enteric neurotransmission

Enteric neural 5-HT receptors were analyzed and related to possible physiological actions of 5-HT. Receptors were identified electrophysiologically with intracellular microelectrodes and by studies of the binding of radioligands. Radioligand binding was assessed by rapid filtration and by radioautography. Three subtypes of 5-HT receptor, 5-HT1P, 5-HT3, and 5-HT1A, were identified. 5-HT1P receptors were found to mediate slow depolarizations of myenteric neurons that were associated with a decrease in membrane conductance. These responses were inhibited by 5-HTP-DP and by BRL 24924 and mimicked by 5- and 6-hydroxyindalpine. 5-HT1P receptors were labeled with high affinity by 3H-5-HT and were located on both submucosal and myenteric neurons and on processes of intrinsic neurons in the lamina propria. Serotonergic EPSPs were found to be mediated by 5-HT1P receptors; it is postulated that 5-HT1P receptors may be involved in initiation of the peristaltic reflex and in the regulation of gastic emptying. 5-HT3 receptors have been shown to be responsible for fast depolarizations of myenteric and submucosal neurons associated with a rise in membrane conductance. These responses are antagonized by ICS 205-930 and mimicked by 2-methyl-5-HT. 5-HT1A receptors have been reported by others to mediate hyperpolarizing responses of myenteric neurons associated with a rise in membrane conductance. Hyperpolarizing responses are also elicited by the 5-HT1A agonist, 8-OH-DPAT. No physiological role has yet been identified for 5-HT3 or 5-HT1A receptors in the ENS.

Differences in control of descending inhibition in the proximal and distal regions of rat colon

1. Descending inhibition in the proximal and distal portions of rat colon was studied separately, in vitro. 2. In the proximal colon, localized distension with a small balloon caused three types of response (contraction; relaxation; relaxation, then contraction) of the circular muscle on the anal side of the distended region. 3. Distension caused descending relaxation of circular muscle in all segments of the proximal colon, although for this prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF 2 alpha) was necessary in some segments to increase muscle tone. 4. Atropine and guanethidine did not inhibit this descending relaxation, but tetrodotoxin did. 5. Hexamethonium inhibited the descending relaxation in 14 of 17 preparations of proximal colon tested, but not in the others. 6. In the distal colon, distension consistently caused an increase in the tone of the circular muscles. Descending relaxation was observed only after development of higher tone. Atropine and guanethidine did not inhibit the relaxation, but tetrodotoxin did. 7. Hexamethonium did not inhibit the descending relaxation in most of the preparations of distal colon examined. 8. AF64A, an inhibitor of choline uptake, inhibited the response mediated by cholinergic neurons in vitro to electrical transmural stimulation of the longitudinal muscle of proximal colon. 9. Treatment of colonic preparations with AF64A in vitro resulted in inhibition of descending relaxation in those of proximal, but not those of distal, colon. 10. The participation of intrinsic cholinergic neurones in the descending neuronal pathway is strongly suggested by the results in the proximal colon, but less so in the distal colon. 11. The tone and spontaneous contractile activity of colonic circular muscles are discussed in relation to their neuronal control.

5-Hydroxytryptamine produces presynaptic facilitation of cholinergic transmission in rabbit parasympathetic ganglia

Intracellular recordings were made from neurons of rabbit vesical pelvic (parasympathetic) ganglia (VPG). Application of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 0.3-30 microM) produced an initial depression followed by a long-lasting facilitation of the fast excitatory postsynaptic potential (e.p.s.p.) evoked by stimulation of the pelvic preganglionic nerve. The facilitation of nicotinic transmission lasted for 30-120 min, even when 5-HT was removed from the superfusing solution. 5-HT (0.3-30 microM) did not change the depolarization induced by a direct application of acetylcholine (ACh) to the VPG neurons pretreated with 1 microM atropine. 5-HT also caused an initial depression followed by an increase in the quantal content of the fast e.p.s.p. It is, therefore, suggested that diphasic effect of 5-HT on the nicotinic transmission is due mainly to a modulation of the ACh-release from presynaptic nerve terminals. Methysergide (5 microM), mianserin (5-30 microM) and ICS 205-930 (100-300 nM) did not antagonize the presynaptic actions of 5-HT on the nicotinic transmission, suggesting that the presynaptic 5-HT receptor may belong to a class of 5-HT1 subtypes. Spiperone (1 microM), a selective 5-HT1A antagonist, blocked the 5-HT-induced inhibition of the fast e.p.s.p. Under the effect of spiperone, the facilitation appeared soon after application of 5-HT. The facilitation of the fast e.p.s.p. may be mediated through a 5-HT1B or 5-HT1C subtype. Lowering temperature of the external solution eliminated the 5-HT-induced facilitation of the nicotinic transmission. Forskolin produced a presynaptic facilitation of the fast e.p.s.p., without producing an initial depression. 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (10 microM) potentiated the facilitatory action of 5-HT. Bath-application of dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) (1-6 mM) and 8-bromo-cyclic AMP (2-5 mM) mimicked the effect of 5-HT in producing the facilitation of the fast e.p.s.p.s. All data presented are consistent with the hypothesis that 5-HT, acting on presynaptic 5-HT1 receptors, causes a facilitation in the release of ACh from preganglionic nerve terminals possibly mediated through an activation of adenylate cyclase.

Presynaptic inhibition produced by histamine at nicotinic synapses in enteric ganglia

Intracellular methods were used to record fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials in myenteric neurons of the guinea-pig small intestine in vitro. The excitatory postsynaptic potentials were suppressed by hexamethonium, mimicked by acetylcholine and assumed to be mediated by nicotinic cholinergic receptors. Application of histamine either by addition to the superfusion solution or by focal application from fine-tipped pipettes reversibly reduced the amplitude or abolished the excitatory postsynaptic potentials. Postsynaptic responses to focal application of acetylcholine by pressure ejection from micropipettes were either unaffected or were potentiated by histamine. Failure of histamine to affect antidromic action potentials excluded a local anesthetic action on the presynaptic fibers. Neither 2-methylhistamine nor dimaprit, which are selective H1 and H2 agonists respectively, suppressed the excitatory postsynaptic potentials when applied in concentrations nearly one hundred times greater than the ED50 for histamine. The selective H1 and H2 antagonists, pyrilamine and cimetidine did not suppress the inhibitory action of histamine when applied separately or in combination. Based on these results, the presynaptic receptors involved in this inhibitory mechanism appeared to be of a pharmacologically atypical histamine receptor subtype. The putative histamine agonist, N,alpha-methylhistamine, which has been reported to have high stereoselectivity and activity for a receptor subtype classified as H3, potently reduced or abolished the excitatory postsynaptic potentials. The ED50 for N,alpha-methylhistamine was 8.8 nM compared to an ED50 of 220 nM for histamine. Burimamide, a histamine antagonist with higher activity at putative H3 receptors than H2 receptors, effectively reversed the inhibitory action of histamine on the excitatory postsynaptic potentials.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Actions of serotonin and substance P on myenteric neurons of guinea-pig distal colon

Intracellular methods were used to study the effects of serotonin and substance P (SP) on the electrical behavior of myenteric neurons in guinea-pig distal colon in vitro. Serotonin evoked either a short-duration transient depolarization, a long-lasting depolarization or a multiphasic response consisting of a rapid depolarization followed by a short duration hyperpolarizing potential and then a long-lasting depolarization. Application of SP evoked a long-lasting depolarization. Depolarizing potentials to both substances were accompanied by enhanced excitability that was reflected by repetitive spike discharge. Long-lasting depolarizations were associated with increased input resistance. The responses to serotonin or SP were unaltered by the presence of tetrodotoxin, hexamethonium or elevated extracellular Mg2+ and reduced Ca2+. Some neurons responded to both serotonin and SP indicating that both receptors coexisted on the same neuron. The putative SP antagonist, [D-Arg1,D-Phe5,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]SP did not affect the responses to SP. It did suppress the slow-depolarizing response to serotonin, while the fast response was unaffected. The responses to serotonin and SP in myenteric neurons of guinea-pig colon resembled the responses reported by others for small intestinal myenteric neurons.

Intracellular recordings from cells in the myenteric plexus of the rat duodenum

Intracellular recordings were made in vitro from neurons in the myenteric plexus of freshly dissected preparations of the duodenum of the rat. Nearly one-quarter of neurons (18 out of 77) had long after-hyperpolarizations following their action potentials. Over 60% of neurons (20 out of 32) which were tested exhaustively by focal stimulation at seven points around the recording site were seen to receive fast excitatory synaptic inputs. These were of very short duration (10-30 ms) and were reversibly blocked by the nicotinic antagonist hexamethonium. Only four out of 18 after-hyperpolarization cells (22%) had visible fast synaptic inputs. Seven out of 32 neurons tested received slow excitatory synaptic inputs lasting up to 60 s that were associated with a decrease in conductance and an increase in excitability. No evidence for muscarinic synaptic potentials was seen; only four cells out of 30 with fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials had slow excitatory synaptic potentials visible after a single-shot stimulus; in none of these were the slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials blocked by atropine (up to 1 x 10(-5) M). No inhibitory postsynaptic potentials were recorded in any of the 77 neurons recorded in this study. The effects of five neurotransmitter candidates (acetylcholine, GABA noradrenaline, 5-hydroxytryptamine and substance P) applied by pressure microejection were studied. It is concluded that most of the neurophysiological features reported in the extensively studied guinea-pig small bowel myenteric plexus are present in the rat duodenum. However, the apparent lack of muscarinic synaptic potentials and inhibitory synaptic potentials suggests that there may be some differences between the two species. Our recordings also differ slightly from recently reported studies of rat myenteric neurons grown in cell culture.

Electrophysiological characterization of functionally distinct 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors on guinea-pig submucous plexus

Intracellular recordings were made from neurons of the guinea-pig submucous plexus and the actions of 5-hydroxytryptamine on the postsynaptic membrane and on evoked synaptic potentials were examined. 5-Hydroxytryptamine produced two types of direct postsynaptic responses: (1) A depolarization associated with a fall in input resistance was observed in all cells. Voltage-clamp and ion substitutions showed that this depolarization resulted primarily from an inward sodium current. This response could be as brief as 30 ms; it showed desensitization and was selectively abolished by 0.2-2 microM ICS 205-930. (2) A depolarization (or inward current) associated with a decreased conductance was observed in about 50% of neurons, usually after the first response was blocked by ICS 205-930. This response was due to a decreased potassium conductance; the minimum time course of this response was 8-10 s. It did not show desensitization and was not sensitive to blockade by currently available antagonists of 5-hydroxytryptamine, nicotinic and/or muscarinic receptors. Higher concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine were required to produce the sodium conductance increase than the potassium conductance decrease; 2-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine was equally effective in producing these responses. 5-Hydroxytryptamine also caused a barrage of "spontaneous" nicotinic excitatory post-synaptic potentials which were sensitive to tetrodotoxin. This response desensitized, was blocked by ICS 205-930 and is presumed to reflect excitation of other cholinergic cell bodies in the plexus by the sodium conductance increase mechanism described. The evoked nicotinic excitatory postsynaptic potential and the adrenergic inhibitory postsynaptic potential were decreased by 5-hydroxytryptamine; a portion of this inhibition showed desensitization and was blocked by ICS 205-930 as well as by the muscarinic receptor antagonists, atropine and pirenzepine. The ICS 205-930-insensitive portion of this inhibition could not be attributed to activation of 5-hydroxytryptamine-1 or 5-hydroxytryptamine-2 receptors. Thus, the following conclusions are drawn: 5-hydroxytryptamine excites submucous plexus neurons by activating two distinct 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. Activation of the 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor (sensitive to ICS 205-930) produces a depolarization mediated by an increased sodium conductance. The same effect occurring in other cholinergic cell bodies initiates action potentials which are responsible for the 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced release of acetylcholine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Intrinsic control of the gut

In most mammals (except ruminants) activity in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract depends upon the condition or state of the animal, namely, fasted or fed. The fasted state is characterized by a caudally migrating, cycling motor complex, showing periods of intense contractile and secretory activity alternating with periods of quiescence. Although the mechanisms involved in the transition from the fasted to the fed state are not fully understood it seems likely that both states utilize intrinsically located neural control mechanisms and common neuronal pathways to the effector tissues. We have commented on the reported properties of the myenteric neurones and their projections to the muscle layers. The data suggests that there are both cholinergic and non-cholinergic excitatory motor neurones supplying the muscle layers. In the guinea-pig, at least, the projections of the neurones to the circular muscle layer run for relatively short distances in oral-aboral axis of the gut. The non-cholinergic excitatory transmitter substance may be Substance P or a similar tachykinin. Other excitatory nerves may well be present. There are at least two mechanisms used by non-cholinergic non-adrenergic inhibitory nerves supplying the muscle layers. In the guinea-pig ileum, there are at least two distinct projections of inhibitory motor neurones; both have aborally directed projections. The first of these is relatively short and the other long (greater than 10 mm). Individual myenteric neurones appear to contain unique and perhaps identifying groups of peptides. The functional role of many of these peptides, either within the myenteric plexus or their projections to the muscle layers, remains to be elucidated. The projections of the neurones of the submucous plexus run primarily to the mucosa. Both cholinergic and non-cholinergic secretomotor neurones appear to be present. The activation of local neural reflexes, which results in secretomotor activity, may involve submucous sensory neurones containing acetylcholine and Substance P together with cholinergic interneurones. Projections from the myenteric to the submucous plexus are likely to be involved in the coordination of intestinal movement and secretomotor activity. A simplified schematic diagram of some of the neuronal circuitry of the submucous plexus has been developed and includes the findings from immunocytochemical and electrophysiological studies.

Actions of serotonin recorded intracellularly in rat dorsal lateral septal neurons

The actions of serotonin (5HT) on passive and active membrane properties of neurons in the rat dorsal lateral septal nucleus (LSN) were studied by using intracellular recordings in transverse, septal slices. Superfusion with 10 microM 5HT induced a hyperpolarization of the membrane in almost all neurons tested in the dorsolateral part of the LSN. The hyperpolarization was accompanied by a decrease in membrane resistance. These effects of 5HT persisted in a low-Ca2+/high-Mg2+-containing medium or medium with tetrodotoxin, indicating a post-synaptic site of action for 5HT. The reversal potential for the hyperpolarizing effect was ca. -95 mV. If the extracellular K+-concentration was raised, the reversal potential became less negative. These data suggest that 5HT hyperpolarizes LSN neurons by increasing a K+-conductance. Spontaneous, synaptically evoked action potentials and action potentials induced in LSN neurons by a depolarizing current step typically display a fast Na+-spike with a subsequent K+-afterhyperpolarization, followed by a much slower Ca2+-dependent afterdepolarization. The amplitude of the K+-afterhyperpolarization was decreased by 5HT, while at the same time the afterdepolarization became more pronounced. The Ca2+-spike of LSN neurons was not affected by 5HT. Synaptic responses that were evoked in LSN neurons by stimulation of the dorsal part of the LSN consisted of a fast EPSP or spike, followed by a Cl(-)-dependent fast IPSP and a K+-dependent late IPSP. Of these synaptic responses, 5HT suppressed particularly the late IPSP. The present data indicate that 5HT affects the conductance for active and passive K+-channels in LSN neurons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mianserin blocks alpha 2 adrenoceptors in submucous neurones of the guinea-pig caecum

Intracellular recordings were made from submucous plexus neurones of the guinea-pig caecum in vitro. The peak amplitude of the adrenergic inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) was depressed by mianserin in a dose-dependent manner (300 nM-100 microM). This was due to a direct blockade of postsynaptic alpha 2 adrenoceptors. The nicotinic excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) and the non-cholinergic EPSP were not affected by mianserin (100 microM). The presynaptic inhibition of the release of acetylcholine, mediated by presynaptic alpha 2 receptors, was also blocked by mianserin (30 microM). The results suggest that mianserin antagonizes both pre- and post-synaptic alpha 2 adrenoceptors in enteric plexus neurones.

The actions of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the rabbit ciliary ganglion

Intracellular recordings were made from ciliary ganglion neurones of the rabbit in vitro. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) produced a rapid depolarization in 67% of the neurones examined. The 5-HT-induced depolarization persisted in solutions containing zero (1-100 microM), or on the amplitude and the duration of the current used for ionophoresis. The 5-HT-induced depolarization was associated with a marked fall of input resistance and reversed in polarity at about -10 mV. The 5-HT-induced response was reversibly abolished in sodium-free solution. A marked desensitization to this action of 5-HT was observed. After the 5-HT depolarization passed off due to desensitization, 5-HT (1 microM-1 mM) reversibly depressed the amplitude of cholinergic excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in 91% of the neurones tested in a dose-dependent manner, whereas 5-HT did not detectably affect the depolarization induced by ionophoresis of acetylcholine (ACh). The frequency of spontaneous miniature EPSPs (in 20 mM potassium solution) was decreased by 5-HT (30-100 microM). These results demonstrate that 5-HT exerts two separate actions in the rabbit parasympathetic ciliary ganglion. One is a depolarization of ganglion cells due to an increase in membrane permeability to sodium and presumably potassium ions; the other is a depression of ACh release from presynaptic fibres. Further pharmacological characteristics of these actions of 5-HT were investigated and discussed.

Immunocytochemical colocalization of histamine, histidine decarboxylase, 5-hydroxytryptamine and tyrosine hydroxylase in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat

The coexistence of histamine, histidine decarboxylase (the enzyme synthesizing histamine), 5-hydroxytryptamine and tyrosine hydroxylase (the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis), was studied in the rat superior cervical ganglion with the indirect immunofluorescence method. Possible colocalization was examined by staining consecutive sections with two different antibodies, or alternatively in the same section by eluting the first antibody with a mild solution containing potassium permanganate and sulphuric acid, and by staining the same section with another antibody. It was shown that tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity was found both in large principal nerve cells and in small cells, which on the basis of their size and high nucleus-cytoplasm ratio corresponded to small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells. Histamine, histidine decarboxylase and 5-hydroxytryptamine immunoreactivities were observed only in SIF cells. Those SIF cells which were immunoreactive for histamine, histidine decarboxylase or 5-hydroxytryptamine also contained tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity. On the other hand, all tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive SIF cells were also immunoreactive for histidine decarboxylase or 5-hydroxytryptamine. Some of the SIF cells, which were non-reactive for histamine, were immunoreactive for tyrosine hydroxylase.

Peripheral neural serotonin receptors: identification and characterization with specific antagonists and agonists

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) has been shown to be a neurotransmitter in the enteric nervous system (ENS). Although 5-HT is a mediator of slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials evoked by stimulation of interganglionic connectives, the precise role it plays in the physiology of the gut is unclear. Research has been hampered by an inadequate knowledge of the types of 5-HT receptor in the ENS and thus the lack of well-characterized antagonists. We now report the identification of two classes of enteric neural 5-HT receptor, the effects of activating these receptors on myenteric type II/AH neurons, and their characterization with specific agonists and antagonists. One class, which we propose to call 5-HT1P, is characterized by a high affinity for [3H]5-HT in radioligand binding assays. This class of receptor mediates a slow depolarization of myenteric type II/AH neurons associated with an increase in input resistance. Agonists at this receptor include, in addition to 5-HT (in order of potency), 5- and 6-hydroxyindalpine and 2-methyl-5-HT. 5-HT1P-mediated responses are specifically antagonized by 5-hydroxytryptophyl-5-hydroxytryptophan amide. The other class of 5-HT receptor, which we propose to call 5-HT2P, appears not to have a high affinity for [3H]5-HT. This receptor mediates a brief depolarization of myenteric II/AH neurons associated with a fall in input resistance. 2-Methyl-5-HT, at low concentrations, is a specific agonist at this receptor and ICS 205-930 is a specific antagonist. Binding of [3H]5-HT to enteric membranes is inhibited by 5-HT1P receptor agonists and antagonists but not by the 5-HT2P receptor antagonist ICS 205-930 or by MDL 72222, another compound reported to be an antagonist of 5-HT at peripheral receptors.

Cholinergic modulation of the release of serotonin in the gastric interstitial fluid. An in vivo study in rabbits

Dialysis fibers chronically implanted into the gastric submucosa of rabbits allowed us to simultaneously (a) collect an interstitial fluid dialysate in which 5-hydroxytryptamine concentrations were measured, and (b) locally perfuse drugs such as acetylcholine, neostigmine, and atropine, which stimulated the release of 5-hydroxytryptamine. The effect of acetylcholine was not blocked by atropine but was blocked by hexamethonium. Furthermore, 5-hydroxytryptamine concentrations in the interstitial fluid were lower when acetylcholine and hexamethonium were injected together than when hexamethonium was injected alone. We conclude that acetylcholine stimulates the release of 5-hydroxytryptamine into the gastric interstitial fluid by acting on nicotinic receptors, and has inhibitory effects by stimulating the muscarinic receptors.

Proposals for the classification and nomenclature of functional receptors for 5-hydroxytryptamine

As a result of controversy in the literature regarding the classification and nomenclature of functional receptors for 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), a framework for classification is proposed. The formulation of these proposals has only been made possible by the recent advent of new drug tools. It is considered that there are three main types of 5-HT receptor, two of which have been well characterised pharmacologically, using selective antagonists, and which it is proposed to name 5-HT2 and 5-HT3. These two groups broadly encompass the "D" and "M" receptors, respectively, which Gaddum identified in the guinea-pig ileum (Gaddum and Picarelli, 1957). The 5-HT2 receptor, which mediates a variety of actions of 5-HT, has been definitively shown to correlate with the 5-HT2 binding site in the brain. No binding studies in brain tissue have yet been published with radiolabelled ligands specific for 5-HT3 receptors. A number of other actions of 5-HT appear to be mediated via receptors distinct from 5-HT2 or 5-HT3 receptors. Since selective antagonists are not yet available, these receptors cannot be definitively characterised, although in many cases they do have some similarities with 5-HT1 binding sites, which are a heterogeneous entity. Criteria are proposed for tentatively classifying these receptors as "5-HT1-like" (Table 1). Definitive characterisation of these receptors will await the identification of specific antagonists. This classification of 5-HT receptors into three main groups (Table 1) is based largely, but not exclusively, on data from studies in isolated peripheral tissues where definitive classification is possible. However, it is believed that this working classification will be relevant to functional responses to 5-HT in the central nervous system.

Effects of serotonin on the internal anal sphincter: in vivo manometric study in rats

The effects of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) on the internal anal sphincter were studied in anaesthesized rats. Serotonin induced a dose dependent relaxation of the internal anal sphincter. Methysergide blocked this relaxation, but did not affect the rectoanal reflex. Methysergide did not antagonise the actions of cholinergic and adrenergic agonists on the internal anal sphincter. Other 5-HT antagonists such as cyproheptadine, ketanserin, chlorpromazine, amitriptyline and ergotamine failed to reduce or block the internal anal sphincter relaxation due to 5-HT, nor did they alter the rectoanal reflex. Adrenergic and cholinergic antagonists had no effect on the 5-HT-induced relaxation of the internal anal sphincter, suggesting that 5-HT acts upon the internal anal sphincter via a non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic mechanism. Tetrodotoxin reduced or blocked the relaxation of the internal anal sphincter produced by 5-HT, implying that 5-HT acts through neural pathways rather than directly on the muscle. It is concluded that although 5-HT relaxes the internal anal sphincter, it does not participate in the rectoanal reflex.

Pre- and postnatal development of 5-hydroxytryptamine-immunoreactive cells in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat

The pre- and postnatal development of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-immunoreactive cells in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat was studied by indirect immunofluorescence method with an antibody to a conjugate of bovine serum albumin and 5-HT. The superior cervical ganglia from 11-day-old embryos to 90-day-old postnatal rats were examined. 5-HT-immunoreactive cells were first detected in the superior cervical ganglion on the 12th day of gestation. At this stage of development the ganglionic cells formed a condensed group, and most of them showed 5-HT-immunoreactivity. During later prenatal development the relative number of the 5-HT-immunoreactive cells in the ganglion decreased and most ganglionic cells appeared as non-reactive. 5-HT-immunoreactive cells showed some variation in size and fluorescence intensity during the whole prenatal development. In the ganglia of newborn rats a wide range of 5-HT-immunoreactive cell sizes was detected. Two types of 5-HT-immunoreactive cells were distinguished in the ganglia of 7- to 35-day-old rats: small (5-15 microns in diameter) cells and large (15-30 microns in diameter) cells, resembling in size small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells and principal nerve (PN) cells, respectively. The relative number of the large 5-HT-immunoreactive cells gradually decreased after the first postnatal week, and these cells were not detected in the ganglia of 90-day-old rats. Small 5-HT-immunoreactive cells constantly formed clusters in the ganglia of postnatal rats. A marked, statistically significant increase in the density of 5-HT-immunoreactive cells occurred during the 4th postnatal week. The 5-HT-immunoreactive cells appeared in the prenatal superior cervical ganglion of the rat approximately at the same time as the cells showing formaldehyde-induced catecholamine fluorescence. Transient occurrence of the large 5-HT-immunoreactive cells during the first postnatal weeks of development indicates, that in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat, 5-hydroxytryptamine may be expressed in some developing PN cells early postnatally. After the 5th postnatal week, the large 5-HT-immunoreactive neuronal cells cannot be detected, and 5-HT is expressed only in the SIF cells.

The effects of LSD in the guinea-pig ileum. Inhibition of acetylcholine release and stimulation of smooth muscle

The effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on acetylcholine release and on smooth muscle tone were studied in the myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle preparation of the guinea pig. LSD (0.01-10 microM) depressed in a concentration-dependent manner the electrically-evoked [3H]-acetylcholine outflow from strips preincubated with [3H]-choline. The maximal effect was a 45% inhibition by 1 microM LSD. The spontaneous outflow was not affected. Metitepine competitively antagonized (pA2 8.0) the LSD-induced reduction of the evoked outflow. Tolazoline and mepyramine did not affect the inhibitory action of LSD. The contractions in response to electrical stimulation were enhanced by 34% in the presence of 0.1 microM LSD. Other concentrations of LSD did not affect the twitches. LSD caused an increase in muscle tone which was antagonized non-competitively by mepyramine, metitepine and ketanserin. Ketanserin was a competitive antagonist against the histamine-induced contractions of the longitudinal muscle (pA2 8.49). The results suggest that LSD stimulates presynaptically located 5-HT receptors and thereby decreases the evoked acetylcholine release. In addition, LSD increases smooth muscle tone either directly through stimulation of H1 receptors or indirectly via histamine release.

Neurons dissociated from rat myenteric plexus retain differentiated properties when grown in cell culture. III. Synaptic interactions and modulatory effects of neurotransmitter candidates

We have used intracellular recordings to study synaptic interactions between myenteric neurons grown in dissociated cell culture. Intracellular stimulation of individual myenteric neurons caused several types of synaptic effects in nearby neurons: fast excitatory synaptic potentials mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors; slow, non-cholinergic synaptic potentials; dual transmission having both fast cholinergic and slow non-cholinergic components and inhibition of spontaneously occurring fast nicotinic synaptic potentials. Fast nicotinic synaptic potentials were elicited by about 40% of neurons tested and often occurred spontaneously. The fast synaptic potentials were similar to those that have been studied in other autonomic neurons with respect to their estimated reversal potential and their sensitivity to cholinergic antagonists. The amplitudes of the fast synaptic potentials declined if evoked at frequencies greater than 0.5 Hz. Potentiation of the fast synaptic potentials was observed following high-frequency stimulation of presynaptic neurons. Several transmitter candidates modulated fast cholinergic transmission. Substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide promoted nicotinic transmission by causing increased amplitudes of evoked and spontaneous fast synaptic potentials and an increased frequency of spontaneous synaptic potentials. gamma-Aminobutyrate and [Met]enkephalin both caused decreased amplitudes and frequency of nicotinic synaptic potentials. Serotonin depressed synaptic potentials in some neurons while enhancing them or having no effect in others. Slow, non-cholinergic, synaptic potentials were elicited by about 10% of neurons tested. These synaptic effects lasted 15-300s, caused depolarizations of 3-15 mv and were accompanied by increased neuronal input resistance. The transmitter(s) causing these slow synaptic potentials has not yet been identified.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ultrastructure of enterochromaffin cells and associated neural and vascular elements in the mouse duodenum

Enterochromaffin cells of adult mouse duodenum were studied with light- and electron-microscopical techniques. They were distinguished from other enteroendocrine cells by their pleomorphic, electron-dense secretory granules in the basal cytoplasm. At the apices of enterochromaffin cells, tufts of short microvilli bordered the gut lumen. At their bases, irregular cytoplasmic extensions were either in contact with or passed through the basal lamina. The presence of cytoplasmic extensions in close proximity to fenestrated capillaries and subepithelial nerves suggested an endocrine or paracrine function. Electron micrographs of serial thin sections were used to reconstruct an enterochromaffin cell from the crypt epithelium in three dimensions and to determine its relationship with the underlying neural plexus. Although extensions from the serially sectioned and reconstructed cell and other enterochromaffin cells studied in crypt epithelia protruded through the basal lamina, no synaptic contacts were seen. Evidence of a synaptic contact between a neurite and another type of enteroendocrine cell (possibly an intestinal A cell), suggested a neurocrine role for some of the basally-granulated cells. Possible functions of enterochromaffin cells are discussed in the light of recent literature on the system of enteroendocrine cells, also known as APUD (amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation) cells and/or paraneurons.

Physiological responses of guinea-pig myenteric neurons secondary to the release of endogenous serotonin by tryptamine

Intracellular recordings showed that administration of pulses of tryptamine mimicked one of the actions of serotonin (a slow depolarization associated with an increased input resistance) on type II/AH neurons of the myenteric plexus. After superfusion at high concentration tryptamine initially acted like serotonin, but then blocked the action of serotonin on these cells. Measurements of the release of preloaded [3H]serotonin or [3H]norepinephrine revealed that tryptamine is a potent releaser of these labeled amines; this release is Ca2+ independent but temperature dependent. Moreover, incubation with tryptamine depleted the myenteric plexus of endogenous serotonin. Since tryptamine has previously been demonstrated not to inhibit the binding of [3H]serotonin to its enteric neural receptor we framed the hypothesis that the serotonin-releasing action of tryptamine is responsible for its ability to mimic serotonin when given in pulses or to desensitize serotonin receptors through the prolonged release of serotonin when it is superfused. This hypothesis was tested by examining the action of tryptamine on the serotonin-mediated slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials evoked in type II/AH neurons by fiber tract stimulation. Tryptamine superfusion antagonized these slow potentials as predicted. Moreover, after a long time when endogenous serotonin was depleted, the response of type II/AH neurons to exogenous serotonin recovered but the slow synaptic potential did not. The action of tryptamine on this neuron was relatively specific. When the slow synaptic potential and serotonin responses were blocked by tryptamine the type II/AH neurons still responded to acetylcholine. Fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials were not affected by tryptamine. Furthermore, other types of neurons (I/S) and other neuronal responses to serotonin (such as a fast depolarization with decreased input resistance or presynaptic inhibition of acetylcholine release) were not blocked by tryptamine. Finally, radioautographic studies revealed a neural uptake of tryptamine in the chemically sympathectomized myenteric plexus; however, the distribution of tryptamine in the plexus was different from that of serotonin and was not blocked by excess non-radioactive serotonin. Therefore tryptamine does not enter myenteric neurons via the specific serotonin uptake mechanism; however, zimelidine, found to be a selective inhibitor of the enteric uptake of serotonin, antagonized the release of serotonin by tryptamine and attenuated the effect of tryptamine on responses to serotonin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The enteric neural receptor for 5-hydroxytryptamine

An enteric neural receptor for serotonin (5-HT) has been characterized. This receptor was assayed, using 3H-5-HT as a radioligand, by rapid filtration of isolated enteric membranes and by radioautography. In addition, intracellular recordings were made from ganglion cells of the myenteric plexus. High affinity, saturable, reversible, and specific binding of 3H-5-HT was demonstrated both to membranes of the dissected longitudinal muscle with adherent myenteric plexus and the mucosa-submucosa. Radioautographs showed these 3H-5-HT binding sites to be in myenteric ganglia and in a broad unresolved band at the mucosal-submucosal interface. Antagonists active at receptors for other neurotransmitters than 5-HT, at either of the two known types of CNS 5-HT receptor, and at 5-HT uptake sites on serotonergic neurons failed to inhibit binding of 3H-5-HT. The structural requirements of analogues for binding to the enteric 5-HT receptor matched the known pharmacology of M or neural 5-HT receptors. A novel 5-HT antagonist was found. This compound, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptophyl-5-hydroxytryptophan amide (5-HTP-DP), antagonized the action of 5-HT on type II/AH cells of the myenteric plexus but did not affect the release or actions of acetylcholine (nicotinic or muscarinic) or substance P. 5-HTP-DP was also an equally potent displacer of 3H-5-HT from its binding sites on enteric membranes. It is concluded that the sites responsible for specific binding of 3H-5-HT are enteric M or neural 5-HT receptors. These receptors differ from those now known to be present in the CNS.

Two types of receptors for 5-hydroxytryptamine on the cholinergic nerves of the guinea-pig myenteric plexus

The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on spontaneous and electrically-evoked release of [3H]-acetylcholine (ACh) from guinea-pig myenteric plexus preparations preincubated with [3H]-choline have been investigated in the absence of cholinesterase inhibitors. 5-HT caused a transient increase in spontaneous release and an inhibition of the electrically-evoked release of [3H]-ACh. The 5-HT-induced contractions of the longitudinal muscle were clearly related to the increase in spontaneous release. The inhibitory effect was not due to activation of alpha-adrenoceptors since it was also observed in the presence of tolazoline and on strips from reserpine-pretreated guinea-pigs. After desensitization of the excitatory 5-HT receptors with 5-HT or metoclopramide the effects of 5-HT on spontaneous [3H]-ACh release were largely reduced. A variety of established antagonists at neuronal 5-HT receptors (i.e. metitepine 0.1-1 microM; methysergide 1 microM; ketanserin 0.1-1 microM; MDL 72222 0.1 microM; tropacocaine 1 microM) failed to block the excitation. The inhibition by 5-HT of the electrically evoked [3H]-ACh release was competitively antagonized by metitepine (pA2 7.6) and methysergide (pA2 7.0) but not by ketanserin. Tachyphylaxis to the inhibitory action of 5-HT did not occur. The results suggest that the excitatory 5-HT receptor ('M'-receptor) differs in its pharmacological properties from other neuronal 5-HT receptors. The presynaptically located inhibitory receptor may roughly correspond to the 5-HT1 receptor subtype but probably differs from the 5-HT autoreceptor.

Immunohistochemical and biochemical detection of serotonin in the guinea pig celiac-superior mesenteric plexus

Serotonin (5-HT) in the guinea pig celiac-superior mesenteric plexus was quantitatively measured by HPLC and visualized by an immunohistochemical method. Preincubation of the ganglia in a Krebs solution containing L-tryptophan and pargyline markedly elevated the content of 5-HT and K+ solution caused a release of 5-HT into the incubation medium. 5-HT immunoreactivity was localized to dense but unevenly distributed nerve fibers throughout the plexus and to small diameter cells commonly referred to as small intensely fluorescent cells. These findings provide evidence of an extensive network of 5-HT-containing neural elements in the guinea pig prevertebral ganglia.

Interactions between serotonin and cisapride on myenteric neurons

Intracellular recording methods were used to investigate the interactions between serotonin (5-HT) and cisapride on myenteric neurons of guinea-pig small intestine. Serotonin had three actions on the neurons. One was a slowly rising depolarization associated with increased input resistance and discharge of spikes that lasted six or more times longer than the duration of the 5-HT application. The second action was a transient depolarization associated with decreased input resistance and brief discharge of spikes. This response desensitized quickly and could be evoked only at intervals of 2 to 3 min. The third action of 5-HT was presynaptic inhibition of acetylcholine release at nicotinic synapses. Cisapride reduced or abolished both the prolonged and transient responses to 5-HT. The threshold concentration for reduction of the responses was 0.1 microM and the responses were abolished at 1.0 to 10 microM. Cisapride suppressed stimulus-evoked slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in the same cells for which cisapride blocked the prolonged responses to 5-HT. There were no effects of cisapride on resting electrical behavior or spike generation. Cisapride reduced the amplitude of fast cholinergic EPSPs, suggesting that it behaved as an agonist at the presynaptic serotonergic receptors.